https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:08:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1554667 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:39:14 +0000 Lisa 1554667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the best things about closet purging, the lessons learned so one does not make the same mistakes again. &nbsp;You've gotten some great insight during your purge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1554409 Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:18:24 +0000 mountainwave 1554409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've bought for my cooler invisible twin, too. Sigh.</p> <p>I'm following along at Apartmemt Therapy as they do a closet clean out. I did the email sign up, but I think it isn't necessary. (I'd live to unsub those, already)</p> <p>It already sounds like there will be a lot of complaining about current declutter ideas, but that's kind of AT. They can be too cool to read AT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1554069 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 07:37:48 +0000 CocoLion 1554069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for starting this thread. &nbsp;You are so not alone! &nbsp;In fact, we might be the same person...</p> <p>My main mistakes are a lot like yours Janet:<br />- Buying for a dressier, hipper, chic-er lifestyle than I have. &nbsp;Although I'm getting better, and also feeling less guilty about having things that are only worn a few times a year. &nbsp;<br />- Buying too deeply into certain categories. &nbsp;This is related to the above. &nbsp;Once I realized I was doing too much imaginary life style shopping, I decided to purchase for the life I have. &nbsp;How many: &nbsp;skinny jeans? &nbsp;Sandals? &nbsp;Tee shirts? &nbsp;do I really need? &nbsp;Yes things get worn but it's basically all the same look.<br />- Search for the perfect _____________. &nbsp;Relates to above depth of category approach.</p> <p>When something doesn't fit or feel comfortable I do feel frustrated, but I just get rid of them and move on. &nbsp;I don't blame myself as much as I blame the manufacturer. &nbsp;It's the clothes/shoes/lingerie, not me. &nbsp;Increasingly this annoys me more than my own mistakes, because I feel cheated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1554022 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 04:09:38 +0000 ma 1554022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just recently did a big purge partly because I'm moving but I agree with you, I didn't feel awesome about it and was mostly reminded of all the bad decisions and wasted money. I bought things that did not work for many of the reasons you listed and hopefully will start being more mindful of how I spend my money, but who knows! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553866 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 23:37:54 +0000 MsMaven 1553866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the idea of a true confessions thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>I struggle with many of the same issues as you, Janet. Lately I wonder if maybe I am imposing too high a standard on myself--after all these years learning about fashion and body types and trying on clothes--shouldn't I be perfect now? Intellectually I know perfectionism is a terrible trap, but I still expect myself to do much better.</p> <p>I made a lot of mistakes earlier this year and I admit that I will probably make more. I seem to make more mistakes with summer clothes than winter things.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553711 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:58:01 +0000 Sadie 1553711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your analysis Janet. I will post my "true confessions" in a separate thread after I get some time tonight.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553556 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:34:17 +0000 Eliza 1553556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet- I read your post and could tick many of the same boxes. Jump all in on a trend and then you may tire of the current items in your closet too quickly, because they all capture the same moment. Check! Love and duplicate- perhaps one time too many. Check! It is also the way it adds to wardrobe volume, which at times constrains good choices and combinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hang in there. &nbsp;You are moving along and you are not alone. The burden of excessive options is real.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553537 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:06:08 +0000 gradfashionista 1553537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're doing a great job. Simply identifying patterns can be a challenging task, and you seem to have a firm grasp on why things haven't worked. I'll&nbsp;echo Suz's point that some neglected items are indeed&nbsp;bought with the best intentions, but cannot&nbsp;accommodate changing life circumstances.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553526 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:54:07 +0000 Angie 1553526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep up the momentum, Janet. You are doing VERY WELL. Hope today is a better day, and lots of hugs.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing/page/2#post-1553499 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:15:52 +0000 Anonymous 1553499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I certainly have been guilty of all of those buying issues. &nbsp;I found that realizing when and where I made my mistakes helped inform future buying decisions. &nbsp;I still tend to buy multiples, but I am trying to stop. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553483 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:57:16 +0000 Janet 1553483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadie, I don't mind at all. The "mistakes" really do fall into those bullet points I mentioned in my original post. I'll give a couple of examples.</p> <p>Among them are a dress I bought that was a duplicate of a summer dress I enjoyed wearing a few times a couple of years ago -- I thought I'd finally found my great versatile summer dress, so when I saw another color of it, I pounced. Well, I tired of the first one before I ever bothered to wear the second one. The first one is still in my closet, on a little hiatus because I still like it and may pick it back up next summer, but the second one, still with tags, is in the consignment bag. Fortunately, they were not expensive, (Marshalls), but still, those kinds of mistakes add up.</p> <p>Also up for consignment is an adorable pair of shoes that I love the *looks* of, but early on, I ignored the fact that when walking for any length of time, they rubbed on the top of my foot to the point where they would actually cause a blister if I kept them on. They're not wearable with hosiery, so they mocked me from the shelf of my closet until I decided to give them up. </p> <p>Another example: a beautiful but *slightly* snug top that is also *slightly* scratchy. I bought it enamoured with the colors and, I confess, the good deal for a designer item. I wore it once and felt like I needed to keep yanking the sleeves down and was distracted by how it felt all day long. It's gone. I'm paying closer attention to how fabrics and fits feel, regardless of how good a deal something is. </p> <p>OK, here's a really embarrassing one. I'm letting go of the white Stuart Weitzman gladiator sandals I got a couple of years ago. Something has changed in the way things fit my feet and ankles, maybe I am swelling more these days, post-hysterectomy? Or it's all the bicycling? I don't know. But those sandals, which I once wore happily and comfortably, now feel too tight around the ankles, which is WEIRD. Most things flap loosely around my ankles unless they're cinched to their smallest. I have fairly low-volume feet. But the elastic straps on those sandals are digging into my ankles when I walk and leaving marks on my legs. So not fab. </p> <p>Also, I have too many lightweight jackets. I look at my closet and see a bunch in there that I *do* wear, but almost just as many that don't get much wear because there are only so many days of "jacket weather" here in my climate. We go from hot summers (with nights that don't cool down enough for jackets) to brief falls and springs, to winters that require heavier jackets, layers, or coats. Lightweight jackets have limited use windows here, although I stretch it out as much as I can to wear those jackets! Hence my remarks about buying too much for seasons we don't have for long. </p> <p>So, those are just a drop in the bucket, but some examples of the kinds of mistakes I've made, and reasons I'm letting go of things. Fit, comfort, duplications, practicality... </p> <p>Good luck with correcting your shopping mistakes too, Sadie! I'd be curious to read your thoughts on this as well, maybe we can all learn from each other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553482 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:56:41 +0000 Elly 1553482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, Janet-- you know me, I don't even like to shop, I have a low budget and that often keeps me from duplicating, etc and I STILL manage to do all the things on your list. Plus, you closet represents a longer time period of enjoying fashion than mine. I agree with Gigi, it's a learning thing. </p> <p>-fits that were *almost* but not perfect and not an easy or possible alteration (or just realizing your alteration person sucks, I have two pencil skirts and two blouses that she did and I'm just not happy with them-- she does fine on trouser waistbands)<br /> - buying for a dressier fantasy lifestyle or the lifestyle I used to have (remember how worried I was about my interview capsule? 2 of the 3 jobs I've had since then have been phone interviews and the 3rd I wore a sweater under a jacket to-- no NEED for a white button down) <br /> -getting carried away with how something *looks* and not paying enough attention to comfort and practicality (mostly shoes-- for&nbsp; awhile I thought comfortable dress shoes didn't exist)<br /> -buying certain styles that I struggle to style for the seasonal weather realities of where I live (not something I do much, but you can bet I'm going to get myself into trouble trying to switch dominant climates, this year!)<br /> - being too quick to buy multiples (see 3 button downs above-- and then I thought I'd kicked the habit, and then I bought 2 Madewell plaid courier shirts in shades of blue--- gah! but I love them) <br /> - always counting on that five-pound weight variation to swing in my favor...yeah, no (assuming I'm in my mid-twenties and my boobs aren't going to grow anymore-- didn't change my bust measurement, just my bra size and raised my bust about an inch which means many of my tops don't button) <br /> - getting carried away when a new trend emerges and buying not just one of a style but two or three (madewell shirts? I try to be sooo good ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553463 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 11:56:37 +0000 Sadie 1553463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you be comfortable explaining your mistakes? My shopping successes/failures are all over the map and it's often helpful to see what others view as mis-steps so I can learn from them as well.</p> <p>PS I am happy to share my mistakes as well since I have been carefully tracking my shopping for the past year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553433 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 10:17:14 +0000 Summer 1553433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's painful for sure, Janet, but it sounds as if you have learnt some valuable lessons from these mistakes. &nbsp;Onwards and upwards! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553404 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 04:37:18 +0000 Gigi 1553404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, it's unfortunate, but we seem to learn best by actually getting out there and getting our hands dirty, by making mistakes. Mistakes have been some of my most powerful learning experiences. It's part of being human. I think we have all made the above mistakes at one time or another. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've been wanting to go through my closet too. The sad thing is, most of what I want to let go of is warm-weather stuff, and it's too late to take that to consignment. So next year will be a big purge. But I learn about myself during each purge, so there is value in it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553371 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 02:14:57 +0000 unfrumped 1553371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Keep the faith.<br /> I'm going through ops and thinking, what WAS I thinking?<br /> A small weight gain threw me out of several pants and skirts and did feel blue!<br /> Over- duplicator, too!<br /> So this weekend I started my prepare- ahead outfits so that I'd stop choosing things that were almost but not quite right and perpetuating feeling meh.<br /> I only had the energy to decide to toss a few items, and had to stall out and move some items to a holding zone until I can think about them more clearly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553359 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 01:47:44 +0000 Maneera 1553359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I could have written this post myself! </p> <p>I'm guilty of all the above, and then some more. I've got a better handle on most of these now (well, Atleast I'll like to believe so...it may not be true!) but the Duplicate Items That Look Great. I bought a gorgeous dress in April. I loved it so much, I bought 5 more...different prints and colour but essentially the same style. And what happened??? When I look at them, I'm too confused about which one to choose, so I just chose another dress. How sad is that?! </p> <p>Well, I'm not throwing them away for sure just yet....but I know exactly what you mean. I'm hoping the wine and the purging helped assuage some of the guilt! Hang in there....you're most certainly not the only one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553356 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 01:38:34 +0000 Jaime 1553356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet I really sympathize with your mood - I'm not quite at the letdown after the activity but I am sure it is coming. Anyway, when I look at what I was thinking? things, I try to see it as how far I have come/how I have evolved/how I am not stagnant. Admittedly works best in a good mood or with a glass of wine of preferably both. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553337 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:52:23 +0000 Janet 1553337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, I am definitely having a bit of a letdown after all the activity over the last six months! It was nonstop with getting ready for my exhibition to finishing a couple of client projects to RAGBRAI, to vacation with my husband... And now, nothing really exciting to look forward to, and no projects in the pipeline to get me motivated. I know that now is when I need to dig deep and find some motivation from inside to do things like work on my marketing, finish my website redesign, etc, but I find that much harder than external motivating factors. I'll get there, I suppose it is only natural to have a lull after all the excitement of this summer. Thanks for all the great thoughts, ladies! I know this is far from the worst problem to have. I'm just trying to make sure I learn from this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553333 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:48:27 +0000 Kristin L 1553333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Goodness, haven't we all felt that way? I totally get how painful it can be to look at those mistakes. And it's worse when they are expensive ones to boot. Ugg. But, you will feel better once they are out of your hair, either by selling, consigning, or just giving away. I had a bunch of things that I just let hang around after my wardrobe edits from YLF and swapping. One of my friends in town hosted a clothing swap and and I brought several boxes of clothes. It felt great to see them go to people who could wear them (and they looked great in them) and it was nice not having that hanging over my head anymore.</p> <p>I think it's fantastic that you've id'ed some red flags. That's always the hardest part of editing to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553325 Tue, 08 Sep 2015 00:36:12 +0000 Thistle 1553325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With all the body changes from two children, and having to deal with all of their clothes as well, I wish I could wash it down with a Cosmo. Or two.</p> <p>Seriously, though, no use crying over spilt milk. Best thing to do is see what you can learn and consign/sell the rest. Chalk it up to the cost of experience and learning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553304 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 23:49:19 +0000 texstyle 1553304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a small tip for emotional shoppers - give yourself a small budget, like $30 - and buy whatever fun tee or inexpensive top (or other item) you want, reminding yourself it is guilt free. It's not much more than you'd spend for a dinner out, right? And if it makes you feel better, but ends up only being worn once, you can donate it guilt free too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553299 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 23:44:18 +0000 Carla 1553299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry you are feeling blue. I am too - maybe it is due in part to the end of some big exciting events - like your big bike ride and your recent European trip? I am always sad at the end of a racing season and wonder if I will get psyched up and physically able to do it again? Also, I am not relishing the dark days of coming winter and am happy for the endless summer we seem to be experiencing. </p> <p>There is always something to plan and look forward to, though - an exhibit, another trip, a holiday, or a family celebration. </p> <p>You have a fun and inspiring wardrobe, Janet - full of workhorses you love - like those great 3 year old strappy sandals, an amazing collection of denim, and the best leather jackets on the forum. So you've come to the conclusion that lower heels are kinder to your body, and some of your pets aren't pulling their weight in your closet. Time to move on, and move them out. Your closet should make you happy - and your outfits should be a '10' on the happiness scale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553263 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 22:46:07 +0000 Anonymous 1553263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I absolutely identify with almost all of what you are feeling/seeing here. &nbsp;All of those things are what directed me here to YLF to begin with &nbsp;I wish I could say I've figured it out/stopped buying like that/shopped smarter. but I'm not sure that's the case. &nbsp;One thing I do know is that writing it down (as we've done here) and acknowledging these issues "out loud" seems to solidify thinking for me . &nbsp;It's tough though, I was doing the very same thing this weekend myself. &nbsp;7 green garbage bags off to the Salvation Army donate bin. SEVEN. Now not all of it was my clothes, but &nbsp;most of it was. Boots, shoes,bags and clothes. &nbsp;Ugh. &nbsp;And the world is suffering far greater crisis than we are . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553246 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 22:03:52 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1553246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my do I make mistakes. &nbsp;It is easy to kid yourself into imagining all the ways you can wear the item that isn't practical for your lifestyle. &nbsp;It is also easy to buy or keep items you don't love because others love them on you. &nbsp;It is also easy to want the toy that the other kid is playing with. &nbsp;</p> <p>Have a glass of wine and relax. &nbsp;We have all been there and done that and probably will again. &nbsp;Being aware makes it less likely to happen as often but hey, we are human and we make mistakes.</p> <p>Have a second glass of wine if you still feel guilty. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553242 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:55:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1553242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The 'lifestyle I used to live' stuff is the most painful for me, because it brings up a lot of emotions about the past, not always good ones. The 'when I was skinnier' stuff just makes me feel blah. </p> <p>Twice was my primary method for getting rid of stuff that was still decent and OK brands; I ordered a Thredup selling kit the other day to see if it's a similar selling experience. Fingers crossed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553241 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:53:14 +0000 Janet 1553241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carter, that makes me feel better. I put a few things on eBay and then threw up my hands and said I'm taking the rest to consignment. I only feel like dealing with so much payment collection and shipping, you know? </p> <p>High five for getting rid of guilt-inducing things! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553230 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:42:02 +0000 carter 1553230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've sold 10 or so items on ebay this past week. I added another dozen or so this weekend, and yet I still have a HUGE stack of mistakes waiting their turn to go to a better home. Live and learn, I suppose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553226 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:38:06 +0000 Suz 1553226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I know -- all of us who shop emotionally have been there!!&nbsp;</p> <p>But again, we couldn't learn without mistakes. The list you made of things to watch out for really resonated with me, especially the fantasy lifestyle buying (see how well I try to justify it in my comments above, LOL??) and also the not buying for climate. But again, sometimes it seems to take, like, about 50 years to get through my thick noggin what kind of climate I am actually living in! Is there something unusual in that?&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe I should just blame the fashion bloggers for making me confused with their own seasonally confused outfits.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-sometimes-painful-task-of-closet-editing#post-1553216 Mon, 07 Sep 2015 21:30:40 +0000 Janet 1553216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Suz, your first paragraph resonates with me so much. When shopping is an emotional thing, which it is for me, there is a real danger of giving way too much importance to the magical ability of an item to meet some (likely imaginary) *need.* </p> <p>Looking at these things later on is a big reality check on how warped a sense of *need* or even *want* can be. </p>