https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:28:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-330080 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:21:09 +0000 Heather 330080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not spending more, just having attention called to items I might not otherwise have been tipped off to...... It all evens out in the end. Haha. Great thread. Loved reading the responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-330077 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:16:11 +0000 Isabel 330077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been on YLF for about 18 months. At first, I was paralyzed. I tried to make things work with what I had. I also went on an 6 month SYC ( which helped alot in clearing my head ). Then, this past December, the gusher blew. I have bought about 25 pieces since then. So the answer is yes. I have never bought 25 pieces in a year, much less a few months. Unlike many of you, I have downscaled on some pieces. Most of my clothes were more upper end, and I needed to make them more casual or less precious and bit more trendy. I have learned that I didn't buy trend before because I didn't want to invest in it. Now I don't mind so much if it doesn't last long. </p> <p>Though I did scale up on good bags and boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329668 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 21:41:24 +0000 NancyT 329668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but I have been overdue for new clothes for a while! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329609 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:24:27 +0000 catgirl 329609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like others, I spend more than I used to (I used to thrift most of my non-work clothes), but I also am far more selective and return anything I don't find to be a perfect 10 for me. I've also spent more on single items so have less to show in terms of quantity but more as far as quality. And purging my closet has been bringing me fairly good returns at the consignment store, so I don't feel quite as bad, except for buying all those closet orphans in the first place! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329459 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:17:02 +0000 quelinda 329459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm new here, and just starting to revamp my wardrobe, so yes my spending has definitely increased. However I don't think that will continue forever. It's been great to finally feel that I know what I'm doing, and to be shopping for specific items that will work with the rest of my clothes and look good on me, instead of just grabbing things that look good, but will end up just hanging in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329428 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:18:52 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 329428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have definitely spent more, but that was after 10 years of not really buying anything. I was never into clothes and, for example, was not given a clothing allowance in my teens for the simple reason that my mum knew I would never spend it! I also feel uncomfortable about throwing things out 'that still have wear in them' although I have done that more, recently.</p> <p>I have never made really bad mistakes (because I have never bought on impulse) but of course never bought anything really stylish either. Since YLF I have allowed myself more leeway to try out new things and I have now bought a couple of things that are probably not great longterm purchases but are fun. I also upgraded from plain jersey tops to knits and am very disappointed by how badly they have worn. It was a useful stepping stone, though, towards woven tops, which I want more of. </p> <p>Apart from that, the purchases I have made, especially ones recommended by Angie, have more than paid their way in my closet and look as if they will last, while alterations to some items in my closet have given them a new lease of life, which has not been expensive compared with buying new.</p> <p>And of course I am dressed more stylishly and have lots of fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329372 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:38:13 +0000 Elly 329372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nope--- I honestly have barely bought a stitch of clothing since I started following YLF and participating. Honestly, I haven't been able to travel much and the online purchases I have made have gone straight back because of major disappointment. The biggest difference for me is that I refuse to get desperate and buy clothing to "make do" with. If I can't wear it without feeling ashamed of posting it for critique, I shouldn't buy it, even if I am down to only a couple of pairs of pants and need to replace them. Since I have gotten down to so few clothes by slowly wearing out everything I had bought in the last 2-5 years I have realized some things about myself. One of which is my dislike of tossing clothing that isn't perfect but is comfortable and functional enough to wear. I have no qualms about tossing things that have no purpose or are uncomfortable, but I do struggle to find pieces because of my very restricted shopping options, so I tend to hand onto things that "will do" forever because I procrastinate about replacing them or I just can't find something to replace them with. Let's talk today for example-- I drove an hour to the closest shopping mall with a proper department store to buy shoes for my graduation. I went to the only four stores in town that sell the "comfort" brands of dress shoes like Sofft, ect. and couldn't find any of them! Apparently the department store cut back on all of its comfort offerings and it was just the more rustic ones left. I tried on some aresoles somewhere else, but nothing worked and I had maybe 4 choices. So, I spend less because I try to only buy things I will be happy wearing. Prior to this, every time I would get desperate for new clothes or one item I needed I would go and see what was available, try on a mess of stuff of all different styles and types, and basically buy what fit, or came closest. Not a good way to shop, although almost everything did get used and not wasted. I am finding it really important to reject these type of purchases and situations because I am likely to wear a decent (but not flattering) garment for the life of the garment which can be about 2 years for some of my staples, and longer for other pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329320 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:24:17 +0000 Marley 329320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No - I spend less - MUCH less! I am more thoughtful and purposeful now - not so obsessed about clothing, accessories, etc. as I used to be because I have a much better feel for what I need versus what I want, and I am inspired and motivated by the women on the forum who have small but quality wardrobes - that is what I am striving for! Also, YLF is where I got the idea of SYC - I started Jan. 1 and so far haven't fallen off the wagon - although I have given myself permission to, I just haven't seen anything that really deserves to be part of my wardrobe. That's the way I look at it now - it has to EARN its way to become welcomed into my wardrobe! Nothing but 10's! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329284 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:01:39 +0000 Kristine 329284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but only because I spent next to nothing before, I did a small shopping trip maybe once a year. And my wardrobe looked like it! So spending more is actually a good thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329277 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:40:40 +0000 lyn* 329277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I spend more PER piece of clothing; because if something is killer I need to have it at 40% off and sometimes I don't wait until it is 70+% off.</p> <p>I spend less OVERALL for clothing; because I have fewer closet rejects/orphans. And I definitely wear everything I buy at least once, which I never did before! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329258 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 01:00:17 +0000 taylor 329258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spending more, but buying wiser and better:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329256 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:56:42 +0000 rosee 329256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's too early to tell if I'll spend more (it's only been 2 weeks), but my guess is that I'll still spend about the same. I think my purchases will be more focused and practical overall, and that's what I was looking for. Some forum posts and blog posts have showed me specific things that I want to get (Kate's watch and Miz Mooz Heather sandals); other things that I will be getting soon have been on my list for years (black ballet flats and sailor tee). I also think I'm learning to develop a better eye for style, and better at seeing what works for me, what doesn't, and what's very new to me and maybe I should try it. Happy to be participating -- thank you Angie and ladies!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329222 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:39:01 +0000 anne 329222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. I have bought more clothes and spent more since being on the forum. But like some others, I was at a point where I did need to extend my wardrobe because, in my case I had spent much of the last few years pregnant and the previous 5 or so years working in an office environment. My casual (MOTG) wardrobe in my normal size was almost non existent.</p> <p>In the first few years on the forum I spend a good deal more. In addition to the above reasons, I was also being introduced to more styles and trends and because our season is behind yours, it meant that even a late adopter like myself might end up trying something after getting used to the idea. I never liked shopping (I still don't do it for recreation) but I have got better at it with YLF help. I became LESS perfectionist and less likely to return from a shopping trip empty handed.</p> <p>I have slowed down my purchasing a good deal in the last year and have now set myself a strict budget (around $10AUS a week, although I calculate it annually). with a good base, I am augmenting slowly. This winter will be a time for some quality long term upgrades (eg new coat, new pumps) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329202 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:50:17 +0000 Carole 329202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am spending lots more money. I keep thinking it will stop soon, but one thing keeps leading to another. When I first started here, there were so many gaps and holes to fill and now those are filled. It's kind of like being on a diet when all you do is think about what you can't eat, just makes you more hungry! But I forsee that changing now. I'm in very good shape for spring and summer. Just a few little things that can occupy me if I do go shopping. I think I will save money on shoes even though I spend more now on a pair than I ever have. I used to buy almost any pair of shoes if they were comfortable (because so few pair were) with lots being unworn or practical for my wardrobe. Now I know what style to look for that will be the most versatile! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329183 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:26:32 +0000 Jenava 329183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through a phase when I first started at Nordies where I spend a ton! But now I feel like I have a lot of basics and I can easily think of something I already have that is almost the same as what I am excited about...so I spend less now because I only buy things that are unique and will fit in with the other things in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329169 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:00:48 +0000 Sarah 329169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have spent more because of YLF. But in the long run it's SAVED me a lot more money. I am a lot more careful and picky about WHAT I buy, whereas I used to buy anything that caught my fancy as long as it was on sale, without thinking of how I'll actually wear it. Any items I've bought based on YLF inspiration have become wardrobe workhorses. I started reading the blog in 2008 and I'm still wearing some Angie-inspired pieces I bought back then! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329166 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 21:35:34 +0000 April 329166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I have spent more since coming on board here, but as SO says, "You were at ground zero." I needed to build a wardrobe. </p> <p>The one indulgence that I have picked up here that I never cared about previously and that I can't really say I "needed" is HANDBAGS. Ahem. I know that Miss Angie is a completely unrepentant enabler in this department, so I believe she won't mind this accusation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329158 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 21:21:48 +0000 Ornella 329158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lynne, for remembering my dad's words. I too keep them in mind - "I am not rich enough to buy cheap things". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329145 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:59:48 +0000 nancylee 329145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Not sure if YLF has caused me to spend more money. I think maybe I spend about the same amount, but the difference is I spend it more wisely and in a more focused way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329096 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:03:54 +0000 MsMary 329096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too funny, Patty!</p> <p>YLF has definitely led me to spend more money on clothes! I have records going back to 2000, so I can say that for sure! Last year I spent almost twice as much as I'd ever spent on clothes before, largely because I had to replace my whole wardrobe after losing 50 pounds. Almost all of that was spent after I discovered YLF in the late summer or early fall.</p> <p>This year I did manage to shop my closet in January, but in February and March I spent a TON of money, again because I had to replace every stitch of spring and summer clothing I owned.</p> <p>Now I feel like the initial "wardrobe replacement" binge is over and I am hoping to get onto more of an even keel. I've increased my budget to what I think is a reasonable amount and I will be shopping my closet for a while, then shopping my budget. (Today is Day Five of SYC!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes/page/2#post-329080 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:46:27 +0000 Patty 329080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love watching you all spending money on clothes!! =+P </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-329053 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:06:24 +0000 MsMaven 329053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I slowed way down when the recession hit--watching the retirement funds shrink does make a person put off buying new things. I have spent more in the last couple of months because I have lost enough weight (thanks in part to YLF's Healthy Habits) to need new pants and skirts in a smaller size. I've done a lot more shoe shopping than normal because I decided that there have to be decent-looking shoes out there that can accommodate my problem feet. </p> <p>So yes, I've spent more lately, but still it is in line with what I used to spend. I do need to spend less overall, but buy fewer and better quality items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-329050 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 19:04:31 +0000 Lynne 329050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>:) Ornela, I forgot to mention that I often hear your Dad's quote echo in my head when I look in the stores, and have decided that I cannot afford to buy poor quality, either! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-329043 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:55:36 +0000 Ornella 329043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Firstly, let me apologize for one hundred and eighty five typos in my first post! I was red-faced when I read it again. In my defense, I had 5 minutes before leaving the house and could not unglue myself from the screen before I ask the question.</p> <p>And I'm glad I did. You offer interesting perspectives and it is such a fun read too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-329021 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:27:10 +0000 Kappy 329021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but I'm with Cilleena. All this SAHM had were hoodies, tees, jeans, cargo pants/capris, sporty flats and flip flops. And most of those were purchased at Walmart or Target while I was shopping for groceries!!!! I'm still not buying expensive/investment pieces because I don't know yet what's best for me. I have noticed I have a bad tendency now to just buy things because I think that will fix my "not knowing what to wear" problem. But, as everyone here knows already, it really doesn't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-329020 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:27:05 +0000 elpgal 329020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, but I am not complaining. </p> <p>It is not that I buy more clothes and shoes but I have started shopping in relatively more expensive places, stopped wearing knits and do not buy any non 8-hr shoes anymore.</p> <p> I do shop in less expensive places but it is to try out 'trends' I read about here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-328992 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:33:04 +0000 Lynne 328992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like many of you, I have spent more on individual pieces, but about the same or less overall.....and the things I've bought post YLF have often been things I would never have tried before - skinny jeans, a denim jacket, a leather jacket.....DH loves these new parts of my style (after 21 years it's nice that he sees something different!)</p> <p>I think it's good to be more focussed in my spending, and like Malina I find myself using my budget on one or two things rather than spreading it over lots of bits and pieces. My April and May budget is already used (jewellry repairs and cowboy boots) and I'm fine with that! </p> <p>I don't blame you, Angie, I THANK you!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-328946 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:12:38 +0000 Vix 328946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Despite feeling "shopping/clothing deprived" some days I just did a visual inventory of my shopping over the last year and I actually bought a LOT. [A combo of basics wearing out, job situation changing, holes becoming apparent, and hmmmm, desire.] </p> <p>Made me think I shouldn't want anything else ever...a feeling that lasted a regrettably short time!</p> <p>Overall, I'd say the variety in YLF posts helps me spend my clothing money more wisely/less impulsively and in ways that work well for *my* needs, personality, style etc. </p> <p>YLF (and as Nicole said, "the internet") certainly TEMPTS me to spend more money on clothes...there's such a large pool of women wearing things that make me think, "oooooh, *that* would be nice to have." </p> <p>[It's especially hard when someone is more or less my body type and lookin' gooood in an in-the-stores-now item!]</p> <p>Luckily, that's balanced out by so many YLFers doing "1 item 500 million ways" exercises, shopping their closet, reworking/refashioning an older item/thrift find etc. </p> <p>I certainly enjoy the "Hey a New Thing!" posts and seeing how people wear their new finds. </p> <p>But since I find being unable to buy every single thing I want the minute I see it a little...tedious...I really appreciate other types of posts, too.</p> <p>So thanks to the YLFers who show me what's out there, and thanks to the ones that make me stop and think harder about how I can maximize the thrill of the new -- which I love -- by working with fewer new items and being (a tiny bit!) creative with older ones! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-328938 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:06:05 +0000 rae 328938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Piece by piece - yes. I've learned to spend on true clothes love. </p> <p>Overall - no. I've also learned to be strong in the face of mere infatuation. Actually, I've been passing up and tossing a lot from my closet as I feel super picky nowadays. But I think that, overall, this will translate to less money spent. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-ylf-led-you-to-spend-more-money-on-clothes#post-328934 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:02:49 +0000 thimblelina 328934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm here because I am trying to spend more of everything: more money, more time, more attention to detail, more "point of view" or overall purpose. I think that, like modgirl has found, I will ultimately spend less because I won't be making the same mistakes over and over again. But it will take me 6 or 8 seasons to dig myself out of the very sparse wardrobe hole I had put myself in through years and years of neglect. I've been thinking about budget... mine sounds close to your's Mo! I figured it at $500/season, and really since I live in Northern CA I shop for three seasons -- a regular spring, summer + an 'indian summer' that continues into early fall, and a combined fall/winter. I haven't actually spent that kind of money yet. I'm still building confidence and filling as many hangers as possible at lower price points for practice. I think I'll start with a few birthday pieces next month that are a little higher priced and take it from there... I think it is important in a group like this to just delight in everybody else's splurges and indulgences without losing sight of one's own goals, lifestyle and budget. And the very best part of this forum is seeing how everybody mixes and remixes. That makes what is aready in anybody's own closet look fresher and infinitely more interesting! L </p>