My big bag, and my troubles with editing - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

About: How to Manage a Wardrobe That's Too Large

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

My big bag, and my troubles with editing

Brooklyn

Veteran

As I mentioned in my last post, I am a bit of a collector of unique wardrobe items. I have trouble editing them out, even when I’m not wearing them. I suffer from a (not completely unrealistic) fear that if I crave something like that again I will never be able to find it.

Case in point: my big patchwork bag.

I got it on a trip to New York in 2009. It’s very large and statement-ish. A bit Pucci on steroids.

My friend found it while we were shopping in Loehmanns, which was a great store. She decided not to buy it, and was happy for me to do so.

Since then I have used it a lot. But it really goes in and out of favour with me. One minute I love it, and then it feels like too much. I think last year I did not use it at all. But suddenly in August I felt the urge to use it again and have used it several times since.

Pic 1: We recently did a major closet installation in our spare room. I keep my clothes there now and it’s working much better for me. I decided I would display my more interesting bags so that I can see and enjoy them even if I don’t feel like using them. Of course, I only have room to display a few. Maybe I can rotate

Pics 2-3: The big bag with my bronze jeans (around 4 years old) and burgundy velvet jacket (around 6 years old). These are also items I think I will have trouble editing out. I expect they will have to disintegrate first.

Pic 4: The big bag with my DIY wine coloured denim skirt. The knit top (at least 10 years old and featured in my first WIW) is another example of what (to me) is a unique, hard to find item. I love this kind of open ladder knit. And it’s cotton. I still regret not buying other colour ways. (They had them. I remember!) And then there are my docs. Also at least 10 years old. I haven’t worn them at all for the last 2 years but am suddenly really into them again. Brown, 14 eye docs are non-existent at retail here. I’m glad I kept them. (I would love burgundy too.) And did I mention the vintage necklace? I searched for that for years. I am never editing it out, even if I wake up one day feeling totally over it. I know from experience that feeling could change.

Pic 5: The big bag with another denim skirt (DIY dyed light plum). (I am into long denim skirts for Spring.) I adore short sleeve cotton turtlenecks. The seasonal window for wearing them is quite narrow (late Autumn and early Spring). But during that window they are perfect. This one turned up at Zara a couple of years ago and I bought 4, and dyed them different colours. No regrets. They sit there waiting patiently for me, for whenever the moment is right.

It seems I am destined to have a large wardrobe. I’m lucky to have space under our new storage arrangements.

Is this an issue for you?

View Info

Ribbed Turtleneck Top

View Info

Top Pick

2

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

View Info

Velvet Longline Blazer

View Info

Top Pick

5

View Info

View Info

General

36 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

avicennia

Veteran

I have a large wardrobe and small house and small closet. I say if you have the space, yay to large wardrobe. But I don’t really have the space. So yes it’s an issue!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Avicenna, yes, I’m lucky to have the space. Now I don’t have to do a seasonal changeover. Almost everything is in the same room. But previously I used to store larger out of season items (especially shoes) and generally out of favour items in our loft. I also stored things under our bed. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked.

Star

Veteran

Oh my that bag is gorgeous, of course you can never edit it out! As well as all the other amazing pieces you have mentioned. I love the purple skirt btw. I am exactly the same as you, I fall in and out of love with items over the years. Irreplaceable pieces are just that, irreplaceable.

pirouette

I think your pieces are fab especially the knit top I am always on the lookout for a top like that but they are very hard to find. I am an empty nester so I have tons of wardrobe space which means I keep a lot of stuff. But there are occasions I wear them so I have no intention of donating them. I think if you have the space why not keep stuff you know you will enjoy wearing at some point.

KimT

You have such amazing clothes! I wouldn't edit any of those items either.
I also keep unique items forever, even if I'm not wearing them. I haven't been nearly as successful as you at finding those unique items though, so I don't really have a storage issue.

Bijou

Veteran

Brooklyn, you have such a wonderful eye for unique pieces that suit you, it makes sense it is hard to let items go. I enjoy bringing old items back, particularly sentimental items which are often souvenirs of travel. Bags, boots, jackets and coats seem to be my main sources of difficulty in editing. It is a balancing act.

Great to hear that your storage has increased.

Lisa

Veteran

That is a fabulous bag and the way you’ve styled it here is lovely. It’s a one of a kind piece that looks like it will never date. And it has a nice memory. I’d always keep it.

As for wardrobe size and storage, that’s a balance and personal preference thing and a small bit of practical too. I tried for many years to have a small, capsule wardrobe of neutrals to mix and match easily with everything in one closet and it never worked. I lived in a four season climate, there was no way to wear everything all of the time (I’m not wearing shorts when it’s 25F outside or a cashmere sweater when it’s 95F).

I also learned over time that I liked variety, colors (especially seasonal colors) and specific outfit combinations. I’ll remix my clothes but not a lot, I tend to pick a couple outfit combinations I like and repeat those. Which means I’ll need more clothes because I’m not looking to endlessly remix the pieces into new outfits. And liking seasonal colors also means less remixing (I’m not going to wear my orange Zella joggers and pumpkin spice tee shirts in say the spring but right now in the fall I’m wearing them weekly).

As for space, I do keep everything in one closet but I’m fortunate to have the room to do so. But I also refuse to own more than will fit into a large walk-in closet. I forget what I own if I can’t see it. And having everything in one spot makes packing for traveling to different climates easy (say I’m going somewhere hot in the middle of winter, I don’t need to pull shorts out of storage to pack them).

My approach now is as long as I can store it, and I always have enough items to wear at any given time, if there are others that sit for months or years unworn it’s okay. Style preferences change over time and there’s a certain level of joy that comes with taking a beloved item that sat for a while and pulling it back into your normal rotation after a break. I’d miss out on that joy if I had a small, lean wardrobe with no pieces that go through a rest period.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I feel you definitely couldn’t replace that bag. It’s really unusual and after 15 years you have clearly loved it a long time.
I have a few things like this. My Mondi jumper from 1986 is one. It’s still in good nick. It’s very 80s but has been back on trend several times in the 38 years. I could never replace it, Mondi doesn’t even exist now.
I have one thing I regret ditching, a very bright “sweater dress” from 1985, black with brightly coloured fishes all over it. I wish I still had it, I think it would have still fitted because it was loose fitting.
I have gone on and off my Mondi jumper and the longest it was put away without being worn was at least a decade, maybe even from mid 90s until 2010 when I pulled it out again. I vote keep. You have more of these unique items than I do.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks for the support Lisa, Bijou, KimT, pirouette and Star.

I think I have a statement item heavy wardrobe and it’s the statement items I find it hard to part with. Bijou, I see that in your wardrobe too. You have such a great eye for unusual items that suit your style to a tee.

I don’t have any problem parting with an essential that has worn out or that I’ve tired of. It can be replaced if necessary. But unique, statement items have an unknown replacement cost. I may never find them again. They are irreplaceable, as Star says. So you have to be sure you are totally over the look. And it is sometimes difficult to be certain about that.

Lisa, I agree. You have to be able to keep track of what you’ve got. Luckily everything is very visible and accessible in my new storage arrangement.

KimT, I like a lot of things and I sometimes spend too much time browsing. Lately I have discovered flea markets. These are a trap for me because they are full of interesting, unique items at very reasonable prices. Sometimes I go through periods where I avoid browsing to put a stop to wardrobe accumulation.

Pirouette, ladder tops are amazing aren’t they? I’m not sure why they are so hard to find. I will add that to my list of retail mysteries

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Jenni. Cross posted. I do occasionally have edit regret too. I had a knee length single breasted velvet coat in the early 2000s that I edited out because it was looking a bit tatty around the shoulders. I suspect it was from handbag straps rubbing on it. I so regret parting with that coat! I loved it to the end! I wish I had investigated putting patches on the shoulders. I’ve never seen anything like it since.

Helena

Veteran

That's a great bag! I think it makes sense a statement item like that would cycle in and out from your rotation. Hooray for the power of the holding zone!

kellygirl

Veteran

That bag is beautiful and fit seamlessly into your palette! I love it. The purples and plums are gorgeous on you btw. I love your long denim skirts. I have been enjoying them on occasion too. They're quite easy to find at retail here now. Thanks for sharing. It's alway such a treat to see your fab style!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course you have to keep the bag! It's KILLER sensational, and sentimental:)

My two cents:

1. If you like the item, aren't wearing it but can store it - keep it. That's my own guideline. Things fall in and out of favour a lot for a myriad of reasons. Especially when you're a moody dresser and enjoy fashion! Which I am, and I do.

2. If you're not overwhelmed, and can comfortably manage a larger wardrobe like I know you can - enjoy it! Why not

3. If you're maxed out on storage space and can't part with anything - the adding must stop until you're ready to subtract.

I LOVE the purple skirt with the burgundy top and cognac support act in #5, Brooklyn! One of my favourite colour combinations on you so far! You need that shade of orchid as a top. Now! New dyeing project.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I can relate 1000%. I am not destined to ever become a wardrobe minimalist. That’s ok! I have space and I sometimes do find myself resurrecting an old favorite. That bag is awesome and it is so perfect with those outfits. My bag style has become more minimal recently but I hang onto some of my old ones that are patterned or more statement pieces…just in case.

I miss Loehmann’s. We had one near Baltimore and I found some great stuff there over the years.

cat2

Veteran

My wardrobe has a good mix of essentials, which are essential, and pieces with character (prints, interesting textures, interesting fabrication details). Each year I pair the essentials with a different mix of the other pieces. I have moods, fashion shifts, the weather is unpredictable, etc. I am always glad when I can dig around and come up with a new combination I like.

JAileen

Veteran

Your bag is very special and how lucky was it you found it. I have a bag that reminds me of yours a bit. It’s also patterned, and bigger than I normally use. I don’t use it often, but absolutely love it. Last summer I sold a couple dozen of my vintage Coach bags, at a church yard sale. I had a lot and carefully went through them, keeping the ones I loved, and offering the others to family and friends before I sold them. I have no regrets. And I even gained a little bit of closet space!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

April

Veteran

I would keep it for those times when it comes back in favor.

Cookie

Ahh, I remember Loehmanns! That bag is AMAZING and you would be absolutely mad to get rid of it. I love the open knit top also. But I am a non-editing enabler!

slim cat

Veteran

Fabulous bag and all your lovely outfits - do not part ways with special pieces ( I already had regrets over edited velvet pants and some fun tops - difficult to replace now )! I try to keep things real but some items in my wardrobe are sitting there without much action until some day ( I hope ) be worn again - that's just life .

Style Fan

Veteran

Gorgeous bag! You have a fantastic wardrobe—so many unique and beautiful pieces.
I edited my wardrobe when I retired. I wish I had kept some of the pieces. I gave away some Sarah Pacini sweaters and outfits. I also gave my friend a beautiful pair of brown leather knee-high boots. Now, I wish I had kept those things.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

As a mad collector, I am strongly in favor of people keeping things they are not currently wearing just because they want to and without apology or need to justify. I know that excess stuff bothers some people and they feel good with a tightly edited wardrobe. That's great too. But if you have the space, both physical and psychological, to hold on to things that you might not be wearing at the moment, there is nothing wrong with that. On the contrary, you are saving yourself from future regret and even possibly purchases to replace what you discarded for the sake of discarding.
Also you look absolutely fabulous in every look!

SarahD8

Veteran

Well from my perspective you are not demonstrating troubles with editing but rather an eminently sensible and *successful* strategy for managing high happiness factor statement pieces and rotating garments in and out of your active wardrobe over time. The proof is in the pudding, by which I mean these stunning outfits. I cannot pick a favorite! It's clear that you have a well developed sense of your style and this gives items (not just statements) impressive longevity in your wardrobe -- but you also have a good sense of the need for editing staples when they are past their prime. Once again, you are showing how it's done!

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks everyone. Whenever I watch Trinny I get envious of her massive storage arrangements. I love how she can just pull out something she bought 15 years ago and combine it with something she bought yesterday.

SarahD8, that’s high praise. Thank you.

Jaime, I would love to “visit” your collection. Thanks for the support.

StyleFan and slim cat , I am so sad about the Sarah Pacini pieces and the velvet. (I have a hard time editing velvet.) I guess you have to put that down to a learning experience. So much of wardrobe management (when you love fashion) is about making a judgment call about your lifestyle and what your future self will enjoy and find useful. We can’t always get it right.

Cookie, I loved Loehmanns. It was a treasure trove.

April, thanks!

JAileen, it is a similar bag. It would be a great accompaniment to an outfit that included those colours. I do find with bags that some silhouettes date (for me) more than others. And that makes it easier to say goodbye. But it still a judgment call.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Cat2 and Janet, sounds like we have a similar approach. Sometimes wearing something older that you’ve rested for a while feels like wearing something new.

Angie, good advice. I am close to maxed out for space for bags and boots, because they take up so much room. But I still have some room for tops and skirts, he he. You read my mind about that colour! It’s tricky to dye because it’s a combination of cherry red or pink and blue. Use too much blue and it goes too purple. Use too much red or pink and it goes burgundy or candy pink. I have had a couple of fails but I will try again eventually. Thanks for your encouragement

Kelly girl, those long denim skirts are great with boots in transitional weather. As a fellow boots with bare legs and skirts fan, I could see them working for you too.

Helena, agreed!

Runcarla

Veteran

Though I personally keep a modest collection of clothes, and I’m not sentimental, I’m also supportive of ‘collectors’. Frankly, a lot of the ‘old stuff’ is better made than what’s available now. (That’s why I’m shopping second hand these days!)

I believe there are times in a person’s life that call for a big edit - but I don’t believe a purge should be a regular occurance. Careful curation that is ongoing seems less stressful, and less wasteful. There should be a valid reason for any edit.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ok. I have not read the comments yet but I would never edit out a single one of these items! They are among your icons! Signature to you, very special, difficult if not impossible to replace, and key to your style. That bag is spectacular.

You have a special knack for choosing and curating the just-right things. They cycle in and out of your delight. That is perfectly okay. Meanwhile, you now have more space to store them and consider them. Wonderful!

Love that ladder sweater, too -- what a versatile item! And again, loving the way you personalize so many items.

Jonesy

Veteran

First off, I love that gorgeous bag! It suits you and your wardrobe/style very well, and it has tons of personality.

Re. purging stuff too soon: I think you've learned a key lesson from letting that velvet coat go :)! I say, if you have the space and know your interest in certain items kind of ebbs and flows over time, of course you must keep them! I am with you on Team Statement Pieces--I have lots, and don't fret if I only wear something a few times a season, because I know I will probably wear it next year. If something is really unique and well-suited to me, I don't tend to grow tired of it.

Sal

Veteran

Very late to this -I agree with Suz and others. Keeping and wearing and loving the pieces you own is the most fun and important thing. I am pleased you have created more storage- smart idea!!

Eliza

Veteran

I’m with everyone. That bag is timeless, extraordinary and a great piece with your wardrobe. Great that you have the space to store your wardrobe in a way that allows you to optimize outfit creation. For me, if I can see the pieces well and enjoy the process, it works.

I have a relatively large collection of bags and keep many of them for a long time. (The oldest one was a gift from Mr. E 40 years ago.) Many spent years out of circulation, yet worked their way back in. Bags have more longevity potential than any other category here.

12