YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Follow up to my Get Real Purge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Follow up to my Get Real Purge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:01:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Lynn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978961 Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:00:16 +0000 Lynn 1978961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Nomad. I love analysis and planning, it is the follow through that I am not always good at. :)  Nomad on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978871 Sun, 02 Dec 2018 14:41:51 +0000 Nomad 1978871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>You're so clear-eyed and organized about this process... I'm really impressed.</div><div> </div><div>And I need to print out Sterling's advice and pin it up someone: " it is only the elimination of sub-par items that spurs replacement with newer, higher quality items" Yes. Yes. Yes. I need to put this into practice in a couple of spots post-haste... </div> Stagiaire Fash on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978602 Sat, 01 Dec 2018 16:02:37 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1978602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ THanks for sharing the Pinterest board. I like much the same thing—little details like embroidery that are almost hidden are my favorite. I’m fully with you on the growth by attrition thing too. Anonymous on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978600 Sat, 01 Dec 2018 15:55:52 +0000 Anonymous 1978600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Both you and Chris make me laugh.  I am so glad my culling statement has meaning to the two of you.   Lynn -- I now realize that bralettes and lounging bras are the same thing.  I am more than comfortable wearing them at home and in casual OITW settings (i.e., errands).   Lynn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978588 Sat, 01 Dec 2018 15:28:19 +0000 Lynn 1978588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashintern- I think the feeling of I should have more variety is rooted in my school years where I was teased about my limited wardrobe. But I am not that child anymore so I can have the wardrobe I want!. Artisanal to me means clothing where the hand of the maker is showcased. So unusual draping, hand dyed fabrics, felted fabrics, hand stitching, piecing etc. Here is my pinterest board of the type of garments I mean.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pinterest.com/lynnpinit/style-subdued-artisan-clothing/">https://www.pinterest.com/lynn.....-clothing/</a> Sterling- Reporting back on my underpinning assessment. NO bras that truly fit. None!!. And only 2 that are tolerable to wear.  I have 4 bralettes for home that fit so am set there and 2 sport bras that are comfortable (need at least 1 more). I am set for underwear as I replaced them in the summer.  Chris987- Thanks for the support. I need to post Sterling's statement in my closet.  Chris987 on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978570 Sat, 01 Dec 2018 14:44:51 +0000 Chris987 1978570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn, I am so impressed at your positive attitude and toughness in moving forward with all of this. You set a great example for all of us in being realistic and "getting real" about our wardrobes, regardless of the challenges that may exist. I love how you are starting small and would love to hear more about this as you progress. Lots of great input from other fabbers too, of course. The thing about learning to be patient is NOT EASY, I struggle with that too, but it does get easier over time and as you build up enough pieces to not feel quite so desperate about getting the next one. It also really pays off! And a special shout out to Sterling for stating this so well " it is only the elimination of sub-par items that spurs replacement with newer, higher quality items"...I just have to write this on a wall somewhere where I see it all the time :-)  Anonymous on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978181 Fri, 30 Nov 2018 10:37:50 +0000 Anonymous 1978181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn -- I am another that does not need or desire a lot of variety in silhouette.  Certain silhouettes feel so authentic when I wear them that my soul breaths a sigh of relief.  I get my fashion "fix" from the addition of color and texture.  Adding texture to an ensemble is new to me.  I started experimenting with it in 2018 and found it fits my personal style quite well.   I am so glad you have made the conscious decision to go about this slowly because I too have done a lot of panic buying in the past.  I can safely say that panic buying did not serve me well.  It resulted in a whimsical, chaotic wardrobe that certainly did not meet my needs.   I endorse trying Thirdlove.  I am NOT difficult to fit, but bra fittings are so uncomfortable for me that I swore them off forever.  Buying online is SO MUCH EASIER and Thirdlove has been exceptionally easy.   I bought two bras in different styles.  One fit perfectly.  I sent the second one back to "test" their return procedures and policy.  Still waiting on my refund, but it has only been five days.  I intend to duplicate that first bra, but now I am watching to see if there are sales.   Stagiaire Fash on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978158 Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:42:42 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1978158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You think you should want more variety? No. You want what you want. If you want all-black bottoms, that’s what you should get. But I have a question for you (and Jenn and Sal): what are “artisanal” tops? Lynn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1978122 Fri, 30 Nov 2018 02:59:09 +0000 Lynn 1978122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks everyone for your responses: Jenn- We do have similar palettes and uniforms, don't we.  I always look forward to your posts.  Suz- I needed the reminder to be patient. Thanks.  In the past I would just get frustrated and buy something that fit but that I didn't really love. I am determined not to do this.  Sal- Thanks. Your recent thread has really helped me in thinking about how to structure my capsules for seasonal needs. I am still thinking it through. Cindysmith- I am so glad, this thread was helpful to you. I too have struggled with thinking I should want more variety and be more creative in my outfits but the reality is I prefer the simplicity of a small number of outfits I really love and I am OK with repeating them frequently especially now that I am retired. Sterling- I would welcome any suggestions you have. I think I will be needing to replace bras for sure. Fashintern- I had not thought about colored leggings. For some reason I don't like colored yoga pants but leggings are a possibility. Toban-  I am thankful I have much fewer scenarios to plan for.  I plan to get a bra fitting this weekend. I will have to check out the Third Love bras, I have seen many people recommending them.  Toban on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977878 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:48:31 +0000 Toban 1977878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Way to go, Lynn! You have a very concrete plan that fits your lifestyle and style preferences. Nice palette and uniforms. I had a wider ranger of scenarios to dress for, including business casual, so I had almost no duplication and more variety in bottoms, but that was my lifestyle needs. Underpinnings are key! Sterling — so happy to see you liked the ThirdLove bras. I am thrilled with mine. Stagiaire Fash on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977876 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 13:26:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1977876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t think we’ve “met” before, but I’ve appreciated your posts over the past couple weeks, so I’m glad you’re here and feeling better. As a lover of paisley, I like your avetar! You will feel pulled together easily with this wardrobe. My only suggestion is to consider 1 or 2 pairs of leggings in the inky blue, warm red, or rust colors, so that your variation doesn’t always come only from the tops. Anonymous on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977872 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:48:34 +0000 Anonymous 1977872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn - Assessing foundation items is NOT fun (that is probably why we never really talk about it on the Forum), but it was a very necessary task for me to fully develop my wardrobe.   I'm not sure if you want to share your evaluation or not, but I personally would be interested.  Since I just completed my evaluation this past week, perhaps I can make tiny suggestions that will help you going forward.   Best wishes.  cindysmith on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977838 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 04:37:54 +0000 cindysmith 1977838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is really helpful to me. The edit challenge and LaPed's SYC challenge led to putting myself on a no-buy, and I've been reaching for the same things over and over again. Part of me has struggled with feeling like I need varoety; the other part of me is just too old and grumpy to try and be that creative. Or maybe I'm just finally figuring out what I really like and I'm reaching for it time and again. Either way, reading your experience encourages me to keep reaching for the things I like and get rid of the stuff I want to like but never really want to wear. Thank you! Sal on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977817 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:49:18 +0000 Sal 1977817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds a logical plan and I am pleased you are feeling better to be able to tackle this. When at home it is getting that great balance between comfort and being presentable.  And for many of us it is not something we prioritise but wear a haphazard mix of older pieces (ahem or I can do so). Artisan pieces sound lovely - and I hope you can share some.  I also prefer tops with some shaping - it is a bit easier at the moment than it was a few years back!! Suz on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977804 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:32:10 +0000 Suz 1977804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn, so glad to hear that you are feeling better and that you are in a rebuilding phase. It sounds as if you have given this some very careful thought. And the idea of focusing on capsules (starting with the at-home wear) makes a lot of sense to me.  When I had to rebuild I was far less organized! I bought willy-nilly like a goose! I had just joined YLF and hadn't absorbed all its lessons. I also did a lot of consignment and discount shopping to fill gaps but that proved to be false economy since I quickly tired of the pieces or decided they were not "me."  Overall, a clearer sense of my style would have helped -- and you apparently have that. So rock on, and ignore my helter-skelter process! :)  I will say that it's likely to take more time than you anticipate. But some will also depend on the number of different capsules you need. I have many roles and need different kinds of outfits for all of them, so that complicates the picture.  I definitely think starting with foundations (underwear and base layers) and at-home wear (if you spend most of your time there) is the way to go.  Lynn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977803 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:20:04 +0000 Lynn 1977803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie- thank you!! Rachylou- Yes, I am trying to avoid my usual panic buying. of marginally acceptable items.  SarahD8-You are exactly right that tops are my biggest need. I could get by with fewer pants although luckily I found some prefect cotton/lycra yoga pants at JCP's. I even bought an extra pair to make a pattern from them.  I have several tops on order from Soft Surroundings and just finished re fitting my tee shirt pattern today. I have fabric for 3-4 more tops.  Sterling- I like your approach of what I own & what I need with a set timeframe for addressing it.  In that spirit I commit to addressing my bra and underwear situation this Friday. There is nothing worse than uncomfortable underpinnings! I look forward to your report on your Winter Essentials. Jenn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977801 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 23:12:53 +0000 Jenn 1977801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn, your color palette is eerily similar to mine. Our styles are similar, too, though I wear florals instead of dots. I also look for  "artisan elements," especially in my statement pieces. I very much like your strategy of defining uniforms for home and OITW. My uniforms are pretty diverse (for winter it's mostly various lengths of dresses with boots or booties, skinny jeans with flowy tops, and any jeans with closer-fitting tops and long toppers) but I do think I get into trouble when I buy a piece that deviates too much from them. Even when I really like those things and have ways to wear them, I don't wear them as often as I do something that fits into the tried and true formula. Anonymous on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977725 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 09:39:33 +0000 Anonymous 1977725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the clarification, SarahD8.  I re-read your comment and that is exactly what you suggested.  My earlier read must have too quick.   SarahD8 on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977666 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:36:01 +0000 SarahD8 1977666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, great comments. Just to be clear: I didn't mean that I think Lynn needs more than 8 tops -- just that I think she needs all 8 tops more urgently/quickly than she needs all 8 at-home bottoms. Love how you've sketched out your Foundation strategy -- I'm in the middle of replacing/upgrading my camisoles, which I wear daily, and WOW does it make a difference. Anonymous on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977663 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:59:37 +0000 Anonymous 1977663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn -- Thank you for your very gracious call out.  It literally made my entire day.   You've done so much work!!!!!  YAY YOU.  As SarahD8 mentions, I too love the specificity of your plan.  I'm not sure I agree with her about needing more tops though. If I am correct, you are planning on ~8 tops.  I admit it is a sparse wardrobe, but it might be exactly what you need at this precise moment.  You have sketched out a a solid foundation to build on.  I suggest building slowly.   I too am starting a wardrobe rebuild from scratch.  It was humbling to go through my wardrobe in October and purge so much of it.  But it had to be done and I am glad we are both starting to build our wardrobes together.  My goal is to build slowly.   With that in mind, I intend to focus on specific capsules in my life. I decided to devote November to assessing/evaluating/building my foundation capsule.  Here is my current assessment.   Year Round Foundation -> Bras/Sport Bras/Underwear/Hose/Socks <ul> <li>Lounge Bras — Own three Wacoal bra tops in assorted colors. No need to add any additional lounging bras at this time. Let the three bras slowly be eliminated due to wear.   </li> <li>Public Bras (aka OITW Bras) — Own two public bras. Duplicate the new Thirdlove bra in a light color in December 2018. Plan to order all future bras from Thirdlove. </li> <li>Sport Bras — Own six, all of which are old. This category needs attention. Wear and evaluate the fit of each bra. Cull ruthlessly because it is only the elimination of sub-par items that spurs replacement with newer, higher quality items. ONLY buy colors that coordinate with existing athletic capsule: fuchsia and navy (other colors?). </li> <li>Underwear — Own a lot of very utilitarian pieces. Wear and evaluate the fit and condition of each pair of underwear daily. Cull ruthlessly because it is only the elimination of sub-par items that spurs replacement with newer, higher quality items. </li> <li>Hose — Own one pair of black tights, one pair of navy tights, and one pair of nude hose. Replace only as needed.  </li> <li>Socks — Own a lot of very utilitarian black socks and black/nude knee-high hose. Socks are worn so rarely, this is an overabundance. Although I have culled based on color and fabric, I still have a lot remaining.  So many socks.  Decided to keep these because it could be the style/length of pants I am currently wearing that makes the socks useless to me.  This could change in the future.  </li> </ul> I am following a similar exercise for my Winter Essentials which are the next building block in my plan.  My goal is to sketch out Winter Essentials using the template above (what I own, what I need, what I plan to do about it, timeframe) over the course of the next week.   Like you, everything I add for the time being will be limited in color.  All of my bottoms are either black or navy.  I only have a handful of clothing items in my closet, but I manage to get dressed every single day and I am feeling really good about this wardrobe rebuild.  The lessons I am learning from having to start off from scratch, with the knowledge I gleaned from YLF, puts me in a very unique position.  A position I never could have predicted ....  I also want to give a shout out to Toban.  It was her posts that informed me I could live with less clothes.  A concept that was revolutionary to me and now makes so much sense.   Best wishes.   <ul> </ul> SarahD8 on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977588 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 18:35:34 +0000 SarahD8 1977588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like an excellent, well thought out plan. I love the specificity of what you are looking for. I recommend making an extra push to assemble your tops capsule, it seems to me that is where your experience of outfit variety will come from. That's my advice as the gal who never seems to have her tops sorted! rachylou on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977585 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 18:18:44 +0000 rachylou 1977585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great start to rebuilding. Tight focus on what you need clothes for, tight style definition. Complete opposite of what I did - panic buying. Lol. Angie on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977569 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 17:03:30 +0000 Angie 1977569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynn, relieved to hear that you're feeling better and that your body is healing.  WELL DONE getting through the closet edit and focusing on how to move forward. Proud of you. Lynn on "Follow up to my Get Real Purge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/follow-up-to-my-get-real-purge#post-1977557 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:39:27 +0000 Lynn 1977557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Part 1: Follow up to my Get Real Purge. At Home Wardrobe Plans  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-get-real-mega-purge">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....mega-purge</a>  As I said I have unfortunately gained weight due to a series of injuries. Hopefully I can reverse this now that I am healed but it will be slow and I doubt I will get back to the weight I was. In the meantime I need to get dressed.  I am starting basically from scratch so now seems a good time to develop a more thoughtful wardrobe.  First a couple of thank you’s to: -Sterling for the 30 x 30 challenge last January that started me thinking about my wardrobe and what I want from it. - Angie for everything . I have been reading a lot in the archives, what  a wealth of information - Toban-for her very helpful thread on managing your wardrobe through weight transitions. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-during-weight-transitions">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ransitions</a> -Everyone for all your posts. I haven’t been able to be a very active participant  this year but I do appreciate your posts. Hopefully that can change going forward. Back to wardrobe planning. Because I want to keep my wardrobe minimal, especially right now, I decided to limit my style uniforms.  I already have and like a minimal color palette in the fall/winter.  Color palette- black, denim/indigo, cognac, warm red, rust, and teal. Style: ·     I like simple clean lines (soft not structured) in interesting shapes and textures  Mostly solids with a few geometric patterns (stripes, dots) and leopard in small doses.  A hint of drama, mostly in accessories ·    I also like some artisan elements, such as color blocking, dyed fabrics, stenciling, and hand stitching but mostly for at home wear. Lifestyle: degrees of casual (retired). No formal dressy needs.  Uniforms: I spent quite a bit of time during my purge and also in the stores trying on multiple combinations of pant, top & topper styles to really define my preferred uniforms. I am going to work with these 3 for now. Note: OITW= out in the world ·       At home only: leggings + longer (mid to low thigh length) loose boxy top. Pure comfort to me. Flattery less of a concern ·       Primarily home but OK to wear for casual OITW- 14-15” hem width yoga pants (prefer cotton/lycra) +  JFE tunic length tops. Tops need to have some waist shaping. I will focus on these for the artisan elements ·       OITW: Girlfriend fit (slim 14-15” hem width, slightly loose in hips/thighs) + hip length top or JFE tunic + just above knee length toppers (sweater coats, slightly oversized unstructured coats) ·       Shoes: flat or 1- 1 ½” booties and fashion sneakers (fussy feet)  To cover my at home wardrobe needs I am going to aim for the following numbers, I don’t mind frequent repeats if the garments makes me happy when I wear it. My goals for my OITW wardrobe are more complex so I will save that for another post. ·       4-5 slim yoga pants +  2 leggings. Will stick with all black. I wear these for walking and dance as well. ·       3-4 at home only tops,  3-4 JFE tunics- use artisan techniques. I would love to hear any experiences you have had with rebuilding a wardrobe especially what worked and didn't work for you.