Finished my purge...mostly! - YouLookFab Forum

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Finished my purge...mostly!

Peri

Veteran

Everything I flat out hate is gone. I wish I could say I was completely finished but Suz and others helped me understand that wardrobes should be fluid.

So...nothing left that I hate to wear, but about 75% of what is left is on probation. I can tolerate it but don't feel happy in it. I'm not ready to toss those things yet or I will be really frantic trying to replace them and maybe rush the job. If I keep them I can toss them more gradually as I shop smarter by everyone's suggestions earlier.

From one perspective it's pretty pathetic to have 75% of your clothes have no happiness factor. But I feel it is a step in the right direction at least. The worst is gone and the not fab is identified and waiting to be replaced. Before I was lost and overwhelmed...now I feel some direction.

General

18 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

jayne

Veteran

Good start, and a first step. Maybe some of those 'will do' items will end up loved if you find the right way to style them! post a picture of some outfits and we are glad to help

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jayne is right.

And just having that "happiness factor" in your head as you go shopping will be huge. I think that if I don't want to wear an item the minute I buy it, I probably shouldn't buy it. Of course you can't always fulfil the desire (might not be the right season or it might be special occasion wear or whatever). But not wanting to wear it right a way is a sign that you've just settled and probably more than you should.

Raisin

Veteran

It's definitely a good start. Maybe you need to go get 2 or 3 pieces that give you that happiness factor and work well with some of your basic pieces. That way you can have some outfits that work and you feel good in while you shop and try to fill out your wardrobe.

Tanya

Veteran

That is a great first step indeed. And I think you are on the right way. For all that it's worth, I in a similar situation - I do not particularly like 70% of the things I own. But since I have a pretty large wardrobe, I do not feel it that much. I am also slowly trying to replace/upgrade things.

Kristin L

Veteran

Good job Peri! It takes time to get your wardrobe right where you want it. I'm still working on replacing the things that don't work anymore.

cheryl

Veteran

Good for you. It isn't easy sometimes to let things go. You are on your way to a much happier wardrobe!

Glory

Veteran

Congrats Peri! I like the term probation and am now going to apply that as well. Keep us posted on your progress.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sounds like you're working your plan, and that's always the first step to success. I'd encourage you to invest an hour a week playing with remixing the items that are left, or, alternatively, trying on a combination or two when you're in your closet already at the end of the day. For example, I have a new striped skirt I'm trying to style. Last night, I put it on before I jumped into my jammies, and tried it with 3 different pairs of shoes, 4 toppers and two jackets. Now I know how I'll wear it this week.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like a great way to do this huge process. You are wise to know that yourself and the fact that you might rush things and make mistakes if you had too many holes in your wardrobe. Take your time and have fun with this process!

vesperholly

And think of the happiness that will come from you releasing those clothes into the world. Others who need them, or who will like and feel fab in them... so much better than sitting in your closet unworn, making you feel guilty and preventing you from seeing the rest of your wardrobe that you'd like to wear.

I hope you find the items that will make you feel great when you get dressed in the morning.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Well done:) If I were you I would look in my wardrobe & try to find one or two outfits that I really liked & felt good in - that way you have some place to start when you start to buy:) For me it's always jeans & jackets for others it's dresses. Angie's & everyones "essentials" ideas are great too.

http://youlookfab.com/2012/08/.....ssentials/

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I haven't read other responses yet, but can I just say that I'm on 3 years here and finding myself doing subconscious upgrade/replacements still?! Yesterday's taupe sneakers took the place of somewhat uncomfortable on my ankle sneakers I would still use for short shifts at work (under 6 hours). Not anymore! And I did the same last week with a berry colored blouse that was 'meh'. 3 years later, off it goes, now that I have a better berry lol.
It will take time. And that's okay. In my mind, that's better than nothing to wear for those years. I can make do until the better item comes along

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

This is a HUGE step in the right direction Peri. Knowing what you DON'T like is just as important and knowing what you DO like. Now you can take those items still in your closet and play with them a bit. Well done

shedev

Veteran

I just did the megapurge too. I think of the stuff that I'm meh about as place holders till something with a high happy factor comes along. I can totally relate to wanting to pitch it all though.

Deborah

Veteran

Congratulations! Sounds like you are totally on the right track and I think we have all been there or are still travelling through this.

Lisa

Veteran

Sounds like a great start. Getting rid of hated items is a big first step. And now you can slowly swap in/swap out new fab items for the less than fab one's you already have. It took me 3 years to rebuild myw ardrobe completely and while it was a long process, all the work is worth it. Keep up the good work!

Peri

Veteran

Thanks everyone! Lots of good suggestions. I have bought a few new things and can hopefully cool off now and really think.

I love calling things place holders! Great term. I think it will help to realize that this is never really done. I want to feel done, but the idea of fluidity is better...less stress, more practicality.

I'm hoping to get a higher percentage of happy way before three years! But it's nice knowing I can't rush the process. The rushing was making me frantic to buy buy buy.

rachylou

Veteran

I've been working on purging for 3 years now, and I'm not done. I'd kill to be where you are!