YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Show me your wardrobe notes

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Show me your wardrobe notes https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:09:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sisi on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1716373 Fri, 19 Aug 2016 12:36:07 +0000 Sisi 1716373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am famous for my aversion to anything complicated, so my method is very simple and maybe primitive, but it worked well for me. Time ago I started to write down, in a simple Excel sheet, all what I was wearing , day by day. Then I  did  monthly, quarterly and yearly summaries. This way I could immediately see  how many items of clothing I had been using, and how many times a certain item had been worn. Enlightening! I understood which were my "winners" and "losers", and why. My purchasing habits changed and my wardrobe started to improve. Less impulse buying, that leads to a ton of so-so clothes, and more  well-chosen, well functioning things.  I also realized that I am a minimalist at heart ! Something I had never suspected. I am sure you will find the right method for you. In my modest opinion - the simpler, the better! shedev on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1715495 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:25:09 +0000 shedev 1715495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did 1 in 2 out when I was downsizing my wardrobe. It was really helpful. harmonica on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1715461 Wed, 17 Aug 2016 11:38:48 +0000 harmonica 1715461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so sorry for not responding until now. Thank you all for your contribution! It is very helpful and lots of interesting insights that can be appropriated for one's own needs. Suz, it makes sense to have different systems for CPW, shopping budget and wardrobe items/wants/needs. I actually did the same some years ago, but RL got into my "wardrobe management". Now I'm using my old Word-docs as a basis for current notes. The set-up takes a bit, but I'm sure it will be easy to maintain after that. lisap and Angie - thanks for the spot on question and answer! Chris987, Roxana, Barbara Diane, MFF, Nishaa I'm glad you find this helpful. BrieN, KL, Number are really useful for a lot of insights! StyleFran, I love pen and paper, too! I find it easier to remember and visualize my notes and ideas when I use pen & paper, not the computer. shedev, when I first started my style journey I did 1 item in and 2-3 items out. It really helped to focus and build a new wardrobe. Barbara Diana, love your insights and not off topic at all! :-) Sterling, I never learned Excel, but it would be helpful to learn the basics, at least. Agree that tracking systems are not fixed. I think it evolves from your changing needs/focus and the insights you gain. smittie, Impressive that you can do the tracking in your head. I can barely remember my birth date. ;-) Anna, so smart to have a small notebook you can easily carry in your purse. So handy! Glad you didn't overbuy in one category. RWS, Closetspace is working well for me. I miss some functionalities, but think you can never get it all so I have settled with this app for now. Lyn D, the statistics of actual wears is really handy. Cerinda, I liked how you created basic categories and subcategories. It makes sense. anchie, thanks for clairifying the difference with Stylebook and Closetspace. Very helpful! Love your idea about a similar feature for Finds! Marlene, Janet, great to see that tracking, lists etc is not "mandatory". A good reminder that you should stick to whatever works for you and makes you happy. :-) BC, sounds like a great app! Must try it! I tried YNAB, but stopped when I had to pay for it. It was a really great system. Thanks! Roxanna on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714524 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 20:49:01 +0000 Roxanna 1714524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is so, so interesting and helpful for an organization nerd like me. Can't wait to do a closet assessment and slowly start using an app! Thank you for all the in depth reviews and thank you, harmonica, for starting this thread. I'm itching to get started!! Nishaa on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714390 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 16:30:32 +0000 Nishaa 1714390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz, I used notes in android phone, much the same way you do. Manually keeping track of cost per wear. Can't seem to get the data transferred to my iOS. So now I've to transfer the whole data to iPhone manually. It might be good to evaluate and enter. But I'm being a big lazy bum about it. The fact that I lost some data is also a big annoying factor in procrastination. Thinking of using numbers this time... Better idea? Anonymous on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714317 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:44:19 +0000 Anonymous 1714317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My DD just recently told me about an iPhone app called Goodbudget. I assume it's also available for android phones, but I didn't check. It's free, and it's essentially a tech version of the tried-and-true envelope system. I have created "envelopes" to keep track of our household expenses, including my discretionary spending. Whenever I spend, I enter the vendor and the amount in the appropriate envelope, and it automatically substracts it from the total amount I previously loaded into the envelope, and there is a $ amount displayed so I know how much I spent out of how much I budgeted for. It even has a bar graph to visually display the spending. Whatever $ is left can be carried over into the next month, but I had to email and ask how to do that. Still, it's a great way for me to keep up with everything. I think I will also create an Excel spreadsheet, but it will be simply a summary of each month's spending & saving. It won't be detailed like the app. Janet on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714312 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:40:09 +0000 Janet 1714312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Marlene, me neither. I clicked on this thread out of a bit of curiosity but just can't be bothered with tracking or listing or whatever, despite my very analytical, organized nature. Kind of impressed with how thorough many of you are! Suz on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714303 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:20:21 +0000 Suz 1714303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Anchie -- that is helpful. I would like to do this more easily for sure! If I devoted a day to set up that would help.  anchie on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714302 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:17:41 +0000 anchie 1714302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Apps like Closetspace take some effort at the beginning, but once you have all your inventory in, it is a breeze to use, it takes just a couple of seconds to track your daily wear. I have started really slowly with entering inventory. Every day I only uploaded photos of couple of items that I was wearing that day, so that I can start with the tracking. Eventually when I started repeating items and outfits, I had less and less things to upload and over time my whole wardrobe was included.  Maybe Gregg and Angie can think about expanding finds feature to include similar tracking and reporting capabilities, I am sure it will be great success.  Suz on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714298 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 12:57:35 +0000 Suz 1714298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nishaa -- Notes works seamlessly across my phone and computer which is why I use it. It doesn't count (I keep the count manually and the year I tracked wears I did that manually also). It's very basic -- just a list, really, that is with me everywhere. I actually have a couple of Wardrobe notes:  Grand Inventory (everything in the closet for all seasons, along with a list of everything I have "retired" and the reason so I know what to avoid in future). I list by item type: bags, footwear (broken into subcategories), dresses, special occasion wear, coats, jackets, denim, trousers, etc. etc. Sometimes I fiddle with the categories to make them more meaningful.  Seasonal Wardrobe (what I am wearing that season)  It's not terribly efficient and doesn't give me a ton of information. I would like to find a better way, but so far the apps like Closetspace and Stylebook have stopped me cold at the outset. (I signed up for both and couldn't get past the log in stage because I couldn't figure out how to add stuff except by a laborious process of downloading photos  -- no thanks!! -- I would rather just use the Finds in YLF for that!)  plonkee on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714285 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 11:34:34 +0000 plonkee 1714285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use the notes section of my phone. I have a wardrobe list for autumn-winter, another for spring-summer and a third list of things that I am actively shopping for. The wardrobe lists don't include shoes, but the shopping list can. I mark next to things I need or want to replace (R or r respectively). I don't keep a big wardrobe in this count - about 100 items - as generally I prefer to have fewer items worn more often. I'm currently happy with my work wardrobe, but not my casual wardrobe so I'm doing a lot of thinking about that. anchie on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714239 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 08:32:19 +0000 anchie 1714239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I tried both, Stylebook and Closetspace, and must say, I like Closetspace better. There are couple of reasons but for me, most important advantage of Closetspace is that I can sync and use it as app on all my devices, and also on the web. And another feature that I like in Closetspace is grouping items based on number times worn. This is very helpful, because I can easily see which items are workhorses and which items I am struggling with. I am tracking now for 2 years. I am currently focusing on the group of items worn less then 9 times, and specially items in that group that are older then 2 years. I have 53 items like this!  I am challenging my self now to either wear them or discard them. And also items that shows up in 'recency' report that were not worn for more than a year are very likely to end up donated.   Nishaa on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714210 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 07:02:31 +0000 Nishaa 1714210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow.... Thanks for this post! Harmonica. I use annual budget, divide it between Accesories, beauty and clothes... ABC. Previously used note feature to keep inventory. Now I'm moving to numbers for ease of access through iPhone and iPad. Suz... How do you find the notes feature... Useful enough? And how do you synchronise it. Sterling.. I'm going to add date purchased... Thanks for the idea. MovingFashionForward on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1714197 Mon, 15 Aug 2016 05:37:59 +0000 MovingFashionForward 1714197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, glad I read your post as I had been thinking of getting Stylebook, because I was specifically told that it is a universal app and that one can use the cloud or syncing so that one's data is available on iPhone, iPad, etc. Is this not the case? If you or anyone else has any further information about this I'd appreciate it. What does Closetspace lack that you liked in Stylebook? Decisions, decisions! Sarah Cerinda on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1713498 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 23:51:16 +0000 Cerinda 1713498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This may be TMI but I use Excel spreadsheets (one for inventory and one for notes), Word for ruminating, Photos (one file for try-ons and daily outfit photos, one for outfits that work well), and Stylebook.   I generally have spreadsheets for spring/summer, summer/fall transition, winter, and winter/spring transition; I copy the previous year's to begin the update, and that REALLY makes mistakes obvious. Wardrobe items are categorized by type (jeans, trousers, dresses/suits, tees, sweaters, tunics, third pieces) and function (basic, essential, statement) and grouped by palette (light colors and neutrals, dark colors and neutrals).  I added Stylebook fairly recently.  I'm too undisciplined with the calendar function to get real CPWs out of it.  Periodically I upload outfit photos to the inspiration function (lousy cross platform functionality) and holy cow! what that has shown me about my preferred silhouettes and FFBOs! I set a fashion budget in the fall, and it's pretty much based on the previous year's actuals.  When my fashion bucket is empty, the bucket is empty. I dislike shopping, generally do two big shops a year, and never shop without a list (peppered with HEWIs and anticipated replacements).  That said, the system sometimes falls apart (catastrophic coat failure, unexpected job change). Lyn D. on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1713468 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 22:27:52 +0000 Lyn D. 1713468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I use Stylebook and love it! My paper notes became so untidy, and with Stylebook if I decide to purge an item then change my mind it is easy to reinstate. Also it gives a realistic view of actual wears for some items I was about to let go, then saw that they were useful in particular outfits in the past. As a result I am keeping more, and making less mistakes with new purchases. Runs With Scissors on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1713450 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 21:35:44 +0000 Runs With Scissors 1713450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an interesting topic, and something I probably need to grow the discipline to do.  Jenn -- those apps (Stylebook and Closetspace) look interesting, and I am considering which would be a better fit for me.  I started using the iOS app Dressed at one point, but I think these two offer better features and seem to be actively maintained.   Anna on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes/page/2#post-1713283 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 13:59:51 +0000 Anna 1713283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I recently started keeping a spiral notebook with vinyl end covers. That way I can keep in my purse without it getting bent or torn. After I purchase something and decide to keep it, I list it under its correct heading (skirts, tops, pants) and put a description next to it. I have a section where I put the date and describe the outfit I wore that day. I also have a section where I list my "needs". I take it along when I shop. I try to stick to my "needs" list if possible. But if I see something I really love I may purchase. Then after I get home, I go through my list and see if I have anything that works with it. I also use the notebook in store to see if I already have something similar. For instance, I always think I don't have enough ivory tops. So I would keep buying them. I now have 6. Having the notebook has stopped me from buying a 7th! As to the budgeting, I am still working on that! But I do write down what I spend. It has been a real eye opener. This was a very interesting topic Harmonica! Anonymous on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1713272 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 13:25:59 +0000 Anonymous 1713272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, for me, anything obtainable at Costco does NOT go into the clothing budget, and that includes undies and gear but not bras. I have been experimenting with a $ monthly limit and and have been tracking inventory in a note on my phone. The amount of money I spend is tracked in my head. Most months this year I've gone over budget and I'm wondering how to deal with this. Suz on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1713230 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 11:13:57 +0000 Suz 1713230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I also include my undies and PJs in my clothing budget but not my gear (it goes in the "active" part along with gym membership etc.) But I think the undies could as easily go in "necessities" or some category like that.  The distinction actually makes sense to me particularly to those with an advanced sense of style and a need to appear particularly fashionable. You want to ensure your fashion budget is going to fashion, not to underpinnings and PJs.  Anonymous on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1713229 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 11:09:35 +0000 Anonymous 1713229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting post, Harmonica.  I enjoyed reading all the comments.   To answer your question, Numbers is the Apple version of Excel.  The two programs are nearly exactly the same (in my opinion).   I find that tracking systems evolve over time.  I started out with a very simple spreadsheet that merely listed garments in each category.  I did this to have an idea of how much I had so I didn't overbuy.  This was really helpful to me.  It literally put the brakes on buying in those categories (pajamas) that I had way too much of.  In time I added date purchased and price.  Eventually I started to track the number of times worn and the cost per wear.   I have never tracked items that are purged.  I guess I didn't want to be reminded of my "failures."  I can see now that this information would be valuable and so naturally I'll be adding it to my spreadsheet today.  I get ideas and I incorporate them.    About budgets, I allocate myself an annual budget.  I can spend that budget any way I want throughout the year.  My clothing budget includes anything that can be worn (underpinnings, athletic wear, pajamas).  I don't exactly understand how these items are not clothing.  How these items budgeted by other women?  It doesn't make sense to me.  I track down to the penny.  And I track cash!  So few of my friends forget to track the expenses they pay for in cash.   The one thing I don't budget for is hair care.  I schedule appointments as I need them.  I may be the one woman in America that hates having her hair done.  I don't want a budget to give me an excuse to skip an appointment.     Thanks for a very fun post.   Note to Barbara Diane.  I am always interested in your posts.  It helps me sort out my buying habits as well.   Barbara Diane on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1713096 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:12:25 +0000 Barbara Diane 1713096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry if that was long and a bit off topic. It really helped me sort out my shopping habits and to plan for the future. Barbara Diane on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1713093 Sat, 13 Aug 2016 01:09:38 +0000 Barbara Diane 1713093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think this is why spending a lot at once can unnerve me. I don't budget and really didn't purchase much at one time unless I lost or gained too much weight for my clothes to fit. I used to buy anything that fit without clinging, looked fairly good with my coloring, and looked somewhat like me, because it was so challenging to find clothes. My price points and lack of finding clothing worked with my spending. I have more choices at my present size, and I have to remember not to purchase something just because something looks like me and fits. I'm not used to having enough clothes. I have enough summer clothes except for a few specific items - a lightweight topper to cover my arms to wear with a light as air dress on an extremely hot day. Or else the dress goes back. Of course, we haven't had any of those horrendously hot days since I purchased it. And skin colored underwear to wear with my first color of non dark pants. I can get away with them because the dark flower print hidesthings. I think that I need to examine my fall wardrobe and figure out what I need and then assign a dollar amount to fulfill those needs. I like the idea of having a certain amount for fun extras or something special. I plan to go beyond that only if I drop a size. Roxanna on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712971 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 20:26:02 +0000 Roxanna 1712971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! This is so helpful! Like @lisap, I have never done this abs have resisted it (perhaps bc I have always been an impulse shopper abs didn't want to know how much I spend!) but you all have inspired me. I will do a budget and clothes tracking for the fall! shedev on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712939 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:23:26 +0000 shedev 1712939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had a few different systems. I did 2 item per month for a year. I did a$ amount per month ( I ended up buying a bunch of cheap stuff) I'm doing best on my 5 piece. I split between just above my basics limit and super splurgey. I have the history of my current wardrobe in a notebook. It includes when I bought it, how much I paid, how many wears a year, and CPW. Style Fan on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712938 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:16:30 +0000 Style Fan 1712938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like to write.  I mean writing with a pen and paper.  I have tried to use computer journals, finds, pinterest, etc. for my wardrobe but I don't keep it up.  The best method for me is to use a notebook.  I have several going at one time.  I have my favourite outfits notebook, my packing notebook, my makeup notebook, my wardrobe notebook and my field notes (a fancy way of saying random thoughts about fashion, clothing, whatever). I don't have a budget exactly but I have an idea of what I will spend per season.  I may not always spend it and if I don't I just leave it.  I don't carry it forward.  If I really want something then I can have it but that rarely happens these days.  I do have some items on a wish list that I will spend money on if I come across.  For example I wanted a silver bangle that stayed on my wrist (didn't slid off like most do) for a long time.  I finally found one recently so I bought it. harmonica on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712936 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:10:44 +0000 harmonica 1712936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for the insights and comments! Very helpful and great to see the variety of approches. It makes it clear that each one has to find the system that actually works for oneself, and it could also be not having a system at all. Whatever is functional and make you happy.   Jenn - you sent me into nerdy closet "accounting" heaven with Closetspace and your simple note system!! I'm setting it up right now -- and its so much fun! (ok, very nerdy, but hey, it is fun!)  :-) JAileen on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712930 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 19:00:58 +0000 JAileen 1712930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Marlene, I don't do any of it either. You'd think I would have, since I was an accountant and budget analyst, but no. It's very interesting, though. rachylou on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712922 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:33:56 +0000 rachylou 1712922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't use Yahoo notes like me. I have lost my notes due to their system glitches... Marlene on "Show me your wardrobe notes" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/show-me-your-wardrobe-notes#post-1712918 Fri, 12 Aug 2016 18:28:03 +0000 Marlene 1712918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Am I doing something wrong?  I don't budget or track or CPW or anything!