Thoughts on replacing items? - YouLookFab Forum

I find that once an item wears out or otherwises gets purged, I instantly become hot on the trail of finding its replacement. I may not actually purchase a new version for several months, but the wardrobe 'hole' is there in my head from the start and it's always in the back of my mind.
Is this neurotic or normal lol?! For instance, I'm already searching high and low for a cobalt top to replace the cowl neck one that had gotten ratty that I tried to make into a scarf yesterday. Should I just cool my jets? Or is it perfectly fine to be grabbing a new cobalt version for my closet? (I have my eye on this chiffon tee)
I am in the same boat with a red zip cardigan I donated a few months back. Red cardis have been on my radar for a few months now.
Should I maybe just be letting it go and not worrying so much about replacing these items? It seems it's more about having these colors in my wardrobe than the actual style of the top itself. Hmmm.

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14 years ago

Carole

Veteran

I think when an item has had such a successful place in your wardrobe it makes perfect sence to maintain the rhythm. I hope you are able to find suitable replacements, stat!

goldenpig

(website)

I agree, when it's been a go-to piece in your closet it's natural to want to look for a replacement. I'm totally the same way. I'm still looking for a suitable rust colored mock neck top so I can get rid of my frayed 20 year old one. And I am still wearing it until I find a replacement. On the other hand, sometimes you realize that you are going in a new direction and it's a good time to re-evaluate whether that item is needed in your wardrobe. I really regretted getting rid of my worn camel colored wool coat with the torn lining and was totally obsessed about finding its replacement. Through the process I realized camel really wasn't the best color for me and ended up getting a rust colored coat instead. And I donated all my cardigans but now I've started trying to look for new ones--looking for a red one just like you are! (By the way, check out this one from WHBM--I think I might keep this one: http://www.whitehouseblackmark.....#038;size=)

I hope you find your replacements ASAP so you can rest easy!

jayne

I have never before wanted to replace anything because I have so very much but now that I am purged down to the core (winter anyway) I see that I want to actually replace a couple of the 'cheaper' quality items I have kept...with something nicer. I think this might be a sign that I actually know what I really want and like. So if you have been doing this, you must have a good handle on your needs. A good sign I think.

Lisa

If it is a core piece, I think a search for a replacement is ok. If it is an accent piece I prefer to wait a while and see if I really want another one of the item. Sometimes I find I got tired of the style or color and do not really want a replacement. If I purchase too fast, I may end up with a wardrobe orphan.

I had this problem with jeans. I used to purchase a new pair as soon as an old pair wore out. But I had also switched to premium denim jeans which last me longer. It wasn't too long before I had more jeans than days in the week. And I realized I don't mind wearing jeans twice in one week. I sold a few on ebay and had to fight the urge to go out and replace them. But so far, I have resisted because it's starting to sink into my head that I wasn't wearing all the jeans I had and I really don't need another pair. Tracking the CPW and seeing that go down over time is helping me avoid a rush purchase. And I do like the extra space I have now that I have less jeans.

Thanks for all the insight ladies! It helps to hear how others process this. I, for now, am holding off on replacement. Realistically, moving back to the mtns in February after living on the Gulf coast for so long, I will be freezing in all but my sweaters and long sleeves and jackets lol. So a short sleeve top can certainly wait a few months. And maybe I'll find I don't want it as badly as I thought. Maybe. I do love that cobalt color, though

rae

I think that's a good idea. This color is not one that will disappear once the season is over. I think you have a long time to see if the perfect one pops up.

catgirl

I have been snatching things up left and right to replace half-a$$ed failures. The slouchy jeans are a case in point. 3 pairs of thrifted jeans are headed straight back to Salvation Army. That's an even better ratio for me: 3 out, 1 in!

So yes, it's a good idea.

Una, I am factoring in the cobalt sweater you sent me as a pacifier for the coming months, you know!!
But, yeah, often I find the 'here's my replacement piece' pieces are not always up to par. Could be that in my head, I'm comparing them to their predecessors, as well?

Meredith1953

Mo,
I love that chiffon tee! Where did you see it?

Meredith, it's Old Navy but that one is on eBay. I've been finding some of the 'cheap' Old Navy and Target's Mossimo drapey tees are as awesome as the bigger designer labels lately

shipskitty

Mo I think it makes perfect sense. We've all been in the position of something wearing out and then for whatever reason you can't get a replacement - maybe the fashions have moved on, you want a plain one and they are all embellished right now, hemlines have changed or the seasons have moved on.

If you can anticipate something wearing out or once it has worn out you start looking BEFORE you miss it/need it - well that only makes good sense. You're more likely to make a better buying decision because you have time on your side.

This is especially true for me because I'm a "settler" in that I get frustrated when I NEED something and can't find it and tend to settle for near enough rather than something I love. Which means I end up wearing something I don't love for far too long.

modgrl

As long as your style hasn't evolved away from the thing you're replacing, you can duplicate it. I am finding I want multiples of things I wear all the time to make laundry day easier. But by the time something actually wears out, I am tired of it already.

Like Una, I am replacing cheap mistakes with more expensive better quality pieces. Must stop buying cheap clothes and shoes! I just end up replacing them with the "right" thing later on, then I end up buying the same thing twice. I have exclude ON and Target layer t's though, they are the bomb!!

Ha! Now I am telling myself this is in the direction I'm heading - drapier vs. tight tops, woven vs. knits. Above all, it's right in line with my main goal to shop for the casual life I lead and to upgrade my casual wear. So I made a mental deal that if I sell one of my eBay listings that will cover this, I'm going for it.

Marley

I'm just so impressed that you are brave enough to get rid of items (that you've loved) without already having a replacement. I usually can't work up nerve enough to do that - which is a problem because then they get lost in my closet and I forget that it needs to be replaced - and then I plan to wear it and get it out and realize that it just doesn't work anymore!

I think its OK to keep your eyes out for replacement pieces - seems like a really smart way to shop!

Anonymous

I think it's a great idea. I sometimes try to do the same but find it very frustrating when I CAN'T find the replacement.

Scarlet

My husband calls me the replacement-hunter There are certain shapes or styles of things that I just have to have in my closet. These might change over the years but I can go through several versions before that happens.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I'm like Marley, I have a hard time getting rid of something until I find its replacement - or it's just absolutely worn out and can't be worn out of the house anymore.

What Marley said!

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