My thoughts after completing three months SYC (Shop Your Closet)

RoseandJoan

I have to confess that for me the experience was overrated as I learned nothing...not a jot... about my style, nor my tastes nor my shopping habits. Perhaps I approached SYC superficially as I really needed to buy new boots and had to save to afford them. Perhaps I just had other things to occupy my mind.

I now know for sure that SYC is HARD but I am not enlightened.

What say you? How is/ was your SYC experience?

14 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

I have completed my first month and a half. It was quite hard this far . I discovered I need some new sweaters. On the plus side, my mom made me some tweed shorts I've been wearing a lot. Hadn't I been on syc , I would just bought the H&M pair, instead of asking her to make me ones, looking through our old fabrics, etc. I guess I've become very mindful . I bet when you will start spending again you will be more mindful too, comparing the costs, appreciating quality. Let some to set in!

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This does not surprise me, Julie. Some people do well with long periods of SYC, while others find it awfully uninspiring and learn nothing. My clients run the gamut on this too.

14 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I stink at SYC. I never really managed to do it. So hats off to you for enduring!

14 years ago

Anonymous

I'm surprised at that, I keep thinking if I persevere it will be enlightening...maybe I have a reason not to

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I think your motives were more connected to the one end item purchase so not exactly a learning experience. You were on a temporary deprivation diet, not a changing of your lifestyle diet. I think you get out of it what you want to. If you managed to save for your end goal then you succeeded. If you wanted to learn about your habits, maybe not so much. Not a failure, just a derailment?

14 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

Julie, I agree with Jjsloane. Since you were basically saving toward one specific purchase, the experience wasn't so much SYC as SSM (save some money). Don't be hard on yourself.

I'm impressed that you lasted 3 months. I'm six weeks into my SYC and I just cracked and ordered a few things. I didn't last as long as I'd hoped (the goal was 3 months), but the six weeks were instructive for me. I needed to slow down, use the clothing I had, see how well those pieces worked with my purchases from the last six months, and just generally see where the holes are in my winter wardrobe. So, for me it accomplished those goals.

Maybe you'll want to try it again sometime under different circumstances?

14 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

I wonder if this exercise is most instructive fo those who already have a firm grasp on their style. Julie, in my mind that certainly defines you. Perhaps it's just the kinnd of learning experience that isn't applicable to you and therefore of minimal value in that context? Regardless I'm impressed that you stuck it out.
And btw, so glad to see you back again! *hugs*

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I'm also impressed that you stuck it out! Interesting that you found it unrewarding . . . my feeble attempts showed me that I don't have the wherewithall, or maybe the desire, to completely ban shopping.

14 years ago

san

Veteran

One thing this has showed Julie is that you have a very strong will. I'm impressed.

14 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Such wise owls on the forum, I think you are probably right jsloane.

Angie it is good to know that you have clients who feel the same way!

Michelle, that is such a lovely thing to say, hugs rights back to you.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I agree with Michelle - maybe you already know what SYC is supposed to teach.

Me, I learned that my closet and I are not ready for SYC. The fact that I had to pay attention to my closet pointed out a lot of wardrobe holes and made me even *more* eager to shop. On the other hand, it was a great learning experience that taught me a new, more productive way to shop.

14 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I learned that SYC to me means focusing instead on diminishing basics like socks, camisoles and bras Oh yes, and my focus always turns to cleaning and home decor. Not really any wiser over here

14 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. I don't know. Maybe an "exit interview" would help. Do you like all the clothes in your closet? Did you find a way to wear everything? Did you struggle on any occasions to find something appropriate? How often did your clothes bore you?

14 years ago

Category