https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:45:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc/page/2#post-1463766 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 09:37:01 +0000 Anonymous 1463766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Galena's proposed a great idea. &nbsp;It seems I will be shopping my closet for the next few months as well. &nbsp;I just don't see anything in the stores that is even coming close to piquing my interest. &nbsp;I am going to wear what I have. &nbsp;</p> <p>So allow me to join you Astrid. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc/page/2#post-1463763 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 09:13:21 +0000 Astrid 1463763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lyn and Alasse. :-)</p> <p>Thanks Gaylene! That's a great idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc/page/2#post-1463528 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:25:34 +0000 Alassë 1463528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread has some really great suggestions - thanks for starting it, Astrid! (And your new plum tee looks great! I like the length of the shorts with it, too.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc/page/2#post-1463506 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:18:45 +0000 Gaylene 1463506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Limit yourself to 2 purchases for the next six months, then quit thinking about your wardrobe. If you see something, ask yourself if it is worth giving up one of your allotted two items. If you are anything like me, you'll want to keep your options available instead of "squandering " them on what might be a passing whim. </p> <p>If you don't use up your allottment before your holidays, you can always use your two purchases to buy something for, or during, your trip. Oh, and by the way, the reason 2 items is better than 1 is because it appears to be more generous and, theoretically, gives you more freedom. It's that illusion that makes the process seem reasonable and do-able instead of a drastic curb. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc/page/2#post-1463377 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:06:47 +0000 lyn67 1463377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps we &nbsp;need an abbreviation list on the wall, I think:-). I'm sure you'll do great Astrid for SYC!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463344 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:27:50 +0000 Astrid 1463344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, "save your cash" is a good one too. I have very little hanging space in my small closet, so that method wouldn't work for me. But I definitely want to reorganize things a bit to make it easier to see everything I have at first glance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463342 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:19:03 +0000 trekkiegirl 1463342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought it might be "save your cash" haha! </p> <p>I shop my closet more than I shop anywhere else, and being someone who craves variety (although I am working on being happy with a more defined style), I like to create outfit categories in as many combinations as I can think of. For example, my current list is:<br /> Dress with topper<br /> Pants with sweater<br /> Blazer and graphic tee<br /> Skirt with cardigan<br /> Leggings and tunic</p> <p>Of course there are tons of other combinations like skirt with button down, pants with cardigan etc, and as I wear each item it gets hung to the far left of my closet. This way I know that the items on the right are things I haven't worn yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463320 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:07:43 +0000 Astrid 1463320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dimity, I think I would like it much better if it were just your typical fashion blog, showing outfits etc... Adding the "minimalism" aspect to it ruined it for me personally. But I can see how it could be a fun read for others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463310 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 09:55:55 +0000 Dimity 1463310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I've heard a lot of people aren't fond of Unfancy. I can understand that it mightn't be everyone's preference. Anyway, best wishes with your project. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463298 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 08:18:45 +0000 Astrid 1463298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! I'm glad I will have the forum to support me when I need it. :-)</p> <p>@Dimity, I know both blogs. I regularly look at Into Mind, but tbh I can't stand Unfancy. I've been reading about minimalism a lot and I think she just uses it as a buzzword to attract attention and really just promotes more consumerism. And I do think her style is very generic, kind of a "minimalist" fashion blog look, easily remixable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463143 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 22:22:11 +0000 Dimity 1463143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you looked at IntoMind? Her blog is about minimalism and wardrobe planning and I find it inspirational. Also, a very different style is Unfancy; she too promotes creating different looks with a set wardrobe each season. Perhaps you've already seen these.</p> <p>If I want to create a new outfit with existing things, I google images of whatever I'm looking for, say 'red skirt outfits' or 'culottes outfits' and I usually get lots of ideas to put together a new look. Then I play in my closet, putting together new looks from the photo ideas I've seen.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also try to focus my time on other interests, like gardening or crafts or cooking a new recipe. Sometimes it seems I just need some novelty or newness so cooking new (to me) food can do that, as can trying an inexpensive new hobby, like making greeting cards.</p> <p>Good luck!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463127 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 21:45:46 +0000 Lyn D. 1463127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good Luck Astrid!<br />I am trying to buy mainly at the start of each Season, with the odd piece as I come across it afterwards.<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463108 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 21:00:26 +0000 Thistle 1463108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never been on Facebook, but I can totally believe it. Reminds me of when I deleted a bunch of apps from my iPad. I never realized how much tie these simple little things sucked away, and I kept looking for them for awhile after I deleted them. It's routine, and we humans love routine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463099 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 20:36:03 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1463099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely no advice since I have NEVER been successful with SYC. But I do send all sorts of support and will help in any way I can </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463069 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 19:15:34 +0000 E 1463069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck Astrid! Most of my SYC strategies won't work for you, since I have a much bigger closet to work with, but I'm sure you've got enough hobbies to keep yourself busy and not spending money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463062 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:48:44 +0000 Astrid 1463062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Thistle. Very good tips. I'm definitely not that tempted by B&amp;M stores, because I've stopped shopping in most stores we have here anyway a while ago when I decided to go for ethically sound brands from then on. I think the Internet is more tempting! And I agree, I'm definitely going to give myself a small allowance each month, even if it's not much. Replacing the time with something more worthwile is a good idea. It's really interesting how much time we spend on certain things - I just deleted my facebook a few days ago and I still feel the impulse to log in and check frequently. I don't miss the information I would have seen on there at all, but it's almost become a reflex. </p> <p>Thanks Rachylou! Good arguments... I think pondering where I want to go during this break is a good idea. It might be a good idea to revisit my style descriptors and style goals in the next few weeks. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463061 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:48:18 +0000 rachylou 1463061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rationalise: There's nothing out there right now, I just looked. </p> <p>I pin to ponder, get into planning, mull direction.</p> <p>I say to myself, I have to go through my whole closet first and see what's what, really nail the sucker down in my mind.</p> <p>The last is the best <i>because I will never do that</i>. Haha. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1463056 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 18:35:38 +0000 Thistle 1463056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I tried SYC, and the moment I said it, I couldn't stop wanting things. I am just contrarian that way. A few tips I can suggest:</p> <p>1. Any e-mails you get from companies mark them as spam or whatever so your e-mail automatically filters them out. Much less temptation that way.</p> <p>2. Avoid the Brick and Morter stores. Stay away from temptation.</p> <p>3. Find something else to do with the time you used to spend shopping (go for a walk, practice your sewing, read some books, or whatever works for you)</p> <p>4. As others have said, even a tiny budget can make the difference. If you know you only have X to spend, it makes anything you buy go up against a high standard. But, it doesn't;t automatically mean no, so the contrarian doesn't set in :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462992 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 17:24:54 +0000 Astrid 1462992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks DEB, Thimblelina and Texstyle! You've reassured me that I can do this. I think I'm going to give myself the option to pay for alterations and I think a bit of money like Texstyle suggested for a little something each month might be a good idea. I think it would help me to stick with it for longer than just until May. I might make the next big purchase during our holidays. We're going to Britanny in August and I do want an original breton sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462963 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 16:19:40 +0000 texstyle 1462963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a good time to focus on mixing what you have in new ways and as someone else said, maybe trying some things you haven't worn in a while if they still fit. I think I remember you saying it's hard to shop secondhand/resale where you are, so that may not be an option, but I do like the idea of having at least $25 a month or something to buy maybe a simple tee or tank or a new accessory. If you can swing that type of budget then it might make it easier. Heck, I've gone for nearly a year on SYC in my past when I was really tight on money and trying to start up a new business so I know you can do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462932 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:25:36 +0000 thimblelina 1462932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had to do quite a bit of shopping last year when I returnrd to full time work. I took a long break between December - March and it was terrific. Very palette cleansing! I knew exactly what I wanted when I started shopping again and now it looks like I'll be on another little break until mid May. I'm doing some credential work &amp; planning a trip to FL and NOLA, so I would rather think about other things than clothing! If we just walked around eating all day that would get tedious, right? I enjoy shopping in spurts, like well planned meals, and then fully enjoying other activities in the interim. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462910 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:31:32 +0000 Deb 1462910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've done my shopping already for our approaching winter in the Southern Hemisphere....not that I needed too many items but I did buy some very good quality pieces. I have now put myself in SYC mode too Astrid. My goal is to refrain until after our winter. My husband laughs at my claims and doesn't believe I can do it! Particularly since he knows I like to entertain myself with quite regular shopping outings. Hopefully I won't miss shopping or be led in to temptation and can be disciplined enough to prove him wrong! Good luck with your goal Astrid. We both have lots of nice clothes that deserve to be worn and we just need to be creative with mixing combinations, colours, accessories and footwear and be happy to repeat and content with what we have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462894 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:59:02 +0000 Astrid 1462894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kirstjen. Yes, that's a good idea. I do have some pieces that are a bit neglected, it might be worth playing around in the closet a bit to find outfit combinations with them that feel like me. I do have two pairs of pants that are going to be altered, one pair of straight legs that are hopefully more like relaxed skinnies in the end and my navy slouchy pants from last fall. I didn't wear those much, but hopefully the adjustments will make them fit better and I can incorporate them into my spring summer wardrobe.</p> <p>Thanks Windchime. Hopfully this will be the case for me too, I'd would be great to have a clearer picture what I really need and what the best course forward would be.</p> <p>Thanks Ann! Sounds like you're set then. I also still have a skirt on the way, hopefully it will fit. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'm also glad I already bought a great new tee in a plum color that should work as a neutral in my wardrobe.</p> <p>To come back to the idea of shopping for others - I have my first treat this weekend! My sister is going to be visiting and my mum suggested I help her buy a cocktail dress for the ball this June. I think we're going to have so much fun. I will make sure that she looks better than I did at mine (don't ask). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462885 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:22:18 +0000 Ann in New England 1462885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm about ready to go into SYC mode myself. This was brought on by my purchase of a new pair of silky joggers -- I decided to play in my closet yesterday and try on various tops and shoes with the new pants. Before i knew it, I had at least 8 spring/summer outfits for just the one pair of pants, covering casual to out-to-dinner. My other pants and skirts are pretty basic blacks, navy, jeans, white jeans and I know I have at least 4 or more outfits for each of those. So off the top of my head, I have at least 30-40 outfits without even really trying.<br />I keep track of my outfits in the StyleBook app, which is very helpful. Just opening the Spring/Summer page where I have all my outfits photographed shows me that I don't need any more new clothes.<br />(Though admittedly, I am waiting on a few orders to arrive, that i placed before I had this realization. So my SYC may start next week after those packages arrive).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462875 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:57:07 +0000 Windchime 1462875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did this intentionally for a couple months last spring and then again at the end of 2014, both times because I'd spent ahead on my clothing budget. When I knew I wasn't going to bring anything new into my closet for a while, I definitely focused more on what I had and found myself getting a lot of satisfaction and joy from my existing closet. Even though I missed shopping, it also felt great to know I was taking care of myself financially.</p> <p>I also found that the holes in my closet became very clear during this time of intense focus on my existing wardrobe, and it helped me know exactly what I should shop for when I was ready to shop again.</p> <p>Re keeping it interesting--I did some of what Kirstjen did--choosing one item and challenging myself to build an outfit around it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462860 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:10:04 +0000 Kirstjen 1462860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think when it's time to SYC, I start with the stuff I never wear. &nbsp;Sometimes this starts a closet purge because I decide that there is a reason I never wear the item, but I challenge myself to create 3 new outfits with item X. &nbsp;Of course if I get feedback on one of the new outfits, I know I might be onto something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462856 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:49:17 +0000 Astrid 1462856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Karie. I guess thinking about it like that is a good idea. Putting a different spin on it... And I agree, it might be a good idea to set a small budget - for something thrifted, new hose, things like that. </p> <p>Thanks Summer! I don't think I'm truly interesting in browsing or trying things on when I can't buy anything. Maybe for someone else, as Karie mentioned, but not for myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462854 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 11:41:34 +0000 Summer 1462854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I gave myself permission to shop ahead of budget for this season, just to make sure I would be ready when the weather warms up. &nbsp;I've now used most of my budget, but have a little in reserve for a few accessories. &nbsp;This will give me the opportunity &nbsp;to satisfy the urge to shop, while shopping my closet &nbsp;for everything else (probably until August/September. &nbsp;BTW, I, also, have a very small wardrobe, so will have to get creative.</p> <p>&nbsp; Other suggestions are browsing online or window-shopping - even just trying things on, but, obviously, this only works if &nbsp;(a)&nbsp;you have the time and (b)&nbsp;are very self-disciplined (which, I suspect, you are). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462816 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 10:05:03 +0000 Karie 1462816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, telling myself I can't have anything doesn't work.&nbsp;I create a budget - no matter how small - and stick to it. Then I'll focus on one thing that I'm saving for and keep my eyes on the prize.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also sew and have plenty of fabric in my stash, so I'll concentrate on making some outfits or altering what I have to fit better.</p> <p>If you can shop with a friend without buying something for yourself, do that. I'll go shopping with a friend and help her pick out clothing. Turn the negative (I can't buy anything) into the positive (I'm helping someone else, I'm sticking to my budget and saving up for ___) and it'll give you a nice sense of accomplishment. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-syc#post-1462808 Wed, 25 Mar 2015 08:48:45 +0000 Astrid 1462808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krissy, I often forget about the abbreviations on the forum not being commonly known. Anne explained it just right. And thanks for the encouragement!</p> <p>Thanks Anne. I think the most daunting part is that I still feel like my wardrobe isn't in the best shape after the weight loss. Although I think it might be enough, with some small tweaks. I guess I need to work on creating the best outfits I can with the limited clothes I have. </p>