https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 13:58:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617801 Fri, 11 May 2012 23:42:59 +0000 Mellllls 617801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good lick! SYC is not for me BUT I haven't bought anything for the last 2.5 weeks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617794 Fri, 11 May 2012 23:32:17 +0000 modgrl 617794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was in major overhaul mode, I stopped tracking because it was making me ill. But now that things have stabilized and I feel like I have a normal wardrobe to play around with I am back to tracking. It definitely helps to see where your money is going! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617721 Fri, 11 May 2012 21:22:33 +0000 MsMary 617721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always track my spending, even though it can make my toes curl!</p> <p>So far I am still at less than zero for May. Have only bought the Cutest Purse in the World, which was really a replacement for the KS purse I bought in April but had to return. I'm staying out of the stores and off the shopping sites and am doing fine. It helps that I have a few new things from April to keep me occupied... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617674 Fri, 11 May 2012 20:21:10 +0000 rae 617674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, I relate in a big way! Cut and traced my pants pattern last night, though it was hard on my back. Still forging ahead, though, since I want those new pants!</p> <p>Jayne, you are starting a new job with a more formal dress code and only bought pumps?? You are a saint. Hands down. Best of luck in the new role!</p> <p>Denise, your tracking idea sounds really interesting. How do you know if you are being unreasonable about shopping or not if you don't observe? Hm, might have to do some retroactive observation of my own. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617665 Fri, 11 May 2012 20:10:46 +0000 jayne 617665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh good plan CL.</p> <p> In a way SYC is really pointing me at my holes and my true wants. because you have to try and use what you have and sometimes you don't have anything to go with it. but I admit, all stores and online shops and even the WIW here are killing me!</p> <p>Just checked again on the steampunk boots Rae posted...my size still there...trying to hold out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617643 Fri, 11 May 2012 19:44:19 +0000 CocoLion 617643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goal this month is not SYC but to observe all of my purchase habits.</p> <p>Last week I had some returns and purchases with a net increase of around $30 in expenditures.</p> <p>This week I hit the buy button, heavily. $220 spent on Shopbop, $280 spent on Zara. We'll see how everything works out.</p> <p>After observing myself for a month, I plan to come up with a reasonable budget and shopping strategy that works for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617600 Fri, 11 May 2012 19:02:58 +0000 jayne 617600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>sigh of relief, pumps happy in new home. All ready for wearing monday for first day at new job! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617596 Fri, 11 May 2012 18:56:15 +0000 jayne 617596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and some of you are talking sewing. That was my plan also. I had two projects</p> <p>First was to take a pair of cheapo long trousers and turn them into slimmer slouchy slacks. I spent two hour sewing, removing, sewing removing before I understood the mission was impossible without removing the waistband which makes this a major endevour and beyond my skills.</p> <p>Second was to make a skirt: I bought 'test' material and thread all within the SYC rules, but then I cut the material, and it has been laying here two weeks unsewn. </p> <p>Today I received my other experiment, which was having a custom skirt made for me by a seamstress. Since she did a lovely job, I think I consider that more promising than me trying to learn to sew and potentially ruining the more expensive material I have my eye on for June. </p> <p> So sewing, except for adding length to a too short dress, has been a dead end for me. Just have too much else in my life to really be patient with sewing. I see how much work this lady did on all the seems and the waistband and just dread trying it myself. AMy is even more impressive making her own dress after this learning experience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617586 Fri, 11 May 2012 18:48:05 +0000 Transcona Shannon 617586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne - you had a legitimate wardrobe hole that required filling for a job change. That totally justifies any purchase you made - secret purple pumps sounds fun to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617583 Fri, 11 May 2012 18:44:07 +0000 jayne 617583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dang, confession time again. Nope. I tried I really really did. But i found a wardrobe hole, a real one. I have no pumps. No normal ladylike shoes to wear with dresses and skirts. All, and i mean all, my shoes are sandals and wedges which look great with dresses until you add the job factor in. You see, suddenly job dressing is more important because I am switching jobs Monday and I think the dress code will be more formal (although nothing like US). </p> <p>SO I tried all my sandals with my clothes and slacks and realized I just had to give in, and buy pumps. I consider them the most boring shoes ever but I did find a lovely pair, in what I thought was navy, but in the sun turned out to be deep purple. They are comfy, a perfect heel height and secretly a fun color that tickles my fancy. So no SYC. But hole filled. huh, hole filled??</p> <p>I ordered a skirt in April which was delivered today. I consider that totally not within the May framework. But I will post it separately for opinions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread/page/2#post-617504 Fri, 11 May 2012 17:12:21 +0000 christieanne 617504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah - good for you! Have you sewed before? My sister has offered me her sewing machine which she isn't using but I am such a novice that it seems foolish to get into it. Plus, I'd have to squeeze it into the bedroom. Maybe when DS goes to college I can turn his room into a craft room? Only five years to plan </p> <p>I did break down and make a stop at bead store yesterday but I took a safeguard at having DD come with me. I had a $10 off card and a $10 bill and needed some findings to finish a birthday gift. We managed to stay under the $20 limit by .24 cents. </p> <p>That's another good trick if you tend to charge things - leave the credit cards at home </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617290 Fri, 11 May 2012 07:17:10 +0000 Deborah 617290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYC is definitely a challenge (for me) and I keep remembering Christieanne's words,<br /> "stay out of the shops"... Im not a huge on line shopper so staying out of the stores is best for me.. thanks Christieanne.</p> <p>Funny thing is that I have bought a small sewing machine this week so I can do some of my own simple alternations!! subconsciously I must be thinking if I cant buy anything I can at least get some of current things awaiting alteration done and then I will have<br /> "new" things to wear! Anyone relate to my logic??</p> <p>Having said that I stand by my desire to excercise some self discipline by being on SYC. Shopping can be quite a controlling influence over me and I want to be in control of it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617242 Fri, 11 May 2012 04:18:42 +0000 Mo 617242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know I said I was taking a break from posting but today my job got postponed for at least 3 weeks, maybe more. So that means a) I still have too much time on my hands and b) SYC is ever more important without income coming in.<br /> I have two good SYC updates: I returned my interview pants that didn't fit (+$31.25) and I sold a dress on eBay for $10 that covers my 'paper bag' dress purchase of $8. Oh, a third in the plus category - birthday cash to cover the Athleta active shorts (plus I now have leeway of $50 but I am not spending that lightly!!)<br /> If I finish my wish list throughout the end of the year as I have it planned out - I will be averaging 2 items a month. Just about where I thought I'd be. Overall I am happy with where I am but I do need to just S T O P buying anything until I have tips in my pocket from my first shift.<br /> Over and out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617232 Fri, 11 May 2012 03:52:14 +0000 ManidipaM 617232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Lisa's idea a lot too for setting easy-to-live-with limits. I just realized I've inadvertently done precisely that the last two months! One store, one day, done and dusted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617022 Thu, 10 May 2012 23:13:36 +0000 Sveta 617022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, for me NAS is most and foremost SHOES (and boots) - and you can wear these in SoCal, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617010 Thu, 10 May 2012 23:04:16 +0000 rae 617010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, I DID notice you're shopping less - good for you! And your SYC rules sound a lot like mine - returns don't count, nor do mothers' day gifts. You did get the agate print dress? Are you keeping it? We must see!</p> <p>Lisa, that is another good strategy. Very interested, since I can already tell long-term SYC is not for me. </p> <p>Sveta, I know others have mentioned waiting for NAS as well. I'm intrigued, but hesitant since we don't have a real winter here. Actually, I just started another thread to get more info on the matter! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617009 Thu, 10 May 2012 23:03:46 +0000 Transcona Shannon 617009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely you can join Sveta - there is support in numbers! Actually, I really like your no shopping until NAS idea. Might have to think about that myself.</p> <p>Way to go Isabel (although I'm sorry that much of your success is due to illness and poopy weather)!</p> <p>Whoops sorry Rae - I think I just hijacked your thread... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-617001 Thu, 10 May 2012 22:52:28 +0000 Sveta 617001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I join in SYC even though it is May 10 already? I decided not to buy anything at all until NAS - which is about 2 months now. Even though I still have "wants" I don't have that many needs.I also hope that these two fasting months will help me to focus what I really need to get from NAS. As a bonus I will have more time for gardening and converting a small spare bedroom into a dressing room. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616991 Thu, 10 May 2012 22:39:51 +0000 Lisa 616991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been doing a once a month, one store shopping day form of SYC lately. This month was Marshall's, and I walked away with a few wishlist items that I've had since last year (bathing suit and a coverup) as well as a couple of trend items that I wanted to test out (cropped bright trousers-I went with cobalt-and a printed maxidress). Now it's back to SYC until next month! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616989 Thu, 10 May 2012 22:37:18 +0000 goldenpig 616989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I just tallied up and in the last three months I have bought<br /> -seven (!) dresses (RL blue floral, Adrianna Papell red jersey, and black sheath dress from TJ Maxx; J Crew poppy origami dress, Kate Spade black &amp; white floral sheath; MMK agate dress from 6pm (Rae copy), and DVF beetle print dress from eBay)<br /> -three pants (red Kut skinny, white Kut skinny, H&amp;M floral pants)<br /> -three purses (Dotty, Fossil yellow satchel &amp; RL black doctor bag)</p> <p>So about 4 items/month. Quite a lot for supposedly being on SYC but still a lot less than what I was buying before. I really feel like I've cut down quite a bit on my shopping. And most of that was covered by returns, rebate and consignment money (and the yellow purse is for Mother's Day). Two months ago my Nordstrom card balance was $200 and last month it was negative balance.</p> <p>So even though it's not total SYC, progress is good, right? I don't know if you guys noticed but I am posting a lot fewer keep or returns which means I haven't been buying as much. I am really happy with the items I did buy (minus the DVF wrap dress which is going back), I think they will be real workhorses (aside from the $15 trendy floral pants, LOL!) And hopefully I can cut down even further and stick to a SYB of 1-2 items/month.</p> <p>Good luck to everyone on SYC/SYB! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616955 Thu, 10 May 2012 21:11:23 +0000 qfbrenda 616955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I *love* Ad Block! I rarely see ads at all.</p> <p>I'm struggling with the increase in gas prices and food since I'm feeling 5 boys who all can out eat me. I have to cut back somewhere and our clothing budget is one of those somewheres. So I'm not shopping for the rest of the month. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616950 Thu, 10 May 2012 21:08:16 +0000 Isabel 616950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK..I am doing fabulously, if I do say so myself. The truth is that my daughter and I were sick last week, so we didn't go anywhere. The only thing that I have done this week is to to the Y for my program..so I have been in exercise clothes. The weather has also been very cold and rainy, so I have been falling back on my clothes from Winter. </p> <p>I have a sneaking suspicion that when the weather gets nice, I may want some different clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616942 Thu, 10 May 2012 20:54:09 +0000 Vildy 616942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did anybody mention the ad block plus program? I find ads distracting so I have this<br /> installed on my computer from the get go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616930 Thu, 10 May 2012 20:14:33 +0000 rae 616930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, I am always one post behind you! Love your questions posed here. Although I'm not TS, I am mulling them over for myself. </p> <p>I really, truly, thought that I had everything I could possibly need when I started SYC. And then the warm weather really HIT, and I realized that many of the items I *thought* could crossover from winter to spring were really too warm and heavy. </p> <p>To determine what would make life easier, you made me think about what was hard. Styling my bottoms has definitely been hard, since they are all dark. I'd looked for bright pants and skirts, but the Halogen didn't work, so that's how I also arrived at the conclusion that blouses are the answer. So far the theory is holding true, so I guess SYC is working, as much as it chafes me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616916 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:49:47 +0000 ManidipaM 616916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You go, Shannon! Flex those restraint muscles right alongside IK! Soon it'll become as much a habit as shopping used to be back in 2012! </p> <p>[Heh. Who'm I kidding, eh? After more than 18 months of SYC, I'm still flexing... towards shop windows and online discount portals! It is a HARD habit to break, and no mistake!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616911 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:42:05 +0000 Transcona Shannon 616911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Julie - thank you for the compliments on my wardrobe (and Rae's). I'm finding it quite shocking (and a little bit digusting to be honest) how much shopping is a habit for me. It's like quitting smoking (which I did 20 years ago).</p> <p>Manidipa - wow, good questions and thought provoking commentary. Part of the blouse issue truly is a need which I have discovered through SYC. I have a number of skirts and a couple of pairs of clams that do not have enough blouses to go with them. The coloured trousers, if I'm being honest with myself, I just thought of because they're pretty - they are not a need. Same with the dress - I have a couple of dresses I really like and can wear the heck out of. In reading your questions, I also remembered that for 4 weeks during July and August I don't work (on holidays) and truly live in shorts and tees and my swim suit, so do not need office clothing for that period. Thank you for making me think!</p> <p>I'm back on the wagon - but I think with the intent that after the end of May, I will look for a couple of blouses and truly, that's all I need to get me through summer. I will also remind myself when feeling weak that there are two bigger money items I'll be looking for for winter - a new puffer coat (a definite need in Winnipeg!) and a pair of flat knee high leather boots (both a need and a want). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616910 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:38:30 +0000 christieanne 616910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's ALWAYS a question of need vs. want isn't it?<br /> Being happily satisfied by appreciating what we've got. Good philosophy for life.<br /> Great questions to ask Manidipa.<br /> Right now, I am taking inspiration from Rae and pulling out my bead box to make myself something new with all my various beads I already have since I am stuck at home waiting for DH to return my car (and avoiding housework chores lol).<br /> Also thinking I could try to bleach/fade this denim jacket I have instead of looking for a "new" one or I could just wear it dark and and do my own spin on the Angie formula and be happy with that and chuckle at my own cleverness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616906 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:32:39 +0000 rae 616906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, you are doing your recon! That is great - once your budget allows, you will know just what to get. Sometimes browsing is the hardest part, because of all the fit issues that seem to thwart you - you're right that there is less pressure when you can't buy. </p> <p>Rose and IK, definitely true. That is what I meant about clicking over to an ad - I don't even think about it, because it has become so natural to do so. Chatting on this thread is my "workout" for the day - aka doing something other than browsing online shops during lunch!</p> <p>Sona, $29 in the hole! You did great, and to even count birthday purchases at all is impressive. I'd just do a little dance to celebrate my "out," lol. </p> <p>Shannon, your leadership is why I started the thread - I didn't even realize what I was doing until I saw that you'd closed your dress and pant threads! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616902 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:28:36 +0000 ManidipaM 616902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, would you mind terribly if I asked this: Were those things you want to get actually wardrobe holes you did not notice before the SYC plan was made, or are they *wants* that come from playing in your closet and realizing that they'd be handy to have and make life very much easier, or are they things you're unhappy about not having enough/more of? (Need vs Want, you know?) How difficult would it be to make do without them? WHY would it be hard --- practical reasons or the psychological difficulty with SYC? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-think-we-need-another-may-madness-support-thread#post-616898 Thu, 10 May 2012 19:25:49 +0000 rae 616898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack, the constant threat of sell-out! That is hanging over my head while contemplating a duplicate of my beloved Nexx blouse, too. I keep saying I'll pounce at the end of the month, but what if they're GONE in my size and colors by then? I feel like that blouse is my version of the Halogen pencil skirt. </p>