My style, in flux. - YouLookFab Forum

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My style, in flux.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I swear the only thing constant in my style is that it's not constant. I feel like I'm changing, again.
Today I bought a couple fashion magazines to pass the time while I'm taking care of my father, InStyle and Bazaar. Nothing really spoke to me.
I feel like the only things I want to wear to are my R13 harem and cross-over jeans. I want to do a massive purge. There's a fancypants consignment shop that said they'd love some of my stuff. I've been shopping much, much less. Though I still browse online.
But maybe this isn't the best time to do this kind of analysis considering my stress levels are through the roof.

ETA here's my pinterest page, though it doesn't have a lot.

http://pinterest.com/annagybe/

Also I'm not sure why but most of my lust objects have broken links.

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Caro in Oz

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I think you can do it, just be conservative. If you aren't sure about something put it in a holding area...

rosee

Veteran

If stressed, then WAIT!

Perhaps pack up potential sale items into a box and store them for a while before really letting them go. You might want them again later.
I don't fit into my smaller clothes at the moment but I did carefully go through them and put them in storage. I do think I want to keep them because I will wear them again (hopefully). I only sent some stuff to consignment or charities that I'm very sure I won't want to wear again. But I did do this after packing it away for a long time to really make sure that I don't want them.

Hope the stress subsides soon. Be well in the meantime.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Are you really in flux Anna? I see a consistency between your WIW's and your pinterest page of looks combining an interesting shirt or blouse, trousers, jumpers and leather jackets. Do you think this formula will continue to peak your interest?

I do agree with Rosee, creating a holding zone sounds like a practical solution.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Since I'm feeling 'fluxed' and also am aware it's a changeful time in my life generally, I do know how you feel, I suspect.

Wish I knew what's an appropriate way forward --- I keep vacillating between 'I'll never be the same again; the old me is OVER and done with' vs 'hang on, these are confusing, emotional times that may not last for ever'. So commiserations!

But you say this is a constant for you. So you've been here before, right? What did you do the last few times?

kkards

Veteran

i don't think you are in changing, i think you are under stress. in addition, its january, a time when stores and fashion mags are not really at their best either (should they show winter, spring, something else?).

i think you pinterest boards showed an amazing consistency. and i see it reflected in the WIW that you post.

don't do anything rash. i like Rosee suggestion, make some piles, but hold off doing anything until the stress is less, and then make a decision on what you want to do.

hang in there.

Claudia

Veteran

Anna, if you ever want to part with these, please let me know!

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Thistle

Veteran

I am really the wrong person to comment on style as I am still trying to figure it out! However, a couple of thoughts.

You are going through a really stressful time. This influences everything in your life. Stressful times tend not to be the best times to make big decisions as sometimes it is the emotional stress talking rather than the normal you. That being said, sometimes the stress does permanently change you. This was the case for me when my baby was born, and the case for a close friend when her mom died unexpectedly and at a young age (her mom was only 53).

Also, I find that in times of stress I want control over something. Cleaning my cupboards, pantry, closet etc gives me this feeling of lost control. Now, donating some jarred beets to the local food pantry is much different than consigning clothes.

I also wonder if your style is feeling in flux because of your dad (no disrespect intended). But he did ask you to change clothes once as he didn't like the outfit. This could be affecting you subconsciously as parents influence us, even if we don't want them to.

I would say go tidy a closet or cupboard of less interest than your clothes cupboard and hold tight until the stress comes down. If you really want to go through your clothes, i would do what the other posters said and put it in a holding bin and wait until the stress is resolved to see if you still really want to part with it.

Kyle

Veteran

What Thistle said resonates with me. I typically want to clean, purge and simplify when life is stressful. I think it's a way to gain a feeling of control. I am sorry you feel stressed. My best suggestion is to observe how you are feeling but perhaps don't act on it at the moment. Or put some things aside, but don't consign yet. Then see how you feel in 30 days or 60 days. I've noticed a bit of an evolution in your style over recent months. You do seem to be simplifying or streamlining a bit, though your eclectic and fashion-forward core has not changed.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm not sure a stressful time is the right time to do any purging Anna. You may end up regretting passing on a few things. What about packing up what you think you want to purge and tucking it away. If in a couple of months you haven't missed any of them or dug them back out, then purge.

Scarlet

Veteran

I feel like it's more that your ensembles have changed than the types of items you are attracted to. I think you really like fresh trends, so in that sense purging makes sense. Like you mentioned being tired of your burgundy leather jeans if I recall correctly. Playing with your wardrobe can also be a way to manage stress or adjust to a new phase of life.

Tina.b

Veteran

I just took a look through your pins Anna and I found them very inspiring. Would love to hear more about where you feel you are going in terms of your style. I do believe that continuos evolution is part of the journey.

I agree with the others about waiting a bit before turning your items over to consignment. Packing them up and storing is an excellent idea. From what I've seen you have beautiful clothes and I would definitely not make any rash decisions, particularly when you are under significant stress.

Thinking about you and your Dad!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm going to be a complete spanner. I vote purge.

You've mentioned your closet bursting at the seams - it needs to be reviewed and edited. Agree with Jenava about the safety net of a holding zone. If anything - the process will de-stress the situation. Be fun, and cathartic. After all, fashion and style is your hobby.

You are falling back to comfortable clothes like comfort food, which is why those particular items are appealing to you most at the moment. Totally understandable.

catgirl

Veteran

Have you ever regretted items purged in the past under stress, or are you always relieved and ready to move on?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Una, not really. I miss somethings that I shrunk out of, but they didn't fit anymore.
The last Seattle YLF swap and Jenava were the major beneficiaries of my last purge.
I think I need to let go of some items, like the dusty rose dropped waist Marni dress that still has the tags on it.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I am feeling the same way at the moment, probably because retail is in a lull. I'm not seeing any advance S/S looks I'm extremely drawn to (i.e. Resort).

And yeah I want to wear my R-13 x-overs all the time.

I feel a little bored with my winter wardrobe that I spent plenty of hard-earned money to purchase.

I am going to try to fight this feeling of boredom and wear my clothes and be happy in them. And save my money for when something fab comes my way.

ETA -- When I go for comfort, that as an acceptable thing. It doesn't have to be super stylish all the time. Just like when I wear black, it doesn't have to flatter me. I am wearing black to meet other style goals -- not to stand out, to withstand stains, to make dressing easy, and to add the cool factor that black adds.

Scarlet

Veteran

In case I wasn't clear enough I meant I was in favor of some purging. I have kind of been in the same mood myself but dawdling.

ironkurtin

Veteran

It's been my experience that purging is almost as much fun as shopping. When something that isn't perfect goes, the weight of expectations - the fantasy life of the object - goes with it. It's very empowering.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Not to get too mystical about it but I too think purging things that are lo longer "me" really opens me up to change & growth.