https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 23:58:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639886 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:57:43 +0000 velvetychocolate 639886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wanted to put in another vote for getting back into the painting - I find that if I have some 'other' kind of outlet, then I'm not as concerned with shopping. Don't get me wrong, I still like to come up with outfits and so on, but if I have something else going on, I don't feel like I am always wanting something 'new' on the clothes/fashion front, if you know what I mean. </p> <p>I think everyone's a little different - as for me, I get very creative with cooking sometimes and I probably spend way too much money on gourmet foods, but the thing is - this other 'hobby'/fascination of mine is not nearly as expensive as clothes are, so even if I go a bit nuts and buy fancy food and ingredients, it's simply not nearly as "dangerous" as veering into expensive clothes can be. If I spend $10 on some Medjool dates or $35 on a fancy bottle of olive oil, it's not quite the same (guilt-wise) as pricier clothing can be. </p> <p>I suggest shifting the 'high end' luxury shopping to a different area, one that isn't as expensive (ie. in my case, I'll buy expensive food, but this doesn't cause too much stress on the bank account), and I'd suggest still being way into fashion and clothes, but that the eye for higher-end items be shifted to a less-expensive pursuit. I suggest this because there is something very satisfying about being picky and particular about quality/style in at least one area of your life. It's just that when it comes to clothes/fashion/shoes - this can get a bit expensive. </p> <p>I also really liked the suggestion to get some other YLF'ers in your area to take you shopping to some stores/places that you might not have considered before. That could be a *lot* of fun. Just for the record, The Rack is a great place, and it's partly because it's kind of hard to find things in there, so you end up not buying as much - because the good things aren't as easy to get to. You have to do a lot of looking, but it's still fun - and ultimately, I find that I end up buying less than I would normally. Thing is? I still get that shopping/looking fix, even if I don't buy a single thing or only end up with one or two items that I decide to purchase. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I don't know anything about painting or watercolours - is this stuff expensive to buy? If not, then this might be the place to shift that 'high end, better quality' eye. </p> <p>Shift that 'eye' for the good stuff to a less-expensive area of your life. </p> <p>It'll all work out, I'm sure of it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639856 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:18:36 +0000 krishnidoux 639856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, go get those brushes and start getting busy! It is the best antidote to clothes spending temptation. I use crafts and knitting, and when I am into a project, I can put off shopping more easily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639565 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:35:29 +0000 Isabel 639565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I hope that you pick up your watercolors ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639528 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:12:02 +0000 CocoLion 639528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about this Anna! You have gotten a lot of good advice. Have you analzsed your purchase behavior/expenditures over the past month or two? I did this recently and understanding first what I was doing and how much I was spending gave me the information I needed to come up with a budget and a plan. Rather than just randomly coming up with a figure or going cold turkey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639402 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:25:07 +0000 nancylee 639402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tons of great advice here, Anna. I'm just chiming in to say good luck and I hope you are able to find a way to still have fun with fashion. </p> <p>Doing some creative work, like your painting, is a great idea. It might satisfy that fashion bug. I know that, for me, shopping sometimes acts as a substitute for my creative work. I do a LOT of online browsing/shopping on days when I have writer's block. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639151 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:18:00 +0000 ironkurtin 639151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, painting is a great idea! Life drawing, sculpture... get into it again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639150 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:17:54 +0000 Amy 639150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>((hugs)) What a tough break.</p> <p>Lots of good advice here!</p> <p>I think you're right about sewing. It is not a way to save money unless you never make mistakes or are not prone to splurging on fancy machines and fabric.</p> <p>I hope you do give your painting/illustrating another shot.</p> <p>You're always welcome to come over for knitting and I have plenty of yarn to share... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-639138 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 15:05:24 +0000 rachylou 639138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say: Pick up a Town and Country. There are all these couture consignment stores advertised in the back... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-638774 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:24:56 +0000 Janet 638774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Anna, a creative outlet like that sounds like a great idea, financially, mentally, and emotionally. Dig out those watercolors!</p> <p>I find I tend to shop when I'm feeling a bit burnt out in my art work. Maybe it's my brain trying to work in a different creative gear -- looking at colors and shapes and patterns but in a different way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-638770 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:18:36 +0000 annagybe 638770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I should start sewing. I really don't have the room plus I could see myself buying a $1000 sewing machine, because I MUST have the best. For example, I spent a weekend hiking in the Olympic rainforest and needed rain paints, I bought Arc'teryx. Plus I know how much good fabric costs.<br /> I at one point had planned to be an scientific illustrator in my life. After my mother died I changed my career plans. I still have have all my watercolor supplies. But I haven't done any serious art in 10 years. My father still bugs me to get back into it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back/page/2#post-638726 Wed, 06 Jun 2012 02:10:12 +0000 Jaime 638726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see you thrifting at Goodwill so much as finding consignment shops with great stuff. You can also consider consigning some of your clothes and using the credit to get new stuff (a favorite trick of mine). You have received great advice on this thread. I am sorry about the budget situation at your workplace - but hope this leads you to new exercises in creativity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638548 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:25:13 +0000 Debbie 638548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna I have an idea that may or may not work. How about going with one of the Seattle girls and exploring shopping haunts that are new to you. I do budget for the month and when its gone its gone. Untill recently whatever was left went to the next month now I roll it into the vacation fund because we are planning a big trip next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638493 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:05:52 +0000 nicoleb 638493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've gotten a ton of great advice and I'm super sorry it looks like you might have to cut back. Here'd a few things I do:</p> <p>Use ShopStyle. I don't know if you have an iPhone but I use this app. religiously. I can type in something specific or just browse, save items into my favorites and I get a push notification as soon as a store puts the item on sale.</p> <p>Go out and try items on - then do EBay. I scored a Bailey44 dress (not the one the forum adores ) recently that retailed for $140 and I got it off EBay NWT's for $25. </p> <p>And then yeah, what everyone else said. Scour The Rack, look for costs you can cut else where. I always tell my husband that if I were still single I could totally live on black beans and rice so I could have more funds to spend on myself. He's a chef though so he's not really onboard with that idea. XD </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638455 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:41:39 +0000 ManidipaM 638455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I am so very sorry about these circumstances. It must be a disappointment to be denied a raise as well as accept less than your peers get, even other than the loss of fun money, although that is where you're focusing your pain. I understand this as a coping mechanism, but I think you've also had great thoughts and advice on maybe diluting or even burying (again, depends on your will power and needs -- i find cold turkey easier than window shopping but not buying, say) the fashion focus a while.</p> <p>It does NOT need to be drastic. As Claire said, taking your style in the high-low direction can be fun too.</p> <p>Not much to add to what everyone's already said, but just had a thought: Could your craving for creativity be satisfied vicariously? Could you volunteer at a children's ward, seniors' home, DFS or similar, where you can help others play dress-up? Of course, without straining your own health further.</p> <p>Alternatively, if you feel it is too hard to bury your favourite hobby, how about making it a focus from a different direction? Besides IK's and Rae's suggestions for DIY and your existing knitting hobby, could you perhaps take a course in fashion history or something to immerse yourself in fashion and keep 'busy' there without needing to shop? Go to museum shows and such. Treat yourself to a window into fashion rather than the front seat at the runway maybe? Make a project of street fashion photography perhaps...</p> <p>Also, I think Angie's budgeting idea is the most practical to start with --- set aside a sum, and when it's gone, wait till next month. You can hone and tweak as you go along, but don't get trapped in 'fashion math' (borrowing against next month's, quarterly budgets etc) just yet. Keep it simple while you adjust to those first few smaller pay cheques. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638434 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:26:55 +0000 Isabel 638434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to chime in to wish you luck ! I really like Gaylene's idea of limiting yourself to a few great pieces a year. Everyone is looking to scale back on fixed costs, it is a tough time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638432 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:25:01 +0000 texstyle 638432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely find some new ways to harness your creativity - it can still be fashion if you opt to do what others said and shop differently or if you choose to learn to sew - the fashion world would be wide open at that point! I've always found that doing something creative and focused helped me forget the pain. One weekend many years ago when I was broke and in pain myself, I decided I was going to make a quilt style comforter. I had never sewn really before but I was in severe pain and wanted to do something to get my mind off of it. Anyway, I bought the material (remnants from a cheap fabric store, got out my garage sale sewing machine and by the end of that weekend I had that baby DONE. I enjoyed using that comforter for many years before passing it on in my own garage sale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638411 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:05:32 +0000 bj1111 638411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the change in the pay structure and the lack of a raise are disappointing. agree with ik about harnessing your creativity.</p> <p>What are you knitting? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638398 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:55:57 +0000 Transcona Shannon 638398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna - I'm so sorry that this situation has come about for you, especially as I can see how passionate you are about fashion. You've received alot of excellent advice here and there's nothing more I can add other than "good luck". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638386 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:44:24 +0000 Suz 638386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I have no advice that has not already been given, but I wanted to offer sympathies both for your soon to be restricted income, and your restricted movement. I hope things are better soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638384 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:43:49 +0000 RoseandJoan 638384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing constructive to add Anna, only that I hope the reduction in salary is short lived. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638381 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:37:24 +0000 Gaylene 638381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I've mentioned before, I've restricted myself to only purchasing 12 items this year. My reason for doing so was partially a feeling of dismay at easy it was to accumulate stuff that, once in my closet, was rarely worn before it got purged. But what really made me take a look at my buying habits was my son. He was doing some research for an article about today's "cheap" fashion-- the human and environmental implications of what it takes to manufacture and distribute it, and what actually happens to those items when I send them to be "donated" or "recycled". Since this is a fashion, not a political, site, I won't go into this topic, but it has caused me to seriously reflect on my own behavior.</p> <p>It made me realize that Angie's more thoughtful approach to fashion sometimes gets lost in our thrill of acquiring and modelling new items and the fun of trying out fashion trends. Quietly, and without preaching, Angie keeps making the point that you can be stylish and have fun by using the items you currently own and by making new additions deliberately and thoughtfully. She buys carefully and looks for quality, making her my role model for thoughtful first-world consumerism.</p> <p>But, to get back to your question, maybe having to re-think your approach to fashion purchases might not be all gloom and doom. Ironically, the fewer items that I've purchased this year have given me much more lasting pleasure than the loaded bags of stuff that I used to haul home from the shops. Just something to think about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638371 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 17:23:23 +0000 Jonesy 638371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chiming back in to say a few things about your back :). I feel like dealing with the back injury is even more important than this budget set-back. I have had a few chronic injuries (my right rotator cuff, then my left one, lower back pain for about a year, and chronic tendinitis in my left ankle) that have really ticked me off and made me depressed. I finally got a handle on everything by going to this bodywork/massage person on a weekly basis. She has been a godsend in terms of helping me with holistic stuff, like body alignment, good stretches that are strengthening, and all sorts of other things. I can genuinely say it has completely changed my life and now I don't have any chronic injuries (my left rotator cuff is now maybe 85% solid, with a little bit further still to go). I know back injuries are notoriously tricky, but if I can heal an injured rotator cuff or two without surgery, you can make your back better too :)! It's just a matter of finding the right professional to work with you, then being diligent about following through with exercises, etc. I'm totally committed because I value my health and my fitness so much, and now I can do everything I want to do that I couldn't before (at age almost-45).</p> <p>Hope this doesn't sound like a lecture. It's terrible to have an injury and feel so limited and trapped by it, especially when you are dying to get outside and move, so I can totally relate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638327 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:27:53 +0000 rae 638327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ebay, Loehmann's, The Rack, Amazon, consignment, and DIYs might work out for you. They all have their drawbacks, but then boutiques have the drawback of being more expensive - it's always a trade-off. </p> <p>When you purge, do you consign or re-sell at Buffallo Exchange type places? That may also help, as you can recoup some costs and get credit or cash toward new stuff.</p> <p>If you want to cut back in other areas instead, I shop at the dollar store and Asian markets a lot. Breakfast is often a 75-cent cup of freeze-dried miso soup. I don't buy coffee, and I get my tea off Amazon. DH and I do not pay for cable television. We sometimes cut our own hair. Shampoo comes from Big Lots. Makeup is $1 stuff from eyeslipsface. I guess I sort of penny pinch everywhere else these days since I make fashion my major indulgence as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638321 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:18:11 +0000 catgirl 638321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Along IK's line of thought, do you sew? I've taken a couple of classes on custom tailoring patterns, and if I had time I would make my own clothes to suit me. Imagine how cool it would be to come up with your own versions of couture clothing just for you... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638314 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:12:58 +0000 Janet 638314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I'm sorry to hear about the pay situation -- that has got to be a blow! </p> <p>I have been inching up the ladder for the latest few years in terms of what I am willing to spend on fashion, so I can just imagine the challenge. In my case, my artist income isn't the thing making it possible, so I'm always aware that we may need to tighten our belts if/when my husband scales back his business and starts getting into retirement mode (he's talking about it already, aiming for it by the time he's 55). </p> <p>All the same, since acquiring more expensive tastes, I've also had one foot firmly in the discount frame of mind. I find some good stuff in the Rack, Off Saks, Nieman Last Call, and Loehmans, even TJMaxx and Marshall's. In these places, half the fun/challenge is combing through to see what is there -- I definitely make that a bit of a hobby, which is why my closet is so full.</p> <p>I like the idea of a monthly budget. Do you think you could take that approach? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638313 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:12:11 +0000 Claudia 638313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes it extra difficult, not being able to have physical outlets available, especially ones that you had loved. My whole life, hiking, walking and physical exertion has been my savior, so I feel your pain and frustration.</p> <p>Anna, do you like to cook? Personally I get a lot of enjoyment out of trying new foods and recipes, and have built a bit of a social life and hobby around my cooking and the resulting entertaining that comes with people enjoying good eats. I am on a very tight budget, even when it comes to the grocery store, but I love seeing what the weekly specials are and Googling recipes to try with those ingredients and making healthy meals and snacks. My friends and relatives love my cooking too, and will come over with a bottle of wine and hang out while I make an interesting pizza for us, dinner, or some appetizers, etc. Having the leftovers to enjoy also saves on dining out or prepared convenience foods. Just thought I'd toss that out as something that might interest you to fill a bit of the shopping void.</p> <p>ETA: just stay away from the baking! Fastest way to gain weight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638310 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:06:05 +0000 ironkurtin 638310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ag - If fashion is your area to kick back, and you're restricted in your other usual ways, I can see this being hard on you. Other suggestions here are great, so far:<br /> - budgets<br /> - sales<br /> - consignments<br /> - remixing<br /> - coveting and saving</p> <p>But I think you need to find an outlet for your creativity. Can you take a class in fashion design or jewelrymaking? Hatmaking? Shoemaking? Flower arranging (don't laugh, it is very creative). This might channel your emotional and impulsive directions in ways that are easier on your wallet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638309 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:05:02 +0000 catgirl 638309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, you may find this to be a whole new adventure in disguise. There are fab items to be found in thrift and consignment stores, as well as the usual sales. I have stopped looking at Gilt and other sites where I'm tempted by items that seem like a bargain but aren't really what I need. </p> <p>Also, since (I think) you are someone who doesn't like to wear items that are not right on trend, you could sell or consign your own items for a pretty penny. Someone will be happy to have your j. brand cargos, for instance. Upscale consignment stores will take items that are no more than 2 or 3 years off the runway and will also sell them for more than other places. </p> <p>As I live in a place where there aren't a lot of shopping options, I have to get on the internet to buy - and the best way for me to have self-discipline is to stay away from the computer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638308 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:58:00 +0000 annagybe 638308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone.<br /> Claudia, last year I was skiing and hiking, a lot. Can't very well shop in the mountains. I loved getting out there. Unfortunately this year due to my back injury I can't do that, yet. Right now I can't even walk a few blocks without pain. This is also a source of major personal unhappiness.<br /> I have restarted my knitting hobby though.<br /> Dana, when I lost a lot of weight I was pretty disciplined (South Beach diet). My work is pretty structured and regimented (can't be creative in healthcare). Fashion is where I could be emotional and impulsive. Ooh it's cool/pretty/trendy/edgy was my shopping mantra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-dial-it-back#post-638307 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:57:49 +0000 Anonymous 638307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a tough situation! Having a budget is a good starting point. But in reality, you may want to focus on changing habits, rather than focus on the money part of it. For example, if your shopping is about finding new stuff then maybe you can get that thrill from challenging yourself to find new ways to use closet orphans. Maybe you can challenge yourself to re-purpose something that no longer pleases you. Maybe use your budget money to have something restyled by a tailor. I may be offbase but looking at the WHY you shop and then redirecting that need into a less money-oriented direction can satisfy you. </p>