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Jonesing Hard on SYC... re-evaluating or rationalizing?

rae

(website)

Veteran

So after a measly few weeks on SYC, I find myself thinking, "What was I thinking??" Suddenly have a list a mile long:

- long, spring weight black or dyed citron trench
- Ash wedge sneaks
- Angie-picked DKNY wedges
- I'm in love with these Hunter lace-up wellies - ack!! And aren't there "April Showers" coming up?
- Must replace Lands End straight leg jeans that didn't work out
- Totally feeling deprived of hot weather summer dresses... when did I forget about those?

Be honest... was it stupid for me to vow to SYC until December? Was that just a reaction to the Great Workwear Overhaul and all the stress of returns?

Or am I trying to be a slick fast-talker now that temptation has hit? Has Europe made me feel that cute things are scarce and created an illogical need to buy?

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38 replies

Latest reply was from rae

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

SYC till Dec sounds harsh - and not very fun at all. SYC for a little while perhaps? Just to make you feel better - *if* it makes you feel better. Or just manage your budget and prioritize your purchases. EDIT YOUR CLOSET!! That's responsible too.

Vildy

Veteran

I agree that editing your closet is the way to go but I also think that a limited time of SYC deprivation, where it really pinches for a while just as it does now - will help you do a more creative edit of the closet.

ETA: I think gratitude has to be strong in the mix. And is hard to feel when people are continually coveting and adding new items.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

SYC until December would be very tough for me, and not very fun. I was on SYC for almost an entire year once (I just didn't have any extra money for clothes). It was pretty depressing, actually.

Maybe instead of completely SYC, you could focus on one category that could use a little work that you tend to usually ignore or prioritize down? For me that would be shoes and bags. I LOVE the orange shoes in photo #3. They are amazing!

cheryl

Veteran

I agree that SYC until December is harsh. Especially since you are the queen of $1 deals. I think shop your budget is a much better way to go and you can challenge yourself to keep finding those great buys. If you sell those great buys then you can buy the more expensive items. You know the routine, i've seen you master it on the board/your blog. You also seem to be a master of mixing what is in your closet already so I don't see where syc would help with with that anyway. Like others said, edit, edit, edit if it is a matter of space.

Isabel

Veteran

I find that one of the purposes of SYC, is to really figure out what you need. If you find that you really need those things, then you should get them if you can afford to.

Maybe an SYC for superfluous things ? I did a 6 month SYC two years ago..mostly because I needed to get a handle on the direction I wanted to go in, but in the Spring I needed a couple of things and in the summer I needed a bathing suit ( the alternative would have gotten me arrested and I wasn't willing to skip the beach or just be inappropriately dressed ).

rae

(website)

Veteran

Wise ladies, I just blew through and photographed my entire work wardrobe, minus shoes. I always edit, but I'm in the process of sorting by emotion, since that is kind of how I shop. I think I'm finding that I don't love it all as much as I thought! So hopefully this will show me where the problem areas are, and where the fluff is more efficiently.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I agree with Vildy and like Isabel's idea of SYC-all-but-necessities. So that would mean something like buy it only if (1) you really *need* this to work your wardrobe, with bonus points if it rescues less-worn pieces, or (2) it is a replacement for something worn out, which goes out *at once*. Don't fill fashion holes; fill ONLY functional ones, in other words. For the rest, maybe revisit in 2-3 months?

From your list, I daresay the trenches and wellies, and maybe the summer dresses could be the *need* category, rather than dimples on the road to Fab-land (as opposed to actual potholes).

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I think trying to SYC all the way through to December would be way too difficult. I wouldn't be able to do it, and it's not just because I'm wanting/coveting things. As we transition into a new season (spring and summer), I have to kind of review things because there are always items from last year that didn't work out or that are wrecked. Last year, I wore two pairs of sandals practically into the ground, and they aren't wearable now. I'll need at least two or three new pairs for this summer. My summer PJ's are faded and tired-looking. I don't like the denim skirt I have - would prefer a denim pencil skirt instead of a 'jeans' style with the zipper, pockets etc.

From your list - I'd say that the Angie pick wedge style shoes are a great idea for spring and summer. You'll *need* summer dresses as the weather heats up. I think the lace-up boots and long trench could wait. And of course, return and replace the jeans that didn't work out. I know I'm not helping in terms of encouraging SYC 'til December, it's just that we're out of winter, into spring and heading into summer, and I know that when the season changes is when we suddenly remember that a favourite top or dress needs to be purged/donated, that the shoes we wore into the ground last year are past their prime, and so on.

I would be better off myself, doing SYC during the last half of a season, rather than at the beginning. What do you think? How about sporadic SYC? Say...SYC for the last half of July and all of August. Then SYC for the last half of November (with an exception for Black Friday if you want) and all of December (unless you need a party outfit or something). Use the first two weeks of January to stock up on underthings, PJ's, socks, hose, basics and spend gift cards etc. SYC last half of January through the end of February, etc. etc.

Would this work?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

SYC till December sounds really harsh--what was your reason for going so long? Why do you need to do SYC as opposed to SYB? You are an amazing thrifter so maybe a limit on number of items and/or money spent might be more sustainable.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Here's a mini-rant from a fellow closet maximalist: Yes, we should all be grateful for what we have, but not paying attention to new items - when we appreciate and love fashion - is unrealistic. It's like telling a foodie to be grateful for unflavored chicken breast every day. Yes, it is nutritious and sustains life - but is it adding spice to life? Newp.

That said, of course every new purchase needs to be evaluated! We would all benefit from being super selective.

So here's what I think, Rae: Not shopping for 9 months is a drastic change from your usual pattern and will be very hard to do. It will likely make you unhappy if you keep it up, and will make you feel like a failure if you "break" it.

So don't go cold turkey. Go, I dunno, cold salsa. Have a budget of $ or of items, and be super, super picky.

For example, of the things you list above, I would pass on the Wellies - you have other boots that can serve the same purpose. However, if you really need a new dress, pick the very best one you can afford and wear it to death.

I am trying not to buy things until I know what my size will be in July, so I will be doing this right along with you. Be strong and be picky, sister!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

"Here's a mini-rant from a fellow closet maximalist: Yes, we should all be grateful for what we have, but not paying attention to new items - when we appreciate and love fashion - is unrealistic. It's like telling a foodie to be grateful for unflavored chicken breast every day. Yes, it is nutritious and sustains life - but is it adding spice to life? Newp.

That said, of course every new purchase needs to be evaluated! We would all benefit from being super selective."

Amen to that, IK! Very well said! I'm a "closet maximalist" too and yet I still struggle with total SYC! I've cut way down on shopping though and that feels good!

christieanne

Veteran

You have a really long season of summer coming up and SYC if you aren't prepared means you'll be stealing DH ts to sport as dresses. I think set a budget for summer prep/do the closet check first and then reevaluate.

The all or nothing approach is torture.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Everyone has great advice. I am TRYING to SYC and evaluate functional holes and weed out duplicated items that I don't love or don't fit properly. It's hard because I have a small wardrobe to begin with but necessary if I want to have a cohesive wardrobe. I am also photographing and putting stuff on closetcouture as well as looking at Polyvore, Pinterest and of course YLF for inspiration. I am proceeding very cautiously and when I am sure I want a particular item and that it is both needed but a style I am comfortable with, then I feel much better about SYB. Lean and mean is becoming my motto.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ok, here's how I spent my morning so far! You probably can't see the details too well for these pics, but the columns are:

Love it: calls out to be worn and feels fab every time.
Like it: feels fab when it is not wrinkled / when I can style it / when I'm in the mood / when the stars align.
Meh...: Mostly here for variety or color
Have not worn yet

I'm seeing very little loves for all the clothes I have! How sad, when you think of it that way. I clearly need to cut out the chaff in my shirt and skirt collections, and put in some time sewing up those pants I have planned.

You all make good points about SYC, too.

- SYC is hard. Yep. It is. And I think that was the point, initially. I wanted to punish myself for all the money I spent redoing the work wardrobe. Christieanne, you were dead on about the torture. But if I need punishing, then I wasn't really giving myself permission for the overhaul, right? I need to make better peace with shopping retail.

- Shopping makes me happy - amen IK! I forget sometimes that fashion is a hobby that really enriches my life, brings me intelligent conversations, and makes me happy. It's not going to make me happier cutting it out of my life.

- Seasons need attention! Why do I always forget this? I just looked, and I have 3(!) pairs of comfy summer shoes, two nude and one black. Maybe the yellow sneakers have a place here after all... ? And yeah, I have waterproofed all my leather boots, so I don't need the wellies. Even if they are lace ups. And come in purple. And are 70% off. ouuuuch...

- Looking at what I have - Meredith, I'm in the same boat here. I think the photography has really, really helped. I'm looking at my "meh" category and wondering why the heck I have a meh category!

- Budgeting and being picky - the latter I have down. The former I should think about. I'm a little two good at pulling money out of thin air to pay for my clothing - as much as I shop, it never strains my finances. Although maybe the extra pickiness will solve the budget part for me?

Thank you for all of the insight! I think this is the start of something good. Fingers crossed...

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harmonica

Veteran

Great advice here, and I too think SYC until December sounds horribel if you are not in financial difficulties. Edit your closet + SYB and think thoroughly about what you have, what (and why) some items are loved + fill holes slowly and wisely.

harmonica

Veteran

wow - i'm impressed by how you arranged your photoes by love/like/meh/not worn! This is a super step forward and just think, if you hadn't been on SYC you might not have done this. Way to go!

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I havent read the above comments, but here are my two cents on your dilemma - there are some items that every season demands. Summer is especially tough, since layering is not an option and we need stand alone pieces. So why not do a seasonal SYB? That way, you can make a list of wardrobe holes and shop for what you really need, without breaking the bank!

harmonica

Veteran

Great idea, Kirti! I'll keep that in mind for me

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I only skimmed responses, but for me it was more about making me really look at what I had. It's easy to look to what new xxxx would help jazz up this or that, but harder to see how to put x, y, and z together in 3 different ways. If you don't have the 'new item' option it forces you to work with what you have. And for wants to pass, much like a food craving.
Also, I noticed (as you just now have) you *really* see the holes as opposed to perceived holes! For instance, my short sweaters saga this week. I simply can't wear them with pants stylishly and be current, but my skirt selection is too summery to pair them with. So I have a chunky-sweater-to-wear-with-pants hole I never knew I had. By having to dig in the sweater drawer and actually put them on after not seeing them for 2 years, I discovered this. Otherwise, they might have sat there another whole season with my false memories of them fitting just fine!
My solution is to SYB and buy either a certain $$ amount per month, or season, or a one item a month like Queen Mum. Both force you to choose what's really worth spending your money on rather than just buying things that catch your fancy.
Although I crashed the last 2 weeks of my SYC, I was still on budget in the overall scheme for the year and everything was on my list, so I was quite happy with my purchases. Another thought to the 'so many' items a month is that you don't end up with too many of any one trend that may then be passe the next year.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

If it works for you, I really like velvetychocolate's seasonal SYB strategy, Rae, because you're not depriving yourself and you are shopping with purpose.

You've already started the groundwork today by taking a hard look at your closet and categorizing them and as Angie says, editing your closet is responsible, too. Yet, you also have to enjoy life and embrace what brings you satisfaction. Be gentle with yourself, and be selective in the next few months. Now, having said all of this, I can see you in the wedge sneakers in #3 or #4, as long as you've culled your closet to your liking.

Tanya

Veteran

So much wisdom in this thread! And I love the exercise you did with the photos/groups, I might have to copy you at some point:)

As someone who has been doing some version of SYC for over 1.5 years (with 95% efficiency), it is really hard. I do not think a long one is worth it, unless for financial reasons, which is my case. I am spring cleaning my closet this weekend and have mroe-less made up my mind to stop SYC and start doing SYB on a very small budget and be super picky, as I am getting quite depressed and fed up with SYC.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Mo, I'm there with you - I don't want to always be on the hunt for the new, either. Rather, I'd like to hold off on little things and be free to nab that something special when it jumps out and grabs me by the heart.

By physically pulling everything out of the closet, it really forced me to look at everything and compare it to everything else. Seeing my BB shirts out next to some of the others, I thought it was no wonder I felt fab some days and frumpy the next days. I do wear all of this stuff, but maybe not to the best effect. If I get rid of the "meh" items, I'll have to find more ways to wear the loved items, which is a good thing.

A seasonal plan is probably smart. What is reasonable? Maybe Lyn's $150/month? Or like... 3 items per season?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Rae, I think those both sound reasonable. FWIW, here was my mock up plan for this year, before the job situations changed. I have adjusted it to roughly half as many items and only $1000 since neither of us is working yet! So, one dress only, one pair of black shorts, nude heels but no sandals or flats, etc.

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rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Mo, I love that! Thank you for sharing - I think a list like this might be more helpful than a x/month system since I don't know when the perfect item will show up. I must take some time to identify what's needed for S/S. Spring is here already; it's 75 degrees today!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I have nothing to add here except that I want a pair of high-top Ash wedge sneakers now!

Meredith1953

Veteran

@Rae,
I love the photos of your "love it", "like it" "meh" and not worn. I sort of do that mentally but that will help me look at the "meh" category and see if those pieces are salvageable or whether they are even necessary and if they ARE necessary then replacing them with nicer pieces. This is like a general planning a battle campaign. I particularly need to really analyze EXACTLY what I want before purchase because unlike some of you...I actually HATE going to the mall and would much prefer to internet shop.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I've tried SYC twice now and failed miserably both times. For me as soon as I say I have to stop shopping, needs show up or wants that really call to me. It's just not realistic. Now it's SYB and prioritizing my purchases. I'm happier, the budget is content, and hubby doesn't have to listen to me whine!

I actually have a spring/summer purchase plan which I discussed in this thread (while you were away) if you're interested...http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ses-so-far.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Meredith, it is like a battle campaign! For the fight within, lol.

Mo and Shannon, I'm shamelessly ripping you off here. I have my little list started - only three items for S/S so far, and one can probably come from the swap meet: wedge sneaks, hi-lo hem summer dress, edgy patterned dress for work. Woohoo!

krishnidoux

Veteran

Really interesting! Rae I'm in awe at your organization of your clothes. Very visual!

But...

What is SYB?

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