https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:07:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401509 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:38:08 +0000 Laurie 2401509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is thought- provoking. <br />I was the Debbie Downer of Christmas on the off-topics thread earlier this month, talking about not decorating or doing any traditional Christmas things. I feel like I put this underconsumption concept into practice this year in December. It's been incredibly liberating - once the small amount of depression cleared - to not have bought a single gift, nor to have received one. to not have hosted any huge meals, nor attended any. I did not buy any clothing in December either, now that I think about it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have donated more, and tipped more generously this December than I have in the past.</p> <p>And I loved walking into our house yesterday after 3 days away, to not a single thing to be taken down and packed away. That is a real reward of giving up commercial Christmas, and I think it is the new normal for us.</p> <p>I expect January to be spare as well, as it often is.&nbsp; I don't do well with hard rules about consumption, food, alcohol, and otherwise. If I slip up just once - as is so often the case - it can spiral into shame and feelings of failure. I try not to put myself in that position anymore, and lean toward practicing moderation.</p> <p>Here's to Moderate Janiuary, for those who celebrate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401503 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 18:54:07 +0000 LJP 2401503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Carol, self-discipline is necessary and is something I struggle with . &nbsp;I have that addictive personality that seems to function in an all -or-nothing environment. Not literally, but pretty close. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401472 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 03:39:40 +0000 Carol 2401472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Underconsumption and elegance? Yes, I agree--on the simple idea that a smaller closet makes a neater space.</p> <p>I like what the author says about feeling better with no shopping. It takes some effort, and reminds me of the famous experiment decades ago:</p> <p>researchers put a small child in a room with a marshmallow on a table. They were allowed to eat it, but told if they waited five minutes, they would get two. Some children couldn't wait, and some could. When they became adults, the ones who could wait as children had better success outcomes as adults.&nbsp;The point was that self-discipline is much more powerful than we think.&nbsp;</p> <p>Self-discipline would of course lead to elegant clothes, because you would be turning down most of the things you wanted to buy, getting only the best.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401422 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 22:39:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2401422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Perhaps each generation has to sort of figure some of this out for themselves? I saw that she was 30 and thought that my approach to clothing may have somewhat changed several times over since I was that age. And I agree with Jaime that “taste” is extremely personal. What has remained is a love for clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401408 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:32:50 +0000 LJP 2401408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, totally agree. Again with the little saying I read the other day " you don't need to taste every cookie". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401405 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:18:12 +0000 unfrumped 2401405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think chasing is the key word. I need to chill out and be ok that some of these HEWI’s are out there but not worth fretting about, compared to other things I enjoy doing. Also meaning, don’t buy place-holders, which aren’t needed anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401404 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 18:12:33 +0000 LJP 2401404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Unfrumped - yes to all that you said. &nbsp;I do believe that having fewer in -person options that offer a chance to find pieces that you know fit your style makes a big difference in how we/I dress. &nbsp;I'm not entirely satisfied with my style either, but I'm trying to let that feeling go, and not let it be such a big deal that I continue to chase what I imagine must look better. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401399 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:35:16 +0000 unfrumped 2401399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A fun read. And I relate to having drawers &amp; closet rods that are too tightly packed even though I know how much better they “ feel” when I can let more things go so as to have breathing space. </p> <p>I like ni- buy months even though one could achieve same overall “ wardrobe numbers” by total number of items per year or something. Jan or Feb are often good for me too— after the holiday busy- ness. </p> <p>I’m kind of interested in 4 no- buy months related to the seasons. A tactic that has worked for me is to think, it will be easy to not buy anything more related to this season( not that even our 4 seasons are so distinct, but even so). Or in the depths of winter, despite sales and tempting cozy clothes, to take stock and say, ya know, I really am set with enough warm &amp; cozy and it won’t be that long until I’ll be interested in spring and summer. Then the same in August or so. It doesn’t mean I shouldn’t aspire to even more restraint or longer no- buy periods, but just that my brain can deal pretty well with abstaining from specific categories / seasons. </p> <p>Of course it doesn’t help that I feel currently dissatisfied with my style- it’s not just a casual vs more polished style conflict, or but the very way that certain tops &amp; bottoms &amp; outfits no longer look how I THINK want to dress. I have a few items that DO give that certain something, and know I ought to be able to build on that, but somehow can’t translate that into culling, curating, holding new items to that standard.<br /> I like to think it’s the shrinking variety of retail shops here , making it hard to discover new brands and styles which I might then be able to recognize in different options &amp; price points online. But it could just be my own lack of good style sense plus lack of patience to wait for that “ I’ll know it when u see it”. </p> <p>So your article reference fits into that in a bit of an abstract way of, not “ I’m waiting until I can get the Burberry trench coat “, but, waiting until the ( item, outfit) fits this image I have or matched these several items that are more in that direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401396 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 15:05:09 +0000 LJP 2401396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a long, thoughtful ( I think?) reply written and sitting waiting to hit send.....then when I refreshed the browser it wouldn't post. Oh well. &nbsp;</p> <p>Again, I am not suggesting that this resonates with everyone, I do agree that the words she uses like chic and elegance sound a little out of touch . However, I'm just sharing what was meaningful to *me*. &nbsp; I want to be able to look at my wardrobe in a different way - and not as something that needs constant attention and upgrading. &nbsp;I am different from many forum members in that I don't view my wardrobe as a fun project or hobby. &nbsp;</p> <p>Anyways, I'm losing the plot here - too many busy days recently and I'm exhausted from the Christmas of it all, lol. &nbsp;Back later. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401394 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:15:48 +0000 Janet 2401394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion. I actually find the comments here even more thought-provoking than the original piece. </p> <p>I am not a minimalist in any aspect of my life. I never have been and never will be — I’m ok with that! But overconsumption and hoarding stress me out. I find that I gravitate to a natural spending ebb after a period of more indulgence, much the same way as I crave salad after a day or a few of too much indulgent eating. January is a good time to pull back, in my experience. </p> <p>I do have a tendency to practice retail therapy, and would prefer to channel those habits into more productive, creative endeavors. I feel like I vow these things every year and fall short of my goals every time, but one of my lessons from this year was to practice acceptance, forgiveness, and kindness to myself. </p> <p>I bristle just a little bit at the notion of this “underconsumption” as “chic.” Maybe because that plays just a bit too into the notion of trend and that this “restraint” is the current way to appear elegant and effortless (tailgating on the “quiet luxury” trend?) — much to your initial impression about it seeming a bit pretentious, Lisa, and to Jaime’s points as well. </p> <p>That said, I do find a lot of value in this core message. Being more mindful in purchases (and editing!), and practicing more gratitude and acceptance for what we already have. Less waste and more creativity. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing this, Lisa! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401393 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 14:11:55 +0000 tam 2401393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing! I will be sharing with my 26 yo DD as this will be helpful.&nbsp; She (and many of her friends) purchase mindlessly.&nbsp; Always chasing the next "it" item from social media.&nbsp; I am not much of a shopper (I joined YLF to figure out my style and yet at 61 yo I still have not found ha) so it is hard for me to understand the mindset of constant spend.&nbsp; Last night we talked about a no spend January and she liked the idea.&nbsp; Thank you Lisa! Wonderful article to discuss and share.&nbsp; May your New Year bring many blessings.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401386 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:58:40 +0000 Jaime 2401386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I finally had the chance to read the entire essay. I understand why you were inspired by it Lisa, but I am going to go off on a bit of a tangent. I got very strong Madame Chic throwback vibes to the era (circa 2012?) where minimalism was in vogue (even pre-Marie Kondo) and there was a lot of pushback on the forum (at least by me) against the idea of striving for (very expensive) perfection in all things. So this is not meant as a criticism of the author - she is 30 apparently so a child at the time - but just to say this too is sort of part of a trend cycle. <div><br /><div>Regarding her message, yes discernment is important and as we have more and more access to more and more stuff and more and more content, it is sort of unavoidable to need to make choices. And recognizing our taste (spoiler alert- my word of the year) is what I think does that. But I would want to distinguish taste as in one's own particular sense of what is good, pleasing or worthwhile from the idea of good taste, which I find somewhat offensive. Good taste is basically a social construct used to signify status. Individual taste is what you pick and choose out of the abundance available to the lucky among us. So yay to uniqueness, nay to needing to be a Francophile, minimalist, quiet luxury fanatic, etc. to demonstrate taste. /off my soapbox</div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401380 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 23:03:50 +0000 Helen247 2401380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LJP , I will join you in January to pause my shopping for one month.<br /> It's a long article and we all take what we like out of it and accept that others might take something else.<br /> As Angie, I like to use every bit of the food and we got good with creating great meals with what is in the fridge and pantry, no waste there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401378 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 22:33:53 +0000 slim cat 2401378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Didn't feel influenced by the article since I have enough discipline to stop myself from impulse buying and limited social life that really doesn't require special outfits ( I usually mix my work clothes since they are the dressier part of my wardrobe ). <br />I feel like I already have very &nbsp;limited colors/styles that I comfortable wearing on repeat. I do buy a few new things for travel - however it happens infrequently and usually on a limited budget ( I can donate some of them after 2-3 years ).<br />If I get the chance to visit my mom in Moscow - I'd need new things to buy and all that "want it"/"need it" drama will be mine - lol. My mom usually ask me why I'm in the same clothes in different pictures and why I'm wearing "old" jeans ( styles with some worn look - &nbsp;). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401344 Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:33:34 +0000 Lisa 2401344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting article, thanks for sharing.</p> <p>I enjoy no buy months, they help me save money for the going to spend months! January is a great time to not shop, usually the cruise/resort collections are arriving in stores at this time, and that's not an area I typically shop for, so it makes not shopping easier to do. I wish you luck with your no shop month. I'll probably be joining you.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401333 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:11:13 +0000 Dee 2401333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops, I didn't mean to seem too critical about it all LJP, and you're right, that particular imagery does evoke a sense of calm and elegance which I aspire to as well. However, as SUZ mentioned, I just feel we needn't be too harsh on ourselves if we can't always acheive this particular ideal even when it's a noble style goal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401325 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:53:59 +0000 Suz 2401325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, so for you the image suggests careful personal choices, maybe? But also the calm that comes with that. With the knowledge that one has chosen deliberately for oneself, not on impulse and not because "everybody else" is buying or wearing this.&nbsp;</p> <p>That sounds like a worthy goal to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>Still...almost all of us make shopping mistakes and feel regrets or remorse at times. So I guess it comes down to what you said in your original post...all we can do is keep trying. Again, a worthy goal.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another goal might be to try our best to forgive ourselves for "mistakes." Some are not even of our own making, after all. Fit issues that develop or become apparent only after wearing an item. (Ugh). Quality issues, ditto. Even attempts to stretch or evolve our style (an item in a new cut, or a new colour for us...that ends up not pleasing us as much as we had hoped). It's not a sin to try, to experiment, it seems to me. But sometimes we chastise ourselves as if it were.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401324 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:53:57 +0000 LJP 2401324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn’t take the photos in that post literally , and I don’t think it was intended that way either . It’s a feeling or vibe or whatever word you want here . I’m not suggesting that 4 items means anything - and is not a goal . It’s metaphorical , people ! . Imagery evvokes deeper meaning - to me , anyways - and the image speaks to quiet and elegance . </p> <p>Not everyone relates to the idea , and that’s fine I am not indecisive , and am not worried about making the best choices - at least any more than I am now . I imagine one gets better with time and practice , and I’m pretty good now ( it’s really impulse and outside influence that’s my problem ) . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401322 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:46:11 +0000 Angie 2401322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>LJP,</b> DD is all grown up! Having an extra room and bathroom is going to be awesome! A great start to 2026, and a fun new chapter for all of you </p> <p>I'm with <b>Jaime</b>! This is the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you have, appreciate your gorgeous items, and do some editing and organizing. My toes are ticked!!</p> <p>I have no buy months! I recommend them. Usually August and December (or January and February) - for me. I bought two items this December however, because we were in Los Angeles and there were some KILLER items for 60% off! Typical for me: a classic top and dramatic bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>I cannot stand food waste. I am passionate about it. It's the WORST waste on the planet in my mind. So I'm LOVING your "eat and work with what you have before you buy more" mantra! Something I take very seriously.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm nodding along with much of what&nbsp;<b>Irina, Suz</b> and <b>Dee</b> said too. High five!&nbsp;</p> <p>Like them, I believe in balance, and also believe I've achieved the right balance for me - after much trial and error! Some consumption makes my life soooo much better! I personally don't aspire to buying 4 items a year. Overconsumption adds nothing to my well being and happiness. In fact, it stresses me out because it's chaotic, cluttered and untidy. Which brings us back to finding the right balance-for-you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nice quote from <b>Lise</b>!&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401321 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:24:28 +0000 judy 2401321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed her reframe to elegant with regard to undersumption.&nbsp; I've had unplanned no buy months and found them satisfying.&nbsp; While I tend to fall in the underconsuming camp now, I know up close and personal some champion overconsumers and come close myself in times past.&nbsp; Where is the off switch that says "Ive had enough"?&nbsp; &nbsp;Neurodivergence can play a huge part in our emotional disregulation, impulse control issues, and dopamine seeking behaviors associated with overshopping or spending.&nbsp; The operative word I suppose being "over", and finding a balance of novelty and stability through being aware of what we are doing and what is driving us.&nbsp; Sounds like you have found your off switch!</p> <p> <div></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401314 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 13:23:37 +0000 Dee 2401314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm...what do I want to say about all of this? I think the imagery of 4 perfect clothing items on a rack in a Paris apartment is supposed to represent the ideal of quality over quantity, I just don't find it realistic. It's exactly like all those perfect minimalist closets you'll sometimes see online, a few pieces, mostly black and white all perfectly hung. Is it something to aspire to? Sure, if that's what you're really after but don't be too disappointed if you can't achieve it, because if you love fashion, its a bit of a fantasy.</p> <p>Do I want to avoid overconsumption? You bet, and I agree with SUZ, its a careful balancing act trying to define what will makes us content and satisfied with our own personal style without going overboard with consumption. </p> <p>"No buys" don't personally work that well for me, as I found out earlier this year. I finally decided that I desperately needed to set up stricter style guidelines and boundaries on what I can and can't buy. So far, this has been the best method to help me avoid buying in excess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401308 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 07:23:59 +0000 Star (Lise) 2401308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>'It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got'. These Sheryl Crow lyrics made an impression on me a long time ago.<br /> Thanks for sharing LJP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401293 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:47:51 +0000 Suz 2401293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I think it's wonderful you are about to have your own closet and bathroom! This is the first time Mr. Suz and I have really had that and it is a true luxury!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have lots of no-buy months every year. Not intentionally, necessarily. It just happens. January and February will likely both be no-buy for me.</p> <p>While I think the Substack writer's concerns about overconsumption are legitimate, I'll never be that person with four perfect items on a rack...I like having options. </p> <p>Having said that, I also like knowing my essentials, knowing what's signature to my style and I am willing to spend more on those items, or at any rate I'm more inclined to seek out higher quality for those and I'm less likely to settle.&nbsp;</p> <p>I guess each of us has to find a balance that works for us personally -- too much "refinement" and all fun and experimentation goes out the window. Too much "fun" and the closet becomes a place of chaos. But it's so personal. My "lack of fun" might be your place of calm refinement and my chaos might be someone else's joyful abundance.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401289 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:27:23 +0000 Sal 2401289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing Lisa.&nbsp; I can relate to your feeling and January is an excellent time to reset and refine.&nbsp; And how exciting for your daughter!!</p> <p>In 2025 I didn't have a no shop month - I paced my shopping quite evenly through the year.&nbsp; But I usually do and would like to get back to two shopping pauses during the year.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401285 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:20:00 +0000 Cookie 2401285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, I have been saying that about myself for years but never heard anyone else articulate it—trying to have a few perfect items raises the stakes of every buying decision so high I can’t handle it. Like you, I am a generally indecisive person. (A college professor who was quite a bit older once said to me in exasperation, “How are you ever going to decide who to marry?!” Lolol) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401280 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 01:11:38 +0000 Jaime 2401280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will read the substack a bit later. I think gaining a new closet is the perfect opportunity to refine and reconsider. You can decide to only move into the new closet what really works for you or represents you or whichever criteria you choose. I think it is very natural to want to find equilibrium after a month of consumption in every sense. Life is a process. It doesn't matter if you have thought or said similar things before, every iteration is a bit different and so are the results. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401271 Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:19:19 +0000 Irina 2401271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m off to read the article but want to say that having my own bathroom was life changing for me! We also got one each after our son moved out. And separate closets!</p> <p>Ok, done. Some of my thoughts - underconsumption scares me a little. I feel it puts too much pressure on my decision making. I’m indecisive person as it is. My latest rule is more gentle - if I consider buying something I must love and feel awesome wearing it. Not an easy goal to achieve! But I’m planning to considerably reduce my spending in 2026 and will join you in no-buy January &nbsp;</p> <p>The main reason why I decided on Refined as my word for 2026 is that I must get serious with editing my closet. I struggle to let go of pieces that I like but don’t love. I need to address it. Also, a decades long habit of wearing “good” clothes to work and “ok” clothes everyday, leaves me with great but unworn wardrobe. I thought of it last year, too and improved a little. My goal should be wearing out lovely pieces that I have. “Live your best life” is my motto these days :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/underconsumption-and-elegance#post-2401269 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 23:12:36 +0000 LJP 2401269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/gabrielledubois/p/underconsumption-is-chic?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&amp;utm_medium=web">https://open.substack.com/pub/.....-expanded-</a></p> <p>I read this post on Substack a few days ago and it's stayed in my head : unusual in this era of quick sound bites and short-form reading which no one remembers hours later . &nbsp; Linking the word "elegance" to underconsumption sounds a little pretentious to me, but I think I understand where the writer is coming from . &nbsp;The image of the black iron clothing rack &nbsp;( in some imaginary Parisian apartment ) with 4 or &nbsp;beautiful pieces pulled it together for me.</p> <p>When <b>Irina</b> proposed the word <b>" refined" </b>for herself in 2026, I thought of how I could turn that around to relate to what I read . &nbsp;Refine in the sense of trimming and smoothing out and eliminating the noise/extra. &nbsp;I don't like too much visual stimulation and a full closet and dresser drawers sit in that category. &nbsp;I probably write something like this every year : I have too much, I want to open up space, blah blah blah. &nbsp;I think I mean it, but don't carry it forward very well. &nbsp;I guess all one can do is keep trying . &nbsp;When the writer mentioned shopping and consumption and the dopamine hit as too habit-forming , I nodded. &nbsp;I also nodded at how one can end up with clothing they like but don't love or ........appreciate. &nbsp;Big thoughts here.</p> <p>For <b>January, I am doing a no-shop month. &nbsp;Not a single thing for myself , including personal care stuff. &nbsp;I have enough. &nbsp;</b>I&nbsp;&nbsp;even warned my husband that I am sick of food (lol) (this past month as been constant with treats at work, home baking, gifts of chocolates and candy from clients at work , constant cooking and cleaning &nbsp;and I am DONE ) and having a stuffed pantry and that we are buying NOTHING other than the basics until we use up what we have . I got the side eye for that comment .</p> <p>My daughter is moving out in a few days into her first apartment, and we are super eager to expand into the bedroom and bathroom she is vacating . &nbsp;My husband has declared her bathroom his, which makes me extremely happy. He can clean it, too. &nbsp;Anyways, I'm hoping that being able to spread out and breathe a bit will allow me to appreciate what I have in a new way - having a closet to myself will be great, finally. &nbsp;</p> <p>II hope this doesn't sound melodramatic, or too navel-gazing......and thanks for reading if you've done so.</p> <p>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone ! &nbsp;Here's to refinement, elegance, and appreciation . &nbsp;As I read somewhere yesterday, "you don't have to try every cookie". &nbsp;</p> </p>