https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 11 May 2026 05:58:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-591687 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:53:59 +0000 rae 591687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies, I needed this. I do tend to do things to one extreme or the other, so I can see how Dec did seem like a good idea at one point. I think I did really underestimate how much this hobby means to me. </p> <p>1 item a month, I think I can do. First things first: I need to return the items that did not work out! I kind of forgot about them during my vacation. The wedge shoes are on their way for April, and once I return my jeans I will have a vacancy for March. I don't remember when I started this whole thing, but I won't worry about what happened in Jan and Feb. Onward and upward. </p> <p>I WILL count thrifted stuff in this, since my goals are more about space and efficiency than money - I hope this will help me be more choosey re: my swap meet items. I also want to keep it to one-in-two out for a while, but I'll do the purge first, and build up "credit" based on how much room I want to have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-591646 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:25:55 +0000 modgrl 591646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am SYB'ing 1 item per month. It is rough but I need to focus on adding things that are higher quality and need to streamline my slightly oversized wardrobe. I end up buying my monthly "thing" on like the first or second day of the month because I've been making a list of needs all month long. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-591627 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:07:45 +0000 catgirl 591627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>December is a lofty goal indeed. I think one item a month would be enough of an SYC type of situation for you. Are you counting thrifted stuff? </p> <p>The Ash wedges are going to be my summer shoe purchase. I just can't decide on a color. (Don't forget you have a pair of jeans coming your way from me that will look perfect on you!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-591620 Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:04:59 +0000 Elly 591620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is really important to decide what your goals are. SYC and SYB and the terms of each only make sense if you have a problem or a goal to work on and can structure SYC or SYB in a way that makes sense towards that goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-590765 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:10:22 +0000 lyn* 590765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYB is much more reasonable than SYC; just thinking about SYC makes me want to rip my hair out - I don't know how you guys do it! The knowledge that I -can- go and get something else is very liberating (even if I do not) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-590713 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:22:03 +0000 fashionista 590713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYC for so long...I would have got mentally ill seeing trends and cute things that I restricted myself from buying. Yes, I would Shop my closet for jeans but tops are too beautiful and ok to buy once in a while. So maybe SYC in moderation and go shopping in moderation. That's best.<br /> Your SYC is really appreciated by me cause it needs determination and self restraint. So kudos to you. But you can buy one or two much desired items to please yourself Rae. Is ok if its SYB too.<br /> Love and thumbs up for your SYC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-590711 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:14:55 +0000 Scarlet 590711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use a monthly budget, but if I go over then I have to make it up in the following month. I often buy more at the start of a season when the full selection is available and I am excited about new things. Then I hold off for a couple of months or only buy little things. Then I check the sales for anything I really wanted but was over budget. This works pretty well for me. I don't think SYC is something for me because I feel like I already make good use of the things I have/know what I have, what I don't. No shopping until December seems really extreme, especially considering that you seem to be very careful with your budget already. It's logical you needed to buy some new things for your new job. Don't punish yourself for that.<br /> P.S. Stop it already with all these posts about wedge sneakers because you are making me want them too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-590617 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:15:06 +0000 christieanne 590617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haven't you ever been shopping with $$$ burning a hole in your pocket but you can't find anything you really love? And vice verse, when you shouldn't spend the $ then you stumble on the best thing ever? Irony kills me. </p> <p>I think you give up the trench and wellie plan and fill a few summer holes but budget for next couple of months so you can play with trends and be ready to strike when you find a great item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing/page/2#post-590578 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:16:17 +0000 rae 590578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYB is "shop your budget" - I guess it's what I'd like to be able to call "normal, reasonable spending habits," but I'm not quite reasonable enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590574 Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:12:52 +0000 krishnidoux 590574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting! Rae I'm in awe at your organization of your clothes. Very visual! </p> <p>But...</p> <p>What is SYB? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590563 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:37:58 +0000 rae 590563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meredith, it is like a battle campaign! For the fight within, lol. </p> <p>Mo and Shannon, I'm shamelessly ripping you off here. I have my little list started - only three items for S/S so far, and one can probably come from the swap meet: wedge sneaks, hi-lo hem summer dress, edgy patterned dress for work. Woohoo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590543 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:59:58 +0000 Transcona Shannon 590543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've tried SYC twice now and failed miserably both times. For me as soon as I say I have to stop shopping, needs show up or wants that really call to me. It's just not realistic. Now it's SYB and prioritizing my purchases. I'm happier, the budget is content, and hubby doesn't have to listen to me whine!</p> <p>I actually have a spring/summer purchase plan which I discussed in this thread (while you were away) if you're interested...<a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/springsummer-purchases-so-far" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ses-so-far</a>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590533 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 22:14:46 +0000 Meredith1953 590533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Rae,<br /> I love the photos of your "love it", "like it" "meh" and not worn. I sort of do that mentally but that will help me look at the "meh" category and see if those pieces are salvageable or whether they are even necessary and if they ARE necessary then replacing them with nicer pieces. This is like a general planning a battle campaign. I particularly need to really analyze EXACTLY what I want before purchase because unlike some of you...I actually HATE going to the mall and would much prefer to internet shop. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590430 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:43:58 +0000 CocoLion 590430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to add here except that I want a pair of high-top Ash wedge sneakers now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590423 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:26:04 +0000 rae 590423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Mo, I love that! Thank you for sharing - I think a list like this might be more helpful than a x/month system since I don't know when the perfect item will show up. I must take some time to identify what's needed for S/S. Spring is here already; it's 75 degrees today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590418 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:20:29 +0000 Mo 590418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I think those both sound reasonable. FWIW, here was my mock up plan for this year, before the job situations changed. I have adjusted it to roughly half as many items and only $1000 since neither of us is working yet! So, one dress only, one pair of black shorts, nude heels but no sandals or flats, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590411 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:12:41 +0000 rae 590411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I'm there with you - I don't want to always be on the hunt for the new, either. Rather, I'd like to hold off on little things and be free to nab that something special when it jumps out and grabs me by the heart. </p> <p>By physically pulling everything out of the closet, it really forced me to look at everything and compare it to everything else. Seeing my BB shirts out next to some of the others, I thought it was no wonder I felt fab some days and frumpy the next days. I do wear all of this stuff, but maybe not to the best effect. If I get rid of the "meh" items, I'll have to find more ways to wear the loved items, which is a good thing.</p> <p>A seasonal plan is probably smart. What is reasonable? Maybe Lyn's $150/month? Or like... 3 items per season? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590409 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:07:44 +0000 Tanya 590409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom in this thread! And I love the exercise you did with the photos/groups, I might have to copy you at some point:)</p> <p>As someone who has been doing some version of SYC for over 1.5 years (with 95% efficiency), it is really hard. I do not think a long one is worth it, unless for financial reasons, which is my case. I am spring cleaning my closet this weekend and have mroe-less made up my mind to stop SYC and start doing SYB on a very small budget and be super picky, as I am getting quite depressed and fed up with SYC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590392 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:36:56 +0000 Vicki 590392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it works for you, I really like velvetychocolate's seasonal SYB strategy, Rae, because you're not depriving yourself and you are shopping with purpose.</p> <p>You've already started the groundwork today by taking a hard look at your closet and categorizing them and as Angie says, editing your closet is responsible, too. Yet, you also have to enjoy life and embrace what brings you satisfaction. Be gentle with yourself, and be selective in the next few months. Now, having said all of this, I can see you in the wedge sneakers in #3 or #4, as long as you've culled your closet to your liking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590367 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:38:56 +0000 Mo 590367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only skimmed responses, but for me it was more about making me really look at what I had. It's easy to look to what new xxxx would help jazz up this or that, but harder to see how to put x, y, and z together in 3 different ways. If you don't have the 'new item' option it forces you to work with what you have. And for wants to pass, much like a food craving.<br /> Also, I noticed (as you just now have) you *really* see the holes as opposed to perceived holes! For instance, my short sweaters saga this week. I simply can't wear them with pants stylishly and be current, but my skirt selection is too summery to pair them with. So I have a chunky-sweater-to-wear-with-pants hole I never knew I had. By having to dig in the sweater drawer and actually put them on after not seeing them for 2 years, I discovered this. Otherwise, they might have sat there another whole season with my false memories of them fitting just fine!<br /> My solution is to SYB and buy either a certain $$ amount per month, or season, or a one item a month like Queen Mum. Both force you to choose what's really worth spending your money on rather than just buying things that catch your fancy.<br /> Although I crashed the last 2 weeks of my SYC, I was still on budget in the overall scheme for the year and everything was on my list, so I was quite happy with my purchases. Another thought to the 'so many' items a month is that you don't end up with too many of any one trend that may then be passe the next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590365 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:35:34 +0000 harmonica 590365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea, Kirti! I'll keep that in mind for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590359 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:30:11 +0000 Kirti 590359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I havent read the above comments, but here are my two cents on your dilemma - there are some items that every season demands. Summer is especially tough, since layering is not an option and we need stand alone pieces. So why not do a seasonal SYB? That way, you can make a list of wardrobe holes and shop for what you really need, without breaking the bank! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590358 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:29:15 +0000 harmonica 590358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow - i'm impressed by how you arranged your photoes by love/like/meh/not worn! This is a super step forward and just think, if you hadn't been on SYC you might not have done this. Way to go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590357 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:26:08 +0000 harmonica 590357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice here, and I too think SYC until December sounds horribel if you are not in financial difficulties. Edit your closet + SYB and think thoroughly about what you have, what (and why) some items are loved + fill holes slowly and wisely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590326 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:56:30 +0000 rae 590326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, here's how I spent my morning so far! You probably can't see the details too well for these pics, but the columns are: </p> <p>Love it: calls out to be worn and feels fab every time.<br /> Like it: feels fab when it is not wrinkled / when I can style it / when I'm in the mood / when the stars align.<br /> Meh...: Mostly here for variety or color<br /> Have not worn yet</p> <p>I'm seeing very little loves for all the clothes I have! How sad, when you think of it that way. I clearly need to cut out the chaff in my shirt and skirt collections, and put in some time sewing up those pants I have planned. </p> <p>You all make good points about SYC, too. </p> <p>- SYC is hard. Yep. It is. And I think that was the point, initially. I wanted to punish myself for all the money I spent redoing the work wardrobe. Christieanne, you were dead on about the torture. But if I need punishing, then I wasn't really giving myself permission for the overhaul, right? I need to make better peace with shopping retail. </p> <p>- Shopping makes me happy - amen IK! I forget sometimes that fashion is a hobby that really enriches my life, brings me intelligent conversations, and makes me happy. It's not going to make me happier cutting it out of my life. </p> <p>- Seasons need attention! Why do I always forget this? I just looked, and I have 3(!) pairs of comfy summer shoes, two nude and one black. Maybe the yellow sneakers have a place here after all... ? And yeah, I have waterproofed all my leather boots, so I don't need the wellies. Even if they are lace ups. And come in purple. And are 70% off. ouuuuch... </p> <p>- Looking at what I have - Meredith, I'm in the same boat here. I think the photography has really, really helped. I'm looking at my "meh" category and wondering why the heck I have a meh category! </p> <p>- Budgeting and being picky - the latter I have down. The former I should think about. I'm a little two good at pulling money out of thin air to pay for my clothing - as much as I shop, it never strains my finances. Although maybe the extra pickiness will solve the budget part for me?</p> <p>Thank you for all of the insight! I think this is the start of something good. Fingers crossed... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590312 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:35:19 +0000 Meredith1953 590312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone has great advice. I am TRYING to SYC and evaluate functional holes and weed out duplicated items that I don't love or don't fit properly. It's hard because I have a small wardrobe to begin with but necessary if I want to have a cohesive wardrobe. I am also photographing and putting stuff on closetcouture as well as looking at Polyvore, Pinterest and of course YLF for inspiration. I am proceeding very cautiously and when I am sure I want a particular item and that it is both needed but a style I am comfortable with, then I feel much better about SYB. Lean and mean is becoming my motto. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590305 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:25:57 +0000 christieanne 590305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a really long season of summer coming up and SYC if you aren't prepared means you'll be stealing DH ts to sport as dresses. I think set a budget for summer prep/do the closet check first and then reevaluate. </p> <p>The all or nothing approach is torture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590297 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:10:35 +0000 goldenpig 590297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Here's a mini-rant from a fellow closet maximalist: Yes, we should all be grateful for what we have, but not paying attention to new items - when we appreciate and love fashion - is unrealistic. It's like telling a foodie to be grateful for unflavored chicken breast every day. Yes, it is nutritious and sustains life - but is it adding spice to life? Newp.</p> <p>That said, of course every new purchase needs to be evaluated! We would all benefit from being super selective."</p> <p>Amen to that, IK! Very well said! I'm a "closet maximalist" too and yet I still struggle with total SYC! I've cut way down on shopping though and that feels good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590293 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:05:46 +0000 ironkurtin 590293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's a mini-rant from a fellow closet maximalist: Yes, we should all be grateful for what we have, but not paying attention to new items - when we appreciate and love fashion - is unrealistic. It's like telling a foodie to be grateful for unflavored chicken breast every day. Yes, it is nutritious and sustains life - but is it adding spice to life? Newp.</p> <p>That said, of course every new purchase needs to be evaluated! We would all benefit from being super selective.</p> <p>So here's what I think, Rae: Not shopping for 9 months is a drastic change from your usual pattern and will be very hard to do. It will likely make you unhappy if you keep it up, and will make you feel like a failure if you "break" it.</p> <p>So don't go cold turkey. Go, I dunno, cold salsa. Have a budget of $ or of items, and be super, super picky.</p> <p>For example, of the things you list above, I would pass on the Wellies - you have other boots that can serve the same purpose. However, if you really need a new dress, pick the very best one you can afford and wear it to death.</p> <p>I am trying not to buy things until I know what my size will be in July, so I will be doing this right along with you. Be strong and be picky, sister! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jonesing-hard-on-syc-re-evaluating-or-rationalizing#post-590291 Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:04:11 +0000 goldenpig 590291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SYC till December sounds really harsh--what was your reason for going so long? Why do you need to do SYC as opposed to SYB? You are an amazing thrifter so maybe a limit on number of items and/or money spent might be more sustainable. </p>