https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:46:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-616230 Wed, 09 May 2012 23:53:40 +0000 Kristine 616230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's such an interesting question. I sometimes think all humans have a hole that they try to fill somehow. We used to fill it through hunting or gathering and now we fill it in other ways. </p> <p>I find that I have a small wardrobe but I still crave variety. So I find ways to remix a lot. But what's strange is that even if I put together a great outfit, I can't remember it later. It'd be so much easier to come up with 10 or 12 go-to outfits, but my brain doesn't seem to work that way. I still stand there some days not knowing what to wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-616207 Wed, 09 May 2012 23:23:53 +0000 Aida 616207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very good read! Seems to me there are a few factors that influence this, depending on the person. For myself, I am not one of those who wants a small but functional wardrobe, I'm happy with my medium-to-large but functional wardrobe goal With three rather disparate styles to mesh together, I try to have items in all three styles across wardrobe categories. This alone increases the number of items in my closet. When I was working on discovering what "my" style is, I purchased quantity-over-quality which also increased the number of items in my closet. Now that I have a good handle on what my style is, I am slowly replacing several lower quality not-quite-right items with fewer higher quality, good fit items as I find them and can afford them. And as I do like to follow trends, there will likely always be a portion of my wardrobe that gets turned over more quickly as trends change. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-615691 Wed, 09 May 2012 04:56:21 +0000 Mo 615691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate, thanks so much for weighing in. I knew you would have a lot of wisdom to share here.<br /> Today I purged quite a few things that never made it into past purges . . . and I feel really good about it.<br /> I did a quick recount and I'm at 30 skirts/dresses, 23 pants/shorts, 19 coats/jackets, 15 sweaters, and 50 tops of every kind from camis to t-necks and button downs. 35 shoes, 6 purses and about a dozen belts. This may still be a lot, but it's much better than where I was before.<br /> I also historically bought what was on sale, or for an event. I'm trying to be pickier, and the few 'big' purchases I made this last year are definite faves. I agree with the idea that expanding my viewpoint in life in general will help quell the desire to acquire (hee). I have been off work for all of my YLF time, and I'm due to start my job on Sunday. I think that alone will take some of the focus away from perfecting the wardrobe (which we all know is like life, a journey but not a destination).<br /> I don't have the patience for a spreadsheet, but I know most of my things get worn not even a dozen times a year, except for jeans/pants. That's not nearly enough!!<br /> I'm hoping this is a turning point for me. I've gotten more focused on my personal style, instead of grabbing randomly from all that I see that appeals to me. I have narrowed a color palette. I am also thinking in terms of use and occasion. It's a process but I hope I'm over the hurdle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-615683 Wed, 09 May 2012 04:32:54 +0000 Kate 615683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the days before I found YLF, I had a lot of clothes (150-200ish). Very few to them were great on me, and most were purchased either for a specific event or because they were on sale. I frequently accumulated more whenever I found a good deal that appealed to me. I sought variety because I was unhappy with my wardrobe and didn't understand my style.</p> <p>In the first year an a half of finding YLF, I purged the majority of my wardrobe, and then replaced it. I made better choices that continued to improve over time while also making some mistakes that I learned from. I sought variety to try out new things, figure out what worked for me (and what didn't), and because there was a lot of advice floating around the web about which items to stock up on (like jewelry) to increase wardrobe remixing options.</p> <p>In early winter 2010 I began to actually track my purchases, how much I spent on each item of clothing, and how often I wore everything. I was buying "investment" pieces, but I couldn't wear them often enough to make them worth the money. I was also buying items that I wasn't entirely sure about, and then not wearing them often, even if they weren't very expensive. I play favorites, but it wasn't until I recorded what I wore every day that this finally became clear to me. This tracking led to a new, more sustainable round of purging and gradually to more judicious consumption. But I still spent a lot of time craving variety and thinking about clothes, and a lot of time feeling guilty about how much money I had spent in the previous year and a half on items that I was now purging (like much of that jewelry).</p> <p>In December 2011 I realized that I needed to start devoting more time to my academic work and non-internet social life, and less to YLF and fashion. I'm still tracking what I wear and weeding out the occasional closet orphan (I'm down to 66 items of clothing, 6 pairs of shoes, 10 accessories, and 26 items of jewelry, yet there's still some slack), but I haven't been around here much, and I have become excruciatingly picky with my purchases. Overall, clothes are taking up far less of my time (though still a bit more than they did pre-YLF) and remixing provides all the variety that I need. </p> <p>My shift towards a more simpler, remixable wardrobe that I LOVE would have been impossible without YLF. It's still a journey, and I'm hoping that I'll be able to increase my YLF time this summer without backsliding into a place where I am unhappy with my closet and driven to consume more. I don't need more variety than I have and I know from experience that buying (or even pining after) a bunch of new items isn't going to make me happier with my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-615291 Tue, 08 May 2012 20:28:07 +0000 Anonymous 615291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting. I know a woman who grew up with plenty, yet hoards food like the supermarket's not going to be there next week. My parents went through the Great Depression, yet they shared what they had with others. My mom was well known for giving her things away to those less fortunate. Because of that, I learned not to be so obsessive about possessions. Even if I buy a lot of clothing, I do make sure my cast-offs go to people who need and/or can make good use of them. I think as long as I have that moral sense of responsibility, I'm okay. I'm not, however, comfortable with having variety just for the sake of variety. I want my wardrobe to really work for me and my lifestyle, and get a decent CPW out of the things I buy. I think this is good stewardship of my $. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-615260 Tue, 08 May 2012 20:06:16 +0000 Isabel 615260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo , I think about this all.the.time. Especially because my father was dirt poor as a child. He only had two outfits growing up and no shoes. He is the other extreme. Part of his thinking is that you get what you "need" and not much more when it comes to clothing. It is practical for him ( keeps him warm, dry, etc ).</p> <p>So I don't know the answer to your question. But I do know that so much of it is marketing and cheap stuff that really enable this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-615239 Tue, 08 May 2012 19:38:54 +0000 Mo 615239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so very interested in the varied responses to this question!<br /> I myself spent more time purging this week, but . . . almost bought a new dress yesterday at Ross for $8. And truth be told, I'm half tempted to go back today and see if it's still there! Yet I am putting a dress I've never worn that I bought for, yep, $8 off eBay 2 years back, in my purge pile. At least half my 19 dresses hanging right now have not been worn more than a few times. But I really, really want to buy this olive rayon cheapy that seriously the BF said looked like a paper bag LOL! What is wrong with me??? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-614787 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:24:13 +0000 fashionista 614787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well variety variety and more variety. Only my closet called for it. Blame it on the media, the celebrities that make our mind to act like we are leading a imaginary life and that we can be like the celebrities too.<br /> I am trying hard to go for SYC now since I feel enough is enough in regards for my clothes bags and shoes. I purchased a new wardrobe to accomodate them all. Can you believe it? I could have save all that money or even given to charity. At least I would have someone pray for me.<br /> Media, advertisement, celebrities are utilising us female to expand this fashion business and we are going victim on them.<br /> .....................</p> <p>I still want to go shopping now after all said and done!!!Darn me!!! SYC is really hard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-614780 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:04:49 +0000 lamireille 614780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG my last post was embarrassingly long! I guess I just did a lot of processing there... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety/page/2#post-614779 Tue, 08 May 2012 08:04:07 +0000 lamireille 614779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot tell you how much I love this question... I've bookmarked this thread, and I have never bookmarked a fashion thread before.</p> <p>I don't even work outside the home right now and I feel as though I spend too much on clothes--I don't see anybody on a regular basis other than people at the grocery store, etc, but I guess I do derive a lot of pleasure from looking nicely put together, so I dress mainly for me. So why, because I do have some basic outfits that I love completely, don't I just repeat those same outfits over and over? Not a single soul would notice--not a one. I don't know why I do this. Maybe asking myself this question will make me change; I never really considered the possibility of having, say, just eight or ten outfits to wear and rewear per season. </p> <p>I think a lot of it for me has to do with a Depression-era mentality of not wanting to wear out my mostest favoritest pieces because there might not be any more where those came from. (Dumb! There are always more awesome pieces where those came from.) Also, I do love sales, so I might buy stuff I don't need just because it's a good deal. And I also love the concept of being able to close my eyes and reach into my closet and pull out something that I would be perfectly happy to be wearing if I were to run into an old friend whom I haven't seen for years (which, given that I don't live near any of my old friends, is quantum-mechanics-level unlikely), so I keep buying with this eventuality in mind. What a dork I am.</p> <p>My essential problem is that, because of my love of good deals (which doesn't equate to "awesome" or "chic"), I have a lot of stuff that I've never worn (which makes it hard to give away--wearing it just once or twice would help).</p> <p>I think I'm addressing the question of "why so much STUFF" rather than "why so much variety," but since there isn't that much variety in my clothes (again with the duplicates in case they wear out, which they won't, but they might if the dryer exploded or the detergent secretly turned out to be bleach), it's more of a question of stupid quantity in my case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614657 Tue, 08 May 2012 03:19:13 +0000 MsMary 614657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in this really odd place on this topic right now. Until about a year and half ago, I struggled with my weight my whole life, and shopping was really an ordeal because nothing fit and nothing looked good. So I basically never shopped and wore the same few things over and over. Three years ago I was literally wearing the same five work outfits to the office every. single. week.</p> <p>When I lost the weight, suddenly everything fit and looked good on me, and I started shopping and buying stuff and all of a sudden I have this huge wardrobe! And you know what? I feel bad that I can't wear each piece as often as I'd like! Isn't that crazy? Like, I'll put together an outfit that I just LOVE, but then I don't want to wear the exact same combination again, even though I love it enough to wear it once a week for a whole season, because if I do that then there is a bunch of other stuff that doesn't get worn.</p> <p>Crazy. But on the other hand it's fun to have a huge wardrobe because I have the perfect thing for pretty much every occasion.</p> <p>Maybe I need an A list and a B list? LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614577 Tue, 08 May 2012 02:12:17 +0000 Suz 614577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I must be an odd outlier here. As a child, I didn't have to wear a uniform to school...but I sort of invented my own! I'd wear and wear and wear the same 3 blouses and the same 3 skirts (mixing and matching) and was perfectly happy with them. </p> <p>But ONLY if I was perfectly happy with them. What I mean is that I might have others that didn't please me, and I wouldn't want to wear them. </p> <p>I think I'm still like that. I DO like some variety and I always enjoy acquiring something new...(definitely on Team Wear here!) but only if it's great!! And some purchases, sadly, fail to turn out that way. Since joining YLF I've started to have more success, but I do still make mistakes. </p> <p>My ideal would be a very well functioning basic wardrobe that i could freshen every year with oh...I don't know...6 to 12 new pieces, depending? Or maybe 4 or 5 pieces a season? With accessories or thrifting finds as "fun." That would supply all the variety I'd need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614150 Mon, 07 May 2012 16:41:25 +0000 Lisa 614150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic and I am enjoying reading the comments. I don't know what triggers the need for variety. I know I tend to eat the same dozen or so foods again and again. And I don't think twice about my weekly food shopping which is usually at least half of the same items from week to week.</p> <p>I do think the need for variety is a personal preference. I try to always mix up my look but with versatile items. I try not to own too many "one combo only" outfits in my closet. But my personal preference is a smaller, streamlined closet. For others, the newer the better is the way to go. And less remixing and more top to bottom new looks is the preference. I think some of the difference is how often a person likes to shop. If you really enjoy it and have the time to do so often, a person may be more likely to have a larger wardrobe with newer items/outfits. If you are not a big fan of shopping or have less time to do so, you may have a smaller wardrobe and repeat more outfits. I have friends who hate to shop, wear the same items all the time, in the same combinations and that's just their style. And I have other friends who are always mixing it up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614121 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:51:57 +0000 Anonymous 614121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know where I stand on this issue, honestly. Before I retired to be a SAHM, I worked in a small office with only women. The two partners wore the same clothing items year after year. On one hand, I was bored with their clothes (as someone that had to look at those clothes year after year) but it was also comforting to me that I knew what to expect and there were no surprises. One of the other women wore something new every single day. I found it distracting and unsettling since most often her outfits did not really suit her personality. And I often pondered how much time she spent shopping and aquiring all those different clothes. And actually, I had a hard time pegging her personality since she seemed so different every day. Me, I was somewhere in between. I had a pretty consistent wardrobe that I added in a couple new pieces every season. It was actually a point in my life when I was pretty happy with my closet....I liked all my pieces and I felt like I had nailed my style persona accurately. It was a very versatile wardrobe and could mix and match comfortably so I avoided any boredom. Any new pieces I added seemed to develop a theme, rather than send me shooting off into a new direction any time some new trend hit the airwaves. Oh, how I long for those days of such a happy relationship with my wardrobe!</p> <p>I think right now, I am still struggling to nail my style personality so I am suseptible to new trends that I want to experiment with. And quite often I discard things, not because I am bored but because it doesn't suit me and was strictly experimental. I need to get back to that balance if looking consistent AND avoiding boredom of wearing the same thing every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614119 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:46:28 +0000 anne 614119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I resonate a lot with what Elly said! I don't really feel this drive that much. I find it a bit hard to speculate on what I don't share.<br /> (except that of course I have way more clothes than most people in previous generations!)<br /> I do think that lots of people wear the same clothes a lot - often I suspect they do buy more stuff, they just don't wear it! (the 80/20 thing) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614094 Mon, 07 May 2012 15:07:25 +0000 Amy 614094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm ok with wearing the same outfit over and over again. I didn't really have that much variety in my wardrobe until I got involed with YLF. Part of that is a result of shopping more. The other part of that is that I've opened my eyes to new possibilities in color combinations and am remixing more than I used to.</p> <p>That being said, I have always been a magpie personality when it comes to fabric. I'd be emabarrassed to show you the boxes and boxes full of silks and cottons and wools I have. Some of those things I thought were incredibly beautiful when I first bought them, but they have lost their charm over time. Sad.</p> <p>Why I do this is something of a mystery to me. I know why my grandfather had 38 pairs of unworn slippers in his closet. He went through the Great Depression and experienced living without comforts like that for a very long time. I have NEVER been deprived, so I don't know what my story is.</p> <p>I don't particularly care about impressing people, except when it comes to appearing professional at work. I DO love luxurious things, silk blouses, fancy cars, good food, champagne! I feel lucky that I can indulge in these things (except the car). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614079 Mon, 07 May 2012 14:32:42 +0000 Anonymous 614079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think wanting variety or wanting to remix outfits to come up with new looks is bad. I do, however, think there's something inherently wrong about not wanting to be seen in the same outfit more than once. I know some upper class folks in Central America who are like that, and it's because of the fierce competition that exists between the women. I think it's a rotten way to be and to live. I wear what I like, and I certainly like to look good, but I do not do it to make others think I have money or to compete with other women. Lastly, I often wear the same outfits multiple times. If I look and feel fab in what I'm wearing, why not?</p> <p>I think my opinions are based on how I was raised. My parents always said it's your motive or intent that matters. If you do something good for someone because you want to garner attention or there's something in it for you, you are not doing it for the right reason. Your reason for helping someone should be because you care about that person and truly want to help, whether others know about it or not.</p> <p>In a nutshell, WHY I do something matters. What is my reason or motive for doing what I do?</p> <p>I hope this makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614018 Mon, 07 May 2012 12:12:47 +0000 Janet 614018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty sure my never-ending cravings for variety in my wardrobe started at a very young age, because my mother had a full closet and was a recreational shopper -- she definitely participated in retail therapy, but she was also an artist at heart. She loved all the prints and patterns and colors, and in fact, when she was growing up, she entertained dreams of fashion design or interior design. </p> <p>I relate to what Kiwichik said about creative expression, and in fact, I hated having to wear a uniform for the very brief time in my work life when one was required (I worked in a hotel and was thrilled when they promoted me to front desk supervisor so I could wear suits of my own choosing instead of the uniform clerks had to wear!).</p> <p>I know this is related to our commercial consumerist culture in the west, too, but this is one manifestation that doesn't bother me so much. Do I crave hundreds of choices of cereal at the supermarket or in my pantry? No. But when it comes to something that is going to adorn my body and represent me to the world at large, I like to have lots of choices to keep me stimulated and from falling into a rut. So I guess we can call me an unapologetic large wardrobe owner! As long as I'm not overspending or overflowing our storage capacity, and I actually use what I own, I see no harm in it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-614013 Mon, 07 May 2012 11:49:51 +0000 Astrid 614013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting question! I can tell for myself that I'm happy with fairly few pieces - as long as I really love them. I'm definitely a creature of habit and wear my loved items until they fall apart. </p> <p>I'm shopping much more often now that I'm on YLF because I'm still in that wardrobe overhaul phase. I have to confess that I've also mistakenly bought some things that I'm ready to purge again. But most of the new items weren't bought for more variety but to replace older items that were frumpy, didn't fit anymore or were simply worn out.</p> <p>I definitely want a small and versatile wardrobe and I think the key is thinking about what I really need and want for my style and trying to keep the percentage of new items that will be loved to death as high as possible. I think I have it easier in a way than people that already have a big closet full of fabulous clothes and the money to spend on more. They need to be much more disciplined if they want to keep their closets small. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613910 Mon, 07 May 2012 05:10:33 +0000 Anonymous 613910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do have a lot of variety but most of my problem is-</p> <p>I look at magazines and there are sooooo many cute outfits--I want them all.</p> <p>I am addicted to the trill of finding great deals thrifting and then get crazy and buy because it is cheap.</p> <p>I have more money now and I grew up with a very very very small wardrobe so I am over indulging myself.</p> <p>Like Meredith said, I settle on something cheaper (because I am used to thinking I can't afford to spend more) and then I am unsatisfied and so keep searching.</p> <p>Funny thing is- I DO wear the same exact outfits over and over and I am happy. I just have a closet full of cheap thrifted clothes that don't get worn. I am in the process of changing though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613901 Mon, 07 May 2012 04:47:34 +0000 Elly 613901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly-- I'm not sure I feel this as strongly as a lot of women. </p> <p>I'm not unfamiliar with retail therapy and buying something when I'm feeling down for the temporary rush (I try to keep it to a rare thing, make it something useful, and stick to cheaper things like a new nailpolish). </p> <p>That said, despite loving fashion and clothing I am perfectly happy to wear the same 8-15 tops over and over again, often in the same outfit I normally do, so long as I love the outfit and it is functional.</p> <p>Maybe because I'm young and supposed to be poor that I don't mind that people think I only have "x" clothes. So long as I have enough things to feel comfortable in most situations in my life (not constantly scrambling for something appropriate) and with enough things that no one wonders if I've had time to wash it since I've worn it last or repeating the same 5 nice tops each week because I need a clean one each day and those are the only ones I have, I'm good. I would rather have a few presentable things, than a lot of cheaper ones, and I'm always on a budget and having to make choices between spending on one or the other, it is pretty rare to have money for everything I could really use at the moment. </p> <p>I have to balance buying enough that I don't wear my things so often that they end up worn out in a season. </p> <p>I do see style as an expression of myself and something fun and a place to be creative, but honestly-- espeacially now with chronic illness, I really value being able to get up and put on an outfit that looks put together with less effort in the morning after a hard night than I do variety. Knowing I've done the work to put together a few outfits that say what I want them to say and function in invaluable to me. I'm also less of a shopping-for-fun shopper since I've had problems-- I enjoy the process (the creativity) but I'm really in it for the end result and what I learn about myself and developing my fashion and style muscles. Shopping can be very exhausting and stressful (I guess I'm not a thrill of the hunt girl!). </p> <p>Plus, I grew up not having much, and sometimes even what I have now seems excessive (which is pretty small by most women's standards) because I know I can get by with less. It isn't fun though. I try to make good choices, buy quality when I can, fit and comfort is really important because of fussiness and dealing with discomfort from other sources and not needing a clothing source, and I tend to really love and appreciate the "good" stuff I do have. Being picky and on a budget makes it easier to buy less, and really appreciating comfort and the contrast from growing up makes it easier to wear things I love a lot with no guilt. </p> <p>Of course, there are always things I'd like to have, because right now my wardrobe is minimal and I'm still at the point where having more would make my life easier rather than complicate it, but for the most part I have to be realistic and I can wait. </p> <p>I'm pretty much the same when it comes to most things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613899 Mon, 07 May 2012 04:43:02 +0000 ManidipaM 613899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For myself, with little American conditioning worth speaking of, I have to say a good part of it is simply that I get bored --- but that's just me! I crave sensory variety in all things, and at the same time, I love 'comfort' anything, so I also repeat a lot. It's *remixing* --- seeing the same old in a new pattern --- that's hardest for me; but I get a thrill out of it when I manage (what VC said about new challenges, mastering your first perfect-form push-up/squat/loaf of sourdough?).</p> <p>It goes like this. I can't bear to eat the same breakfast every day, because it bores me to tears --- BUT I'll happily eat the same brekkie everyday if I'm (a) in a hurry AND (b) it's one of my favourite foods. This happens to clothes, drapes, sheets, crockery --- most things in my life. With a crucial difference. Food is *meant* to be consumed and you're left with nothing till you buy or make more --- and for the most part, food doesn't get 'discontinued' often. At most, I tire of my favourite and put it on the back burner for a few months --- knowing I will go back to it. On my iPod, I tend to hear the same top 50 over and over... until I really tire of them, though... when I go to something else for a while, and then come back to the same old again in a few months. Again, this is like food, where there is little angst over fit and replacement.</p> <p>With my wardrobe, there is a strange push-me, pull-you. Want to wear one of my favourite things --- but what if it wears out and I have *NO* favourite things. So find something else to wear instead? </p> <p>I have to say for me VC has a point about the 'not-quite-there' closet. I notice I don't tire of my absolute favourites --- the garments that feel good, look good, combine well with several others or with key basics --- and I hang to them even when they're tired and ratty; I do tire of the rest far more easily, and it's like I'm hoping the next thing will be an improvement: look better or feel better or combine better with something else. On my iPod, I tend to hear the same top 50 over and over... until I really tire of them, though... when I go to something else for a while, and then come back to the same old again in a few months. Again, this is like food, where there is little angst over fit and replacement.</p> <p>These two reasons, the innate craving for novelty and variety (it's healthy to crave a lot of different foods) and the need to 'perfect the recipe', are relatively uniform across cultures and demographics I suspect. </p> <p>The media and peer pressure do exist and do impact me. In the media, people dress for the studio --- you don't see real people dressed in real ways even on reality TV some days! (And having worked at TV studios, it still does not cease to amaze me that the newsreader has a spanking new jacket on from Wardrobe, but is wearing her pajama bottoms under the desk!) As for peers, I've actually had co-workers who regularly made snide comments about their colleagues: 'why can't he wear something other than that pink shirt?' or 'oh look, Sad Shirt is here'. In environments like that, where you're constantly faced with people buying new clothes every week and never repeating outfits, the pressure does tell. Not sure what to wear to Event X? 'Just get something new, man!' with its implication that it's uncool or worse unthinkable that you can't afford to *really stings*. It's not just that you look poor --- it's that it is abhorrent to look poor, because you're then outside the herd, you're making people uncomfortable (how dare you? so impolite!), you're unsuccessful and old-world, and professionally, the appearance of unsuccess can lead to failure very literally! (Hence the whole idea of dressing the part.) </p> <p>However, but I don't think media and consumerist peer pressure are the whole story. After all, sometimes I have gone for months without seeing more than 10 people, and I don't have TV, and it doesn't stop me craving change. It's more an evolutionary issue, I suspect, than an American one. </p> <p>Where it might be more First World or American is that you arguably have fewer challenges and unpredictable events as basic logistics are taken care of --- and so the hunger for variety is underfed. You don't notice these little things, but your roads are smooth underfoot, your supermarkets reliably have the same foods week after week, having a power outage or taps running dry is a surprise of unusual proportions because it is really rare etc etc. At some level, we *want* that daily obstacle course; it's depressing when *nothing* changes, nothing new happens for days, right? For me, when I don't know if I'll get from point A to point B in 10 mins or an hour some days, or I can't plan a grocery shop because you never know what's at the wet market today, there's already a degree of challenge in my day that satisfies or dulls the need for change a little; on the other hand, it does little to feed the *aesthetic* craving or the craving for comfort (and pretty, just like tasty, can be comforting too). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613844 Mon, 07 May 2012 02:45:51 +0000 Echo 613844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the media in general is a big part of it. Daily we are bombarded by advertisements, billboards, and even commecials and commerical segments on morning shows or on the "news". Everywhere we look, someone is telling us all about what's "new", what the trends are this season, what the proper silhouette is right now and what the "in" colours are.</p> <p>For anyone over the age of 20, it becomes painfully obvious that most of it IS just marketing. Stripes aren't hot this season; they're hot EVERY spring! The same trends are reworked over and over and presented as "new" so that people will re-buy. </p> <p>Additionally, I think shopping really is "retail therapy" for many people, myself included sometimes. It is easy, relaxing and inexpensive depending on where you shop. But one of my major goals for this year has been to buy fewer, higher quality pieces. I have so much disposable fashion already, and the joy of a well tailored, quality item lasts for years instead of months. So I have a list of things I'd like to purchase this year and am trying not to deviate too much or succumb to trends more than I already have. Fashion may be about trends, but style is not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613827 Mon, 07 May 2012 02:14:35 +0000 velvetychocolate 613827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ack! I may have been projecting my own closet woes in my previous post - oops. </p> <p>In the meantime, don't get me wrong - I *love* to shop, but even though I'm unhappy with the general state of my wardrobe, I'm thrilled with the few pieces that I love and will continue to wear them repeatedly in various outfits. In my case, the 'craving for variety' is more likely due to a not-so-well-edited/planned closet. </p> <p>Another way-out-there idea? We are happiest when we're moving forward, making progress in some way. Challenge makes us far happier than we realize, and I wonder if this might have some influence on us, in terms of craving for variety? I must admit, I hate to think that it's just consumerism, and I am more inclined to want to believe there is something deeper at work. </p> <p>Put it this way - when you start a new diet/fitness plan, you're all gung-ho, and motivated. Learning something new is *fun*. Over time though, it gets "old" and we're left looking for the next new thing to learn. We go from just barely being able to eke out a run around the block to cranking out 15 push-ups. From collapsing face-first into the mat to doing two or three sets of push-ups in a row. </p> <p>The 'thrill' is in moving forward, always growing, always learning something new. Nothing is more energizing or happiness-inducing than moving forward. Making progress, in some way. </p> <p>I know it seems silly, but I wouldn't be surprised to find that dressing well, expanding one's comfort zones and trying new things in terms of one's own personal style might also be similar. It's not like it's going to be any fun to just arrive at a destination and just sit there. No, instead, we'll want to keep learning, evolving and trying new things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613810 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:44:14 +0000 lyn* 613810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use my StyleBook to help; but I almost never wear the same outfit twice - I don't know why :| it never occurred to me, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613805 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:39:05 +0000 Mo 613805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure on the well edited wardrobe part . . . I have things that work together in multiple ways. This afternoon I put aside a black top for a swap, because I realized the one skirt I wear it with has 3 other tops that go already(see pics) , and that I have 2 other black tops that I reach for first. Now, this did not stop me from acquiring that black top in the first place last summer!<br /> I think the thing is the *desire* to have something fresh and different looking. I would not want to wear the exact same outfit even within a 2 week span, let alone several times in one week! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613788 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:28:11 +0000 ironkurtin 613788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mo, I have the same issue. It seems to be a uniquely American consumerism issue. We have to be stimulated all the time. I think it was Elly who said finding when looking triggers endorphins. The funny thing is, I don't crave new anywhere but my closet. I don't want a new car, house, drapes, etc. etc.... But a new pair of shoes?! Whee! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613787 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:27:57 +0000 Kari 613787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember being quite confused initially at the concept of "remixing" - wearing an item with a different outfit than how it was originally worn. In my mind, that's no different than how I normally get dressed. I don't like to buy items that only work with one outfit and don't "remix" well. The idea that "remixing" was a novel concept was really surprising to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613781 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:26:36 +0000 velvetychocolate 613781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to admit that I am very inspired by those who are good at 're-mixing.' I would love to be able to have a wardrobe that worked like this - just that I'm not there yet. </p> <p>This might be a little bit 'out there' but I can't help but think that perhaps the craving for variety might be a symptom of a closet that isn't well-edited, and well-shopped for, in some way. </p> <p>I'm reminded of a blog post that was linked to in Angie's weekly links post last week...<a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/search/label/building%20a%20remixable%20wardrobe" rel="nofollow">http://www.puttingmetogether.c.....20wardrobe</a></p> <p>The thing that jumped out at me was the idea that by adding more colourful bottoms, you'd end up with a lot more outfit combinations:</p> <p><a href="http://www.puttingmetogether.com/search/label/building%20a%20remixable%20wardrobe" rel="nofollow">http://www.puttingmetogether.c.....20wardrobe</a> (same link, but it's under "Jeans Rut")</p> <p>I'm also in awe of Bella's 're-mixing' talent - just amazing! </p> <p><a href="http://bella-remixes.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://bella-remixes.blogspot.com/</a></p> <p>What do you think Mo? Is it possible that the craving for variety is related to a closet that isn't quite there (or finished) yet? </p> <p>This is how it feels to me. As if I'm constantly trying to play 'catch up' somehow. And as a result, I also have that craving for variety that you mention. I have a feeling though, that this is because the things I do have, aren't quite working. As in, I don't have enough of a 'base' wardrobe, so to speak. </p> <p>I think in your case - having just moved to a new climate, that it makes a lot of sense that you'd be wanting 'new' things all the time. I'm thinking that you got your warm-climate wardrobe into really good shape, only to end up moving, and that you're having to re-vamp your closet for the new environment. In this respect, I don't think you should worry or feel bad about wanting more variety in your wardrobe. You're in a new situation and you get to start the whole process all over again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-the-craving-for-such-variety#post-613775 Mon, 07 May 2012 01:24:31 +0000 Sarah A 613775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>this is a thought provoking post. i think i have split fashion personality... part is all for remixing part for bringing in the fresh and new. I think it helps that i rarely see the same people upon consecutive days so even if i do wear an outfit 3 times in two weeks the likelihood anyone would notice is minimal. </p>