https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:01:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2051882 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 21:00:33 +0000 cindysmith 2051882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with the ethics and impact of all the wardrobe churn that I deal with. I've just resigned myself to the fact that my lifestyle chews through clothes, and I will have to replace them. I do a lot of thrift and consignment shopping to help assuage my guilt a bit, and try to limit my brand-new purchases.</p> <p>As for wanting to feel HAPPY in your clothes, I totally get it. I get so sick of the men in my life mansplaining how frivolous "fashion" is, you know? So when I saw this quote on Instagram, I had to screen cap it and it has caused some of the mansplainers to see about it differently, so I'm going to drop it here for you. Hope it helps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050759 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 18:15:07 +0000 nemosmom 2050759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Sterling</b>, thank you for the kind words! And thank you for the shopping challenge - I have really learned so so much!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050725 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 14:51:49 +0000 Anonymous 2050725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are doing an amazing, AMAZING, job at tackling these issues.&nbsp; Do you have any idea how long it takes someone who is not as self aware as you to discover the imbalance in their wardrobe!!??&nbsp; You not only uncovered it, you immediately started to address it with solutions while be aware of wardrobe churn and environmental consequences!&nbsp; I commend you on so many different levels!&nbsp; I bow to you.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050722 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 14:38:50 +0000 nemosmom 2050722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b> - thank you! I shudder when I look at old photos of when the boys were babies. We went through a similar poor patch before my second son was born. Any extra money was spent on the kids (gear, clothes, etc) and I didn't feel like I needed 'stuff' like they did. I was still wearing some of my old maternity tops until last summer.</p> <p> <div><b>Shevia</b> - thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roxanna</b> - I am excited to follow your journey too! Yes to the impracticality of super nice clothes on the weekends - even though they are SOOOO much more polished....<br /></div><b>Bijou</b> - <i>"Wanting to feel good in practical and casual clothing was essential to maintaining a sense of self. "</i> <u>I am printing this out to hang in my closet!!</u>&nbsp; What a powerful statement... YES! A complete rethink is exactly what I've been trying to do. Establishing AND maintaining sense of self when your lifestyle drastically changes has been so very tricky for me. Cute skirts! Pumps! Blazers for days! Then, needing to dress for a day of running with the boys and getting frustrated that I had nothing to wear. I have really struggled to change my shopping habits - I still gravitate toward office wear when looking for new clothes - but I am <b>slowly</b> getting better at not buying those pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050712 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 14:03:43 +0000 Bijou 2050712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing that impresses me so much is that all these additions are perfect for your MOTG lifestyle. I know once I became a mother, my wardrobe needs changed drastically and required a complete rethink of my previous clothing. </p> <p>As much as I though pre-kids it would be 'giving up' to not wear silk blouses and heels - well reality kicked in and I was in denim and t-shirts - everything that could be thrown into the washing machine and required little to no ironing or fuss.</p> <p>Wanting to feel good in practical and casual clothing was essential to maintaining a sense of self. Yes, my style became more casual when I became a Mum, but I did not want lose my sense of style entirely, so my wardrobe had to evolve in the same way that as a person I evolved.&nbsp;</p> <p>I tend to buy in fits and bursts, so no need to beat yourself up about the July splurge, especially when they are purchases for your real life and not a fantasy life. I hope you relax and enjoy this great time, you are sure to look amazing in this new capsule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050704 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 13:12:45 +0000 Roxanna 2050704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi NM, I could have written a lot of this myself. Totally feel you in your MOTG quandary - my kids are 8 and 5, and I no longer want to live in lulus, but super nice clothes on the weekends are both impractical and inappropriate. I created a small weekend capsule of Ponte pants and big Cardis for winter and fresh and cotton midis for summer.</p> <p>I also feel your feelings on the wardrobe churn piece. I am going through a closet revamp now after donating many many things that had been on my mind for a while - but now my new purchases are weighing on me and I wonder if I should have made so many (I also can't resist a great sale.)</p> <p>Loved your point about donating pieces that require mental gymnastics to wear - that's a great filter. I'll be following your posts closely as we mirror each other's journeys! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050426 Sun, 04 Aug 2019 02:41:54 +0000 Jaime 2050426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your picks and your reasoning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050366 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 22:35:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 2050366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah Nemosmom it took me at least that long to buy some nicer stuff. I am embarrassed now at all the 90s leggings and long jumpers ( sweaters) that I wore even to work part time. And we had a poor patch when our third child was a baby- DH had bought his business and it was doing poorly initially for the first couple of years. I felt like we had no money. We borrowed more from the bank to get us through the hump in the end, and I did buy a couple of decent outfits which made me feel better. I think the kids were 7,4 and 1.<br /> Hopefully with this lovely haul you will feel in a better sartorial space and be able to make your way with the “middle ground”.<br /> I also LOLd at Sal’s Mum that will Go Away, so loudly that DH asked what was up! Enjoy the time while the boys still want you around!<br /> And being aware of the environmental impact will help you do better in that area going forward x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050271 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 15:06:48 +0000 nemosmom 2050271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great links, notsaf! Thank you</p> <p>LisaP - my boys just turned 5 and 7; you’d think I would be out of my fashion slob mess by now... ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050264 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 14:46:33 +0000 Anonymous 2050264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah - I thought that you were a new mom , sorry. &nbsp;And laughing at Mom that Will Go Away. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050260 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 14:35:58 +0000 notsaf 2050260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that sometimes the most important parts of our wardrobe are the most neglected, since realistic things are not always as much fun as other things (true in fashion as in other parts of life!).</p> <p>I’ve found a few other resource that are helpful to think with, including Anushka Reese’s “lifestyle analysis” (as a guide to what you really wear) and the notion of basics-for-you (as opposed to seasonal statement pieces) that comes out of the 5 piece French wardrobe. Links below.</p> <p>Love your additions, especially the footwear!</p> <p><a href="https://anuschkarees.com/blog/2014/10/01/rebuilding-your-wardrobe-on-a-budget-what-to-buy-first/" rel="nofollow">https://anuschkarees.com/blog/.....buy-first/</a></p> <p><a href="https://thelaurieloo.com/blog/5-piece-french-wardrobe" rel="nofollow">https://thelaurieloo.com/blog/.....h-wardrobe</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050250 Sat, 03 Aug 2019 13:47:46 +0000 nemosmom 2050250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Torontogirl</b> - thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LisaP</b> - I am sure you are NOT 100 years older than me!&nbsp; When the boys were little, I lived in Lulu's, UGGs, cardis, and puffer vests. When we moved to the midwest, it threw me! Snowy winters and hot, swampy summers are my sartorial nemesis.&nbsp; </p> <p><b>Sal</b> - I laughed out loud at "Mum that will Go Away"!! The shoe/bottom combos you list are interesting... I love the idea of dressing up denim with a nicer or dressier shoe, and dressing down a skirt with a sneaker... &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050114 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 23:06:15 +0000 Sal 2050114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice additions! I agree with Angie that buying in spurts can work well rather than one or two a month. I am trying to do that.</p> <p>While my sons are teens and sometimes prefer the Mum that will Go Away my needs are similar to MOTG- practical but smart shoes, layers, fabrics that are not too fussy!! I have decided if I wear jeans I am better in sandals or boots or shoes and if I wear a skirt sometimes sneakers make the look. Wear my leather jacket with Lululemon pants etc. </p> <p>I have just got home from rugby and am still in four layers plus a hat and fingerless gloves!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2050102 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 22:21:43 +0000 Anonymous 2050102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Even though I’m apparently 100 years older than you , I love everything here and would wear it all myself ! I’m trying to think back to my MOTG wardrobe , and remember that that’s when I started my big athleisure wear collection . I lived in Lulu tights , jackets , big cardigans and boots . I can really relate to your ethical dilemmas regarding wardrobe churn , donating , buying more and the whole order/return cycle . I’m very upset by my role in it , and am thinking deeply about how to stamp out my wastefulness once and for all . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049909 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 15:03:14 +0000 Helena 2049909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are great pieces! Can't wait to see how you put them together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049899 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:22:57 +0000 nemosmom 2049899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thank you <b>Runcarla</b>! I think a small soft black complement capsule will be plenty to scratch my itch - a couple of bottoms, jacket, and a pullover should do it. I love how it looks with olive, rust, and camel. I have a slate grey bootie and a black otk boot that have been<br /> collecting dust in my closet, so hopefully they will get more wear come Fall. Your story (and outfits) are really inspirational; it's comforting to hear it took you some time to sort it all out. I have hope!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Joy </b>- Thank you! The middle ground of casual is super tricky; such a fine balance between too much and too little effort. You have some great suggestions and I will definitely comb the archives for Angie's MOTG posts.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049838 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 03:49:31 +0000 Anonymous 2049838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nemosmom, I have been where you are not getting that middle ground of casual. Look at the archives for all of Angie’s blog posts on MOTG outfits. I learned so much. A great fitting pair of non-distressed jeans can be fab with a blazer and booties. Think woven fabrics rather than knits, especially tee shirts and loafers, oxfords or booties or even fashion sneakers rather than athletic sneakers.. Add some simple jewelry. I started with gold or white gold hoop earrings, and maybe a great bracelet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049834 Fri, 02 Aug 2019 03:21:18 +0000 Carla 2049834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooooh! Great hat, NM. I like the way you are going with your colours - especially olive and camel - and hope you don't go too far over to the dark side (black). </p> <p>Don't beat yourself up about exceeding your (overly austere) garment aquisition #. It is going to take a while to settle into your new-to-you lifestyle and there is going to be some emotional work around that as well as some fashion study work (great blog links, BTW - thanks!) I was thinking about my changing lifestyle well before I retired (one of the reasons I joined YLF) but it still took me another 8 months before I figured out what I wanted to FEEL and LOOK like going forward. I know I was blindsided by how charged with (negative) emotions some of my clothes had become!</p> <p>You will get it sorted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049763 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 22:13:04 +0000 nemosmom 2049763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks, <b>suntiger</b>! I do like the mixability of the pieces and the colors will work with all my fall/winter stuff, too. I feel hopeful.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b> - I am such a Bitter Betty in Summer I don't like being slathered in sunscreen and sweating at the ball fields. Summer fashion is very uninspiring in the suburb I'm in - most MOTG are wearing short athletic shorts and tanks. I am thankful that the summer season is relatively short... thank you for the kudos and for the wealth of information in the blog archives. These have been my favorites of late: <br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2016/07/21/every-casual-wardrobe-needs-a-smart-casual-capsule/">https://youlookfab.com/2016/07.....l-capsule/</a></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/12/07/how-to-break-out-of-a-style-rut/">https://youlookfab.com/2015/12.....style-rut/</a></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2006/08/01/closet-cleanup/">https://youlookfab.com/2006/08/01/closet-cleanup/</a></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2014/11/20/daily-outfit-variety-and-your-style/">https://youlookfab.com/2014/11.....our-style/</a><br /></div><br /><div><b>Bonnie</b> - I could see the browns and beiges being a great addition for you.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LaPed</b> - Thanks! The hat has become an almost-daily addition. I am hoping the churn slows.... so wasteful :(<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049716 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:01:05 +0000 LaPed 2049716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love that sun hat and the Mother flares! Very much in keeping with your Cali-cool goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't like churn either; it feels so wasteful. Even mailing back returns makes me feel guilty sometimes! But passing things on is much less wasteful than letting them sit in your closet unworn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049693 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 18:12:01 +0000 Bonnie 2049693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job updating your wardrobe. I particularly like your brown/beige additions. I've been thinking of adding those colors to my wardrobe, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049690 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:55:22 +0000 Angie 2049690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Despite my laughter, let me reiterate that you did SO WELL. These are <i>excellent</i> wardrobe conclusions. You are more focussed by the week, and I'm proud of you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now that you've ACCURATELY identified your wardrobe holes AND a style shift, you can attend and pander to them. All a work in progress, and you are doing great.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with <b>Suntiger. </b>Some of my clients buy A LOT at&nbsp;once a few times a&nbsp;year&nbsp;and&nbsp;leave it at that because they're shopping with me. We make make sure that what we buy in that session works together. It's a good shopping strategy because clients go home with complete outfits.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049687 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:48:58 +0000 Angie 2049687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>"As the weather got hotter, and my mood got crappier, I didn't take or post as many WIW's, BUT I was able to sort through why those unworn pieces weren't working for me"</i></p> <i><br /> </i> <p><i></i>You crack me up :)<i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049666 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:00:30 +0000 Anonymous 2049666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well it looks like a perfect little MOTG capsule-good job Practical and very mixable! Honestly it's often better to add several things at once instead of piecemail. Then you know they'll work together.<br /> I completely understand about the conditional clothing. I have a lot too: requires a cami or slip, must be feeling thin, can't wear at my pickier office, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/july-update-shopping-and-wearing-challenges#post-2049663 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 16:48:52 +0000 nemosmom 2049663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>July proved to be a crazy month. For Sal's "wear everything" challenge, I committed to wear my summer clothes that never get worn. As the weather got hotter, and my mood got crappier, I didn't take or post as many WIW's, BUT I was able to sort through why those unworn pieces weren't working for me. Most were conditional clothing items - those pieces that come with a mental load of prerequisites that I no longer want to keep track of - and I happily, ruthlessly edited them out. I also learned that even after my <i>Great Wardrobe Overhaul</i> of last year, <b>I still feel like I lack the RIGHT pieces for my MOTG life</b>. I have lots of dressy pieces and even more rags (chore clothes), but the middle ground feels off balance - that explains why I feel either overdressed or overly sloppy on most days. So, I significantly reduced my chore clothes and moved all dressier separates to a different closet. I have been re-organizing and editing, and seeing an obvious style shift with what is left. I find myself craving the grounding effect and edginess of black for the first time in well over a decade, but I'll save my thoughts on shifting style for a separate post...<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>Which leads me to the shopping challenge I committed to in January - <b>I officially fell off the wagon in July</b>, editing out 22 items and adding 14. That would be fine, except I committed to only 12 purchases for the entire year. I see now that was an unrealistic goal, given my lifestyle change in the spring, and especially now, sensing a style shift with my casual day-to-day clothes. </p> <p>I am struggling emotionally with the wardrobe churn - getting rid of things simply because I don't like them, or they don’t “suit” me, and then turning around and buying more things... I think about the environmental and ethical impact, and try to be mindful about recycling and donating, but it still bothers me a lot. Still, I want to feel HAPPY in what I am wearing, and how I am presenting myself, and am trying HARD to stay focused and patient as I add and edit. </p> <p>NAS didn't suck me in as much as I thought it would (I added only a pair of loafers; tried and returned the popular Paige bootcuts and a metallic sandal), but "Clear the Rack" at Nordstrom Rack was another story... I can't say no to great fitting jeans at crazy-low prices.... they are my kryptonite.  Outside of Rack, I added a sun hat and two lightweight sweaters, replaced some white tees, and re-ordered the AllSaints moto I regretted returning in June.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Huge thanks to Sal and Sterling for kicking off these challenges. I have learned (and am learning) SO MUCH.<br /> </div> </p>