https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:16:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-604336 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:27:24 +0000 rae 604336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hehehe yay for gardening in heels! If I were a designer, this would have me on a tear to design heeled garden clogs. :)</p> <p>Mo and Rita's comments really hit home. There are sooooo many items that screamed buy me initially - but their screams have died down a lot over time so that I no longer feel I need them. Cleaning out my closet and looking at the huge donating pile also really puts it into perspective how much I have NOT saved $$ wise over the years. It was still $$ well spent, as I was experimenting more at the time, but now that I'm not, the waste feels far more needless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-604303 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:46:33 +0000 Aida 604303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*giggle* <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-0328-31">Outfit #4 here</a>. I blame my husband </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-604239 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:46:46 +0000 Transcona Shannon 604239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such fabulous support - you ladies ROCK!!!<br /> Aida - no WIW posts with you gardening in your heels??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-604179 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:43:32 +0000 Aida 604179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey hey, don't dis gardening in heels (says she who has done that, but not really on purpose) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603990 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:57:56 +0000 christieanne 603990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's breaking the habits that is hard. Getting out of routines and cycles. </p> <p>Also, remember the mantra when thrifting/sale stalking "Would I pay full price for this?".<br /> Sal did a challenge a long time back of $10 a month I think and she might have those posts still on her site. </p> <p>I will join Celia on the keeping them honest role You guys rock! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603981 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:48:57 +0000 Mo 603981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mandipa and Rita both make excellent points. Sometimes delaying what you want gives you the time to mull it over and decide if it's really the right purchase for you and your wardrobe at that time. I found that to be true for me over my SYC/B this year. I found a great white jacket. Waited a month and then found an even better one, at 1/4 the cost to boot. The feeling that we must grab it while it's there is a strong one, but it is so very true that something else (maybe better) will soon come along. That was a hard one for me.<br /> I also nickel and dimed my way through a wardrobe for years. It's great fun to score a deal and to get 4 shirts for the price of one, but at what cost eventually? That is also a very hard habit to break, and I'm only partway with that one. I'd say 1/3 of my purchases are quality pieces (still on sale whenever possible) and 2/3 are still probably bargains of some sort (eBay, final sale, etc). It's a process, so be kind to yourself when you don't quite hit the mark. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603897 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:40:34 +0000 Isabel 603897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, are you doing Bella art challenge ? I think that is a good way to start. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603894 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:39:11 +0000 celia 603894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will keep you accountable since I am much better to tell others than do it myself :o)<br /> I should SYC because I liked the freedom of not having to think about shopping for the only month I did it but at the same time I feel I need some items on my wardrobe.<br /> Also I noticed that when I plan more activities I shop less.<br /> (Maybe this was not very helpful, sorry) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603798 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:23:42 +0000 lynne 603798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful made an excellent point. When I find myself overshopping, I cut back on the inspiration. That means I read YLF less often, skip fashion magazines, emails from stores, catalogs, etc. For me its much easier to "just say no" if the temptation isn't there in the first place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603772 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:58:07 +0000 ManidipaM 603772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I hear you and will cheer you on! </p> <p>Another way to redefine successful shopping: rejecting the not-best and delaying the good stuff to go back and think about what it will go with can be its own reward. I did just that for my birthday --- went shopping with voucher in hand, tried on bunches of things in three different locations across the city... came home empty-handed and happy!</p> <p>A year ago, I'd have come home with bagfuls, and then taken days to unstuff and restuff my drawers, then saved the 'good' clothes and agonized over how to wear these new orphans! Yesterday, I felt I'd done well to determine which looks suited me and to take time to figure out which THREE specific tops would be best to get if that's all I got this year, and to give myself time to see if I could find them online, saving another trip across town (or cities!). AND it means I can think about what to wear them with calmly and carefully over days and maybe weeks, as well as getting a little ahead on saving for a more expensive purchase (shoes, in my case!).</p> <p>I realize this is harder to do when thrifting, as stock turnover is higher, but sitting and prioritizing wardrobe wants can be as fun as window shopping too. And maybe you can play with different colours and silhouettes before you shortlist which you want most, then go shopping again for those specifics to help you stay on track? (For instance, if you decide you want a red shirt, you don't even look at the yellow and blue and whatever else is calling your name... or your wallet!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603679 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:21:21 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've summed up exactly what my issue is: it ISN'T a success if it isn't what I really wanted and doesn't get worn. You buy enough items @ $5 or $10 but never wear them it is still money wasted and you probably could have purchased one good fitting item instead. Old habits die hard I'm afraid.</p> <p>Don't get me wrong - I have thrifted some fabulous and well fitting items that I couldn't be more pleased with (my vintage pieces, the recent black Nygard blazer with the leather collar, etc.) but I've also purchased some ill fitting items. Need to get my head on straight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603674 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:17:31 +0000 modgrl 603674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, Have you done an analysis of your recent purchases and assessed your recent successes and failures? </p> <p>Consider what you think is a success for you and what is a failure. This is going to be different for different people. For some it is a low cost per wear. For others it is finding the perfect piece, even if it only gets worn 2-3 times per year. </p> <p>I understand the strong pull of thrifting something that doesn't cost very much, but is it a success if it isn't what you really wanted and doesn't get worn? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603669 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:11:16 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo - I found reading the thread when you were on your SYC/SYB so inspiring and I'm really hoping I can have that same type of success. I have found that I've made a few purchase mistakes lately (through thrifting so not a lot of $$$) because I've felt some sort of frenzied need to buy buy BUY! It's like I always have to have something new coming into my wardrobe to keep it exciting. I love my clothes and just need to play with what I've got and enjoy them. Thanks for your support.</p> <p>Jayne - of course you can join in...the more, the merrier (and the more support)! I'm not sure about a gardening thread - for me personally, that just creates some pressure to make my garden perfect, get pictures, etc. and I don't know if I really want to do that, you know?</p> <p>So we have Shannon, Deborah and Jayne ready to embark on May Madness - as of May 1st, only allowing ourselves $5 per week for thrift shopping with no new purchases and working with our existing closets. Anyone else want in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603531 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:01:39 +0000 jayne 603531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tee hee hee, gardening heels, so funny. This thread has me giggling,,,such great suggestions that I want to join in. I am trying a little SYC/B myself while waiting to see what kind of clothes I need for new job. And I LOVE to browse so the idea of a small budget to keep us "alive" is great! Great idea! </p> <p>Shannon, I am a gardener also, would a gardening thread give us something else to post about while (with pictures too) to distract while waiting for SYB to pass? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow/page/2#post-603492 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:12:23 +0000 Mo 603492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you know you have my support! It's not always easy, but I find it definitely rewarding to SYC/SYB. I am into May's budget with a blue boots purchase last week, but it's birthday time and I expect I'll have gift $$$ to cover at least some of them.<br /> I sometimes do play catch up with a month's budget but never get ahead more than that and it truly does keep me in line and considering purchases thoroughly before buying.<br /> I also find that 'true love' is more recognizable under these constraints. For instance, I never got a red blouse among the 3 contenders I was considering, and am still waiting on charcoal gray slacks, but hit BUY immediately on those blue boots. They called to me in a way the things on my list did not. So I will work my budget around them and hold off on other things </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603468 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:30:13 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto if I start posting gardening gear with heels! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603463 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:24:28 +0000 Deborah 603463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea about the thread Shannon. The thread can be provide daily therapy during our "withdrawal".</p> <p> I also have some things I have purchased recently but not worn so hopefully that will help. But if I start posting evening dresses (or other inappropriate items) with jackets for work you will know the boredom has set in!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603429 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:50:17 +0000 rae 603429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, you are one smart cookie! My lizard brain loves to browse, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603428 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:47:24 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me too Deborah (the frightened and excited part!). I'm lucky in that I have a few items I've thrifted over the last 3 months that I haven't pulled out yet so it will still feel like I have something new.</p> <p>I'm leaning waaaaaaaaaay over and shaking your hand on our deal!!!</p> <p>P.S. Should we start a thread on May 1st to keep track of each other and let others know how we're doing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603425 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:44:24 +0000 Deborah 603425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Done! $5.00 per week for thrifting sounds good. Shannon I am so excited and frightened at the same time:). This is going to be a great test of just how functional our wardrobes are:) xxx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603413 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:26:35 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deal - we're start May 1st and go until May 31st and what do you think about allowing $5 per week for thrifting and we can either spend it weekly or hold it and spend the $20 at the end of the month? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603409 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:23:02 +0000 Deborah 603409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scary! Yes let's do it! So shall we start Tuesday May 1 (next Tuesday)?<br /> Maybe we should allow thrifting so as not to be going cold turkey lol. Should we set an allowance for thrifting? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603398 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:15:15 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful - pretty wise words there lady! I actually do have another obsession which is about to kick in - GARDENING! and I expect my time on YLF to probably decrease as the gardening increases. </p> <p>Deborah - kind of like a "buddy system"? We could be each other's sponsor. I like your idea of starting with a short time frame - how about we see if we can go the month of May without purchasing anything new? Should we include thrifting or not? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603389 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:01:38 +0000 Deborah 603389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you have my total support! I can relate 100%!!! I would like to say I will join you on SYC but i don't know if I can!!! Like you I have more clothes than one person can wear and I don't "need" anything but I love clothes. I think it is a creative outlet for me:). I think the discipline of SYC is a good exercise and you know there will always be another, better dress coming along.</p> <p>I am waiting on the arrival of a pair of tailored work pants and have to pick up a red jacket I have on hold tomorrow but......I can't believe I'm doing this....should we go on SYC together!! We could even start with a short time frame and then reassess?</p> <p>Shannon, we could both put aside a little bit of spend money each week of SYC and then purchase something wonderful at the end?</p> <p>No pressure...what do you think?</p> <p>(Of course as I write I am madly running through my mind in case there is anything on my wish list that I must have now lol) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603381 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:50:57 +0000 Fruitful 603381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I hate to say it, but if you seriously don't want to buy clothes the best thing is not to spend time with people who talk about clothes all day long :(</p> <p>I have a number of hobbies that I naturally cycle through, and when one of those takes more of my attention I just don't have the time or interest to go clothes shopping. Come on, you are a multidimensional person there must be a number of things that intrigue, delight and obsess you?</p> <p>That's kind of how I manage my shopping. It's like an abstract ecosystem that keeps itself in check. At times when I'm here less often, it's partly because real life gets in the way, but also because there's something OT I'm obsessing over When I'm done with that obsession for the time being, I get back into clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603336 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:05:14 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jem - no, I didn't say for how long...maybe I'm avoiding the answer?! </p> <p>Meredith - i think that's what I found myself doing too - spending more monthly than I had planned and now it's time to reign things in a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603332 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:02:23 +0000 Meredith1953 603332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! So much support and good advice. I'll do what I can to help keep you on the straight and narrow but I think we do need to keep IK'S words in mind though.....</p> <p>&lt;snip&gt;<br /> I keep repeating this to myself: Fashion will go on. There is always something to want. Wanting is temporary.</p> <p>I hardly thought about fashion before YLF and now find myself even after SYC to be spending more money monthly than I intended. I am using IK'S words as my new mantra! Not where it pertains to wardrobe holes but I still need to SLOW DOWN! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603329 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:01:48 +0000 Jem 603329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also meant to add that I love AJ's combination! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603288 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:33:07 +0000 Transcona Shannon 603288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You may totally be onto something Claire. I definitely enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" and find wandering the aisles of my local Value Village somehow relaxing. And Rita is quite right that SYC is so darned hard (I've failed twice already!). </p> <p>Maybe I'm just feeling a little guilty regarding a few shoe purchases lately that took me over my budget. I can see squeezing $5 a week for a wee pick-me-up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-keep-me-on-the-straight-and-narrow#post-603285 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:31:01 +0000 Jem 603285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so fun to shop, isn't it! It will be tricky to not shop any more (did you say for how long?), but you can do it! I think I'm almost finished what I need for spring/summer, too. You can do it! </p>