Well, I certainly have been guilty of all of those buying issues. I found that realizing when and where I made my mistakes helped inform future buying decisions. I still tend to buy multiples, but I am trying to stop.

Keep up the momentum, Janet. You are doing VERY WELL. Hope today is a better day, and lots of hugs.

You're doing a great job. Simply identifying patterns can be a challenging task, and you seem to have a firm grasp on why things haven't worked. I'll echo Suz's point that some neglected items are indeed bought with the best intentions, but cannot accommodate changing life circumstances.

Janet- I read your post and could tick many of the same boxes. Jump all in on a trend and then you may tire of the current items in your closet too quickly, because they all capture the same moment. Check! Love and duplicate- perhaps one time too many. Check! It is also the way it adds to wardrobe volume, which at times constrains good choices and combinations.

Hang in there. You are moving along and you are not alone. The burden of excessive options is real.

Thanks for your analysis Janet. I will post my "true confessions" in a separate thread after I get some time tonight.

I like the idea of a true confessions thread.

I struggle with many of the same issues as you, Janet. Lately I wonder if maybe I am imposing too high a standard on myself--after all these years learning about fashion and body types and trying on clothes--shouldn't I be perfect now? Intellectually I know perfectionism is a terrible trap, but I still expect myself to do much better.

I made a lot of mistakes earlier this year and I admit that I will probably make more. I seem to make more mistakes with summer clothes than winter things.

I just recently did a big purge partly because I'm moving but I agree with you, I didn't feel awesome about it and was mostly reminded of all the bad decisions and wasted money. I bought things that did not work for many of the reasons you listed and hopefully will start being more mindful of how I spend my money, but who knows!

Thank you for starting this thread. You are so not alone! In fact, we might be the same person...

My main mistakes are a lot like yours Janet:
- Buying for a dressier, hipper, chic-er lifestyle than I have. Although I'm getting better, and also feeling less guilty about having things that are only worn a few times a year.
- Buying too deeply into certain categories. This is related to the above. Once I realized I was doing too much imaginary life style shopping, I decided to purchase for the life I have. How many: skinny jeans? Sandals? Tee shirts? do I really need? Yes things get worn but it's basically all the same look.
- Search for the perfect _____________. Relates to above depth of category approach.

When something doesn't fit or feel comfortable I do feel frustrated, but I just get rid of them and move on. I don't blame myself as much as I blame the manufacturer. It's the clothes/shoes/lingerie, not me. Increasingly this annoys me more than my own mistakes, because I feel cheated.

I've bought for my cooler invisible twin, too. Sigh.

I'm following along at Apartmemt Therapy as they do a closet clean out. I did the email sign up, but I think it isn't necessary. (I'd live to unsub those, already)

It already sounds like there will be a lot of complaining about current declutter ideas, but that's kind of AT. They can be too cool to read AT.

One of the best things about closet purging, the lessons learned so one does not make the same mistakes again. You've gotten some great insight during your purge.