YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping Behavior

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping Behavior https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:43:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2366091 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:37:35 +0000 Dee 2366091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jonesy - No fun having bats invading your holding zone, but on the other hand it seems you’ve got an effective method to manage and enjoy your wardrobe. .  Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2366084 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:26:11 +0000 Dee 2366084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenny H- A change in lifestyle will certainly alter our shopping priorities, looks like you have a good handle on where you want to go with your wardrobe. Ginger - Interesting that you have 3 distinct wardrobes to shop for and I can see how challenging it must be trying to do this all within a specific budget. Jonesy on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2366083 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:22:22 +0000 Jonesy 2366083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I purchase lots of my clothes and accessories via online consignment (TheRealReal); I have limited storage, so that keeps me in check (and now my holding zone in our attic is in jeopardy, because we have bats!). For me, shopping, clothes, style, etc., are a creative outlet and I never feel guilty if something doesn't work out. I simply re-sell it or donate it, and move on.  Ginger on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2366071 Mon, 22 Jul 2024 20:11:53 +0000 Ginger 2366071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting thread, and I realized some of the reason why I do struggle a bit with holding to my budget. 1 -- I maintain multiple wardrobes. A "costume" one, of items that I would not wear except for a specific occasion. A "vintage" one, that has mixed use; sometimes for specific events, but a number of items I will wear for modern day. And the "modern" one that I really wouldn't try to force into one of the previous categories. I maintain two separate budget lines, one "Costuming" and one "Clothing," but some acquisitions really fit into both categories. It's challenging to keep them separate. But it's also nice to have a place to put expenses like costuming books or supplies. 2 -- A lot of my purchases are secondhand, and so exclusive that when they show up I really MUST get them or risk serious regret. (Definitely done that.) For example, two weeks ago I bought a pair of Re-mix vintage reproduction shoes for $115. They were new in box, and original price $185 without shipping. Terrific deal! But that's hard to budget for. Or the green Collectif brand raincoat that I got in May - I didn't even know that style existed but it couldn't be more perfect. It fills my HEWI raincoat search. I have a lot of ebay Saved Searches that email me daily with a roundup of new listings that fit the criteria. Sometimes multiple things pop up at once and the budget takes a real hit that week. Or sometimes the perfect thing happens for cheap. So the searches pay off big! But budget planning is hard. Jenny H on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2365824 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 20:39:09 +0000 Jenny H 2365824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had a very big change in lifestyle in 2019. That's when I quit my professional job and started a one-year full time program to learn woodworking. Since then, I have been able to lead a much more casual life and while I absolutely have bought clothes in the past five years, it slowed down a ton from when I had the professional job. I'm also much more likely to buy second hand than I used to-- both at in person thrift stores and online. I'm trying to refresh my wardrobe right now because I realize it's not where I want it to be for my no-longer new casual lifestyle. While I am buying some new items, I've also been ordering some used items online. I hope that once I have a wardrobe that better meets my need, I can be slow and intentional about adding new items. I mean, I still have some highly elusive wardrobe items that I'll buy if I can ever find them. And I like the idea of gradually trading out old items for something novel. Budget is also a limiting factor for me as several others have mentioned. Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2365770 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:26:18 +0000 Dee 2365770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Val- I agree that adhering to a strict set of shopping guidelines could prove very helpful whenever we are tempted to shop for more than we actually need. Val on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2365754 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:53:02 +0000 Val 2365754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I discovered only this year online second hand clothes platform that I absolutely love, it is first time I am able to find what I like in pre-loved, I alsways look at offline second hand stores but almost never end up buying anything. So for now I mostly shop at Vinted, some real vintage pieces and some just from last couple of seasons from brands I like. </div><div>It is a very usefull experience to me - no returns possible, so I pick out things very carefully, sharp turn from my usual online fashion shopping when 80% of stuff goes back. Also, it's hard to explain, but I kind of gettinga hang on what are styles that are being repeted each season, I can identify them now in the brands' campains and don't see them as novelty anymore. It makes my style shift a bit into less trendy more self expression which is a welcome change - my two daughters are in their early teens, it hit me last year that I dont want to wear same clothes as them, same styles. </div><div>Also, the quality of some of the vintage things is amazing, silk and linen blends, silk linings - things I don't see at all in the new clothes in my budget range.</div><div>I do my own alterations though - often raising the waist line.</div><div>With second hand shopping for me there is less relying on adds and more on what I really need, like what to wear with this particular bottom.</div><div>Another important thing - I am gradually rebuilding my wardrobe to suite new climate and new life stage. So I set some "rules" - I only buy skirts and dresses as bottoms (I do wear the pants I already own, but don't want to add new ones), no jeans (too hot and stylewise I want to explore other things), avoiding black (same as with pants, I wear what I have already in black but not buying new), adding new colors and color combinations (I am used to high contrast dressing, which is stll good for me but exploring more gradual color outfits now too), also more coverage - below the knee lengths, no cutouts, trying to keep shoulders covered but this one is hard, so some wide straps are ok, less so spaghetti straps). </div><div> </div><div> </div> Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2365747 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 01:23:54 +0000 Dee 2365747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JAileen- Yep, no buys are darn difficult, so maybe doing a low buy might be more realistic because as we all know things can change in life and we need to adapt. Rachel NZ- I too have used shopping as a distraction from the stresses of life and I agree that even with thrifting you can get carried away with buying more stuff than you actually need because it seems like such a bargain, Runcarla- Health and weight fluctuations can certainly change the shopping dynamic, looks like yours has given you the opportunity to try some fun trendy silhouettes to enjoy this year. Carla on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors/page/2#post-2365735 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 19:56:22 +0000 Carla 2365735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My plan was for 2024 to actually be a low buy year, but it is turning out otherwise.  I’ve had to replace almost all my bottoms, and may have to replace tops - due to a size change.  A nuisance health condition (diagnosed 6 years ago) and a change in fitness activities has lead to a gradual (2-5 lbs per year) but not insignificant weight loss (from 150 lbs to 125lbs.)  Interestingly, there’s been less mass lost from my upper body - I’ve kept up swimming - but I’ve definitely lost mass from my lower body and legs (I do walks, but I stopped running in 2020, and stopped weight training and cycling late 2023. I hope to resume weight training after I have surgery on my right wrist.) Anyway, some older elastic waist items still work, but anything with a fixed waist has had to be replaced.  It’s allowed me to experiment with some new trends (wide leg jeans, light wash jeans) but I’ve had to let go of some favourites (resisting giving up the green pleather crops ) RachelNZ on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365728 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 18:43:35 +0000 RachelNZ 2365728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe shopping behaviours changed a couple years ago when I stepped into a more stressful work role. The upside from the increased salary is significantly more than the impact of using shopping as a soothing tool for stress, but I know in the long run it's not a healthy behaviour. I also discovered online second hand shopping (thrifting) and have had huge success focusing on particular brands e.g. $250 skirts for $30. Now some of my favourite pieces are second hand but at times I know I'm making a purchase because it's cheap and I want the dopamine hit. There's also the thrill of the hunt because you've got to keep your eye on it regularly so you don't miss out. However knowing you should change a behaviour and actually changing it are different things! I've tried being tighter with my budget but because I can comfortably afford what I spend on my wardrobe in my overall financial picture, it doesn't change my behaviours. I have an overall item limit for my main wardrobe (150 items excl. basics, home and exercise) but the concern is that it encourages churn. I tend to have a list of items that I would be willing to move on to make space for something new. Something that seems to be working at the moment is outfit tracking. Seeing how little pieces I love get worn and also which pieces are the actual workhorses has been interesting. Since I started that 2 months ago my acquisition has slowed but also work has been less stressful so the test will be whether this continues when work ramps up again later in the year. Overall I want to focus on making sure that my wardrobe doesn't make me feel guilty, it is a valid hobby and it gives me a lot of enjoyment to have a variety of pieces. JAileen on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365725 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:26:30 +0000 JAileen 2365725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I tried a no buy 2020.  It failed spectacularly.  I had to buy clothes because everything I had was too tight.  :(  But all the bread I baked was delicious!    </div><div> </div>While I have a lot of clothes, I’m only buying clothes for my real life which is pretty casual -  shorts, hiking pants, hoodies, etc.  When we went to Arkansas, I was able to pack a pair of shorts for each day there, expecting they would get sweaty and gross, which they did.  I do have nicer clothes, but there are fewer of them, because I still have fewer events to dress up for.  <div> </div><div>Regulars here know I have as many coats and jackets as the Inuit have words for snow.  Among other things, I’ve bought several used coats and jackets from Poshmark, and they have been fine.  So while I have bought a coat every NAS I’ve shopped at, this year, my new coat was an Eileen Fisher coat from Poshmark.  </div> Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365711 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:04:08 +0000 Dee 2365711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Lisa for the encouragement, I appreciate any supportive advice. Lisa on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365698 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:21:37 +0000 Lisa 2365698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to shop a LOT and bought whatever I wanted. Of course that gave me a large, wardrobe with very few actual outfits in it, especially one's that I loved. Being a part of YLF and observing how others shop and manage their wardrobes helped, plus it's a very supportive community which is also helpful. I also read a bunch of books on shopping addiction, closet cleaning/organizing, and capsule wardrobes and did research on behavioral modification strategies. I ended up writing a book on this and as we all know, a true understanding of a topic is being able to explain it to others. All of this research and observation helped me reign everything in. Now I shop with a purpose (fill wardrobe holes) and am very strict about one in one out to keep things manageable. And now, I love my wardrobe too. Good luck with your journey! Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365693 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:53:47 +0000 Dee 2365693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal- Yep, having fashion as hobby certainly does make it hard to not want to go and buy something new. Kate- I too am very concerned about the environment, and I’m trying to reduce my consumption in various ways as well. Jules-  I may have reached a tipping point in my clothing consumption and like you, I feel that by writing this particular post it might help me get to where I want to go with it all. Jules on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365691 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:19:09 +0000 Jules 2365691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I set a goal of a relatively low shopping year for similar reasons - my storage is overflowing, I was often buying and returning things that weren’t as good as what I already had, and I had more than enough items to dress myself fairly effortlessly. It has worked out for me so far this year, but I will be honest that I have redirected a lot of shopping energy into buying used and vintage decor & furniture items, mostly inexpensively from Facebook marketplace but sometimes from resellers. I have also bought some art and jewelry directly from artists. This provides me with some of the same thrill of the find I was getting from clothes shopping but in a low impact way, let’s call it ‘slow shopping’ perhaps? I also had a bit of a financial reality check with the expense of my oldest going away to post secondary catching up with me. Finally, I’m at the mall regularly shopping with my other kid and there just hasn’t been much of interest that I didn’t already have covered from past seasons. I’m at the point where I need to slow my roll on the instagram maker and Facebook marketplace shopping too - but it has helped me avoid online clothes shopping. Writing this all down to keep myself honest! kate on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365651 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 23:34:18 +0000 kate 2365651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I set myself the pledge of buying only 5 new items of clothing this year and have actually bought 6, but I don't foresee needing anymore purchases this year.  My motivation was climate concern and the need to use what I already have, and that means shopping my closet.  The items I did buy were very specific for a cruise but fit into my normal clothing wear also: onCloud shoes, wide leg pants for day or evening wear, a bathing suit (much needed), a cashmere hoodie (the trip is to Alaska) and a white COS top to replace one that was stained.  Going forward I hope to be very mindful of consumption unlike when I was younger and shopped for entertainment.   Sal on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365644 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:36:04 +0000 Sal 2365644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's not easy when fashion or style is a hobby..... For me I find one or two periods when I don't shop or even think about browsing works well.  Often six-eight weeks in winter and similar over summer... Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365582 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:07:57 +0000 Dee 2365582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy- finding items to work around health issues can certainly be a challenge.  Sisi- Well we are opposites when it comes to shopping that’s for sure. I can’t seem to stop my hunter/gather instincts when it comes to fashion, but it’s good idea to be rather picky about any purchases. Suntiger-  I’ve never done the Swedish death cleaning, although I’m familiar with it. I am, like you mentioned doing, guilty of buying more of the “easy” stuff rather than what I had intended. I need much more discipline when it comes to this. Suntiger on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365571 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:51:32 +0000 Suntiger 2365571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go through phases of not shopping for a while, then binging (generally when weather is mild), but have definitely been buying less overall since the Swedish Death Cleaning. My main trouble is going for the easy things- like jewelry and skirts- instead of the harder fit/expensive things that I need to replace. I'll go with the intention of the needed thing (right now it's trainers), but after trying on a bunch that don't work in multiple shops, I get frustrated. The cost of all the bracelets I bought instead adds up to the cost of trainers. Admittedly I wear bracelets every day though, so it's not terrible, but that doesn't help me when my feet hurt post Zumba! As far as staying on track in general, I've been tracking my wears. I also have a small house with a tiny closet and hate clutter. I just don't have room or mental energy for excess. Sisi on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365568 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:07:53 +0000 Sisi 2365568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have the opposite problem, I hate shopping and never want to do it. I am super picky and rarely find what I like - as a result there are always some holes in my wardrobe. Anonymous on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365558 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 04:35:10 +0000 Anonymous 2365558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like RunCarla, age has determined some things are out.  I will soon be 78, dresses with  back zippers are no longer desirable or even possible. Those with full skirts make my legs look thin.  A waist is out for the most part because my glucose meter shows through the fabric.  I look for pull over the head shift styles.i look best in warm colors.  No blue red or emerald green.  Have you seen something I should consider ? I am XS and still loosing weight due to meds. No polyester.  A minimum of frills. Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365544 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 01:03:13 +0000 Dee 2365544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Again so many great responses. Pirouette - I agree that retirement certainly does change our shopping needs quite drastically. I guess I’m still adjusting to this change. Roberta- I feel the same way, it’s less about the budget although I’m pretty frugal and more about controlling the number of items I’m adding to an already well stocked closet and any shift in style seems to make this even harder to achieve. Irina - Yep, finding a shopping strategy that I’m comfortable with is exactly what I’m trying to work out and I too, am concerned about where my donations actually end up when I pass them on to the second hand market. Jamie’- Yes, that quote from Angie really struck a cord with me as well. With all the troubles in the world today, fashion should be something that actually offers a little respite and joy from it all. Style Fan- Fashion certainly can be a wonderful pastime, this forum is clearly a testament to it and I’m glad you’ve created wonderful ways for you to enjoy it. Style Fan on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365538 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:24:52 +0000 Style Fan 2365538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love clothes. My wardrobe brings me happiness. Angie's words also profoundly resonate with me.   Fashion is a hobby of mine. I have a wardrobe journal where I write my style goals, words, ideas, style nuggets, etc. I also make notes about outfits that have worked. I keep track of my clothing expenses and set aside a budget for my clothes every year.   My clothing budget keeps me on track with my clothing purchases. I might want something, but I have to save up for it. I was not always like this. When I was working, I just bought what I wanted. Jaime on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365535 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:59:37 +0000 Jaime 2365535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The world is full of enormous horror, sadness, depression, and injustice - it's a miracle we cope each day as it is. Try not to make your wardrobe and style a source of stress. Keep it a source of therapeutic happiness!!! Angie's words above deeply resonate with me.  I have turned shopping into my therapy and side gig, and just cannot feel badly about it. Granted it is second hand shopping, but at this point I have put more than my 10,000 hours in, and am delighted that I can distract myself for a while, and have a creative and intellectual outlet (I do a lot of research ). Irina on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365534 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:54:03 +0000 Irina 2365534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear you. I struggle with choosing a shopping strategy at the moment. A lot changed in the last few years and it impacted my wardrobe. I don’t go to the office as much since the pandemic. It means things I have already last longer. I bought more casual clothes and resort (vacation) wear since we travel and also I spend more time at home. As the wardrobe grew in size, garments are not used often and stay in a good shape. I love most of it. I also lust after some new things and enjoy shopping online and in person. I don’t have a budget but I don’t want a big collection of clothes, it overwhelms me. It seems that time changed and I haven’t kept up, shopping like it 2019. How to keep the size of my wardrobe manageable? That is what I try to figure out. <div>I don’t make donations. I try to sell clothes that are in a good shape and not used for various reasons. It’s not easy, second hand market is also over saturated. I put used clothes in a box outside of my house on weekends sometimes. It gets mostly picked up. But it is very small amount, still keeps it from a donation box. </div><div>For now I remind myself if I purchase something - is it different from what I have? Is it going to add interest to my wardrobe?</div><div>I plan to get to retirement and reduce the number of clothes by evaluating functionality and suitability for the different lifestyle. </div> Roberta on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365531 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:42:02 +0000 Roberta 2365531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My "set in concrete" goal is to buy fewer things every year. I have done so this year, but not as many fewer as I hoped. I bought more used items than last year too. However, I seemed to have a significant style shift over the winter, and put away all my slim pants in favor of wide and barrel legs. I also suddenly had a desire for very neutral looks, including black tops for summer (which I never wore before). I think less about my budget now than I do the number of items, for sure. I'd like to get to only ten new items a year. I've never had a great taste for expensive things; I know they're out of reach so I don't long for them. My primary restraining device is my large clothing inventory. If I feel a sudden longing for a certain something, I check my spreadsheet and generally find that I already own a perfectly nice version of that item. Angie makes a lovely point. If you can acquire something that genuinely makes you happy, and you can afford it, then go for it. I buy almost no clothes in the summer because I wear shorts and t-shirts every day, but when I was feeling a little blue last week, I went out and bought myself a beautiful hanging plant! Dee on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365528 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 22:05:36 +0000 Dee 2365528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni NZ - Looks like your strategy of being picky, patient and practical has really paid off. Glad to hear that your happy with where your wardrobe is currently. Amazing that you were able to get an identical match for your old Skechers. ChristelJ - I really enjoy fashion as a form of entertainment and creativity too, but I just don’t want to over do it even when I’m buying second hand.. Denim is a weakness for me as well, Great idea to wear your best jeans shopping in order to set the standard for any new denim purchases. ’; ; pirouette on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365522 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 21:47:59 +0000 pirouette 2365522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have cut back on shopping in the last 2 years since I retired and have a lot more casual lifestyle. I love shopping both online and in shops but I find I need a lot less variety of clothes now. I have decluttered my wardrobe and now have a good idea what I actually have and what I need. I meet my friend most weeks and we both enjoy looking at the shops without buying anything. I have also begun to look at pre owned clothes online and have purchased a few items. ChristelJ on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365515 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:44:16 +0000 ChristelJ 2365515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I fully realize I use shopping as a form of entertainment. However, I don't feel guilty.  I'm a visual person who gets a lot of joy out of just the stimulation, the colors and shapes and textures, and the ebb and flow of styles and fashions. I shop second hand a lot, which keeps things affordable for me, but I also shop brick and mortar stores and online sites. The thing that keeps my wardrobe manageable is that I don't have to come home with anything, necessarily. I have enough clothing to get dressed and function. So I enjoy looking, and thinking of new ways to wear what I have. Sometimes I do add something I don't "need" but do crave, such as a certain happy color, and it is a source of soul nourishment for me. </div><div> </div><div>I do have to watch my weakness for jeans. Because of weight fluctuations and the constantly evolving styles out there, I tend to justify buying new jeans a bit too often. Lately my strategy there is to wear great fitting favorite jeans when I go shopping. That way I can say to myself, the jeans I'm considering have to be better and very different from the ones I'm wearing, and usually they are not! </div> Jenni NZ on "Shopping Behavior" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-behaviors#post-2365512 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:00:34 +0000 Jenni NZ 2365512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I WAS overwhelmed in the past with my shopping before I found Recovering Shopaholic and YLF in 2016. In the 8 years since I have reduced it down and down by becoming way more patient, picky and practical. This calendar year I have bought 2 things, both replacements- a new pair of Skechers that are as close to exactly the same as my old ones with 340 wears that I could get. The old ones are demoted to gardening now. And one new olive cardigan to replace a less liked olive merino which had finally passed 30 wears after a decade. I gave that to my daughter 2 days ago and she wore it yesterday! I feel good about wearing what I have and like, that I had chosen carefully. The desire to shop has gradually lessened but I would say only this year really, after 8 years of trying to reduce it. I still enjoy the forum though post less than before.