https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:10:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2240242 Tue, 23 Nov 2021 14:38:11 +0000 Nomad 2240242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I also really enjoy the remixing posts. I love peeking into someone else's closet and seeing how their creativity blends various colors and shapes together into their own distinctive style. :)</p> <p>Joy, it sounds like you've done an excellent job transitioning your wardrobe as needs and priorities shift, and buying used as much as possible. Like us, our wardrobes are in a constant state of evolution, aren't they? Good luck with the footwear hunt!</p> <p>Thanks, Bijou! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239968 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 03:07:10 +0000 Bijou 2239968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nomad, this is a great list. I agree, those pieces that you wear into the ground are always the most sustainable choices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239966 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 03:02:18 +0000 Anonymous 2239966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great list. &nbsp;I am committed to buying used as much as I can. &nbsp;I have done that but it takes patience. &nbsp;My needs changed to bottoms with an elastic waist or one that will not interfere with a glucose meter worn all the time for medical reasons. &nbsp;That meant replacing most of my bottoms across all seasons. &nbsp;I try for natural washable fabrics in colors I can use. &nbsp;Summer was easy, winter has been harder to find heavy full length pants that are not cropped or leggings in my colors and second hand. &nbsp;I want to add more lights,color and pattern to my winter wardrobe and more of a boho or artsy style year round. &nbsp;To make these changes has cost a lot, but has been fun. Next up is replacing some footwear that has gotten too wide with wear and adding more browns.<br />your list is very helpful and I know I need lots of patience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239946 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 01:20:17 +0000 Sal 2239946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice list!!&nbsp; And well done on addressing shopping habits and making them work for you.</p> <p>I love remixing posts - the power of a versatile closet.&nbsp; It's fun how tweaks in styling can really make your outfits better.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239928 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 23:14:48 +0000 Nomad 2239928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Tanya and Suz!</p> <p>Thank you, Angie, and point well taken! I do have a few things I bought because I loved them... in theory. But I haven't figured out how to make them work for me, so they were either mistakes I just haven't let go of yet, or I need to do some work to incorporate them better.</p> <p>Stagiaire Fash, I think the first three are the most important; unscientifically, I suspect that buying one not-sustainably-made item that gets a ton of use is better than buying a pile of "green" items that aren't quite right and go to waste (the sweater in the Finds isn't sustainably made as far as I'm aware... but I love it, it works well with my existing wardrobe, and I intend to wear it into the ground). But if something checks the first 3 *and* is made carefully, so much the better!</p> <p>Toban: hello, Vuori twin! I'm sad when mine are in the wash pile; they're so soft and the knees don't stretch out (my main complaint about the Pact pants I bought to wear while the Vuoris are in the laundry...). Thanks for the hoodie recommendation, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239898 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 18:18:55 +0000 Toban 2239898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list! I’m aways asking whether I truly need it and whether an item provides something new or would split wears with existing items. </p> <p>I also wanted to chime in that I also *love* my Vuori performance joggers. I wear them a lot. I got the matching zippered hoodies (both in navy heather) and I wear them together and as separates. My husband just got their Sunday joggers and loves his, too. He’s worn them several times in the two weeks he’s had them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239897 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 18:13:42 +0000 Suz 2239897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome back! It sounds as if you've honed admirable goals for your shopping. I think we could all stand to do some of that reflection and consideration. I agree that we might order various items differently, depending on our particular personalities, most frequent shopping foibles, and the availability of bricks and mortar or second hand shops.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239892 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 17:50:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2239892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tend to focus on only the first 3, have started being more attentive to how things are made, by whom, where, and from what materials, in recent years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239856 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:15:48 +0000 Angie 2239856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like the way you thought this through. Well done and welcome back!</p> <p>A word of caution though, <b>Nomad.</b> <i>The item must be right for you too. Make sure you love it and love wearing it.</i>&nbsp;Do not settle just because an item ticks off these boxes. You have to feel good in the look for it to be great for your style </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239855 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 15:15:29 +0000 Tanya 2239855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome back, Nomad!&nbsp; &nbsp;That is an excellent list of questions.&nbsp; I may adapt some of those, as I am trying to reduce my shopping going forward as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239833 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:13:10 +0000 Nomad 2239833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni NZ, great point that "needs" in clothing are probably often what Angie calls "essentials". The boots in the Finds are an essential for me: sleek booties that hug my ankles and have a comfortable heet height for walking. I've worn the predecessor pair into the ground, so the Finds are a replacement that I know I'll use a lot for office wear. Well done on shopping mindfully and getting a lot of wears out of your things!</p> <p>Helllooooo, rachylou! Oof, I feel you on the hefty cash outlays. While I've been buying fewer things, most of them are pricier than what I used to buy, so I feel it in the wallet (worth it, though). Everything is a balance! Wishing you (and me!) strength in resisting Black Friday sales.</p> <p>shevia, I *really* admire your skill in buying secondhand! I thought about putting secondhand higher on my list; if we buy used, then the other criteria matter much, much less. I just know that I don't have the patience for the hunt. I'd love to see other people's criteria and orderings; it's fascinating how we each prioritize things based on our individual values and foibles (my foible: lack of patience for shopping in person!). And YES on "consumption is completely optional"; buying new (or new-to-us) things or remixing old things, it's all interesting for discussion!</p> <p>approprio, I think there's probably room for a lot of sub-bullets. The "three ways to wear it" would probably fall under #3: will I get a lot of use out of it? If it doesn't play well with our existing wardrobe and style, then it probably won't get out of the closet much. Are "The Rules" written down somewhere or are they your personal rules? I'd love to see more, and fully in agreement; I've been honing in on my color palette and silhouettes and it helps so much. I've also used the "Style Avatar" idea from the "Blue Collar Red Lipstick" blog to identify four style personas for myself, which helps me with those instinctual purchase decisions.</p> <p>Thanks, the cat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239826 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 13:45:57 +0000 Anonymous 2239826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>May need to steal or at least adapt your list for next year! I bought a loooot this year, in my quest to have a more neutral wardrobe so next year will be Very light.<br /> And yes we have a lot to talk about on the forum that's not related to shopping </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239816 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:39:01 +0000 The Cat 2239816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your shopping strategi. I particularly like your two first questions and think anyone would do well to use them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239815 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 09:18:26 +0000 approprio 2239815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really great list. I have very similar priorities when shopping.</p> <p>I have a couple more, which are probably qualifications of what you’ve already defined above. They relate to how an item fits into my wardrobe.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>First of all, can I immediately think of at least three ways to wear it? I’ve had this rule for so long, it’s automatic by now. As soon as a piece comes into the changing room, I’m thinking about how it will work.</p> <p>Another thing I’ve been doing recently is trying to stick to The Rules, applying a few key learnings about colour and proportion so as to limit myself to things that genuinely suit me.&nbsp;I notice since honing these instincts, even when shopping reflexively to fill an emergency need, I’m making fewer and better choices, buying things I love that love me in return.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239790 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 04:13:30 +0000 Jaime 2239790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic post and your list is excellent. I focus mostly on the very last requirement but am trying to get better at the first two too. One thing I appreciate about this forum is that consumption is completely optional - plenty to discuss without it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239788 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 04:04:01 +0000 rachylou 2239788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helloo Nomad!! I like your list; I may steal it. Very tidy. Sustainability has been on my mind too. I feel I’ve been restrained in numbers, but I did lay out some hefty cash… i think it’s time for me to become parsimonious… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239767 Sun, 21 Nov 2021 01:45:55 +0000 Jenni NZ 2239767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Nomad, I checked out your old posts, not sure if I have replied on your posts before, I couldn’t see that I had. I love your list!<br /> I try for your first two points as well. In the past two years I have made lists of needs, kind of like Angie’s “essentials” that I have trouble making outfits without. I bought Skechers in 2019, white cropped pants, black summer mesh top, black ponte pants and black loafers in 2020, 2 pairs shorts in 2021 in this category. All are doing well with wears even the newest ones.<br /> The next category of have to really love it fits a few other things like my olive boots, silver pants, cream jumper (sweater), summer floral top, olive sandals and latest flower power summer jacket. These are going well on wears also.<br /> If these categories are met then getting use out of the items and keeping them a long time ( unless they wear out) are really a given.<br /> I might respond again later on your other points. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/navel-gazing-checking-in-on-purchasing-goals#post-2239735 Sat, 20 Nov 2021 19:31:58 +0000 Nomad 2239735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b><br /> </b> <p>Hello again, all! It’s been a while since I was a regular here. My living expenses went up a lot, so I cut back on discretionary spending like clothing, and going cold turkey from clothing-related forums, blogs, and retail mailing lists made it far easier to resist temptation. I still want to resist temptation, but after a rough pandemic-time just trying to put one foot in front of the other (like everyone!) and barely paying attention to what I was wearing, I’m ready to start finding a bit of joy again in wrapping myself to go out into the world. I also love the warm interactions on this forum, especially while the world still feels like we’re more isolated; it’s been a comfort to lurk again recently. </p> <p>A few years ago I set a goal to be more sustainable in my purchases. It’s a mushy idea, and everyone will have their own valid priorities of what that means. I’m not trying to get it perfect, but I have a rough hierarchy of criteria to support my goals of having fewer &amp; better possessions, and keeping a lighter footprint on the planet. Even if my contributions are only a very small drop in a very big bucket, that's okay. Here’s an attempt to articulate my checklist, in approximate order of importance to me:</p> <ol> <li>Do I actually no-kidding need it?</li> <li>Do I truly love it, and do I think I’ll keep loving it? (Sub-criteria: Do I think it’s beautiful?)</li> <li>Will I get a lot of use out of it, and will I keep it for a long time?</li> <li>Is it made from sustainable and/or natural materials?</li> <li>Is it good quality?</li> <li>Is there a good earth-friendly way to dispose of it when it's at the end of its life with me?</li> <li>Is it made in the USA? (Bonus points the more local it is.)</li> <li>Am I buying from a small business or individual artist/artisan?</li> <li>Is it made with fair labor practices?</li> <li>Is it secondhand?</li> </ol> Nothing (probably) is going to check all these boxes, but the more, the better. Every item MUST hit either the first or second criteria. Honest mistakes are acceptable; try to keep them to a minimum but they’re going to happen. Let things go without guilt if they don’t fit, are too worn down, or if they no longer spark joy (ideally after a long and useful life).</p> <p>So how have I done with sticking to that?</p> <p>In 2020, the only piece of clothing I bought was a pair of Vuori performance joggers to wear as lounge/exercise clothes. I *love* them.</p> <p>It feels like I’ve been on a mad shopping spree late this year, though the numbers aren’t high compared to previous years: 10 items of clothing bought in 2021, and I’m going to try to call it quits for the rest of the year. Two skirts, one pair of jeans, one pair of pants, two pairs of lounge/gear pants, two pairs of ankle boots, one sleeveless top, one sweater. (Sweater and one of the boots in the Finds.)</p> <p>I give myself a fair-to-good rating on sticking to my criteria over the last couple of years. The effort has been a success regardless, because it makes me really slow down and be more thoughtful about what I bring into my home. Now I just need to wear the heck out of my purchases, and keep buying things slowly or not at all. Possible outfit labs ahead as I try to figure out how to make the most of what I have, especially the newest arrivals.</p> <p>I hope everyone’s been getting through the last couple of years as well as possible, and that we all have easier times ahead. Thanks for continuing to keep this forum a bright spot on the interwebs, Angie and all!<br /> <br /> <b> <p></p> </b> </p>