https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 19 May 2026 01:24:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273680 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:15:22 +0000 Queen Mum 273680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>the one thing that helped me was to shop for some things for my house. So, I still got a shopping fix, but it wasn't on clothes. I didn't go crazy, but I bought (much needed) new bath mats, some serving bowls (TJ Maxx... nothing pricey), some Christmas table linens and I don't remember what else... but it really did help to get to do a little bit of focused shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273678 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 16:11:51 +0000 bella 273678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I haven't done SYC before, but I did a little experiment yesterday, which you might find useful. </p> <p>I gave myself sometime to sit down, and jot down some outfit ideas. I looked at Kimberly's inspiration calender, inspiration pictures that I had saved in a folder of some of my favorite bloggers and my list of wardrobe items (I have a running excel sheet of everything in my closet). Then I created almost a month worth of new combos. It goes something like this: </p> <p>Monday: Target sparkly skirt + teal top + br mustard cardi<br /> Tuesday: chambray dress + flower cardi<br /> Wednesday: red skirt+ blue oxford + black striped top + pearls<br /> Thursday: Navy tulle skirt + white tuxedo shirt + wrap cardi<br /> Friday: tweed dress + green turtleneck<br /> Saturday: Old Navy red sweater + skinny jeans</p> <p>You see, some of them are more specific while others are more crude ideas. I have about 24 of them. Even if one particular outfit does not work (but they usually do, since by now I have a good idea of how my wardrobe items fit me and how they work with the rest of my wardrobe), I still have quite a few that I can fall back on. Also, I will use this only as a road map, it doesn't necessarily mean I will wear each outfit on the day it was originally assigned. In any case the idea of having a whole new set of never worn outfits keep me excited and motivated and less likely to make new purchases. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273183 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:49:40 +0000 judy 273183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, thanks...you were our fearless leader! I couldn't have done it without you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273171 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 04:03:53 +0000 Sihaya 273171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari - though I never go on a 100% ban as I would really like to purchase items I've been waiting years for (e.g. red winter coat) when I do finally find them, the thing that drastically reduced my desire to go shopping was going shopping in my closet. I organized my new closet. Then I came up w/new combinations which kept things fresh. I would also think of "themes" for a week or a while. For example, I was teaching a week long residential class at one point and each day my challenge to myself was to wear a different white button down woven shirt. I had a lot of fun making everything else very different from the vibe (classic to trendy to a little funky) to the statement pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273129 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:48:15 +0000 Velma 273129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, if you do thrift/consignment, maybe consider giving yourself a small shopping "out" for that. When Sal at Already Pretty did a shopping ban, she gave herself $10 cash/week to spend in thrift stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273123 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:36:11 +0000 Jenava 273123@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, great tips! I should check out a pile of books from the library tomorrow. Oh, and I unsubscribed to all my shopping mails. And I started working on my outfit generator, so that should help me come up with crazy outfits and keep me from getting bored AND ferret out any items that don't fit into the wardrobe.</p> <p>Happy New Year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273085 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:41:22 +0000 Kari 273085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, at the top of my post I linked to the initial thread asking if anyone was interested in joining me for a SYC starting in January, but I can start a new thread tomorrow on Jan 1 to really get the ball rolling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273023 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:28:10 +0000 Marley 273023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is there a seperate thread for SYCer's who are starting in January? I'm IN - and would like to know who else is doing it - because believe me, I'm sure that I will have to be talked off of the shopping ledge once or twice during the 90 day ban! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273014 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:59:58 +0000 Laura 273014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Judy, *sniff*! What you said was exactly why I did SYC. I just love what you said and how you said it (high five!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273012 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:55:38 +0000 Rachel 273012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes shop my closet (minus the shopping ban!) when I clean it out, and one tip I have is to take a close look at the things you don't wear much and see if they could be restyled or tailored to better meet your current needs. Earlier today, I took a pair of bootcut cords and took in the side seams to make them skinny. I also have a too-short, boxy corduroy shirt that I am adding pin tucks to the front for shaping and modifying the sleeves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-273006 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 21:37:46 +0000 MsMary 273006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stephani, I would love to hear your eBay tips!!</p> <p>And I just unsubscribed from ALL my shopping/retail emails! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-272971 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:24:31 +0000 Traci 272971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm considering joining in. 3 months, starting January, would be perfect for me. All the spring clothes are always so tempting, but there is absolutely no reason that I should be buying them until the end of April at the earliest. My winter wardrobe is pretty set.</p> <p>I have a couple of dresses that have gotten snug enough this holiday season that I not reaching for them. I'm hoping that if I firm back up a bit it will be like new clothes and old best friends, rolled all into one.</p> <p>Have you assessed your wardrobe in order to make any last minute purchases? I noticed Laura did this and I thought it so smart of her. I'm thinking hose and tights are the only hole I will need to fill to start.</p> <p>Also, on the budgeting tip, dh and I use a budget app on our i phones. We like that we can keep it updated on the fly and synch up with each other so that the budget is always accurate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-272875 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:58:34 +0000 judy 272875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd also suggest that SYC is a great opportunity to dive into that stack of books that you haven't had time to read yet. Immersing ourselves in someone else's story can be a therapeutic way to train our brain to think about something other than what we usually think about...the same way we distract kids when they are cranky! ( I just read Patti Smith's "Just Kids" and loved it).</p> <p> I did the last SYC and realized I spent way too much time thinking about clothes. It was compulsive, meaning that it was kind of an unconscious activity that I did because I had done it the day before. (and the day before that...and before that...:) ! ) But after a few months...and it did take months...I noticed I wasn't even thinking about "my next purchase", like a carrot dangling out there in front of me. </p> <p>I don't mean this as a criticism, but I think we women can spend an inordinate amount of time obsessing about weight and clothes and it keeps us in a bit of a mental prison. Truly there are other things in life. It's about balance, as Laura has written about and I know we all support here. When we have neglected our bodies or our wardrobe for a long time, the pendulum has to swing over to giving it some attention again, it's a remedial thing...but at some point, the pendulum has to come to rest in the middle, where we feel at peace about it, no? SYC helped me feel that, so thanks to all who did it last time and I support whoever wants to do it this time around. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-272867 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:47:08 +0000 Lori 272867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have actually been considering doing the same!! I haven't done this yet, but my plan is to change up my wardrobe with accessories. I have an extensive fashion jewelry collection that includes pieces in most every color, size, and shape. I'm hoping this will get me through </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice/page/2#post-272860 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:18:03 +0000 Anonymous 272860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Without reading all the answers I'd say to allow yourself some slack if the perfect item that you may have been looking for comes along, especially at a good price. I'd also allow for stocking up on a flattering style or color that you love but may be phasing out before the next season. Example: In my case that may be grey since the 70's styles had more browns. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272859 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:15:42 +0000 Kari 272859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, that sounds like such a great tool. Thanks to you and Khris for recommending it! Learning new things all the time.</p> <p>Stephanie, I'd really love to hear your Ebay tips, and a separate thread would probably get a lot more visibility. I don't have time to photograph and organize everything this week in time to meet the Jan. 7 deadline, but appreciate the heads up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272856 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 18:07:56 +0000 Stephanie 272856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have lots of tips on e-baying--I had never done it before October, and I learned a lot along the way. Maybe I should start a thread? I agree that consigning is not worth the time; I wish I could turn back time, knowing what I know now, and sell all the things I consigned on e-bay, since I am *sure* I could make more money that way, and I don't really think it's that much more work.</p> <p>I will say this--e-bay has free listings until January 7, so this week would be a great time to do it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272855 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:57:43 +0000 Kate 272855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a seasoned SYC-er, but I wanted to say:</p> <p>I'll be posting today or tomorrow on my 5 month, wear everything at least twice challenge that ends today. I had to keep fancy things out of the challenge because I rarely have a reason to get dressed up, but it was VERY helpful for weeding out the clothes that I don't wear. I highly recommend it.</p> <p>I've used Mint since spring 2009 and it's great! It automatically categorizes things you pay for with a card, which is amazing (!) but it's a pain if you buy things in cash. I only very rarely buy things with cash, so this hasn't been much of a problem for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272842 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:12:48 +0000 Kari 272842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never heard of mint, Khris. Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds very helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272840 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:10:40 +0000 chewyspaghetti 272840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find it helpful to break my budget down as much as possible- I know exactly how much I have for food, gas, health and beauty products, the kids' allowance, fast food, date night and restaurants, etc. That way I am not looking at a big lump of money and thinking I can spend it all. You can do this with separate envelopes, or just keep track mentally. I am using Mint.com to help me budget and track. You link your bank account to it, and it puts your transactions in the right category for you so that you can see your spending. That big red bar that says you're over budget is a glaring reminder! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272837 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:07:00 +0000 Kari 272837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only disadvantage I see is that for me personally, I'm more apt to spend cash when it's in my pocket. I don't charge more on my credit card than I have in my bank account and I'm actually pickier about what I spend money on if I put it on a card vs. paying by cash. But if I readjust my thinking about cash - that physically, all of the cash in my wallet needs to last me a week - it might help me internalize how much I'm spending even more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272836 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:05:06 +0000 Tanya 272836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the cash only idea. I will probably give it a try too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272821 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:30:11 +0000 chewyspaghetti 272821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My family gave up all of our credit cards about a year and a half ago. Some weeks I take my allowance out in cash, others I just transfer it to my checking account and use my debit card. Either way- when it's gone, it's gone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272819 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:18:55 +0000 Kari 272819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, that is what backup/staple foods in the pantry are for!</p> <p>(I keep cans of tomato &amp; chicken noodle soup as a backup for that purpose.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272817 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:16:59 +0000 Laura 272817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, you have a certain amount you can withdraw each week, and when you run out of cash, well -- let's just say you're eating ramen noodles for the rest of the week </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272812 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:14:23 +0000 Kari 272812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Well, maybe it would be a good idea to explore the whole Ebay thing after all.</p> <p>Going on a cash only basis would be a good challenge. So do you withdraw a "budget" of cash at the start of the week to use for everything (grocery shopping &amp; food included?) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272809 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:12:15 +0000 Laura 272809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny you should mention it Khris, we are going on a cash basis this year. Another interesting experiment awaits. Are you doing it too?</p> <p>Tanya, I agree, consigning is a lot of work for not a lot of $$. Just my time driving to and from the store with a little kid in tow, dry cleaning, etc. and the fact that I didn't get a check until 3 months later really made me question the whole deal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272773 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:32:40 +0000 Tanya 272773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you on the consignment thing Laura! I have done it a couple of times this year, each time with min 20 items that were either never worn or max 2-3 times; and earned around $50 each time. I am getting another set of items ready for later today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272770 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:31:43 +0000 chewyspaghetti 272770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you want to get really serious, you can switch to a cash basis for a while. Leave your credit cards at home, and only take out what you need for groceries/travel expenses for the week. Stash a credit card for emergencies in your glovebox. You can't buy anything if you don't have any money! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/seasoned-syc-ers-whats-your-advice#post-272764 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:25:24 +0000 Laura 272764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would love to know how to make $2000 from selling wardrobe items! At the beginning of SYC, I did a wardrobe purge, brought a bunch of good items to a consignment store, had a few items dry cleaned at their request, and got a lousy $50 for my efforts. Next time, I'll donate! </p>