https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:17:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1303392 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 23:22:43 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1303392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of things to think about here. I suspect a lot of us who don't track this sort of thing as well have an inaccurate idea of how long we keep things and how often we wear them. I agree with Suz that expecting a certain amount of churn - from things wearing out as well as newer items that just don't work as well as we expect - is totally reasonable. If we define 'purged' as something that doesn't last past one season, one fourth to one third seems... maybe a little high but not crazy. </p> <p>Taking a pause from thrifting might help see things more clearly, but frequent shopping of any kind can be the cause too. I think that off price retailers (TJ Maxx and its ilk) are more of a problem for me than thrift stores, because at least at thrift stores I may get a higher quality item and spend less.</p> <p>I've been throwing around the idea to limit myself to a couple of shopping trips per season and that's it (including online). It would force me to be more methodical and do less impromptu browsing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1303351 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:32:15 +0000 E 1303351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, I get sidetracked easily too! That's why I added my disclaimer at the end. </p> <p>Also, sometimes an item seems great in the fitting room, but then for all day wear it proves to have issues. I don't think there's always a way to foresee that happening, unfortunately (I do remember to sit down in fitting rooms to test trousers that way, but it's still not the same as 12 hours of wear), and that easily leads to culling.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1303159 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:10:08 +0000 Suz 1303159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, I actually agree with you and Claire that a fixed number (for how many pieces one is "allowed" to replace) is not a good idea -- although maybe having some kind of ballpark in mind for "fun fling" pieces isn't a bad idea. The thing is -- some of those "flings" might become marriages! That can happen when we try a new style we aren't sure of -- and fall in love after trying it out! And that is a great thing. Meanwhile, the item we thought we'd adore forever mysteriously gets no love. Maybe the weather's wrong, the occasion doesn't arise, it isn't quite as comfortable as we'd expected.&nbsp;</p> <p>I still have some thinking to do on this subject. I think Lisa's DH suggested to her, following her successful "boutique" experiment this year, that she might consider a "churn" of around 1/3 of her wardrobe per season! That's a very generous "allowance" but I think it was meant to include items that are actually worn out and no good any more in addition to those that one simply tires of, or those that never really worked as well as planned.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1303150 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 18:56:47 +0000 Ingunn 1303150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>There are too many great thoughts and answers to this thread for me to take in at once, but I've tried to answer to some of it:</p> <p>Susie:</div><i>You didn't wear many of the gray items</i><div><i>You did wear navy items</i></div><div><i>You like more modern/sophisticated patterns?</i></div><div><i>You do well with selecting more casual footwear and accessories like belts and bags....I think you've already mentioned that you don't wear dressier pieces, like the sandals</i></div><div><i>If I go to someplace like Old Navy where the prices are really low, I'll simply buy too many pieces and even duplicates. Like if I like this in white, why not get gray and blue too? Or I get in too much of a hurry to fill a need- this spring it was casual cotton tops- and I settle for things that are just ok.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You are definitely pointing at several aspects to my habits that I haven’t thought through thoroughly yet. My preferred neutral right now is navy, that is definitely true. I like gray, but I don’t have much of it, and I don’t wear it a lot. I’m drawn to a simpler, more urban style right now, so that might be part of why I’m&nbsp;purging this way. I’m also guilty of not being patient enough, and like you say, settling for things that are just ok. I think my shoe collection is heading in the right addition. After I started focusing on better and more booties and boots, plus sneakers, I like it a lot more.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Joy:</i></div><div><i>I do best going with those first instincts when looking in the mirror. If I have to think too much about it, it should probably stay in the store</i><br /></div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/five-ways-to-avoid-shopping-mistakes-1405112085"><i><a href="http://online.wsj.com/articles/five-ways-to-avoid-shopping-mistakes-1405112085" rel="nofollow">http://online.wsj.com/articles.....1405112085</a></i></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks a lot for the link, Joy! It was really helpful. I agree that it is very important to listen to your instincts. For instance my new black booties: I tried them on months ago, and it was instant love, but they were out of my budget. I finally got the opportunity to buy them, and from the minute I put them on, I just knew. There was never any doubt, and I’m sure I will wear them all the time when the holidays are over.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>E:</i></div><div><i>I think the key to successful but minimal secondhand shopping is to make a list of criteria and items&nbsp;</i><b><i>beforehand</i></b><i>, then stick very closely to it.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You are so right, E. I’ve tried this, but I get sidetracked too easily, I guess. I will make the list again - if and when I go thrifting.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Sarah:</i></div><div><div><i>1) invest more in classic timeless pieces that could be paired with a variety of styles. When I say invest I mean something a little more quality and cost than what I have been spending on my boring t shirts and jeans uniform. My thinking is that these would be the work horses or foundation of my wardrobe.</i></div><div><i>2) Try new items but don't spend a lot on them. If they end up being something I love than replace with higher quality.</i></div><div><i>3) start to think in outfits and capsules instead of pieces. I just started playing around with polyvore with one outfit and already know what I have to look for on my next shopping trip.</i></div><div><i>4) stay educated in trends, styles, likes and dislikes by following fashion blogs, YLF, and pin to Pinterest.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah:&nbsp;</div><div>I did in fact buy a white basic t-shirt that was about three times as expensive as the ones I normally get. It has held up great in wear and wash, and I haven’t regretted it for a second. I have mixed experience with trying new items, but that’s the name f the game, isn’t it? We need to experiment a little, too. Outfits and capsules: I’ve been doing this for a while, and I love to play with capsules. They are great for getting more wear out of what we already have. I pin a lot, too.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ummilla:</i></div><div><i>Most of my wardrobe mistakes have been made not so much in the designer Final Sale situation as they have in a scenario like: Oh look, a high end yet affordable navy pencil skirt. Everyone needs a skirt like that. It will go with so many things. It fits well. I have 2 jackets that it would match. But in reality, said pencil skirt is still in the closet, because it's kind of boring.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Me too! I’ve done this! It’s too easy when the label is attractive in itself.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Rabbit:</i></div><div> <p><i>1) Like&nbsp;</i><b><i>E</i></b><i>&nbsp;says, only go looking for that one item you are in search of, and know exactly the fit, material and cut you want.</i></p> <p><i>2) If you think you have found it have it held for an hour or two, and check at the mall (if they are close by) for similar items to check both the price and the design details/fit. For example I found white Kut from the Kloth knee length jean shorts at thrift, but at the mall discovered by trying on a size up that I actually preferred the larger fit of the same item.</i></p> <div><i>3) Go to a thrift shop with no or a very restrictive return policy, this makes me only buy what I'm absolutely committed to. I walk away if I'm not sure. I can check back later in the week if it's still haunting me, and if it's gone, c'est la vie.</i>&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>You are so right. I need to become a lot more picky and patient to get my purge quota down. I like the idea of looking for a HEWI instead of just shopping.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Suz:</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>You and I can keep each other on the straight and narrow about shoes and booties, okay? I think our needs are very, very similar both in terms of climate and lifestyle.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>But maybe it's okay to allow ourselves a middle place here? I am beginning to think that it might be okay to&nbsp;</i><b><i>build in</i></b><i>&nbsp;the expectation of a certain amount of "churn." Perhaps, for example, "allowing" up to 5 purchases a season in the full knowledge that they might be edited out by the end of that season -- as with my Zara kimono or a few of your seasonal thrifted items.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, we can! I agree, our climates and lifestyles seem to be very similar. Not that much need for dressy sandals, no? I completely agree that a churn of a few pieces is okay, and it is part of&nbsp;the fun in this. I don’t mind that, either.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Gaylene:</i></div><div><i>But you've raised a good point: if most of us are experiencing only a 1 in 2 success rate with our purchases that means we are literally throwing away away 50% of our wardrobe budget.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>That would be terrible! Luckily, I didn’t purge as much as 50% of what I bought. Some of the less worn pieces are necessary for me, and will be staying&nbsp;of a&nbsp;long time. I’ve also crunched my numbers and I think I’ve spent about 15% of my total budget on the purged pieces. That is too much, but it is not 50%.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Kari:&nbsp;</i></div><div><i>Can you think about the pieces you bought but haven't worn much, and assess why they haven't got much use? Are they too different/hard to pair with the rest of your wardrobe? Is there something slightly off about the fit or comfort factor that causes you to avoid them?&nbsp;</i></div><div><br /></div><div>These are great questions and I will examine a few of my pieces with those in mind. I will definitely get some answers. (Cream silk blouse, I’m looking at you).</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Sylvie:</i></div><div><i>Often the expensive items work out because due to their expense, we've spent extensive time thinking about how we'd wear them and scrutinizing the fit. We hold less expensive items to lower standards. We can find PPP clothes at any budget, but it takes time and experience to recognize them.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes! This is so true. I generally love my more expensive pieces, probably because I never impulse shop for those.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div></div><div><i>Claire:</i></div></div><div><i>I like Suz's idea of expecting to&nbsp;</i><b><i>build</i></b><i>&nbsp;some but also to&nbsp;</i><b><i>churn</i></b><i>&nbsp;some. I can't limit the churn to a number though, I would have to purge the things that are wrong, even if I went over some arbitrary number I may have set.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I couldn’t&nbsp;agree more. Sticking to a fixed number doesn’t work well for me, but I could definitely try to limit myself more. There is a middle road, isn’t there?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Mona:</i></div><div><i>I would suggest, taking a break from shopping (not only thrifting) for a season and really step back and ponder. Think about how some pieces are so much more loved than others. How much variety do you want in your closet? How easily can you mix and match existing pieces? etc.&nbsp;</i><div><i>Also, you have learnt from thrifting that all this buying and purging does not make you happy so I would say that all the experimentation helped you develop this insight about yourself. You will not make this shopping mistake again.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I will definitely reconsider my thrifting and stop, or cut back a lot on it. I’m not quite sure if I need to go on a complete SYC, but I agree, it could clarify things for me. Thank you for pointing me in this direction.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Texstyle:</i></div><div><i>Mostly it's something too bright (in color or pattern) for me to enjoy on a regular basis - or it doesn't end up being truly comfortable in some way - too hot, too stiff, or sometimes too thin. But I do like to try new things so I won't completely stop buying those wildcards once in a while. I also have a tendency to hold on to things I've had for years and wore a lot at one time but now only wear once in a while.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have many times sensed that we have more than a few preferences in common in&nbsp;regards of fabrics, textures, fit. The color might be slightly off (yellow mohair sweater, I’m staring at you), the garment is a little too tight, or it moves in the wrong way.&nbsp;Still the wildcard are great fun, too, but I think I need fewer of them.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Mo:</i></div><div><i>I can't help but wonder if amassing too quickly (whether it's thrift&nbsp;or&nbsp;retail) is the contributing factor. I know that, for myself, I've never had the opportunity to grab a dozen or more items at a time or shop for a season's worth of clothing.&nbsp;</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You have a point. I could slow down more.&nbsp;This is why it is great to step out of the shopping/wearing/purging cycle&nbsp;once in a while. I’ve actually not&nbsp;been shopping&nbsp;a lot lately, and it has been really good.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Lisa:</i></div><div><i>It took me a while to figure out my style and while I did I purchased and purged many items, very quickly. Also poor fit and getting distracted by impulse purchases meant a high turnover rate for my wardrobe. Zeroing in on my style, core colors and ideal fit of items, it helping me to control my shopping.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I guess many of us follow this path after joining YLF. It is very stimulating to get to learn so much about fashion and style, and it is also stimulating to see what the other fabbers are wearing. I think I know my style a lot better now than in the beginning, and I hope it&nbsp;will start showing in my shopping soon, too. Your project has been very stimulating and I've learned so much from following you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you, everyone. I knew I wasn't brave when showing you this - you are true friends.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302905 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:53:58 +0000 Lisa 1302905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took me a while to figure out my style and while I did I purchased and purged many items, very quickly. &nbsp;Also poor fit and getting distracted by impulse purchases meant a high turnover rate for my wardrobe. &nbsp;Zeroing in on my style, core colors and ideal fit of items, it helping me to control my shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302879 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:32:22 +0000 jackiec 1302879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just can't get over how analytical you are with your wardrobe - I have so much to learn! What a great tool to have spreadsheets of your wardrobe pieces! I can't add much to what others have already suggested, but I am definitely taking away some good ideas from this. Thank you SO much for sharing your process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302875 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:29:36 +0000 Mo 1302875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Mona's idea to take a little break. &nbsp;I can't help but wonder if amassing too quickly (whether it's thrift&nbsp;<i>or</i> retail) is the contributing&nbsp;factor. &nbsp;I know that, for myself, I've never had the opportunity to grab a dozen or more items at a time or shop for a season's worth of clothing. &nbsp;I don't end up with a lot of mistakes. &nbsp;Sure, I have them. &nbsp;But I've averaged just under 40 items per year last year&nbsp;and purged about 6. &nbsp;So, maybe going slowly and carefully assessing each purchase before moving on to the next will lend itself to better choices? &nbsp;I know my No Buy July is making me rethink what I really want my last 6 or so items this year to be. &nbsp; Perhaps my made up parameters (budget $$ and number of items allowed) are what force me to make different decisions and choices than if I had free range to shop at will. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302809 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 13:40:55 +0000 texstyle 1302809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I imagine many of us would have similar results if we tracked our shopping this way. I see at least 6 tops in my current wardrobe that I've worn only once or twice but thought I loved at first sight. Mostly it's something too bright (in color or pattern) for&nbsp;me to enjoy on a regular basis -&nbsp;or it doesn't end up being truly comfortable in some way - too hot, too stiff, or sometimes too thin. But I do like to try new things so I won't completely stop buying those wildcards once in a while. I also have a tendency to hold on to things I've had for years and wore a lot at one time but now only wear once in a while.</p> <p>I think your exercise will help you to hone in on what suits you now. and it's just an ongoing process in finding what makes you happy in fashion.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302746 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:02:15 +0000 Anonymous 1302746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a GREAT evaluation. &nbsp;Another type of evaluation that would be so instructional for me. &nbsp; I can't do this because it never occurred to me to take snapshots of clothes items, and once the item has been removed my wardrobe, it is also&nbsp;deleted from my spreadsheet as though it never existed. Still much food for thought here. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302742 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:54:06 +0000 Mona 1302742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, the fact that you posed this means that you are already learning a lot about your wardrobe. I would suggest, taking a break from shopping (not only thrifting) for a season and really step back and ponder. Think about how some pieces are so much more loved than others. How much variety do you want in your closet? How easily can you mix and match existing pieces? etc. <br />Also, you have learnt from thrifting that all this buying and purging does not make you happy so I would say that all the experimentation helped you develop this insight about yourself. You will not make this shopping mistake again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302680 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 07:29:47 +0000 trendin1234 1302680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are very well organized with your new garments. I think I have to do the same to better look into my shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302659 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 05:57:38 +0000 Ingunn 1302659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sure is comforting to read your advice and pampering words. I'm glad Im not alone in this. A lot of what&nbsp;you write resonates with me, and I will go back and read everything again very carefully when I'm back this evening (now it's morning here, and I'm about to start my day). Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302618 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 04:13:43 +0000 Anonymous 1302618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I can say Ingunn, is ME TOO! I thought when I started keeping only ten core items a season that I would really hone in on my style and reduce closet churn to nothing. Well, I'm sorry to say that it hasn't happened. I'm a perfectionist and I tend&nbsp;to beat myself up over this (next month marks three years at YLF, surely I should have it all figured out by now), but I'm beginning to wonder if some amount of over-buying and then winnowing out is the only way for me to find my true "keepers". Sometimes I feel like I'm panning for gold: 1) Scoop up some water and gravel into my pan. 2) Swirl around and look for&nbsp;sparkly bits and hope I've got one. 3) Discard the dirt. 4) Repeat throughout the&nbsp;season. 5) Oops, that gold nugget was actually fool's gold. 6) Begin again.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like Suz's idea of expecting to&nbsp;<b>build</b> some but also to&nbsp;<b>churn</b> some. I can't limit the churn to a number though, I would have to purge the things that are wrong, even if I went over some arbitrary number I may have set.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you're doing a great job Ingunn. You have an amazing wardrobe, and it's only natural to have a few misses. We can all shoot for less mistakes, but unless we're Angie, I doubt any of us have a perfect buying record. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302591 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:27:26 +0000 Sylvie 1302591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMHO, you've been doing really well.&nbsp; It takes a great deal of self knowledge and experience to be able to identify exactly what is going to be perfect for our wardrobes and daily life.&nbsp; Anyone who is building their wardrobe, or going through a style transition is going to find that some of their clothing purchases just don't work out.</p> <p>Often the expensive items work out because due to their expense, we've spent extensive time thinking about how we'd wear them and scrutinizing the fit.&nbsp; We hold less expensive items to lower standards.&nbsp; We can find PPP clothes at any budget, but it takes time and experience to recognize them.</p> <p>You're already very organized and thoughtful with your wardrobe and you're doing the seasonal analysis.&nbsp; I wouldn't be surprised if you found that your keep/purge ratio dramatically improved next season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go/page/2#post-1302579 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:06:26 +0000 Suz 1302579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari raises a good question -- do the purged pieces get purged right away before wear, or after an unsuccessful wearing or two -- and what about them makes them unsatisfying?&nbsp;</p> <p>OR -- and this is possibly a scarier thought -- do you simply like to have this variety in the wardrobe? </p> <p>I say "scarier" because I know you and I would both like to think of ourselves as wardrobe "moderates." And if we aim to keep a moderate, responsible closet, it&nbsp;is scary to contemplate the thought that endless variety might be more than&nbsp;a bit of an addiction!&nbsp;</p> <p>But maybe it's okay to allow ourselves a middle place here?&nbsp;I am beginning to think that it might be okay to <b>build in</b> the expectation of a certain amount of "churn."&nbsp;Perhaps, for example, "allowing" up to 5 purchases a season in the full knowledge that they might be edited out by the end of that season -- as with my Zara kimono or a few of your seasonal thrifted items.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am wondering, for myself, if setting a limit on this per season might help me become very mindful about those purchases as well. Which trends do I <b>REALLY </b>want to jump on, as trends? Where do I really want to spend my "fling" money? How much of my budget per season&nbsp;will I set aside for the "flings." Where will I purchase those items? (I.e. what is the most responsible or least destructive&nbsp;way of buying them?)&nbsp;What will I do when I tire of those items? These are the kinds of questions I'm going to ask myself.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302577 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:03:31 +0000 Meow 1302577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another thing I've recently learned is the power of "selfies". Take a photo of yourself and analyze. I think something looks good in the mirror but when I take a selfie, I immediately see the problem. Like the cream Linen BR blazer I've been hunting for and so proudly took a photo to show my sister. I could tell immediately that the length was wrong and hit at the widest part of my hips. Why did I not see that in the mirror? Experience I guess. Luckily I could return. Lesson learned, buy from stores with good return policy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302566 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:47:17 +0000 Kari 1302566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You also say that you need to start wearing what you have vs. shopping for more. &nbsp;Can you think about the pieces you bought but haven't worn much, and assess why they haven't got much use? &nbsp;Are they too different/hard to pair with the rest of your wardrobe? &nbsp;Is there something slightly off about the fit or comfort factor that causes you to avoid them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302562 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:41:24 +0000 Caro in Oz 1302562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of modern &amp; minimal pieces for you Ingunn &nbsp;I agree with the others too - we need to make mistakes, that's how we learn.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302561 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:41:06 +0000 Suz 1302561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Gaylene, put that way, it is pretty sobering!! Yikes.&nbsp;</p> <p>But to be fair, in Ingunn's case at least, the actual dollar amounts wouldn't have been 50% of her budget, I suspect -- since it was mostly thrifted items that got purged and mostly non-thrifted items that she has made into workhorses. So on the whole her pricier items are the ones she's still wearing a lot.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302554 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:36:34 +0000 rabbit 1302554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also I just had to say, the print on that butterfly skirt! love it. &nbsp; Did you try it on once with your Ted Baker floral tee just for fun? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302526 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:10:38 +0000 Gaylene 1302526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First of all, you are a brave woman to put this kind of information into the public realm, Ingunn! If it's any consolation, I think your stats would look pretty good if we were all systematic and brave enough to put our own numbers out there. But you've raised a good point: if most of us are experiencing only a 1 in 2 success rate with our purchases that means we are literally throwing away away 50% of our wardrobe budget. Not a pleasant thought, but one that I'm going to spend some time thinking about this evening. You've given me a lot to ponder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302521 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 02:00:54 +0000 Suz 1302521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, thank you for posting this! You are brave. I have gone through a similar process but did not keep as careful track as you have. But everything you say and show here rings true for me as well -- my first two years on YLF were years of experimentation and some over-buying -- followed by purging that rivalled the buying -- and then still <b>MORE</b> buying (and purging!).&nbsp;</p> <p>You've heard it before, so I'm only echoing what others have said, but I agree with the suggestion to cut back or stop the thrifting. As soon as I stopped thrifting, I began to get more mindful of my buying in general. In buying higher end, higher priced items, I am much, much pickier; if they don't make me feel <b>amazing</b>, I don't let them into my closet. Which in turn means I won't push them out of my closet very quickly. Certainly not before they've seen a great deal of wear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Having said that, I&nbsp;hope you'll be kind to yourself about the thrifting you have done so far -- it is actually a great (relatively safe) way to experiment -- less costly to you and the environment. It is no great loss if those items didn't work for you long term. But, since&nbsp;you are tending toward a more modern aesthetic now, and are aware of that, I think for the most part, going forward,&nbsp;you'll find the thrifted items less satisfying and long-lasting. Unless you go with a specific need in mind (e.g. "I am thrifting a red scarf or a brown belt," esp. a small item that would add the finishing touches to an outfit you are imagining). That sort of thrifting could work out better.&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking back on my own purges from the spring/ summer 2013 season, some were&nbsp;"make do" items that never were right and should have been returned right away, but I held onto them because I feared I wouldn't find a suitable, usable replacement. This happens to me still. I'm not sure there is a way around it, especially when talking about needed items like footwear. And I say "need" on purpose. Like you, I sometimes buy the wrong kind of footwear and then realize that I actually need something much more practical.&nbsp;I know what I want, but it does not become available, yet I need something to wear in the meantime. There lies danger. Because when I <b>DO</b> find the thing I like more, I'll buy it for sure. And purge the first one.&nbsp;</p> <p>Others, I&nbsp;<b>purposely</b> bought at a relatively low price point&nbsp;in order to try a trend (i.e. my Zara floral kimono) -- with the full knowledge that I would probably tire of them within a season.&nbsp;&nbsp;In that case, I wore the heck out of the item&nbsp;for a season and then passed it along to a Fabber in Oz so she could enjoy it in <b>HER </b>spring season. I quite like this idea for trying specific trends.&nbsp;</p> <p>You and I can keep each other on the straight and narrow about shoes and booties, okay? I think our needs are very, very similar both in terms of climate and lifestyle.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302475 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:58:35 +0000 rabbit 1302475@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like <b>Ummlila</b> said, it's the kinda boring but practical&nbsp;clothes (when they don't fill an immediate hole and you need to wear them like, tomorrow) &nbsp;that end up being the items I'm returning the most. Or the Old Navy kind of 'I don't have any tops right now, these are fine as basics' thing <b>Susie</b> mentions where I really should have only bought one.</p> <p>On the issue of thrift, &nbsp;have you numerically compared your returns and purges of thrifted items to those of retail items? &nbsp;I do know when there is a huge price difference it's very hard to avoid sale blinders (I spent a few hours at a 35 cent thrift sale this spring&nbsp;and of the around 20 things I brought home, I've kept and loved four. Luckily it still worked out financially though in this particular case).</p> <p>Some things that helped me in general with more cautious thrifting after this experience&nbsp;were:</p> <p>1) Like <b>E</b> says, only go looking for that one item you are in search of, and know exactly the fit, material and cut you want.</p> <p>2) &nbsp;If you think you have found it have it held for an hour or two, and check at the mall&nbsp;(if they are close by) for similar items to check both the price and the design details/fit. &nbsp; For example&nbsp;I found white Kut from the Kloth knee length jean shorts at thrift, but at the mall discovered by trying on a size up that I actually preferred the larger fit of the same item.</p> <p>3) &nbsp; Go to a thrift shop with no or a very restrictive&nbsp;return policy, &nbsp;this makes me only buy what I'm absolutely committed to. &nbsp;I walk away if I'm not&nbsp;sure. &nbsp; I can check back later in the week if it's still haunting me, and if it's gone, c'est la vie.</p> <p>ETA: &nbsp;the reason I'm still thrifting is because reuse when practical&nbsp;versus buying new is something important to me. &nbsp; If I can get the same item thrifted vs. new, even if there isn't a large price difference, I'll tend to go for the thrifted item if it's very lightly worn.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302473 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:57:57 +0000 Joyce B 1302473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are very well organized with your new garments. I think I have to do the same to better look into my shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302468 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:52:22 +0000 Susie 1302468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've learned that most of my mistakes are the lower priced things where I think "this is only $x and I could wear it with jeans or black pants" and I buy it just because rather than because I really love it. If I go to someplace like Old Navy where the prices are really low, I'll simply buy too many pieces and even duplicates. Like if I like this in white, why not get gray and blue too? Or I get in too much of a hurry to fill a need- this spring it was casual cotton tops- and I settle for things that are just ok. </p> <p>One item that I've not made mistakes in is handbags. Maybe because it am willing to spend more on them when I start looking, even though I do like to find good deals on them. </p> <p>Comparing my 2013 purchases to what I've bought so far this year, I have done much better. But still there have been a few mistakes so I know I can do better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302462 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:43:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1302462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant Ingunn! I just commented on Amy's thread about her wardrobe numbers that I have cut way down on my thrifting. I can find great things (like the J Crew jacket) but then don't wear them. So I'm not going for a while until I know clearer what I've already got.</p> <p>This catalogue system of yours is so impressive. Great way to keep track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302445 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:12:04 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1302445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this linked article you posted a lot, Joy. The author's point that if something doesn't make you feel amazing, you should leave it behind is a very good one. </p> <p>Most of my wardrobe mistakes have been made not so much in the designer Final Sale situation as they have in a scenario like: Oh look, a high end yet affordable navy pencil skirt. Everyone needs a skirt like that. It will go with so many things. It fits well. I have 2 jackets that it would match. But in reality, said pencil skirt is still in the closet, because it's kind of boring. (It's DVF. It is nice. Tags still on since May. Is Nordstrom's exchange policy really that good?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302438 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:01:47 +0000 Meow 1302438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm new to YLF and you've inspire me to keep track of my purchases too! I don't think you should be too hard on yourself. Mistakes are part of learning!<br /> I've been think a lot about how to improve my own boring t shirt and jeans wardrobe and maybe these ideas will help you too.<br /> 1) invest more in classic timeless pieces that could be paired with a variety of styles. When I say invest I mean something a little more quality and cost than what I have been spending on my boring t shirts and jeans uniform. My thinking is that these would be the work horses or foundation of my wardrobe.<br /> 2) Try new items but don't spend a lot on them. If they end up being something I love than replace with higher quality.<br /> 3) start to think in outfits and capsules instead of pieces. I just started playing around with polyvore with one outfit and already know what I have to look for on my next shopping trip.<br /> 4) stay educated in trends, styles, likes and dislikes by following fashion blogs, YLF, and pin to Pinterest.<br /> Those are some ideas that I hope will help. I'm like you and aspire to a beautiful, functional, fashionable wardrobe. Maybe I should not think of it as a goal but rather an on going process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302437 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:01:43 +0000 shedev 1302437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say stop thrifting for a while. Once you get a handle on what you need from your clothes, you can thrift with a better eye. Only thrift where you can try on the clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-purchases-the-past-three-seasons---how-did-it-go#post-1302425 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 23:47:26 +0000 deb 1302425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not reading what others said, I would say stop thrifting. I appears you are spending without getting the intended use. Those dollars could have gone to something you would keep. </p>