https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:42:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1308671 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 03:35:12 +0000 Isabel 1308671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, the moment that I read this ,"...&nbsp;but just aren't feeling like me or cause discomfort in some way. " , it was all the info that I needed. &nbsp;I didn't need to read one more word ( though I did of course ). &nbsp; &nbsp;They are not worthy of you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1308648 Sun, 20 Jul 2014 03:22:57 +0000 Vicki 1308648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To the Queen of Cull, I totally get your strategy and I admire you for describing it so well, because you think it through in a way that makes sense. &nbsp;You give good reasons, so you are satisfied with your decisions and freely move on. &nbsp;Were you a debater in H.S.? :)</p> <p>Comfort and Usage are essential and you've articulated the key to fashion happiness through your own style journey.</p> <p>When you post, Claire, I learn something. &nbsp;Thank you! &nbsp;Now, about those very cool Joe's Jeans... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1304285 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:41:58 +0000 cheryl 1304285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful shoes and i'm sorry they don't work for you but you are right, comfort and foot health should come first! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1304136 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:28:55 +0000 Anonymous 1304136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shoes are so important because they affect your ability to walk - bad shoes can harm your body more than too tight pants or top. But it takes a long time&nbsp; to come to terms with giving up high style shoes, mostly or completely. Some lucky people have strong feet and really can wear almost anything.&nbsp;Thanks for sharing your decision process, it makes good sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1304054 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:15:12 +0000 Anonymous 1304054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Elle,&nbsp;</b>the Okalas are 8's (Mona wears a 7). I PMed you.<br />&nbsp;<br /><b>Denise(CocoLion)&nbsp;</b>thanks for confirming what I thought about re-selling. Now I just have to figure out Ebay!</p> <p><b>Lisa</b>, thanks for linking to your post on shoes. I hadn't seen that. It seems like shoes, more than anything else, are a total crap shoot. It makes me want to buy all of my shoes from Nordstrom so I can return them after wearing them if they don't work out!</p> <p><b>texstyle</b>, You are one smart cookie to treat your feet well. I still have a vain streak that makes me want to try shoes that photograph well and/or impress everyone. Isn't that insane? If I do it again, you have permission to hold me accountable!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303892 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:55:10 +0000 texstyle 1303892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So great to hear a real life assessment of these shoes. You are smart to make this determination and at least you got to experiment with some of these more trendy styles which is fun and educational. Nearly every time I see an amazing (looking) pair of shoes modeled here or elsewhere - I can't help but wonder how can people compromise style for comfort on the feet? Maybe some people have magic feet that allow them to wear pointy toed heels that don't hurt to walk in? Or they don't mind "gripping" onto their shoes? I'd be cramping in less than an hour. I've never been able to wear non-comfort shoes and I don't have any known foot problems&nbsp;- I was buying Eco and similar brands in my 20's because I just wanted comfortable feet so I could move as I wished.</p> <p>And speaking of purging items, I have at least 4 blazers that are relatively new or brand new in one case, that are leaving my closet too. I just don't have a lifestyle that requires a blazer other than maybe a soft knit or similar light weight style - and my weather is too warm to enjoy most of&nbsp;them outside of fall or early winter so my needs are limited. Not to mention I think I really just prefer a moto or other style.</p> <p>I've really been loving these purging posts - they are some of the most informative of the YLF posts I read. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing your insight Claire and everyone!</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303891 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:54:47 +0000 Lisa 1303891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More great purging here. &nbsp;I thought I had <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shoppingbrake.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/focus-on-the-shoes/">my own shoe wardrobe</a> all sorted and then this weekend DH sat me down and we went through them again, and just purged a few more. &nbsp;He is still far more ruthless than me when it comes to purging. &nbsp;And after all my foot problems over the years, once he got wind that a few pairs were just not working for my feet, out they went. &nbsp;I'll have to write a blog post on it sometime soon. &nbsp;</p> <p>And now I realize just how picky my feet really are! &nbsp;Soles have to be padded/soft, the overall material has to be soft enough to stretch to the shape of my foot, the heel really cannot be higher than one inch, not even a little bit, and the shoe cannot be heavy in weight.</p> <p>I'm curious about how you will rebuild your wardrobe now. &nbsp;Since&nbsp;you have purged, does this mean you will be doing a big shopping trip?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303875 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:40:49 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1303875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can totally relate to this purge post Claire. I have developed very fussy feet and I just will not tolerate a shoe/boot that isn't comfortable anymore, whether it suits my style or not. </p> <p>I will admit I'm a bit saddened about the Okalas going though. They look incredible on you and are comfortable. But you know what? We will not keep items in our closet that bring us guilt, right? Just be sure you won't regret it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303745 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 06:49:46 +0000 CocoLion 1303745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've read both of your culling threads and I am most of all impressed with your lack of sentimentality. &nbsp;It's just stuff, taking up room, after all. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'm in agreement with your strategy on the trendy pieces. &nbsp;I've resold numerous items that I feel done with but are still on trend (in particular premium denim). &nbsp;You definitely sell the items more quickly and at a better price if you just move on with the items you are unsure of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303734 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 06:03:50 +0000 Ingunn 1303734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we all love the okalas. I know I do, even if I've never seen a pair IRL. But you are right to purge them for the reasons you mentioned. It's very interesting to read your reasoning and the discussion in the thread. Sometimes I hold on to pieces I really like for a long time without wearing them at all. It is clever of you to resell while they still have some retail value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303728 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 05:45:17 +0000 ElleH 1303728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I admire your ability to assess &amp; purge accordingly. If you are selling the Okalas &amp; they are 8 or 8 1/2 let me know. The others are great too but I don't know how they would be on me but I own Okalas so I know they are comfy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303723 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 05:34:41 +0000 Neel 1303723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am crying for the okalas ... But I agree with your thought process. So sadly off they go. And as about the other shoes ... Is they aren't comfortable .... They are not worth that closet space.</p> <p>BTW the moto skinnies are really cool </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii/page/2#post-1303694 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:28:21 +0000 AJ 1303694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, the lemming bug may sometimes get you, but you are quick to assess whether something truly belongs in your wardrobe. I so admire you for that!</p> <p>I am on a shoe purging binge myself and have bagged up 10 pairs...mostly thrifted dressy heels. I need to stop shopping for my fantasy life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303691 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:23:41 +0000 Caro in Oz 1303691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah yes prints. I forgot <br />You are right of course </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303690 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:20:23 +0000 Anonymous 1303690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>E</b>, thanks for all the great discussion! There is no doubt about it. Fussy feet can really be bossy&nbsp;when it comes to our style. I have settled into a straight-up classic look. Clogs and chunky Mary Janes look ridiculous on me, although I've tried to wear them both. Don't give up hope on light colored suede. I was sitting across from a cowboy on an airplane the other day. He had on blonde suede boots that were well broken in. The toes had worn to a shiny darker leather in the coolest and most distressed way. If RATE is a part of your style, you might consider that look too.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>thanks for the tip. I'll keep an eye out for Tanya's shoes, she has great style, and often wears skinny jeans, so a shoe that works for her&nbsp;might work for me (feet permitting). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303682 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 04:01:30 +0000 Suz 1303682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, thank you, Claire and LBD -- you give me hope for happier future feet! I guess I still have at least a month to go before I cull those wicked sandals. In the meantime, I'm still planning to give them the stinkeye as they sit there in my closet.&nbsp;</p> <p>LBD, I hope those toenail gods decide to go elsewhere for their sacrificial lamb. {Shudder}</p> <p>Claire, I hear you on the wedges being too clunky for your slender shape. Somehow Tanya (also super slim and graceful) manages to find the <b>MOST </b>refined versions -- not at all what we usually think of, or what I think of, anyway. I've been studying her purchases.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, it's true -- you look great in flats and they work for you (at least potentially) so I hope you find a few pair that meet your other criteria.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303678 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 03:58:45 +0000 E 1303678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that you share your analyses with the forum, so we can all learn from you. :)</p> <p>My feet got much fussier a few years ago, and honestly there are very few shoes that I can wear now for real walking (vs errand running via car): they're all fairly flat, with thicker soles, round toes, and some type of strap. They've definitely influenced my style, as a more folksy/RATE/quirky outfit works with them whereas straight up classic or edgy or bombshell would make them look completely ridiculous. Luckily, I was already leaning towards quaint clothes, but they accelerated my journey! I find most boots far more comfortable than shoes or sandals, but of course living in a hot climate that's not a huge help. ;)&nbsp;Shoes are definitely the limiting factor on my style: even when I find styles that work for me and that I like the look and ethics&nbsp;of&nbsp;(I'm fond of a handmade, rustic-y look, hehe), they're never available in fair haired&nbsp;bookending colours, just dark ones. Or the lighter colour is only in suede, which isn't durable enough for my budget.</p> <p>Which is all just a way of saying you have my complete sympathies! I genuinely don't believe most people pay as much attention to footwear as the forum though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303671 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 03:46:45 +0000 Anonymous 1303671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>! <b>LBD</b> reminded me that I rudely forgot to address your poor foot issues. I hadn't realized how badly you had been injured. That must be horrible for someone with such a downtown, pedestrian lifestyle. I had turf toe once, from skiing all day in boots that were a half size too small (but they were on sale--and I was young and foolish). I lost a toenail on that one. More recently i gashed the arch of my foot open on some sharp lava rocks on Maui and had to wear sandals all winter while it healed&nbsp;(lucky I live in Phoenix)! That must have been the winter before I joined YLF. I agree with <b>LBD.&nbsp;</b>Allow a good long time for your feet to heal before you cull too many shoes.&nbsp;<br />I hope you find that perfect, refined low wedge shoe! I find most wedges a bit too chunky for my skinny feet and legs, but maybe I should reconsider them. I even felt "fancy" when I wore my old&nbsp;heeled ankle boots. Friends would automatically give me the up-down when I was wearing them because they could tell I was 2-3 inches taller--though they were a super casual shoe. I guess my feet and my style both like flats, so why fight it?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>LBD</b>, The Gods of Toenails? ROTFL. You are cracking me up! I hope your feet are as good as new very soon. Spot on advice for Suz, too. Thanks!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303610 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:48:25 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1303610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I cannot begin to express how much I admire&nbsp;your ruthlessness in your purging process. &nbsp; I am going to re-read your posts every time I feel myself buckling about keeping something &nbsp;</p> <p>You are, as always, an absolute inspiration!</p> <p>Suz, may I make a recommendation? &nbsp; If you haven't reached the three-month mark, give your feet a full three months to heal. &nbsp; After our latest flamenco&nbsp;show in May,&nbsp;I thought I was going to have to purge most of my shoes and go up half a size. &nbsp;&nbsp;A month later, a bunch of them fit comfortably again. &nbsp; Two months later, my feet are happy&nbsp;in nearly all of my shoes again. &nbsp; I am still waiting to see if my bruised right big toenail is going to stay, or if the Gods of Toenails are going to claim it for their own. &nbsp; But at this point, there is only a pair of Nine West pumps at stake.</p> <p>So if you can be patient for another month or two, wait and see if those favorite shoes that you love will work for you again.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303596 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:41:29 +0000 MsLuna 1303596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No problem Claire! I wear ballet flats well too - with insoles or forefoot padding! </p> <p>And yes - pointy toes get me too this is why I can't wear my Fluevog flats. I wear the flat for an hour and I'll be in a world of pain </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303594 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:40:52 +0000 Suz 1303594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is <b>BRILLIANT</b> that you share your shopping "mistakes." Which most people would probably sooner deny and which really aren't such mistakes in the first place, when all of us agree that it's well nigh impossible to pick perfectly comfortable shoes simply from trying them on in the store! (Or any other way, for that matter.)&nbsp;</p> <p>You know, I keep looking for the perfectly refined low wedge heel shoe. Tanya has a few. Most of them won't work for me because they are pumps, which I love the look of, but can't keep on (to Ms. KatieKat's point -- though my feet are high volume with narrow heels vs. low volume, the end result is the same.) But surely that pretty low wedge that stays on, looks refined, but does not shout, "I am SOOO gorgeous, dahhhling, don't you know?" exists somewhere??&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm actually willing to defy my environmental norm to some degree when it comes to the appearance of the thing. What I can't do is ignore all practical considerations. I need to be able to walk in my shoes for miles, and if I can't...well....they just don't work.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, even though my wardrobe is now much larger than yours, I share that same impulse to get rid of the things that are not working in my closet, ASAP -- as soon as I've identified what bugs me about the item. And I never, ever miss them when they are gone.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303588 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:33:57 +0000 Anonymous 1303588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks&nbsp;<b></b><b>MsKatieKat</b>! I'm not sure about the mid-foot stabilization, I wear a ballet flat really well, or a T-strap sandal. I did have a pair of Naots once but I disliked how firmly they held my foot. If I were to go on a walking vacation though, that would be my shoe of choice. For day to day,&nbsp;&nbsp;I like a small amount of "play" to keep my feet cool, and from sticking to the footbed. Of all the styles above, I like the Sole Society Susie flat the best, but there is that darned pointy toe again! Oh well. I appreciate your help! I'll keep an eye on your threads to see what works for you that also might work for my style. :)</p> <p>Thank you all for reading, understanding&nbsp;and commiserating when you can. Where would I be without you all to talk to? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303578 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:27:40 +0000 Anonymous 1303578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are my heroine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303572 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:22:29 +0000 MsLuna 1303572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok Claire, I'm back. I went through the finds and I'm showing you a few pairs of what I think would be more secure for floppy feet. I own one of them (the Aravon Mila) and I can attest to it not being floppy because the mid foot strap and toe strap are adjustable. </p> <p>This style of strap is more of a classic though, which is something I'd have to compromise (since I'm all about the edge). Anyway, these may not work for you, but that's the kind of strapping I find to be less floppy on my feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303567 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:16:31 +0000 Anonymous 1303567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>GP(Natalie)</b>, Purging like this is really not a skill, it's more of a gift/curse. It's just who I am. I get confused easily by things in my closet that aren't working for me. Getting rid of them seems to pave the way for better purchases. As for your track pants, my gut tells me to go with the full priced matte ones, because that's what I hear your gut saying (guts like to talk to each other like that, don't you know). ;)</p> <p><b>rabbit</b>, that potato trick works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. I've had shoe stretchers in the black flats for a fortnight. On Sunday, I went back to Last Chance, and believe it or not, they had a half size up, which I tried on. That didn't alleviate the problem however. It's in the design of the shoe. So sad. I'll keep trying this style when I see it, to see if I can find one that works for my foot.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Mo</b>, thanks, they are SO cool, I agree, and I'm glad you like them. They were a lot of fun. I got lots of compliments when I wore them, but I'm pretty sure it was the item being complimented, and not me personally. Seriously, I do not have a single ounce of bad girl, motocross, rocker chic in my persona. Wearing them always felt a bit incongruous.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suz,</b> oh dear, I hope no one thinks I'm trying to compete for that title! This is more like True Confessions, lest anyone think I never make a shopping mistake because I don't reveal them. Marley and Vicki and I had an interesting conversation about the Ollies and the Okalas when I visited recently. In addition to lifestyle and habitat, there is that issue of having to make sure your pants go with your shoes. Marley prefers to offset the dressiness of the heels with BF jeans (which I do not have at this point). Bodycon skinnies and heels feels a little bit racy for this neck of the woods, plus you know I want to keep things simple, so instead of branching out with different silhouettes, it feels more calming, restful and serene to just concentrate on what I reach for over and over and over: skinnies and flats. <br />Can I tell you a secret? When I told hubs I was considering getting rid of the jeans and Okalas, he breathed a sigh of relief! After much pressing and promising of diplomatic&nbsp;immunity, he admitted feeling like they were slightly pretentious for the circles we travel in. He's lucky I was in a good mood, and that just clinched the decision for me. The thought of him cringing when we step out together is not what I want. He's been a very good sport about it up to this point. Since he's so casual and laid back (read: slob) I got him to promise to bring his style up a notch if I dial mine back a little. :D&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA:&nbsp;<b>Gracie</b>, we cross-posted, but you're obviously reading my mail!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303565 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:15:48 +0000 Gracie 1303565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great decision on letting hurting shoes go to make room for better behaving pairs. Suz, you just described exactly why I never got on the Okala wagon... The thin heels and ankle strap make them too dressy, and sexy - a special occasion shoe - for my environment, and the pattern limits what I could wear them with, so I decided to admire them from afar on the fabers who rock them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303561 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:11:52 +0000 Sal 1303561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting.<br />I remember pointy toes being agony back in the late 1980s. &nbsp;I only have one pair of true pointy toes now and they are okay for evening wear. &nbsp;It sounds like you have a plan going forward - that is great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303560 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:11:07 +0000 Gigi 1303560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire, I admire your confidence in what to keep and what to purge.</p> <p>Shoes are so difficult! It seems like no matter what a person does, there's no way to find out if they're going to cause pain until you actually wear them out of the house and walk on different surfaces. And I will also think that a lot of the blame here belongs to the shoe manufacturers themselves, because they're not making shoes with decent-height heels or enough cushioning. It's really ridiculous. But it's a cash cow for them, because we buy these shoes thinking we'll be able to wear them, and once we discover we can't, we're back in the shoe department for round 2. Argh.</p> <p>I hope you can get some decent money back for your purchases and that you can use it to buy one pair of shoes that doesn't let you down! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303549 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:02:29 +0000 karymk 1303549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally understand about the shoes. But I love those pants for you! They aren't that OTT or edgy for you are they? They don't read that way to me, and I DO happen to think you are very cool Claire! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-culling-of-my-own-pt-ii-of-ii#post-1303547 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:00:15 +0000 kellygirl 1303547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claire is ruthless! Wow. I'm really impressed. I did a big purge after winter and feel a summer/spring version coming on. Thanks for detailing your thought process! </p>