https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:04:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally/page/2#post-1056513 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 14:28:04 +0000 Carole 1056513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is inspiring, Mo, and you are an excellent role model. I so badly want to be in the place you are, and I'm getting closer. We moved recently and I ended up getting rid of loads of things I was just hanging onto and I swore I would never buy another thing, haha! I am much more thoughtful about what I DO buy and that's a big improvement for me. But IKWYM about having so many things be unworn, that just doesn't make good sense and I hope to be in the place you are at some point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally/page/2#post-1056423 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 10:37:58 +0000 Lantana 1056423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your words encourage me to keep plugging away. Yes, I am on that shared path you mention but right now I feel like I must be facing the wrong direction! I'm not whingeing, (well, a bit maybe) rather it's a recognition that after nearly two years of addressing style with the help of YLF I am feeling quite befuddled. I know that is a normal stage of learning but I am impatient.<br /> Hm, now I have definitely whinged, sorry'bout that.<br /> Really I want to say that I appreciate this thread and, most importantly, it is absolutely brilliant that you have crunched your numbers and culled and purged and love your clothing choices. Congratultaions. Penny </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally/page/2#post-1056394 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 07:19:27 +0000 jayne 1056394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>love the formula shemarie made! I might have to tatoo that somewhere </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally/page/2#post-1056390 Sat, 19 Oct 2013 06:42:50 +0000 shemarie 1056390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations and thank you! This is so inspirational and <i>exactly</i> what I aspire to, though I highly doubt I can do nearly as well or in only three years. Thanks for showing me that moderate budget + dream items - the "so-so/filler/quick-fix"&nbsp;= possible! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally/page/2#post-1054550 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:10:50 +0000 Anonymous 1054550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way to go, Mo! I'm so glad you have sorted this all out. It's a great place to be, isn't it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054392 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:05:53 +0000 rachylou 1054392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes me feel good just reading about it. You've reached the equilibrium point! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054368 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 14:53:17 +0000 Mo 1054368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all! &nbsp;Yes, Freckles, there has been plenty of 'planning' my wardrobe as of late. &nbsp;I think that part was necessary to yield my results. &nbsp;<br />It is odd to be replacing and not acquiring. &nbsp;Seems all I did for years was acquire and push more things in between the cramped closet.&nbsp;<br />Now I can decide which new trend or dream item that I&nbsp;always wanted (and never thought I could have) I will buy, and move out an older version to make way for it. &nbsp;And for those of you who don't know me very well, I have a pretty moderate clothing budget of around $125/month, so affording those dream items like suede pants and Frye boots and a DVF dress takes planning. &nbsp;But it can be done! &nbsp;<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054306 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:56:09 +0000 Alassë 1054306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful, Mo! I love reading your posts about numbers, purging, upgrading, etc. You've inspired me to look at my own inventory with an eye to how many times I'd wear each item. Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054280 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 13:43:19 +0000 Freckles 1054280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whoo hoo Mo. &nbsp;It's been a long, hard journey and it sounds like you are finally where you wanted to be when you started. &nbsp;Big kuddos to you and your following through with a plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054181 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 11:21:36 +0000 Jaime 1054181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds great! Every once in a while I take a big leap in terms of refining but you are way ahead of me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054136 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 09:35:01 +0000 annaj 1054136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sound great, Mo! I think those numbers also look pretty good. After my recent cull, I'm down to about 100 items for our warmer seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn) so I'll try and get down to a similar (at most) number of additional items when it cools down again. I'd love to fit everything into my wardrobe without a need to store things in the "off' seasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054067 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 05:19:27 +0000 Gigi 1054067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for the ratio of tops to bottoms, I find that I like more bottoms too (that is,&nbsp;more than a 2:1 ratio of tops to bottoms). I think it just depends on the person. I like to wear both pants and skirts, so maybe that is the reason I feel better with having more bottoms than average. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054061 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 05:16:13 +0000 Gigi 1054061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! It can be hard getting rid of clothes that we've had for a long time, but it always feels so good to be done. Today I returned a few pairs of shoes (unworn) that I had bought a few weeks ago but was on the fence about. I figured that that meant that I just thought they were "okay" (like the items you were getting rid of), so I should return them and put the money toward something I *know* that I love. I am so happy that I did that--there is a freedom in having a wardrobe full of items that you really love and are not settling for. Your mind has to process everything your eyes see every time you look in the closet...it should be filled with things that make you feel fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1054049 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 05:07:40 +0000 fern 1054049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! You express the process very well.<br />I too, finally, have a working wardrobe that just needs a little refining and&nbsp; updating. It all fits in the closet and I can see all my choices - I love that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053758 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 22:02:22 +0000 Liz A. 1053758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so with you. &nbsp;I've bought way too many tops recently... gotta start cutting back to a wearable amount. &nbsp;Congrats on your progress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053743 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:45:18 +0000 Caro in Oz 1053743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's fabulous Mo - "...<b>better not more</b>." is a great mantra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053738 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:38:30 +0000 Mo 1053738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, I think most of us have twice the tops as we do bottoms. &nbsp;It's a logical ratio. &nbsp;Tops are more visual in outfits, and bottoms often support the look. &nbsp;Also, people rewear bottoms much more frequently than tops. &nbsp;<br />If I break down my wardrobe quite literally into what goes on top and what goes on bottom, it becomes a 2 to 1 ratio when I lump coats in with tanks in with sweaters and tees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053732 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:34:57 +0000 Mo 1053732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy to see many of us on the same path! &nbsp;<br />Claire, you definitely figured this one out way early in your 'tenure' lol! &nbsp;I think you may be right that the actual number crunching got me to where I could let go of my security blankets. &nbsp;I still have plenty&nbsp;more than the bare minimum numbers I need, and that's fine. &nbsp;I'm not a bare minimum kind of gal hee hee. &nbsp;But I also want to be actually wearing my things, so that's where the curtailing finally hit home. &nbsp; Which, in turn, allows me to have nicer fewer things, as many of us aspire to. &nbsp;I guess it was just the getting there that was a process for me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053727 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:26:42 +0000 Lyn D. 1053727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fantastic Mo!<br />I am also following you wardrobe/purging posts closely, and my figures are similar to yours.<br />Last night I began trying Angie's capsule method for 4 seasons on paper, to try to get a better feel for favourite and most worn pieces.<br />I seem to have around twice as many tops as bottoms, and I am not sure why. It may be that they are more affordable and easier to fit, so like you I am going to focus on better quality purchases&nbsp;in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053720 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:19:48 +0000 Anonymous 1053720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like the number crunching (which I followed, but not sure if I commented on) really gave you the peace of mind to let go of some less-than-perfect items. I came to a similar conclusion about quality over quantity when I realized how few outfits I actually need/wear. The kicker for me was packing for a trip and realizing that I didn't have one really awesome, bullet proof, excellent quality outfit from shoes to coat. I just had a bunch of so-so junk. --NOT saying your stuff is junk! But a lot of mine was. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053715 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:16:36 +0000 SharLa 1053715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Refining resonates with me, too!&nbsp; I enjoy this now, as a&nbsp;more clear expression, rather than trying to fix myself! You Look Fab has been a great help and inspiration for me to help zero in on a more clear idea of what this huge tool of wardrobe should be for me- and not just be up to date- but to really have my things fit my persona, as well as my body! Very grateful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053708 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:12:06 +0000 Thistle 1053708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awesome place to be!!&nbsp; And only three years. I think that is pretty dang amazing. Ahhh, love number crunching :)&nbsp; It really does helpto have data to drive decisions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053705 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 21:10:11 +0000 Amy 1053705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>woo hoo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053679 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:55:11 +0000 celia 1053679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is amazing. It seems your hard work and planning paid off.<br />Personally I am still working on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053674 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:52:32 +0000 shedev 1053674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm right behind you. Right now I call myself saturated at 24 of one thing. Sweaters and long sleeve tops are in two different catagories. I also have separate catagories for indoor and outdoor toppers. I include workout gear and layering tees in my totals. I will probably bring the numbers down for each category in the new year. I just did a massive purge so I'm taking a break from more purging now except 1 for 1. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053651 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:33:25 +0000 Mo 1053651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I know you've been walking a parallel path as me and it is a long slow road, but worth it!<br />Sharon, I did end up with a color palette. &nbsp;At first it was not conscious beyond the initial decision to choose black over brown as a dominant neutral. &nbsp;I'd never even considered the thought before reading it here. &nbsp;A few years, and more choices, later I arrived at 4 major colors for me - purple, blue, red, and green. &nbsp;Neutrals are black, white, and denim. &nbsp;I have some blush, grey,&nbsp;and a rogue tan or brown item but my closet, even down to my shoes, echoes these colors over and over.&nbsp;<br />As for the amounts, I'd been wanting to pare down for a long time, and purging pretty regularly, but not until about a year ago did the right amount finally settle in for me. &nbsp;I have a crazy life where I live about a year in a really hot place, then a year in a snowy, cold place. &nbsp;I always think it's going to stop, but it doesn't [wry smile here]. &nbsp;Despite, polar opposite climates, I realized I don't need too much in any one category. &nbsp;Once I crunched numbers and looked at my personal lifestyle and amounts of wear, I was actually shocked at how little what I had was getting worn. &nbsp;It's no exaggeration to say most of my stuff has been worn about 4 or 5 times (except for jeans, shorts and shoes). &nbsp;I don't need MORE. &nbsp;Maybe better, but not more. &nbsp;;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053638 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:24:10 +0000 Astrid 1053638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats! Sounds like a great place to be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053635 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:20:01 +0000 JillG 1053635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! &nbsp;Sadly, I am nowhere near this goal. &nbsp;It's the things that "have nothing inherently wrong with them" that are my problem. &nbsp;There are way too many of them in my closet.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053626 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:13:23 +0000 Suz 1053626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations! You've worked really hard (and crunched a lot of numbers!) to get to this place. From here on in, I imagine it will just be a process of continual refinement and upgrading. A nice place to be.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/where-im-at---refining-finally#post-1053625 Wed, 16 Oct 2013 20:11:34 +0000 Lisa 1053625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great place to be, congratulations!&nbsp; It also took me&nbsp;a long time to get my wardrobe at a good place.&nbsp; I have all 4 seasons in one closet, under 20 pairs of footwear and roughly 150 items.&nbsp; A big change from my over 300 item wardrobe when I first started culling which required me to rotate clothes each season.&nbsp; It was a long slow road, but I am much happier with the items I own now.&nbsp; And, when I want to overhaul my look, it's a lot easier to do, because the bulk of my new items will be what's in my closet to wear.&nbsp; In the past, new items sort of got lost among other things. </p>