https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:44:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2371052 Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:45:53 +0000 Lisa 2371052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Soldiering on with items versus loving everything in your wardrobe, what a great thing to keep in mind the next time I get stuck with a closet edit. Thanks for the idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2371039 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:03:36 +0000 SarahD8 2371039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh...."am I soldiering on with it?" What a great formulation. I'm going to remember that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2371003 Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:01:56 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2371003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That bag is Fabulous with a capital F, and I’m glad you didn’t edit it out. &nbsp;There are things we all have like this, that are part of our style DNA. &nbsp;I think this bag is too Brooklyn to part with! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2370928 Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:30:43 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2370928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a super fab bag! I love all the outfits with it. I can relate to having a statement-heavy wardrobe and finding it difficult to part with those statements, even if they don't get worn very often. That's kind of the nature of a statement piece, to me: it's so distinctive, I don't want to wear it all the time. I think I'm destined to have a fairly large wardrobe, too. That said, I can and will do some editing, because I don't love everything in my wardrobe. I like that piece of wisdom from you. I will keep in mind: Do I love it? Am I soldiering on with it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2370833 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:27:44 +0000 Janet 2370833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like that “I love everything in my wardrobe” standard. That’s one of those surprisingly simple benchmarks I need to keep in mind. I love *most* of my wardrobe. I’ve got a few placeholders (old burgundy V-neck top, which I’m trying unsuccessfully to replace…) but mostly it’s items I do love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2370826 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:49:23 +0000 Brooklyn 2370826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Eliza. I agree about bags. And it’s nice to have a story for them too. I think jewellery is similar. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing/page/2#post-2370825 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:46:21 +0000 Brooklyn 2370825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sal, Jonesy, Suz and Runcarla.</p> <p>Everything is well organised in my new wardrobe. I even have jewellery drawers for the first time in my life. I did do an edit as part of the build, but most of the things I edited out were mistakes that I was soldiering on with, workwear that I finally let go of and items that were worn out/past their prime. </p> <p>I remember once reading a blogger who said: I love everything in my wardrobe. I thought: how great is that? I think most of us soldier on with at least some items that are less than perfect. I want to get to the “I love everything in my wardrobe” stage too. If I get there, I’m not worried about whether every item is getting worn a lot. It’s the loving it part that’s important. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370823 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:31:05 +0000 Eliza 2370823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with everyone. That bag is timeless, extraordinary and a great piece with your wardrobe. Great that you have the space to store your wardrobe in a way that allows you to optimize outfit creation. For me, if I can see the pieces well and enjoy the process, it works. </p> <p>I have a relatively large collection of bags and keep many of them for a long time. (The oldest one was a gift from Mr. E 40 years ago.) Many spent years out of circulation, yet worked their way back in. Bags have more longevity potential than any other category here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370817 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:03:41 +0000 Sal 2370817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very late to this -I agree with Suz and others. Keeping and wearing and loving the pieces you own is the most fun and important thing. I am pleased you have created more storage- smart idea!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370800 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:31:19 +0000 Jonesy 2370800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First off, I love that gorgeous bag! It suits you and your wardrobe/style very well, and it has tons of personality. </p> <p>Re. purging stuff too soon: I think you've learned a key lesson from letting that velvet coat go :)! I say, if you have the space and know your interest in certain items kind of ebbs and flows over time, of course you must keep them! I am with you on Team Statement Pieces--I have lots, and don't fret if I only wear something a few times a season, because I know I will probably wear it next year. If something is really unique and well-suited to me, I don't tend to grow tired of it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370799 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 04:19:52 +0000 Suz 2370799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. I have not read the comments yet but I would never edit out a single one of these items! They are among your icons! Signature to you, very special, difficult if not impossible to replace, and key to your style. That bag is spectacular.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have a special knack for choosing and curating the just-right things. They cycle in and out of your delight. That is perfectly okay. Meanwhile, you now have more space to store them and consider them. Wonderful!&nbsp;</p> <p>Love that ladder sweater, too -- what a versatile item! And again, loving the way you personalize so many items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370798 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:39:09 +0000 Carla 2370798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Though I personally keep a modest collection of clothes, and I’m not sentimental, I’m also supportive of ‘collectors’. &nbsp;Frankly, a lot of the ‘old stuff’ is better made than what’s available now. &nbsp;(That’s why I’m shopping second hand these days!)&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>I believe there are times in a person’s life that call for a big edit - but I don’t believe a purge should be a regular occurance. &nbsp;Careful curation that is ongoing seems less stressful,&nbsp;<i>and&nbsp;</i>less wasteful. &nbsp; There should be a valid reason for any edit. &nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370794 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 03:03:20 +0000 Brooklyn 2370794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cat2 and Janet, sounds like we have a similar approach. Sometimes wearing something older that you’ve rested for a while feels like wearing something new.</p> <p>Angie, good advice. I am close to maxed out for space for bags and boots, because they take up so much room. But I still have some room for tops and skirts, he he. You read my mind about that colour! It’s tricky to dye because it’s a combination of cherry red or pink and blue. Use too much blue and it goes too purple. Use too much red or pink and it goes burgundy or candy pink. I have had a couple of fails but I will try again eventually. Thanks for your encouragement :)</p> <p>Kelly girl, those long denim skirts are great with boots in transitional weather. As a fellow boots with bare legs and skirts fan, I could see them working for you too. </p> <p>Helena, agreed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370793 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 02:54:20 +0000 Brooklyn 2370793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone. Whenever I watch Trinny I get envious of her massive storage arrangements. I love how she can just pull out something she bought 15 years ago and combine it with something she bought yesterday.</p> <p>SarahD8, that’s high praise. Thank you.</p> <p>Jaime, I would love to “visit” your collection. Thanks for the support.</p> <p>StyleFan and slim cat , I am so sad about the Sarah Pacini pieces and the velvet. (I have a hard time editing velvet.) I guess you have to put that down to a learning experience. So much of wardrobe management (when you love fashion) is about making a judgment call about your lifestyle and what your future self will enjoy and find useful. We can’t always get it right. </p> <p>Cookie, I loved Loehmanns. It was a treasure trove.</p> <p>April, thanks!</p> <p>JAileen, it is a similar bag. It would be a great accompaniment to an outfit that included those colours. I do find with bags that some silhouettes date (for me) more than others. And that makes it easier to say goodbye. But it still a judgment call. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370779 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:25:57 +0000 SarahD8 2370779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well from my perspective you are not demonstrating troubles with editing but rather an eminently sensible and *successful* strategy for managing high happiness factor statement pieces and rotating garments in and out of your active wardrobe over time. The proof is in the pudding, by which I mean these stunning outfits. I cannot pick a favorite! It's clear that you have a well developed sense of your style and this gives items (not just statements) impressive longevity in your wardrobe -- but you also have a good sense of the need for editing staples when they are past their prime. Once again, you are showing how it's done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370774 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:12:50 +0000 Jaime 2370774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a mad collector, I am strongly in favor of people keeping things they are not currently wearing just because they want to and without apology or need to justify. I know that excess stuff bothers some people and they feel good with a tightly edited wardrobe. That's great too. But if you have the space, both physical and psychological, to hold on to things that you might not be wearing at the moment, there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, you are saving yourself from future regret and even possibly purchases to replace what you discarded for the sake of discarding.&nbsp;<br />Also you look absolutely fabulous in every look! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370773 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 23:18:49 +0000 Style Fan 2370773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous bag!&nbsp; You have a fantastic wardrobe—so many unique and beautiful pieces.<br />I edited my wardrobe when I retired. I wish I had kept some of the pieces. I gave away some Sarah Pacini sweaters and outfits. I also gave my friend a beautiful pair of brown leather knee-high boots.&nbsp; Now, I wish I had kept those things.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370727 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 17:07:27 +0000 slim cat 2370727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous bag and all your lovely outfits - do not part ways with special pieces ( I already had regrets over edited velvet pants and some fun tops - difficult to replace now )! I try to keep things real but some items in my wardrobe are sitting there without much action until some day ( I hope ) be worn again - that's just life . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370723 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:10:01 +0000 Cookie 2370723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahh, I remember Loehmanns! That bag is AMAZING and you would be absolutely mad to get rid of it. I love the open knit top also. But I am a non-editing enabler! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370722 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:56:57 +0000 April 2370722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would keep it for those times when it comes back in favor.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370721 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:53:02 +0000 JAileen 2370721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your bag is very special and how lucky was it you found it. &nbsp;I have a bag that reminds me of yours a bit. &nbsp;It’s also patterned, and bigger than I normally use. &nbsp;I don’t use it often, but absolutely love it. &nbsp;Last summer I sold a couple dozen of my vintage Coach bags, at a church yard sale. &nbsp;I had a lot and carefully went through them, keeping the ones I loved, and offering the others to family and friends before I sold them. &nbsp;I have no regrets. &nbsp;And I even gained a little bit of closet space! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370713 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:38:22 +0000 cat2 2370713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe has a good mix of essentials, which are essential, and pieces with character (prints, interesting textures, interesting fabrication details). Each year I pair the essentials with a different mix of the other pieces. I have moods, fashion shifts, the weather is unpredictable, etc. I am always glad when I can dig around and come up with a new combination I like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370705 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:11:56 +0000 Janet 2370705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate 1000%. I am not destined to ever become a wardrobe minimalist. That’s ok! I have space and I sometimes do find myself resurrecting an old favorite. That bag is awesome and it is so perfect with those outfits. My bag style has become more minimal recently but I hang onto some of my old ones that are patterned or more statement pieces…just in case. </p> <p>I miss Loehmann’s. We had one near Baltimore and I found some great stuff there over the years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370704 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:57:18 +0000 Angie 2370704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course you have to keep the bag! It's KILLER sensational, and sentimental:)</p> <p><u>My two cents:</u><u></u></p> <p>1. If you like the item, aren't wearing it but can store it - keep it. That's my own guideline. Things fall in and out of favour a lot for a myriad of reasons. Especially when you're a moody dresser and enjoy fashion! Which I am, and I do.</p> <p>2. If you're not overwhelmed, and can comfortably manage a larger wardrobe like I know you can - enjoy it! Why not :)&nbsp;</p> <p>3. If you're maxed out on storage space and can't part with anything - the adding must stop until you're ready to subtract.</p> <p>I LOVE the purple skirt with the burgundy top and cognac support act in #5, <b>Brooklyn</b>! One of my favourite colour combinations on you so far! You need that shade of orchid as a top. Now! New dyeing project.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370703 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:43:37 +0000 kellygirl 2370703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That bag is beautiful and fit seamlessly into your palette! I love it. The purples and plums are gorgeous on you btw. I love your long denim skirts. I have been enjoying them on occasion too. They're quite easy to find at retail here now. Thanks for sharing. It's alway such a treat to see your fab style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370697 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:19:47 +0000 Helena 2370697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a great bag! I think it makes sense a statement item like that would cycle in and out from your rotation. Hooray for the power of the holding zone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370695 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:02:50 +0000 Brooklyn 2370695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenni. Cross posted. I do occasionally have edit regret too. I had a knee length single breasted velvet coat in the early 2000s that I edited out because it was looking a bit tatty around the shoulders. I suspect it was from handbag straps rubbing on it. I so regret parting with that coat! I loved it to the end! I wish I had investigated putting patches on the shoulders. I’ve never seen anything like it since. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370694 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:56:43 +0000 Brooklyn 2370694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the support Lisa, Bijou, KimT, pirouette and Star. </p> <p>I think I have a statement item heavy wardrobe and it’s the statement items I find it hard to part with. Bijou, I see that in your wardrobe too. You have such a great eye for unusual items that suit your style to a tee. </p> <p>I don’t have any problem parting with an essential that has worn out or that I’ve tired of. It can be replaced if necessary. But unique, statement items have an unknown replacement cost. I may never find them again. They are irreplaceable, as Star says. So you have to be sure you are totally over the look. And it is sometimes difficult to be certain about that.</p> <p>Lisa, I agree. You have to be able to keep track of what you’ve got. Luckily everything is very visible and accessible in my new storage arrangement.</p> <p>KimT, I like a lot of things and I sometimes spend too much time browsing. Lately I have discovered flea markets. These are a trap for me because they are full of interesting, unique items at very reasonable prices. Sometimes I go through periods where I avoid browsing to put a stop to wardrobe accumulation.</p> <p>Pirouette, ladder tops are amazing aren’t they? I’m not sure why they are so hard to find. I will add that to my list of retail mysteries </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370693 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:08:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2370693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel you definitely couldn’t replace that bag. It’s really unusual and after 15 years you have clearly loved it a long time.<br /> I have a few things like this. My Mondi jumper from 1986 is one. It’s still in good nick. It’s very 80s but has been back on trend several times in the 38 years. I could never replace it, Mondi doesn’t even exist now.<br /> I have one thing I regret ditching, a very bright “sweater dress” from 1985, black with brightly coloured fishes all over it. I wish I still had it, I think it would have still fitted because it was loose fitting.<br /> I have gone on and off my Mondi jumper and the longest it was put away without being worn was at least a decade, maybe even from mid 90s until 2010 when I pulled it out again. I vote keep. You have more of these unique items than I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-big-bag-and-my-troubles-with-editing#post-2370690 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:58:25 +0000 Lisa 2370690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a fabulous bag and the way you’ve styled it here is lovely. It’s a one of a kind piece that looks like it will never date. And it has a nice memory. I’d always keep it.&nbsp;<div><br /><div>As for wardrobe size and storage, that’s a balance and personal preference thing and a small bit of practical too. I tried for many years to have a small, capsule wardrobe of neutrals to mix and match easily with everything in one closet and it never worked. I lived in a four season climate, there was no way to wear everything all of the time (I’m not wearing shorts when it’s 25F outside or a cashmere sweater when it’s 95F).&nbsp;</p> <p>I also learned over time that I liked variety, colors (especially seasonal colors) and specific outfit combinations. I’ll remix my clothes but not a lot, I tend to pick a couple outfit combinations I like and repeat those. Which means I’ll need more clothes because I’m not looking to endlessly remix the pieces into new outfits. And liking seasonal colors also means less remixing (I’m not going to wear my orange Zella joggers and pumpkin spice tee shirts in say the spring but right now in the fall I’m wearing them weekly).</p> <p>As for space, I do keep everything in one closet but I’m fortunate to have the room to do so. But I also refuse to own more than will fit into a large walk-in closet. I forget what I own if I can’t see it. And having everything in one spot makes packing for traveling to different climates easy (say I’m going somewhere hot in the middle of winter, I don’t need to pull shorts out of storage to pack them).</p> <p>My approach now is as long as I can store it, and I always have enough items to wear at any given time, if there are others that sit for months or years unworn it’s okay. Style preferences change over time and there’s a certain level of joy that comes with taking a beloved item that sat for a while and pulling it back into your normal rotation after a break. I’d miss out on that joy if I had a small, lean wardrobe with no pieces that go through a rest period.&nbsp;<br /></div></div> </p>