https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 12:07:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-227037 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:34:54 +0000 Anonymous 227037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The word for the week...AWARE... is a good mantra. That same trip I'd have spent lots more on things I liked that were on sale if it weren't for SYC. I find myself mentally looking in my closet and finding something that will work as well.<br /> Thank you all for being so kind. I really do hope I'll continue to be aware when shopping even when SYC is over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226901 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:31:44 +0000 Isabel 226901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Someone once said, "Everything in moderation, including , moderation. "</p> <p>PF - I LOVE the image of your mom laughing/giggling as you try to hang on to the "wagon" by the tips of your fingers ! I hope that it makes you feel close to her. PF, you sound aware of your blessings. You should let your pastor know that he should take on the advertising world that is brainwashing you ; ) Blame it on someone else and then point out your susceptible humanity ! Haven't you learned anything in church ? ; )</p> <p>I think that in the end, it is about incorporating something into your life that works for you. Maybe we can all leave with that. ( BTW : now that I am passed all the spiritual stuff and the connection to my mom, this ain't working so much anymore. This is why I could never be a successful Buddhist - you're suppose to work on doing away with desire ! ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226891 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:15:10 +0000 Laura 226891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm starting to think that a purchase here or there, while being aware of what you're doing, is actually not the worst-case scenario. Everyone, back on board!</p> <p>After a year on the GAAD, doing national publicity and attracting so many followers, I guess I expected the founder to show a little more thoughtfulness ... or mindfulness ... or heck, even a little common sense! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226593 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:13:49 +0000 PalmFronds 226593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, we won't throw you off to the retail wolves, never!<br /> As you can see I think many of us have had a slip up, me certainly included. I am thankful that YLF is so encouraging so I don't have to feel rotten about "failing", and I can get back on the wagon with these girlfriends again :-)<br /> Welcome back on the wagon! I am aiming to stay on the ban for the duration of my plan(until the end of November) and remain AWARE, whihc is my new catch word. Nothing extreme, but definitely awareness :-)<br /> Jonesy, I say keep the shirt if it does fill a need in your closet, enjoy it and don't feel guilty.If it does not, take it back quickly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226582 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:26:45 +0000 Jonesy 226582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, your article and pics are great! It's nice to see that you got a few comments and potential SYCers. </p> <p>PF and Joy, I hear you! I'm afraid that I am no longer a full, bonafide member of the SYC Shopping Ban Team. I'm sure no one wants to hear the sordid details, but the bottom line is that I bought something this weekend (on sale! under $30! fills a gap in my wardrobe! very flattering!). I lasted a month. </p> <p>Now, moving forward, I am committed to being aware and mindful over the course of the fall, and to really, really limiting my shopping (meaning, only a handful of purchases of things that will really fill a gap). This will still be a huge change for me, and a step in the right direction. Heck, just shopping my closet and actually wearing what I have is a big change :). </p> <p>Kudos to all of you on the wagon, and to those of you hopping back onto the wagon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226481 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 04:07:38 +0000 Queen Mum 226481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy.. the decision is yours. If you feel that you want/need to jump back on board then we welcome you with open arms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226459 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:30:20 +0000 Sparky 226459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to chime in and say I really enjoyed your article, Laura! Can't wait to read more installments.</p> <p>To everyone in the challenge, my hat's off to you. And a one-time fall off the wagon with the renewed pledge to get right back on ~ well, PF, I think that's awesome and truly in the right spirit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226441 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:51:52 +0000 taylor 226441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article Laura...you are a gifted writer!<br /> AND you look very Fab!!!</p> <p>Could you imagine wearing the same 6 items for a month!!!</p> <p>The thought of that makes me want to run screaming to a mall and shop!!</p> <p>To those of you who have shopped, and cheated on the ban...You were all very kind to me when I cracked 3 1/2 weeks in...so I am quite impressed!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226433 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:39:15 +0000 Anonymous 226433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are a wonderful writer, Laura!<br /> I'm sad to say that I've probably fallen off the wagon this weekend. I was holiday shopping for gifts and went into BR to browse when that exceptional denim shirt that some of you own called to me from the sale rack and then an extra 25% off. I had to try it on at least. Perfect fit. Last one. It came home with me but still has tags.<br /> Confession: I have a denim shirt... but it's short enough to be considered cropped. It was a great little cover-up this summer as it is lighter in weight than a jean jacket. The BR shirt is much better with pants.<br /> So talk to me about how I need to return this shirt before I give in to its siren call from the closet and rip off that tag. I really want it as it fills a wardrobe hole. Can I make a deal to get back on the wagon? Maybe add on an extra week at the end? Please don't throw me to the retail wolves! I am weak. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226420 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:19:28 +0000 Angie 226420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab article Laura, and you look as pretty as ever, friend - nice to see your red bag in action!</p> <p>I sound so cynical but I am not surprised at all. As Kate astutely said, most people are attracted to extremity. Oh well! At least she tried. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226387 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:15:19 +0000 Kate 226387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not surprised she returned to her old ways either - it seems like people are more prone to go to the extremes rather than practicing moderation. Part of why people try specific diet plans is that they provide rules and structure. It can be simpler to count calories, use a point system, or cut out certain foods entirely than to practice moderation and smart choices without strict guidelines.</p> <p>On the other hand, I admire the SYC group's discipline! I'm no participating because I've been working on filling gaps, but I've been very conscious of my shopping since the start of SYC. I've bought one pair of booties, one pair of sandals, two pencil skirts, two cardigans, one long sleeved tee, one short sleeved tee, one tank top, one pair of skinny jeans, one pair of leggings, one pair of tights, and two dresses. Most of them fill gaps, all of them are being used frequently or will be used frequently once it gets colder, all of them fit perfectly, and ALL of them are in a neutral color (brown, cognac, black, denim) or are green (olive or army). This has taken work and self-discipline, as there have been many less versatile pieces, items that almost fit right, and bargains that I've decided not to buy. </p> <p>I guess what I'm trying to say (sorry to ramble on) is that abstaining from shopping and conscientious/focused shopping both require work, foresight, and self-control. But the lessons and habits we learn from one don't always translate to the other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226351 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:29:22 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 226351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura - I'm not surprised she's "back to her old ways," as she said. The only habit she practiced for a year (not buying anything) was the first one she broke.</p> <p>You need to have guidelines in place if you want to keep a check on yourself, in whatever category (shopping, fitness, diet/food). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226350 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:19:04 +0000 PalmFronds 226350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa have come to realise that about myself--I am a "sight" shopper--if I don't see it, often am fine but once I "see it", either online, in magazines etc, then I go hunting even if I don't need it. wandering the mall is VERY dangerous for me!</p> <p>Laura I agree it is disheartening to see that even after a year of changed behaviour it may not stick. But would you want it to anyway? Really, not buying ANY clothes, all the time? The GAAD is somewhat extreme from a normal living standpoint(for those of us who can afford to spend a little on non-essentials, that is) in my opinion and more suited for an experiment than life habit, unless a person/fairly truly wants to take on a more austere form of life(and that is fine too).I think as long as the awareness we have talked about has come to fruition, the experiment is a success in many ways </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226264 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:21:59 +0000 Lisa 226264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Week 10, that is great everybody! I'm not SYC but have been listening to all the discoveries found along the way so far. One thing I've picked up is to go to the mall with a list and try to stick to it. Too often I go to wander around, and come home with half outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226226 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:16:41 +0000 Laura 226226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Becky and PF, it's so interesting to hear your reactions to the GAAD founder's blog post. Personally, I was surprised and bummed out to read it. But glad she says she is at least aware of her choices. Still, it's disappointing!! I would have thought that a year would be enough time to form new habits. Just goes to show how naive I am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226223 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:11:00 +0000 Becky 226223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kudos to all of you who are doing SYC! I'm not participating, but you've been inspiring to me as I observe how skillfully you utilize the items you have and how carefully you consider whether you *really* need something new. Your word of the week -- "aware" -- really describes how following your SYC challenge has affected me. Vicariously, I've become more aware of what I have and challenged to make use of my current stock rather than always seeking to purchase something new. Regarding the GAAD founder's behavior, the first thought to my mind is that this is not unlike a change in eating/fitness practices: If it doesn't become a lifestyle change, any weight lost/money saved/contentment reached will only be temporary. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226199 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:13:53 +0000 PalmFronds 226199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Will be looking forward to reading you articles Laura!</p> <p>I am not surprised about the founder of the GAAD going back to her old ways. Same thing happened to me after doing the ban for Lent this year, although it was much shorter than the year they have done for the GAAD. Personally I think if you have a shopping habit that hinges on social behaviours, or if shopping fills a role of reward for you(comfort after a tough day, reward after doing something great etc), then it will always be tough to change that shopping style for good. The first time off the ban it feels weird buying anything, but that feeling quickly goes away. Interested to hear what everyone else thinks about this too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226188 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:50:45 +0000 Lynne 226188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, your article is great and your photos are beautiful! Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226181 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:43:46 +0000 Laura 226181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once a week, PF, on Fridays. This week maybe I'll write about the family photo taking effort, and awareness.</p> <p>Here's something that really surprised me. The founder of the Great American Apparel Diet - the FOUNDER, not just a participant - says she is back to her old shopping ways only 26 days after completing the year-long diet. What do you guys think?</p> <p><a href="http://www.thegreatamericanappareldiet.com/one-month-off-the-diet-and-i-am-back-to-my-old-tricks/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thegreatamericanapp.....ld-tricks/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226175 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:22:43 +0000 PalmFronds 226175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow just when I was about to post a big-fall-off-the-wagon post I saw this one you started Laura :-)</p> <p>QM, I think it is great you have a plan to celebrate your birthday while staying within your own boundaries! Quite smart on all fronts, and early happy birthday to you!</p> <p>Well as you can guess from my first line, I have now truly fallen off the wagon; despite praise from Taylor a few days ago for making it this far, and despite a timely sermon from my pastor yesterday about being content and not always wanting more.It held me off from heading to the mall yesterday(which was the initial plan) but was not enough to keep my wandering hands from the web when my husband went in to work for a bit last night-- I am dangerous when unsupervised!!!! Just when I thought I had it licked, Amazon reared its head. That in combo with reading the 20 things for fall(oh, the temptation) got to me. So I ordered shoes last night .Sigh. And then felt so guilty I tried cancelling them 5 minutes later but amazon would not let me.<br /> Then a funny thing happened:I heard someone laughing(seriously, and I am not going crazy, I don't think) and saying, why are you beating yourself up about this? Enjoy your blessings, but be careful with your money, and get back on the ban if you want, okay? Was it God? My superego? My departed Mom who is probably somewhere laughing herself to pieces while watching me try not to buy anything?<br /> So yes, I fell off the wagon, but will be getting back on again.Thank you guys for being so supportive, and writing just on time that this is about thinking and planning not about cruel self-deprivation.You rock :-)</p> <p>Laura, great article! Looking forward to reading your future ones as well. How often will you publish? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226163 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:41:37 +0000 Laura 226163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel, yes, "aware" is the perfect word for this week. I feel aware too. Even when I fall down and spend money on other stuff, I am aware of it and never was before. Aware is step #1. Deprivation is not good. That's why diets backfire - speaking from one who's been there!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226154 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:14:29 +0000 Isabel 226154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Queen Mum, I forgot to say that I think that is perfectly ok. I think the fact that this is making us "aware" is great. I don't think the purpose was deprivation to the point of being miserable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226146 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:03:48 +0000 Isabel 226146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't believe that it is week 10 !</p> <p>Great article, Laura !</p> <p>I had an easy week, if anything, I am becoming paralyzed by my wish list. There are so many wonderful things out there that I am getting to the point that I just want to throw my hands in the air and get nothing when this is done. I find that I am pretty happy with my stuff and it fits my needs. </p> <p>I have discovered that I have 3 pieces of clothing that I love but rarely wear because I don't have the appropriate undergarments. I could use a nude camisole. The other is a "peek-a -boo" slip for a couple of shorter dresses, but I can use tights and boots with them ( which I already own ). So the slip can wait.</p> <p>Financially, I have found myself much more present and aware of how we spend money...and it is rubbing off on my children, which makes me happy. We won't save any money last month though because after I told my husband about how some of the YLF ladies were starting from scratch this Fall and updating their looks, he literally turned our van around and said, " You know, I should do that too. " And we spent the next 2 1/2 hours at the mall for him !! ( we were suppose to be grocery shopping ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226131 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:41:32 +0000 Queen Mum 226131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>yes, Laura. I wasn't planning on shopping until my actual Birthday day, and I should have my birthday money by then. Actually the reason I decided to limit myself to 2 items was so that I could make fab purchases and not be tempted to try to get "as much as I can" from the $$. If I need to kick in a few bucks I'll do that (within reason) but I won't go over my 2 item limit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226129 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:37:18 +0000 Laura 226129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kim, I have to admit that I've skipped a lot of threads here in order to minimize the torture. Wish I could participate more but at the moment it's what I need to do to survive! I do enjoy all the SYC challenge threads.</p> <p>Love how you're thinking carefully about how to spend your birthday money. That's great. My only suggestion is that you wait until you have the money in your hot little hands before you spend it. Maybe even take it to the mall as cash. That way you won't go over the amount or be tempted to add more.</p> <p>Oh, and another thing I wanted to share (was not fully awake when starting this thread). Yesterday, since it was so cold, I thought maybe I should go to the mall to buy long-sleeved white t-shirts for the boys to layer under their shirts, and I really did NOT want to go. Just the thought of the crowds and the parking ... ugh. I felt my spirits fall at the mere thought. My husband came up with the genius idea of wearing our winter coats until the moment came to take the photo, and I was so relieved. Not wanting to go to the mall? That's a first! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226117 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 15:16:58 +0000 Queen Mum 226117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article Laura! It will be fun to see how many locals join you in the party :-)<br /> I hope you will share your family photo with us!</p> <p>I went and found a new pair of running shoes last week so got a bit of a shopping fix in (I was way overdue for new shoes)</p> <p>I'm finding myself lusting after so many gorgeous things I see people posting here. Now that the weather is finally starting to turn just a teensy weensy bit, I'm able to wear new closet finds which is nice, but it's not quite the same as something hot off the press.</p> <p>I did arrive at a decision this past week though which I must share with you all. Next week is my birthday and after much soul searching and deliberation decided that I am going to go shopping and spend my anticipated birthday money from my mom and grandma. I decided on allowing myself 2 fabulous items. Probably a gorgeous scarf and either non-boot shoes, a tunic blouse, or jacket. I know some might consider it cheating, but it is a far cry from how I usually do it... by this time I would usually already have my anticipated birthday money spent, and then when the money comes I end up spending it again... once I start my birthday shopping it usually lasts all month It was interesting to me though that after I came to this decision, I started looking on line for possibilities and it was really starting to tempt me to add to my "birthday allowance" Yesterday was a quiet afternoon and I almost decided to run to Macy's with my $10 birthday coupon to see what I could find. I stopped myself though. It is so interesting how slippery that slope can be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226064 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:01:40 +0000 Laura 226064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Tanya, I'm also bummed about missing out on a couple of trends - flat oxfords being #1. Still, we have a short window of weather for oxfords here, and I'm already in boots (cowboy, harness, OTK) half the time.</p> <p>Forgot to mention a big challenge this week. We took our family photos - first ones in two years - and I normally would have considered buying something. Instead, I decided to wear the cream KC tunic and Frye Janes, and had the men in my life coordinate with my outfit. It was freezing outside yesterday and since we had decided on shirts (no dorky matching sweaters), I hope we don't look like we're in pain! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226041 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:38:52 +0000 Tanya 226041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a lovely article Laura! I really enjoyed reading it.</p> <p>This is only my week 5. So far I have been doing pretty well, in fact for the first 4 weeks I was testing myself to see if I can manage it at all before announcing it publicly here. I wish I got a couple of trendier pieces before I started ( flat oxfords, a voluminous white tunic), but otherwise am quite happy with what I have been wearing. Fall is finally here so that makes for a nice wardrobe change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226026 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:04:55 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 226026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great article - I especially enjoyed reading about your wardrobe workhorses - makes me look forward to finding out what mine are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-10-double-digits#post-226007 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 12:08:22 +0000 Laura 226007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started posting stories for our local magazine so now I really better not cheat ...</p> <p><a href="http://www.makeitbetter.net/better-you/fashion-and-style/1976-could-you-shop-your-closet-for-three-months" rel="nofollow">http://www.makeitbetter.net/be.....ree-months</a></p> <p>I was a little bummed when the month's expenses were tallied because home decor replaced clothing shopping and nothing was saved. Lesson learned! On the positive side, we are about to welcome our third set of house guests since I finished that room, so it is getting plenty of use.</p> <p>How's everyone faring as week 10 begins? </p>