https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:06:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned/page/2#post-943015 Tue, 28 May 2013 02:07:24 +0000 amiable 943015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What great observations! &nbsp;Thanks for sharing them - I learned from them, and want to try a similar exercise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned/page/2#post-943013 Tue, 28 May 2013 02:00:27 +0000 TraceyLiz65 943013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such wonderful insights and a great use of your hiatus... great to evaluate and even re-evaluate as you became aware that your running was no longer a casual part of your life... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-943006 Tue, 28 May 2013 01:42:21 +0000 cheryl 943006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great insights. Thanks for sharing. Yay for your new running gear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942945 Mon, 27 May 2013 23:53:31 +0000 Anonymous 942945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading this Christy. You are such a clear thinker and have a gift of articulation. I'm sure your closet is as organized as your mind, lol! I guess your casual capsule can be pretty small unless you go to the same places each weekend and see the same people. You so deserved that new running gear you bought. Anyone who runs does!&nbsp;</p> <p>I need some new gear, but since I'm only a walker, I can't justify spending the beaucoup buckaroos on high tech athletic wear (plus I prefer plain old cotton fabric, anyway). I've tried walking in street clothes but there is too much chafing. Still, I can't get motivated to shop for gear. I think I'm waiting for the shapes to change. :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942795 Mon, 27 May 2013 18:39:00 +0000 Scarlet 942795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a great read. Downright inspirational! I could take more care with my loungewear too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942766 Mon, 27 May 2013 18:00:55 +0000 ElleH 942766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love posts like this, thank-you. It gets me thinking in constructive ways </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942721 Mon, 27 May 2013 16:34:26 +0000 rae 942721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful insights and food for thought for everyone. How true to realize we don't live at work and that our hobbies need attention from our budgets, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942689 Mon, 27 May 2013 15:31:47 +0000 harmonica 942689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post, Cristy! You seem to have made great steps in analyzing, understanding and prioritizing your needs and that is wonderful. Like you said, you can now invest and enjoy in quality pieces. And you can also enjoy and be creative about your work wear wardrobe.</p> <p>Hopefully life will ease down, but we're all caught up by reality at times. Take care - nice to see you around </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942663 Mon, 27 May 2013 15:03:05 +0000 nancylee 942663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this insightful post, Christy. &nbsp;I am long overdue for a shopping hiatus myself, and your observations and experience are inspiring me to give it a try. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942655 Mon, 27 May 2013 14:56:04 +0000 christy 942655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shopping hiatus has been easier than I thought it would, mostly because we have such an amazing goal that we're working towards. We've budgeted for replacement items, but until recently I just haven't needed to replace anything. In fact, I've even been adding to my donation pile during this shopping break! But my go-to pair of black summer heels just broke, so I have a replacement pair on the way. And I've already talked about my additions to my running gear capsule. NAS is coming up and I'll budget for a new suit and new layering tops for wearing under jackets. Bras will need to be replaced by that time also. But it's amazing how much more mindful I am in my spending. And this has translated beyond clothes! It's been a great exercise.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942608 Mon, 27 May 2013 13:54:41 +0000 kkards 942608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>its so funny to read your comments about the lounge wear. i also change into lounge wear when i get home, and your right, its the last thing i spend money one. since today is a holiday, i'm still in my lounge wear, and i read your post i realized that the pants i have on are over 5 years old, have hole in one of the seams, and if the drawstring breaks will be at my ankles because the elastic has completely given out. maybe its time to purge. and then see what i'm left with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942590 Mon, 27 May 2013 12:49:11 +0000 Mona 942590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So nice to hear from you, Christy! You have made some great points. i used to do the same in terms of investing all my clothing money in work wear and buying only cheapest possible for lounge wear and casual. I have been trying to fix it slowly and I also took up running last year and hope to keep running for a long time. So I have also started building up a running capsule. Costco has some great stuff to offer at the moment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942580 Mon, 27 May 2013 12:35:03 +0000 Krista 942580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post, Christy! Thanks for sharing! I was most impressed with your realization re your running clothes wardrobe. &nbsp;Just stating that you run half-marathons is a different statement than "I ran one and I hope to do more, so I should get some clothes for that." &nbsp;As you said, you ARE a runner and quite simply, specific clothes are needed for that and you not only deserve to feel fab, you need to feel fab! Besides, no one needs to be reminded at mile 10 that the bra they are wearing is chafing their underarms to pieces! Happy running! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942491 Mon, 27 May 2013 04:06:18 +0000 Anonymous 942491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on some great insights that will continue to serve you well in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942472 Mon, 27 May 2013 03:33:42 +0000 Mo 942472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great read. &nbsp;I also put pen to paper to figure out exactly what I did in my life and what I needed to wear for said activities. &nbsp;<br />Some of my most often worn purchases this year are work shoes and a lounge set (I'm in it right now). &nbsp;Not the most exciting of purchases, compared to a pretty dress or great jacket, but very important in my day to day life. &nbsp;I'm actually considering buying another set of bottoms for both my jobs' uniforms this year. &nbsp;Today I wore 12 year old&nbsp;velvet pants that I've almost purged who knows how many times for a banquet at the golf course. &nbsp;They do, but a new pair of black slacks would be a welcome upgrade ;)<br />congrats on buying decent running gear. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942466 Mon, 27 May 2013 03:24:33 +0000 Adelfa 942466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super inspiring, thank you so much. I feel an SYC coming on and your post is helping me think through things! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942455 Mon, 27 May 2013 03:10:50 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 942455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy, I appreciate your insights. Thank you for sharing them! </p> <p>You've inspired me to consider giving myself permission to invest a little more in some good running clothes that I look forward to putting on. I tend to buy the bare necessities: shoes once a year and socks when they wear out. I have a decent set of black bottoms for all weather contingencies and two jackets. But I have only bought one running shirt in, like forever, and I find myself groaning inwardly about putting on another too-big or unbreathable race t-shirt to run in. And geez, I can't even remember the last time I bought new running bras!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942449 Mon, 27 May 2013 03:04:42 +0000 Deborah 942449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy, I have been missing you!&nbsp; This is very insightful and makes so much sense.&nbsp;&nbsp; I do think if we approach our wardrobes with practicality that we approach and manager other areas of our lives with,&nbsp;we would would&nbsp;end up spending less and have highly functioning wardrobe.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think my most neglected capsule is my lounge wear but I'm working on that.&nbsp;&nbsp; Five months shopping hiatus.. did you have serious shopping withdrawal? :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942423 Mon, 27 May 2013 02:37:55 +0000 sarah 942423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy, so nice to hear from you! You've got some great insights here. I also realized that I spend every evening in my loungewear, but was not feeling fab <b>at all</b> and needed to invest in something new. And given that I go to pilates 3x/week, I need to "let" myself build that capsule, too. How great that running has become such an important part of your life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942411 Mon, 27 May 2013 02:24:10 +0000 Eliza 942411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy- thanks for sharing. You highlight the value of creating space to think about what works. Loved number 2 as it is so easy to become engaged in the hunt, rather than optimizing what we have. Great post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942405 Mon, 27 May 2013 02:18:07 +0000 Thistle 942405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I appreciate your insights. I always love a peek into a fabbers mindset! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942402 Mon, 27 May 2013 02:00:44 +0000 Transcona Shannon 942402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice to hear from you Christy and your lessons learned are brilliant. I have been thinking of my loungewear and gear capsules as well, coming to the exact realizations that you have. I too change my clothes when I get home from work and these capsule are sorely lacking. I enjoyed reading your thoughts here as they helped me to reach some clarity of my own.</p> <p>Take care and we'll see you when we can </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942394 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:31:51 +0000 deb 942394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a wonderful post and I appreciate it. I really need to do this just to understand my needs as my work/casual styles change. Thank you so much for sharing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942393 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:31:21 +0000 bj1111 942393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>christy, great insights! &nbsp;lots of admiration for your stick-to-it-ness. &nbsp;having a goal like a new house does inspire self-control! i remember when you were working on your casual capsule only to realize that it occupies the least of your time!</p> <p>i have the reverse problem, because a few years ago, i made a concerted effort to get not-so-basic&nbsp;work clothes and going out dressy casual clothes. &nbsp;i od'ed on leather trimmed jackets and sequinned this or that, and no basic &nbsp;but well fitting more conservative suits. &nbsp;(i managed to outgrow or purge the ones i had.) &nbsp;so going back to basics, looking for two well cut pant suits, not awkward trim but with a very modern cut. &nbsp;</p> <p>i also realized that&nbsp;my working out clothes (pilates mostly) especially yoga pants&nbsp;doubles with my lounge wear, topped with any of the sweaters i have. &nbsp;i have been trying not to save the sweaters for a "good" occasion like work and going out, especially since i've inherited bunches from my sister and i've done a good closet clean out as a consequence.</p> <p>thanks for posting...great jumping point for a good conversation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942383 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:16:05 +0000 unfrumped 942383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great post! Wonderful insights, and I really appreciate how you've outlined it, because even though I think I've been working on this type of breakdown, your post helps me see some&nbsp; more opportunities to improve.</p> <p>I also focused too much on work, but not necessarily $$ amounts, but closet space and constant adding. I found that I did not need quite as much variety of the so-so kind&nbsp;if I could identify the best outfits and better updates and coordination of items to look more put-together. So I am working on that.</p> <p>Casual wear&nbsp;,&nbsp;may be similar to what you have experienced, or perhaps maybe what some call smart casual or dressy-casual, &nbsp;in that I don't need a lot, but it's a a capsule that allows for much more fun and experimentation, and so I'm trying to do&nbsp;what you describe, &nbsp;have an adequate number &nbsp;of items/outfits that really work for these activities and have a high&nbsp; happiness factor.</p> <p>What is so interesting is&nbsp;your &nbsp;loungewear comments--I can really relate.&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe this &nbsp;overlaps with what some people call really casual wear, but for me it's not&nbsp;the same as jeans and T's. &nbsp;I work late often, so may change directly into pj's!&nbsp; Other&nbsp;&nbsp;times I would like something that's not&nbsp; &nbsp;pajamas but&nbsp;not sloppy. If&nbsp;the clothing can be&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;comfortable enough but good-looking and easy to put together, I will wear them, so it's a capsule that has been worth working on for better fit, fun colors, soft textures, unstructured structure. Again I don't think I need such a huge volume at any one time,but aim to keep replacing as things get faded or ratty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942380 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:10:55 +0000 Suz 942380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christy, it's great to hear from you, and what sage and helpful reflections. It sounds as if this hiatus has truly clarified some things for you and helped you reset your shopping priorities in a very positive direction. Congratulations on the upcoming house, as well! And post a few pics if you ever get a chance; we always love to see your fabulous style.&nbsp;</p> <p>As a side note, I love how you identified yourself as a runner and set out the need for good gear. It is so important to helping us do the work!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942373 Mon, 27 May 2013 01:03:30 +0000 celia 942373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always like this kind of posts because I find them very helpful. We do get set in ruts and we end up overdoing something in our lives(or our close) in detriment of others , this is a truth that&nbsp; also have to acknowledge about my shopping habits.<br />And your words are also inspirational because you were able to SYC and continue to look so fab.</p> <p>Hope your house is going along great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942368 Mon, 27 May 2013 00:55:16 +0000 Jaime 942368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You wrote so clearly and sensibly that all I could do is nod along and admire your good sense. Good for you on buying the running gear and focusing on your goals. And good luck with the house! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942365 Mon, 27 May 2013 00:51:08 +0000 Beth Ann 942365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes we need to break and give the time to reflection that we usually give to shopping.&nbsp; Thanks for sharing what you've learned, Christy.&nbsp; I think it valuable to realize that you needn't put all of your money and thought into the "work" part of you.&nbsp; You should feel and look as fab while making dinner as you do in the board room! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-hiatus-lessons-learned#post-942359 Mon, 27 May 2013 00:38:01 +0000 Caro in Oz 942359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great insights christy &amp; its inspirational to hear of you putting them into action with your running gear&nbsp;:)&nbsp;It's amazing how hard it can be&nbsp;to spend money where we need to sometimes.&nbsp; </p>