SYC check-in... week 6 - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

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

SYC check-in... week 6

Queen Mum

Veteran

I thought I'd start off the weekly check in as I woke up this morning from a dream that I had bought 3 new items from Nordies before I realized what I had done. It was actually a quite vivid dream.. I can still picture where I had parked the car.

But in real life I didn't purchase one thing... just one of those running fanny packs that holds 4 little bottles of water and a pouch for keys and cell phone. Definitely not a fashion item.

I am actually really feeling at peace with my wardrobe. We were going out on Saturday night and I had a hard time deciding what to wear because I had several equally appealing choices. Obviously I don't NEED anything else. I even purged a few items this weekend. I also started a little notebook to keep track of things I would like to look for after the challenge, as well as things I already know I would like for next spring. I am going to keep a deliberately small wardrobe and have a list of how many of each type of item I think my wardrobe would function best with.

How is everyone else doing?

For anyone new here to the forum here is the original thread that explains what I'm rambling on about...
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ive-months

General

35 replies

Latest reply was from Queen Mum

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm doing good- I bought another top LOL
The good thing is that between the giftcard from a return that I had, and the credit back form Nordie's for my Bellatrix tunic- the top was basically 'free'. I have two more returns going out today- shoes that I will exchange, and a dress from Kenneth Cole that fell apart in the wash (which will give me more money for shopping!)

Anonymous

It wasn't easy ignoring all the Labor Day sales! I even thought about starting Christmas shopping as an excuse to go but, in the end, resisted the urge and went to a couple of movies with DH instead.
Kim, your idea of starting a list of items to look for after the challenge is a great idea.
So far I'm also at peace with my wardrobe but am beginning to see some holes to fill for next summer. Since it's now September, I'm distracting myself from shopping by cleaning and putting away the spring and summer pieces that don't get worn in the fall, especially white. It's still warm enough for shorts, clams and sleeveless tops, but I'm putting them to one side to be put away in a couple of weeks and hanging more long pants and jackets front and center in anticipation. Cooler weather will make SYC even more exciting.

Carole

Veteran

Kim- you are inspiring me! I sort of wish I had joined you guys with this challenge, but my wardobe is still needing gaps filled. I'm really wrapping my head around the "less is more" idea. I'm alot more selective when shopping, now. When I first joined YLF, I was so anxious to have some style I made some stupid choices. I've pulled the reins back big time, and feel more "in control".

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Kim, I cannot believe you had that dream! That's hilarious! What's on your list for post-SYC purchasing?

I'm doing fine - took my son shopping on Saturday for school clothes, and in retrospect that might have been replacement shopping - but otherwise fine. I love the huge amounts of free time that have opened up. I've been cooking a lot and everyone's closet is clean. It's a good feeling

So far, my post-SYC list includes a really good pair of sunglasses and a really nice handbag. That's it!

Jonesy

Veteran

Very funny dream! My challenge was yesterday: My SO needed a new dress shirt for an upcoming wedding, so we went to Banana Republic. There were multiple things there that I really wanted, including a necklace I had been pining over, now on sale. Boo hoo. So, I came home and cleaned/organized my closet. It was almost as satisfying.

Lisa

Veteran

Congrats to all the SYC-ers for approaching a new week. I like the idea to start a wish list for Jan.

Louise

Veteran

My cat has got to have a tooth out and the bill could be £250!!! So I have to be strong and resist all shopping x

Queen Mum

Veteran

Laura- as of now my list includes a KILLER black moto jacket, possibly some booties, and then work on updating my accessory collection. I would like a couple nice belts and a few new necklaces. I could probably stand to get a scarf or 2 as well.

judy

Veteran

Good to hear everyone's progress. I started a week earlier (and end in early November), so it's my week 7 now and I'm not holding as strong! There are two things I really want to get: One is the Kenneth Cole silk tunic in cream that so many of you got at NAS that is now 50 percent off. (It would be great with my skinny cargo pants!). And the other are the Frye Carson oxfords that Jenava got, I think in black, but the cognac is also nice. So I feel I'm weakening a bit :(.

shell

Everyone's doing so well! I haven't officially joined the ranks of SYC'ers, but I'm right there with you, girls! I haven't purchased anything since I started my new office job at the end of July.

We'll see how long I can last! I may need to invest in a few more pairs of dress pants, so I shan't call myself an SYC'er, but I'm with you in spirit!

quail

Wow, you're all doing so well! I'm not participating but I love reading the updates. Louise, I hope your cat is A-OK!

Isabel

Veteran

I just posted on another thread. I found my dream leather blazer and this may push me off the wagon. This is so much harder that I though. THere just seems such an urgency because things don''t seem to stick around as long.

Here it is : http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/31.....sultback=0

Ironically, I have been saving cash and thinking really hard about what I reallywant to fill the gaps : a black low heeled bootie, a military/safari coat from Boden, and this leather jacket.

Dawn

(website)

Sorry to hear about your kitty, Louise!

As I mentioned in a thread earlier this week, I bought a bicycle last Friday for commuting to work. I felt bad for spending money which I don't really have but I also had to be able to get to work on time. However, I suddenly realised that the shopping ban was responsible for me having the money to spend on a bike. Normally I would have spent that €200 on a couple of accessories here and there in the last month, and a new dress or pair of shoes. Instead I had that money sitting in my bank account, waiting for something bigger and better to be spend on.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Well, so far my month of no shopping (September only!), is going fine! I've actually made a point of not going to the shops this week, and have planned some exciting gardening for the weekend so the girls and I stay busy and not get tempted to go looking around!

I also have a dress pattern to make, so that will give me a "new clothes item" fix!

Louise I hope your cat is ok and recovers well... and the bill is less than expected!

Louise

Veteran

I could probably get it done cheaper at another vets. Ours has recently become a veterinary hospital so prices have gone up to pay for things like intensive care, MRI scanners and the like but i know they are the best in the country and we are lucky they are so close and we are already registered so I'll gladly pay whatever. If he's got to go under a general anesthetic I'd rather it was done by them x

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Dawn, I am so inspired by your realization about having the money to make a major purchase, and one that's really important. Love that. That to me is what SYC is about. It's about being free. We are going to have beautiful black and white family photos taken at the beach this month - made possible by SYC.

Ladies, if you want to drop out to buy whatever the temptation of the day is, I understand. Angie predicted that something like this would happen ... it's fine until that one item you really, really want comes along, then you're out.

What I can tell you is that although this is hard, it's worthwhile in so many ways that you can't even envision unless you're doing it. Like Dawn!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

p.s. Sorry if I sound cranky. I am just imagining myself trying to talk people out of buying this item or that item for the next three months and got overwhelmed. And it's not even my job and no one wants me to take on that role so I should stop feeling that way!

bj1111

Veteran

laura,

of course i want to be able to stick it out until the bitter end (trust me, it will be bitter if i don't buy something soon!)

but even if i slap that purchase on the table and declare "i'm out!", just having participated in the challenge and made more conscious purchasing decisions will have been a win.

it's so easy to let a few dollars slip through my fingers, just like popping a piece of store-bought chocolate, because "it can't hurt." so i really appreciate the mindfulness syc has brought on all forms of consumption.

Dawn

(website)

Thank you Laura for the little boost there!

Is anyone else finding that they're getting more and more attracted to minimalism and an emptier, less cluttered house in the last month? Every time, I see my wardrobe or my kitchen, I just want to get rid of every excess item in there which I do not need or do not use.

SYC outfit photos will be coming in the next week after I hand my thesis up!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Dawn, I feel the same way about clutter and SYC. What's amazing is what can step in to the empty space ... in your house, your life ... once you've made room. Truly an awesome experience!

Good luck with finishing your thesis!

And bj1111, I hope you stick with us but will understand if you can't. There's still a long road ahead!

judy

Veteran

So yesterday after posting the above message, I found a folded up hundred dollar bill tucked away in the deep recesses of my wallet! How did THAT happen? I mean, I HAVE done that before, but not for a very long time. And the funny thing is, I've looked right where I found the bill many times before and I swear, it wasn't there.

My challenge has not been SYC, but has been a break from spending during a temporary drop in income. Inspired by this hundred dollar "gift", I decided last night to roll all the coins in that change jar we probably all have hanging around, the one with just nickels, dimes and pennies in it. Turns out there was $54.07 in that thing! So I used that "spare change" to order the Kenneth Cole silk black tunic today. Still have the hundred tucked away. Not quite enough for the Frye oxfords yet, but who knows where more money will magically show up from?

PalmFronds

Laura I don't think you sound cranky at all! You sound like someone who is in control

Well after my sad rant last week you all know I have been pulling my hair out this weekend, but thanks to your support I made it through the labor day fiesta of sales without buying anything.I did load up my amazon.com cart with sweet shoes but didn't buy anything

I wish I could say that I don't miss shopping but I really do. Even if I don't buy anything, it is relaxing for me.Although clearly not the most productive use of time! Problem is that I am moreso a "sight" buyer than a "need" buyer so ifI am to stay on the ban I can't venture out and see something I want--that would make it infinitely harder for me. Better not to know what I am "missing."

The list for afterwards is a great idea.I started one too--thus far I have long black leather gloves(I may drop out of the challenge to buy those if they show up cheap in TJMaxx), an investment bag like the B Makowsky one I love, and some oxford heels that I can wear to work. The gloves are the only thing that is a real need, I admit.

Congrats to everyone making it this far! I am envious of you who don't feel the sting of missing shopping, wish I was that strong!

Judy, that is some wicked luck you had there, between the bill and the change--wow!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

PF, I totally miss shopping. Don't want to give you any other impression. And I am not very in control, at least not emotionally. But I am glad that I appear to be

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Judy, that is a wonderful stroke of luck! Glad you could get the tunic.

judy

Veteran

It's interesting to make a distinction between shopping...and acquiring. I think that is one thing I have been observing these last 6 weeks of NOT spending.

I like to shop too. I like browsing online and seeing what is new, and in style. Today, being at Nordstrom's, it was fun to see in person what I had seen online.

Making the decision whether or not to OWN things is what I am taking more into consideration because I have been forced to. This really ties in with the clutter thing.

Is it enough to admire the beauty of something in a store, like a museum...then decide what you are going to put in your own "collection"?

Anonymous

This has turned out to be such an interesting thread. I also miss shopping as recreation but did it too much. It will be interesting to test the willpower while checking out the fall collections in the stores.

AJ

Veteran

Well I commend all the SYC'ers!! I am cheering you all on from the sidelines!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

OK, I'm having "issues" - and I've only committing to a single month of not shopping - and it's only day 9!

I'm finding my motivation for fashion in general has faded It's almost like I know I can't add to what's in my wardrobe, and I know how to wear what is there, so that's what I'm doing... I'm not looking to be inspired or try new things...

Did any of you discover this as well? I've even found my desire to jump online and check out YLF has dimmed *eeeek*!!

Of course, the reason I'm not shopping this month is part of my September Live a Better Life Challenge, and I've had a couple of big weeks with kindy/school excursions so perhaps I'm just really focussing on that and this is all taking a backseat?

Anyway, I'm curious to see if any of you found this as well?

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes Theresa, at first I felt a little like turning away from style in general because I didn't know how else to make the shift. That was okay. In fact it was kind of nice to have a break. But then Angie reminded us to post outfits frequently, and that's a good reminder so we don't wind up wandering the grocery store aisles in our loungewear.

Judy, I like your idea of admiring and acquiring being two different things. Selectivity is a good thought going forward.

12