https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:56:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312474 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:03:16 +0000 Marley 1312474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I go in phases - sometimes I do CPW and sometimes I don't. &nbsp;Its a good exercise for me because sometimes I over shop and/or impulse shop and/or get on the shopaholic treadmill and can't get off without a harsh dose of reality about how often I'm wearing my clothes and just how much money I'm spending on them. &nbsp;Most of the time I can't afford to be frivolous or selfish with my spending habits - (and I really don't want to be!) - so CPW and/or other numbers/tracking methods helps me to stay focused and in line with my value system. &nbsp;But that's just me - and I know that what works for me and/or what is important to me would be completely wrong for someone else! &nbsp;So - I'm fine with however people choose to build, change, maintain their wardrobes - if it works for them, then its good! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312468 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:52:07 +0000 BethL 1312468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that you are Queen Trendiest of Them All, Anna. I don't do CPW, nor do I track how many times I wear something. I have no intention of doing so, either. That would completely take the fun out of it for me. I do like to wear my favorite clothes multiple times; I'm not sure whether that's due to economics or not, but it doesn't really matter to me, actually. I do get a little annoyed with myself when I hang on to things that aren't the best fitting, best quality, etc., and then I don't wear them. I could do better at culling, so that's why I read the threads. Also, I'm interested in seeing what other people do. But I'm still going to do my own thing - the way that works best for me. It wouldn't be the same around here if you didn't do your own thing. I'm really glad you chimed in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312449 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:32:17 +0000 DonnaF 1312449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've started to keep track of my purchases and what they cost, but I've never done CPW.&nbsp; I also track my outfits -- but never review them, ha, ha, ha.&nbsp; But they are all written down if I care to!</p> <p>But my question to you:&nbsp; Did you or will you get the shorts?&nbsp; From your description of your upcoming schedule, I'm wondering if they will be more of a source of frustration (because you won't be able to wear them) than a source of joy for those few times when you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312446 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 19:30:17 +0000 Gaylene 1312446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>I'm trying to be more practical in my purchases</i></p> <p>Anna, I think this statement of yours is the key, <b>as long as we all get to define <i>practical</i> according to our own preferences, needs, and priorities</b>. For some, it might be spreadsheets and calculations of CPW; for others it might be budget, variety, wardrobe numbers, one in/one out, happiness quotient, responsible consumerism, longevity, lifestyle requirements--and so on. What is practical thinking for one person might be totally at odds with another person's definition.</p> <p>For what it's worth, and as much as I love calculations and spreadsheets, counting, calculating, and categorizing my wardrobe would be a time-consuming, but ultimately pointless, exercise because I can't see how I'd use the information to create a better wardrobe. I learned the hard way that being logical and systematic about my wardrobe too often leads me towards buying things I theoretically think would be smart buys but which don't work out in practice. My most "practical" purchases have been things that I've fallen in love with in the dressing room, brought home, and wore to death. I can stick to an overall budget, and be responsible about replacing basics and necessities when needed, but that's as far as it goes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312410 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:47:59 +0000 shedev 1312410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I track CPW, but I don't use it to purge items. If I did, all the really fun stuff would go and I'd only have boring stuff to wear to work and gym attire. I like doing the numbers, but I get that a lot of people don't.</p> <p>Count me on team curious, did you get the shorts?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312404 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:42:30 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1312404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, if I didn't have to pinch my pennies these days, I'd be right with you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312396 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:36:30 +0000 rabbit 1312396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting reading the thread. &nbsp;A few things occur to me. &nbsp;A small part of the variation in strategies I&nbsp;think might be due to&nbsp;where different people are in their wardrobe building process. &nbsp; So for me in a building stage&nbsp;right now, 'one in one out' seems very strict, &nbsp;you guys are made of stern stuff! &nbsp;Hat's off to ya! &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, going back and figuring out prices months after the fact would be way&nbsp;too arduous for me. &nbsp; I'm only keeping track from when I decided to track, i.e. the beginning of the year. &nbsp; It doesn't add any more time than logging daily outfits, which I decided to do because I wanted to make notes of the more awesome and less awesome experiments (for science of course ).</p> <p>Second, it's a game for me. &nbsp;It's a puzzle like Sudoku or a crossword. &nbsp; The spreadsheet says this pair of boots and this top aren't getting worn as much. &nbsp;That poses a challenge, can I find a way to wear them together? &nbsp; Can I also add in an item from last year? &nbsp;</p> <p>In some ways it's just part of a brainstorming process, like sketch comedy. &nbsp;But instead of picking slips of paper from a hat that say 'mother and son' &nbsp;'chicken' &nbsp;and &nbsp;'snowstorm' and making a goofy scene&nbsp;out of them, I'm doing outfit sketches in infinite variations. &nbsp;:D</p> <p>Today's outfit challenge for myself: &nbsp;new pair of bf jeans, floral top, and rain.... &nbsp;Go!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312391 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:29:54 +0000 Astrid 1312391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't do CPW or track my wears either. I do have some idea when I go out shopping about price and which amount is acceptable for something, which is based on my guess on how much I am going to wear it, quality and gut feel I guess. Sometimes I'm wrong about it, but I figure the money is spent anyway even if I notice I'm not wearing it much. And I don't want to force myself to wear something that didn't work out just for CPW. That said, my wardrobe is so small that I have a fairly good idea which pieces get worn the most without explicitely tracking my wears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312291 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 17:01:49 +0000 rachylou 1312291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I don't do CPW either. I'm a bear of small brain. That would require me to remember the cost after I bought it and keep a count of "wears," which I'd also have to remember. Although, I do enjoy the numbers. They tell interesting stories.</p> <p>And besides, I also basically have only one day of totally free dress a week. That would be totally depressing to have to wear the same outfit on my one free day... I think that would make it a no-free day week.</p> <p>What's really made me happy is making sure I have clothes that match what I do, however. I think that's important. If I spend all my time walking the dog to the Hipster Shops, what is the point of a bunch of evening gowns? Esp. when, should such an occasion arise, you know I'd go straight out and get myself a new, special one for the event.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312244 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:25:23 +0000 Marlene 1312244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Anna! &nbsp;Thanks for posting this. &nbsp;I have been hesitating to chime in on the CPW and counting threads because I just don't do that! &nbsp;LIke Angie, I have a strict one in one out closet management system. &nbsp;And beyond that, I don't do any counting or calculating. &nbsp;It's just not fun for me. &nbsp;By the time I get it all sorted out, I would have a bunch of new things or a bunch of old things would be gone. And I do not like to re-do tasks.&nbsp;&nbsp;I think having stuff in the closet JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE IT is very important. &nbsp;I don't think something that makes you happy needs any justification. &nbsp;Being trendy/stylish is a way to express yourself and THAT, my dear. is very important. &nbsp;So if the shorts make your heart sing then get them. &nbsp;And pffft to CPW. &nbsp;</p> <p>That being said, I do make sure that an item works with what I have already. &nbsp;Maybe get two or three outfits out of it. &nbsp;I do like multi-tasking pieces. &nbsp;And things that expand on what I already have. &nbsp;But I don't calculate. &nbsp;Right?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312226 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 16:06:28 +0000 lyn67 1312226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nobody is pushing you Anna to participate in any of those threads they don't resonate with you. I also don't calculate CPW but am bad at culling, and always lack of place! Plus, I (would) like to have an all&nbsp;functional&nbsp; and &nbsp;neatly organised closet. Hah, dreaming...:-)).</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312218 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:57:31 +0000 Sveta 1312218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also don't calculate CPW. I do have a spreadsheet with my wardrobe and try to track there what I wear per month but this is more to help me understand waht does not earn a place in my wardrobe and what is a candidate for "one in - one out" policy. I also use it to identify possible orphans and see if I can blow a new life into them with a new styling -but this is the extent of my numbers.<br />I am all for doing what feels right for you&nbsp;&nbsp; - and I love the shorts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers/page/2#post-1312102 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 13:51:42 +0000 Anne likes red 1312102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Happiness makes up in height / For what it lacks in length."</p> <p>Much as I am enjoying all the different ways people crunch numbers and otherwise evaluate their closets, I agree wholeheartedly with those who feel that you have no apologies to make to anyone for your amazing style and how you achieve it.</p> <p>Did you get the shorts? What do you think about tights, or pretending they're a knee-length skirt and wearing with a long duster, as shown in the link? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312074 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 13:14:10 +0000 Eliza 1312074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't count CPW. &nbsp;Don't like a closet that contains many items that are never worn, even if they are appropriate for the occasion. Don't count how many of what I have, except to notice excessive redundancy&nbsp;and choose the favorite when editing the closet, or make a note that I need buy no more of x, as I am set for a season. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>I have a sometimes misguided&nbsp;thrifty gene that on occasion costs me more that just getting the "right" thing first.&nbsp; Slowly getting clearer about where to put my resources, including time. &nbsp;For me, fashion is a hobby, something to play with and enjoy as it suits me. I am practical enough, &nbsp;but don't track of every detail in real time. &nbsp;</p> <p>One of the many things I value here is hearing how people manage their wardrobes and think about purchases as well as outfit creation. &nbsp;I have learned a lot and carry lots of YLF wisdom into my fashion pursuits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Great post, Anna.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312058 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:46:15 +0000 Thistle 1312058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have not read the other posts so I can give you my honest thoughts. And I am really glad to hear this! You are Queen Trendy. Your outfits tend to be very cutting edge. As such, I would expect your CPW to be higher, especially as you wear scrubs to work.</p> <p>Fashion should be fun and have at least some enjoyment to it. And you have that nailed.</p> <p>As for the fab short, only you can answer if you will wear them enough to be worth it to you, and if perhaps you will still wear them next year. If they make your heart sing, go for it. That is what makes you happy with your closet.</p> <p>I am a numbers person. I work with them all day long every day, and enjoy it, but even I am a bit disconcerted at the sudden obsession with numbers. I get wanting to maximize your fashion dollars, and I also get wanting to buy what you truly wear, but I find calculating actual CPW tedious. Just as I find counting my wardrobe numbers boring and unproductive for the time spent doing it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312054 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:33:59 +0000 ironkurtin 1312054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I never think about CPW. More about feasibility of wear, just like you did with the shorts. Everyone has their metric! Yours seems to work for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312052 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:19:23 +0000 Janet 1312052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Team JPW. I might do a little counting/inventory now and then, to help me analyze what i have and what I need (or don't), but too much number-crunching applied to my wardrobe sucks the joy out of style -- for me. </p> <p>I really like those shorts and would be curious to try them myself, but we get a lot more shorts weather here than you do there. I am trying to aim for more budgetary balance in my wardrobe -- we get relatively little transitional weather here, so if something can't either be worn in the heat of summer or layered well in the fall/winter, it will likely not get a ton of wear. So I hear you on trying to be more practical when thinking these things through. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312028 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:51:12 +0000 Anonymous 1312028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you..... completely. &nbsp;We all need an outlet and if fashion is your outlet, I applaud you for finding something that is fun and not harmful. &nbsp;I have only very recently given myself permission to have fun with fashion. &nbsp;For me that means taking more risks. &nbsp;</p> <p>Beyond a doubt, you are Queen of the Trendiest and I think that is great. &nbsp;I view your WIWs often with much interest. &nbsp;You show a knowledge and&nbsp;sophistication that I lack. &nbsp;&nbsp;I hope to learn from you as time goes on. &nbsp;I know I will never quite achieve your sophistication, but some of you might rub off on me and that excites me. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am one of those people that love spreadsheets and numbers. &nbsp;It iS DEFINITELY not for everyone. &nbsp;It just so happens that&nbsp;I relax by playing with these numbers. &nbsp;It soothes me. &nbsp;There are few people that share this interest so when I found others on YLF that also count things, I was thrilled beyond belief. &nbsp;It was finding my "people." &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312001 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:20:40 +0000 unfrumped 1312001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course! Room for all approaches here. </p> <p>I agree with Alana -- for some people, various counting modes are a way to understand and focus individual style so as to get the look and wardrobe desired. It's a means to an end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1312000 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:18:22 +0000 Glory 1312000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is tricky. I realize that you may only wear them a few times but they are fabulous and would make you happy. I think you would really rock them.<br />Yes, I am no help and a total enabler. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311961 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 07:39:09 +0000 Cerinda 1311961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pfft! &nbsp;Rock the shorts, Anna. &nbsp;You can. &nbsp;No one will go hungry. &nbsp;If it brings you pleasure, why not? &nbsp;If the dress won't go where you want it to go, then no pleasure: &nbsp;it&nbsp;<i>has</i> to go back. &nbsp;</p> <p>Count me in on team JPW. &nbsp;I want a wardrobe that gives me pleasure; otherwise I consider it&nbsp;just impression management or meeting expectations. &nbsp;That said, I did just finish my first big numbers event -- a total summer/transitional/fall inventory. &nbsp;It was a lot of hassle, but I learned a lot. &nbsp;I suspect I won't do it again. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311948 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 06:36:12 +0000 T 1311948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also don't do CPW, nor do I enjoy wearing things over and over. The only things I think I get superb CPW&nbsp;is on&nbsp;jeans, trousers &amp; office skirts. I also enjoy wearing On-Trend clothes. For me, I find daily life with its mundane office routines to be boring and at times anxiety/pressure ridden. I look to clothes to make me feel better and more excited about future possibilities and life in general. It may not be the sensible thing to do, but that is how I cope best.<br />I respect &amp; admire others who are able to bring discipline into their wardrobe. I am even amazed at some&nbsp;women who maintain tiny collections of clothes - but all the very best classic brands.&nbsp;<br />I am otherwise very disciplined in daily life about diet &amp; health, office, routines etc. but clothes is an area I choose not to discipline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311937 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 06:00:03 +0000 Deborah 1311937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good on you Anna! I think we all work out what works for us. I counted my wardrobe recently because all the posts made me curious about what I actually have. But I'm not a spreadsheet person or cpw person - I find that boring and a bit joyless too, but that has a lot to do with my personality. I also work in a serious profession providing services to vulnerable people and my closet is a fun, safe place I like to go to away from all of that. I am personally very conscious of waste and excess -in my life- that is largely a result of working with people who don't have a lot, so I do try to maintain a balance and I don't like to have clothes sitting in my closet that don't get worn (note I don't need the same kind of variety you do). </p> <p>Please note that I in no way think a large wardrobe constitutes waste and/or excess. But in years past my larger wardrobe was a reflection of bad choices and money not spent wisely and I was unhappy with it and deeply unsatisfied.<br /> You clearly have a large wardrobe that you enjoy and find fulfilling:) </p> <p> I hope everyone's wardrobe brings them joy as well as functionality and it seems we all achieve that by way of different methods and processes. Much of my wardrobe evolution appears to occur by osmosis:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311934 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 05:53:01 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1311934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, the numbers things aren't really my idea of fun. I enjoy reading about others' experiences with them. And I do congratulate myself when I find I keep things for a while and get a lot of good out of them. I like to think of negative cost per wear in those situations. But the thought of counting my clothes makes me feel a headache coming on. <br />I like the shorts! I'm counting on (counting--get it?) some more warm weather this summer. Sometimes we have warm days into September. So I wouldn't be too pessimistic about how much chance you'd get to wear them. Would you wear them next summer? Or do you think by then some other cool shorts would demand your attention? (The ones you are wearing in your blogger-inspired outfit are awesome, by the way.) Tough question, if one is trying to be practical. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311903 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:59:13 +0000 rabbit 1311903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like that there is so much diversity in HOW we enjoy fashion and style.</p> <p>I think that's what it comes down too for me, no one would spend time playing&nbsp;in their closet or visiting a style forum if on some level it wasn't a fun escape. &nbsp;For me having certain (some arbitrary, some pre-determined by my yearly budget) 'rules' I made&nbsp;for myself helps keep the experience a pretty positive one&nbsp;most of the time.</p> <p>But for example my guidelines aren't the same as <b>Angie</b>'s above, or anyone elses', they are just what works for me, and if they don't work, I adjust and make new ones. &nbsp; I also track how I'm adhering to&nbsp;boundaries&nbsp;in a way that's most fun for me.</p> <p>Minimalists and maximalists, thrifters and retail shoppers, bean-counters and emotional/gut instinct shoppers, &nbsp;in my opinion&nbsp;it's all good as long as it IS a&nbsp;good experience. :)</p> <p>ETA: &nbsp;and just to confess, I bought over a hundred items of clothing and accessories&nbsp;this year so far, and that was definitely more for fun than necessity in the larger sense. &nbsp;But the bean-counting and budget making and thrifting&nbsp;are all part of making that experience of joy&nbsp;and experimentation and wearing my first planned wardrobe something doable within my budget&nbsp;as opposed to out of reach.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311856 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:13:40 +0000 cciele 1311856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm on Team JPW :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311849 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 04:10:09 +0000 Jaime 1311849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a counter either, but whatever floats your boat. For some people counting adds to the fun and I am all for it if it works for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311824 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 03:47:29 +0000 lyn* 1311824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You need that on your business card or your name tag at work -&nbsp;<b>QUEEN TRENDIEST OF THEM ALL</b> - *bow* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311822 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 03:46:12 +0000 Suz 1311822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LOVE</b> those shorts!!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Couldn't you wear them commuting next year?&nbsp;</p> <p>Don't count or calculate if it robs the joy.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wouldn't say it <b>ADDS</b> to my joy -- and I still don't have a spreadsheet, although I've counted my items and I have a pretty good idea of how much I am wearing various items and which ones have "earned" their place.&nbsp;</p> <p>But "earning" their place isn't always about CPW. Earning their place (for me) is also partly -- maybe even largely -- about joy per wear, as Caro said. </p> <p>I think what Mo said is a good way of looking at it. If <b>YOU</b> are okay with what you paid for the item, you got good value from it, whatever somebody else would thing. And for each of us, that's going to be different depending on budget, priorities, and maybe specific items, even.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-cpw-and-other-numbers#post-1311821 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 03:43:03 +0000 Angie 1311821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also echo exactly what Tanya said.</p>