https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:58:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1476312 Sat, 18 Apr 2015 00:18:25 +0000 AM 1476312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many thanks Rabbit for responding to my questions. Interesting that you &nbsp; are wearing multiple outfits a day. I am trying to dress in casual wear that makes me feel a bit more civilized. But again, Happiness Factor and size of wardrobe are my two area of interest (currently). And a big thank you for sharing shots of your spread sheet. Still marinating on all of this. Again, my wheels are turning.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1476152 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:53:28 +0000 rabbit 1476152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Alasse</b>, &nbsp;Thanks, and thanks for the link! &nbsp;I haven't tracked times worn per month or last wear date (or approximate age of garment) but that might be fun to build in, especially the last worn date might be revealing if a formerly heavily worn item is languishing. &nbsp;I am tracking wears per year, so I can see what hasn't been worn much this year as opposed to last. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1476121 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:14:49 +0000 Alassë 1476121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Count me in as another who enjoyed your long analysis, rabbit! And congratulations on your 1 year mark! Time flies.</p> <p>PSA: Janice of the Vivienne Files has produced a simple excel spreadsheet for 99c. I find it very helpful</p> <p>, yet simple to use</p> <p> (colour coding for CPW levels, times worn per month, how many years you've had each item).&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.theviviennefiles.com/2015/04/what-cost-per-wear-really-tells-us.html">http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....ls-us.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1476116 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 19:12:06 +0000 rabbit 1476116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Lyn D</b>. and <b>Sarah A</b> for the congrats! Good to see you <b>Sarah</b>. Yeah I'm currently thinking a slightly smaller wardrobe would work better for me. I'm hoping to focus spending this year on finding workhorse shoes and jackets with flair in particular. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Shevia</b>!</p> <p><b>Olivegreen</b> - yes, I wanted to be able to experiment, but I wanted to be able to draw conclusions at the end of it too, and not just about my style preference.</p> <p><b>Rachylou</b> - good question about the culling. On the one hand I tend not to be emotionally attached, but I also have trouble culling things that are contemporary enough, fit well, right color, etc. I also worry about if stuff will end up in a landfill, and am reluctant to pass on things bought in the same calender year (unless it's clear they don't work). What I did cull: </p> <p>-Very first pass were things that were worn out (pilly knits), didn't fit anymore, and were dated (tight tops, early 90s business wear). </p> <p>-second pass were thrifting experiments gone awry (not contemporary enough or close enough to my style goals), comfortable but frumpy footwear, slight fit or shape problems (tight arms, skirt that shortens/stretches sideways, the things you don't notice at first, but are apparent if you wear it for several hours) </p> <p>-third pass and where I am now is removing less favored duplicates (black short sleeved tops), removing colors that aren't quite right (slightly too muted/browny) and are outside my core neutral and accent colors.</p> <p><b>Elizabeth P</b>- bummer, I hate when that happens.</p> <p><b>AM</b> - yes, not counted in these numbers are my work 'uniform' which crosses over with gardening/house cleaning wear. It is basically one drawer with some favorite old tees, some hoodies, a pair of favorite beat up jeans and shorts. Shoes I wear are usually one pair of old sneakers or indoor merrel slipons. </p> <p>&nbsp;(approx.<b> 4 days per week</b>, but various tremendously depending on deadlines - some weeks I don't go into the studio, some I don't come out -- like the last few months &nbsp;)</p> <p>My other needs - grocery shopping and running various work related errands, work emails, casual dining, drinks or coffees out, movies. &nbsp; &nbsp;Same clothes work for all of these, in a range from quite casual, to skirts and heels. It depends more on my mood and if I will be carrying heavy things than the venue - part of this is the quirky city I live in where people dress up at Whole Foods and dress down at the theater - it kind of levels any micro distinctions. </p> <p>(<b>usually 5-6 days a week</b>, and can involve different outfits on the same day -- for example morning errands, change for studio, change to go out to dinner).</p> <p>Work related non-studio - artist talks, mentoring/meeting grad students, workshops, openings (although most of these are far from where I live so I don't attend). The same clothes as above but leaning casual and vaguely hipster for workshops (with an apron), and leaning arty but still accessible for all other situations. </p> <p><b>(a couple of weeks a year)</b></p> <p>Evening chic? - very rare in the traditional sense - the opera occasionally? Christmas party? I have two formal dresses, and I think I'm good, I don't even count those as they really are special occasion. </p> <p><b>(a couple of times a year).</b></p> <p>With the numbers - 10 cardigans would each be worn an average of 10 times (white one might be 3x, black one might be 15x, etc.) and the average cost of each of these wears is .80 (one might be .50, one might be .98)</p> <p>Here is a screen shot example of my outfit log page and my (cleaned up/not so colorful) tracking page for those who were curious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475741 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 01:49:08 +0000 rabbit 1475741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi guys, I'm swamped this weekend, but will come back to answer questions as soon as I get a chance -- I haven't forgotten but it may be a mo'. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475736 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 01:45:44 +0000 AM 1475736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Popping back in to ask a few questions. <ol> <li>I'm assuming most days you have sort of a uniform that needs to withstand the physical demands of sculpting. Is this jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirt, and what kind of shoes? Can you clarify?</li> <li>Then for the other parts of your life...how would you describe your needs? Casual chic for out on the town, Evening chic for drinks/dinners, Meetings?</li> <li>So what percentage is daily uniform vs. the rest of life? And then what percentage would you give casual chic vs. evening chic?</li> </ol> <b></b>And when you say (for example) 10 cardigans, av wears 10, av CPW 0.79...Is this each of the 10 cardigans you wore 10 times? Or is this approx. 1 wear for each of the 10. Sorry if I am being dense, long day.</p> <p>I'm contemplating size of wardrobe and wanted to get some perspective as I work from home (have/need a uniform) and then there is the rest of life... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475730 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 01:36:17 +0000 Elizabeth P 1475730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GAH!&nbsp; Another disappeared previous post.&nbsp; I KNOW I wrote one.&nbsp; <br />But now I'm going to bed, so will at least get caught up on the reading.&nbsp; This looks like it's turned into a great discussion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475725 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 01:31:29 +0000 rachylou 1475725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great (super readable!) breakdown.</p> <p>Your stuff and your style is so super cute to boot.</p> <p>I'm wondering what things you culled / how much you want to cull revealed/reveals... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475378 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 13:36:37 +0000 Olivegreen 1475378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting how applying analysis and discipline to your wardrobe gave you freedom to break out of a rut.<br /> I like your star system. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475234 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 03:23:13 +0000 deb 1475234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am wondering if an Access database would make your system less messy (for lack of a better word). Right now I am only tracking new purchases and their cost. I tried a wardrobe ap but really did not like taking pictures etc. But, with a database, I would use it because I am on the computer&nbsp;all day anyway. I would like a look at your spread sheet also. I will PM you with my email address.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475231 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 03:18:33 +0000 Jaime 1475231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been rendered speechless (typeless?) by this thread. I am very impressed by your combination of analysis and creativity and look forward to more of both Rabbit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475170 Thu, 16 Apr 2015 01:31:32 +0000 Sarah A 1475170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Rabbit! Congrats on your veteran status indeed It is fun to pop in and see your thoughtful post on wardrobe size, creative renewal and CPW. I am currently struggling with whether I want a small or moderate sized wardrobe and your thoughts really resonated with me, esp. as related to over-consumption/reuse etc. &amp; how to manage the ethical side of purchasing decisions. I like how you tracked the percentages of purchases from each modality. Thanks for sharing your insights and fab style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1475081 Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:24:00 +0000 Lyn D. 1475081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on you Veteran status Rabbit!<br />From viewing your posts <i>&nbsp;</i>I had the impression that you had been on the forum for ages due to your confidence and flair </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1474326 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 16:20:59 +0000 rabbit 1474326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>aw thanks <b>Cocolion</b>! back at'cha</p> <p><b>Gigi</b> - good point, yeah I'm thinking this year I might focus more on highlighting 'low wears' orphans to try to work into outfits, because as you say, you either rediscover them, or realize it's time to let them go.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Staysfit</b>! As <b>AM </b>mentions I don't think tracking wears or CPW is going to be useful for everyone, especially if you have a small wardrobe -- but with a moderate size wardrobe and lots of new purchases I found it helped me. </p> <p><b>AM</b> - Logging outfits and giving them happiness marks is fun to do. I use three stars but whatever works -- <b>La Belle</b> uses 10 stars for example.<br />My WIWinWinter outfit posts recently were all based on outfits I gave 3 stars too: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/profile/rabbittopia">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....abbittopia</a> </p> <p>An example below:</p> <p>1# - 3 star, high happiness, it worked well, I felt spiffy<br />2# - 2 star, good/fine, not outstanding but could be a FFBO. I repeat 3 stars more often.<br />3# - 1 star, I wouldn't wear it again without changing something (I decided the length and hem of the top didn't work to my eye with the proportions and angle of the skirt)</p> <p><b>Angie</b> yeah, I wouldn't complain about more sunshine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1474263 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 15:01:43 +0000 Angie 1474263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, good thing we live in a 4 season climate and can enjoy lots of clothing variety. (Although I would prefer a hotter Summer). I LOVE hearing about the motivation behind your style renewal. Creativity and Energy are an added bonus in anyone’s life. Glad you found your stylish place in the world. Rock on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1474250 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:22:09 +0000 AM 1474250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This kind of tracking has never appealed to me. I have a small wardrobe and perhaps it is very easy to see what is being worn and what isn't. That said, you have inspired me to take a much closer look. I am most interested in Happiness Factor. I'd like to know more about your 3 star outfits. Perhaps you would consider showing a collection of these that most represents your learning?</p> <p>...now off to think more about tracking. Thanks for the inspiration. Great post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long/page/2#post-1474144 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:10:21 +0000 Staysfit 1474144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I am amazed at your diligence in tracking, and your analysis is fabulous. I have had good intention to track my wardrobe and do CPW, etc. I just have been too busy! Somehow my day begins and I run through everything and forget to track, it ends and I say I will do it tomorrow, and tomorrow never happens! In any case, congratulations on your Wardrobe transformation. It sounds like you have some great plans to continue the process and keep your closet and style up to date! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1474126 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 06:58:46 +0000 Gigi 1474126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read through all of the responses, but this is a really great post! I am a fellow CPW tracker, although I haven't been keeping up with the spreadsheet lately (I do keep track on paper too, and then I input into the spreadsheet when I have a moment). I am aiming for a CPW in the $1 range also.</p> <p>One thing I found helpful from your post is the idea of forcing yourself to wear the high-CPW items or the items that simply aren't being worn much. I have a few purchases that are basics that I haven't worn, and I have considered purging them. This category consists mostly of camis, tights, leggings, and accessories. However, just last week I was trying to put together a particular type of outfit, and I found that one of the neglected items was just what the outfit needed. It makes me think that perhaps forcing myself to wear the neglected pieces might be a useful exercise, whether they are expensive or cheap: I might create some new, interesting outfits, or else I will find out for sure that the item in question can go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1474117 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 06:00:39 +0000 CocoLion 1474117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming a veteran! &nbsp;(Even if my congrats are a little late.) &nbsp;You have a remarkable blend of creative and analytical skills. &nbsp; &nbsp;I always enjoy reading your thoughts and looking at your outfits. &nbsp;It's wonderful having you as a part of this community. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1474085 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 04:13:24 +0000 rabbit 1474085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>alaskagirl </b>- thanks, I agree and am working to be more aware, even if it doesn't end up determining my choices, I'm working toward considering these issues with all the other factors when I buy something.</p> <p><b>La Belle</b>- yep I think useful and happy is the goal. It's cool that you have a broad happiness scale, and lots of 10++ are a good thing for sure. &nbsp;Do you think it's because in part (besides having a cohesive wardrobe with great items) you have a clear and individual style identity? That's the impression I get from your WIWs. &nbsp; Good point about the associated CPW costs -- I don't dry-clean and haven't tailored anything so it's a bit simpler for me, but I think any system of tracking that helps with the willpower to 'rescue orphans' (sounds noble, lol) can be useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473850 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 21:24:11 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1473850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, you are right: &nbsp; this is a long post! &nbsp;And I devoured every word with complete fascination. &nbsp; &nbsp;I always love to read about everyone's processes as they go through and cultivate a wardrobe that is useful to that person, and makes them happy. &nbsp; Isn't that the holy grail we're all after?</p> <p>I track my inventory and the outfits I wear, noting what activities I did that day, and what my happiness factor on a scale of 1-10 (I have a lot of 10+++++, which means I probably need to tweak my ratings scale). </p> <p>If an item is anything less than a 9, I note why I felt that way, and what I think would make it a better outfit next time: &nbsp; was an item worn, or dated? &nbsp;Should I have worn different shoes or accessories?</p> <p>I don't do CPW, mainly because I could drive myself nuts with this, if I let myself. &nbsp; What is included in CPW? &nbsp; Tailoring expenses, right? &nbsp; What about dry-cleaning? &nbsp; Let's say I've purchased a $200 super-awesome workhorse Theory top, and I wear it twice a week for the next five years, until it falls to bits - the dry-cleaning still skews the CPW. &nbsp; I think of stuff like this, and I can feel my brain heating up. &nbsp; LOL. &nbsp; I know what I wear, and I know where my orphans are - for me, it's more about discipline of will, and going for that fabulous orphan and styling the heck out of it, instead of falling back to the favorite workhorses. &nbsp;:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473831 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 19:56:35 +0000 catgirl 1473831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, you are a paragon of fabness both in dress and analysis.&nbsp; I need to apply some of that logical thinking to my own situation!</p> <p>As far as thrifting, although I'm a retail shopper I feel like we are destroying the earth with needless overconsumption, and I've made a conscious decision to be more aware of what I buy and where it's made.&nbsp; I think thrifting is one responsible and thoughtful way to recycle and prevent waste. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473803 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:56:50 +0000 rabbit 1473803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi <b>Grandmother</b> - I mainly went off ideas from this thread:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/creating-a-spreadsheet-to-keep-track-of-what-you-wear">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....t-you-wear</a>&nbsp; there are samples in the comments too I think. &nbsp;&nbsp;I may be able to clean up an example spreadsheet and show pics if I have a chance later, but my own Excel skills are rudimentary, &nbsp;and I'm sure there are certain things I could streamline - as Kate in the link above did.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Vicki </b>- the generalized mental CPW is probably one of the most useful takeaways for me for sure.</p> <p><b>Angie</b> - I agree that a moderate size wardrobe is best for me too for this reason--I think to work best for myself I appreciate fewer choices per category so I need to make some adjustments. &nbsp; </p> <p>To answer your last question, why the wardrobe change? Two things -- one, I work at home and although my clothes were practical and useful and environment appropriate -- I did not feel fab in them. &nbsp;It effected my energy and enthusiasm, desire to exercise and desire to interact with other people and get out of the house. &nbsp;Since my work is physical and abrasive on clothes (they get stained, ripped, covered with plaster, etc.), buying better quality of the same things didn't really seem cost effective -- I decided to focus on what I would wear when I wasn't doing housework, yardwork, or studio work.</p> <p>Second -- creativity is my bread and butter and I was in a creative slump/artist's block place with my work. &nbsp; Starting to have fun with fashion as hobby and entertainment, &nbsp;and most importantly a low stakes creative experiment and form of artistic play was a bit of a break, outlet, and creatively theraputic. &nbsp;I think it might have played a role in getting me through a rough patch and back on track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473785 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:41:19 +0000 Sal 1473785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting, well done! It sounds like you have developed your style to where you want to be. Thanks for sharing this with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473765 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:04:42 +0000 Angie 1473765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, I'm sure you'll find the right balance - and good for you for giving it more thought. Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you can make it to the gathering next month. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473762 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:56:37 +0000 rabbit 1473762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Sarah L</b> </p> <p><b>amiable</b> - thanks, I'm interested to see how your tracking goes and how ClosetSpace works for you! Yeah notes are very helpful, I wonder if there is someway you can make ClosetSpace do that too, just so you don't have to enter data in different places. I got my CPW goal from <b>Alasse</b> I think :). Focusing on CPW is a bit of an artificial set up and creates some distortions -- since obviously my low CPW camisoles weren't my 'happiest' wardrobe items , but I found it a valuable exercise.</p> <p><b>jackiec</b> - thanks, I think it's worth trying a tracking system (if it's fun) if there are certain patterns you want to observe or change, even if it is as simple as 'don't forget you bought this thing.' My spreadsheet looks a real mess unfortunately, I'd have to do some considerable cleaning up before sharing it, although there are other current and former forum members I got ideas and images off of, there was a thread I'll look for...</p> <p><b>Susie</b> - great points, I also have been looking at trying to get a handle on the adding for fun vs. necessity balance (or imbalance, hence so many tops). It's true though that the process of tracking really helps to show how to purchase more thoughtfully. Happiness per wear is something I started to track due to <b>caro</b>'s comments, and it's been enlightening. I'm interested to read what you get out of your data. :). </p> <p><b>kirstjen</b> - setting it up took a little work, but after that it required entering each new purchase, and logging what I wore for the day, which was fun for me so I didn't mind. Good point about knowing your own preferences being important. I also found that items I bought more of at the lowest price - tights, leggings, knit tops, ended up having some of the highest CPW because I just didn't want to wear them that much. </p> <p>I agree that the absolute stunner items are usually worth buying -- my caveat is that they have to be something I can afford, and if they are really not likely to be worn often, they should be the exception rather than the rule (for me).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>viva </b>- The things that took the most time were entering data for clothing I already owned from previous years (minus prices). Entering each days wears and new purchases really only took a minute or two, and was a nice way to 'review' the day. But yeah, it has to be something that seems relatively fun or interesting, rather than another chore. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think creating capsules can also have a lot (or more) benefits in terms of the 'what will I wear today' question.</p> <p><b>angie</b> - Yes, I'm sure my thoughts and patterns and goals will change, and it will be worth reviewing. It's definitely a learning curve or spiral and I'm just at the beginning really -- I've learned so much here, but I have so much more to learn. Thank you for all your wisdom! &nbsp; </p> <p>In terms of the retail economy I have a somewhat different take (at least related to US consumption habits and employment/wages -- I just think it's really imbalanced). I also want to learn from forum members (thinking of<b> Grayscale, E, </b>and<b> Astrid </b>among others) who try to be conscious about where their clothes are created. That's an area I'd like to consider more carefully.</p> <p><b>dashielle </b>- your pivot table is lovely! (My Excel skills are stoneage) Yeah I think tracking is only as useful as the time it takes, and everyone needs to customize what works best for them. That said, I really love that it provides some structure and boundaries -- especially in the overall budget category.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473751 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:32:15 +0000 Angie 1473751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I forgot to thank you for sharing, Rabbit. Always fascinating. </p> <p>What made you change from needing "a couple of pairs of jeans, some t-shirts and cardigans and fashion sneakers" to the more creative and elaborate set of wardrobe items that you have now?&nbsp;</p> <p>Limiting choice DOES make things easier. That's why I like my moderate size wardrobe.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473749 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:29:18 +0000 Vicki 1473749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, this is so fascinating, and I amazed by your intricate and thoughtful analysis, which is something I have never done other than a generalized, mental CPW in my head. </p> <p>What I love about your approach is the way you have learned more about yourself and your preferred style since you began your YLF journey in 2014. </p> <p>Even if I don't list and crunch the numbers, you've taught me a lot here with your post. Good work, Rabbit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473742 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 17:13:26 +0000 rabbit 1473742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Joyce</b> and <b>frannieb</b>!</p> <p><b>caro </b>- good point about an outfit not just being the sum of it's parts, but it's own entity in terms of happiness. I think I'm going try a holding zone for a number of tops and some other items that I'm on the fence about. I think the holding zone will ironically help me make the decision quicker, because once they are out of circulation it's pretty easy to judge whether they need to stay or go (usually go). After really enjoying experimentation and variety I think I'm much more likely to focus on fewer and higher quality going forward like you say, since I've found this to be true with my latest purchases, I'm much happier to wear them constantly.</p> <p><b>Sterling </b>and<b> &nbsp;Windchime </b>- thank you, I'm glad tracking has been useful to you too in some of the same ways. The reason my CPW is so low is mostly because of my budget and what I spent per item (I primarily buy clearance), I think it's one of those things where people know their own preferences and budget and set their own reasonable goals if they wish -- for many the tradeoff in quality or time spent with buying higher end or retail far outweighs the importance of CPW -- so it may not be worth tracking, and definitely the goalposts need to be individualized. </p> <p><b>Sterling</b> &nbsp;My spreadsheet looks like a messy rainbow The color coding (for anything you want wear more) has been super useful though.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>carter</b> - I changed my star system halfway through the year so it's a little hard to tell lol-I'd need to go back and review. In general the spring of 2014 had the most one stars, summer was mostly 2 star, and winter was mostly 3 star. So maybe 1/3 of the year 3 stars? I think this would reflect my learning curve. </p> <p>Ha you are so right about how you feel about an outfit changing over hours or weeks. I tried to write my notes at the end of the day, right before I took off my clothes because that seemed to be the most accurate indicator of how the outfit felt in comfort as well as tendency to rumple/shift. Also I didn't use a 4 or 5 star system just because I had trouble with fine distinctions, but I could tell if an outfit was meh, just fine, or great! The fact that I could think an outfit was great and later just fine, I think was due to my changing tastes and growing awareness of fashion due to reading here (I was pretty much starting with zero knowledge).</p> <p><b>Suz </b>- good point about letting what you would naturally wear create your initial data. The fact that I focused on CPW did create an artificial situation, but I wanted to do it as an experiment for three reasons. First, I was worried I would overspend, and wanted to understand how my new fashion 'hobby' would fit into a larger picture of expenses for fun and necessity. (figuring out the micro costs associated with my happiness wearing an outfit out was part of a way of looking at money I've been very shaped by as an adult, mostly based on 'Your Money or Your Life' and the voluntary simplicity movement.) </p> <p>&nbsp;Second, I already knew what I 'needed' for my lifestyle -- a couple of pairs of jeans, some t-shirts and cardigans and fashion sneakers. I'd done that for a long time and wanted to try disrupting the pattern. I also knew for myself it would sometimes take several tries of something new before I had a real sense and comfort with wearing it, so I didn't trust that I would avoid just defaulting to the same fallback outfits. </p> <p>&nbsp;Thirdly, it gave me a focus. My wardrobe was bigger than I was used to, and I didn't want to have to throw it open, look at everything and decide each day. It gave me one or two highlighted items to try to incorporate or remix each day -- and this limited choice made it easier to pick, and actually led to more creativity I think. &nbsp;I think creating and wearing capsules has the same benefits.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-ylf-year-in-review-a-numbers-and-cpw-and-complete-wardrobe-overhaul-post-long#post-1473731 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:52:25 +0000 grandmother 1473731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, I am so impressed and realized that I need to establish a spreadsheet, too.&nbsp; Would you mind sharing exactly how you set up your spreadsheet?&nbsp; Since retirement, I have not paid much attention to my wardrobe.&nbsp; However, reading YLF has inspired me to start bringing my wardrobe into the current times, but for my age.&nbsp; A spreadsheet would help me tremendously.&nbsp; If it would be easier for you, you can send a copy to me at <a href="mailto:fairwayser@yahoo.com">fairwayser@yahoo.com</a>.&nbsp; Thanks for any tips you are willing to share. </p>