https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:41:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-615180 Tue, 08 May 2012 18:28:07 +0000 Mo 615180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps as atonement for my active shorts purchase, I am continuing to slowly purge a piece here and an item there for my upcoming swap Wed. :)<br /> I am feeling okay with getting rid of just okay stuff that is still useful but not ideal. Before, it had to be years outdated and unworn before I could part, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-615132 Tue, 08 May 2012 17:37:29 +0000 Transcona Shannon 615132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Confession's good for the soul Zapotee! Will we see it in some pics?</p> <p>Sounds like you're staying strong Sarah - I just went for a quick lunch hour run myself so as not to go shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-615086 Tue, 08 May 2012 16:54:27 +0000 Anonymous 615086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm coming clean. I crashed and burned with a green bag this morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-615029 Tue, 08 May 2012 15:37:38 +0000 Sarah A 615029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty good... I went for a run instead of my usual consignment morning Wedensday. I did ebay a coach handbag for 21.76 ($12.50 plus shipping) so i guess that is my May money. Ill have to join chrstieanne on no more ebay. Glad my next bottle of dye arrived so i can get back to working on my green purse i am making, which is satisfying and keeps me busy (off the computer)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614884 Tue, 08 May 2012 12:47:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christieanne, Deborah &amp; Jayne - you should all be so proud of yourselves! And you are completely right - staying out of the stores/not going online is key to success I think. We don't want what we don't see!</p> <p>Kirti - looks like YLFers will be buying tons of blouses this season! Many have posted lately about the blouse hole in their wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614853 Tue, 08 May 2012 12:05:00 +0000 Kirti 614853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I have a blouse/shirt hole too! After wearing only t shirts for years, I find myself craving them. I have bought three this month though, a cream lace top, a brown and yellow printed blouse and a white shirt/blouse. I now want to move on to some summery t shirts and tanks, plus maybe a dress or two. Of course, I am SYB, not SYC but all your stories and epiphanies made me chime in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614802 Tue, 08 May 2012 09:51:49 +0000 jayne 614802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I so agree Deborah, it is staying away from the stores that is hard. I cannot do online so although RAE posted the most wonderful boots in the world, it is too much of a chance to buy, have mom ship to Norway, then try them on and hope they fit. Yup, no online for me.</p> <p>But I have spent my time rewearing outfits I like and trying to tweak them to outfits I love. It helps me figure out what the real holes are! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614789 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:43:09 +0000 Deborah 614789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed this post!! </p> <p>Love reading how this is going for everyone.</p> <p>I have found it challenging but in a good way. The holes (wants) I have noted are like evryone else, blouses, and apart from my jeans, all my winter pants are black. I need some colored pants (not jeans) for the office. Aside from that I realise that most of my perceived needs/wardrobe holes are actually wants.</p> <p>Im in agreement with Christieanne, if I stay away from the stores Im fine, but once I am there it is so hard to resist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614293 Mon, 07 May 2012 19:21:50 +0000 christieanne 614293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did really well! Very proud of myself actually - the trick is to ---- wait for it -----stay out of stores! I am not an online shopper (I browse but don't order since I really need to try on and have no attention span for waiting) so that is easy enough. If I stay off etsy and ebay, I'm good. </p> <p>I took a bunch of things from DD closet to a friend's and a few of my shoes and bags that were going to donate pile anyway in case she might want them. She scooped them up and then gave me some vintage heels. I have not worn those yet but love the swap. </p> <p>DD and I went with my father to a big festival in SF this weekend (tons of booths and crafts and things) that we usually attend. I gave her $20 which she spent on some books and a tshirt but my own $20 stayed in my pocket. Nothing jumped out out at me. We ate well (understatement) but otherwise no shopping :0 and enjoyed the entertainment and seeing old friends. </p> <p>I am still planning to hunt down my kirta tunic either this week or next, but otherwise no major holes that I "need" to fill. Checking in on my consignments tomorrow so maybe i will have a credit to use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614265 Mon, 07 May 2012 18:50:52 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent shopping strategy Denise! I think reading your post the biggest thing that comes to mind is that you are not keeping any purchases that aren't perfect. That's HUGE - and a lesson I'm still working on learning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614259 Mon, 07 May 2012 18:42:34 +0000 CocoLion 614259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not on SYC but watching the May Madness project here on YLF! What I *am* doing, for the first time, is keeping track of my purchases.</p> <p>Returned three items to Nordstrom today (via mail), for $75 credit.<br /> Returned shoes to MyHabit: $70 credit. This will mean I have a $250 credit on MyHabit/Amazon, which I plan to use to buy sandals.<br /> Purchased $128 worth of summer dresses on 6pm.<br /> Called 6pm to get them to apply a $22 credit to my debit cad that was pending.</p> <p>So I'm about $31 up, as I am not counting the math with MyHabit since it's just a merchandise credit not cash/debit.</p> <p>I wasn't going to buy the dresses but there was a thread about how hard it is to find summer dresses (NancyLee) and that got me thinking that I better scoop some up before they are gone. Mine are last year's styles from Three Dots, we'll see how they work out.</p> <p>Just giving you a glimpse of my shopping logic. MaryK we have the same technique. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614225 Mon, 07 May 2012 18:08:35 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK - your 'splaining makes perfect sense to me. It really is considered an April purchase - and I can hardly wait to see pics of The Cutest Purse in the World!</p> <p>Lisa - wow, that is a plan that completely makes sense. I'm impressed!</p> <p>Zap - you're still within your personal plan so all is ok!</p> <p>Mo - fabulous revelations...keep 'em coming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614197 Mon, 07 May 2012 17:33:26 +0000 Mo 614197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Join me up with the ranks who have blouse holes in their closets . . . but I've known this for a few months now.<br /> I have held to my SYC and even sold a shirt of the BF's on eBay to get me out of the hole I'd carved into June's budget by the end of last month. So I am right even with my $83 per month allottment with the snakeskin print jacket and Gap pants on their way to complete my interview capsule. I also received both Lyn*'s LBD and the casual woven zip front black dress last week, so I'm not feeling deprived at all.</p> <p>I have been in a bigger purge mode this last month. I am digging out old yoga clothes and loungewear, shoes that I'm merely holding onto lo these years later, but not really wearing. I pulled a perfectly fine BR ballet neck black top I'd worn twice to put in the pile. Time for it to GO! If I'm not wearing it at least a few times a year, why have it? That's my biggest revelation this week - I really can let go and it will be okay lol. I historically am a terrible purger but I'm getting better.<br /> Another revelation is that I don't have to 'hunt down' every hole I have. Another item I purged is the red BR top in my profile pic. Just a tad too small and a tad too orangey. I have been looking for a red blouse for 2 months now and have a few contenders. But . . . if they are not great, but rather 'filling the hole', I may likely be purging my choice come next season. Better to wait for the right one to come along and do without a red blouse for another month, or 2, or 3.<br /> I'm also pulling out needle and thread to shorten straps here, lengthen an elastic waist there. Why have 'almosts' when you can make them 'just rights' with a nip here and a tuck there?!</p> <p>That's all from my revelation corner so far! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614175 Mon, 07 May 2012 17:09:07 +0000 Anonymous 614175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am doing Ok with a confession. I had to get the blouse Rae bought ( the orange one) in yellow. I have been looking for a yellow blouse for AGES. I think I have used up my $100, so it is window shopping for the rest of the month. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614171 Mon, 07 May 2012 16:59:12 +0000 ManidipaM 614171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, Lisa, I like your idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614163 Mon, 07 May 2012 16:52:16 +0000 Lisa 614163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been doing a "one shopping day a month" trend these past few months. Anytime I feel like shopping I try to create a new outfit in my closet, identify any wardrobe holes I have and browse online to see which stores have something that strike my fancy. Then one day, midway in the month, I go out and pick up a few items at one carefully chosen store. And stick to one in/one out with my purchases. This has been tiding me over until the next month. And keeping me one track because if I let myself loose too long in the mall, I may end up in trouble. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614152 Mon, 07 May 2012 16:42:10 +0000 MsMary 614152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, I have some 'splaining to do, but I can indeed, uh, 'splain!</p> <p>Remember I said I bought a Kate Spade purse on eBay the last week in April? Well, it arrived and because the seller hadn't packed it properly, it was crushed and didn't look new any more and I had to return it for a refund.</p> <p>So... yesterday I went to a showcase design house here in town, and they had a shopping area with all kinds of design-y goodies, and The Cutest Purse In The World jumped off the shelf and said "buy me!" and it was 1/3 less expensive than the Kate I'd returned, and I figured if I bought it it wouldn't really be a May purchase, it would be a replacement for the April handbag purchase, and in any event it's, like The Cutest Purse In The World and it's made by an obscure Canadian designer and if I didn't buy it right then I would never see it again, and... well, Reader, I bought it. I'll post a photo in today's WIW.</p> <p>Other than that, though, I have been SYC-ing up a storm! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614136 Mon, 07 May 2012 16:20:45 +0000 lyn* 614136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ dianthus - Oooh. I love super soft cardigans! I will be sure to check them out after I move </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614115 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:37:38 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dianthus - yes, yes I do!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614113 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:32:36 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 614113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Shannon who did not heed the call to the BB sale!! Do you now see the error of your ways?? Just teasing you of course. </p> <p>I noted a few button shirt needs posted. I have found the same thing and wonder if it is a shift in style/trend that I had more knit wear and now want more structure.</p> <p>Lyn, I'm not sure if you have ever checked Lands End but they often have free shipping even to Canada and the returns are easy too. They have a superfine supima cotton cardi that comes in tons of colors. Even though their sizes are big, they do come in XS so might work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614111 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:26:41 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lyn- navy is indeed a great neutral, so this is a great observation!</p> <p>Jem - way to go! You're doing well.</p> <p>Rae - don't beat yourself up about the blouse or the boots. Both are great and versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Not making any purchasing mistakes is just as important as not buying at all in my book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614099 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:11:25 +0000 rae 614099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yarg you know I didn't make it! I saw I was in the blouse hole club almost immediately w/0my ombre skirt... Anf then I found the perfect one immediately and couldn't let go. That was fine since it was an exchange but there is no explaining the steampunk boots! I am working hard listing things on ebay to hopefully get back in the green - a surprise $20 did show up from an easter card that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614073 Mon, 07 May 2012 14:19:14 +0000 Jem 614073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So far, so good, for me. Partly because I don't really have time to shop. Although, I did pick up a leopard belt last week at Winners, I just remembered. That is something on my "list" of items I need. I'm looking for a purse for my b-day next month, but haven't found one yet--just a belt. Anyway, I'm happy with my success so far (even with the belt). Thanks Shannon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614070 Mon, 07 May 2012 14:16:32 +0000 lyn* 614070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is frustrating for me; I have been digging up receipts to make returns on stuff that I cannot bear to see in my closet (which is good!) because I don't want to be "stuck" with them for a month - probably a sign they should go back anyway!</p> <p>Having struggles with the shoe department; the others had a toe box that was too narrow that I could not forgive; so I took them back. Trying to use credit to buy something in a hurry (stressful!)</p> <p>Glaring holes for me so far:<br /> 1. Summery cardigans<br /> 2. Solid coloured dresses<br /> 3. Jeans<br /> 4. Navy things<br /> 5. Shoes for grad!</p> <p>Observations:<br /> 1. Navy is such a wonderful basic!<br /> 2. I look good in navy!<br /> 3. Why do I not have navy things?!!</p> <p>:) Thanks for keeping us "on track", Shannon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614060 Mon, 07 May 2012 13:41:12 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne - good for you for getting the blouse! I don't think SYC should be completely limiting. There are things on our wish lists that are actual needs as well.</p> <p>Sona - yeah, just before your birthday may not have been the best idea (lol)!</p> <p>Manidipa - your frustrations are completely legitimate! And I completely understand the second guessing of the sale purchases. I've been feeling that way quite a bit lately as well. Maybe we're buying too often out of desperation? I totally agree that the support through the forum has been very helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614051 Mon, 07 May 2012 13:27:18 +0000 ManidipaM 614051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, after a fairly frustrating April shop, I practically *rushed* to fill a few top-shaped holes on 1 May after stumbling into a 'Sale!' notice and got a pair of metallic sandals (to plug the metallic shoe, sandal, and nude shoe gaps for a bit). That's four tops and a pair of shoes, which isn't bad considering the woe-is-me cry of April!</p> <p>Trouble is, my got some shopper's reward points --- by way of store vouchers. More tops seem to be peeking over the horizon! I could use a couple of woven soft blouses for work to go under jackets, over jeans and harem pants, or tucked into/belted over skirts. As opposed to button-downs (covered for those) or tunics.</p> <p>And of course, you know I narrowly averted getting an overdraft (June budget!) yesterday for those red suede loafers I was eyeing.</p> <p>It has not been hard, just mildly frustrating. The hardest challenges this week have been, in order:<br /> (1) finding a top I'd been stalking for ages, last piece on sale, and *walking away* until the bank balance was topped up, knowing it might be gone when I returned<br /> (2) finding black pants (been after a pair for ages), getting YLF's and Angie's blessings on the non-traditional fabrication, and not being able to afford them right away<br /> (3) second-guessing myself (again!) on the sale purchases and feeling less than confident in my shopping eye (do they *really* work? what if they don't? why do I keep making mistakes? why can't I see what's wrong with them right away? what a *waste*... again!)<br /> (4) accepting that the shoes I want will have to wait if I buy the pants I want, and vice versa; and knowing both are worth two months' budgets, so BOTH should really wait for now (unless I strike lucky and find cheaper options that work)<br /> (5) knowing X, Y or Z item that I don't have would work ever so well with new purchase A, B or C --- and knowing they are not even on the horizon of hopefulness! But hey, at this point, I figure I'm ahead of the game if I don't introduce new orphans or 'too good' clothes that I shelve for ages!</p> <p>However, thanks to the May Madness, there's been a lot of SYC/B-supportive threads and thoughts floating around the forum, as well as anti-enabling sensitivity. That's *really* helped a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614035 Mon, 07 May 2012 12:59:37 +0000 Sona 614035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not confessing anything yet ( don't want to derail it for anyone else) but participating the month before my birthday was probably not wise. My birthday outfit arrived ( from april) but needed accessories. My mom sent me birthday money early...<br /> per se I end up even but still...</p> <p>...oh well I'm still in with modifications: no shopping may 7th-31st for clothing/accessories for moi. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614033 Mon, 07 May 2012 12:49:04 +0000 jayne 614033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did great at first, only spent 30 NOK (with 20 left over) on thread. And then, I found a blouse at H&amp;M that has been on my wish list for a year. Just had to get it. </p> <p>Better luck next week?</p> <p>Funny about blouses, they are my wardrobe hole too. I have been steadily filling it since Jan...and now think only Navy blue and/or emerald green one is left to find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/may-madness-check-in---end-of-week-1#post-614030 Mon, 07 May 2012 12:45:03 +0000 Transcona Shannon 614030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I have survived week 1 of May Madness SYC. I must admit that I have found it fairly easy so far. I'm enjoying going through my closet and realizing I have plenty to choose from. It's interesting to me that I have already found a fairly glaring wardrobe hole and that is blouses. I have plenty of skirts, a couple pairs of good trousers, clamdiggers that will be seeing the light of day when summer really arrives and a good assortment of jeans. I also have a plethora of jackets - definitely no shortage there. But I don't have enough blouses to go with these bottoms and jackets and that will be the next hole I fill - I would like a couple of structured shirts as well as a couple of blousy button ups that I can do partial tucks with.</p> <p>This is exactly what I was hoping to get out of SYC - closet clarity.</p> <p>How are the rest of you doing? Anything revelations yet? </p>