Congratulations SYCers - We've made it to week 8 - YouLookFab Forum

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Congratulations SYCers - We've made it to week 8

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hi ladies! How is everyone faring? You all deserve a big pat on the back for reaching week 8. Wow!

I am hanging in - some pangs after having to pass by AT Loft at the mall when I know there would be loads of fun stuff to buy. The other two challenges: I have put a lot of energy into my house lately (I had a friend who's an interior designer come over and give me some advice, and I've been doing all the work myself). That has meant buying bedding for two rooms, and a dresser for my son. So while I haven't spent anything on clothing, I have spent on home decorating. Somehow I feel bad about that, although technically I am fine. Any opinions?

The final issue again is weight and how an extra five pounds makes me feel like a lot of things in my closet don't fit right. This is a BIG issue during SYC and one I intend to address. Advice there also welcomed!

How is everyone else doing? Staying on the straight and narrow?

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Theresa

Barbara

Veteran

Laura, I am SO tempted to jump on the SYC bandwagon. Sounds like fun.

Banana

Well, I've been inspired by you ladies to take on this challenge. Although I am only on week 2, so far, I am doing well. My first task was to clean out my closet with no mercy for anything! I've donated loads of items and can actually see what I have that works. I'm starting to identify holes in my wardrobe.

Now if I can only figure out what to do with my business suits that no longer fit! I think I'm ready to give them up, but not sure if I should send them to the consigment shop or find a good charity to donate them to?????

Laura

(website)

Veteran

About the business suits, have you looked into Dress for Success? Angie volunteers there ... she might have suggestions on how to donate, depending where you live.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Barbara- I'm not sure I would call this "fun" but we'd love to have you jump on board.
Banana- glad to have you aboard as well.

I'm starting to feel pangs of apprehension as the days get a bit shorter and cooler. At this point I'm still wearing alot of my summer stuff but the reality is beginning to set in that one day I'm going to have to face my winter wear collection that is not 100% up to snuff. I'ts wearable and I know I can make it through December but it will be harder. I keep consoling myself with the fact that in January I can treat myself to some fun new things. Whenever I see someone post something new and fun, I feel like I'm sitting at a party munching carrots and celery while everyone else is indulging in cheesecake and wine.

Laura- Where is the redecorating bug coming from? Do you feel that you're just re-directing your shopping bug?

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Kim, your answer to Barbara was my thought exactly! Not "fun," since munching carrots while people are eating cheesecake isn't fun. But maybe rewarding in the long run.

You know, I feel just the opposite about cooler weather. I'm glad for it because everything I pull out of my closet for fall feels new, even if it's not. Do you think you're lacking a lot of key items?

The redecorating bug hit after the visit from my interior designer friend, and in prepping for a family visit. Yes, I am afraid it's just a redirecting of the shopping bug. I wish I didn't feel guilty but I do.

Vix

Veteran

Week 8ers go!

Still here cheering you all on from the sidelines and taking notes on your discipline! As I'm sure Queen Mum isn't the only one struggling a bit more with the seasonal shifting, here's a little extra support....

My limited number of strategic fall/winter purchases are rolling in and I need to readjust the mindset to NOT buying. You all have hit TWO MONTHS of austerity while hanging around a style site, woohoo!

Recently, I've accompanied a friend on a few *blowout* (but practical) shopping trips, and as with YLF while I find it fun to live vicariously, it's also a struggle for my weak-willed self, ha. Pass the carrots and seltzer, QM.

Love the "January will be fun" focus -- and it will no doubt be a deal-heavy month. Onward ho....

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I forced myself to buy some pants last night. That probably sounds weird, but I have the hardest time shopping for bottoms and I really need some transitional ones. the only non denim pants that I have are my harem pants. I've been waiting a long time for the cropped ones at Old Navy to really go on sale, and yesterday they were cheap enough that I went ahead and ordered two pair- two colors and two sizes. I will probably only keep one. I also have shoes coming that were an exchange. I know that I haven't really been playing by the SYC rules, but I do think that I've done a really good job at evaluating my clothing purchases and getting the value that I need- and that was my intention form the start.
Laura- I think what makes you feel guilty is shifting that same habit from clothes to the house. If you're spending so much time/money on the house then you haven't really broken your habit- you've just changed it. Of course, only you can really say if that is what has happened.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Laura- I wouldn't say I'm missing any key fall pieces, but I was still pretty green last fall/winter and don't feel that I pulled together a 100% fab wardrobe. I can make it work, it's just not as vast as my summer wardrobe. I'll be wearing some things to death, but it will be good for me to spend the time evaluating what I really need.

Barbara

Veteran

Hey, Laura, I have no fear of carrots! Although cheesecake is infinitely more delicious. I understand.... And QM, I LOVE a challenge. Maybe the cooler weather, if it ever gets here (still 90 degrees in NC) will shock me into commitment. Cheers!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Kim - that's the attitude. Just keep adding to the wish list and see what still resonates with you in January. I've added one of those wide belts - is it called an obi belt? I think that could be fun if it doesn't overwhelm my small torso. That, plus a fab handbag and sunglasses are it so far. Weird how it's all accessories.

Khris, I think you've hit the proverbial nail on the head. That's probably why I'm feeling frustrated at myself.

What I need is a job. More income and less time to think about how fab I could make my house look

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Barbara, welcome to the virtuous veggie tray club

Queen Mum

Veteran

Laura- I'm realizing too that my biggest needs are in the accessories area. That tends to be the last thing I think about and don't like to spend alot there...and it shows. I need to invest in a couple of nice belts and some nicer scarves.

Barbara- I do love a challenge too. I am quite competitive by nature and that is keeping me from giving in to temptations.

Isabel

Veteran

I am still "in". This week was a very easy week for me. My sister and I went shopping for clothes for her and with all the sales I wasn't even tempted. The seasonal clothes swap is always very helpful to me because I realize just how much I have.

I also drove by the big tent sale at the factory outlet for Brahmin bags and I wasn't tempted in the least. I am pretty happy with what I have and feel covered ( pun intented ) for wintered. My dilemma today is actually that I feel I have too may winter coats and I can't bear to part with any.

I am also struggling with about 10 extra pounds, so I actually gave away some things that I did not wear all Spring/Summer. But I bought some things ( like jeans ) last Spring that will get me through. Then I will determine in January what I will really wear and what I need.

Regarding the house Laura, I think that as long as it doesn't cause a financial burden, it is a great thing to do. I want to redo my bathroom myself ( my husband thinks I had a breakdown passing that tent......), and I have plans to go to some shows.

PalmFronds

Sorry Laura and fellow SYCs--just fell off the wagon this morning.After 7 weeks of trying everything else in my jewelry wardrobe, I gave up and went to buy some silver hoops to replace those I lost right at the start of the shopping ban. I really missed them and found out how much of a wardrobe staple they were for me and my pixie cut.I bought only silver ones, despite the gold ones staring at me from the case... I did also put back the shoes I had in my cart heading to the checkout counter.I did not feel at all guilty about the earrings, but a little voice said to me "you've come so far!" when I put the shoes in my cart, so back they went...

Does this mean I am out or in?

Laura, the house redecorating my in truth be a displacement so I understand your feeling guilty about it. More redirection? I did enjoy finally getting my clothing altered properly, both my my own hand and my professionals. That helped me alot.

Congrats to everyone making it this far!!!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

PF, no one is going to kick you out for replacing something you lost! You are in, in, in. With a special gold star for putting the shoes back.

My house projects were going along very very well - I was doing it all basically with no cost - and then I met the Ralph Lauren bedding dept. And Crate and Barrel's new fall decor. Sigh!

PalmFronds

That dashing Ralph Lauren can be tough to turn down
Great I am still in! My big test will come in 3 weeks when I visit my sister in NY. May need a free hall pass that week...

Don't beat yourself up about it Laura! I think doing much of this on your own is terrific, and the money you are spending on the house is in fact for everyone else to enjoy as well, not reflective of something for your own enjoyment(which often clothing is, atleast for me). Enjoy the "new" house!

As for the last 5 pounds plague: not sure if you have time to get yourself wrapped up in yet ANOTHER venture on top of your current work at home and professionally, as well as the food-revolution you started. But the old answer about exercise does do the trick alot of the time I think. If even not to actually drop the weight, it makes you feel SO much better, enough to snub your nose at the five pounds Somehow all the things about my body that bother me usually, they seem to fade away into enjoying the sweaty moment after I exercise. I started doing pushups in addition to my usual running this summer and it has made so much difference.I have not lost any weight but my body redistributed everything so I look different.And feel great. Nothing earth shattering about that suggestion and you are probably already doing it, but thought I would throw it out there
BTW, I have seen your posts and you look fantastic, so objectively I don't see that really any "fixing" is needed, but I understand the feeling. HUgs, and kudos to you for all the ways you are fab!

Dawn

(website)

I think I'm still with you. I was given vouchers as a present for finishing my thesis which would not have been valid in the New Year. I used them to buy winter boots and PJs so at least I didn't go crazy.

taylor

Veteran

Wow .. You are All still hanging in there!!!...so proud....Ladies be kind to yourselves.

Laura, I love how you are dressing your house

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Taylor, I love how you always manage to hit the nail on the head ... delicately of course

We miss you here but love seeing your fab new items!

Megan

Hi SYCers,

May I join in? I've spent the last few months building up a reasonable closet (my budget program is sending me cross emails about having overspent my clothing budget considerably) but I don't want to get stuck in needing new stuff all the time- I want to work with what I have now (and I've spent over $3000 in the last 3 months....GULP).

My only exceptions will be replacing things that break and can't be repaired and one pair of shoes if Tam decides to share shipping from Nordies with me.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fun post to read!

AHEM.....where are these SYC outfit posts?

I have a post coming up about the "5 pound thing" so stay tuned. It comes up ALL THE TIME with my clients.

Anonymous

I'm still hanging in there. I've started doing some Christmas shopping for others when I need to shop and plan to start looking for carpet. If the weather gets cooler I'll have lots to pick from that I haven't seen in awhile plus some new unworn items from before the SYC challenge.
In January I'll be looking for some new bags.

Anonymous

Laura, what should be done when DH insists I let him know what I want for a gift?

Kyle

Veteran

Laura, first and foremost, let's be grateful that it is only 5 pounds. You can lose five pounds without breaking a sweat (well, not literally, unfortunately). Then, draw a line in the sand and commit that the 5 will not turn into 6, or 7, or 8 and then suddenly, 10. I've had good success using an app called ThinkThin (for iPhone) and another called Fat Secret for iPad. Determine how many calories you need to lose weight at a reasonable rate, then record what you eat, how much you exercise, etc., each day You'll automatically gravitate toward healthier, lower calorie choices, and you will lose the weight in no time. Fat Secret includes calories for entrees at many popular restaurants -- it's so easy and convenient. I find it important to weigh in daily to remain accountable and track progress. Others find that counterproductive. You are very self aware and will quickly find what does and does not work for you. And you have lots of support here, too, and many people who understand. Also, someone once told me that "guilt is a useless emotion." I've always liked that.

AJ

Veteran

Congrats on week 8 everyone! I have no idea how y'all are doing it, but I'm so proud of you!

Laura, I don't think you should feel guilty about fixing up the house. You are doing a lot of the work yourself and you needed the new bedding, right?

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Oh Angie, I have several SYC outfit posts on my blog! I've been doing it, really, I swear!

http://www.writing4dummies.blogspot.com

Kyle, sometimes I get down because I feel like age and hormones are working against me right now ... you have shown that this is NOT the case. I will check out those apps. And ultimately, you are right - it could be worse. Thank you

And Joy, I think you should tell hubby what you want. Plain and simple. Is it a clothing item?

Jonesy

Veteran

I am still in, but I've hit a little bump in the road :). Here's the story (this is sort of like confession, and sorry for how long it is): In August before my shopping ban, I bought a pair of gray booties. I had hunted for a pair all last year. So, I got this pair and they seemed to be fine, though the heel height was a little tall for me. I wore them once, and they hurt my ankle.

So, I got some orthotics, then test drove them last week when I went out to dinner with friends. I came home, and my ankle and knee were hurting (still hurting, one week later). So, I decided that these boots would not work. My mind immediately went to finding a replacement, but I felt guilty because of the shopping ban. I ultimately decided to try to replace them, and I am waiting for a shipment from endless.com right now.

I figure this will be one teeny little purchase over the course of four months, based on a medical necessity :). Does this fly, or am I just deluding myself??

Queen Mum

Veteran

Jonesy- I think that is valid. It's all about following the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.

Joy- I have the same dilemma. What I decided is that I need to give him gift ideas that are NOT clothing. IE- a new gym bag, running shoes (although I hate to waste a birthday gift on running shoes) OR, you could ask him to give you a gift card to your favorite store and then save it for January.

MNsara

Veteran

Jonesy - I think it is perfectly within the way you may need to define SYC. . . Like QM said, it's not about mandating absolutely no purchases, it's about shopping your closet and those booties were part of your closet. Like palmfronds replacing her silver hoops -- she tried to do without something she started with, but really missed them enough to replace them.

No guilt -- grey booties were yours to start with

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