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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

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carter

Veteran

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Shopping

38 replies

Latest reply was from TraceyLiz65

Anonymous

In no specific order:

1. I read your post and enjoyed it.
2. I'be bookmarked the minimalistmom site for further reading (even though I'm long past the kid stuff clutter - I saw a few things that were kinda pointed at me - lol)
3. High five for getting that menopause weight gain monster under control - I'm all ears for any advice you may have. There is nothing more exciting than fitting back into clothes that weren't right in prior months, or years.
4. keeping an actual list of the things you want sounds like a good idea - and I bet it would help one stay focused and not fall into the old buying traps, whatever they may be.
5. I have enough . More than enough. And I like your comment about not wanting to ever have as much stuff again as you do right now. Me too.
6. I am flirting ever more dangerously toward the minimalist concept. It appeals to me on so, so many levels, and I fear/hope/wish that it may be the answer to much of my anxiety over clothes, the state of my office, my laundry room etc etc. the list goes on. My life, really.

This was a highly enjoyable read, and thanks for providing me, anyways, with more food for thought .

Helena

Veteran

Carter, it's interesting, I've been pondering "enough" alot the last few days ... That's the holy grail, isn't it? For some of us, it means downsizing, for others, acquiring, for you right now, a bit of both? I think I like this concept a lot better than minimalism Will follow your journey with interest!

Anonymous

Happy New Year, Carter. Nice to see you again.

I have enough. I am quite comfortable with my winter wardrobe. In fact, I am only just now getting some of my winter stuff out. So I have plenty of winter clothes to last me the next couple of months. I would like to buy some summer tops this year though.

Oh, and I am seriously trying to avoid sales goggles. I have come to accept sales are a major hurtle for me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Carter, most people feel the way you do at the end of the holidays and at the start of the new year - that they have enough and need for nothing else. And yes - most of us absolutely do have enough!

I'm tired of the "minimalist wardrobe concept" since many who write about it are not being entirely accurate or honest about what they own or wear - especially in a 4-season climate. Downsizing your wardrobe or life is a better way of expressing the need to have less of everything.

There are many, MANY variables that influence the size of a wardrobe. And the number that is "right" is a completely personal thing. When you feel that you have enough - that's great! ENJOY what you have! And when you feel like adding to your wardrobe for that next layer of fabness - enjoy that process too.

I believe that for most of us, a moderately sized wardrobe that is manageable is key. I live in a 4 season climate and have about 130 pieces (excluding undies, loungewear and workout wear). And for someone who is a fashion stylist with a handbag weakness - that's quite a small number.

Your flexible shopping list is a great starting point. And I LOVE that you wrote down what you do NOT need. It's great that your wardrobe is in good shape, Carter. WELL DONE. Now lets see more outfits that showcase your waist and hips - did you read my comment about your outfits on the best of 2015 thread?

carter

Veteran

Lisap, so glad you got something useful out of this. The weight gain was insanely stubborn. For the first time ever, I had lots of extra weight in my mid-section, in addition to the more-normal-for-me hips/rear gains. The end of September I dragged my butt back to the gym to focus on weight bearing exercises several times/week (in addition to all the daily walking). I could tell things were shifting around, but it wasn't until I went back to an AIP version of Whole 30 after Thanksgiving that weight/inches started falling off. I'm still several pounds higher than my normal high, but I assume some of that is muscle replacing fat. I feel great, so I'm planning to keep on keeping on with what I'm doing.

Helena, great to hear from you! I also like "enough" better than minimalism for me.

Sterling, sales get me too. It drives me nuts when I see something in my closet whose only redeeming feature was its price! Let's try not to do that this year.

Angie, you popped in my head this morning as someone who really gets the cocept of "enough" for a wardrobe. I am over the minimalist chatter as well, although I will say that some minimalist-leaning challenges have helped me define my own "enough". And yes, I did read your comment about my waist and hips. Made me smile big time. My waist has been AWOL for far too long. As I continue to get it back, you'll see more of it. BTW...the skinny ankle jeans on my list are because of your comment:-)

carolbee

Veteran

A very interesting read Carter. I enjoy these types of reflections, the writers often make a comment that resonates with me. I certainly have enough, I do have overall minimalist tendencies, but still like some variety in my wardrobe. I smiled at your comment about keeping it real - I bought a new top the other day. I have searched for red or white tops for a couple of years as those colours would go with all my pants, but have a number of criteria eg not Ts, no iron etc. So, went to the sales for this purpose and came home with another grey/white/black top. But as soon as I saw it I knew it was "me", and it fitted perfectly. It was also a different style to most of my other tops. It was also 70% off which helped but I truly don't think I had sales goggles, time will tell.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Carter, thank you for this update! "Enough" is a fabulous concept because it is personal -- it allows us to be real. Honestly -- wardrobes have to shift and change over time, items need to be replaced, and trends can inject that necessary element of fun. So it's all good as long as we are not buying duplicates or quadruplicated with sales goggles and then hoarding/ not even wearing.

You have come so far -- you've edited out so much of the extra fluff (in more ways than one, LOL) and I, for one, am excited to see the next leg of your style adventure. It's going to be so interesting to find out if your style needs change as you shift to a new home/ lifestyle!

dakotacheryl

Veteran

Another great New Year post...Thanks Carter.

I like variety too much to move to "minimalism"...that being said, I'm limited by small closets and have to follow the one in one out rule.

Having a set list of needs vs. enough items is a great idea!!

carter

Veteran

Carolbee, that's exactly what I mean about keeping it real. Some things are just meant to be, whether they're planned or not. I'm good with that.

Suz, maybe that's why "enough" feels more comfortable to me than "minimalism" or "Project 333", or "10 Item Wardrobe", etc. My "enough" is uniquely mine. It would be too much for you and too little for someone else. I will also be interested to see if my style needs change when I move. I still find myself setting aside things "because I'll wear them at the beach". Will I? The items on that shelf are indeed the types of things I have worn at the beach when I was just there to visit (more casual, more colorful, more flowy, etc), but will I want to dress like that all the time when I live there year-round. No clue, but I hope the answer is no.

Thanks, Cheryl. I need variety as well. My "enough" is not more than I can actively wear and enjoy but enough to satisfy my need for variety and whim.

Alassë

Veteran

Thank you for posting, Carter; I really enjoyed reading this thread (and several pages of the blog).

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I connected with your post in lots of ways. I want to get back to enough - even with my generous definition for myself I have too much to manage right now. (And I am also somewhat but not completely successfully battling mid-life weight gain.) Heading toward life on the beach sounds wonderful!

Beth Ann

Veteran

You are doing a great job of preparing for your move! It's a great time to hit the "pause" button in your purchasing and just enjoy what works, and the newish items that fit again.

Here's to a healthy and fab 2016!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Inspiring thread Carter! I too love the list of what you don't need. My list has some of the same items yours does:
- tee shirts
- button down shirts
- jeans
- sweaters especially cardigans
- scarves, belts and handbags

...and where you put "loafers" I could write, "ankle boots."

I really don't need any more of these. I think the goal is to come up with the right amount of "inventory" for these pieces, then to replenish as needed to keep up with style shifts and garment decay.

On the topic of accessories -- I still may allow to purchase these because they make me so happy, don't take up a lot of room, and often don't cost too much.

chirico (Chiara)

(website)

Veteran

I loved reading you reflections. I think the list of "enoughs" is the most useful thing, since I tend to keep buying the same cathegories of clothes, forgetting others.

lyn67

Veteran

Feeling you have ENOUGH of PERFECT items is the best place to be! Loved to read your post Carter, I often write down what DO NOT need more of and it works(sometimes:-)).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My reaction to your reply to me:

*happy dance*

Windchime

Veteran

I'm enjoying reading everyone's insightful, reflective New Year's posts, including yours.

Being able to say, "I have enough" is really a wonderful place to be, isn't it? I, too, have decided that a truly minimalist wardrobe--or lifestyle--isn't the right choice for me. And yet my reading on YLF and other blogs has made me much more aware and intentional about what I bring into my home and closet. My current list of "enoughs" includes sweaters, cardigans, and short-sleeved tees.

Best of luck as you prepare for your move!

Carla

Veteran

Sign me up for 'enough' therapy! I DO have minimalist tendencies, but they are NOT compatible with my RL! Angie so wisely points out the difficulties of this mindset when one lives in a 4 season climate. I would add that life-roles factor in as well. Some clothes transition, but others are strictly for work, social life, recreational activities, etc.

With regards to downsizing/setting up our new home and the place DH and I expect will be our last house, it turned out that the square footage is about the same, but the composition of the space is different. (Yay ensuite and walk in closet! Yay all on one level living, and double doors!). We are gradually aquiring some new furnishings as we (finally!) pass along furniture handed down to us, 'right size' and effect the transition to retirement.

Carter, I hope you continue to post your thoughts during this time of change and transition. I'm also looking forward to learning about what works for your new lifestyle (also following Shiny's posting) since I'll be experiencing a similar transition soon enough!

Debbie

Veteran

Carter- this is such a thought provoking post. I too have enough. I am not a minimalist and will never be. My goal for this year is to go through every nook and cranny of my house and get rid of what is not being used. Making a list of what you don't need speaks to me because it would definitely keep me from falling into a rut.

Bijou

Veteran

This is a great way to start 2016 and congratulations on your clarity of thought. I need to make my own list of what I have "enough" of - dresses, skirts, coats, jackets, boots and handbags definitely come to mind.

Summer

Veteran

Enough is always sufficient for me, but, actually, I'm not quite there yet as far as clothes are concerned. There are still a few holes to be filled here and there.
Great work on editing your own wardrobe. You've honed it beautifully.

viva

Veteran

Hi Carter! Happy new year. I can completely connect with so much of what you have written here, and the idea of "enough" really resonates with me. 2016 is going to be a different kind of year for me -- less buying, more working with what I've got, which is plenty. For me, it will be a matter of developing some skill at that and not being attracted by new shiny objects.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Great post Carter. Add me to the growing list of those with "enough". More than enough, really. Ok, WAAAAY more than enough. I have no idea what "enough" is, I just know I'm getting frustrated at not being able to have time to wear some of my favourite things, and that's a sure sign of something... so time to figure out that illusive (to me) balance of variety vs excess. Loved the idea of a list of things I don't need... that's probably a much easier way to control spending than a list of things I DO. Because it's really easy to say "oh, but I didn't even think of that, and I need it". But when you clearly know sweaters are off the list, then just because you see one in a new style or colour or whatever, it's in your face that that category is complete.

Hmm, I like the way you are making me think here!

Also wanted to congratulate you on your weight loss. I know that's been frustrating you for a while now.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I love New Year's reflecting posts.

This whole year I've been focused on cleaning out things and also replacing a certain number of things with more updated versions - closets, drawers, refrigerator, furniture etc. I'm not a collector or one to keep a ton of things, but I still tend to keep things beyond their useful life for myself due to the need to feel "frugal" I suppose. I've found that by starting with my clothing closet a while back (inspired by Angie), I've recognized that there are other areas in life where I've neglected to update things that could make my day to day more enjoyable. Lately I've been updating the artwork in our home, throw pillows, some of the furniture (removing in addition to replacing a few key pieces, as I wanted a bit more open space). I've noticed that like clothing, the "fashion" of my house is important to me on a very personal and daily way. I put up a very large and bright abstract floral painting in the living room a few weeks ago and am really enjoying the change.

I'm not a minimalist (can't stand tiny spaces or too much limitation on what I wear, eat, etc.) but I do like streamlined, clean design without clutter. I like things to have a purpose - even those things that are decorative. And I guess the same rules apply to my clothing - if I'm never wearing an item, I feel like it's just extra baggage to carry around and I should probably find it another home. This has helped me really hone in on what to buy, what to keep and what to wear. I no longer "save" the "good" things, or buy for an imaginary lifestyle. I sometimes do make a mistake and buy something I sort of fell in love with at a moment, but I don't dwell on it and typically just pass it on now.

carter

Veteran

So glad I'm not alone in the "more than enough" category!

Shevia, my "enough" is really quite generous as well. If it weren't, it wouldn't be "enough". For me, anyway. I like variety in color, in silhouette, in level of dressy/casual, and I don't yet trust my weight to hold steady.

BethAnn, you are so right about taking the time to enjoy the things that were relatively new before I puffed up. I will make a point to pull those to the valet bar so they'll get worn.

Denise, so funny how we both have enough of so many of the same things. I had thought this would be an accessory year for me as well, but I honestly have more than enough there as well. We'll have to see as the year goes on.

Chirico, I agree! I live in the South, I run hot, and I'm moving to a warmer climate. Yet, my favorite things to buy are sweaters and jeans.

Lyn, you kind of got me with "perfect" items. I do have many that are perfect for me. But even after all the purging, I do still have things that are "almost". One pair of jeans in particular...I wore them the other day to see how I felt about them. I decided to pass them on until my husband commented on how much he liked them. They'll stay for now, but may be targets later.

Windchime, "aware" and "intentional" are such excellent words. I think I'll add them to my mantra!

Carla, we're all going to have to figure this out together, aren't we? The unknowns can be so exciting, yet they really tax my planning nature! Don't even get me started on settling into the new house! Initially, we will only have 1/3 of the square feet we currently have, and even that is ridiculously configured. Eventually, we'll get the renovation figured out and hopefully settle at something that feels like the right size for us.

Debbie, I'm with you! I am tossing house stuff right and left. We're planning a garage sale in March and probably a big estate sale once the house sells. I want all the extraneous stuff either in the garage sale or donated by the end of March.

Thanks, Bijou and Summer!

Viva, I hear you on the attraction of shiny new things. I'm off to comment on your post in a few. You and I are at similar life junctures, with kids leaving the nest, downsizing, etc. It'll be very interesting to see how it goes.

Elizabeth, you hit the nail on the head with this, "I just know I'm getting frustrated at not being able to have time to wear some of my favourite things." That's it! Now that almost everything fits again, I'm just overwhelmed by how much I just don't have time to wear. We only have 6-8 weeks of cold weather, yet I haven't even put a dent in the sweaters I want to wear.

Tex, such wise words and such a sound approach! I have some other things that I expect to command my focus this year (prepping the house for sale, moving, getting my son off to college, exercise and health). These things need my attention much more than my wardrobe this year.

Peri

Veteran

I've been checking in since you posted this and mulling things over. I went through a little angst over this with my recent sweater haul...5 new ones. I had a need for lightweight ones, and no more cashmere, but I do think I could have stopped at 2 instead of 5.

Numbers posts never resonate with me. It's just not the way I look at things...for me it doesn't tell enough of the story. How many sweaters are strictly enough for me? Four lightweight, four warmer. Because I see different people every work day I could track what I wore when and no one would see a repeat for a month. Three months of cold and everyone would see each sweater 3 times...I would think that would be acceptable by any standards.

But...it doesn't tell my story. I want more variety than that and I don't get it from bottoms, silhouettes, shoes, bags or coats. Variety for me is all about tops, jewelry, and in the winter, scarves. So, I'm up to 15 sweaters. This is twice what I need numbers wise for sure. Emotionally it may be about 3 or 4 more than I need, and I do feel what Elizabeth said about the sadness of not getting to wear them all as much as I want, especially since December was so $#&@ hot. Too bad, I'm not returning or purging any! I have my enough and if it is a problem later, it's not that big of one in my book.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Well said, Peri! Whenever I try to "do the numbers" I give up, for precisely that reason. Especially if you have pieces that are somewhat unforgettable, like my floral sweaters... You just don't (want to) wear them frequently.

carter

Veteran

Peri, I have many more sweaters than 15! In fact, you inspired my last purchase of the year with one of your holiday outfits. I have always loved the red of your JJill kimono sweater, so when you showed it a week or so ago, I clicked over to find it on sale, but sadly not in my size. I checked again the next day, and there it was! Must have been meant to be;-)

Peri

Veteran

Yay, I'm glad you got it! I love that sweater. Fun and useful too...I like it alone, or over another top if it's colder.

But...confession time. This is where I likely did "mess up" and over buy. I have the bright red one from 2 years back. I love it so didn't mind duplicating when I saw the cranberry one and how it worked with the plaid tunic. That's fine. Well, the jade one I was stalking and really wanted finally appeared back in my size too. Yep, (blushing), I bought it.

I think the best guideline is duplicate once, but not twice. Three of the same is not smart. The cranberry should go since it is closer in color to the red one. But...it hasn't gone yet! Sigh.

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