YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My True Confessions

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: My True Confessions https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:29:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elly on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554641 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:51:19 +0000 Elly 1554641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't bleach! Yellow stains from sweat are protein-based and should be treated like a blood stain with borax or an oxygen or enzyme based product (like oxiclean or what you use to remove pet urine stains). Believe me, I'm the queen of the yellow stain issue. If that doesn't work, then it might be your deodorant, but bleach will make the stains worse in the long term if they are sweat. Sadie on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554638 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 12:44:34 +0000 Sadie 1554638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter: we need to put these rules on a laminated 3 X 5 card and carry them with us when when we shop! I totally agree with you on the DCO (except for a few dresses). As far as returns: I almost always order from places where I can return in person and I track my "tags on" clothes pretty carefully- that's one area where I have really gotten better (I had a $200 dress that I missed the window on and that was very painful). Gigi: the tops that developed holes were cotton knits (a lot of them those slub-knits)- they are very comfortable but do not do well with my jeans and probably my kitchen counters. I have steered away from this type of top as a result. Elizabeth P on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554610 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:37:31 +0000 Elizabeth P 1554610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis Sadie.  (and Elly and Laura!)  Thanks for sharing. I don't have time to scrutinize my purchases at the moment, but this post is making me realize a few things: 1.  I do quite well!  I honestly can only think of one "fail" that I got in the last year... a striped tee from Zara that I LOVED, until I washed it, and the side seams went all crooked and spiraled around... by about 3-4".  I think all other purchases still make me happy, and will definitely be in circulation next year. Oh, and a white linen tank that developed pit stains after one wear.  What's with that?  I intend to try bleaching it, just haven't yet. 2.  I bought too much.  Surprise surprise.  I still have a couple of linen tops with tags on, which makes me laugh at myself.  I could force a wear still, but figure I may as well keep them pristine for next year.  I knew I wanted some linen tops this year, I guess I went overboard.  Anonymous on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554491 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:56:37 +0000 Anonymous 1554491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Super thread, Sadie! Thanks for starting this. I always learn so much from reading others' analyses. Laura's calorie count analogy is great. And, Suz, I like your comment about viewing tracking as temporary: that inspires me to try. I am using my warm autumn capsule as a way to track wears and gain insight. Creating the capsule allowed me to take a 'small bites' approach to dressing and, by extension wardrobe tracking and analysis without feeling overwhelmed. I am using knitting keepers to track (small rubber bands would work just as well)--I just slot one on the hanger each time I wear an item and will be able to see at a glance what was most worn by season's end. I also like Laura and others' comments about learning from the mistakes. we forgive ourselves when we mess up in other areas, but hanging onto wardrobe mistakes can be a constant in-your-face visual reminder that i flubbed something. I hereby resolve to pass my mistakes on to people for whom they end up being successes! Jenn on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554478 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:17:14 +0000 Jenn 1554478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the analogy to calorie counting. I'm just starting on tracking my wears (I've done it for a month and a half now), but I use an app (ClosetSpace) for my wear-tracking, just like I use MyFitnessPal for calorie counting. I find snapping daily pics helps a lot for reconstructing data later, and, I'll admit, I sometimes do the same with a meal when I'm too busy to track it right that minute. Suz on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554451 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:25:25 +0000 Suz 1554451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think just telling myself if was temporary and I could stop if it felt like too much of a hassle allowed me to do it. (Can you tell I'm not usually a numbers geek?)  I thought I knew what I was wearing and not wearing. And guess what? I did know! As a matter of fact, I was wearing almost everything -- although obviously I wore some items a lot more than others. So that wasn't my big lesson.  My big lessons were:  1. What I was wearing with what.  2. WHY I was reaching for this and not that.  3. What was missing/ why I felt bored.  And it didn't take months and months to figure that out.  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554448 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:14:27 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1554448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, maybe I could do intermittent tracking - the trick would be to find a week or two that would be representative. *ponders* Suz on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554432 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:44:10 +0000 Suz 1554432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Laura, the analogy to calorie counting is right on. I loathe tracking food....ugh. But I do it for about two weeks every year anyway because I do learn something from it. (It also has a natural side effect of slowing me down.)  Tracking clothing for a season is similar. It really did get me thinking more clearly, and I'm sure I spent less. In fact, I didn't shop for a full five months, except for long underwear and a pair of snow boots.  I didn't manage to do it for the summer and I'm not sure that was a problem -- I was really clear about what I was wearing and what I wasn't wearing -- and why. But our summer is shorter than our winter.  I will probably do it again for the coming fall/ winter season.  Gigi on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554423 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:30:20 +0000 Gigi 1554423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love this post! I analyzed my purchases last year and learned a lot from the exercise too. Regarding your workhorse shirts that developed beltline holes...would you have rather that the tops had a longer life? Or do you like things wearing out so that you can maybe try something different? I know that I sometimes get upset that I didn't buy better quality of something, only to find that the thing wearing out forces me to get an updated or different version that I like just as much. It kind of forces me to reevaluate my style, in other words. It sounds like your white jeans would be a wild card. I don't know that there's any way to find out without trying them out. When I try things like that and they don't work out, I don't really consider them mistakes as much as a necessary part of learning what my style is not.  Like you, when I analyzed my purchases I found that improper fit was a big culprit of items being left unworn. Even if the fit has only minor problems, that is enough to prevent me from wearing the item. Now that my wardrobe is of a decent size, I'm not as tempted to settle, because I know that I have plenty of things to wear if I forgo said item. My second category of poor purchases had to do with buying items whose style was just a little "off" for my persona. I have a bit of a boho flair to my clothing, and I had bought some boho tops from Ralph Lauren, but they were from a line of tops that was also kind of businessy...so the tops were kind of this weird mix of boho and officewear. So they never felt right. Thanks again for the post! It's a good reminder for me to go through my purge list (I have a tab in my spreadsheet for purges) and really examine what the issues are this year that are causing me to cull. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554353 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:54:58 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1554353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great realizations all, carter. I don't mind in-person returns since I work at home and it's an excuse to get out and interact with people - but if I had to do them only on weekends or after work, they would get put off. I'm also at the PO at least once a week already. But anything that needs to be taken to UPS or FedEx is out of my normal routine. Isn't it funny what makes a difference? Sadie, this thread has made me realize that I really need to figure out a way to track wears. It was one of my goals for 2015 but I just haven't found a way that fits in with my normal habits and doesn't get pushed to the wayside when a crisis hits or I don't feel well. My analysis up-thread shows that I'm not making crazy mistakes in buying, so I've figured that part out for the moment. Now I need to figure out what I really wear and how much. I have a general idea but I think it's like tracking calories, what you think is happening and what's really happening can be two different things. Lyn D. on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554322 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 22:08:03 +0000 Lyn D. 1554322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am amazed at the way we can remember so much about our closets on this forum! My success rate has vastly improved since participating, due to all the points Angie mentions in her latest Blog. Writing lessons learned down helps too. carter on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554318 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:46:30 +0000 carter 1554318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fascinating read! Thanks for starting it, Sadie. I have not been as diligent as you and Laura in tracking, and I certainly don't have Elly's memory capacity! I will, however, at least take a stab at some general observations of what's worked for me and what hasn't over the past couple years. What's been working for me: <ul> <li>Slim straight leg jeans with low-mid rises: great success with Gap, Loft, Paige, WHBM</li> <li>Slim boyfriend jeans: success with ON, VS</li> <li>Skinny jeans with lower rises: success with Paige, KUT, Joe's</li> <li>Lightweight jeans for travel/Summer: Uniqlo and KUT Mias have been great</li> <li>Jeggings with higher rises: success with Chico's straight and BP bootcut</li> <li>Ankle Pants: success with BR Hamptons (no longer made), WHBM, EF, SFA Blue line</li> <li>Tunic length cotton/silk/linen sweaters with boat, U or preferably V-neck: success with EF, JJill, ON</li> <li>Tunic length wovens: success with JJill, Foxcroft, SFA Red line, Anthro</li> <li>Sleeveless Summer blouses and tanks: success with Gap, BR, ON, Pleione, SFA Red line, Foxcroft</li> </ul> The things I need to tattoo on my forehead: <ul> <li>No more floppy tab sleeves. I absolutely cannot stand these, yet I tend to overlook this if I like everything else about the blouse.</li> <li>No more DCO or ironing required for "everyday clothes". These items just sit unworn because I don't want to deal with the upkeep.</li> <li>No more ordering from places with unfamiliar/stricter return policies. So many times I have been "stuck" with items I wanted to return because a quick timeframe had elapsed, shipping was exorbitant, or the fine print said "final sale". Nordstrom, Amazon and Zappos just make life so much easier. Saks, Neiman's, BR/Gap, Loft, WHBM, JJill are all ok in a pinch since I can return in store easily enough. </li> <li>If 1 is good, 2 MIGHT be better, but 5 or 6 is MOST DEFINITELY worse! When will I learn this? When duplicating is being considered, I must wear the original for an entire day, launder and wear for a second entire day BEFORE buying a duplicate (or cutting the tags on the duplicate).</li> <li>No more buying something just because I fall in love with the color. The style, fit, care instructions, and functionality ALL have to be there as well. While we're at it...I should learn to admire super bright colors from afar. They should not come home with me ever.</li> <li>No more buying when DH is with me (or there is some other reason I'm rushed). I end up grabbing to stuff to "try on" at home rather than taking the time in the store, and returns inevitably fall through the cracks.</li> <li>Experimentation is fine, but I need to learn to dip my toe in one item at a time...not dive in head first.</li> <li>No more short sleeve tees. I haven't really worn them in two years, yet I continue to shop for them like they're still a wardrobe staple for me. I prefer sleeveless in the Summer and for layering in Spring/Fall. 3/4 and long sleeve tees with some interest are still ok for Fall/Spring, but not too many.</li> <li>I have a shoe problem. I know this. I'm going to have to address it at some point...but not this week...I have several on their way at the moment;-).</li> <li>All in all, I'm doing significantly better in 2015 than I did in 2014 and the 2nd half of 2013. My success rate for 2013/2014 was probably in the 50% range. This year, I'm pretty confident I'm in the 75% success bracket.</li> </ul> Thanks for making me think all this through! Sadie on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554262 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:57:45 +0000 Sadie 1554262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz: agree on quality for workhorse items. I have had some success with good white tees lately and have been very pleased with my Loft jeans (which were inexpensive but have really lasted). I'll have to bite the bullet on the white jeans- I even tore the tags off a while ago as a way to force myself to wear them! Laura: I'm pretty happy if my tops last 2 years before I tire of them or they get too worn out. I'm early in this tracking exercise so I'm not sure how many times I should expect to be able to wear something. We'll never have a 100 % success rate, but at the same time I hate repeating mistakes (case in point: I bought a pair of black skinny jeans from Loft that I donated after a few wearings because of fabric issues. Then I bought a pair of black straight legs in the same fabric, and now was frustrated with both fit and fabric!) Elly: great analysis- and it helps to look at our successes too- here are mine: 1- print fabric scarves (light-weight so work in most climates) 2- jeans: dark wash skinnies (177 wears!) and lighter wash straight legs 3- ballet flats (light brown and snakeskin esp), black suede pump (32 wears!), nude pump 4- black jacket from Aritzia, heather beige and maroon waterfall cardigans 5- tops: red and white Breton, blue and white Breton, navy V-neck tee, white scoop neck tee, grey short sleeve sweatshirt (Gap) and grey long sleeve sweatshirt (Madewell) Shedev: I am trying to keep my out-the-door wardrobe to about 100 items so things do get worn enough. So far I have maintained this level for about a year with a rather high level of happiness. Cheryle: I hear you on alterations. Growing up everything needed to be altered because I was short and I dreaded the phrase "We can always take it in/up, etc." Laura: nice job on the success rate- how long have you been tracking/analyzing? I always think that looking at real data gives you a lot of insights that often contradict what you thought was the case. Smittie: fabric quality is all over the place. I have had expensive things that don't last and cheap ones that do (Gap and Loft are particularly hit-or-miss). Anonymous on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554251 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:15:36 +0000 Anonymous 1554251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sadie, I would say you're doing well on your success:fail ratio. I think mine was closer to 50:50 my first year, and now it's closer to 80:20. I think as long as you continue to think seriously about what makes something work vs. Not, you'll continue to get better at this stuff. However, one thing I've not been able to completely nip in the bud is fabric quality. It's so hard to tell whether something will hold up and price point IS NO indicator at all, especially with knits, as many others on this forum have also indicated. I guess what I'm trying to say is that a lot of so-called "mistakes" are Just plain Bad Luck. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554248 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:55:55 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1554248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, I'll give in (I've never met a self-analysis I didn't like...). Just looked at my budget file for 2014 and I was still figuring out how I wanted to track things, so I don't have specific items, just amounts per store, until midway through the year. That works out to a year ago now, so that's a good place to start. Of summer 2014 purchases, there are two items I don't have anymore: a pair of shoes that I bought a size too big, thinking they'd work with socks (duh - at least they were mega-cheap), and another pair of shoes that weren't supportive enough and got donated. 'Still have/wear' rate is about 90%, although a couple pairs of jeans are too tight right now. Fall 2014: one summer-y top I plan to donate at the end of this summer, otherwise most things are still around. I bought one white clutch to take to a wedding which I don't think I've used again - I should make more effort to use it. One shirtdress which was never quite long enough that I donated (lesson: stop buying shirtdresses, they never work for me). One knit top is on its last legs, but was bought secondhand anyway, so it's had a good run. One secondhand pair of shoes resold due to comfort. Success rate ~80% Winter 2014-15: Looking at the items I acquired, the main problem is that I didn't wear them enough - exacerbated by our unseasonably warm winter last year, most of the warm stuff really wasn't needed much at all. No real busts although one thrifted purse was re-donated and a couple pairs of pants are too snug right now. Success rate ~90% Spring: one knit top that got pilled super-fast (I wore it during the April 30x30 which didn't help. No particular lesson there because it was Kut from the Kloth which is usually pretty high quality, even in knits). One pair of loose pants that shrank during the first washing and were never the same (lesson: don't buy rayon pants unless they are way longer than they need to be, they will shrink). Everything else is still in play. ~75% Summer fails: another pair of mega-shrink pants (at least this pair I could return to Nordstrom). A belt and a pair of hiking pants I haven't worn yet. A jean jacket that it's been too warm to wear yet. Looking over this, I'm pleasantly surprised - a >75% 'still have, still wear' rate after a year or so is pretty good, I think. Whether I needed all those clothes is another question entirely! cheryle (Dianthus) on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554236 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:22:17 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1554236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis Sadie.  I am with you on two of them:  buy one in a color you love (teal is a favorite for me too) and if it needs too much alteration, don't bother.  I have had two items taken up at the shoulders and neither one worked out.  Alassë on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554233 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:20:35 +0000 Alassë 1554233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A very interesting read. Thank you to everyone who posted their analyses! shedev on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554230 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:12:06 +0000 shedev 1554230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis. I've been tracking my items since 2013. The first thing I learned was that I was buying way too many things and not wearing nearly as much as I thought I was. Also it took my focus away from my aspirational style and made trying to get there much harder. The second was that when I try to dress in seasonal colors, I tend to want to purge a lot of it by the end of the year. Just being mindful of these two things really helped me to buy much better. Elly on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554217 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:17:32 +0000 Elly 1554217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't been tracking, but I can remember everything I've bought since January 2013. Misses: jack purcell sneakers-- not happy with the quality and heel cup too wide/deep for me Flannel shirts that pilled-- I've never had good quality flannels pill in an rough and uncomfortable way-- these got worn a ton but they are both going in the garbage, hopefully to be replaced by something nicer Two sweaters/sweatshirts that pilled-- both of these were returned for a refund Unliquo heat geat tops-- totally saved my butt and let me wear my button downs all winter, but they washed weird and pilled badly and rode funny and I'm glad I get to toss them cheap tees-- the fit and quality was off and they washed and pilled badly right away silky modal top-- did this odd thing that was a combo of snagging and pilling, but only on the inside of the garment pencil skirts-- both of mine are fit issues and are related more to my tailor than the skirts/style-- she seems to have a hard time dealing with my high hip shape grey sketchers sneakers-- these didn't hold up well and also tracked gravel everywhere-- must remember not to buy that sole type a-line midi skirt--- I never have anything to wear with these Maybes: red leather Miz-Mooz chelsea boots-- RED, which is a plus for me, very comfortable, had a manufacturing defect that only showed up after some wear and the company wouldn't do anything for me-- had repaired and am still wearing them, but was told the repair won't hold long-term (have another pair of Mooz that are great quality) Blue mid-calf moto boots-- bought these on a whim, loved them, surprised by the comfort but didn't wear them at first because I was afraid I would regret the blue-- as a result, only worn twice so far-- fur lining as well chenille sweater--- I wore this most weeks in deep winter, it was very warm-- not sure if it is the most flattering without lots of effort styling, didn't like how the cuffs stretched out tan/olive/black striped knit jacket-- I get lots of compliments on this but have had a hard time finding the right top to wear under it-- looks great with my gallery dress, a bit dissapointed in the quality of the cuff fabric-- contingent on finding a black top for it gallery dress-- bought at the end of the season and wore twice-- like it, but will have to see about usefulness in new climate VC fleece lined black denim jacket-- might be too heavy for new climate, not sure I like how fleece washes  Successes: Salomon red sneakers -- have worn through 2 pairs and they don't make them anymore Red DC slip on sneakers -- very narrow heel cup White converse II-- much comfier because of heel cup depth and width brown leather arch support thongs-- replacement for a similar pair black doc marten serenas-- worn and worn and worn, waterproof, comfortable (only wondering with the furry lining if they will get worn in AZ) black chelsea boots-- bought used, these are amazing 3 pair of GAP jeans-- fit well and hold up to washing and wearing, come in lengths, don't grow Unliquo olive city sweatshirt-- this is a modal piece that washed and wore beautifully and was a gorgeous color and practical piece for me drape front blouses-- added these to my gallery capsule and they both have saved my butt white tencel shirt-- I never wear cream or white, but I loved this.  poly blouses--- that crepe mesh fabric that isn't see through. I've been surprised how cool these are-- we will see if that changes in AZ Inexpensive but not cheap modal and cotton tees-- so far these have washed well and are a necessary evil-- not too worried if they wear out denim shorts-- love these denim jacket-- love this cotton blouses-- need to be good quality or they don't wash well enough without ironing-- a looser but not boxy fit is better on me THE LESSONS <ol> <li>skirts are problematic, they need partners, proportions are an issue as is fabric and color and footwear-- pencil and tube skirts are easier -- however, pencil skirts need a good tailor</li> <li>those flexible soled shoes with all the cuts in the sole are awful if you don't have sidewalks-- I need to remember not to buy them again as I'm always picking mud or gravel out of my shoes</li> <li>I need a sneaker or shoe that is between canvas and boots for wet warm days</li> <li>A narrow heel cup is essential to fitting shoes comfortably-- it also can't be too high in the back</li> <li>fabric should have a good hand feel-- both synthetic and natural fibers worked for me but those that felt good had less wear issues</li> <li>cheap isn't good, but some things are not worth paying more for (tees) quality can be really unpredictable, though</li> <li>I LOVE denim</li> <li>I need to be less afraid of taking chances with color and new silhouettes</li> <li>I can wear poly and button downs-- a fluid fit and good fabric here</li> <li>I need to shop for my new climate and wear my furry faves when it is cold, not shop for more faves</li> <li>This is akin to skirts- but sometimes finding an top or a jacket to pair with one another can be rough-</li> </ol> Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554214 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:08:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1554214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting analysis. I've got budget data including everything I've bought since the beginning of 2014, so I could do a similar analysis. But I'm afraid it would send me into a spiral of neurotic self doubt. You've figured out a lot of things, like don't expect to have successful alterations if they're complex, and don't buy items that need complicated underpinnings (def one of mine too). I agree with Suz, your success rate is pretty good. The whole calculus raises the question of what is a success and what is a failure - is a piece that you wear for a calendar year but then is worn out a failure? I aim at an average of three years before I expect to replace something, but obviously some pieces don't make it quite that long. If I buy something for summer and it lasts two years I'm chuffed, because I wear those pieces quite hard. Janet's thread focused on pieces she'd never worn or had worn rarely - I think those can be the ones that bug us the most, but then again they teach us the most about what we like and what is workable for our lifestyle. Is it reasonable to expect that we have a 100% success rate? I suspect not, especially since manufacturing variance isn't under our control. Suz on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554203 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:48:01 +0000 Suz 1554203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an account! Your geekiness is paying off if it is helping you to make wiser purchasing decisions. That's the opposite of what Angie calls "analysis-paralysis."  It sounds as if you're doing really well. First off, fully 2/3 of your purchases were excellent ones that didn't cause you problems. I'd say that's a pretty good average. Sure, you can improve, but you're starting out from a great place.  Next, of those that were problems, quite a number had to do with manufacture. I guess I would modify your comment here: lesson: buy better quality even for workhorse items to buy better quality especially for workhorse items. We can't always know in advance whether something is going to a). become a workhorse, or b). hold up -- but if we know we tend to wear a certain type of item fairly often, it makes sense to get a higher quality version if we can afford it.  Re the white jeans -- just put them on. See what happens. The first few times you may feel self-conscious. But of all the white clothing I own, jeans have turned out to be the most useful/ easy to wear (and I live a very casual lifestyle).  Sadie on "My True Confessions" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-true-confessions#post-1554194 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:17:59 +0000 Sadie 1554194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Long post- apologies in advance! Inspired by Janet's post about closet editing, I did my own purchase analysis. I have been closely tracking what I have bought, worn, and retired starting January 1, 2014, using a database system with customizable queries that I designed (geekiness to the nth degree, I know). I looked at items I purchased (and kept- I had a lot of returns!)  I looked specifically at: 1- items purchased on/after 1/1/2014 that were retired for various reasons 2- items purchased between 1/1/2014 and 6/9/2015 that have not yet been worn (or in the case of tops/toppers/bottoms worn less than 2 times). I am giving myself 3 months from purchase to wear something before I call it a "fail". I ended up with 76 purchases since 1/1/2014, 25 of which had "issues" , and here is the analysis: The "successes" (12) 4 items (3 tops and a pair of shoes) will likely see wear come cooler weather, so I am giving them a pass (I am happy with fit and usefulness in my life which is either pretty casual or pretty dressy with not a lot of middle ground!) 3 items developed those pesky belt-line holes (which was too bad because these were comfortable cotton tees which I love wearing) 5 items got a lot of wear and were showing their age- these were not of the best quality (Gap, Loft) but were inexpensive- lesson: buy better quality even for workhorse items The "problem children" (13)- most were poor style choices or problems with fit: 1 top shrank despite proper care by me :( 4 pants: one too tight, one too loose (plus I wasn't crazy about the fabric in either)- lesson: fit is key in pants and pay attention to fabric and comfort two pair I am on the fence about: a new pair of black pants from EF that still have tags on and a pair of unworn white jeans that I just can't get my head around (I may not live a white jeans lifestyle) 1 dress: the top was a little big and I thought tailoring would fix it, but it still didn't fit right- lesson: stick to simple tailoring (hems etc) and walk away from items that need bigger fixes 2 shoes: one pair of metallic sandals that I compromised on fit and color thinking I needed them: lesson: I didn't need them one pair of Clark's heels that I fell for advertising/blogs about comfort (ended up being less stylish and less comfortable than the Cole Haans I discovered on my own and have worn a lot): lesson: stick with Cole Haan (I have 13 pair of shoes, 5 of which are Cole Haan!) 5 tops: these were fit and/or style issues- lessons: I don't like to have to wear a camisole or scarf (ie if too sheer or v-neck too low) Extras like pleating need to look really classic or they bug me Buy only one in the best color in a style because that's the one you will wear (I wear the teal version a lot, but the orange-coral one did me no favors) One sweater I am still on the fence about (a bit formal for wear with jeans- we'll see what happens with cooler weather) Fortunately only 5 of the problem items were purchased since January this year so maybe I am learning from my mistakes. However, I do make the same mistakes over and over- I need to concentrate on fit and fabric (I am doing much better a selecting items that play well with the rest of my closet and that suit my lifestyle, though those white jeans keep staring at me!) What mistakes have you made, what lessons have you learned, and do you keep repeating the same mistakes?