https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 09:59:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504292 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 01:39:13 +0000 Jaime 1504292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually did try to think about this and didn't get very far :-). I am going to fall back on something I believe I have said before - I am an intuitive shopper with an intuition very well fed and nourished with lots of back information. <br />One example is my new found interest in platform shoes. Not long ago I had no interest whatsoever in platform shoes and found them almost a poison eye. Now I am into platforms (sprinkled in with mostly flats). What happened in between? Well I did notice a lot of platforms in the last fashion weeks, maybe I saw some looks that appealed to me, a little bit of questioning myself about why I reject certain conventional things (like heels), a bit of gearing up for my 50th year (I turn 49 this month), who knows. But when I recently found a few new platforms (second hand but new condition) I snapped them up.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504289 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 01:32:03 +0000 Greyscale 1504289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have almost the opposite problem. If I set out to find, say, the perfect denim jacket, then I will spend weeks looking at every single jean jacket on the internet and in stores, fixate on something expensive, decide to buy it, and then realize I didn't actually need a denim jacket so much.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then again, I have too many impulse buys (mostly from consignment stores) that I regret.</p> <p>Basically I'm bad at making shopping decisions! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504261 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:48:13 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1504261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting post Deborah - I know for me, I shop less often overall but in more "spurts". I'm not sure why that is. I definitely don't settle for "good enough" any more. If I have questions or doubts about an item, out it goes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504242 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 00:08:45 +0000 DonnaF 1504242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find I often don't wear my planned, measured, and thoughtful items as much as I thought I would.&nbsp; Of course, that has happened to many spontaneous purchases as well, but I am much, much more likely to return those spontaneous purchases if I decide I am not 100% enamored once I get home and test them with the rest of my wardrobe.&nbsp; </p> <p>For example, I spontaneously bought the mint leather vest recently featured in Angie's Nordstrom Rack Roundup.&nbsp; Well, actually I bought both the mint and rose options since I know I wear vests.&nbsp; Didn't like the colors when they arrived.&nbsp; When I returned the vests yesterday, a jeans jacket came home with me.&nbsp; I never wear the jeans jacket that I spontaneously bought at a thrift store, partly (mostly?) because the sleeves fit snugly.&nbsp; The new jacket gave me permission to hack off the sleeves on the old one,&nbsp; and I am now wearing my *new* jeans vest.&nbsp; I will have to meditate on whether I will wear my spontaneous Rack jacket with its looser sleeves.</p> <p>I am getting better, but I still have trouble at the outset differentiating between the short term infatuations and the long term relationships. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504180 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:13:43 +0000 Suz 1504180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Peri</b> said! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>But YLF has definitely changed my shopping practices in all kinds of ways.&nbsp;</p> <p>1. I shop a lot more often. (Or at least I did for my first few years here.)</p> <p>2. I don't necessarily buy more. Now that I have a basic working wardrobe, I probably buy less.&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Even my "impulsive" purchases fit into an overall plan or vision. (Sort of what <b>Approprio </b>said.)&nbsp;</p> <p>4. I shop online. (Never did that before YLF except for books when I could not get them locally.)&nbsp;</p> <p>I do still make mistakes. A lot fewer, and most are of the sort that your sweater seems to be for you. The item ends up being useful in a way, if not ideal. Or, like your vest, I can take it back before it's too late. (Phew!)&nbsp;</p> <p>I also identify with what <b>Viva</b> said, though. Typically, my heart has to leap at the thought of the item first or it won't be a great purchase for me. I mean, if it's socks or undies it will be fine. But unless I fall in love with it in the dressing room, it could end up being a very "sensible" mistake.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504168 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:54:43 +0000 Lyn D. 1504168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #1 and 2 Deborah!</p> <p>Big changes here since YLF.<br />I used to buy whatever I liked, but now I know exactly how many items I already have and need in each category, and how often they have been worn.<br />I now take notice of fabric and quality, because I know that I will actually need to wash and look after my pieces rather than only wear them a few times and pass them on.<br />I still make the odd mistake, but making myself try-on items at home to see if they actually work with my wardrobe has saved me $ and frustration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504166 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:48:20 +0000 Peri 1504166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dither over this a lot! Too many times I've bought something that "will be useful!" and it hasn't been. So that's a strike against measured. And some times I've bought something just because I loved it, and continued to love it, so that's a score for spontaneous. But it isn't always that way...I've found no perfect formula. But I have to confess...it helps me that everyone struggles with the same thing!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504041 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 16:03:50 +0000 karymk 1504041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah I swing wildly from measured and intentional to free-wheeling and come-what-may. &nbsp;There's no rhyme or reason to what will become a hit or miss, so I keep all receipts and tags and pay close attention to return policies.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do find that I favor the more expensive pieces, probably because I have thought long and hard about them instead of just bumping into them while window shopping.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504030 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:26:54 +0000 Anonymous 1504030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wanted to add that the disconnect between what I need for a capsule wardrobe vs. What's available locally is so large, that it makes the well-thought out capsule pretty much impossible for me. So I guess I'm with lisap where I'm at the stage where I think I might give up and just shop more for things I like. As in, grab them while I can. One thing I've learned in doing to capsule wardrobe for 2-3 years now is which shops I like. I'm thinking now that sticking to those shops should give me enough cohesiveness without having to go full-on with ultra-purposeful capsule wardrobing. This idea of sticking to a select few brands is probably obvious to all of you, but I guess I'm a bit of a dunce :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504020 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:34:36 +0000 Helena 1504020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, another planner here! Generally speaking, I don't walk into any store without a list and a very focused purpose - to the point that I will make two trips to the store than try to do two jobs in one trip!</p> <p>That said, when I do make an impulse purchase, usually it's a dud or a short-lived fling, but <i>sometimes</i> it's just the thing I needed to try something new or shake things up, and it becomes a new favorite. So - providing I have the budget and I don't do it often, I am learning to embrace those impulsive moments as "rut prevention" and just a bit of fun, rather than being hard on myself over them :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504010 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:15:43 +0000 Anonymous 1504010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I started here on YLF a year ago, I got all sanctimonious with myself and was going to carefully plan and choose and buy carefully. &nbsp;Did it work? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;For starters, what I wanted to own, wear and experiment with - be it anything in shoes, bags, coats, clothes - I could never find at retail. &nbsp;The bloom fell off of that rose pretty quickly and I found myself back to my old ways, of just looking around, seeing what was out there, and buying things as Iiked them. &nbsp;On the occasion where I am actually looking for something specific, sometimes I find it, most often not . &nbsp;I think given the parameters I have set for myself (I'm not a fan of on-line shopping, really) nothing has or will really change. And now that I'm typing this, I see that in order to get the clothes I want, I may have to broaden my horizons. &nbsp;Therein lies the dilemma. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504008 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:05:47 +0000 Cococat 1504008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm mostly spontaneous, which translates into an overflowing wardrobe. I do have some interesting things, but some I don't wear a lot (or at all!) because I haven't figured out what to wear them with. For example, I have a beautiful pucci silk skirt that I bought second hand, but I have no idea what would go with it...so it languishes (sadly) in my wardrobe.</p> <p>I'm not sure if I could ever be a planned shopper. I've found that if I'm looking for something in particular, I can never seem to find it. </p> <p>Sometimes I will see something and fall in love with it, but walk away because I know I don't need it and it's not practical etc. Then I will almost obsess over it, and rush back to the store to buy it. </p> <p>I sound like I need an intervention...lol</p> <p>I was hoping to do some more experimentation with some of my<br /> favourite rarely worn things and post pics for opinions. I never seem to<br /> have enough time though....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504005 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:52:24 +0000 Anonymous 1504005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I've ever gone window shopping just to see what's out there (unless I'm with a friend who likes to window shop.) I always hit the pavement with a mind to buy a specific item, but I would say that most of the time this plan fails and I don't find what I'm looking for (unless it's jeans or tshirts). While I'm out there though,I occasionally find something else that'll fill a different wardrobe gap (so a similar shopping style to approprio). Those unexpected finds are sometimes hits, sometimes misses, with the ratio being about 70:30 , so not too bad. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1504004 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:47:21 +0000 tulle 1504004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I certainly hear Angie's words in my head now when I shop!&nbsp; It amuses me to find myself thinking, "hmm--wardrobe hole?" or calculating whether a piece I'm considering will work with 3 or 4 things already in my closet.&nbsp; Definitely adds up to a leaner,&nbsp; more flexible wardrobe than I've ever had before, and a prettier one--I actually find myself leaving my closet doors open because I like looking at my clothes!&nbsp; It sounds as though you have arrived at the next level, having learned not only what to shop for, but how best to shop for it.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503996 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:43:49 +0000 Janet 1503996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had mixed success with planned and unplanned purchases. Sometimes I finally purchase something that I've been searching for, for a long time, because it ticks all the boxes and is the best of what I can find. Then, lo and behold, the more perfect item shows up. :-/ So my plans can get the better of me. Conversely, I've made some spontaneous purchases that ended up being brilliant workhorses -- even though they were not items on a shopping list, I later wondered how I ever functioned without them! So I don't plan on giving up the occasional spontaneous purchase. However, I am getting much better at returning things if I don't feel moved to wear them within a week or two of buying them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503995 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:32:54 +0000 crutcher 1503995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Restrictive vs. spontaneous...subjective vs. objective...I think you have nailed the best of both in your purchases...You seem to have a handle on "what works" for you...I agree with your assessment of items 1,2,3...One is just perfect..or appears to be so in the picture...I can see how you made 2 more appealing with some tailoring and yes, to me, 3 is just out...<br />My own shopping has become much more objective, reality based since YLF...I can spot something that works for my style almost a mile away...Does it always make "my heart sing"...not always but I am striving for that...<br />The quote from Betty Halbreich (I'll Drink to That) where she says (and I am paraphrasing) when you try something on..your initial impression is the best one that the piece doesn't improve with different views really speaks to where I am with my current style growth...If I don't love it immediately, I let it go...Hope this continues...smile... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503988 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:12:42 +0000 donnat 1503988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am one of those that shop for recreation. Thus, the closet with too many pieces. Yes, I can find something to wear for any occasion but, I never feel fabulous in any of it. My love for something only lasts til I get the next new piece. I am not very organized about it. I am mesmerized with closet posts, trying to get a grip on this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503985 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:02:40 +0000 gryffin 1503985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah - I'm a planner too.&nbsp; I've totally embraced buy less and buy better - so actually the wallet damage may be more!&nbsp; That doesn't mean I don't make plenty of mistakes - item can tick all the boxes but then sometimes does not tick that all important love factor, so it's definitely a balance.&nbsp; But you are so right best purchases are when you try it on and never want to take it off again.&nbsp; I just wish it were easier to find those magic pieces.&nbsp; I have not had luck with sleeveless jackets/vests in general either.&nbsp; Since I run cold, honestly I want a jacket, less so a cardi.&nbsp; I have one leather moto vest and I'm going to try and style it this summer.&nbsp; I love it (a good thing) but I have not reached for it in the way I do my moto jacket.&nbsp; BTW you look gorgeous in everything you buy, I really think this is the ne plus ultra of personal style - that it not only looks stellar, but that it feels and makes you feel wonderful.&nbsp; Now that's the ultimate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503977 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:20:09 +0000 Olivegreen 1503977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that with a closet that has 'enough' easily wearable and comfortable clothing, it is easy to be measured. No sense of urgency around getting something that you might need.<br /> Since I am queen of repeater items, I can say to myself " Do I already own something very like this? Do I wear it enough to get another? "<br /> And if the answer is no, I pass.<br /> I blame the capsule ideas I picked up here...not uncertain about what I have and how it works.<br /> That being said, I have a few items on the 'buy on sight list' that are not the least bit practical or needed, but I know will make me very happy...pirate boots come to mind.<br /> And you can not have enough interesting white shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503973 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:12:52 +0000 viva 1503973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Somewhere in the middle of the two works best for me. I rarely find things when I am looking for something specifically -- I am not a successful rational shopper. When I respond to something emotionally, it's actually a really good indicator for me that it could be a great purchase. However, I need to check that spontaneous reaction with some degree of rational thinking to be sure it makes sense. And sometimes that is where I fall down -- buying something purely on emotion without the rational doublecheck. </p> <p>I have bought more with the balanced view since joining YLF ... but I am still at risk of purely emotional buying when I am stressed. I am not sure how to completely let that go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503970 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 10:50:15 +0000 approprio 1503970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I notice I rarely buy completely spontaneously these days. If I snap up an item on sight, it's usually something which has been on my internal shopping list for a while, so I know it will fill a niche in the wardrobe. If I see something I like which I hadn't considered, I'll almost always walk away and sleep on it. Like you, on the rare occasions when I don't follow this pattern, more often than not I end up with a problem child. That doesn't mean it's a complete mistake, just something that's a bit harder to style.</p> <p>The down side is that I've walked past many things that would have been perfect, only to miss out on them later. Mr Edge likes to joke about my "non-buyer's remorse", but I don't think it's very funny.</p> <p>Anyway, the Metallicus tunic looks like a winner for you. And I think you should hang on to the long cardi. It looks like something that will come into its own given time.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503925 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 03:41:48 +0000 Deborah 1503925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>abc, you are most welcome lol. &nbsp;And thanks for your kind words. &nbsp;I think it's definitely the journey and the evolution of our style that makes it all so much fun.. mistakes and all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503924 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 03:39:21 +0000 abc 1503924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is great to see even seasoned professionals such as yourself still make mistakes. I know it isn't fun but this really helps me in my journey. I feel less guilt about the mistakes I've made recently. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503909 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 03:12:00 +0000 Deborah 1503909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Brookly:) &nbsp;The cardigan is definitely casual wear and will most likely become a comfy thing I thrown on at home:) &nbsp;And the structure of the long sleeveless jacket made it uncomfortable for me:) &nbsp;I know you are an Aussie, may I ask what state you are in? &nbsp;You mentioned kangaroos in a post and I am in Regional Victoria where we see more of them than I want to lol</p> <p>Anne you sound like you have established a nice balance with your buying:)</p> <p>Joy that is great! &nbsp;Being able to shop your closet is so good. &nbsp;I have not had to worry for the past couple of &nbsp;years about wedding guest attire as my closet totally facilitates most occasions now.</p> <p>Adelpha so true about the job of the successful unplanned purchase:)</p> <p>Shevia, I would love to hear more about what you think on this. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503885 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:29:01 +0000 Jaime 1503885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question Deborah. Sometimes it is the spontaneous purchase that signals a style shift for me. On the other hand, some of my biggest workhouses are certainly the planned variety. I will think about this more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503877 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:18:15 +0000 Adelfa 1503877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to be too restrictive in my planning, so spontaneous purchases add a lot. However sometimes they don't pan out. I put up with that because of the delight that many unplanned purchases bring me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503869 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:07:34 +0000 Anonymous 1503869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YLF has changed me from clueless to thinking about my wardrobe in terms of capsules and what I need. I also now think about how many items of a type I need for a season, trying not to overbuy but use what I have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503864 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:59:35 +0000 anne 1503864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting reading Deborah. I would say that in general, both before and after YLF, I've always been measured and thoughtful and much more inclined not to buy something rather than buy it. I do still make mistakes, but they tend to be brought about when I am tired and wanting to tick an item off my list for the season, and settle for less than ideal.</p> <p>That said, I've tried to move a little more in the impulsive direction and if I see something I really like, to try and buy it if I can afford it. Since my general tendency is not to buy, I treat myself a bit if I do love something and it isn't on my list. I am not sure this happens more than every couple of years.</p> <p>That grey sleeveless jacket is striking, but I can see how it would be difficult to make work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503862 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:57:39 +0000 Brooklyn 1503862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Deborah. I think you are being tough on yourself if nos 2 and 3 are your&nbsp;not-so-good purchases. No 2 looks great on you. And I like the vest too but I can certainly understand your dilemma (I am pondering a similar purchase myself!)</p> <p>I&nbsp;think YLF is definitely making me more careful and considered about purchases, especially sale purchases. I have a tendency to buy something I like just because it's on sale, without considering whether I really need it and how it fits in with the rest of my wardrobe. I think I am one of those people that Angie says has&nbsp;lots of items&nbsp;in their wardrobe that they love but that do not work together. So I am working on that. I am still somewhat impulsive - but returning more than I used too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/measured-versus-spontaneous#post-1503857 Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:40:06 +0000 Deborah 1503857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Ladies,</p> <p>I know we have probably talked about this before but it has really been evident to me recently that I (generally) make&nbsp;<b>much&nbsp;</b>better purchasing decisions when I am measured and thoughtful, than when I make an emotional/spontaneous decision.</p> <p>Having developed a strong sense of my style and what works and what doesn't, I have found I have become very particular about purchases. &nbsp;I will reject items based on seemingly insignificant elements (i.e things my friends wouldn't notice until I pointed it out) and will often walk away and consider the purchase overnight or for a few days or longer. &nbsp;I have been doing this regardless of price but, having said that, I have also found that I am buying less and buying better quality so given my budget is quite modest, I look upon every addition as an investment.</p> <p>Recently I had a couple of moments of sheer spontaneity where I just went with my emotional response (possibly despite my better judgement) and splashed out and bought a couple of things with gay abandon!!</p> <p>Some weeks on, I am aware that they really weren't 'good' investments for me. &nbsp;I like them but I don't LOVE them. &nbsp;Kind of like meeting a gorgeous guy and then discovering there is no substance lol.&nbsp;</p> <p>My new long cardigan (#2)&nbsp;was one item. &nbsp;I did take the sides in and taper it, and it looks fine, but I don't find myself looking forward to, and planning on when I will wear it.</p> <p>Then there was the structured grey sleeveless jacket (#3). &nbsp;Not quite sure what I was thinking. &nbsp;I kept putting it on and taking it off. &nbsp;Within days I knew it wasn't going to work so I was able to return it.</p> <p>The other item is one I haven't shared yet. It's a fabulous draped knit sleeveless 'thingy", long at the front and short at the back, warm and snugly but in a darker grey than I like on myself. &nbsp;I knew it in the store but I was totally seduced by the feel of the knit and the design. &nbsp;I have worn it once and I don't think it's a total loss as it looks quite good when I pair it with white or soft pink but unlike so much of my wardrobe, this and the cardigan take work to style, and I realise I want much more ease when I dress. &nbsp;I do enjoy thinking about putting outfits together and creating new combinations, but when it gets 'hard' and doesn't flow, it's just not fun.</p> <p>So it's back to measured and thoughtful for me when it comes to shopping. I have had my eye on this Metalicus Tunic (#1) for a few weeks and short of trying it on I am pretty sure there is a place for this in my closet:)</p> <p>Anyway just sharing my less than finer shopping moments:) &nbsp;And wondering how you shop? &nbsp;Has YLF changed the way you shop? &nbsp;It has definitely changed my shopping habits as I used to be 100% impulsive whereas now I appear to have swung the other way completely.</p> <p>xxx Deborah </p>