I just can't change my spots - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

I just can't change my spots

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I try to be analytical. I try to approach shopping with lists and wardrobe holes in mind. I try to break things down and figure out why things do or don't work. I've even thought about cataloguing my wardrobe. But the bottom line is, this isn't who I am.

I'm in awe of YLFers who have put together incredibly well planned travel capsules, participated in the BR capsule idea, stepped up to the plate in all sorts of challenges, and analyzed every inch of their wardrobe. To me, the thought that goes into these things is incredibly commendable. And for those of you who have taken pics of every single wardrobe item and organized them, you get special applause!

It was when I thought I'd catalog my wardrobe as part of my plan to figure out different combinations as a means to maintaining SYC that I realized I don't want to approach my wardrobe like that. Just taking pics of my blazers bored me to tears.

I want to just "love my stuff". I want to look in my closet and see what speaks to me that day - run my hand along the sleeves of my shirts and blazers and instinctively know which one to grab.

I guess I'm just going to continue on my merry way picking this or that out of my closet because it makes me smile or suits my mood. Don't get me wrong - I'm still going to try and buy things carefully because I don't want any more closet orphans or wasted dollars. And I'm still sticking with my SYB I'm on.

Any other emotional shoppers and dressers out there?

Shopping

32 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Mochi

Veteran

I TOTALLY get your approach to acquiring things, Shannon. I also want to be madly in love with the things that come into my possession, and am perfectly into the intuitive method. I don't, however, go off buying things out of stress, boredom (at least not too much out of boredom). But I can't be that systematic in my approach.

Mona

Veteran

Shannon, you feel this way because you are so creative with your dressing and analyzing every inch and planning ahead sometimes works against creativity. I, on the other hand, am not creative at all so I am one of those people who have to analyze, plan and take pics. As long as your approach is working for you and you are happy with your outfits, continue on your merry way.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Whoops - just corrected something in my post. What I meant to say is "picking this or that out of my closet", not as in buying this or that.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I never plan my outfits either! They happen on the spur of the moment in the morning. I love the creativity each morning. It's a great part of the day!!

That said. I am very discerning about what earns a place in my closet when I purchase. I do believe in wardrobe discipline.

So we can high five, Shannon

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm analytical in my work. I'm not when it comes to fashion. Even Angie said I'm the most emotional shopper she's ever met.

ETA I very rarely plan my outfits too.

Mochi

Veteran

As a postscript, I'm not planning on purchasing much this fall/winter at all if I can help it, but just allowed myself two (relatively) luxurious items--the Zara bag and a great pair of boots that cost me more than any other pair of footwear I've ever gotten. And I am SO happy to have them in my possession. I feel so good looking at the stuff in my closet. I feel like it's similar to fine food--if you eat something that tastes fantastic, you actually are satisfied with less. At least that's how it may work with me. I'm finally loving my entire (tiny) wardrobe, after 48 years.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

High five back at ya Angie! I do think I'm becoming more discerning about what comes into my wardrobe, at least I hope so. But some purchases are still emotional for me. Take the fur vest for example. Had never really thought about buying one, ordered the "gorilla" vest on a bit of a whim to try, it didn't work, and promptly went out and fell head over heels in love with the one I ended up bringing home. I didn't really think about how I would style it, I just knew I loved it.

Anna - do you think you're such an emotional shopper BECAUSE your work is very analytical?

Mona - I've seen your outfits and you certainly come across as creative!

Mochi - I've certainly been known to do a little boredom shopping myself but I'm doing less and less of that nowadays - thank goodness!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Mochi - just read your postscript! FANTASTIC! It does feel pretty darned good, doesn't it? Which Zara bag did you buy?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have a little of both sides in me, although it probably seems I'm completely on the analytical side. I find being analytical on the front end, when shopping, helps me to be free to just grab and create on the back end, when it's time to get dressed each day. Although I did the BR capsule, I did not find it easy, nor did I 'discover' a capsule I'd actually use on a trip or otherwise in my day to day life. I cannot plan a week's outfits in advance and I don't think I've ever done the art influenced challenges and such. I do find open ended things like my 'wear all my jewelry' doable and helpful, but even then I have free range and lots of freedom in how to get it all worn.
But planning what to add, how it will work to expand what I have, and how I can spread the cost out reasonably over the year is super helpful for me. I had too many impulsive "ooh, that's cute, and look at the low price!" items vying for space after 25 years of shopping with NO plan.

By all means, don't change your spots - you look lovely in animal print

Mochi

Veteran

Shannon, to me the joy you get from your clothes and from looking great radiates from your pics. You're always beaming.

Mochi

Veteran

I bought the Plaited Shopper in burgundy

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Mo - you are one of the folks who amazes me! I watch your challenges and wish I had the discipline to undertake something like that. I totally need to adopt your thinking with respect to knowing how an item will expand what you have - I'm still working on that one.

Mochi - ack! the Shopper is gorgeous! Nice choice.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Please don't change your spots! You have a wonderful creative outlet with getting dressed as you do, and the results are spectacular! There is no right way, just the way that works for you. And your way is working, big time!

Gaylene

Veteran

Can I have a place on your bench, Shannon? I use spreadsheets and databases all the time in my work, but the thought of using one to plan outfits never occurred to me, although I can certainly see how it would work brilliantly for some people.

I think that is why I'm drawn to a smallish closet full of things that fit perfectly and make me happy when I put them on my body. I've come to realize, though, that I'm often guilty of "grab and go" dressing and can easily get into a rut by wearing the same combinations over and over again. I think that's why Ingrunn's capsule idea resonated so strongly with me. I think a spontaneous approach to dressing also needs to have some experimental time built in to maximize the possibilities in one's wardrobe.

As you've noted, though, a non-analytical approach to wardrobe building still requires discipline. I constantly need to remind myself that falling in love with something and finding it fits does not automatically mean I ought to buy it. That's the main reason I decided to restrict my buying for one year and to try not to use "holes" as a rationalization for buying something that I'm drawn towards. I may adore a particular shade of burgundy in a cashmere sweater and can rationalize that I don't own anything in that on-trend shade, but that doesn't mean I need to add another sweater to the stack in my closet. That discipline that Angie talks about is harder in reality than it sounds in theory.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I think styling outfits is like art and has to be in the moment with feelings and moods to lead the way. Being too analytical to me would feel like suffocation of my creative juices.
I think it takes all kinds to make the world interesting and know others find comfort with more order and I admire and even respect that way. Just never going to be me and I love that about myself.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Mochi was right - you obviously really enjoy your clothes & it shows & I completely understand that the creative route with clothing is so much more fun than the analytical approach. Maybe you don't need the analytical approach because your style is working for you.

For ME the problem comes with the creative & spendy parts taking over at the expense of the organised & rational. I want fewer quality items, in a coherent style that I love & I don't have the money to make mistakes on a grand scale. So I think before I drop my money I want to be as sure as I can that the items I buy are the right ones not just infatuations.

I also want to be more discerning & I'm sure just buying what I love won't get me there because I love too many things. A general question: How have you become more discerning? How do you rein in your creative side or do you go ahead & buy when you love the piece? How many "mistakes" do you make? This is so interesting, I guess what I'm trying to do is marry these two sides of my personality.

MNsara

Veteran

**waving madly here**

I also can't be analytical about my closet (no cataloguing or spreadsheets), my style (have yet to pick out my style words), or my outfits (still seem to put together dumb things with no time for do-overs).

I stand in awe of those who are analytical about these things, but I think it would feel like a chore, so I don't.

If I have to work early in the a.m., I WILL pick out an outfit the night before. That's strictly because I am surprisingly decisive at night and all wishy-washy in the a.m. I also make all my to-do lists at night for the same reason. . .

BUT I think there's brilliance in the PPP approach to what we put in our closets -- and that's where you're finding you LOVE everything in there and putting together an outfit you LOVE is easier than not.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Shevia - you're so sweet. Thank you!

Great thoughts Gaylene, Tracey, Caro and Sara!

Caro - how have I become more discerning? Well I thrift a lot and used to bring home pieces that weren't perfect fits or were "off" in some way so made a lot of purchasing mistakes that way. I let the bargain price rule my choice. I also used to purchase items without any thought as to whether or not I had clothing in my closet that it would work with - so then I'd end up having to go and buy a piece to go with it. And I definitely do have to be careful that I don't let my heart take over my budget, you know? I see so many things that make my heart go pitter patter and know would work in my wardrobe but have to keep the bottom dollar in mind. As for how many mistakes I make - still more than I'd like but less than I used to.

Debbie

Veteran

I am also not analytical with my wardrobe. This is a creative outlet for me and I want to keep it that way. It I get to bogged down in it I find that I don't enjoy it anymore. I do try to be careful with my purchases. I tried to start cataloging my wardrobe and gave up.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I do plan... sometimes, when the mood strikes me. lol But overall, I'm very emotional as well. I don't do that well at "filling holes" for this reason - I go in for a black cami and come out with an UWP extravaganza.

Anonymous

I want my wardrobe to be fun and not work. Rather than make spread sheets, document pieces, etc. I find it helpful to hang like pieces together and then by color. that way I can see at a glance if there are too many black buttondowns or white cardigans. it also helps me to find items quickly.
I also hang items vertically in my small closet, one hanger hooking onto the one above. For example, I may have three different denim jackets in different shades, one hanging above the other. The most recently worn goes on the bottom. Sometimes it's good to look at the top items to see if I'm wearing them or should eliminate.
If I know the morning will be hectic, I try to plan one or two outfits the night before, including accessories. Sometimes I'll decide to wear something completely different, but I know that I have something all ready to go if running late.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think calling it emotional makes it sound negative. Some people have a more analytical approach and some people are more intuitive--different brains, but both can achieve good outcomes.

rachylou

Veteran

Oh yes. I'm very analytical by nature, but I frankly cannot wrap my head around the fashion thing. It drives me nuts, but the connections aren't there. For all my theories and data and categorization, when I look inside the closet - total blank. I sorta love my clothes as individual pieces. I say to myself, "I want to wear this today" and that pretty much is that.

I am also this way with dinner. Menu planning and weekly shopping trips are totally pointless. On the day of, I will eat what I want to eat right then. Lot of dead mint in the fridge.

Deborah

Veteran

Shannon I am probably somewhere in the middle. I started to catalogue my individual items but only got part way through..I also got bored and haven't yet finished. What I do like to do is keep a catalogue of my outfits. I find it really helpful if I get up in the morning and lack inspiration. I can flick through and quickly grab an outfit that I know works. Generally though I put my outfits together in the mornings. If it's an early start then I might plan the night before. Dressing for me is a creative expression and I dress generally by "how I feel". I might wake with a particular garment or pair of shoes on my mind and then build my outfit around that. The exciting part of this is that my wardrobe is now much more cohesive than it used to be that it is becoming easier and easier to put outfits together without a lot of pre planning. I am right now packing for the weekend away and I find it so challenging to put a mini trevel capsule together because I don't know what I'm going to feel like wearing in two days;).

Anonymous

Shannon, I think that whatever it is that you are doing, is working brilliantly, no need to change the plan. I did try to catalog my wardrobe and stopped after 3 blouses, I just could not do it. It bored me to tears. However, I do know and remember everything I own. So I have a mental catalog. I am not the best at planning either, I'm more intuitive with both purchasing and planning my outfits, as well.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Very interesting!

I agree with you that taking pictures of a jacket is boring. Plus I have a real hard time visualizing a piece on myself. For me pictures of me wearing the outfits work best; or I keep a notebook in my wardrobe and when I find an outfit I love, I write down every element so I remember to recreate it. I found there was a huge difference between just trying to remember the outfits and actually writing them down.

And what pen you've got! I can totally imagine you run your hand through your clothes and decide like this which one it will be. I love to do this too, but I found so many times I get stuck and change about 6 times before leaving... hate it!!! It this case, having a "catalogue" in the form of either pics of myself or written down outfits can save me out of this rut.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have often come to many of the same conclusions that have been discussed here. I feel that my interests and hobbies (decorating, stained glass, fashion) are more creative as an offset to my work which isn't supposed to be creative (accounting). I made stained glass stepping stones for years and was asked to teach a class on it. I taught a few groups and then the hobby lost much of its appeal for me. I took what had been a fun and creative outlet and turned it into a job.

Fashion should be fun and some people really enjoy the analytical aspects. I applaud them for the organization it takes to do the lists and weekly plans but I am far more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of gal. I may have an idea of what I want to wear that day before I get in the shower but it may change in the half hour it takes to get to the point of dressing.

I see no need to force yourself to behave in a manner that takes away from the fun so why not just continue on and enjoy.

ramya

Veteran

Shannon lets start hot chocolate party on our bench

Neither can I catalouge and plan my outfit :)... I love my clothes

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Oh my...I have soooo enjoyed reading all of your comments and insights regarding your shopping and dressing habits.

Debbie - obviously you and I are very much alike in this regard.

Rae - funny how that cami turns into something else, isn't it?

Joy - I'm intrigued by your vertical hanger method and think I might give this a try.

Rachylou - that's where we differ. I actually DO menu plan and grocery shop by that plan.

Deborah - it definitely helps to be more intuitive when your wardrobe is more cohesive.

Krish - I used to be the "change six times in the morning" type of person but I notice I don't do that now. I guess I'm becoming more sure of my choices?

Dianthus - I'm all for fly by the seat of your pants! Except when it comes to purchasing wardrobe orphans.

Ramya - I'll bring the marshmallows for the hot chocolate.

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