Well done with the analysis and keeping within your boundaries. Following your adjustment I think you have 9 (maybe more?) purchases left? Shopping for bags sounds very appealing!

Hi Jane! I did the math. It should have been simple addition. For some reason, the math gave me trouble.

Here is what I finally calculated. Based on my new parameters, I have purchased 25 items that count against the gaol of 36 items. That means I have 11 slots remaining. To celebrate I bought these pants from Nordstorm. Love the color. Love the stying.

I am also going to implement the "reward" idea. When I have achieved a "milestone" victory in my life (like surviving until July 1), I will allow myself one substantive reward that will not be counted against the 36 items. The reward has to be meaningful to me. That means it could be a new bag or jewelry. It can't be a simple top or pair of black slacks.

Wow just came back to the forum and saw this! What awesome pants! Olive, one of my fave colours ( though I see they call them “loden”, whatever that is... will have to Google it).

Hi Jenni! I have high hopes for them. My weight has been fluctuating about five pounds up and down. These would fit best when the weight is five pounds down. Regardless I have quite hopeful.

Look how cute the shoes are with the pants! I would buy both if I thought the shoes would be wide enough for me feet! Adorable.

I want to take a moment to tell you that my wardrobe has filled in since the Great Purge of 2018. It is still small but I seem to have everything I need and am quite happy with it right now.

Yes I figured it had filled in somewhat but I am sure is still not anywhere near as large as mine It sounds really functional and actually great.

Late here but wanted to say congrats on such careful and thorough planning and shopping! I am impressed! I also love the idea of "rewards" being something like a bag or jewelry - something to enjoy and use for a long time.

I know your wardrobe was extremely small and you’ve been growing it carefully, but I’ve forgotten the numbers. Do you mind filling us in? My guess is that it’s just under the 40-ish items my son has (for the whole year).

I love the cut of those pants, want to thrift /buy at consignment similar, in lightweight fabric with a “me” pattern, whatever that is.

Hi Fashintern -- I do have a count of items by category ... across all categories.

I posted the actual numbers recently on someone else's thread. I took that information down after reading a comment about people, small wardrobes, and holier-than-thou attitudes. I was embarrassed and will never post numbers on YLF again.

Suffice it to say, I have plenty of clothing to get dressed for all the activities I participate in. The actual numbers don't matter.

Thanks RobinF. So nice to see you.

Sterling, I just read your response. Thanks for the generous compliment. I had no idea I inspired your challenge in some small way....

I'm VERY happy you're wearing your entire wardrobe for the first time - and enjoying it. That MADE MY DAY. Well done. Totally worthy of the wide crops you rewarded yourself with

Sterling...i just want to say that i always look foward to your posts, you make me think and assess and evalueation....looking foward to seeing what you reward your self with for making it to July 1st....and love the cropped pants!

I love those pants Sterling, they are STUNNING! Fab purchase.

Thank you for the numbers! 11 sounds just right. So you can buy something every other week until Christmas. That sounds like great fun! I will be cheering you on every step of the way! Perfect! Can’t wait to see the next purchase.

This is all very interesting . I'm not one for challenges , counting, anything like that, BUT, something about your comments to Angie and how her systems and goals etc were inspiring to you...really hit me. Purposely making the challenge difficult and then sticking to it - when let's face it: the markers could be moved at anytime you felt like it - to see if you could do it....well that is pretty darn cool. I also like the concept of saving special purchases as rewards for something . I think I could learn a lot and achieve a lot from a numbers challenge, and from keeping big splurges as rewards for getting my wardrobe right. Mine is a hot disaster at the best of times - and you are really inspiring me to get my s&*t together. I'm also interested in your experience with negative reactions in the past to posting wardrobe numbers. I hate that too - as it never seems to reflect what we want it to. Too many clothes and you're seen as a dilettante. Small wardrobe lovers can come off as "holier than thou" as you say. Anyways, sorry you experienced that. I sure hope I didn't contribute to it.

Jane, your comment on how close Christmas is frightens me!

Sterling, I understand completely what you mean about the values people attach to wardrobe numbers. And it’s very typical of you to want to step far away from that. Thanks for being you. Enjoy the fruits of your discipline!

Thank you for understanding, Fashintern. I knew you would!!!

What a wonderful post you wrote, LisaP! Thank you for taking the time. I want to assure you that you have never, ever written anything that caused me negative emotions. Because I know you are not a numbers person, to hear that you have an open mind to challenges and numbers delights me. Keep reading. Perhaps one day you will join us in a challenge. You will obviously get a lot of support from like minded people.

Eleven does sound about right, Jane! I didn't realize Christmas was so close. I'll be counting the weeks now! Like a child.

Thank you, KKards. You always make me feel so happy.

Angie -- I am so glad you understood that you were influential in my challenge. It is sometimes hard to put into words how much I gain from you and your experience.

@Lisa remember it's Your numbers and Your rules of what counts and doesn't. The idea isn't deprivation or punishment-just mindfulness and prioritizing and making sure the purchases are right for you.

Haha suntiger - you give me too much credit. I’m simply lazy and disorganized , and chafe at rules I don’t make at the best of times I also think challenges and counting and tracking appeal to detail -oriented people , which I am decidedly NOT . Big picture thinker here ,which trips me up all.the.time

Sterling, I'd never have guessed it in a billion years, so thanks for taking the time to write down and share your thoughts. I hope you're doing better than you were a month ago, and that life is easier at the moment.

Big picture approach then Lisa
When you look at your closet, are there pieces that stand out-either "yes I really love this" or it's so different than the rest and feels like a failed experiment. What unifies the yesses vs. the no's? Could you order them-most "you" to least?