How many mistakes are in your closet? - YouLookFab Forum

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How many mistakes are in your closet?

Queen Mum

Veteran

Things you really should have returned but didn't and now they are serving their time until you can grant them parole?

I would say 2.
#1 A black and white striped top that got mixed reviews here. I kept it but then found that I really had to make myself wear it. I thought it would be a great transitional weather top,but I didn't like wearing it without a jacket.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....triped-top
hmm, looking back at the pictures I don't mind it so much, but for some reason I always think of a character from a Dr. Seuss book when I try to wear this.

#2 A pair of gold cork wedge sandals. I thought they would be great, but after a couple trial wears they are really too high of a heel.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....yay-or-nay

So, actually I don't feel too badly. I think the two items total to $60. Not bad for a semesters worth of tuition to the school of hard knocks. Last summer had it's share of mistakes, but I released them earlier this spring, so they aren't part of the tally.

What about you? Go count your regrets and report back

General

33 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I don't think that I have any. I am pretty ruthless at purging.

Queen Mum

Veteran

that's great Khris.. even when it was something you just bought a month ago, wore it twice and realize you don't care for it? Or does that not happen to you?

I will say posting pictures here and adding a full length mirror has helped me tremendously. I usually catch the mistakes before I've committed. I also never remove tags until I'm ready to walk out the door, confident that it's a keeper. (sometimes I'll even find the tag still attached at the end of the day.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You two are much wiser than I am. I have a dress sitting in my office, waiting to be sold on eBay, because I waited too long to return it. I bought it online via Ideeli, and it's perfectly nice -- I could wear it, it doesn't look bad on me, but it's not amazing. It's dressier than I expected, so I just know I won't get much wear out of it.

I'd be embarrassed to admit how many mistakes are in my closet. I am an impulse buyer, and I confess that I use shopping as recreation. Fortunately, my habit does not threaten our financial situation in any way!

I have a hard time letting the mistakes go. I put an item aside, thinking that someday I'll find the magic way to make it work.

Right now, the crammed closet syndrome is aggravated by the fact that I've lost weight and a lot of my former favorites just don't look fab on me now -- a little baggy = a little frumpy. Why am I so reluctant to let go?

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Eeee....well i'm kind of a closet hoarder AND horrible at returning things. So...i have no idea. But i also go through my stuff when i'm switching it over for seasons and donate things i know are no longer my style or fit...but that doesn't stop me from accumulating new things lol. I think a lot of the problem is i like to experiment with new styles and trends and sometimes it just doesn't work out. I know i have like 3 faux fur pieces stored away that i have never worn and i've had them for 3 years....

nancylee

Veteran

I have an ivory lace empire cut top that may be ready to be retired. I wore it to death in years past...but since I've made the switch to team woven tops it just doesn't feel like me anymore. I also have a bunch of shoes (mostly pumps) that I hardly ever wear (I prefer boots, low heels/flats, or sandals). For a long time after I started freelance work I still believed I worked in an office, so I bought a lot of pumps and pencil skirts! haha

I did a major closet purge this February, so there aren't a lot of mistakes right now.

nancylee

Veteran

oops...guess I misinterpreted the post. My ivory lace top isn't a mistake...just something I've grown past. My pumps are definitely mistakes!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Nancylee, I hear you on the pumps! I have an adorable pair of pink pumps that I just couldn't resist a year ago when I bought them -- have I worn them yet? No. And I'm not even a big fan of pink! They were on deep discount, and I think they're a classic enough shape that I'll hang on to them, but my lifestyle really doesn't require more than one or two pairs of pumps. And I think I have maybe ten.

anne

Veteran

I don't this this sweater is the best colour on me, but I wear it a lot
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_8813.jpg

I would have been happier if I hadn't bought this jacket that had bulky pockets right OVER my waist http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....n09050.jpg

This tunic is too dark for me, though I try to save it with a white top underneath or a bright pink scarf at the neckline
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_8641.jpg
There are more, but I'll leave it at that. They are not outright mistakes, but in retrospect I wouldn't have bought them.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have fewer right now but that is because I did a ruthless purge not too long ago. I got rid of a faux fur piece that I wore once and tons of other stuff. I did a big shoe purge about 4 months ago and took away a large garbage bag full (the type used for grass and leaves). Many of them had been worn only once or twice. The selection in our stores isn't the greatest so I had started ordering shoes online. When you have fussy feet this is a huge mistake. I am trying not to do it anymore but still do on occasion and still have a few that I didn't move out like a patent brown oxford style shoe with a funky heel made by Pour la Victoire. I also have a pair of grey/silver booties that are gorgeous but the heels are a bit too high for me. Worn once.

I went through a phase of buying cocktail dresses too. I bought many on e-bay that were NWT. They are all very pretty but not all worked well so a few remain unworn. I am thinking that I may need to find a consignment store for them.

I am trying to be better but now that I've typed this I realize I may not have succeeded. I bought three suits in the last few months and had two already. I've worn the new ones a few times each but since I bought them, I became enamored with the colored jeans so now they compete for my attention. I am also having trouble not buying too many of the Brooks Brothers or similar button shirts. I have a few in my shopping cart. I suspect those would not be a mistake since they would last and are a classic that I doubt would go out of style.

Wow. I have written a novella on my shopping mistakes. I too shop for recreation. Perhaps I need a new hobby

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I just went and double checked, but no- nothing. I have to love it when I buy it, and if I decide afterward that it's a mistake I immediately pull it out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is a really good thread. I will blog about it and take your thought further.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have a few that are mostly fit issues and bought off eBay. I understand fully the risks of buying without trying on first and am prepared to take a certain percentage of loss over the whole year. I have a cute H&M brown chiffon top NWT that's too snug, my gray shirtdress by H&M fits but is too snug to be 'professional' as I'd intended it. And my new red jeans fit, but just barely. The others were bras that I have recently mailed off to other forum members. I did try the new look flyaway and cocoon cardis and didn't wear them as much as I'd anticipated. Oh, and a never worn white pencil skirt with box pleats I mailed to Shauntelle after the fire. That's about it, my confession.
I do have other items I have not yet worn but I don't consider them mistakes, I just don't have the proper climate and/or occasion right now for them.

Kristine

Veteran

I recently took some things to the thrift store, but still have a few...

A dark blue silky tank with some detailing. I thought it would be a great layering piece and it should be, but it never seems to work.

A Jean Paul Gaultier for Target sheer long sleeve cropped shirt. It has a "tattoo" print with goldfish and other things on it. I don't know why I bought, maybe an attempt at rocker style. It doesn't really work for me. Plus it's sheer but the fabric doesn't breathe at all. I've never worn it, the tags might still be on it.

Silver peeptoe pumps that I bought online in a rush for a special occasion. I like the style a lot but they're uncomfortable. I've worn them but I'd really like to replace them with a shoe I can actually wear for more than an hour or two.

I'm still undecided about the suit that I posted recently. I keep looking at it, debating. It's not too late though, I haven't worn it and can still take it back.

MsMary

Veteran

One that comes to mind is a blush colored top that I thought would be great for warmer weather, but it's a little too sheer/lightweight to wear without a jacket or cardi -- shows all the lumps and bumps.

Then a while back I was really Jonesing for some animal print pumps but for some reason didn't want to pay full price for the ones I really wanted. So I used a DSW rewards certificate for $20 to get a pair of not-quite-right ones for $19.99. I haven't worn them, don't expect to wear them, and finally broke down and bought the ones I'd been wanting all along. Why do I DO that?

rosee

Veteran

I thought I didn't have many but then after reading the comments, I got a lot of "oh yeah, the..." ideas.

Most of my mistakes were thrift or ebay purchases, but I will probably make more since I have had some of my best purchases from both and I think it's worth the risk.

List:
- dark grey Maje tunic top on ebay. The pics looked great for what I was looking for, and it is a nice top (great material), but not very flattering on me right now b/c it makes me look bigger than I am. I'll save it to see if the situation changes when I am slimmer, maybe it will fall better then (or I will resell it).
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAP.....K:MEWNX:IT

- red JCrew peacoat sweater on ebay. Nice sweater, but it fits a little tight right now, again saving it for the future. Problem is I got carried away with bidding and payed more than I think I should have.

- tan Kesslord Paris embossed leather crossbody bag on ebay. It was a great price, but isn't my style (too young, too boho, I think). Planning on reselling it.

- silver 40s vintage cage heels on ebay. The price was great and I really like the shoe (it would be great for a wedding), BUT I then learned that vintage 40s shoes, even though they are my size, are often very narrow compared to modern sizing. The width of the shoe is less than 3" and I need at least 3.5". I might take them to a cobbler to see if they can be stretched, but I highly doubt it b/c it is such an old item and the leather might not give. They do make a great decor piece (ha ha, yeah right).

- a handful of thrifted skirts that I realized I won't really wear (I missed the exchange deadline), so these will go. I could consign them if I consign other stuff too.

- 2 pairs of heels (black pumps, tan strappy wedges) that I very recently gave away to better homes. Nice shoes but didn't work for me.

- for some strange reason, I was attracted to a friend's red "doctor" bag, and she decided to sell it to me. I wore it once and realized that I really don't like it, so I will get rid of that too. She can be funny sometimes so I don't want to return it to her, I'll just learn my lesson.

- I just donated a bunch of clothes that I outgrew, size or style-wise. Not necessarily all mistakes b/c I did get some wear out of them.

- I found this jacket on ebay, will see if it's a mistake or not if and when I get.
http://geekthreads.blogspot.com/

Not as good as I thought. Oh well, it's a small price to pay for getting good deals most of the time.

Louise

Veteran

MaryK i've been guilty of doing that in the past buying the cheaper version of something. Just the other week I lusted some fab cork wedges for £80 but the price put me off as they are summer shoes and we don't get *that* much warm weather to warrant £80 sandals and I'm trying to be good!!. I hunted for cheaper ones luckily with no luck as 2 weeks later the objects of my desire went on 50% sale needless to say I elbowed my way to the till!! x

rosee

Veteran

QM: I like the irony of the "parole" comment with the black-white striped top.

Queen Mum

Veteran

too funny rosee... I didn't catch that Right now it's in solitary confinement because it's too hot for sleeves.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Uhhhh....quite a few. My problem is, they don't seem like mistakes right away, and by the time I realize they are, it's too late to return them, either because too much time has elapsed, or because I've washed and worn the item and now I can't take it back.

For example, I bought a cropped suede jacket once -- 50% off! What a steal! -- and found, after a couple of years, that I never, ever wore it. Eventually I realized that this was because it made me look boxy. So I gave it to the Sally Ann. It's not a steal if you pay good money for something you can't wear.

Or here's an example of a more recent mistake. I wanted a pair of very dark cigarette style jeans, and found a fab pair that I loved. I hemmed and hawed between two sizes -- should I get the slightly-too-tight ones, since I've had such a problem with jeans stretching out? Or should I get the ones that fit perfectly, knowing that I may have to take them in next week and pay $25 to have the waist adjusted? Well, I went with the tight ones, and wouldn't ya know it, they DID NOT stretch out -- in fact, I think they may have shrunk in the wash. They aren't so tight that I can't get them zipped, but I find, after wearing them for a couple of hours, that they're just plain uncomfortable. So now they sit in my closet as backup pants, unwearable unless I get mono and drop ten pounds because I can't eat for two weeks.

MsMaven

Veteran

This year I've bought a couple of button down shirts--my size, fit well in shoulders and back, but in wearing them they ride up because they are a bit snug through the belly and the bust. This is a mistake I've made before because I want semi-fitted, not boxy clothes. I even tried one of them on before buying it.

I am getting better at analyzing past mistakes so as to not repeat them. Fashion changes, however, and there are always new mistakes waiting to be made.

Shoes that fit in the store, but after wearing them a few hours, turn out to be uncomfortable. I have a drawer full of pads, cushions, etc. to help, but this doesn't always work. Oh, if only I had all the money back that I spent on seldom-worn shoes! (I'm sure I would have spent it on something else and be moaning about that.)

Kyle

Veteran

I have a lot, depending on the definition of mistake. I have things that I wear that look nice and fit, but I just don't love them because I have raised the bar regarding fashion and style, and a lot of existing pieces just don't make the cut in that regard. Most of the really bad mistakes are gone (I hope).

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Interestingly, I have made more mistakes since finding YLF!

I used to be a very conservative buyer, hated spending money and was very good at returning things, so although I didn't wear very stylish clothes, I only rarely bought things I never wore.

Since YLF I started having more fun, but there have been a couple of mistakes - a pair of sandals that are just a little snug; a black Chanel-esque jacket (it's strong shouldered and is just hard to pair with things and less rewarding than I thought it might be); and a sleeveless cardigan that I have never managed to pair with anything.

I think that's pretty good going! Now I'm getting more confident about holding out for things that are exactly right, but I'm still happy to make occasional mistakes - I feel I have years to make up for!

Looking forward to Angie's post!

marianna

Veteran

I have a lot, too. When I look through my closet, most of the items have been purchased within the last year or so... which just proves that all the previous items were mistakes (thus consigned or donated). But I also change my mind a LOT... I might love something one day, and hate it the next. I have two NICE leather jackets that I only wore a few times and don't love anymore... for no particular reason except that my tastes have changed. And I am a serial returner. I return a lot. I now only shop at stores with lenient return policies so that I can avoid most mistakes. Thus, Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack get most of my money.

Maya

Veteran

Ugh, I am still struggling with this. Like Elisabeth, I often don't realize what is and isn't a mistake until it's too late.

My mistakes are by and large shoe-related. I just can't tell how shoes will work out for me until I put them through their paces. I have had shoes that I thought were heavenly tear my feet apart after 4 hours. Sometimes I'll buy shoes that are comfortable, but don't do much for me style-wise, and I find I almost never wear them.

Or, sometimes I won't be able to find exactly what I want, so I'll lower my standards and end up with something I'm not really happy with. I'm trying to get better at this. I decided getting no sandals at all is better than compromising my simple, minimalist vision.

I'm also like Marianna in that i get bored easily. There is a very high turnover in my closet. In that regard things aren't necessarily "mistakes"--but I often wear things only a handful of times before they end up being swapped, consigned, sold, or donated. That's why I could never spend a lot of money on clothes. I just have fashion ADD.

All I can say is thank goodness for the idea of clothing swaps...

MsMary

Veteran

Heh. "Fashion ADD."

I love it!

Kate

Veteran

I have one yellow/green cardi that I thought would be perfect at the time, and then I found a better one a month later! It's in the donation bag. It's the only clear mistake that I've held onto this long.

What if I didn't realize that they were mistakes until years later? I have two American Apparel bandeau dresses (http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa8339.html in aqua and http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa8342.html in purple). They were great at the time, but I never got as much use out of them as I thought I would, and I never wear these colors anymore. They're still in my closet because my guy LOVES them (and bought the aqua one for me), but rarely get worn. Maybe I should try dying them...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm like Thunaluta. It is hard to make mistakes if you never buy anything! I've always been a very conservative buyer, and tended to buy such basic pieces...it is tough to go too terribly wrong.

And then recently I've had such a huge closet purge with weight loss. So there are not many mistakes in there now.

But I'm beginning to think one of the summer skirts I recently bought might be a mistake. It only cost $8 so it hardly broke the bank, and I never intended it as anything more than apres beach or even gardening wear, so it's not a big deal, but I can't really see myself wearing the skirt anywhere else; it looked better in the fitting room.

Also, for years I hung onto some Marimekko dresses that I got as samples when I worked for a company that sold their clothing. The prints are gorgeous as is the fabric, but the dresses were ALWAYS far too large for me!

Still, I'm glad I clung to them. I've recently had them altered and I THINK they are going to work for me. I'll post pics eventually.

Patty

Veteran

I think I may have one in there right now that's burning a hole in my conscience --still has tags on it too. I'm going to make a thread on it someday just to be sure it's totally ridiculous just to be sure--'specially since I am so afraid of what people think and say. It kinda scares me.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Hmm.. I have less mistakes than I used to but some are , as others have stated not necessarily mistakes but I just grow tired of the style. I usually only buy really trendy pieces at very deep discount- they often get consigned after a season and sometimes I probably make money. I love variety and return if something is not perfect. I do not have anything in my closet right now that is a mistake but a few things are on the way to the consignment store. 3 Gap blouses that hit at the wrong place.

Things I have made mistakes on that have been very helpful in helping me now know what works and what does not.

1. dresses or skirts above the knee that cannot be worn with leggings or stockings.
This is true of denim pencil skirts.
2. shirts that hit right at the hip, have a straight hem and are boxy. Blousey and aline is fine
3. uncomfortable shoes and boots- have been good about this- it hardly ever happens.
4. hats- they look great on but make my hair a mess.
5. anything too bright or too crazy a print
6. Black and white geometric anything
7. classic double breasted trenches- not a great look for me

I am also really noticing how much casual funky clothing I wear. I tend to need really dressy things for theater and art openings and super casual. Smart casual is not much of a need. I have things that do not get much wear but are not mistakes and will remain in my wardrobe. I have some good quality dresses that I will have for years.

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