Shannon my gosh, i would miss you so much. I log in here 2 or 3 x a day. I have my favorites and read them regularly. I keep thinking i will post pictures some time... i take lots. .... I guess i am happy with mostly lurking. Like a few others have said, it doesnt have to be all or nothing. I do like what shedev said about liking to see the repeats though. I applaud your desire for minimalism, i am going through it myself right now. I hope you stay aroun d and keep us posted on a minimalist wardrobe

SHANNON! YLF will be sooooo different without you! I've been active on-and-off for three years and your outfits are one of the first I've seen. I have always looked forward to your WIW's and watched your style evolve. I enjoy reading your beautiful, encouraging and funny comments! You will surely be missed!

And I don't think you know this, but I may just be one of your biggest lemmings! When you began going through a style transition, I was going through one too! Your WIW's inspired me, and allowed me to be open to try different styles (like waist-surrendering). Although our styles are very different, your style continues to inspire me!

I completely understand your decision. At the moment, you are at the early stages of moving and you are likely overwhelmed at the moment. The early stages are always like that - confusion with how you feel about everything!

I recently finished a class in Change and Transitions, and I often found it interesting how style shifts happened to me when something major had changed. In my case, I have been through a major transition myself, and it's berm reflective in my style. I find it interesting how you are going through a sort of transition as well, and your style shifted to favour comfort and simplicity. It's really amazing to see this in others, and it's quite beautiful!

So Shannon, regardless your decision, know that I will respect it. We Fabbers love you here and would love to continue seeing more of you!!!!

I think a lot of us go through this stage in life. I think we get overwhelmed by all the things we have accumulated over time and it feels draining to take care of it all. It is great that your DH is on the same page. I have downsized to a smaller house with a much smaller closet and love the change. I have strived to simplify as much as possible with the house. I no longer shop for decorations or furniture and I have purged book collections and Cmas decorations etc, etc, etc! I keep our meals very simple too. I stopped buying clothes for a few years too. These changes were all very freeing. However, while I love the simplicity of an easier to care for house with much less in it, my clothes were getting worn out and this wasn't making me happy. I am happiest when I can add a few things each season and this forum helps me choose what to buy. Playing in my closet also makes me happy. It is a fun hobby. Simplicity is a journey and your journey may be different. Spend your time where it makes you the happiest.

I do understand the feeling of lemming pull, quite a lot of stuff people try out here is not available to me and when it is I jump! If I could have free delivery and returns of all of Angie's picks I would have to set major limits on myself or I would go wild. And I like to post outfits and get thoughtful and supportive feedback but don't do that all the time either. Nonetheless, I keep coming back because of the community of warm, intelligent, supportive women is so special to me. I am totally addicted to the self esteem group therapy aspect of this community and come back through thick and thin for that reason. You know I adore your style Shannon, but that goes for your warmth and optimism as much as your clothes. And I love re-mixes btw! I think there is a lot to think about with minimalism, and I hope you hang around to share your experiences. Pretty please :-)!

I practice Project 333 and if I love an outfit, I repeat it ad nauseum.

Shannon, I don't think you could ever completely leave a community that is such an integral part of your social sphere (that's a good thing) but we all have ups and downs. I didn't make a conscious decision to limit the time and energy I spend on fashion but it happened. After I moved, I found I was more interested in home decor and gardening than fashion. I rarely shopped for clothes unless I had a need and you know what? I didn't miss it and I had more available cash for other things.

It sounds like many of the YLF regulars feel the same cycling and that it often comes a few years after joining. The enthusiasm of the new interest in fashion at that time can't be maintained forever for most of us.

Enjoy planning for your new lifestyle. You have style and daring when it comes to fashion and that will always be part of who you are.

I haven't read all the comments, and I am newbie here, but I just wanted to say that minimalism is also a style. And indeed is style only about buying?
And I wanted to share one lifestyle blog/photo blog, it is about life simplicity I think. And the blogger adds outfits photos of her taste, that are minimal and timeless in my eyes.
http://awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com/
http://awelltraveledwoman.com/

Here on YLF, some numbers of clothing items that someone owns cought my eye. And I know that at least for a while my closet won't have hundreds of items But I want to dress myself stylishly nevertheless, even if I own one pair of jeans and a basic tee, I want to look good, and make the most out of them

What I am trying to say that style should not be about quantity, but more about quality, what indeed is your intention.

Add me to the growing list of people who would really miss you if you completely left this group. And trust me, I understand the lemming pull!
But I do think it's possible to do this in a less "all or nothing" way. For one, you post outfits every day, for the most part. Maybe post once a week? I also think that if you have the mindset of "no" then you look at posts differently. If you are in spending mode, you look at every item as "hey, would that work for me" rather than "that's perfect for x, I'm not interested".

I often really question what we are all doing, esp when I read posts on CPW etc. Trying to wear an item 3 (or 5, or 10...) times a season? Think about that. What a totally privileged problem to have. It wasn't long ago a lot of women had three dresses - two for wearing, and one for church. And we worry about repeating? When I see/read stories about the clothes that end up in landfills I'm horrified. Yet I continue to contribute to it. I think more influences, or showing it's okay, to repeat and remix would be GREAT. You would continue to be a real asset here if you wanted to continue to share your style evolution and minimization, and what that looks like in real life.

I think it is just as important that we have people participating and showing how to work what you have. I for one will miss your commentary and heartfelt insight. I think you can still be minimalist and participate!

I am just getting to the point where I am happy with what I have, and you bet I will be wearing the same old stuff every day until it wears out, so don't feel like you will be left out. I think you can then step back and consider if new purchases fit into your lifestyle. I think it is fine to admire and covet new pieces but it certainly isn't my only reason for being on this site. I can't afford to be constantly buying new items, no matter how lovely they are.

I have finally had the chance to read all of your replies and WOW - what a thoughtful, wise and caring group of women you truly are Thank you all so much for your input.

I wanted to comment first that my desire to minimize the clutter in my home and mind is not only financially motivated. I'm not in any trouble financially if any of you are wondering about that (or maybe you're not wondering about that and I'm just projecting here - lol!). It's more about wanting to create a smaller footprint, reduce the excess and waste I create, have less stuff to take care of, that sort of thing.

I'm also not feeling overwhelmed by this desire to make a significant change - quite the opposite. I'm excited about the possibilities this could bring. I'm also just in the "mulling it over" stage and of course, no decisions made at this point. DH and I have just been wondering what it's all about, you know?

I do unfortunately have an all or nothing kind of personality - always have. You couple that with my impatient nature and it can lead a person to make rash decisions - both good and bad. This will always be my Achilles heel.

You are also all so right in that YLF is so much more than a fashion place - it's a community of caring, intelligent, witty and wonderful people who have become part of my extended family. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Una - you and I are indeed quite similar in our back and forth re: wardrobe, shopping, etc. Can you imagine if you and I got together? No good could come from it, I'm sure - lol!

Amiable - Shop Your Closet Support Group - an excellent idea!

Suz - I think you are wise to seek moderation versus minimalism. And I do feel the need to refresh my wardrobe each season - I guess I need to figure out to what degree.

Astrid - yep, much soul searching required.

unfrumped - I hadn't thought about how showing the versatility of certain pieces in my wardrobe and the ways to re-mix and continue to wear the items, could be useful in its own way. Thank you for pointing that out

Jeanie - your comments really resonated with me and I need to think on them some more. I appreciate how you simplified your life in many ways. Maybe that's what I'm really striving for - simplifying other aspects of my life first.

You have all given me so much to think about and I really want to thank you for allowing me to ramble on and figure out where life is taking me. I don't want to leave YLF - I guess I'm just feeling conflicted within myself on a few issues.

Shannon, we need your perspective, wisdom and want to share your journey toward simplicity. Many of us are or will be on the same journey. DH wants to be downsized and in a smaller place in two years. It may be sooner if we find the right place. Like you, part of me is excited to simplify. You can show us the way..not just clothing but the other stuff too. You have honed your style so well that we would appreciate your comments on threads. We want to see how you refresh your wardrobe too. Please stick around and participate when you can.

You know, Shannon, I wonder if your most recent style shift isn't different than others you've had before. You clearly like variety and to explore new colors and silhouettes, but this part of your journey is much more about comfort and simplicity. I suspect that once you felt the urge to change you felt a bit of impatience to complete the transformation all at once -- after all, you can see the destination! That would involve a good amount of investment, and a lot of wardrobe churn, although it would really be so much fun!

Ornella and Ingunn are both examples of fabbers who make style shifts very slowly --- evolution rather than revolution. They manage to enjoy the journey and look amazing in the process. Perhaps making a conscious plan for a bit slower change --- and some time remixing old and new items, would help you feel the fashion part of your life is in line with your overall values.

Shannon,

I don't know if you've been following my story (or blog; see username link), but I've been very inspired by Claire and the idea of a MUCH smaller wardrobe. I've been taking steps to make that possible. I started with only visiting here on the weekends, and once I was able to do that OK, I "allowed" myself to visit more often. I'm picky about which WIW and K/R threads I open, because those tend to trigger shopping lists. I definitely keep away from anything lemming-sounding!

I also decided that I don't want anything cheap or fleeting in my wardrobe anymore (for now). I'm not moved by anything at Macy's, JCPenney, or Target anymore. Even TJMaxx is usually a bust. I'm limiting myself to stores like Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, looking only for truly great pieces.

I also started wearing all my favorite items, hoping to let my unfavored things filter to the bottom, where they'll end up in the donation pile. I'm repeating outfits a lot, which is something I've never done.

I've only been at it for a month, but so far, June was successful. I'd planned a shopping trip for yesterday and bought only items that fit my stringent criteria. This was a FIRST!

I hope to still find inspiration here, even if I don't participate in the shopping frenzy. I look forward to seeing what everyone gets for NAS, but truly have NO desire to buy anything from it (other than getting a NAS price adjustment for something I bought yesterday).

I'm also trying (maybe not so successfully) to limit my intake and churn both. Most of my last year or two has been concentrating on just that. Yes, coming here can stoke the fire to shop, but it can also be a way to play within your confines and make some fun out of what could otherwise maybe feel limiting (no shopping).
After seeing my habits and patterns over the last almost 2 years of targeted limiting, I can see where my level point is. The happy place of moderation.
As some have said, stopping shopping altogether can then leave you scrambling yet again in a year or two. I believe conscientious purchasing is the way to go. Only you know if coming here will interfere with that.

Oh boy! I missed this. Shannon, I am one of your followers! I see every outfit of yours and no I don't expect to see new clothes everyday! You have fantastic advice here and I would be bummed if you don't post daily outfits. I will miss your warm smile. You MUST post daily outfits ... DAILY ... Every single day of the week.

No pressure ...

Shannon, I haven't read all the responses, but as far as whether you would still belong here, I think you would. You could view your participation as a way to help others rather than as a chance to find the next "great item." You've been on this forum for a long time and have a lot of wisdom that you could share with others.

But I am so not into pressuring people. If you feel like in your heart it is time to go, then you have to honor that. But we will surely miss you!

I've read the new replies and the previous ones again, and once again let me say thank you! You are an amazing group and I love ya

So I've done some more thinking and I realize I just need to relax and let things flow however they are going to. Even changing how I shop or store my clothes or search for a smaller footprint can be relevant right? Right??? - lol!

And this place is definitely much more than a place to talk about shopping. I can show how I remix fave items, how I still search to get my proportions right and seek your wisdom and creativity to keep moving forward.

Thanks for once again "grounding" me

Yup. I actually think it is more interesting to see how people make their wardrobes work over time...it's one reason Angie's posts are so instructive; she includes the older pieces with the new. Sure, it is grand fun to build a wardrobe -- and awfully tempting to start over from scratch every season! But there are many other ways to have fun with fashion.

Hi Shannon,
I totally get what you are feeling
I am in the process of sorting, packing and painting in order to sell my huge family home in the suburbs to buy a small inner city apartment near the river.
I have been planning this for years and it's getting closer and closer now.
Part of my moving is decluttering and a huge wardrobe purge so I don't have too much left

Oops.... Not sure what I did then but cut off half of my post.
I love your easy to wear comfy style and look forward to seeing you work your smaller more refined wardrobe.
I am always happy when I recognize a favorite piece
I for one vote.....keep on posting, you would be hugely missed

Everyone has made such good points, Shannon, but I'll chime in to add my little bit. I've been away from YLF for awhile because of my lemming tendencies. My lifestyle no longer requires that I "dress" everyday and I found myself spending money on things I don't need. I'm allowing myself back now on a less frequent basis because I miss the group and I really like fashion. I'm still learning the lesson that just because I like something doesn't mean I have to have it. Moderation is the key.

Shannon, glad to hear your update. I haven't read all of the replies so I might be repeating. You could start your wardrobe minimalism project with us. It would be fun to analyze the pieces you love and dont quite love anymore (whenever you are ready that is) You could also follow the one in one out policy strictly while shopping henceforth to keep your closet size in check.

Hi Shannon, I can understand what phase you are going through! I have known you through YLF and I must tell you that I have always been a big fan of your outfit posts and esp that lovely smile of your's! I am a regular reader of YLF and I never miss a post, I do admit that I don't get a lot of time to comment on the forums or posts but I do enjoy reading about others outfits, their purchases and their experiences involved! I have been on YLF since Dec 2010 and it's the best thing that has happened to me! I have learnt so much about dressing, wardrobe editing and outfits and ensembles from Angie and from the forum that it has completely changed my personality! I make my choices wisely and according to the body I am in today, my lifestyle and my surroundings do play a big role in it and all of this is because of you wonderful people out there! So we do want you here, it's not only about the purchases and the WIWs but it's much beyond that, it's about the value that you add here....its a connection really deep! I have made some valuable purchases after reading about it here but to be true I have also found those hidden treasures in my closet after watching others WIWs...the idea of shopping in my closet, mixing and matching outfits, wardrobe capsules and so much more I have learned from here! So the inspiration is here...the essence of style is here and that is what binds us all together all over the World! So all THANKS to Angie for making our lives so fashionable and full of style! And....Shannon, we need you, your beautiful smile and your awesome and stylish outfits and posts here!! Take care dear....xo

I admire what you are trying to do! I think you should stay on YLF and see how it goes

Late, I was away for the weekend.
But I get what you are saying, totally. WIW's are a mixed bag, because the comments can totally make your day. So you feed off the positive reinforcement, and more often than not new shiny things generate more comments.
I've thought of stepping back as well to quitting all together.
If you have to go, you have to go. I'll miss you immensely but real life trumps all. If you can find balance or self-imposed limits then more the power to you.

Great advice here already. I understand the need to simplify. A piece of my blog is trying to cull and maintain a smaller closet over a long time frame. And I am very slowly getting there. I don't post WIWs as often as I used too but I take outfit photos for myself often. It helps me keep an eye on my style, without any pressure to remix my outfits to make them interesting for a WIW. As I own less and wear more of the same things, I naturally feel others will find it less interesting. And ironically some of my favorite WIWs is when I see an item I know someone has, remixed, instead of new purchases all the time. I really enjoy seeing how versatile an item can be.

I like seeing remixes, personally. Heck, since my whole wardrobe is variations on a theme most of the time most people probably think I'm remixing even when I'm not.