https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 00:53:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-289257 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:54:25 +0000 Elly 289257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm . . . I haven't been SYC (officially, because I am planning on shopping soon) but I haven't bought anything in months. I tend to spend 2-4 days in the summer shopping till I drop on various trips to larger cities when we travel. I have a bad habit of walking into the stores I can afford and buying anything and everything I like that fits (which isn't much because of sizing issues). I also am more willing to compromise on fit, because I only get to shop in store once or twice a year. I tend to end up with a lot of orphans or things that are "missing" from my wardrobe. I don't buy much though, so it tends to get worn quite a bit, even if I hate it. I also tend to do one or two big online hauls in the f/w with the same type of results. </p> <p>When online shopping I tend to look around obsessively for something better in the attempt to find perfect items I won't have to return. I often pass over things I love because I am worried about fit. I also will hold off on orders because I don't have the needed mate for an item I am ordering (a cardi to go over it I am also trying to find, ect) and then the item will sell out!</p> <p>I tend to get very frustrated because I see all the great clothes out there and can rarely find them in my size because usually companies only reproduce "the basics" or a few colors in the tall sizes. In the summer it matters less, because I only need a few long sleeves and long pants-- although sometimes I need to buy a tall size for the width in the shoulders or length in the top. Right now I am drooling over some of the transitional stuff from AT-- but none of the l/s pieces that I need until late april are available in tall! </p> <p>Right now I have a very scant winter wardrobe, which became a problem this year because I went from living in a warm climate to a cold one. I also learned how much mileage I could have gotten out of a few cardis and l/s tees layered with my light cotton or 3/4 sleeve blouses. Also, I bought a pair of clogs shoes in the fall that are more of a winter weight/color and then quickly realized I could not wear them at all here in the winter because as soon as the snow starts we have ice or mud constantly. I wish I would have saved that money for boots, because I can't see myself wearing the clogs in the spring or summer except with jeans to run quick errands as they are a heavy style. </p> <p>I also have a winter coat that needs to be returned. It took me months to find one that fit, but now that the true "frozen" season is almost over I am not sure if I should keep it. I am very hard to fit, but I don't want it to look dated or hate it next year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-289087 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:17:27 +0000 April 289087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As much as I know I should go into stores more and shop online less, several of my "go-to" stores deliberately don't carry my size in the brick and mortar locations. Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. only sell their smallest sizes online.</p> <p>That and the fact that I spend so many weekends traveling means online shopping makes sense for me, even though I don't think it helps me to improve my shopping habits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-289021 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:28:54 +0000 Kate 289021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm impressed by everyone who hasn't shifted their spending over to other areas! I haven't really bought anything frivolous, but I have been investing in some slight lifestyle changes that should be sustainable and move me closer to the person I want to be. </p> <p>In December I donated ALL of my make-up and chemical-filled toiletries to a women's shelter/soup kitchen, and so in January I spent a chunk of cash on new make-up and toiletries that are kind to my skin, my body, and the environment. These should last me a while, and I won't have to restock all at once.</p> <p>I'm also completely certain that I don't need any more cold weather clothes. This year will be all about upgrading my tops and getting some killer dresses.</p> <p>I've decided that in February I'll be making the change to entirely rechargeable batteries. Obviously I'll let all of the current, one-time use batteries run out before I dispose of them, but all new batteries purchased will be rechargeable, and I won't buy any more than the number I need (rather than keeping a battery stash in the hall closet). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-289016 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:12:45 +0000 Marley 289016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One thing that I have learned is that I really do have a nice wardrobe and I was just not enjoying or appreciating it because I was always on the look-out for the next best great thing. Now, that I am not shopping I am lingering over my clothes, rediscovering items that I had pushed to the back because I thought they weren't "in-style" anymore, and finding creative ways to incorporate them into my current wardrobe. One of the things that I was concerned about when I first began the SYC challenge was that I would just transfer my spending habits over to household items, or music, or books, etc. - but, I haven't! I am saving money, feeling very content and enjoying all of my free-time. So far, this has been a really positive experience for me and I'm so glad that I decided to participate in SYC! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-286091 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:01:29 +0000 Megan 286091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm still getting stuff in the mail- I went on a huge binge before I started SYC and because it takes so long for stuff to get to Australia I'm still receiving loads of parcels. My mailman comes early in the morning so I usually wake up to parcels on my doorstep!</p> <p>I'm looking forward to 'settling in' to SYC- I really don't need more STUFF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-286040 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:59:46 +0000 Kim 286040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting post ladies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-286003 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:05:49 +0000 Michelle 286003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interestingly enough, I find it easier to let my spending get out of hand when shopping online, probably because I don't have a tangible link with my bank account right there in my hand. I also idealize online purchases, since I can't see the products myself. Brick and mortar shopping keeps me grounded in every sense...too bad it can't hold a candle to online selection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285994 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:57:31 +0000 catgirl 285994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christine, that is how I was too! makes me wonder if all my browsing and shopping has crossed into a kind of addiction - thus the withdrawal phase! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285990 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:54:52 +0000 crwilson 285990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say that I settled into SYC at the end of last week. Before that, I was still spending a lot of time online shopping, playing with the idea of breaking SYC (even though I was only a few days in). Not only that, I felt a weird sort of urgency - like something bad would happen if I didn't "figure out" what to buy soon. Last week, for whatever reason, I realized that I don't NEED anything; I just want lots of things and the urgency evaporated. </p> <p>I also realized that even online I impulse buy. I saved everything that I felt that I really, really wanted in my bookmarks and when I went through them today, I don't even want most of the things I had saved. I'm not fully sure what the lesson is, except that I should probably always have a waiting period before buying anything.</p> <p>To answer your question RoseandJoan - I do hope this changes my shopping habits on a long term basis. I think that it will, at least to some extent because it will save me a lot of money in the end if I quit buying things out of desperation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285930 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:42:43 +0000 catgirl 285930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The psychology is indeed fascinating! I had yet another revelation yesterday, which is that if I can force myself to wait, the sense of urgently needing to buy something wears off. </p> <p>Maybe it's because I'm starting to realize that in general, there is always a substitute for some "NEEDED" item that comes along later. Going through my wardrobe I've found few things that I could not live without or find at any time. The Trina Turk dress is one such item. But mostly I'm an impulse and repeat item buyer. UGH! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285927 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:37:33 +0000 RoseandJoan 285927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm amazed by how quickly SYC'ers become enlightened of their shopping habits. Do you think SYC will change the way you shop forever? Or will it be like a detox which you revisit once in a while? I find the psychology of shopping fascinating, do you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285920 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:06:31 +0000 Kim 285920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm learning that I have too much stuff! LOL</p> <p>I'm culling right now and there's a lot of stuff I *liked* in the store, or was "good enough" and since I was replacing my whole wardrobe I made due with it. There's a few pieces that I *love* and I'm beginning to notice that things that I *love* stay for many years (shoes and leather coats for example) but things that I just *like* I only like for a season and then they don't get used any more.</p> <p>That's a waste of my hard earned money.</p> <p>Now to figure out a system on how to shop in the future to eliminate those "likes" and (hopefully) buy only *loves* (Workhorses).</p> <p>I want a wardrobe that I can feel fab in at any time, and I don't want "just OK" stuff hanging around anymore....</p> <p>And I'm thinking a few new trendy things every season (plus a few new accessories and scarves) would inject the fun back into my wardrobe every season without having to spend a fortune and buy a whole new wardrobe every 3 months (in my 4 season climate). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285850 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:39:34 +0000 judy 285850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I've observed doing the last shop your SYC (that was for financial reasons that actually have continued...I've only bought four new things, totaling less than $200, since last July and two were for Christmas presents) is that I had gotten VERY proficient at shopping! I was really good at it. I could find something great for me just about anywhere. And often, many many things. When we learn how to fit and flatter the body we have, what our style is, well, what's to stop us? Then there is the access over the internet, and sales and discount codes (I never got really good at that, but some people here are). It's hard to turn that off. I got hooked on anticipation too, and honestly, I have to admit, it's more peaceful without it. I know, sometimes peace seems dull. But it's not, not really. It doesn't mean your wardrobe is dull. I've still loved strolling through Nordstrom's and looking at what is new, even if it is currently not a buying season for me. I have enough right now, more than enough, and that's a good feeling. I'm finding this peace really helps me to look at a trend and see if it is for me or not. So I just want to encourage you all in your continuing discoveries. It's worth it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285832 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:06:04 +0000 annagybe 285832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well it's forcing to me to be more focused on what I really want as opposed to what catches my eye.<br /> So far for spring I want a pair of flares, a cropped tuxedo jacket (maybe this will be on clearance, since it's more of a fall/winter item) and a white lace or eyelet dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285830 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:03:47 +0000 MsMary 285830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've reinforced what I already knew -- I have only two modes: Full-on shopping mania and complete abstinence. For most of my life I've been quite overweight and it was easy not to shop because shopping was no fun. When I'd lose weight I'd go into shopping frenzies that would last until (a) I ran out of money, or (b) I gained weight again! </p> <p>I still need to learn how to be a lot more mindful about shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285825 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:41:27 +0000 lynne 285825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, too, its about the anticipation. I'll perseverate on an item for days or weeks. Sometimes I buy, sometimes I don't. Most of my shopping is done online these days. One thing I'm good about is shipping costs. Unless its free or cheap, I won't buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285797 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:52:58 +0000 ticksgirl 285797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had the same experience with cash vs. credit card/PayPal spending. I've also had a tendency in the past to completely ignore shipping costs when making online purchases. It has *finally* penetrated my thick skull that even when I can return online purchases in-store, the cumulative total of shipping costs really takes a sizable chunk out of my monthly discretionary spending. So I am leaning more and more towards Team Store. </p> <p>And more directly SYC-related, I am experiencing yet again my yearly realization that I truly do need some true spring clothes--warm things in lighter, brighter colors, or at least some spring scarves or something. I'm in Texas, so I prefer to dedicate most of my clothing budget to summer items since that's what I wear most of the year. But by this time every year I've grown sick of wearing all my black/red/cobalt/charcoal fall and winter things, but I have nothing "springy" to wear. It doesn't help that I don't look good in pastels and I don't feel like they're me. I'm sure Angie addresses this in a blog post somewhere. I should go hunt for one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285788 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:43:48 +0000 rute 285788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I seldom shop by internet. When shopping online I think more and I end giving up. I'm always afraid it won't fit properly. When going to stores, I try the pieces and when I see that it looks amazing on me it's hard to leave those pieces on the store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285780 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:30:23 +0000 Lisa 285780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like receiving packages when I do not have to chase the UPS driver to get them. I have noticed with SYC that I have a lot of one outfit combinations, either from lack of cohesion in my wardrobe or lack of time mixing up new outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285671 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:22:26 +0000 taylor 285671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love getting packages (presents to me as my hubby calls them) in the mail too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285655 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:37:38 +0000 cloud9 285655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i get in a frenzy when ordering on line as well, i can fuss around, put things in the shopping cart, take them out, go to all kinds of sites to compare prices, check things that are similar, mull over them over days... As Mr. Murphy would tell me, my size is gone the instant I click on "Order". LOL!</p> <p>I don't have the problem with real money or not.. I pretty much treat them the same... and that's why I do comparison shopping so much on oline! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/some-things-ive-learned-since-starting-syc#post-285601 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:10:52 +0000 catgirl 285601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've realized that one of my biggest reasons for shopping is that I Iove getting packages in the mail. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day, arriving home and opening a surprise.</p> <p>I also have realized how easy it is to get obsessed with something and spend hours on the computer trying to compare prices. Maya's pants almost sent me off on one of these tears, but then I had to stop and think about whether I REALLY was going to wear them very often, given the weather here.</p> <p>Finally, I've learned that I find it way easier to pay for something when it's not "real" money. I have been using cash at the thrift store and find myself being cheap there, when I would be willing to click and spend much bigger amounts through Paypal.</p> <p>How about the rest of you? </p>