https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 13:34:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-205305 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:56:52 +0000 Laura 205305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katja - I tried to answer your very good question over at my blog today - <a href="http://www.writing4dummies.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.writing4dummies.blogspot.com</a>.</p> <p>Would love to hear how everyone else would answer too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-198279 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:54:14 +0000 Katja 198279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My first reaction is, "Sure, I could do that." I don't think I really have that shopping urge that seems to be an obstacle for a lot of people. I like looking through stores to see what's out there, but I never have that "Oh, I have to buy something" itch.</p> <p>My second reaction is the same as Rosie's. I've lost a lot of weight this year, and every time I pull out clothes I haven't worn for a couple of months, I am surprised at what no longer fits. So right now I have no idea if I actually <strong>have</strong> a Fall and Winter wardrobe.</p> <p>But I think my real underlying question is this. Is this exercise about trying to break a shopping addiction, or about confirming that you have a well-rounded wardrobe (or learning that you don't)? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-194537 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:57:56 +0000 AJ 194537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie - ACK! Who could resist shopping in Italy? We will look the other way when you buy that nice Italian handbag...and shoes...and dress..... ; ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-194532 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 03:51:51 +0000 Kristine 194532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great idea, I'll look forward to watching the challenge. I won't be joining, as this is my first fall with YLF and I'm planning to make a few additions. I'm still building from a small base. I love the idea though and I'll enjoy seeing what everyone comes up with from their closets! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-194286 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:55:11 +0000 Donna 194286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a wonderful thread, Laura. I'll be following your posts with great interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-194259 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:43:41 +0000 Laura 194259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love Ellen! That is SO true. I think this is a recent phenomena, valuing the new and always wanting new and it seems some of it comes from clothing becoming less and less expensive. Clothes used to cost a lot, and the sizes were limited, and people would make instead of buy them because of it. Same thing with food - there were no prepared foods in grocery stores. I am starting to think it's all linked. And honestly, I am starting to think it's not been a good trend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-194123 Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:52:27 +0000 judy 194123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the most interesting lines in that NY Times article I posted (Shoppers on a 'Diet' Tame the Urge to Buy of 7/29/10 ) appeared in the last paragraph:</p> <p>“It’s taken about 10 to 20 years to build up the idea that nothing is good unless it is new”.</p> <p>Wow, that really spoke to me, how strategic the campaign for consumerism has been. I remember when it wasn't like this. I love the availability of goods, (and info) via the internet now, it's nothing short of amazing. But at the same time I've recognized a need to learn some balance with all that is available at the click of a button.</p> <p> Plus I've also been appreciating lately how clothes look...and feel...broken in, like an old leather chair! If I am always buying new things, I'm not wearing the great things I already have enough to break them in.</p> <p>Thinking about over consumption, it reminds me of that old Ellen DeGeneres joke about "All You Can Eat" buffets, where she says: "When are we EVER supposed to eat ALL we can eat?" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193734 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 21:10:04 +0000 Rosie 193734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! Thanks, ladies, for the support and thinking these are reasonable. </p> <p>Taking Italy orders! </p> <p>Khris, LOVE your idea. I may just have to do that! </p> <p>Jeans don't = full outfit? darn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193716 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:46:53 +0000 Queen Mum 193716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie-- I agree.. those are completely realistic stipulations. You definitely need to make sure you have basics that fit, so yes, replace those that you shrink out of. (but only the basics, and only with the one-in/one-out rule) no replacing jeans with a whole outfit ;-)<br /> And the handbag from Italy is a souvenir, so that's different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193702 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:34:20 +0000 chewyspaghetti 193702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, since Rosie is single, and I am not- I want her to do something for me in Italy, rather than buy me something. Take a whirl around a piazza (any piazza will do!) on the back of a cute boy's vespa for me, will ya Rosie?!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193700 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:31:53 +0000 Laura 193700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie, your stipulations sound completely rational. Who can go to Italy without buying a handbag? That would be criminal. Would it be criminal for me to hint that you could buy me one too and give it to me on Jan. 1, 2011? Totally illegal, I must be thrown in SYC jail for the night!</p> <p>I've been on YLF for two years ... even a year ago I would have found this difficult ... so kudos even to the newer veterans who are willing to give it a go.</p> <p>Anyone else have any Italy shopping requests for Rosie? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193649 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:32:01 +0000 Kate 193649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rosie, I also have a ton of stipulations, and think it's totally fine. Some of us are at stages where we cannot commit fully to buying absolutely nothing for five months, but that doesn't mean we can't commit to being more disciplined about how we shop when we truly need to buy new clothes or accessories that fill gaps, fit, etc. Though I'll be filling wardrobe gaps in the coming months, I'll use this challenge to keep my purchases focused and on task, relying on the list I have of items I truly need to make my wardrobe functional. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193586 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:51:05 +0000 Rosie 193586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, as I said in the other thread, I'm in. This will be tough, but I think I need to do it. I actually don't know that I am truly prepared and feel I do have holes in my wardrobe, but I think I also probably have more than I think. I believe this will be a great self and style discovery project! Also, since sewing is allowed, it might get me to do some more projects! </p> <p>My three stipulations:<br /> - I have been losing some weight and hope to continue to do so. This might seriously impact this. I will get things altered as much as possible, but, if I really stick to my plan I might have to bow out. OR, find replacements for the items I have that no longer fit. What do you guys think? Is it toooo much of a stipulation?<br /> - I'm going to Italy in September and have been planning on replacing my black leather handbag I recently sold. I really need this new basic.<br /> - undergarments may be a necessity, especially if sizes change. </p> <p>I'm actually excited to shop my closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193479 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:41:57 +0000 Debbie 193479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have read this thread with great interest and did think about it for couple of days. I will be a cheerleader. At some point I would like to try this for a month and really identify where the holes are in my wardrobe.<br /> I can't wait to see how everyone does! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193142 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:39:28 +0000 Tanya 193142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an awesome idea! I admire you and anyone else doing this Laura!</p> <p>I have been thinking about joining, but decided against it. I totally could do it, but I don't really want to. Shopping/clothes is a fun hobby for me as well. I was contemplating joining and allowing myself a few exceptions for stuff that is already on my wish list/or I need for upcoming occasions; and once that number reached 7 I realized there is no chance for me to actually do it:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193134 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:30:31 +0000 Mac 193134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic! I think this experience will be a tough one but will really help you see/ understand where the biggest gaps lie in your wardrobe. I suspect you will find countless combinations that never even considered, and realise that there are some items you own that not even a long shopping ban can make you feel good wearing. You'll never look at your closet the same way again. </p> <p>And also, in these tough economic times when so many people simply cannot go shopping, any hints or insights that you give about how to look good without buying new "stuff" will be doing a real service for many. </p> <p>I'd join you, but much of my 30s involved me not paying much attention to my looks so now that I'm 40, I'm making a real effort to start building a closet of attractive clothing. Oh, and with Autumn being my dominant season, there's no way I can step away from buying things in the next couple of months.</p> <p>GO, Laura! Can't wait to read all about this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-193009 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:51:45 +0000 anne 193009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I could do it (and like some others, have done it several times in my life) but I was going to make the point that Kristen and multiple others have made that this (since you have already done much of your autumn shopping) is more about giving up the habit of shopping etc.</p> <p>I think though, that if I forbade myself shopping, reverse psychology would kick in and I would be more tempted than usual to DO it.</p> <p>So I won't be joining you. I have set myself a shopping diet of effectively $10 a week ( but calculated annually on the Aus financial year) ad that is enough restraint for now. I have already broken a ban on shopping for more winter clothes. I only want a few things for summer but don't get many chances to shop in the city etc, so don't want to miss them if they come up in the next 5 months.</p> <p>Laura, I am also interested in your policy on clothing gifts. And also whether you are stocked up on bras and undies and hosiery!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192962 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 13:05:53 +0000 anne 192962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I could do it (and like some others, have done it several times in my life) but I was going to make the point that Kristen and multiple others have made that this (since you have already done much of your autumn shopping) is more about giving up the habit of shopping etc.</p> <p>I think though, that if I forbade myself shopping, reverse psychology would kick in and I would be more tempted than usual to DO it.</p> <p>So I won't be joining you. I have set myself a shopping diet of effectively $10 a week ( but calculated annually on the Aus financial year) ad that is enough restraint for now. I have already broken a ban on shopping for more winter clothes. I only want a few things for summer but don't get many chances to shop in the city etc, so don't want to miss them if they come up in the next 5 months.</p> <p>Laura, I am also interested in your policy on clothing gifts. And also whether you are stocked up on bras and undies and hosiery!? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192840 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:42:33 +0000 Alecia 192840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm. I think I could do it during a "normal" time but in this postnatal stage, I don't think I can. I'll be interested to hear how it goes for those of you taking on the challenge. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192828 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:01:05 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 192828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How funny this was posted, as I was just thinking about taking a shopping break. Mine will probably just be the months of August and September. I could stand to save a little money, and more than that I need to lose a little weight for medical reasons. I find it hard to convince myself to lose when I have new clothes that fit nicely at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192816 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 03:25:51 +0000 MNsara 192816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a question: can we get things we already own altered? I was thinking that some closet orphans might look pretty good with an alteration or two. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192799 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:25:35 +0000 Isabel 192799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK - I am in. I just deleted a couple of shopping carts that I had. Though I start Monday ; )</p> <p>( I am going to get a dress/tunic at Loft...that's it until Jan. 1 ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192780 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 01:27:40 +0000 Kristen 192780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heehee, just thinking about not shopping for five months made me run right out and go shopping today! :)</p> <p>Also, I needed skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192759 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:40:43 +0000 Anonymous 192759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great line Taylor. I wish that I didn't enjoy shopping so much as a way to relax. Laura, I will also try my best to join you in this challenge. DH may get lots of new things in the next few months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192704 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 22:08:45 +0000 taylor 192704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh yes, the fun factor!! .Angie is so right...as usual. The certain thrill of buying something new, the rush of the new purchase!!!</p> <p>Looks like I will be redecorating the house:) Just kidding!</p> <p>I really want to do this with you Laura, and others. I will def. be adding my feelings on my weak days to any thread that might pop up.")</p> <p>There is that great line in Forest Gump</p> <p>"A person only needs so much, the rest is for showing off"</p> <p>I love that line...I can wait a few short months for more stuff:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192687 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:49:58 +0000 April 192687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, what if a YLFer wanted to pass along an item to you that you didn't anticipate and didn't solicit? Would you be allowed to accept it during the five months? </p> <p>(BTW, I don't have any secret information about someone sending you a hand-me-down -- it's just that it seems to be happening with some frequency around here.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/3#post-192680 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:17:18 +0000 Ruchi 192680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting challenge,Laura.Is there a blog/post where we can follow your monthly updates?I have recently added quite a few items as per Angie's recommendations and feel that I have all that I need for winter this year.My sister has also gifted me lots of casual clothes.I was thinking of shopping in my closet this winter.I would love to join the challenge too.But there is one glitch.I have to goto India in Nov and attend a few traditional ceremonies.My mom has already bought me a few pairs of sarees and salwar suits,but I have to exchange a pair of gold bangles for new ones.Since I am going to India after three years,this really has to be done.I will try and post my outfits.Maybe this will enable me to post regularly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/2#post-192672 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:57:14 +0000 Ariadne 192672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll join, with caveats for wardrobe holes that I really need to fill: </p> <p>A hooded trench coat (hopefully the NAS one I ordered will work)<br /> Flat ankle boots<br /> 2 or 3 fall/winter dresses or tunics<br /> A long sleeved cardigan in a color<br /> Scarves and/or necklaces in flattering colors</p> <p>Does that still count? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/2#post-192637 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 19:35:44 +0000 Inge 192637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are my hero, Laura!! And what a fantastic project!! Is there any chance we'll be able to read your monthly stories on this?</p> <p>I've been on a very strict budget lately and haven't bought anything new, but I have to admit it doesn't feel like much fun, so Angie and others definitely have a point about the "fun factor". So I think it certainly is do-able, but at the same time I'm also thinking about the huge gaps in my winter wardrobe, so I'll pass;-)</p> <p>Good luck and looking forward to your updates! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/could-you-shop-your-closet-for-five-months/page/2#post-192622 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:59:37 +0000 judy 192622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting experiment. The three months sound doable but for you to add the additional two months is heroic, I agree. Good for you, Laura. </p> <p>I'm a veteran at my closet too and love adding the little things I see here and there. But I'm already on a hundred day shopping ban, staring a week ago, since my husband is on his break from Microsoft (contractors have to take off 100 days for every 365 that they work).</p> <p>I wonder if it will be a different kind of fun to see what creative things we come up with instead of the fun of buying something new. I tend to wear the same things over and over and maybe it will make me use some of those things I don't give much attention to.</p> <p>I do this frequently with food...let some food items I think I can't live without run out, only to discover interesting alternatives and new combinations. (and I can clean the fridge easier). Constraint can be very creative! </p> <p>You probably all saw the Six Items or Less article in the NYTimes. it's a different kind of experiment that went in several directions, but ultimately got people to think about their clothes and closets, and even laundry, in a new way.<br /> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/22/fashion/22SIXERS.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07.....IXERS.html</a> </p>