https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:38:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit/page/2#post-2192127 Mon, 03 May 2021 21:43:47 +0000 rachylou 2192127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Weird duplicate post deleted!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit/page/2#post-2192104 Mon, 03 May 2021 19:48:53 +0000 rachylou 2192104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question... I feel like it’s a yes, that an an edit has inspired a change... although I hang onto a lot. Maybe not immediately tho. I got rid of a lot of jeans because I hate real denim. I didn’t replace them right away, but I’ve been slowly adding a pair here and there... my jeans capsule is no longer flared trouser style and has become fake-denim high waist skinnies... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit/page/2#post-2192025 Mon, 03 May 2021 15:34:48 +0000 Suz 2192025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It seems to work synergistically for me. I edit regularly (and at least twice a year I do a big edit)&nbsp; and have noticed it can go either way. For instance, when silhouettes (or my preferences for silhouettes) are changing, I might edit a worn piece and then find myself shifting style direction.&nbsp; E.g. I weed out a worn out tube skirt (narrow bottom) and find myself not needing longer tanks anymore because I'm wearing full skirts with tucked tops. OTOH, it could work the other way, e.g. I buy a pair of wide leg pants and then begin using my "tuckable" tops more often and end up editing the ones that don't fit this role.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191820 Sun, 02 May 2021 17:20:05 +0000 Jenn 2191820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting, Carla! I'm thinking that, with a small wardrobe, you sometimes&nbsp;<i>have to&nbsp;</i>add new things before getting rid of old ones...otherwise you'd have nothing to wear! It feels quite organic to add new items at the start of a season that reflect what you want right now and then edit out once you've seen the cascading changes those new pieces cause. And because you don't have a huge amount of clothing, chances are that anything you've been wearing for a few seasons has gotten a good amount of use.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191814 Sun, 02 May 2021 17:05:09 +0000 Carla 2191814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Angie - I&nbsp;<i>do&nbsp;</i>like doing a scheduled annual review in the fall, but in keeping with my word of the year ‘heart’ I’m trying to be more in tune with my&nbsp;<i>feelings&nbsp;</i>and&nbsp;<i>emotions -&nbsp;</i>thus a spontaneous edit.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191805 Sun, 02 May 2021 15:19:56 +0000 Angie 2191805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done, <b>Carla</b>! It's good to identify a style shift and pander to it in your own time, and in a way that you can manage. I don't like faded clothing either. Jeans are okay though!&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with <b>Brooklyn</b> - it happens <i>the other way round for me.</i> Style shift first, and an edit that matches changing needs and an evolved style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191795 Sun, 02 May 2021 14:51:45 +0000 LaPed 2191795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting process! I've definitely had something similar happen, where I edit a piece out and it creates a gap, but I don't want to fill that gap with something identical. On the flip side, sometimes I'll add a new piece and it will take over the duties of an older piece in a way I hadn't expected.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most, perhaps two-thirds, of my editing is due to wear and tear, and the rest usually has to do with realizing fit/features are not quite what I want. It's pretty rare for me to replace items with exactly the same thing when they wear out (and when I try to it's often a failure), so I do think editing generally paves the way for style evolution. </p> <p>The most salient example I can think of is blue denim: I've retired several pairs over the past year or two, and haven't added any new. For whatever reason, blue denim is playing a much smaller role for me that it used to, and has largely been replaced by olive and rust non-denim pants, or black denim. (I actually like faded blacks the best, but I find that the fading only looks good on old-fashioned denim with minimal/no added stretch.)</p> <p>Black and brightly-coloured footwear may be undergoing a similar reckoning, but it's too soon to tell.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191790 Sun, 02 May 2021 14:17:05 +0000 cat2 2191790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla: I had the same what was I thinking experience pulling out my summer clothes; I think I was worried about our supply chain and kept more pieces at end of life than I usually would. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191789 Sun, 02 May 2021 14:11:12 +0000 cat2 2191789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vildy, good point; I donated worn coats last year, and realized that my favorites are the light quilted coats and the trenches with set in waists. When I restocked I bought two quilted coats and a trench with the shape I like, rather than trying to figure out what is currently trending. I also bought from a non-glamorous mix of brands that had the styles I wanted. Moving forward, I think I will have spent less and ended more aligned with my preferences — but time will tell. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191786 Sun, 02 May 2021 13:43:07 +0000 Carla 2191786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Vildy - excellent description of the thought process and conclusion! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>@ suntiger - I’m getting a cleaner, more classic vibe from what’s left in my closet too.</p> <p>@ Brooklyn - as a fan of natural fibres, the fading issue is tough one. &nbsp;Going white is one solution, but staining/yellowing can be an issue, and the laundering to keep them pristine can be hard on natural fibres. &nbsp;:-(<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191781 Sun, 02 May 2021 12:43:11 +0000 Staysfit 2191781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After reading. Brooklyn’s response, I am back to revise my thinking. My style shifted in a certain way first, then I edited my wardrobe based on the shift, but that left me with something different than what I expected (less color). I now have a choice to to either adopt a primarily neutral style aesthetic or to further revise my wardrobe to add back color.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191779 Sun, 02 May 2021 12:40:51 +0000 Vildy 2191779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow great question!&nbsp; At first I thought that of course a style shift causes major closet editing and how could it be the reverse.&nbsp; And then I realized that I evaluated several cloth trenches yesterday and this is exactly what happened.&nbsp; One was a streamlined but slightly stretchy more masculine one that is a workhorse and even gets worn in summer.&nbsp; One was a breen gabardine style maxi trench with a warm heavy removeable liner.&nbsp; This was obviously too much coat, even though labeled petite and even though I could of course shorten it.&nbsp; Too much fabric in the body. And one was a pale taupe faux suede that is practically slinky.&nbsp; I thrifted it and it has a hidden zipper for a removeable liner that it didn't come with. Well, I wouldn't wear this for warmth anyway but more for effect.&nbsp; I considered for a minute whether the liner from the now purged coat would fit and then quickly realized that it would ruin the shapeliness of this coat.&nbsp;<br />And next I realized that every cloth coat I have ever had that came with a heavy liner has been purged because they all make me feel and look too boxy, too much like a poorly tied parcel.&nbsp; And removing the liner doesn't help because it would be constructed to allow for all that extra heaviness.&nbsp; So, yeah, no more "versatile" trenches. It really appealed to my practical side but was then always overruled by my aesthetic side. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191776 Sun, 02 May 2021 12:25:31 +0000 Brooklyn 2191776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for me the style shift comes first, then the edit. Sometimes a lifestyle shift prompts an edit. Or a style revelation. I do try in the editing process to salvage or repurpose what I can. I quite enjoy the creative aspect of that, almost as much as outfit creation. And it certainly takes the focus off buying.</p> <p>I really admire how you have got things together wardrobe wise! I hope to achieve that eventually. I’m on my way with summer casual wear. Winter casual wear is still a work in progress. Jeans are always a problem. Sigh.</p> <p>And I’m with you on faded tees and faded black jeans. (For some reason faded blue jeans are ok!) But I’m really committed to organic fibres for comfort reasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191772 Sun, 02 May 2021 10:58:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2191772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ST and SF, I’m looking forward to your posts about those shifts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191771 Sun, 02 May 2021 10:54:37 +0000 Anonymous 2191771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha about the warning Hi paw to the other "vulnerable individuals"! </p> <p>I need to accept a new norm of casualization too- for weekends at least. I used to go to nice restaurants with family on Saturdays I didn't work, and enjoyed dressing up.</p> <p>But now my MIL is late and mom can't drive, so we visit my FIL and mom on seperate weeks. While there we help them with chores and go to the dog park. But they live in more urban areas than DH and I do, so I don't want to dress down too much :/</p> <p>I'm happy with my summer wardrobe (aside from casual), as always. But winter is a real struggle, and I'm so sick of all my loosy goosy stuff. I really want to go classic, simple and trendproof. It may be pemanent, because I really feel I personally shifted a lot in the last year. Since I should be back to pre-labrat size soon, I'm waiting to shop and edit til about October. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191769 Sun, 02 May 2021 10:27:13 +0000 Staysfit 2191769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I have edited my closet, the pattern and much of the color has decreased. &nbsp;I like color, but the colorful items I owned were not in keeping with my current sense of personal style. &nbsp;I am left with a lot of neutral....grey and indigo, but not much else. &nbsp;That has meant an unintended style shift. &nbsp;Over time, I expect to add back colorful pieces that work with my aesthetic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191708 Sun, 02 May 2021 01:37:12 +0000 Jaime 2191708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the trigger warning! Doesn't take much to trigger me to reassess!<br />I would say it works every which way for me. Sometimes a particular piece on earthed during a closet edit causes a reassessment. Other time the reassessment gets the ball rolling. I am in a state of flux as my hair grows out because I find I prefer more soft clothes with such a hard haircut. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191586 Sat, 01 May 2021 15:36:08 +0000 Carla 2191586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ nemosmom - here you go!&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=9946">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=9946</a> </p> <p>Better basics sounds like a good plan, and something I think I’m coming to understand. &nbsp;Pattern is good for summer, because the usual fall back of creating interest via layering is absent. &nbsp;When it’s too hot for a lot of clothes, the few we do wear have to carry more style weight, IYKWIM.</p> <p>@ cat2 - I agree with you about the quality of light in spring! &nbsp;When I take out summer items that made it through the October review, I sometimes wonder ‘what was I thinking?’</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191583 Sat, 01 May 2021 15:26:19 +0000 cat2 2191583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am still going through my closet, taking one category at a time so it’s not overwhelming. In general I found that the clear Spring light shows we have worn out more things than I expected, maybe because wear was concentrated on our gear and our casual washable things? I keep lists of retailers I like and retailers I don’t, and will add those whose pieces did not stand up to normal use to the No Buy list. But that doesn’t change my style, just where I shop. Like I won’t buy knits from any of the Nordstrom house brands because the quality is terrible. Maybe crowd source more reliable brands? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191582 Sat, 01 May 2021 15:16:22 +0000 nemosmom 2191582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I am always so impressed how well you know your life and style that even a pandemic can't derail your sense of fashion! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I did a major purge in January/February and did a deep analytical look at what was going out and why.&nbsp; Tracking wears and edits for the past couple of years (604 days!) and keeping an active pinterest board has been really helpful in identifying what direction I might be going, when I find myself craving something way off-the-mark or different. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Usually, it's been lifestyle that dictates my direction. But, given that my lifestyle has contained very little of either <b>life</b> or <b>style</b> for the past year+, my edit has been my starting point.&nbsp; I have been holding out for higher quality essentials - I edited out a<br /> LOT of essential tees and knits due to subpar quality or fit issues, and<br /> I have tried really hard to be extra mindful when shopping for<br /> replacements. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of things <b>unfrumped</b> said, really strike true for me as well.&nbsp; <i>"It’s clear to me that I’ve tended to buy things I seem to like having but not wearing."</i>&nbsp; I am always so afraid of ruining my things that I save them for good.&nbsp; But, by the time I find the courage to "sacrifice" them, they don't fit, or have become orphaned...&nbsp; I really, REALLY need to get better about this.&nbsp; And, <i>"I’m finally getting more realistic about how very casual is my<br /> environmental norm, but that I can wear my best version of that, that<br /> fits my style."&nbsp; </i>I find it SO SO hard to balance practical with what I like or what FEELS right. How to be a MOTG without so much gear...&nbsp; &nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am craving color (other than green!!), and I find myself drawn to pattern for summer.&nbsp; Maybe because most of what I wear is essentials or maybe despite editing out a lot of muted earthtones, I find my closet is still full of that. *shrug*&nbsp; I have thrifted some experimental statement pieces... let's see if I find the courage to wear them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see your summer capsule!!!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191576 Sat, 01 May 2021 14:55:04 +0000 kkards 2191576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was going to say that for me, a style shift comes 1st, then the editing. But was i was typing that i realized that’s true most of the time, but some times, and edit follows a style epiphany, ie a couple of years ago i realized i was putting on and taking off my black jeans, and i realized (like you).I don’t like when they fade, so edited them out, same with higher neck crew tee’s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191521 Sat, 01 May 2021 13:07:04 +0000 Bijou 2191521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carla, for me normally I have a lifestyle shift that results in a style shift. The changes I have experienced have been:<br /> 1. A change in job, every job change has resulted in a shift in my style. Some due to different roles, office norms and also moving to a different city and climate. I naturally have a dressy style but one job I had the boss would berate me for being too dressed up. I had to wear the most neutral and plain clothing, and felt like my spirit was being crushed. I discovered YLF and decided I had to get out of there. My next job, they loved that I dressed up and thought I was a good role model to our junior staff.<br /> 2. A change in my family, having a baby caused a huge style shift for me. From glamorous casuals with heels, earrings and a small handbag because on weekends DH and I were going out for 11am brunch, to wash and wear clothes, a huge nappy bag and flat shoes to catch an escaping toddler and two crazy terriers at the local playground.<br /> 3. An injury, I only bought Dr Marten boots (in Finds) because I had nerve damage in my ankle and needed the very strong support. It was Docs or an ankle brace. Rediscovering Docs meant that I changed up my support act.<br /> 4. New interest and travels will give me an appreciation for different garments and styles. I like wearing items with some sort of martial arts reference, that only came about because I do karate, my Kill Bill jacket in finds.</p> <p>Carla, your masks are absolutely beautiful. How fabulous that you can recycle old shirts. My clothes that are in good condition go to local charities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191517 Sat, 01 May 2021 12:56:32 +0000 unfrumped 2191517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent and fun review!<br /> Maybe not a style shift but my focus is getting better and better as I continue mental transition from career mode to retirement, and as pandemic eases. </p> <p>It’s clear to me that I’ve tended to buy things I seem to like having but not wearing. So am trying to get better at recognizing that.<br /> I’ve loved cashmere and merino sweaters for work , but they require special care, storage and not just a bit of worry ( moths), yet I run too cold in winter for cotton and don’t like too many constricting layer, so am looking for the balance of form and function in “my” wearable synthetics like fleece and thick Heatech.<br /> I’ve had more epiphanies about just how casual my new phase of life is, and is likely to be even with more re- openings and social events. And also, that many previous or hoped- for activities are still a ways away, hence should not waste resources fretting about “ what if”-to wear or buy in advance.<br /> But re: casual attire, I’m finally getting more realistic about how very casual is my environmental norm, but that I can wear my best version of that, that fits my style— which is also different from my environmental norm! I mostly have these items right now but learn more about what combinations I like best by doing home tryon’s and then wearing them somewhere ( grocery, etc) to test out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191516 Sat, 01 May 2021 12:55:23 +0000 notsaf 2191516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work Carla! I have the same problem with cotton fading, which is one of the reasons I tend to favor cotton blends for everyday wear. T shirt are cheap to replace but sweaters and jeans are much more spendy. Good luck with this part of your reflection! I'm over due for a pants review myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191515 Sat, 01 May 2021 12:48:01 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2191515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minaminu, silk tops with the dark bottoms sounds great. The good thing about intentionally changing our bodies after 40 is that it is unlikely we are doing it for an event or season, and want to get it done before that time time passes. We are doing it for the rest of our lives, and we will always have that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191509 Sat, 01 May 2021 12:15:25 +0000 Minaminu 2191509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In terms of style, last year it has been a challenge as 2020 has been an exceptional year due to the pandemic and other personal challenges. This year is no different as I am still waiting form my vaccination so I am very cautious when going out, but&nbsp; I also started working from home and my exercise routine is not bringing the weight loss as fast as I hoped. I understand it takes longer to loose weight after 40's, eventually I'll get there.</p> <p>In the meantime, I am still clearing out the pieces that no longer "feel me" and keeping on hold some pieces that I love but are a bit too tight. The challenge is what to add now and in between sizes - I am happy in my uniform of black jeans and breton or&nbsp; silk tops but I would like to branch out a bit.&nbsp;</p> <p>Style is&nbsp; a journey, after all!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191508 Sat, 01 May 2021 12:14:28 +0000 Carla 2191508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ JenniNZ - yes, the rag trade is another name for rag recycling. I send certain things (like the t-shirts) to my sister who weaves rag rugs. &nbsp;It takes 100 t-shirts to make one rug. &nbsp;She uses old sheets, socks, even old underpants (all washed, etc.) in her projects &nbsp; FWIW, after experimenting with different (new) fabrics as mask lining, I settled on 100% cotton from men’s dress shirts acquired at thrift. Very soft against the face. &nbsp;I wash them in hot water, cut them up, and give them a press. &nbsp;I can get linings for 10-12 masks from one shirt, and have taken around 45 shirts out of circulation so far - 4-5 every month. &nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191505 Sat, 01 May 2021 11:04:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2191505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahaha at the PSA! </p> <p>You all don’t know me as a wearer of midi skirts, but I had some wool and cord ones in the storage locker that I was really looking forward to wearing. When we first moved, I couldn’t imagine wearing them, but I knew I’d liked them before. After a couple winters here and looking at how trends have shifted, they sounded just right. Having them taken from my storage locker is an ambush edit. I have been trying to decide what to do: restock midi length winter skirts, or wait to see what happens this fall? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191484 Sat, 01 May 2021 05:36:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2191484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW is what you called “rag trade” the same as our rag recycling do you think? I think ours get cut up to be some sort of filler, but I’m not sure? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-i-did-in-april---an-impromptu-edit#post-2191483 Sat, 01 May 2021 05:31:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 2191483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t really think an edit has sparked a shift in my style as such Carla. I think it’s more ( in past few years on YLF) that a bit of editing- and this is preferably when things are worn out or else worn at least 30 times- creates some psychological “space” for me, as well as physical space, to consider some new styles or colours. I am really happy that more of what I am editing out lately is either worn out enough for the rag recycling or even has broken. One of my cheap Bali sandals broke after 30 wears, literally split in half on the sole. I wasn’t too upset. Those were made in their country, seemed a fair price, and lasted OK for the quality I thought, and I enjoyed them for those 2 years and 30 wears. I cut off the beaded portion and have kept it for possible craft projects later by family members.<br /> I am getting to a larger number of things that have been worn a lot that I am gradually tiring of. Some are excellent quality so are still good, and I think I will feel OK about donating them to the better thrift store ( the hospice one, locally) where hopefully someone will like them at a good price. At least I am not donating fast fashion that will end up in landfill ( I hope, though cannot guarantee). </p>