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SYC/SYB and Wardrobe Overhaul People - are we staying on task?

rae

(website)

Veteran

With the amount of stuff I've bought recently, I'm shocked - SHOCKED - that I'm still on course to pay for everything solely through reselling. Even though I'm on budget and really happy about consolidating a bunch of "meh" items into fewer things that I adore, I still feel kind of icky for buying so much. I got:

- 2 pairs of boots (down from 4 okay boots)
- 2 pairs of jeggings (1-in-one-out with 2 pairs of unnessecary bootcuts)
- 2 ON parkas (down from 4 blazers that didn't fit well)
- 1 ON cami
- AS leather jacket (bday gift to self)
- St. John sweater dress (I hope to also wear as a top with skirts - fills hole for lighter item to wear under dark jackets)
- Wool coat (fills wool coat hole)
- an orange sweater (fills Rae-ifying work wardrobe need)
- mini perfume
- burgundy leather bag (to finally DIY the celtic knotwork style I wanted way back when)

I also got some dark wash jeans with a gift card. Whew! I feel like a shopping maniac. After trying to overhaul my work wardrobe on a budget, I feel like... the budget became a weird challenge and may have encouraged me to buy more than I would have before I kept track of my spending.

How are you all faring? Is budgeting working for you? Is it working against you? For those redoing your wardrobes, how do you know if you are on track or going off the deep end?

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I haven't had time to do any shopping, but I am keeping my eyes out for any great tunics that I see.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Wow Rae! Good thing your selling is offsetting
I am buying more, as well, about $75 over my $125 budget if the grey cords work out. Hmm, it felt like a lot but:

plaid riding jacket $61
tassel necklace $3.50
fuzzy faux shearling ruffle front jacket (shout out to board help there!) $28

on order from Victorias Secret ($105):
red cardi
red ruffly scarf
gray skinny cargo cords.

Oh, and I finally got the pile of sell/givaway stuff out of the house and it feels so much better. Ahh. I only have 2 items I'm still trying to eBay and I'll be happier when they are finally gone. I simply gave away much of what wasn't working anymore, new or not, I'd had enough of having it lying around. Feels good

ironkurtin

Veteran

My selling is *almost* offsetting my buying. Almost. The fact that I can't remember what I bought, but it was a chunk - and $ - should tell you something about how much I've sold! Plus there was that trip to NYC, which was pure spendiness, but restrained (for me).

But on the positive side!!! 99% loving my wardrobe these days!

Kate

Veteran

Rae, I am so impressed by how much you can buy for so little money! I wish swap meets around here were even half as wonderful as the ones where you are!

Budgeting is kinda working for me - I'm a total of $300 over budget for the year, which I'm counting as progress since I was about $1000 over budget last year. My budgets this year and last were $100 per month, but the reality is that some months I buy nothing, and other months I spend $250.

My new budgeting plan is based on number of new items of different types, and what seems reasonable to spend on different types of items. I started figuring it out here (http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....r-wardrobe, about half way down) but here's the shorter version:

- My total clothing budget for 2012 is $1,200 (same as for the last two years).
- It doesn't matter how much I spend each month, but rather how much I buy over the whole year. This allows me to spend $300 in a month without feeling guilty, but keeps me aware of how it fits into my plan for the year.
- In 2012 I plan to buy 32 new items:
- 5 bottoms averaging $40 each, totaling $200
- 4 dresses averaging $70 each, totaling $280
- 4 layers averaging $45 each, totaling $180
- 12 tops averaging $25 each, totaling $300
- 2 accessories averaging $20 each, totaling $40
- 2 shoes averaging $85 each, totaling $170
- 3 jewelry averaging $10 each, totaling $30

Changes can be made, but when I'm going over budget I have to think about how that will change the other items I can buy, rather than thinking about how it limits my spending next month. I can trade within a category (buying one $50 top takes the place of two $25 tops), or across categories (I might not need two new pairs of shoes, so I can transfer the extra money to a different category).

Hopefully breaking down the budget to the item level will be more helpful for me than simply going into each month knowing I have $100 to spend. I will keep you posted!

Anonymous

Well I'm still SYC'ing. It works ok though, because I am really broke right now with all the wedding planning going. I litteraly had to budget a new pair of tango shoes for next year, because I can't really afford them , even though they're "gear". Also I work through my beautiful boot collection and resisted adding a new mid-heel black leather boots ( the 3 flats , 1 heeled and 2 booties are really enough) since they seemed such a frivolous purchase when I'm deliberately not working till February.
Even so, since October 1st since I started I bought
2 thin v-neck sweaters ( 1 black and 1 white ) , my mom forced me to put down my old 3 sweaters ( black , white, and pink ) because they pilled like mad.
1 pair of blue chandelier earrings
And this is it. Mom made a pair of tweed shorts. ( Like those on sale currently at H&M) and I've worn them like crazy.
Over all, I really don't need more clothes. I did find out I could do a nice wool winter coat. I have a belted puffer and a boucle a-line. Next year I plan to buy a nice white, tan or cobalt wool coat. I found some, but all expensive and rather out of my budget.
I started to wear an old brown pinstripe blazer, realizing I can pair it with black jeans ( It doesn't quite go with my black,gray , tan pants).
It was difficult as hell in the beginning, but now I'm really ok with it. I'm looking in my closet and see CPW everywhere. I have lots of wears in all the clothes ( anyway my winter dresses pay me back by now). I actually decided to continue till spring. My winter capsule is really good. But I did a lot of spring/summer purging in September, so I know I will have some wholes to fill when warmth comes.

Anonymous

I just realized I ranted so long. Sorry Rae, didn't mean to hog your thread. I'm sure next autumn you won't need as much new clothes. I sure spent a lot last winter/autumn, and this year I could ( albeit rather forced) live off a nice capsule.

Girl X

(website)

Veteran

I have gone so far off the rails that the mere mention of SYC causes my guy to smirk - granted, he thought the whole thing was doomed to failure anyway. Though I think that aside from the 'not shopping' part, my SYC goals were met: I have been designing and sewing again, and I've been working my way through the items I bought long ago but never wore.

I guess I am officially off SYC.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Khris, seems like the secret to SYC may be to keep busy! Hm, this needs more consideration...

Mo, you found some really great things recently. I want those gray cords to work out so darned bad - it's like you are one pitch away from a perfect game... fingers crossed.

IK, I'm glad that reselling seems to be working out as well for you as it is for me - scratch that, it's even better for you, as I can't imagine funding a NYC shopping trip. The wardrobe love is awesome.

Kate, I am so envious of your super organized game plan. You seem to know exactly what you will need in the coming year. I like the idea of a year-long plan, but I guess I'm not in touch enough to predict my needs for the coming year. Something to aspire to.

Anya, I enjoyed your long reply, so don't be sorry! A wedding is a *perfect* distraction for SYC time - and the fact that you already had a functioning wardrobe is also key. I guess the trick is to recognize when it has reached functional status?

Girl X, seems like you simply achieved your SYC goals faster than the rest of us. How cool that you are designing and sewing!!

Kate

Veteran

Rae, for what it's worth, I predicted what I will need in the next year based on what I have now and how long I tend to be able to keep things. So the numbers are about 1/3 of my current bottoms and dresses, 1/4 of my current layers and shoes, 1/2 of my current tops, and 1/10 of my jewelry and accessories.

And there's always a chance I have no idea what I'm talking about and I'll have to completely revise my plan in a month!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Kate, I roughly sketched out a similar plan for 2012 divided into Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter with a dozen items each season plus 2 accessories. I did this with the idea that I have enough now, and what I would want to freshen/update each year to keep the closet current. But unlike you, I have more to start with right now, so this rate will have me turning over full categories in more like 5 or 7 years using a one in one out principal. But I hope it's a realistic plan. And, heck, let's be honest - I've had NO plan for all these years, so any skeleton of a plan is a start lol.

And Rae, thanks for cheering me on from the sidelines! I, too, hope this time is the winner with the corduroys

rosee

Veteran

I broke my SYC b/c I now realize I started it -- perhaps a little too ambitiously -- at the wrong time. I still plan to follow through on it after Christmas (I was supposed to go from July 2011 to July 2012, a little long maybe?). Several life issues, some that I wasn't expecting, got in the way too and that affected my overall health and wardrobe plans that I had listed out. Oh well, live and learn, and reorganize for future victory.
By default, I will be on SYC after January, as I will be on a very limited budget. I have decided to stop working for a while to get my health goals back in order. As I will be living quite frugally, I won't really need an expansive wardrobe. I'm hoping the pieces I got in the last while will be able to serve the purpose. I will again allow for thrift shopping to pick up missing pieces as needed, but regular shopping will be done with for a while.
Now I'm trying to figure out which smaller size pieces (that don't currently fit) I should keep (and store) and which to sell or swap /donate. The problem is I really love some of my older clothes and can't let go yet. Besides I do want to be my old healthy weight again, for more reasons than just style.
(p.s. Thank you Rae, for posting the ebay selling tips on your blog. Great info.)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Rosee, I am so sorry to hear about your health issues. I can definitely sympathize, as I'm too big for many items too, although it sounds like yours health matters are more serious than mine. Health is the top priority, but it can feel like an extra kick in the head to look at a beloved item and know you can't wear it. Please get well soon, first and foremost, and the rest will fall into place. Hugs!

rosee

Veteran

Thank you, Rae. You are sweet as usual.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Sorry for jumping in out of the blue - but what is SYB? I am thinking SYC is "Shop Your Closet", but am perplexed as to what "SYB" means....

Kate

Veteran

SYB = Shop Your Budget

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Thank you Kate

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Well from looking at my shopping the last few months I've definitely gone off the deep end in my wardrobe overhaul! But, there recently was a sign that it may be coming to a close. I went to the Nordstrom Holiday Shopping Party where they give you 10 points for every dollar you spend...huge incentive to buy. I tried several things on but there wasn't really anything I needed so I just bought a couple of makeup gifts for mom & MIL and one $18 skinny turquoise belt on sale. I was shocked because it felt weird to not want or need anything for the first time since I started this whole process. I am pretty much getting to the point where Rita is, in having a complete wardrobe that I am happy with--yay! I don't think I can ever make myself do SYC (too hard for mentally!), but my spending has slowed way down and I could probably do some sort of SYB. I still do order tons of things and return a bunch whenever I'm on a quest for a specific item (currently some flat boots), but other than maybe some nicer casual T's and loungewear, I'm pretty much set! Which is good because my closet is nearlly full now!

Lisa

Veteran

I've been trying to SYC but the best I've been able to do this year was SME, shop more effectively. Instead of random purchases of anything that struck my fancy, this year I've started shopping with a list and a plan in my head of what I really need. If this means I leave a store or two, or all of them, without anything purchased, it's ok. This does not mean the shopping trip was a failure.

This has cut back on my impulse shopping. I also started tracking my wardrobe and it was a real eye opener. It made it a lot harder to purchase something new when I had in the back of my head two or three items I could think of that have yet to be worn even once that season.

I only recently started tracking CPW and I have a long way to go to fill out that spreadsheet. But I'm already shocked at how many items have a high CPW.

One place I am getting a jump start with minimalizing is my shoe wardrobe. After having foot surgery, not only do I realize that I can survive with far less vareity in my footwear but I'm also starting from scratch with my shoe wardrobe. So I've devised a list of footwear for the winter season and will only make purchases for shoes that are truly comfortable, fit my foot, and meet my needs.

The rest of the wardrobe has a lot of work to do. What I really need, is a good YLF swap to bring items too.

rae

(website)

Veteran

GP, I'm so excited to hear that your overhaul may be near its end - you have managed to not only define your personal style in record time, but also scout, fit, and secure beloved pieces SO efficiently.

Lisa, you are very right about shopping with a list, and the idea that leaving a shop without a purchase does NOT equal failure really resonates with me. Leaving empty handed should be a victory - your discerning eye wins out over a whole company's marketing strategy!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Wow. You people are all so organized!!

I made a half-hearted SYC attempt, but I realized after a few weeks that really, I have some fairly problematic wardrobe gaps. Hence I have been working on filling those. I also got distracted by the final stages of my PhD and kind of forgot that I wasn't supposed to be buying myself any presents. Oops.

Anyway, I have been trawling eBay and the thrift stores like a crazy person and have picked up two long-sleeved shirts, three long-sleeved tops, two pairs of boots, two pairs of shoes, two jackets, one pair of jeans, two bags, a glittery tank top, a scarf, a skirt, yoga pants, and some socks.

So far the only things that haven't worked out are one of the bags and the tank top. I distinctly recall that I was talking to my mom on the phone when I bid for the latter, and after the auction was over I thought "what did I get that for????". Still, it was only £3 including postage so it's not that big of a deal.

I sold a handful of things on eBay and took a small suitcase full of clothes the thrift store. There is a whole bunch more stuff to go once it either sells or I get around to donating it.

But hopefully the biggest help will be that I bought a sewing machine from eBay the other day. I'm going to go pick it up tomorrow, and hopefully the ability to more easily alter stuff will help!

bj1111

Veteran

aaacckkk...even though i was only unofficially playing along, i'd hoped that i would be successful. i've been spending money like a drunken sailor. all on things i LOVE, but really do NOT need. the one thing that was remotely close to a need, a puffer, was a bust. the only thing that saved my closet from completely overflowing was a big ole giveaway to my niece. including a hunter green leather jacket from last years nas that i barely wore.

on the other hand...i so heart my new shoes!

rae

(website)

Veteran

BJ, I wish I was related to you! Can't argue with getting things you love, though I'm sorry the puffer didn't work. :T

Mander, looks like we have both been tearing up ebay lately - wonderful that most things worked out. Ebay can be so convenient, what with the access to real life measurements and such. Like with some other gals, it seems your SYC served its purpose of illuminating wardrobe holes quickly.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Well, let's hope that the other things I am waiting on will work out! The boots I got are a little more damaged than I realized, but if I send them back I will have spent as much in postage as I paid for them in the first place so I might as well keep them and try to fix them myself. And one shirt that was supposed to be long-sleeved is more like 3/4 on me, but I'll either try to work with it or sell it on.

I had a bit of a fight with my husband this morning over finances, though. We are in more trouble than I realized. He never really tells me these things directly but tries to drop hints that are way too subtle, and then he ends up blowing up. I've spent almost £100 in the last couple of months, which isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things but it is a fortune for me. So I'm not going to be buying anything for a while, just selling.

Sigh. I need a job really badly but it's such a rotten time to be looking.