https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:26:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-788094 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 06:43:03 +0000 ManidipaM 788094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread! Thanks, Gaylene.</p> <p>And as usual, Angie hit the nail on the head for my 'list-independent wardrobe issues'---analysis paralysis (note to self here) is the spanner I see daily in the mirror. Lists... I like using them as a place to start building, mutatis mutandis. </p> <p>I recall being in the same position as you, Gaylene, and also Suz in building up from zero---was an incredibly frustrating first few months, especially as I couldn't believe it would be so much work ('something's wrong---I'm BAD at this! I need a list to the rescue!'). It didn't help that I felt even worse for being so 'self-indulgent' as to waste so much time and effort and money on *vanity*... But that initial amount of reflection and calculation DOES pay off and it does get easier in the long term---as long as I don't get paralysed by the analysis again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-788021 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 03:24:53 +0000 Anonymous 788021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some lists I like and others I don't. Even Angie puts out lists of "Must Haves" each season. They are fun suggestions and I definitely consider the items on them. I liked Jennifer Scott's list because it made me consider quality over quantity. I might not have control over my budget, but I can control the number of items I amass. Other lists make me feel inferior and that's no fun. I'll probably never have a Birkin bag, Burberry trench or a Cartier watch, for example. It's nice if the list is within the realm of possibility for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-787962 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:21:01 +0000 ironkurtin 787962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lists are fun because they compartmentalize. Everyone who is an "expert" is always being asked for their TOP TEN MUST HAVES, TOP TEN BEST BOOKS, TOP TEN BEST VIDEO GAMES, blah blah blah. Unlike in games and books, however, no one is ever asked for their top FIFTY or HUNDRED clothing items, because that isn't a tidy number and oooh, who wants to admit to that kind of clothing craziness?</p> <p>As for lists, expecting someone else's shopping list to work for you is like, well, using someone else's grocery list! Sure, maybe some of the things are the same, but not all of them. This is why I really enjoyed Lucky's Shopping Guide book back in the day - it was really about making sure you had flexible categories and not about a specific *thing.*</p> <p>In regard to the Scott book, I found the comments on Amazon very interesting: "A wonderful book about the French lifestyle, and a sad commentary on ours." USA is not set up for us to live like the French, so trying to top ten ourselves like a Frenchwoman is kindof moot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-787933 Tue, 04 Dec 2012 01:39:34 +0000 Gaylene 787933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ingunn, I think you've put it perfectly. Lists are fun so that's why we love to look at them and use them compare what we have with what is on the list. And they certainly have got us talking and thinking on this forum! But you are so right in saying that they are not a substitute for doing one's own homework on what works for the individual.</p> <p>Bj, I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who hangs on to a favorite. But my big dash of cold water was when I was standing in front of a class of 20-30 year olds and realizing that I had clothes in my closet that were bought before they were born. So obviously, I'm no help in shopping for your imminent, clothing-years lifestyle.</p> <p>Ginkgo, thanks for the reminder. We are focusing on a very small part of Jennifer Scott's book and you're right to remind us of that fact. I've read much of what is in her book on her blog and think she makes a very good point about how quality can enhance our daily lives in a way that quantity never could. Her transformation (if I can call it that) makes for a very interesting read. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-787773 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:44:08 +0000 Ginkgo 787773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In defense of Jennifer Scott's book, "Madame Chic", it is NOT about a ten piece wardrobe list; it's about the differences in French and American culture and quality vs. quantity as experienced by a college student. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-787763 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:33:25 +0000 bj1111 787763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gaylene, your statement...not enough years to see the light cracked me up! thinking about going half time or stopping entirely in the next 5-10 yrs. i tend to hang on to my favorite things, having worn a 20 year old dress last week. so how do i shop for a new lifestyle that to me seems imminent in clothing-years? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists/page/2#post-787699 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:19:16 +0000 Gaylene 787699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, a baby and several kids AND only 3-5 tops--good thing you stepped up to the plate and gave some advice. Maybe you should point her to Suz's Harper's Bazaar list for some wardrobe help.LOL</p> <p>But, seriously, I do agree that lists can be a jumping off point, as long as you don't let them dictate what you "ought" to have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787697 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:15:06 +0000 Ingunn 787697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this party, but I enjoy so much finally getting here! My workload these days has no end, it seems. But enough of that. Lists! I enjoy lists a lot, being Queen Capsule and all. They boost my fantasy, and I love to play with wardrobe ideas. But lists also have the power to make me want more/different clothes, which I really don't need. I think you've said it all here already: A list is merely a starting point, an must be personalized to become functional. </p> <p>I make my own lists all the time, and I twist and turn the pieces any which way I like, and this doesn't cost me a penny. Making them helps me see what I like, want and/or need. Other people's lists are not at all that useful beyond the initial idea, and I would never shop like 10 items from one and the same list.That would remove what I think is my personal imprint on my wardrobe, and it would make it boring. It would also make me insecure about my choices, because my heart wouldn't be in it anymore. I haven't based many purchases on lists, except for my navy cashmere sweater and my Breton top. They have turned out to be my most worn pieces this Fall. I also bought a trench coat this Summer, and it functions very well for early Fall, but now it is way too cold for it. I think it will be very useful in Spring, too. So for what it's worth, I really like those purchases. </p> <p>Angie's approach is still the best guidance we can get: Patient, Picky and Practical are the best bullet points to remember for a functional wardrobe - lists are mere entertainment in my point of view. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787640 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:54:14 +0000 qfbrenda 787640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, should I have said "tops" rather than "shirts"? My friend had only 3-5 tops of any sort including t-shirts. She has several kids and if the baby had a spitty day she wouldn't make it through one day without having to borrow from her husband's closet to avoid being naked. Not a good thing! LOL I don't think she's made it up to 10-14, but she's doing better than she was. And she does find it easier to have a few extra than having hardly any options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787624 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:28:18 +0000 Gaylene 787624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brenda, you make a good point about how lists can serve as a useful guide. But do you think that your friend found having 10-14 shirts made dressing easier? For me, shirts are hard to style in a way that makes me feel good so 2-3 are plenty for my wardrobe. But, as say, if a list makes you think about how many shirts might be a reasonable number, it can provide that "A-Ha" moment. And it's true that most of us would rather take the easier route of having someone else do the analysis.</p> <p>A, all that mixing seems wonderful on paper but the reality can be much harsher. I once took 5 suggested items into a dressing room and tried the combinations in the pictures. The results were so horrible, it was actually quite funny. What works in theory may not be quite the same in practice.</p> <p>R&amp;J, I also hate finding all my beloved items on those "Out" lists and looking in dismay at what is "IN". As a late adopter, it takes a long time before I can get comfortable with some of the trendier items. And, in some cases, I don't think I've enough years left in my lifespan to see the light.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787619 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:20:37 +0000 RoseandJoan 787619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad Angie does not subscribe to the 'out' lists, I can handle not having the latest 'it' item but hate to be told my favourite piece is passe.</p> <p>In fact, I just dislike being told what to do in general, give me the facts and I will happily form my own opinion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787614 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:09:01 +0000 Anonymous 787614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank goodness, I thought I was missing something. I read all the lists, love the sites with the 10 or 15 peice wardrobe to make 30 outfits but I just can't do it. I probably have all or most of the peices too (trench, striped shirt, black pants, etc)but they don't excite me when I put them on. </p> <p>Sometimes I think I need to make a Polyvore of my entire closet to figure out my own essentials </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787613 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:06:58 +0000 qfbrenda 787613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry this got long... but I *LOVE* lists. And I mean for everything. I have a busy life that would probably fall apart if I didn't keep track of things... schedules... menus... and many to-do lists. I agree with all of you that a custom clothing list is what makes most sense, but I will admit to loving reading through "must have" lists. It's not that I feel compelled to own everything on each list, but they get my juices flowing. They make me consider whether I might need said item and I can add it to my list if needed.</p> <p>And many people out there are truly clueless about what to buy and don't know where to start. I don't know how helpful those lists are to others, but I had a friend ask me how many shirts she should own. When I told her around 10-14 at least, she was shocked! She'd never had more than 3-5 shirts in her closet and wondered why she struggled to get dressed. She could have used one of those lists.</p> <p>Another friend wondered what ONE coat would work for all occasions. I hardly knew how to answer her. She could have used one of those lists to realize that it's helpful to have different types of coats.</p> <p>And those lists showed me that I needed a dressy coat! It had never occurred to me to have one, but every time I had to dress up I wondered why I felt uncomfortable in my very casual coat. You can call me clueless because I really was at the time. Lists were a "A-ha!" helper to me. </p> <p>Many people aren't prepared for simple dressy occasions (funeral? wedding?) and are suddenly thrown into shopping at the last minute for a decent outfit. A list that reminded them that having a dressy outfit of some sort in their closet is a good idea might have saved them that stress.</p> <p>And while custom lists are the best by far, many people aren't willing to make that kind of list for themselves. They want someone to make it for them.</p> <p>Anyway... I agree with all the mentioned flaws in the lists but I can appreciate them for what they are: a jumping off point... a place to get you thinking about your closet... something that might help some people have a better wardrobe than they would have otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787598 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 17:46:34 +0000 Gaylene 787598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, a list would have been fun, wouldn't it, but I'll leave it to more creative types... But your point about lists being useful for trends as opposed to basics is a good one. </p> <p>Angie, of course, you are right about how to build a wardrobe for real lives. The process is just that, a process, not the instant make-over that so many 'experts" would have us believe. I suppose, too, that making it look like all it takes to be stylish is to buy the book and open your wallet is profitable revenue stream for a great many people. Telling people to be patient, picky, and and practical is actually helpful advice, but not likely to land you on the best seller list, unfortunately. But that is why you have such a devoted group of followers on this site because your advice actually helps us dress better and, even more importantly, feel better. </p> <p>Shannon, you are a wise woman to avoid the hype and see the lists for what they are--fluff!</p> <p>Mochi, you've got me thinking of what a maximal wardrobe comprising all the items from all the lists would look like; I'm thinking I'd need to take over several rooms to create multiple dressing rooms so the various theories wouldn't conflict. As in, today I'm in my Madame Chic room with only 10 items on a hanger and a huge pile of "extras" in a heap on the floor in the corner--and, oh, my three dressing gowns which I need to move aside. &gt;&gt;giggling at the thought of my husband's reaction to my new "plan"&lt;&lt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787555 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:29:01 +0000 Gaylene 787555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's reassuring to know that others also find these lists strangely alluring. </p> <p>Una, your point about these lists causing us to make mistakes really rings true. Sometimes items SOUND so reasonable, like that ubiquitous basic white shirt, that I feel it must be useful. It would be interesting to poll YLF members to see how many own white shirts and, more importantly, how many actually wear them on a regular basis. I don't see that many white shirts in the WIWs.</p> <p>Rae, it would be interesting to see the essential list for you and Una's UWP style. I have a feeling it might not be the same as Ines'! ;0</p> <p>Denise and Suz, that fantasy of starting over, list in hand, to achieve that perfect wardrobe and never having to worry about how to dress is probably at the root of the fascination. And being able to do it again and again sounds brilliant. In reality, though, I found starting from scratch to rebuild a wardrobe because my weight changed was not unmitigated fun. It surprised me how much work, worry, and frustration it caused me. </p> <p>Caro, you are dead right that the appeal of these lists is that they appear to make wardrobe building easy. Do you want to look like a Parisienne? Buy a trench coat, ballet flats, and a striped top and DONE! Of course, given that most of us don't resemble Ines, nor live in the vicinity of Notre Dame, the reality of owning those items can be quite different.</p> <p>Fern, buying those sandals when we get our invitation sounds about right. In my case, it's also true for that perfect cocktail dress. Even if I found my perfect dress, I suspect it would look dated by the time it actually got worn. My cocktail parties happen about as often as my invitations to private yachts.</p> <p>Krista, good point about the accompanying images luring us in to wanting those items. That's why I found Astrid's pictures on how she emulated the BR wardrobe images so fascinating. But, as she mentioned, it was also a lot of work.</p> <p>Rae, I totally agree that the customized list is really the only way to go. It's the supposed ease of having an "expert" do that for you that makes those lists so appealing. It's like wishing Angie could make a surprise visit to your closet and do the work for you.</p> <p>MaryK, that bench will need to hold a lot of us because it seems, after the first blush of infatuation, most of the YLF bunch do have some serious reservations about lists. But those book deals and marketing campaigns seem to indicate that the wardrobe listomania is alive and well.</p> <p>Natalie, I also found it interesting to hear what other YLFers thought were their must-have pieces. The responses really illustrate the variety of ways we think about our wardrobes. And, you're right, contributing my own list was helpful in making it clearer what was important to ME.</p> <p>Missvee, obviously marketers know that these lists are influential in moving product. It's almost funny at time to see what items get pushed as being this season's "essential 10". Who else but a marketer would think that sequinned skinnies ought to be on everyone's "must-have" list.</p> <p>MNsara, the point that you and others make about using a list as an inspiration rather than a guide makes such good sense. Trying to replicate one for one with items in our wardrobes, however, is something else.</p> <p>Mochi, Janet, and Sara, I'm with you in laughing at the cleverness of making me feel inadequate because I don't own something that is clearly not needed for MY life. See beaded sandals and yacht invitations above. And puffers in LA. And raincoats in Phoenix.</p> <p>Makrame, those images really do stoke the fire, don't they. I remember reading a marketing journal that explained why the wall of color is so effective. The reasoning is that I'll be immediately drawn to the item and start picking MY colors before I decide if I want to buy another T-shirt. But once I've chosen MY shirts, how can I leave them behind thus the rainbow stack of T's in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787525 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:41:26 +0000 Angie 787525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And a very, very, very disjointed one. Lots of orphans and lots of stuff that does not work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787523 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:39:45 +0000 Debbie 787523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Angie's take on it.<br /> I also think if you followed every list you have a maximal wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787509 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:26:08 +0000 Transcona Shannon 787509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy reading "the lists" but admit to not implementing a single one of them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787507 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:23:03 +0000 Angie 787507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The PPP rule (patient, picky and practical), and have fun along the way. </p> <p>Give style a rest when you've had enough for a while. Keep those fashion feet moving if it's a hobby and you're enjoying yourself, but stay well within your budget. Do not fall into the analysis-paralysis trap. And most of all - WEAR YOUR WARDROBE ITEMS!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787506 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:22:41 +0000 Vix 787506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Gaylene --</p> <p>What? No "Top Ten Reasons Why Must-Have Lists Don't Work" here? I'm disappointed .;)</p> <p>As others have said, it's easy to get seduced by the idea that perfection is so easily obtainable -- and then frustrated when our preferences and/or lifestyle doesn't map to the list du jour. </p> <p>I think the seasonal lists are more useful than the classic/core ones because then I can at least see if there are any trend I want to incorporate. The core lists don't give one much of a place to go....</p> <p>[I literally bought into the white dress shirt hype, and the shirt rarely left its hanger. Then I "modified" the List and bought a rouched teal dress shirt...which I've worn a handful of times during our rare warmer weather. Guess what, I'm not a cotton shirting woman. At least I avoided the must-have camel trench like the plague!] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787479 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:59:37 +0000 Makrame 787479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with MaryK - I like lists in general but these wardrobe lists have no effect on me. I might skim them and think "Interesting" but have no urge to shop based on them. On the other hand, show me a picture of a particular item that looks good (or a nice spread in a rainbow of colors) and I get a bad case of "wantsies". Like the white cabled sweater Angie is wearing in today's blog post - I immediately felt the urge to shop and had to remind myself that I already have a nice cabled sweater that has only been worn twice so far. Same with things like brocade jeans or various other fun "of the moment" items.</p> <p>What really helps me to curb the shopping lust is tracking my wardrobe. I've been doing this for over a year and realized which items get worn often and which get worn rarely, what works for a particular season for me etc. Now I can see the real holes, not imaginary ones. </p> <p>As far as 10 item wardrobe, I would have multiply it by at least 3 or 4 since the climate here is very distinct in different seasons. I recently had to put away most of my voluminous silk shirts because they don't play well with jackets and sweaters, as well as start switching to winter boots instead of "fall" boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787473 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:55:13 +0000 Sara L. 787473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to read lists but I don't usually take them to heart. Sometimes they're interesting to see where fashion is going and what is considered a "must-have" this season. It can be tough sometimes to take a step back and really think about what's reasonable for my lifestyle and climate (I don't need a raincoat or a puffer coat - it's not that cold here and it rarely rains). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787459 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:45:56 +0000 Janet 787459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Listomania! Ditto to MaryK and Mochi. I get momentarily sucked into lists because I have a sick love for them, but ultimately I shake my head at most of them because the people who compile them clearly are not living my life. </p> <p>I'll make my own lists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787447 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:36:26 +0000 Mochi 787447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marketing and inadequacy are important words to keep in mind here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787438 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:09:50 +0000 MNsara 787438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love me a good list I probably won't actually DO anything with it except think on it and compare/contrast my own closet. But I sure do enjoy reading them!</p> <p>Sometimes I can cherry pick some tidbit that seems to make sense for me. Like from Suz's Harper's Bazaar list, I really liked the idea of two tops (1 dressy, 1 casual) per pant or skirt. That could help me pare down a few excess tops, and see where a bottom isn't getting worn if it doesn't have fab tops. I liked the 7 tees (for me that's PER season!) but haven't given that much thought yet.</p> <p>I also like to picture myself in some of these items - things I hadn't considered before - to see if indeed I'd make use of them ('no' to the beaded sandals, 'maybe' on the suit so I'll stay open to that, 'yes' to the VERSATILE tyle of dress that Vivianne Files keeps pushing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787429 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:46:51 +0000 Suz 787429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that these are (typically) nothing more or less than glorified marketing pitches. Like RunnerRae, I still find them helpful as guidelines - as starting points for self-reflection, I guess. It's not that I feel I won't be "fashionable" unless I have what's on this or that list. It's more that I would like to have a well-curated closet of what I need and use and ONLY what I need and use, and yet I find it difficult to identify that. Perhaps because I started, essentially, with nothing. So my task has been to build a wardrobe. But once you get past a pair of jeans and a top, where do you start...and where do you end? You know? </p> <p>Ultimately, I know, what makes most sense of all is to keep close track of what I actually DO wear, of what I feel I am missing (so, what MIGHT I have worn if I had it, what did I keep saying to myself I was "missing" when I was trying to put outfits together?) and what my climate, work life, home life, etc. suggest as necessities. </p> <p>Having said all that, I can really see the appeal of Denise's idea...it would allow one to have current, beautiful, expensive clothes, not too many, to wear the HECK out of them for a season, and then to buy a whole new batch...Denise, maybe you and I can sell ourselves as "test subjects" to Shopbop...they could run a blog about our experiences wearing the core wardrobe for a season. Better yet, THEY could resell the items, or maybe we would just have them on loan and wouldn't have to pay for them! </p> <p>I say this because I have determined that I don't need a lot of variety within a season. If I have the pieces I want, I enjoy wearing them again and again. But once the season is over, I really do want new stuff. So.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787416 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:16:18 +0000 missvee 787416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As the others have said, it's just another clever marketing pitch designed to make us want to spend money. The same thing happens with beauty products and services. I love reading the lists, but they don't influence my purchases...much... I did buy a knee length trench after reading how essential they were, and it's true - I have worn it a lot, but I would have bought another raincoat anyway this season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787415 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:14:46 +0000 goldenpig 787415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so maximal there is no way I could limit myself to a list, but nonetheless I got caught up in the list frenzy and had to post my own list question (<a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yet-another-wardrobe-essentials-list" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....tials-list</a>)! I agree there is no one single essentials list that fits everyone, but I am curious to see what people have on their own personal essentials list. I think being forced to pick your favorites is a good analytical exercise to distill your style elements. I don't like being dictated to by others what should be on my list though, so I agree with you in that sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787412 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:10:05 +0000 MsMary 787412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so funny, because although I am a near-compulsive list-maker in every. other. area. of my life, I am absolutely impervious to these fashion lists! Well, unless there's a list out there that says "Buy all the pieces in all the colors!" LOL</p> <p>Honestly, The Vivienne Files makes me twitch and the ShopBop list Denise linked above looks super-boring to me! (Although I did get a laugh about the look where the model was CARRYING the striped pullover!)</p> <p>Come on, Gaylene! Come over and sit on the Just Say "No" to the Lists bench with me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-curse-of-the-endless-lists#post-787397 Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:24:12 +0000 Raisin 787397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get what you're saying Gaylene. I used to read the lists and think the exact same things. I try to use them more as a guide now though. I went through my own wardrobe and noted what I have and what I think I could use to make the best of my wardrobe. As it is my wardrobe works, obviously, because I can manage to get dressed each day. So it's not like I can't do with what I have. But I tried to think about what I wear day to day, where I go and the various seasons, and I actually made a list of items I'd like to get for me......a Rae list! It's actually in my purse, and I use it to help me shop so I'm not just picking up impulse items or what people tell me is on the perfect list. I'm buying what's on my list. </p>