https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:01:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read/page/2#post-1866509 Sat, 09 Dec 2017 00:01:34 +0000 cindysmith 1866509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, I think you get it too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read/page/2#post-1866507 Fri, 08 Dec 2017 23:49:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 1866507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindy I've not been on the forum much for 2-3 days due to busyness and choosing to read a novel before sleep instead of the forum. I'd just like to say thanks for your honesty and you are not the only one that became addicted to shopping to fill an empty hole. In my case I lost my religion which had been a major part of my life for 47 years. I don't want it back: it has been 9 years since. But I used to joke I had replaced God with shoes and there is some truth to that joke. So thank you again, I think I get it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read/page/2#post-1866084 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:31:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1866084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you talk about your RV as much as I talk about the climate here being too warm for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read/page/2#post-1866079 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:18:57 +0000 LaPed 1866079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Geez, even your reject shoes seem to have a very cohesive style. That is impressive. Even if you're shopping more than you'd like to, it appears that you're doing it with a lot of self-knowledge. Nothing to add, but I chew through shoes too, and have a hard time determining when beat-up is too beat-up, so I can commiserate. RATE is a slippery slope! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read/page/2#post-1866049 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 15:28:11 +0000 cindysmith 1866049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, we've been in this rv since the end of June, 2010. It was supposed to be temporary, while we looked for land to build a house. Then DH Sunshine &amp;I realized that we didnt need a ton of space &amp; if we stay in the RV we can "work less &amp; hunt more" (his words LOL). However, his oldest &amp; dearest friend got it in his head we should start an intentional community, so here we are building a house. We're building small, and mostly paying cash for it all (a few things have gone on credit cards). I figured everybody could tell by the kitchen&amp;living room in the background of pics taken in the full length mirror, but I guess since this is a fashion &amp; style forum, nobody was noticing the background </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1866043 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 15:18:23 +0000 Angie 1866043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cindy</b>, you crack me up. And are a good story teller.&nbsp;Are you in an RV for a while? How did I miss that?</p> <p>I echo what Suz, Janet, Chris and Aida suggest. Such wise, wise ladies.</p> <p>And congrats. Thanks for enriching YLF in your special way. (((HUGS))).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865984 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 04:14:02 +0000 anne 1865984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindy, I've been reading this thread with sympathy and interest, but not much to input, as I struggle with underbuying rather than over! But what a wonderful forum we have with so much wise advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865955 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 02:33:02 +0000 cindysmith 1865955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashiontern, grey is so easy to mix into an existing wardrobe (and can hide a multitude of stain-sins LOL) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865954 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 02:29:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1865954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your palette is expanding right into my territory In a couple weeks I’m going to try a new capsule with lots of greys. Will people get us mixed up? Lololol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865947 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 01:58:25 +0000 cindysmith 1865947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3style, I took your comments as coming from a place of kindness. Even if I hadn't sensed they were kind, 12 step recovery has taught me that sometimes the truth is ugly and when somebody tells me the truth about myself that I should love them for having the courage to do so ;-)</p> <p>And yes, I do tend to keep a very tightly controlled color palette. I've recently started adding some pinks, burgundy/berry colors, and olive into the mix; but the pinks I've been going for have all been blush or dirty rather than soft or baby. Olive is basically a neutral, so it mixes with all my greys and blacks and navy blue, as does the burgundy.</p> <p>There was a time, however, (right after I got clean), when the hodgepodge was truly insane. My tightly controlled color palette is probably the response to all that wardrobe chaos LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865945 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 01:35:02 +0000 3style 1865945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindy,<br /> When I was reading your post on my phone, I initially pictured you having a hodgepodge of different colors and styles of shoes. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that you are shopping with a very specific style and color palette, and a very versatile one at that. This tells me that you have the foundations of great personal style. But there is maybe a little bit of redundancy in your purchases, which suggests maybe you're reaching for a repetition of something in your comfort zone. It also makes me wonder if you are missing actual physical comfort in your sandals. My podiatrist has a short list of brands she recommends. Some of them like Wolky stand up well to very rugged conditions. On the other hand, if you find that your shoes are working well, then you need to find some other comforting activities which don't take up physical space. It's very normal to seek comfort and I think that everyone struggles with balancing comfort with other priorities. I'm intending this as warm and positive, in case that isn't coming across clearly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865929 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:20:39 +0000 cindysmith 1865929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>fashiontern, the sperry ones are the black ones. #3 is the splendid sneakers, and I was thinking they looked beat. They might make it through spring and maybe summer (if I'm lucky, because they're comfy) for work (that grey and dingy white strip pattern hides a multitude of sins), but probably not for anything else </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865928 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 23:56:53 +0000 Sal 1865928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Aida said....</p> <p>Make the easy decisions and leave the rest.&nbsp; I had a black work pencil skirt that was worn and really not the right shape for me.&nbsp; Could I get rid of it - no - I sat one it and wore it once or twice a year until finally the zipper broke - and I have one or two similar pieces now.&nbsp; One day the time will come that will be easy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865914 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 23:26:26 +0000 Aida 1865914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's a wonderful idea to make the most obvious, simple decisions on these (didn't wear, don't love, too worn) and place the rest aside for a less hectic time. It is HARD to have any sort of shoe wardrobe in an RV especially when you need, you know, all of your other things for general life too! Shoes take space, no way around it. *HUGS*</p> <p>And congrats on reaching Veteran status, woohoo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865863 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 20:45:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1865863@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now I'm on a computer instead of the phone, so I can see better. #1 and #3 look pretty worn. I think 1 is the ones you plan to wear to work. Are 3 the Sperries? My son had light grey Sperries last year. They required a lot of cleaning, particularly the rubber around the sole. A simple scrubbing with a brush did wonders. <br />How often do you wear sparkly silver thongs? One pair would be too much for me, but they are more suited to your style. <br />One other thing about the house: I hope you have a long time to move in, so you can take over just a few boxes at a time, put it away just so, and then get another a couple hours (or days) later. That would be a great way to decide about everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865862 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 20:32:35 +0000 cindysmith 1865862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just love y'all so much! Thank you foe the kind words, the support, and the advice. I'm a sponge, absorbing it all &lt;3 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865856 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 20:19:15 +0000 Chris987 1865856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on becoming a veteran! I know if sure felt good to me when I became one. You are so brave to share your story. I find it very inspirational. I love toban's suggestion of putting things in a temporary&nbsp;box to get them out of the way for a while.&nbsp;</p> <p>Living in a tiny space is tough enough for most of us, and building a house &nbsp;involves endless decisions as I'm sure you know. We all have a limit of how many "daily decisions" we can handle before we get to the point of not being able to handle any more. &nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not very good&nbsp;at getting rid of shoes either, even ones I don't wear much. What I'd suggest is take each pair, maybe try them on, and honestly ask yourself how you feel about them. If it's anything less than "good"....ask yourself how LONG you have felt this way. If you've have felt meh about a pair of shoes for 2 years for example, time to let them go. I used this method to get rid of some sandals last summer that I hardly wore and felt boring in when I did wear them. Not sure why it was so difficult but it was.&nbsp;</p> <p>Working with your AA sponsor on wardrobe stuff is a great idea too. Maybe they can help you learn to differentiate&nbsp;between shopping as a substitute for (or a type of) addiction &nbsp;vs normal shopping.&nbsp;</p> <p>And...we ALL make shopping mistakes that don't necessarily have deep seated issues behind them. Some of what you have might fit that category. You know, being human and imperfect...:-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865848 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 19:54:26 +0000 Janet 1865848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindy, this is a great post, and I thank you so much for sharing it here. I have some indulgent tendencies around shopping (and hoarding) that I'm not particularly proud of, so I understand where you are coming from.&nbsp;</p> <p>You've received lots of good advice here already, and I can't say I have a lot to add. I agree with the decisions you posted in your response. You have enough to wear that if you "feel no excitement in the prospect of wearing them," I think it's really wise to let them go. A sentiment I need to practice as well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with you 100% for moral support and encouragement!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865809 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:58:27 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1865809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy feet at work is a great idea. </p> <p>Two storage ideas for your new house (so exciting that you’re building): </p> <p>Instead of cubbies, build shoe storage like this picture, to maximize the number of display spots. </p> <p>Designate a clear holding area, like a whole closet, for things you haven’t worn yet, then set up an app to remind you a week or two before the return deadline. If you haven’t worn something by then, the excitement of ordering it will be gone, so returning will be painless. And hey, every once in a while you might shop that area and find a keeper! </p> <p>I used enticing new clothes to motivate me to lose weight. It worked for the first 40 pounds. Then I started shopping online entirely too much, when I was empty in a certain way. The holding area prevents losing money, and that pile of clothes might be a deterrent—I’ve gotten better about the overpurchasing (although I had a binge two days ago). That shopping seems to come from a different part of my brain than the analytical wardrobe building I’m learning about on YLF, and is much less enjoyable, even as I’m clicking away. I don’t understand it. But it’s definitely less destructive than drinking, and the damage is so much easier to repair, so don’t beat yourself up over it, just have a plan to deal with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865784 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 16:01:14 +0000 Sisi 1865784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant&nbsp;idea to turn the silver&nbsp;moccasins into work shoes. I had not thought of that! Very smart plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865778 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:54:44 +0000 Meredith 1865778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think your plan sounds smart, Cindy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865776 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:53:10 +0000 JAileen 1865776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's better to wait on decisions until you're ready. When I've been hasty, I've regretted it. Can you box them up for awhile? That's interesting that shopping may have replaced drinking. </p> <p>This fall I bought some underbed storage bins and put away my summer shoes/sandals. I had never done that before. My smallish closet looks a lot better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865773 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:43:09 +0000 cindysmith 1865773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Based on y'alls input thus far:</p> <p>* I'm definitely going to pass the d'orsay lace up flats on, as I feel no excitement at the prospect of wearing them.<br /> * I'm probably going to turn the metallic loafers into shoes for work; they are fairly beat. While they could possibly be saved by a skilled shoe guy, the light color basically guarantees that this will be a recurring problem. Because I really loved them (so comfy), I can't bring myself to get rid of them. making them into shoes I wear to work is a way to continue enjoying them as long as they hold up; it allows me to continue to appreciate them yet begins the process of letting go of the emotional connection to them.<br /> * The sneakers are workhorses, so perhaps I'll properly clean the black ones and use them less at work since I'll be using the white gold loafers there.<br /> *As for the thong sandals, I guess those will have to wait for warmer weather to actually see which are most comfortable. They don't take up much space at all, so I can put them in storage for now and make a decision on those when life allows for a proper trial run with them.</p> <p>Thank you all for the comments thus far, I've definitely gotten a lot out of each one and am grateful for such compassionate advice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865771 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:31:37 +0000 Suz 1865771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming a veteran and thank you for all you add to our community. Sharing like you've done can feel risky but it helps more people than you know!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think your decision to talk with your AA sponsor about this is a really smart one. Time will help you untangle what is what here and if it turns out that shopping really is in some way a replacement activity for drinking, you can find ways to reduce that over time.&nbsp;</p> <p>I would get rid of the most worn pairs. I'd keep one silvery thong-type sandal only. Otherwise, it would depend on what is a workhorse/ need and what is not.&nbsp;</p> <p>You will get there. Bit by bit! Also, it is a nightmare to live through a building project in a small space. Hang in there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865739 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:29:56 +0000 Rambling Ann 1865739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One pair at a time! They are just shoes, not wreckage of the past.</p> <p>You can just put the entire box in the storage unit today, wait for clarity, and deal with it then, right? The main thing is not to buy any more shoes for the box, only for your feet, while you sort out what the shoes represent. Then they will just be shoes and you can jettison what you don't need with ease.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865738 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:16:08 +0000 Sisi 1865738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Robin F, except that I would toss the silver moccasins. They look&nbsp;too battered to me. But above all I want to tell you that I understand you very&nbsp;well. I feel overwhelmed when I think of all things I should get rid of. Let's take it with philosophy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865735 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:12:02 +0000 cindysmith 1865735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so HARD to decide what button to click to these responses: they're definitely therapeutic, they're certainly wise, and they're also solutions. I knew I could count on you guys! Thank you, and keep them coming please </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865725 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 13:52:14 +0000 RobinF 1865725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, this is a really great place to hang out!&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the first shoes, the pointy loafers. I can see that they are getting a little worn but maybe could be spruced up with some of yesterday's hints? I also like the lace up mules and vote keep those. I think one pair of the sparkly sandals would be enough so would keep your favorites and get rid of one.&nbsp;</p> <p>So hard to get rid of shoes - I feel your pain! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865719 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 13:28:29 +0000 Toban 1865719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cindysmith</b>, thank you for sharing. There isn't a wrong answer on this; it is very personal on the size of your shoe closet. It is okay to put decisions on hold when you are feeling overwhelmed and feel like you can't make these decisions on your own right now. You are in the midst of a housing transition. It's not surprising it is overwhelming, I suspect you are exceeding your 'decision limit' on a day-to-day basis. Perhaps put those you haven't used or aren't necessary for the season in a box in storage, then mentally put this issue in a box until you have the mental space (and a professional and your new home) to deal with it. The (temporary) mental box was something a counsellor advised me when everything was coming at me at once personally and professionally. She wanted me to focus on self-care for a short while, before reopening that box, so that I was in a less overwhelmed state. What I appreciated was knowing that it was okay to put some issues aside for awhile. I have no doubt that we can help you filter through your shoe collection when you're ready. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-audit-long-read#post-1865715 Wed, 06 Dec 2017 13:04:24 +0000 cindysmith 1865715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachel out, I think I'm with you on the d'orsay flats. They seemed like a good idea for summer when I ordered them, but the amount of toe cleavage involved makes me afraid they'd aggravatE my sciatica the same way mules &amp; flip-flops do, and that is enough that I haven't even thought about putting them on.</p> <p>Sterling, I look forward to hearing what you think, because I was serious when I said I can't make these kind of delicious on my own right now. </p>