YouLookFab Forum » Topic: June Shopping Challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: June Shopping Challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 16:56:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038474 Thu, 27 Jun 2019 01:00:24 +0000 Anonymous 2038474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Big picture approach then Lisa :) When you look at your closet, are there pieces that stand out-either "yes I really love this" or it's so different than the rest and feels like a failed experiment. What unifies the yesses vs. the no's? Could you order them-most "you" to least? Angie on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038447 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 23:21:16 +0000 Angie 2038447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I'd never have guessed it in a billion years, so thanks for taking the time to write down and share your thoughts. I hope you're doing better than you were a month ago, and that life is easier at the moment.  Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038441 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:24:40 +0000 Anonymous 2038441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha suntiger - you give me too much credit. I’m simply lazy and disorganized , and chafe at rules I don’t make at the best of times I also think challenges and counting and tracking appeal to detail -oriented people , which I am decidedly NOT . Big picture thinker here ,which trips me up all.the.time Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038426 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:13:22 +0000 Anonymous 2038426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Lisa remember it's Your numbers and Your rules of what counts and doesn't. The idea isn't deprivation or punishment-just mindfulness and prioritizing and making sure the purchases are right for you. Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038423 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:08:02 +0000 Anonymous 2038423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for understanding, Fashintern.  I knew you would!!! What a wonderful post you wrote, LisaP!  Thank you for taking the time. I want to assure you that you have never, ever written anything that caused me negative emotions.  Because I know you are not a numbers person, to hear that you have an open mind to challenges and numbers delights me.  Keep reading.  Perhaps one day you will join us in a challenge.  You will obviously get a lot of support from like minded people.   Eleven does sound about right, Jane!  I didn't realize Christmas was so close.  I'll be counting the weeks now!  Like a child.   Thank you, KKards.  You always make me feel so happy.   Angie -- I am so glad you understood that you were influential in my challenge.  It is sometimes hard to put into words how much I gain from you and your experience.   Stagiaire Fash on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038406 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 18:57:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2038406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jane, your comment on how close Christmas is frightens me! Sterling, I understand completely what you mean about the values people attach to wardrobe numbers. And it’s very typical of you to want to step far away from that. Thanks for being you. Enjoy the fruits of your discipline! Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038404 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 18:50:10 +0000 Anonymous 2038404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is all very interesting .  I'm not one for challenges , counting, anything like that, BUT,  something about your comments to Angie and how her systems and goals etc were inspiring to you...really hit me.  Purposely making the challenge difficult and then sticking to it - when let's face it: the markers could be moved at anytime you felt like it - to see if you could do it....well that is pretty darn cool.  I also like the concept of saving  special purchases as rewards for something .  I think I could learn a lot and achieve a lot from a numbers challenge, and from keeping big splurges as rewards for getting my wardrobe right. Mine is a hot disaster at the best of times - and you are really inspiring me to get my s&*t together.  I'm also interested in your experience with negative reactions in the past to posting wardrobe numbers.  I hate that too - as it never seems to reflect what we want it to. Too many clothes and you're seen as a dilettante. Small wardrobe lovers  can come off as "holier than thou" as you say.  Anyways, sorry you experienced that. I sure hope I didn't contribute to it. Jane on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038398 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 17:52:52 +0000 Jane 2038398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love those pants Sterling, they are STUNNING! Fab purchase. Thank you for the numbers! 11 sounds just right. So you can buy something every other week until Christmas. That sounds like great fun! I will be cheering you on every step of the way! Perfect! Can’t wait to see the next purchase. kkards on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038394 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 17:30:51 +0000 kkards 2038394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling...i just want to say that i always look foward to your posts, you make me think and assess and evalueation....looking foward to seeing what you reward your self with for making it to July 1st....and love the cropped pants! Angie on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038384 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 15:26:37 +0000 Angie 2038384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I just read your response. Thanks for the generous compliment. I had no idea I inspired your challenge in some small way.... I'm VERY happy you're wearing your entire wardrobe for the first time - and enjoying it. That MADE MY DAY. Well done. Totally worthy of the wide crops you rewarded yourself with Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038357 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:27:31 +0000 Anonymous 2038357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Fashintern -- I do have a count of items by category ... across all categories.  I posted the actual numbers recently on someone else's thread.  I took that information down after reading a comment about people, small wardrobes, and holier-than-thou attitudes.  I was embarrassed and will never post numbers on YLF again.   Suffice it to say, I have plenty of clothing to get dressed for all the activities I participate in.  The actual numbers don't matter. Thanks RobinF.  So nice to see you.   Stagiaire Fash on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038355 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 13:18:30 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2038355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know your wardrobe was extremely small and you’ve been growing it carefully, but I’ve forgotten the numbers. Do you mind filling us in? My guess is that it’s just under the 40-ish items my son has (for the whole year). I love the cut of those pants, want to thrift /buy at consignment similar, in lightweight fabric with a “me” pattern, whatever that is. RobinF on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038342 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 12:23:20 +0000 RobinF 2038342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Late here but wanted to say congrats on such careful and thorough planning and shopping! I am impressed! I also love the idea of "rewards" being something like a bag or jewelry - something to enjoy and use for a long time. Jenni NZ on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038328 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 10:05:04 +0000 Jenni NZ 2038328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes I figured it had filled in somewhat but I am sure is still not anywhere near as large as mine It sounds really functional and actually great. Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038322 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:43:25 +0000 Anonymous 2038322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Jenni!  I have high hopes for them.  My weight has been fluctuating about five pounds up and down.  These would fit best when the weight is five pounds down.  Regardless I have quite hopeful.   Look how cute the shoes are with the pants!  I would buy both if I thought the shoes would be wide enough for me feet!  Adorable.   I want to take a moment to tell you that my wardrobe has filled in since the Great Purge of 2018.  It is still small but I seem to have everything I need and am quite happy with it right now.   Jenni NZ on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038321 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:38:19 +0000 Jenni NZ 2038321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow just came back to the forum and saw this! What awesome pants! Olive, one of my fave colours ( though I see they call them “loden”, whatever that is... will have to Google it). Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038320 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:32:58 +0000 Anonymous 2038320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Jane!  I did the math.  It should have been simple addition.  For some reason, the math gave me trouble.   Here is what I finally calculated. Based on my new parameters, I have purchased 25 items that count against the gaol of 36 items.  That means I have 11 slots remaining.  To celebrate I bought these pants from Nordstorm.  Love the color.  Love the stying.   I am also going to implement the "reward" idea.  When I have achieved a "milestone" victory in my life (like surviving until July 1), I will allow myself one substantive reward that will not be counted against the 36 items.  The reward has to be meaningful to me.  That means it could be a new bag or jewelry.  It can't be a simple top or pair of black slacks.  Jane on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge/page/2#post-2038315 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 06:22:23 +0000 Jane 2038315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done with the analysis and keeping within your boundaries. Following your adjustment I think you have 9 (maybe more?) purchases left? Shopping for bags sounds very appealing! Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038247 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 20:11:38 +0000 Anonymous 2038247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to see you, Nemosmom!   I hope all is well with you and your Family.   nemosmom on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038212 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:45:04 +0000 nemosmom 2038212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am late to comment, but wanted to pop in to say WELL DONE! You have been extremely disciplined so far, but it's good that you are allowing yourself a wee bit of wiggle room. You are off the crazy shop/return cycle, your whole wardrobe is not only cohesive, but it's working AND you are wearing it!!!!! I am taking notes! Brooklyn on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038033 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:47:12 +0000 Brooklyn 2038033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay Sterling! I am glad you are adjusting your rules a little. Small victories in life are important. Congratulations on doing so well. Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038016 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:04:53 +0000 Anonymous 2038016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree wholeheartedly, Suntiger.   Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038011 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:58:26 +0000 Anonymous 2038011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Glad you adjusted your rules :) I could've wrote all that about shopping as a hobby/justifying cause it was on sale, etc too! To me a number limit is much better at slowing the inflow than a $ budget. Last year I spent a lot (to me), and bought a lot, and most was on sale. The item limit reins in the spending naturally, especially if you have an amount you're comfortable spending per type of item. Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2038003 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:40:22 +0000 Anonymous 2038003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RunCarla -- You are right.  I do think that one of the biggest challenges is to love our wardrobe choices and get them Into rotation.  This last part was something that always eluded me.  With the small size of my wardrobe, I have been forced to wear everything I own.  For the first time ever I can enjoy wearing the clothing I bought and love.  I am really proud of this and hope it continues for the rest of my life.   Jaileen -- You made me laugh.  For one brief second, I considered excluding gear and loungewear!  My purchases could probably be counted on one hand then!   BJ1111 -- Once you pointed out the discrepancy between counting bras and not counting underwear, it did seem strange.  I decided to omit all foundation items (socks, bras, and underwear).  That makes the challenge a lot easier.  It makes more sense too.   SarahD8 -- You get me.  Disciplined shopping brings me joy! For too long I was on a shopping/returning treadmill.  It got exhausting for me. It drained the joy out of shopping and made me dread going to the mall.  That has changed.  I have a new freedom that I have never had before. I can buy to my heart's delight, but those purchases have to be carefully chosen and fit within a defined plan.  I think in the past I bought indiscriminately because I always knew I could return the purchases.  I did a lot of sales shopping that resulted in really bad decisions.  Yet, they were on sale!  How could that be bad?  It was bad because it led to a bloated wardrobe and despite the sheer volume of clothing I owned I couldn't get dressed in the morning.  That was a major red light for me.  That is what ultimately led me to YLF and the Forum.  Sal on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037999 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:34:08 +0000 Sal 2037999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay - this sounds perfect Sterling!!  I am pleased you are wearing everything in your closet and feeling good about it - this is a sign of success.  And I think your slightly revised goals will allow to you to continue to achieve that.   And rewards are important - something I could build in as well. Jenn on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037997 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:32:37 +0000 Jenn 2037997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "For too long in my history I always "saved" my best for "good." Today I am wearing my entire wardrobe. For. The. First. Time. Ever." This made me so happy! Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037996 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:28:48 +0000 Anonymous 2037996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Kkards. You are very wise and  always benefit from that wisdom.  I sometimes get so close to the trees that I literally fail to see the forest. Your suggestion to not only check in on my progress towards my goals but also to check on the relevancy of the goal itself was excellent. I thought long and hard about what you wrote and I modified my challenge to exclude “foundation” items such as socks, bras, and underwear. I added in a reward component to celebrate small successes through the rest of year.   Suntiger — You hit upon why I am including gear and loungewear as part of my challenge. It forces me to consider and value those items as much as my “day” clothes. I spend a lot of time in lounge clothes. I want them to be as carefully thought out as my work wardrobe. This challenge forces me to think about them just as carefully. Brooklyn — Resetting the challenge to include joyful rewards is a wonderful idea. I have been working exceptionally hard this year.  Based on comments on this thread, I decided to mark some of those small victories with a substantive reward.  That reward will not come out of my "wardrobe" budget and will not count against my 36 items.  It will be something that makes me feel good about myself and my achievements.  Thanks, Jenn. I am going to continue to count gear and lounge wear. I am not going to count foundation items such as underwear, bras, or socks. That means I can subtract four items (two pair of socks in January, two new bras in June). My new total is 25. (And yes, we are brilliant at rationalization).  Waves at Fashintern. It has been much too long. I hope all is well with you and your son.   It is good to know that you and I are in much the same place, Sal. I am in good company. I decided not to count foundation items such as underwear, bras, or socks. That brings me to a new total of 25 items.  That leaves me with 11 items for the remainder of the year. I feel this is very doable …. even in the wardrobe rebuild phase.   Thank you, Jenni. I never doubted that the Forum would support me if I suddenly changed my challenge parameters (but it is nice of you to say so).  The truth is I wanted to cut back on the shopping/returning treadmill. I thought this type of challenge would really force me to think carefully before I purchase.  And it has!!!   I am incredibly proud of the wardrobe additions I made in 2019. Everything is cohesive!  I have developed several microcapsules that make me really proud. The joy of getting dressed is returning.  And the best thing is that I am literally wearing my entire wardrobe. For too long in my history I always "saved" my best for "good."  Today I am wearing my entire wardrobe.  For.  The.  First.  Time.  Ever.   Thank you, Angie. I think I made this challenge purposely hard because I wanted to use the challenge to force me to think about all my purchases and how they go come together as a whole. I have seen you do this in many different aspects of your life and admired that trait from afar. This challenge has made me do something very similar.  It takes work and commitment to stay on a path.  This challenge is helping make that commitment.   Hi Style Fan. Congratulations on not buying anything in June!!!   YAY You.  I do get dressed every single day for work! People tell me I look good so something is working for me!  In fact, now that I have added in some pink and light blue, people are raving about how good I look.  Perhaps I had veered a bit too dark earlier this year.  Much better aligned now.   Liz — You are completely right. I am the one setting the rules. This challenge has allowed me the opportunity to stop shopping as a hobby. It has forced me to develop a set of buying guidelines or rules that have worked really well for 2019. I have literally moved off the shopping/returning treadmill and I am far better for this decision. I don’t think my wardrobe is suffering because it is has been very carefully chosen.  As I mention above, I am literally wearing my entire wardrobe (rather than saving it for good) for the first time in my life.  It has been somewhat life changing.   Bijou — I am no longer going to count bras or socks. I will continue to count gear and loungewear.  That brings the new total to 25 (with 11 available purchases for the rest of the year).  I will also allow myself "reward" purchases to celebrate small victories in life.   Yes, Taylor, I have finally reached the stage that I can shop for wardrobe items that spark joy. YAY. Bonnie — I admire the fact you added in a budget component. Well done. I considered it only briefly.  I was willing to go into 2019 with a upper buying limit but not a budget limit.  I wasn't sure what I would be needing and I didn't want the additional stress of worrying about budget.  I haven't had been constrained by a wardrobe budget since 2018 when I started to lose weight.  Dangerous, I know.   Jenn on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037850 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 03:33:22 +0000 Jenn 2037850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like you, I'm counting gear and lounge as part of my challenge, so I totally get wanting to stick to the parameters you set. I am with SarahD8, though. Allowing yourself to go over your limit only as a reward makes it a true reward! (I'm also with those who say that, at the very least, bras should count as underwear, too.) We are all very good at finding loopholes, aren't we? Brooklyn on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037815 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 22:13:14 +0000 Brooklyn 2037815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, well done! I don’t see the harm in allowing yourself an occasional, well thought out, non-utilitarian purchase, especially if you are going through a tough time. Could you reset the challenge with some “joyful” reward points along the way. Allow yourself say one purchase every couple of months that is “extra” and not to be spent on basics (assuming your overall goals are met)? I think it’s important to have markers that you look forward to achieving and to celebrate achieving them. Anonymous on "June Shopping Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-shopping-challenge#post-2037769 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 17:13:45 +0000 Anonymous 2037769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Totally agree that basics don't count! I'm personally including gear (except socks and sports bras) in my challenge, to ensure I'm valuing it equally to my "regular clothes", but not hosery/ socks/bras/knickers/sleepwear. Agreeing with kkards to reevaluate too as needed. The main point of it was to be sure the right and needed things, and the things that spark joy, are coming in. The "fillers", the impulse buys, the meh become much less a temptation when it's a choice between that and the thing we really wanted.