https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 14 May 2026 23:46:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1906046 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:46:42 +0000 Chris987 1906046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what wonderful replies. This is why we all love YLF! </p> <p>Thanks for the kind words and encouragement <b>Barbara Diane, Suz, Cardiff Girl, jussie, donnaf, anne, joy, Ledonna, Bijou</b></p> <p><b>Staysfit</b> totally with you on the ruffles and spagetti strap woes. Oy. </p> <p><b>Cocolion</b> your analysis is accurate and I did look at which stores were most successful. Unfortunately those were also the ones with the most returns! I think maybe I need a very crisp list of criteria to use when bringing things home...and then I need to READ it when I'm shopping. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Vix</b> and you bet if I had influence with the weather gods I'd be using it. 26F (-3 for you Celsius folks) on my early morning walk today...brrrr. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Lisap...</b>I&nbsp;am&nbsp;one that&nbsp;loves shopping as a leisure activity but I'm finding it's gradually moving further down the list of priorities for leisure time. I'm happy about that. Totally agree with the dearth of quality non-embellished options. </p> <p><b>efbgen</b> thanks, and right, there are LOTS of different fit issues and most of us have some of them. I think we all tend to think "our" fit issues are&nbsp;worse than anyone else experiences but it's not really true. </p> <p><b>Style Fan</b>, thanks, and other than the one "boutique" where this is my first purchase, all the other stores are places I regularly shop. Agree that stores that "get you" are easier. </p> <p><b>Angie</b> - thanks and I do miss the color a bit although I already have some colored things for spring that are not new. Will definitely follow your advice and feel my way on this. Good point about dressing room rejects...I didn't bother to count those but there were plenty. I love your organized shopping calendar, and can now see how well it can work if&nbsp;one can make it happen that way. </p> <p><b>Gigi</b> high five to another member of the&nbsp;too-may-returns club. I've gotten used to the idea of being in that club, but I wish I could become a less active member! </p> <p><b>kkards</b>, from the look of it I think spring will arrive on May 1 and then by June 1 it will be summer. The poor gardens will be so confused! Like what Suz, Lisap, Style Fan and other Canadian fabbers describe as their incredibly short spring. They will probably only get 2 weeks this year! </p> <p>thanks <b>delurked,</b>&nbsp;interesting to know I'm not the only one who browses other fabbers' collections I put off my shoe search too, and am now deep into the ordering and returning cycle. With shoes I almost NEVER find what I want in stores so it's online all the way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1906029 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:16:46 +0000 Bijou 1906029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have put together a very versatile capsule and I can see how you will be able to create many different outfits and combinations. It will be great to see these items in action in your WIW posts. I hope you enjoy dressing this summer and report back on whether it was worth the effort. I suspect that this will be a winning formula for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905934 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 06:47:08 +0000 Ledonna N. 1905934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to add my voice to the collection for the course of the job. It takes a lot to step back for the porm and to concentrate on what you need to do to improve your fashion and to listen to your own voice. So congratulations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905900 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:40:49 +0000 Anonymous 1905900@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This collection looks like it will serve you well. i also feel done for spring. Summer may need some refreshing, but that is a way off and I probably have more than enough. Being ready for spring feels great and takes off lots of pressure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905867 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 02:22:21 +0000 anne 1905867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done! What a lot of work. You should be set up for a good while now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905853 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 00:36:06 +0000 DonnaF 1905853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks great! Congrats! I look forward to seeing you modeling these. I don’t have the patience to try on stuff in stores so I tip my hat to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905828 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 23:05:51 +0000 delurked 1905828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris - I stumbled upon your collections last week and noticed you’ve been a busy bee trying to find new wardrobe items. I see it this way - not every year is going to be so labor intensive, but sometimes it’s worth it to try and try to get what you really like for a more major overhaul/refresh. That’s what Last spring felt like for me. This year is a lot more haphazard because I need less. When I feel like it more than it feels like a job, if you will. There’s something to be said for the cohesiveness of a seasonal shop. </p> <p>I like the look of that black and white check top, as well as I will be looking forward to some WIWs from you. </p> <p>I need to do some something similar for summer shoes, but I’ve been putting it off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905814 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 22:16:56 +0000 jussie 1905814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job! These purchases look very versatile, I’m sure quite a few will become workhorses! Yes I agree there is a tad TOO MUCH embellishment in tops atm. I love embellishment, however just not quite this much.....<br /> I hope you really enjoy wearing your new clothes. I also have to try lots on before I find things that work. It’s for this reason that I mostly shop in b &amp; m stores, as return shipping here is expensive. Happy spring wardrobe to you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905803 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:53:52 +0000 kkards 1905803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>nice job...you had a plan, and you stuck to it,,,now is spring ever coming so that you'll actually get to wear this capsule? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905784 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 20:52:29 +0000 Gigi 1905784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can very much empathize with the "mindless shopping" feeling and losing track of your goals. I get sidetracked very easily, and like you, I find that there are often other emotional issues that contribute to this. Good for you that you saw that your goals weren't being met, and you stopped to take a break and reassess. I had to return a ton of items too, so know that you're not the only one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905753 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:50:18 +0000 Angie 1905753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>APPLAUSE. Good job, <b>Chris</b>. Your new stuff looks great - as long as you don't miss the colour! Feel your way on that one.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm glad you were particular and patient. I want you to be! Don't settle. You have reaped the reward.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes, we return a lot when shopping online. But people forget that we do the same in a dressing room in B&amp;M stores :)</p> <p>YES. I am DONE with my Spring &amp; Summer 2018 refresh with you. HIGH FIVE. I was done at the end of March, which is a little earlier than usual - and I started at the end of January. I like to have it all sorted and ready upfront - and wear the heck out of my stuff for as long as the warm weather is here and NOT have to think about shopping. Next shop for me is the NAS for Fall &amp; Winter 2018 (excluding what I get for my birthday in July).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905752 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:49:58 +0000 Style Fan 1905752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful collection Chris.&nbsp; I can see that you put a lot of thought into the capsule.&nbsp; Finding pieces that work for your style and that fit is work.&nbsp; I am lucky if I find a couple each season.&nbsp; That is exciting that you found some new places to shop.&nbsp; I love it when that happens.&nbsp; I have never bought an entire season all at once.&nbsp; I would love to do that once.<br />I like what Cocolion did.&nbsp; I tend to shop in stores that "get me".&nbsp; It is just easier that way.</p> <p>I love your poem.&nbsp; How did I miss that?&nbsp; I am also not a big fan of embellishments, ruffles, etc.&nbsp; A bit more variety would be nice at the retail level. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905728 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 19:27:48 +0000 Anonymous 1905728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a nice collection- I am sure your effort will pay off in both cpw and mix/ match ability in making outfits. Love your pick of colors.<br /> Because I have to hunt for tall items, I forget that there are others out there regularly challenged with other fit issues...and finding individual pieces and entire outfits can be a struggle. Hang in there.<br /> I think we all need to get warmth and sunshine to feel the clouds of fatigue lift from the long winter.<br /> But until the weather changes- find joy in your brilliance in early shopping and success of developing a pretty and versatile capsule. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905720 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 18:53:32 +0000 Anonymous 1905720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I very much like the idea of figuring out what is needed, and doing it all in as few trips to the stores as possible. &nbsp;I never seem to a) be organized enough for that and b) have the money I need to do it all at once. &nbsp;(I'm existing on a very limited/aka non-existent budget &nbsp;now) . &nbsp;However, those are my own problems &nbsp;..... &nbsp;;) &nbsp;</p> <p>I find capsules so useful and efficient, and I'm happy to hear you are finding the same. &nbsp;I've never understood how some people use shopping as a leisure activity - you can now put your energy and emotions into something else for the next few months!&nbsp;</p> <p>And lastly - I too am tired of seeing the same mega sleeve treatments on every top &nbsp;(once you have one or two, do you really need more??) and I'm not an embroidery fan either. &nbsp;There is a definite dearth of interesting , quality offerings out there. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905716 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 18:41:28 +0000 Cardiff girl 1905716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh that all sounds like hard work.l m glad that it worked out for you in the end.I have always found the idea of shopping for a season and completing it beguiling but I m not sure that I could do this.It would probably mean me buying even more clothes as I would find it hard to resist the impulse purchase. I really like the spotty jumper and the gingham blouse in your collection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905714 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 18:39:46 +0000 Suz 1905714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks like a lot of work, Chris, but it's evidence of such great planning. I think that if the weather ever improves enough for you to wear any of it, you'll be pleased that you thought in terms of capsules or outfits instead of just items. I also think this whole process becomes less time consuming and tiring after a few go-rounds. And then there are just some seasons where for whatever reasons, you have more than usual to replace and perhaps the pickings are slimmer, so it's difficult again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905700 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:49:24 +0000 Vix 1905700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Chris --</p> <p>I can feel (and empathize with!) your being over and done with the planning / shopping / altering / returning and ready to get to the wearing!</p> <p>I laughed a bit at "paw through" -- so true. The downside of all the choices out there when on a Goldilocks quest.</p> <p>This looks like a great assortment of items to wear with each other (and perhaps things in your current wardrobe)? Personally I'm a big fan of including prints/patterns in with the solids...esp in warmer temps...and you seem to have found some lovely ones for your coloring.</p> <p>Now if you could get the weather to cooperate for us all pls thx.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905699 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:45:24 +0000 CocoLion 1905699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you kept 15 of 62 purchases. &nbsp;That's just under one quarter, or 24% of your purchases. &nbsp;One thing I did a while back was analyze which stores I had the lowest return rate, and stick with that store (on line or B&amp;M). &nbsp;That way I felt my time was better used because I was yielding better results. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905694 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:26:35 +0000 Staysfit 1905694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! It sounds like you took a lot of care to put all this together. I like the variety of items in your spring collection, and yet they all look cohesive. I suspect you have done a good job sticking to your plan and creating a polished casual capsule. I haven’t made an entire season of purchases all at once except for last Fall when I only purchased one or two new items to refresh my Fall/Winter wardrobe at NAS. It worked out well. I generally have such a hard time finding items I like that fit my criteria, that I end up looking for things all season long. This year looks like it will be the same. Why does every skirt and dress have so many ruffles? Why is every dress with a print I like made with spaghetti straps?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905688 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:03:03 +0000 Barbara Diane 1905688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that’s a wonderful collection. I especially like the variety in the prints and the dots sweater.<br /> You’ve also learned a lot from this process. A lot of effort with a very tangible result. Well done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-labor-intensive-spring-refresh#post-1905684 Sun, 08 Apr 2018 16:48:28 +0000 Chris987 1905684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been lurking on YLF for the last few months but posting almost nothing. I’ve spent all my fashion-related energy on doing a spring refresh, and it’s taken a LOT of time. I’ve written and re-written this posting many times and decided it was time to be done with it Now that I'm done I expect to be back on the forum more. </p> <p>Being a very petite curvy pear at the high end of the petite size range, I have a lot of trouble finding clothes that fit. Petites are often too long especially in the torso. I alter a lot of things to shorten hems or sleeves. I’m also not overly fond of all the embellished details&nbsp;that are trending right now, and I’m not crazy about bright colors. The higher quality clothing lines usually do not fit me at all, and I have to be careful with the quality of the inexpensive stuff. All that means I have to paw through a lot of options. </p> <p>(If you’d like a bit of a chuckle and missed my “ode to our embellished era” you might check it out here… <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ode-to-our-embellished-fashion-era--">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....hion-era--</a>) </p> <p>For a variety of reasons, I needed a major refresh this spring. I have some things that will work but not enough. I set myself goals in January to look for somewhat polished casual items that could make up a capsule as opposed to being a bunch of separate items. I decided on a mostly neutral color palette of grey, white, navy. I did include some black but not black solids, and a little bit of color. Stuck with my usual silhouettes and overall esthetic. I started shopping slowly in January, and am finished as of end of March. I think I’ve accomplished my goals, but I’m TIRED Je suis fatigue! </p> <p>I’m only covering basic tops, pants, toppers. Shoes, bags, and dresses I’m dealing with separately. &nbsp; </p> <p><b>Here is what I got: </b> </p> <p>It surprised me that ALL my purchases were from B&amp;M stores, including a new-to-me consignment shop. I do a lot of online shopping because petite selections are so l limited in stores, but clearly I find good things in stores too. The collection was purchased at the consignment store, a boutique, TJMaxx, Macys , Lord &amp; Taylor, and Anthropologie. The short sleeved and sleeveless items will need to be worn under something else during spring. </p> <p>6 cotton or blend pullover sweaters, including 4 duplicate ¾ sleeve cotton ones in diff colors<br />3 long sleeved knit tops/blouses in prints; rust, grey/peach/yellow, black/grey<br />1 shirt for wearing untucked, black/white checks<br />1 short sleeved T; black/white stripe and a floral print<br />1 sleeveless blouse; navy<br />1 knit jacket; black/grey stripe<br />2 prs of black jeans, more general refresh rather than specific for spring</p> <p>The exact collection is here:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=5462">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=5462</a></p> <p><b>…and here is what I returned….ouch!</b></p> <p>26 items from my “Feb Aha Moment”. Mostly sweaters and other tops. In the middle of February I realized I was buying and returning mindlessly (although it didn’t feel it at the time) at B&amp;M stores and had completely lost track of my goals. I returned the last batch and stopped for a few weeks. I was not sleeping well and feeling down about a bunch of things during that time which I think contributed to this. Retail therapy was not working and it was leading me down a rabbit hole….<br />16 items from my wish list, bought online since I found none in stores that worked. These were olive pants, white jacket, and navy jacket. These remain HEWIs for now. <br />6 online poor fit and/or quality. Nothing I need to change here, this is to be expected with online shopping where you only see the item once it arrives. <br />5 too casual and 1 too classic. Not beating myself up over this, it’s part of my style journey. <br />6 Poor choice in store. After Feb I was much better but still making a few mistakes. <br />3 attempts at embroidered items. Trying the trend but not finding the right ones. </p> <p>This is the first time I’ve every tried shopping for a season all at one, and I’m glad I did it, it feels good to be “done” and any shopping I do going forward will be either for summer where I don’t need much or random purchases. I would really like to find a way for it to take far less time and energy but I’m not sure I can “make a plan” for this, I suspect I just need to go with the flow and let it evolve. </p> <p>I have just barely started wearing these items except the pants, because winter is way overstaying it’s welcome this year. The proof of how well I did will be in the pudding...</p> <p>&nbsp;I’m hoping to focus&nbsp;more about happiness factor than metrics going forward. </p> <p><b><i>Would love to hear your observations, comments, suggestions, as always!!</i></b></p>