https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:34:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305960 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:18:01 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1305960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alrighty - finally have some time to answer questions:</p> <p>deb - I do think that my new work environment has something to do with the shift from dresses. Very few women here wear dresses.</p> <p>LynD - jackets and handbags have always been "my thing" and I don't see that changing ever no matter what my style shift is. I find jackets can completely change the look of an item - take my black EF dress for example. A casual denim jacket can dress it down or a crisp black blazer can make it corporate.</p> <p>Karie - yes, the next step will be to work through the Probation Pile. Some items will probably be posted in Keep/Purge threads. I am following a strict one-in one-out rule and in order to allow a refresher or two to enter my fall wardrobe, something will have to go.</p> <p>Dianthus &amp; Isabel - so if I love that purple jacket and it still fits and is flattering, I will keep it. Thank you!</p> <p>Claire - you are oh so wise! I hadn't thought about the dress numbers being related to my footwear but I think you are entirely correct. I'm not crazy about myself in dresses with flats and since I'm no longer wearing high heels (well, over two inches anyway) this is probably related. Maybe I will feel the pull to dresses again in the fall because I'll be back in low heeled booties and I adore booties with a dress. Great point!</p> <p>AJ - I do feel pretty satisfied at the work I've done so far. I'm not by nature an analytical type person so have never undertaken something like this. It's been quite an eye opener. And yes, I've downloaded the file onto my phone so will have when I shop.</p> <p>Deborah - further to deb's comment regarding my more casual work environment and Claire's discovery of my dress-shoe connection, you are right as well in that I haven't been drawn to dresses lately because I didn't like what I was seeing in the stores. That is, until I found my EF dress(s). If I could find more dresses along this line I suspect I could be drawn back in. I'm hoping the Metalicus dress will become one of those once I feel a bit less self conscious in it. You will note I did not include it in my dress numbers because as of now, I'm not wearing it. But I hope to add it soon Spring/summer numbers would be smaller for sure but I haven't officially counted. And yes, I'll be posting some of the Probation Pile items for feedback.</p> <p>Gigi - brilliant comment about needing different weights of winter clothing. I totally agree. What I would wear in November will not feel warm enough for January.</p> <p>Mona - yes, handbags are used all year round. I don't change them seasonally.</p> <p>Thank you all so much for invaluable input - you're all helping me "get there" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305911 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 11:43:33 +0000 Mona 1305911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a brilliant way to keep track of your wardrobe. Thanks so much for showing us the way, Shannon. You have a very efficient wardrobe and it works so well for you. The handbags must be used all year round, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305842 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 05:17:56 +0000 Neel 1305842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon - You are so so so organized! Wow. I think we all need that template and also fingers crossed those organizing skills rub off on me! A girl can dream! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305764 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 03:08:46 +0000 Beth Ann 1305764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I feel better now!&nbsp; You're earlier posts made me worry about you purging too much too quickly, but it seems that you still have a lot of fab items to wear --- not to much, and not too little.</p> <p>I won't do purging until September/October.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I'm needing a couple of new toppers and a coat this year, perhaps another pair of boos.&nbsp; Pricey items!&nbsp; I find that these are harder for me, because, while I don't feel the need to budget for a cute top from Kohls, the bigger items always seem a bit too pricey, unless I buy something just "OK."&nbsp; Of course, I'd get further if I'd stop geting distracted by the "cute tops" at Kohls! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305701 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 02:06:41 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1305701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your replies - steam cleaning the downstairs carpet this evening while DS and his friends are away so will respond to questions and comments tomorrow - I promise!</p> <p>BTW I realize I forgot two pairs of jeans in my list - the True Religion Cameron BF and the Jessica Simpson Bootcuts. I also forgot the olive/cobalt Trouvé clutch in my handbags...duh... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305646 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:48:38 +0000 Alana in Canada 1305646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've just caught up on all your Simplicity posts, Shannon. You are doing a fabulous job being more deliberate about your wardrobe and what you choose to put into it. I've enjoyed reading about your journey.&nbsp;And I looove your wardrobe list! I am trying to build UP a wardrobe, as you know, so it is quite eye-opening and informative--especially your shopping sources. Thanks for including that.</p> <p>GiGi--I think dividing up our winter into early, deep and late is positively brilliant. October and March really do have different requirements than January and February! Thanks for that.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305607 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 00:07:34 +0000 Gigi 1305607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look forward to each new installment of your simplicity posts! You'll have to make this an open-ended series. :)</p> <p>At first I missed the part that this is just a fall/winter catalog, and I thought to myself, "How can she have less than 100 items, not counting probation items but including shoes and bags, and manage that four-season climate?!" so I was relieved to read your post a second time and find out that this is not your entire wardrobe. Whew.</p> <p>I think this is a nice-sized wardrobe for a cold climate. I have a similar climate, and last year I limped along wearing the same few outfits all the time because I couldn't find anything that I wanted to buy (quality and fit were my nemesis). So I know how boring it can get. I feel like a long winter requires about three categories of clothing: early winter, deep winter, and late winter. Different weights of clothing and especially different colors to freshen up the palette are necessary to keep us emotionally on track. I think that having those different colors available is a way of compensating for the lack of natural light that we suffer with. Someone should do a study on that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305598 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:53:58 +0000 Deborah 1305598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon this is awesome.&nbsp; I need you to come and help me put mine on paper lol.&nbsp; I am work so just did a quick skim but will look in more details tonight.&nbsp; </p> <p>With respect to your dresses, I wonder if that is simply that you haven't seen much around that you like or that tempted you? When I purged my dress collection when from a lot to almost nothing and then I slowly rebuilt but what I found was that I was pickier and found it difficult to find the type of dresses I wanted.&nbsp; Your EF dresses are the type I could replicate over and over.</p> <p>If I understand that winter/fall is your more dominant season then I would imagine the "numbers" stack up pretty well.&nbsp; </p> <p>I would love to see you post the items that are on probation due to concerns that they are no longer your style or are not current.&nbsp; It would be interesting to get others' perceptions on that:)&nbsp; </p> <p>Do you have any clue what your numbers are for Spring / Summer.&nbsp; Judging from your comment Spring / Summer exists in your part of the world for around 4 months, so you wouldn't need as much.&nbsp; </p> <p>All in all, this looks like a moderate sized wardrobe for the 8 months of year you wear it.&nbsp; Nice going.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305551 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:57:29 +0000 AJ 1305551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've done so well with your culling and now this great categorized list! Do you feel a satisfied sense of accomplishment?</p> <p>Will you keep this list handy when you go shopping?</p> <p>If your Amber Sun jacket is still a favorite and its proportion works in your outfits, then I don't see why you shouldn't wear it just because it isn't the latest and greatest. I will wear my olive military jacket forever! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305544 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:53:36 +0000 Anonymous 1305544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your dedication to simplifying is inspiring me. It looks like you have good variety but those Canadian winters are l o n g. Not everything needs to be trendy as long as you feel fab wearing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305531 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:40:50 +0000 Anonymous 1305531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shannon, you're doing a bang-up job. I'm super impressed with your spread sheet. I tend to agree with <b>dianthus</b>. If you still love something, and it's not, like SUPER dated, I don't see why you shouldn't continue to enjoy it. Would anyone in your office be the wiser?&nbsp;<br />Also, about your dwindling number of dresses. Does it have anything to do with your new footwear situation? Not being able to wear a heel keeps me from certain kinds of dresses and I was just wondering if you were having the same experience.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305525 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:37:38 +0000 Isabel 1305525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. &nbsp;I am just loving all these analysis posts. &nbsp;</p> <p>I couldn't agree with Dianthus more. &nbsp;I have learned from Angie that if a "trend" fits you then it should become part of your signature look. That is your "classic Shannon". &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305524 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 22:35:29 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1305524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only point I am not on board with is that you expressed doubt about items that you still love that may not be on trend. &nbsp;I think if you love them, they should be worn.</p> <p>Good job of sorting and cataloging. &nbsp;I don't think I would have the patience for that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305462 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 21:47:41 +0000 Karie 1305462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very impressive! Your wardrobe is at a great place - you know what to keep, what to purge, and what still needs to be decided on. Where will you go from here? Tackle the probationary pile, make some wardrobe capsules?&nbsp;</p> <p>I am also a member of the "long winter climate" club, and my fall/winter wardrobe is quite large. I enjoy refreshing my wardrobe with a few new items each season, and I pretty much, but not always,&nbsp;follow a "one in, one out" rule. Will you allow yourself some refreshers (other than the replacement for your Doc Marcies) on your quest for wardrobe simplicity, and are you following a "one in, one out" rule?&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305426 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:54:11 +0000 amiable 1305426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great job! &nbsp;It looks to me like your wardrobe is quite well curated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305405 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:33:29 +0000 Lyn D. 1305405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the 'On Probation' idea- I just put a question mark next to these items :)<br />I see lots of jackets and handbags on your list- do you find them a good way to change the feel of an outfit as accessories can? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305381 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:08:33 +0000 Sara L. 1305381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very impressive!&nbsp; I'm scared to do this.&nbsp; I probably have way too much stuff and seeing it in print will probably make me feel guilty.&nbsp; But maybe it would be helpful in getting me to purge... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305376 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 20:02:42 +0000 deb 1305376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, could your new work environment has affected the dress vs&nbsp;trousers situation? Trousers are not a dressy&nbsp;IMO.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305344 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:20:46 +0000 Meredith 1305344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Impressive! Greg needs to include a "add an excel file" button so we can steal your template. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305273 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:07:33 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1305273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I was quite shocked when I started counting and sorting. I had much more than I thought I did. I'm not upset by it - just surprised. But when I think that we wear our fall/winter items from September through to April in Winnipeg, it's nice to have some variety. </p> <p>As to how I feel about where things are at? I'm not sure to be honest. I think one of my concerns is whether or not the items I'm keeping that are from last fall/winter are still stylish and current. Fluid knits and skinnies are a no brainer - they will still be in style. But some of the other things I'm wondering about - like the purple Amber Sun jacket for instance. Just because I still like it doesn't mean I should still wear it, you know?</p> <p>I'm not sure why the move away from dresses to trousers. Maybe more versatility in making different outfits? Maybe physically easier to fit on my current body? No clue.</p> <p>lyn - my husband thinks I have a serious purse problem - lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305264 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:01:12 +0000 lyn67 1305264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanx for posting this, Shannon. I am recently&nbsp;&nbsp;also working quietly &nbsp;on my numbers, as my clothes cannot fit in my wardrobe anymore:-(&nbsp;and it is so helpful&nbsp; to see other's efforts to cull it down. My bottoms are mainly skirts&nbsp;and &nbsp;I plan to keep almost double of your number for fall/winter, but&nbsp;&nbsp;my good fitting pants are shamely only a few. Then&nbsp; dresses(for work)&nbsp;are around 10. Nothing else&nbsp; counted exactly yet, but&nbsp;I suspect nr of cardis will almost match(I don't use them anymore so freqvently) while nr of &nbsp;my blazer/jackets section&nbsp;will be only&nbsp; half of the &nbsp;yours....and it's so therapeutic, as I thoght I have a lot, LOL:-).&nbsp;Surely, you are (one of) our Purse Queen (I only have 2 or 3 in rotation every season) and neither surprised me&nbsp; your shoe numbers as they are always part of your edge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305241 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:42:14 +0000 Suz 1305241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well! This is impressive.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not just your wardrobe itself, but also your careful consideration of the items and how they work for you (or don't). This is a substantial but not absurd wardrobe for our climate. After all, our winters are very long, and we do need some variety or we'll go mad. You have an impressive bag collection -- no wonder your bags add so much to your outfits! This is something I want to beef up a little bit for my own part.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's very interesting that you have moved away from dresses. I guess one thing about dresses is that they can skew ladylike and/or retro pretty easily. Which is not a bad thing in the least, but which might be a reason you are neglecting them a little. It is tough to find dresses like your fab EF ones. Simple, body skimming vs. fitted, and modern.&nbsp;</p> <p>How do you feel about where things are at now? It looks to me as if you are really well set for the season.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shannons-simplicity-search-post-6---the-numbers#post-1305211 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 16:55:06 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1305211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So starting last night, I have counted my wardrobe items for fall/winter 2014. These are items I currently own and will be worn starting in fall. Some of these items are also worn in summer and cross into the fall/winter months due to changes in styling (i.e. EF drape front dress in fall/winter worn with tights, boots and leather jacket as topper).</p> <p>There are a couple of these items that are currently too tight to wear but will hopefully fit into by fall. You will also note there are several items in the Probation Pile - that's because I'm no longer sure of the style for me (or if they can be seen as current), quality is starting to fail, or I'm just plain sick of them.</p> <p>I have included all footwear and handbags in this count as I see these two items as integral to my overall style. I have not included gear, loungewear or items that are for summer (since this is my fall wardrobe I'm examining).</p> <p>There are a few items like shells and tees I have not included but I'm not going to worry too much about those.</p> <p>Conclusions: <ul> <li>a lot more pants than I thought and variety I'm pleased with</li> <li>so few dresses. Dresses used to be a significant part of my style.</li> <li>leather jackets are key for me and I love them</li> <li>I much prefer pullovers and fluid knits to button up shirts. The two white shirts I have are the Probation Pile. Not because I don't love them. But because I haven't worn either one of them even once.</li> <li>until (or hopefully) these items no longer fit, I'm in good shape for fall</li> <li>I can pare down even further and will start with my probationary items</li> <li>my only real want is a pair of boots to replace my Doc Marcies, that I can no longer wear due to the heel height. I will be looking for mid calf, black leather, a bit on the rugged side with a heel no higher than two inches.</li> </ul> Would love your thoughts, analysis, feedback... </p>