https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 21 May 2026 19:23:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-77411 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:55:20 +0000 soleriandancer09 77411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Find the best and most stylish and trendy jewelry around at <a href="http://www.eyespybling.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.eyespybling.com</a> or eyespybling.com , the site has crazy good products for even crazier low prices. You have to check it out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74265 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:43:46 +0000 PalmFronds 74265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HI Amy,<br /> welcome! I am starting the journey too and totally understand the overwhelmed, underprepared feeling, esp after having a baby. Everyone gave great advice already and the links to some of Angie's prior blogs will really help alot.<br /> It's easy to get overwhelmed because there seems like so much to do and change, but only so much time and money to go around.Plus, as you said, your body will change over the next several months, so investing a ton in a huge wardrobe upfront is probably not a great idea.<br /> I had to lose almost 80 pounds after having my twin girls, and change was my middle name for about 2 years after they were born. My suggestions for getting you through :<br /> --definitely work on the hair first.This saved my sanity during the first 3 months. Get something EASY :-)<br /> --one pair of jeans with a little give in either direction, for puffy days and not so puffy days. Get decent ones that are not too expensive because in three months they may not fit you.<br /> --atleast one other pair of pants that work for dressier events(work/church/dinner)<br /> --atleast 1 forgiving dress in terms of size.Depending on your body type, a wrap dress may be perfect since you can adjust the sizing as you lose weight.</p> <p>Have some fun with accessories. I wish I had done that more myself.They know no size and can be an investment since you will always be able to wear them.</p> <p>Take care and keep us updated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74224 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:34:51 +0000 starry 74224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel for you, I am in a similar place!<br /> for me it's that my life has changed... and my wardrobe hasn't kept pace, so often it's really frustrating. all the advice in this thread, (and forum) is really amazing, i'm taking notes!</p> <p>i also wanted to add a couple of things that i've tried, being in the midst of a big closet overhaul myself.</p> <p>to keep from being overwhelmed, i've put together a small 'capsule' wardrobe... so that while i'm figuring out the big picture, i have something to wear in the meantime. now for summer, i have about 10-12 items that mix and match pretty well, and i filled in a couple of gaps, new sandals, a couple of tees. i also altered a couple of things i already had.</p> <p>some of these things are not quite ideal, but for now they're decent placeholders. and i can look for replacements that are really great instead of making more impulsive buys in a panic.</p> <p>this reminds me of a thread i found recently when i did a search on 'closets' - <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-closet-sweep-adventure-with-warning?replies=4" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=4</a><br /> i have done the same over-zealous closet purge and regretted it... so now i put things that i'm iffy about tossing into temporary storage (for me it's only 1 or 2 small boxes, not a lot), and i'll go through them in a couple of months. this way i'm actually more 'ruthless' in my purging because i'm not afraid of making a mistake. </p> <p>now i'm trying to figure out the shopping part...<br /> especially finding clothes that fit well and are flattering... i've been ransacking the YLF archives, there is so much good info there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74193 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:55:07 +0000 Angie 74193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome, AmyT! The lasses have provided lots of valuable suggestions. If you’re eager to start in your closest then be sure to peruse through the “closet organization” category on the RHS of the site:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/category/closet-organization/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/category.....anization/</a></p> <p>More specifically look at this post, and click on the links for details: </p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/01/04/your-closet-inspiration-or-irritation/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/01/.....rritation/</a></p> <p>But my suggestion would be to get your hair style sorted immediately if you’re not happy with the way it looks. If you are, go get a professional bra fitting and come home with one great bra. Attack your shoes and handbags next. Then start with bottoms and move onto tops. </p> <p>Keep us posted! We are here to help, guide and encourage every step of the way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74191 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:28:54 +0000 AmyT 74191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much! I am going to start on my closet ASAP. I have bookmarked all of the threads you all recommended. I'm hoping you're right, that fashion becomes fun for me instead of a chore I dread. I am not waiting to be at the "perfect" shape or size, I just want to feel comfortable and confident in my every day life.</p> <p>: ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74189 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:08:04 +0000 Anonymous 74189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've gotten lots of advice. I've undergone weight loss that took place over a year and. like you, wanted things to fit while my body was still changing that were a decent quality but not expensive. I've had great luck at thrift stores and consignment shops. There are also great deals at retail store sales that are just as cheap as consignment shops.<br /> It's important to go with some idea of what you are looking for and this site helps with that. For example it might be dark wash with no fading, great fitting jeans. Just look at jeans in the shop or sale racks and you'll be able to eliminate most and may end up with a few to try on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74179 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:26:10 +0000 April 74179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with everyone above that the beginning of this process is characterized by frustration, mistakes, and internal wailing about how you'll never get there. But you will, one small step at a time. </p> <p>If you become an active member here (even if you're just reading and not posting), over time you'll find yourself learning things that will become part of your style and shopping approach. Before you know it, you'll find yourself with the start of a wardrobe that works together, is fun to wear, and makes you feel great. </p> <p>Just about everyone here can relate to what you're saying, so don't give up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74174 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:53:20 +0000 Ruchi 74174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy,<br /> I understand that it can be overwhelming.I was hoping to lose the baby weight and didnt shop much for the last six months.My weight loss wasnt going anywhere and I was getting frustrated with ill-fitting clothes.Then one fine day,I cleaned my closet and kept only those clothes that fit.This helped me think clearly about my needs.Then I made a list of the basic clothes that I needed.It is better to shop when you know what to look for.<br /> chewyspaghetti has mentioned some great links.These links helped me decide my wardrobe needs.</p> <p>Ruchi </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74173 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:50:54 +0000 shiny 74173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think starting with a closet clean-out makes the most sense. Start by tossing out anything that is frayed or too worn. If it is a much-beloved item that you reached for time and time again, then take a picture of it and make a note to upgrade/replace. These items became much-beloved for a reason, and they are clues to your style. </p> <p>Toss out (donate) anything that doesn't fit. No saving items because you may gain or lose weight. Out it goes. </p> <p>Donate anything that simply doesn't flatter. You know which ones these are: they are the ones that have seen little wear and you can't quite put your finger on why that is. Maybe the color is all wrong for you. Out. </p> <p>Next make a pile of everything that still fits and flatters, but is out of date. If you've owned it longer than 10 years, it's probably out of date. But that's not always true. Some items like pencil skirts are classic. </p> <p>So take a look at these items and ask yourself if tailoring is 1) possible 2) worth the effort and expense. It might be for super-classic items, like a pencil skirt or a wrap dress. One quick, frugal and easy way to refashion items is to simply take up the hem to knee length. You may be able to save coats, skirts, dresses, and capris this way. And skirts in particular are very easy to have tailored down for a shrinking body. </p> <p>Do you have a lot of button down woven shirts? Try them on and see how they fit. If they are still in good condition, consider whether simply taking in the waist with a few darts would help revive them and make them fit better and look more modern. Maybe you wore these for your job but you can refashion them to wear in a MOTG outfit too. </p> <p>A lot of the difference between a classic piece that's 10 years old or older, and a classic piece today, is in the fit. The modern fit tends to be more form-fitting. Take jean jackets for instance. The classic of 10 years ago was looser fitting all over. If you have one that fits in the shoulders, but is loose elsewhere, you may be able to have the waist taken in to modernize it. </p> <p>Next, take whatever is left over, and lay it out on your bed. Then PLAY. Mix and match items and see what you can come up with, following the MOTG rules and smart-casual rules. Get creative and think outside the box. You may be very surprised what you can come up with! You can also post the items here, and we can give you ideas as well. </p> <p>When I first started YLF I did this and it really opened my mind up to the possibilities of what was already hanging in my closet. Even today (over a year later) I will see someone post a pic of an outfit combo and it'll make me say, "Oh! I have a shirt like that and I never thought to wear it quite that way!" We tend to get stuck in ruts wearing the same uniforms over and over and wearing one piece in only one way. For example you may think a silky dressy blouse only goes with dress pants for work, but it can be repurposed numerous ways - including with jeans for a smart-casual outfit. </p> <p>In some cases, you may find an outfit combo that works but you are just short of one key accessory or piece, so make a list of these items. I keep my list on a spreadsheet, and then when I go online shopping I cut &#38; paste the URLs into it. </p> <p>When you do all this, you will begin to notice where the gaps are in your wardrobe. Maybe it's tops. That was the case for me. I had numerous basic GAP scoop and V-neck tees, and plain solid scoop and v-neck sweaters, but not much else in the way of tops. So I made that a big priority at first, and focused on collecting cardigans and better quality knitwear and silky blouses with interesting details. </p> <p>Or maybe it's shoes. As MOTG, shoes are important and you need shoes to match your lifestyle. Lots of us dress for our day starting with the shoes: lots of walking, we need comfy flats. </p> <p>Anyway, you will begin to see where you need to start. It's probably not "everywhere." There are likely some things in your closet right now that can be repurposed/refashioned/tailored etc and can be the basis you work from. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74169 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:17:34 +0000 crwilson 74169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally understand how you feel. I'm not there yet, but here was my process. I started with a closet clean out. That was a bit depressing because I hardly had any clothes left. Then I made a list of basics for me for work and casual wear. Since I have to go to work and look nice, I focused on work first. </p> <p>It was frustrating and I did a lot of buying and returning. One of the things that's helped me most is getting items at home, trying them on, taking pictures, and then evaluating carefully and deciding whether I should make returns. Next I started my casual wardrobe, and I'm still working on that. </p> <p>I don't know if this is a good or bad thing, but I decided that at first I would focus on flattering basics and worry about expressing my personal style later. I found that if I wanted to find items that did everything, I couldn't find anything at all and just got frustrated. Now that I have clothes that are at least flattering, I can start buying pieces that I love and that show my personality more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74166 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:07:53 +0000 sinead 74166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I joined here a few months ago and I know how you feel. After looking at everyone's great outfits and reading all the advice you want to run out and buy new stuff. But when you need everything, it is so overwhelming. </p> <p>I suggest you hold back just a little until you first figure out what you need most. Some of my first purchases after joining YLF were of the "somebody else on YLF was wearing this, I should get it" variety. I did a lit of returns. I still hadn't figured out what worked for me. Trying on lots of stuff, not even to buy, just trying it on, really helped me see what would work best for my body and age.</p> <p>A closet clean out, if you haven't already done that, is a good place to start. One thing I love about YLF is that it's helped me find new ways of putting things together that I already owned. I never realized clothes could be... FUN! I had forgotten that and now I enjoy playing around with my outfits.</p> <p>Good luck- and remember, it's fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74159 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:47:41 +0000 Chris 74159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome!<br /> In addition to what the others posted, I would ask a few questions about myself.<br /> What is my body type?</p> <p>What IS working? Do you have a few favorites you always reach for and feel good in? Maybe those could be a jumping off point.</p> <p>What occasions am I stuggling to dress for? If it's MOTG outfits you need then focus there. If it is work clothes, then a few peices for that. Also, think about the colors you look good in and only buy those so that you end up with things you will wear and love. </p> <p>Don't try to do it all at once You have tons of support here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74148 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:35:29 +0000 chewyspaghetti 74148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some posts ab out MOTG dressing:<br /> Flop-Proof outfir #1<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/23/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-1/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-outfit-1/</a><br /> Flop Proof Outfit #2<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/31/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-2/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-outfit-2/</a><br /> Flop Proof Outfit #3<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/08/13/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-3/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2008/08/.....-outfit-3/</a><br /> Laura's road test:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/27/roadtesting-angies-mom-on-the-go-formulas/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....-formulas/</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/27/mom-on-the-go-road-test-dresses-and-skirts/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....nd-skirts/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74133 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:10:12 +0000 De 74133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello Amy. I'm also practically "starting from scratch".<br /> rivoli has already linked to 2 great posts, and I agree a good fitting bra is and a great hairstyle are essential (I'm still on the hunt for both myself!). I'd also recommend that you familiarize yourself with your body shape, especially if it has changed drastically recently. It will help you buy the right clothes for your body the way it is now. And if you have noticed that it keeps changing, you'll know not to buy a lot of stuff until it stagnates a bit.</p> <p>Angie suggests that accessories are the best way to update your wardrobe, but I don't know if your current wardrobe works for you or not. Have you taken a good look at what you have? Are there any pieces that could work for you now with just a bit of tweaking or by adding accessories to change the look? </p> <p>If you plan on buying new clothes, I suggest you evaluate your lifestyle first and select a few necessary items to buy instead of just following a list found on the Internet. That way you'll be sure to satisfy your own needs and you won't end up with a closet full of clothes that won't even fit you in a few months!</p> <p>I see you are a stay at home mom, so I suppose most of your outfits will have to be SAHM-appropriate. There are plenty of mothers on this forum who might be a great inspiration for you own "mother on the go" (MOTG) wardrobe. Be sure to keep an eye on the MOTG threads! </p> <p>I hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74132 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:08:31 +0000 chewyspaghetti 74132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to the forum!<br /> I was going to suggest you look at that post about style renewal, too. Start with your hair! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74122 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:42:50 +0000 rivoli 74122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy,<br /> I am also just starting out. I found these two blog posts very helpful:<br /> Style renewal on a budget--<br /> youlookfab.com/.../style-renewal-on-a-budget-start-with-visual-impact/<br /> and Wardrobe essentials--<br /> youlookfab.com/2008/02/05/wardrobe-essentials/ </p> <p>I have my hair appointment scheduled for this Wednesday and I'm limiting my buying list to shoes, bags, and bras. I will probably just buy a couple of each for now. You might want to wait on the bra purchases (or buy something cheaper than what you will eventually want) if you think you might go down in size soon.</p> <p>As much as I would like to replace everything now, I know that I am losing weight so I'm trying to be patient and save my money and just gradually upgrade my wardrobe with a few pieces at a time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-from-scratch-feeling-overwhelmed#post-74114 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:16:46 +0000 AmyT 74114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey ladies - this is my first time starting a post here! </p> <p>I am on a mission to re-work my style. However, upon visiting some stores and websites, I feel overwhelmed. Do you have any suggestions on where to begin? Do you buy a selection of basics? Work on separate outfits or occasions? Accessories? I am lost.</p> <p>I am in the process of losing baby weight, so I don't want to buy a ton of stuff in this size, but I don't want crappy quality that's going to look bad after just a few washings either. </p>