https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:46:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533930 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 16:07:55 +0000 Summer 1533930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey, you have a very supportive husband, and how lovely that he pays you so many compliments. &nbsp;Can you hire him out, please?</p> <p>I wish you luck with your challenge, and I certainly think it is doable, given that you will be making small accessories purchases and having clothes as gifts occasionally. &nbsp;You don't want to feel deprived.</p> <p>It sounds as if you have had some valuable insights about your current wardrobe, so these should serve you well during your challenge. &nbsp;Do let us know how it goes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533903 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:45:45 +0000 abc 1533903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey, I wanted to chime back in and say I apologize if my post came across as discouraging. &nbsp;I think you can do this. &nbsp;It may be uncomfortable at times to resist the urge to shop if you are like me and do it for reasons other than to fill holes, for example, but you are a bright, capable woman and can do anything you set your mind to. &nbsp;</p> <p>I also think that looking at it in a creative way to mix the pieces you already own is a fantastic approach and calls to your inner spirit.</p> <p>Good luck, and please keep us updated! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533898 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:41:40 +0000 Susie 1533898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Tracey, that is an ambitious goal but it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into how to reach it. And with the support of your husband (and some fashion gifts along the way!), I am confident that you can do it. Good luck and have fun playing in your closet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533759 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 12:03:28 +0000 Suz 1533759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an ambitious challenge, Tracey! But I think you can do it! First, you have a big wardrobe of wonderful, wonderful clothes to support you in your goal -- lots of combinations to play with. Next, you have a goal. Not just one goal -- but TWO goals. You want to lose some weight (something you've already achieved successfully in the past, so you know how to do it). And you want to return to Ireland. I am with those who suggest popping some money into an account every time you feel the urge to splurge. Think how fast it will add up for your trip!!&nbsp;</p> <p>You look gorgeous in today's outfit, by the way!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533756 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 11:52:49 +0000 Anonymous 1533756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post resonates with me, too, Tracey. Like you, I have a supportive husband who realises (or maybe just hopes!) I'll know when to say "enough!" I've been having the same thoughts as you as I peruse my groaning closet for pieces to take to the resale shop--some from last year and only worn once. I found out the other day there's a strong possibility my job will end in the next 2-3 years, if not sooner, putting me in that scary age bracket of too old to hire, too young to retire. So cutting back is in order for me, too. Please keep posting on your journey; you are an inspiration. </p> <p>And may I add you are one gorgeous lady --and the outfit you posted is perfection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533707 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 08:54:43 +0000 alexandra 1533707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great challenge,&nbsp;Tracey! I decided to SYC for 2 years, because I really have a lot of clothes and a casual lifestyle, but I'm ready to cheat sometimes. First, if my mom decides to knit something new to me, I can't say "no", although I own lots of knit already. Then, I groupped my clothes into capsules and found some holes, for example I want red sandals to brighten a blue-white capsule. I look for them, but I ignore other deals, which is not so easy during sales!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533668 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 05:30:43 +0000 anne 1533668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go for it Tracey! I think it will be hard but doable. And if you have already bought heaps for fall, have the defined exception you have mentioned AND can get fashion presents on 4 occasions during the year (will you get to pick them out if they are presents?) then I think it is entirely manageable give you have been shopping a lot for the last 4 years.&nbsp;</p> <p>Do you include knickers. socks, stockings etc - are you stocked up enough with them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533647 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:37:41 +0000 Sal 1533647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds a great idea. &nbsp;And your DH is supportive which is fabulous. &nbsp;You have a large and wonderful closet so you will enjoy creating looks from these pieces, and I suspect you will learn a lot about yourself and your shopping along the way.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533643 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:30:44 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1533643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a tough challenge. But it also sounds like you are really envisioning how to make it work. Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533639 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 04:12:58 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1533639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone, I like the idea of putting money in an account for when I resist the urge to splurge.</p> <p>&nbsp; I know that I have so many items that I can really delve into mixing and showing the versatility of each item, which is something I've wanted to do..After all, I named my blog Versatile Style by Tracey, lol.</p> <p>Because I have left myself open to purchasing an accessory if I feel like I really NEED to and the option to perhaps finish the task my husband put forth of replacing my ballet flats, I am confident that this is achievable. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've already been on Pinterest looking at things like "Orange Cardigan Outfits" &nbsp;and seeing so many possibilities for the new one I bought. &nbsp;I swear there are over a dozen ways that came to mind right away. &nbsp;This is actually going to make this challenge so fun..... I am not an outfit repeater and have so many bottoms or dresses to explore the possibilities for my love of 3rd completer pieces. &nbsp;I am truly looking forward to and feeling very inspired. &nbsp;I don't feel like doing this in any way is depriving myself. &nbsp;I will never become a minimalist , but I do want to make sure that everything in my closet is worthy and serves me well. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks for your kind words and support! &nbsp;It's encouraging!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533320 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:38:45 +0000 abc 1533320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I identify a lot with your post. &nbsp;Sometimes I don't fess up to DH what I've bought, either, but he never questions me as we have the whole my money/your money/our money thing going on.</p> <p>I will echo what milehighstyle says above, that you can do anything you set your mind to.</p> <p>However, I would say going from a rate of shopping that you mentioned above to not shopping for a whole year sounds pretty drastic. &nbsp;I know you mentioned some "freebies" (things you will allow yourself to shop for). &nbsp;I would say try it out, see how it goes. &nbsp;Why commit to a year unless it is something you feel strongly about. &nbsp;Give yourself the permission to ease into it. &nbsp;SYC for a month or a season and see what you learn. &nbsp;It WILL have effects on you even if for a short period of time.</p> <p>Anyway, I don't mean to discourage, but come from a place similar to you - I used to shop for fun, to get my mind off of life (and eat chocolate for that too), out of boredom, etc etc etc. &nbsp;It's hard to go from that to cold turkey. &nbsp;Be gentle with yourself is the only advice I would give. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533319 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:36:42 +0000 Staysfit 1533319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I had a SYC for the past two months which I broke to purchase one HEWI from NAS, and I considered but didn't purchase a pair of Aquatalia Fangs that I wanted, but decided I can do without for now. </p> <p>I think it is very achievable, there are so many Blogs written by people who have done this, and you have your wonderful husband, your own Blog, and of course YLF for added support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533306 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 21:12:04 +0000 Glory 1533306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck with this and kudos to your amazing husband. I really like the idea above of putting some money away each time your successfully resist the urge to purchase something. It can be your Ireland fund and will help you feel fantastic each time you save.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533181 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 17:39:27 +0000 deb 1533181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zara has some really cute ones. I am unable to get the finds button to work right now so I will post links.</p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/view-all/cropped-trousers-c733898p2866322.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....66322.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/view-all/culottes-c733898p2945597.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....45597.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/view-all/culottes-c733898p2945597.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....45597.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/view-all/denim-culottes-c733898p2886073.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....86073.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/trousers/view-all/high-waist-crop-trousers-c733898p2776917.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....76917.html</a></p> <p>And more......</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533126 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 16:09:47 +0000 viva 1533126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This really is a big challenge but I am sure you will make whatever changes you need to make. Frankly, you already have -- by undertaking this whole exercise with your husband. You are already handling and thinking about your purchases differently. I love how open you were and how supportive he is. So good for you, and good luck as you move ahead with your plan. There is definitely something for me to learn here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533103 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:42:38 +0000 texstyle 1533103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a great personal challenge and with good support too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533101 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:39:45 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1533101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey - first of all, you can do anything you set your mind on.&nbsp; Second, your husband is awesome.&nbsp; Third, I was&nbsp;planning a no shop August and you are putting me to shame.&nbsp;&nbsp; But you are right - if we constantly have new things coming in we can't properly assess what we already have.&nbsp; I'm really getting motivation from your post, so thank you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533096 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:31:45 +0000 Anonymous 1533096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to wish you all the best and what a wonderful challenge to set yourself. The parameters sound do-able and very wise. DH sounds very supportive too. Good luck Tracey!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533069 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:02:31 +0000 Jenn 1533069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck, Tracey! I think when you look at your things and just feel exhausted, you know it's time to curb the shopping impulse, so it sounds like the time is right for you.</p> <p>One thing that has worked for me in the past is to actually physically transfer some money when I successfully resist the purchasing urge. When I really want to buy something and don't, I'll either put actual cash into my stash or transfer some amount to a savings account. Then, I can tell myself that money's "spent" and it feels like I've made a final decision, rather than still having the item out there calling to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533067 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:02:15 +0000 donnat 1533067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tracey, I am confident you can do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533060 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:53:36 +0000 Maneera 1533060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your challenge will teach you many new things. You'll learn to appreciate your wardrobe and you'll learn to come up with creative combinations. I'm excited for you! All the best! </p> <p>I'm on a similar journey. I've been there and done that. I totally get how shopping addiction gets....my poor husband has only been supportive, but I felt the need to strive for minimalism come from within. </p> <p>I used to chase things, now I chase experiences.....and there are a million things that I'd rather see and do than buy. Your trip to Ireland could be such a lovely experience, and with a well curated wardrobe, it'll be fun and fashionable too! </p> <p>I Iove your Sunday outfit. That necklace and handbag are to die for!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533054 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:48:01 +0000 Kirstjen 1533054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it might be fun to challenge yourself. &nbsp;In addition to not buying anything, how long will it be before you actually repeat an outfit? &nbsp;Can you go the entire year mixing &amp; remixing all the pieces that you have? &nbsp;How creative can you be? &nbsp;That might be the way to keep you from getting into a rut &amp; wanting to buy more things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-year-long-challenge#post-1533039 Tue, 04 Aug 2015 14:21:17 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1533039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be just losing my mind and reacting to the fact that I am one month away from my 50th....Warning this may be the longest post I've written here.</p> <p>Yesterday I did something so out of character.. I still can't believe it. &nbsp;I actually took every item I've been purchasing off season to get ready for Fall and laid them all out on the bed and showed them to my husband. &nbsp;<br />Now let me tell you, my husband supports my passion for fashion, notices everything new and compliments me a lot. &nbsp;However, we've had a "Don't ask , Don't tell" &nbsp;type of thing where he really doesn't want to know regarding my buying habits. &nbsp;</p> <p>The unbelievable thing was how calmly he took it complimenting pieces and he didn't even cringe when he thought I was done and went back for round two... I began with the things that had arrived that day 3 tops and a red faux leather jacket. &nbsp;I then went on to get all the completer pieces a total of 10. &nbsp;After that I added in other 10 &nbsp;tops I've purchased. &nbsp;I also have a few more tops on the way...&nbsp;</p> <p>I only added tops to fill my desire for more tunic lengths and two that were velour for a fun trend. &nbsp;I still can't believe how supportive he was , but then again I also showed this to him while proposing &nbsp;my self imposed challenge... Smart of me I guess! &nbsp;</p> <p><b></b>So here is my proposed Challenge<b></b></p> <p>To not shop for a year for clothing , but to allow a small monthly budget for accessories ( I can't quit cold turkey) and a skinny scarf or two are still on my want list for the season. </p> <p>My husband did challenge me to replace my classic ballet flats with pointed toe versions, so perhaps I could do that if I really feel the need to shop.&nbsp;</p> <p>For Spring, if I don't lose this weight I will need bottoms as I don't have enough, but will hopefully not be an issue as I need this 15lbs gone!&nbsp;</p> <p>My family will do a great job of presenting me with fashion wants for Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and my Birthday.</p> <p>The purpose of this is to really take a look at the wardrobe I've spent the past 4 years or so building and to wear everything to decide whether each piece does indeed "Spark Joy" &nbsp;, yes I used the Konmari method on my drawers this Spring. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have some pieces that I've wanted to tailor , but have not done so. I will finally do that to make the pieces that do make the cut worthy of the space in my closet. &nbsp;</p> <p>This shopping thing has literally become an obsession and I want to slow it down and really curate instead of impulse shopping as stress relief or instead of eating chocolate...</p> <p>I can't think of anything more responsible and perfect for my 50th year of life and the timing is perfect with my husband making more money last year than ever and it resulting in less financial aid for my sophomore in college and the added expenses we are taking on. &nbsp;Not to mention, I still hope to manage the money in a way to take my two youngest to Ireland next summer for a few weeks. &nbsp;Ireland is calling my husband and I. &nbsp;He found a wonderful family over there that he cherishes. &nbsp;Such a healing thing with his own family situation and loss of his brother. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am not 100 percent confident in doing this, but that's what a challenge is right? &nbsp;If you read this far, thank you! &nbsp;If you have any suggestions or words of wisdom or even some comedy to through in the mix, I am all ears....</p> <p>&nbsp;And just for fun, here is a purple plaid top I wore Sunday that I bought this summer and will transfer into Fall. &nbsp;I styled it here with a mint necklace and flats and imagine it with my mint leather, skinny black jeans and riding boots for Fall. &nbsp; </p>