How do you use Finds?

Carol

I notice that more active Fabbers catalog their clothing as Finds, and then showcase them in posts or comments.

I rarely do this, instead typing: Talbots sweater, thrifted earrings, Gap leggings, etc. It is easier for sure, but now I'm curious about how people use Finds.

It seems to work better with items that are in stores now, because they are easier to make from the web site. I know sometimes people make "custom finds" for older or thrifted items.

I can see the advantage to the community, but I don't understand how it helps the owner.

Then there's our own "collection" of Finds, which I guess would be a combination of our own clothes, and anything we have favorited from the blog, etc. I don't go back and look much, but does anyone use this big catalog of Finds in any way?

Curious about all this--usefulness as well as any other thoughts.

(The pictures are of a simpler time when we had to "find" things at the mall together--the 1980s.)

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2 weeks ago

General

31 replies

Latest reply was from Carol

Peri

Veteran

I use it to collect any of the things other people link that I like.

And then forget about them.

2 weeks ago

Roberta

Veteran

I like seeing my own wardrobe collection, at least for the last five or six years, but mostly I click in every morning to see what people have collected! It's my way of following trends. It's also a lot of fun to see when Angie is collecting, say, items in snake print. Today it is stripey things!

2 weeks ago

Dee

Veteran

I started using FINDS to catalogue my own wardrobe about 2 years ago, it helps me remember what I have in various categories when I’m out shopping. All my finds are custom made because I don’t live in the United States.

2 weeks ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Oh, Roberta, I like that idea!

I use Finds mainly to show on the forum when I make a post about WIW, what I'm shopping for, or what I bought. I try to add a Find for any new purchases. I would like to have my wardrobe mostly represented in Finds, so I could use it more as a reference for myself. But I have a lot of wardrobe items that aren't in Finds, especially accessories and things I've made.

2 weeks ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I use Finds for many things -- first, to catalogue my wardrobe.

(Like Dee, because I'm in Canada, a lot of my Finds are Custom Finds, but when I can locate the item online I sometimes just link to the US site in my own Find).This sometimes helps Angie's business, because some of the links to US stores are affiliate links. If another forum member clicks through and buys, she gets a tiny fraction, depending on the agreement with the retailer. At least that's my understanding.

I can also use Finds to track wears, to make specific collections of items -- what I buy in a given season or year, what I'm considering at the NAS sale, what my travel capsule might look like, even collections of what I'm shopping for or think I need in a coming season. I collect my "retired" items each year and sometimes make notes on why I am letting the item go -- is it due to wear, poor fit, didn't work to make outfits the way I'd hoped -- or what? I could potentially note what I actually paid for the item in the notes area of Finds, but I don't bother doing that.

I also look at Finds to see what people are collecting, as Roberta does! It helps me see what people are noticing in the stores, and when Angie is collecting a bunch of related items, I can guess what she is going to post about in advance. It keeps me aware of fringe trends and seasonal shifts.

2 weeks ago

Lisa

Veteran

I use finds for my wardrobe, to collect items that catch my eye to see if they will work with my wardrobe, and to see what the trends are based on what others are interested/collecting in. I also find the finds attached to others WIW posts helpful for shopping.

2 weeks ago

Irina

Veteran

I don’t do Finds and never look at what is there. Is it bad?
I have my full wardrobe on Pinterest for my own reference. I use pictures from there to sometimes illustrate my posts.

Maybe because I’m in Canada or perhaps my shopping is more incidental. In any case, I don’t think my participation is of any interest to others or might be useful to me.

2 weeks ago

Liz

Veteran

I use Finds as a way to find my style. Periodically I go in and favorite items other have collected, that I like. Over time, a profile of the kind of item I like has emerged.

I look at other members' collections, if they have a style that I really admire. It's helpful for me to see the kinds of items they are buying that add up to their unique look.

I use it to create capsules for my personal wardrobe. I don't have my items loaded into Finds, so I just use whatever finds are available that are close enough. I can generally find an approximation of my item already in Finds somewhere.

Every once in a while, if i'm trying to figure out where to buy something, I'll filter Finds for a particular store to figure out what kind of store has the look I'm going for.

And the ROG continues to be fun and give me ideas!

2 weeks ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I use Finds to collect items that I see on other’s posts, but I can’t add items directly from retailers because I don’t think you can do that on a phone, and I use my phone, not a tablet or computer.

2 weeks ago

Runcarla

Veteran

I use Finds a lot! Mainly, it’s a tool for cataloguing my wardrobe and generating data. I have Collections of items purchased in any given year (starting from 2022), a Collection of Thrifted items, and Collections based on colours (black, dark blue, light blue, red). When I edit an item from my closet, I delete it from my Finds.

Finds is very useful for creating packing lists as well as playing around with outfit combinations.

I do check Angie’s Finds, as well as the Finds of YLF members whose style I particularly admire - or if I want to ‘lemming’ an item.

I’m grateful to Angie and Greg for having created Finds, and providing it for use.

2 weeks ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I see how it is useful to others, cataloging their wardrobe. Because I have my wardrobe cataloged on paper for my tracking, I have been too lazy to bother making Custom Finds for everything, which I would have to do since I don’t order from the US.
Therefore I have used it a different way, to save what catches my eye. And looking through the Finds I have kept for the past 8 years, it does give quite an accurate impression of my style and the sort of things I like. You could possibly find it useful in that way Carol? I think your style seems quite eclectic and doing this might help you pin it down more? I think I have become less eclectic over the 8 years.

2 weeks ago

LJP

Veteran

I'm sort of with Irina here. I have never looked at the larger Finds folder as it has never occurred to me to do so! I used to collect finds for myself years ago, but the collector doesn't work for most of my sources so I don't bother anymore. I also don't care about making collections or doing much analysis and other fancy things so there is that.......

I think for those of us outside of the US, it's more work as the retail sources now rarely cross over, but if you're into that sort of thing, then it's a great tool .

2 weeks ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Actually I don’t usually look at the larger Finds folder either, it’s too big. The items I save are more from Angie’s posts where she is demonstrating a point, like I saved some crocheted items and some embroidered ones, and lots of dainty shoes

2 weeks ago

kkards

Veteran

I love finds.

I use it to see what I own, what I bought, what I might be interested in , what I tried and didn’t keep, what I might try in the future, what I donate/retired. Sometimes I use finds to see a trend of what tickling my fancy. Sometimes it’s to highlight a designer item that I want to see if I can find something similar but at my price range. And sometimes it’s just window shopping. Ok often it’s just window shopping.

I like to add finds to my outfit posts because it’s an easy way for someone who might be interested to find/see what the item is. I love looking at the finds that other people post. I also love the fact that you can click on a find and see if it’s been in a post and you can see if there are real people who posted real outfits with the item.

2 weeks ago

JAileen

Veteran

I don’t make finds because I’m on an ipad and it doesn’t work on them. However, sometimes others will make finds of things I have and I will save them. And if I post a WIW with the item, I’ll show the find in my post. Or, if it’s something I’m interested in, I’ll click and go find it.

2 weeks ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I do finds to participate more fully in the forum. Having itemised finds enables me to show the particulars of what I’m wearing. That saves me having to say “skirt from Zara” etc. My posts are already a bit long and talky, and I would rather talk about why I am wearing a particular combination than where I bought it. Also, having a find can show colour, texture and other details better, especially for photos taken in winter or at night when proper lighting is a challenge. I appreciate being able to see details so I try to share my own. If it helps anyone with their own purchasing decisions, that’s good too.

Because I’m in Australia my finds are mostly custom finds. Generally I will create a custom find for an item only if it’s a bit unique. I don’t bother for more basic items, like layering tops or turtleneck jumpers.

Also, creating a collection of finds can be useful for planning purposes. Like planning ahead for a season or planning for a holiday.

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Peri--that is also how I use it!

Roberta--I don't think I ever noticed the potential of looking at other peoples finds pages. Stripes indeed--now I need to look more!

Dee--that is a great idea. I think there are apps for this, but you could just use finds.

Sharan--I bet we would all be curious to see your handmade items in finds.

Suz--wow, sounds like a highly orchestrated system. I did not realize that finds could connect back to the original affiliate link--that is a good bit of info. And I like your examples of how to make collections!

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Lisa--you are the second or third person to mention eyeing trends. I do that, too, but have not thought of it in any meaningful way. Now I will!

Irina--not bad, I don't think so! If you don't need it, then you don't need it. It is good to not get involved in the things we don't need.

Liz--that is what I have used it for, to find my style. Although I haven't really looked in any methodical way. I notice I tend to collect things that are a little more aspirational for me--more urban, more European, more womanly. But I think a lot of us do that.

Karie--I am lucky to do most of my YLF business on my computer. But I am surprised you can't do that on a phone. I would think there would be a way...

Carla--It does sound like a valuable tool, if you use it a lot. Maybe Angie and Greg should sell this tool to Google, and buy a home in Venice!

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Jenni NZ--that is sort of how I use it, but I need to do that more. Eclectic is exactly right. A few months ago I carefully created a plan to do sort of a mod/preppy style, but got distracted by all sorts of other clothes.

LJP--I think for me, it would also be work, even though I live in the US. And that is because I get half or more of my items from Poshmark, the online thrift store. They might be from this season, or they might be ten years old. So a lot of custom finds to create.

Jenni--I also delight in "favoriting" some items from her posts. I notice when I flag a lot from one post, maybe that is something I like. Like I think the "summer berry colors" post had me really excited.

kkards--You might win so far for most original uses of finds. I like the designer hack--Ralph Lauren is flawless for me, yet I own none. But his stuff is familiar enough I am sure I could find some dupes. And then the "clicking on an item to see how real women model it" is very useful.

JAileen--that is really too bad. But it sounds like you make it work for you, anyway, however you can.

Brooklyn--That is yet another use, another good point. That being that you can fully see the item a person is wearing when you make a find. I know I don't always take the best shots, so it makes sense to do that. I am not a big planner, but I do like the idea of collections.

2 weeks ago

Helena

Veteran

I use it to keep track of my shopping mainly ... But I like Roberta's method and might have to copy!

2 weeks ago

Runcarla

Veteran

As alluded to by kkards and Brooklyn, when someone uses finds to show the components of an outfit, I realize that even if I don’t have the exact thing but similar, I can create a similar copy cat!

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Helena--yup, I just tried Roberta's method of checking today's finds. Some cute sweaters on there!

Runcarla--that is a great point. Like if I have a baggy top and pencil skirt, I can at least make something modern from other ppl's finds.

2 weeks ago

SW prof

Active Member

I use Finds a ton. Primary purpose is to catalogue my existing wardrobe, which can help fight unnecessary duplication, and to remember items that I see online, either in YLF or elsewhere. I have a fairly strong principle of waiting before buying, so need a way not to lose track of things. I make a lot of custom finds, but that’s OK. Having the pictures of my current wardrobe is great as I am currently living mostly in France but most of my clothes are in the US.
I also use collections to make packing lists, and to assemble ideas for tops that might go with a specific pair of pants, for example.
I’ve been adding purchases and occasionally older items for about ten years, so a high proportion of my wardrobe is in Finds now.
Honestly I love Finds and really appreciate it being supported.

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Sw prof--sounds great. I love the idea of having my entire wardrobe in there. I have been digging into finds the last few days, and mostly just use it to see what I like so far in the stores.

2 weeks ago

Jules

Veteran

I was a very late adopter but now find Finds indispensable, even though I almost always have to custom create them. I have a small closet that requires swapping out items seasonally and doesn’t allow for a good visual display or inventory; Finds help me remember what I already have, which is particularly useful when spring items start coming out months before I can wear them. Having my items grouped in collections by season also gives me a a good visual sense of my style and often reminds me I’m quite happy with what I currently have! It’s also useful for trip planning, I can create Collections of out of season clothes months in advance without pulling everything out, and even reuse them for similar trips in future.

I think it’s helped me cut down on shopping because I can visually see I already have more than enough carefully selected clothing that I actually love, which isn’t always apparent when I look at eg. my overstuffed closet or a drawer of items that includes my un inventoried lounge wear, old layering tees, etc. Even seeing a few mistakes I’m holding on to is a good a reminder to avoid excess purchases - I thought I ‘needed’ that striped tee and clearly I didn’t, because I never wear it given all these better options, so I probably don’t need to be looking online for yet another version.

I think I wasn’t an initial adopter because I thought Finds were about looking and shopping and wanting, and being in Canada not all are relevant for me even when I was shopping more. But it turns out I mostly use them to inventory and appreciate things I already have. I only occasionally save a Find I don’t already own.

2 weeks ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Indeed Jules it seems a little odd that a fashion website could help us to buy fewer clothes (doesn’t help Angie make extra money from affiliate links!) but indeed the information here has helped me buy fewer clothes. Not the Finds specifically, but my tracking lists do the same thing.

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Jules--so well said. If I put clothes away, I would also have trouble remembering them--that's how I am. But I am the opposite: I have plenty of space, and not too many clothes, so I can literally see them all within a few seconds. But I like the concept of using it not for "more shopping," but for "let's use what is here."

1 week ago

Ket

Veteran

I am a very late adapter too. I have been a member of YLF since sometime in the early or mid 2000s, though not always active. I can not get Finds to work with my browsers or links for some reason. So I just make it all a custom find. More work but it works. I use Finds in the following ways:

1. "Ooo pretty/shiny". Anything anyone else is collecting, I heart it to save for later. Mostly it's like magazine or catalog flipping: it's fun and it inspires me.

2. Cataloging my wardrobe. I started this year. It helped me put together my entire Dolce Vita summer capsule. I still used Pinterest heavily for inspiration and such. Finds helps me see what I really have in one simple space.

3. Putting together seasonal wardrobes/capsules. Again, this allows me to see what is what. It helps me see gaps. It helps me plan a bit. It's a more concrete or objective way of working with my clothes. For the most part, I usually let clothes come to me, and work from intuition and inspiration. But I also need to know what my wardrobe is missing, low on, lacking. That sort of thing. I am still very much a feeler/heart dresser, but sometimes I need a little thinking/head to manage my clothes and style. My Find capsule helped me put together my entire Dolce Vita summer capsule. I still used Pinterest heavily for inspiration and such, but Finds helped me cement it all as I was trying on and buying pieces.

I also really enjoy playing with the outfit generator! I'll refresh it several times, taking screenshots of the recommendations I want to try down the road. I don't often try them, just because I forget about the screenshots. But the intention is there. I would like to believe that just in screenshotting them, the idea is going into the pot to percolate and stew for future ideas...

1 week ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Ket--looks like I forgot to respond. I also do a right-brained/osmosis sort of thing with my wardrobe. Like if I see a new idea over, and over, and over, I will eventually do it naturally, rather than planning it. "Pretty/shiny" is a good concept for how collecting works--just now I have a ruffled RL skirt in there--pretty/shiny, but probably won't buy it! I will have to try that outfit generator.

2 days ago

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