Under the influence of Angie's "Closet Posts"

merwoman

As I zipped thru the Bay yesterday, I spotted a lovely white shirt by Dex. Contrasting black collar and black button plaquet (?) down the front, and it came with a black narrow tie. Quite cool looking. Sorry no pic available.
It was only 29.00 and on special for 25 % off . Looked ok on – fabrication not the best – but at that price point, was certainly decent.
However, mindful of the recent postings from Angie on our closets, I mulled over the purchasing decision. I thought about my lifestyle, and what I would wear with this item. And I came to the conclusion that there are other items in my own wardrobe that I would prefer to wear instead of this shirt. I put the shirt back on the rack and walked away! So thanks to Angie for such a wonderful series on closets (and consumerism) and a thank you to CocoLion for inspiring me to follow her lead with spreadsheet analysis of my wardrobe lifestyle needs.
Have you had similar moments lately?

13 years ago

Inspiration

10 replies

Latest reply was from qfbrenda

(website)

Veteran

Yes! I have had several online orders come . . . and go right back. 2 dresses, a top I mulled over for months (!) before ordering, only to find it didn't measure up at all. I had no less than 3 green sandal contenders and just as many BF jeans attempts. I am becoming more and more selective about what's coming in. I know that I have enough clothing to wear that I don't need to buy any 'almosts' to get me by until the right thing comes along. I can wait for the right thing. It's a great place to be.
I even had a few new remixing ideas come to me using items I've had for a while, that I jotted down and will try once I'm home to my other closet in CA.

13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Great for you! You did a perfect analasis while shopping and made a wise and economical decision! Yay for your strength and super thought work! You should be really pround of yourself!

I have left three garments at the store - one Zara utility shirt/jacket, one Theory blouse and one other blouse. They all fit in my wardrobe, but I like to work with my closet instead of filling it up. This is despite the closet purge I've done lately - I filled a LARGE black plastic bag filled with shoes and clothes, but most of them have been in a holding zone for about a year, so it was a relief to get it all out of the house

13 years ago

Anonymous

I need to get better at this as well. As I browse the new fall stuff, its hard not to take it all home with me. I need to keep reminding myself about my "real" vs "fantasy" life and only bring home stuff that I can use often and works with what I already have. I've managed to purge my closet down to the point where there are no more storage bins....everything is in my small closet. Looking at it all together, I see that I have an abundance of black and white tops of all shapes and sizes. Knowing this, I was able to resist getting more black/white tops the last time I was out shopping. What I need are bottoms to wear with all my black/white tops....

13 years ago

Charmian

Veteran

Yes, I just talked myself out of buying a purse last week. I DO need a purse -- it's a legitimate wardrobe hole -- and it was beautiful, the price was phenomenal, etc, etc. But it wasn't perfect, ya know? So I (very very) reluctantly let it pass.

I get a little thrill when I've successfully convinced myself NOT to buy something, from knowing that I've just made my wardrobe better by not letting something subpar in. The thrill is the only way I can stay focused and motivated (otherwise, I get tempted to buy things left and right!). I hope you got some enjoyment out of saying no, too!

13 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

I definitely resonate with what everyone has posted here! I did feel good (and rather smug to walk away. Knowing that I've got most of the basics covered makes it a bit easier to make these decisions and not be seduced by an apparent "good" buy.
I have purchased items before - afraid that I will need them in the future and regret not picking them up...but I think I'm getting this under control.

13 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I've been looking for a crisp, white button down for some time, and they seem to be surprisingly hard to get by! I'm petite/short waisted, and many fitted garments are too long for me. Today I spotted a beautiful white button down shirt, very expensive, but I was prepared to pay because I know it will get a lot of wear. But, alas, it did only ALMOST fit me. The shoulders were ok, but it was too wide around the bust, and the back looked sloppy too. I didn't feel fabulous at all in it. The shop attendant tried to convince me to buy it ("it's perfect on you - the shoulders fit") but I knew it was wrong. Now I'm a lot more picky than I used to, but also a lot more pleased with what I finally bring home with me. Reading and learning from posts here on YLF and elsewhere has made a huge difference for me and my wardrobe.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This was a fun read, merwomen. Well done!

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Along the same lines, as I got ready today, I purged two more tops and two more dresses from my closet. They are all fine, wearable items in very good condition (which is part of the problem when it comes to me getting rid of stuff), but they don't fit my current style direction. I tried each one of them on and felt absolutely no excitement to wear them. Only guilt that I hadn't worn them. So off they go.

13 years ago

merwoman

Veteran

Ingunn - the perfect shirt is out there for you! I found mine (highly recommended by Angie and others) at Brooks Brothers - not sure if they ship outside of North America, but may be worth look into.
Janet - I hear you about the purging. There's a couple of toppers I bought in early spring that have seen very limited wear. Think I'll follow your lead and try them on again - then deliver a verdict "do they stay or do they go"..
Angie - so glad you enjoyed this read!

13 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

Good job!

Today a blazer arrived at my house in a color that I love. In previous years I would have kept it without hesitation. But now I'm pickier. I noticed I didn't like how the bottom fit--way too straight. I'd prefer a rounded hem. Back it will go! I'll wait until the right one comes along.

I'm glad you've learned that lesson as well.

13 years ago

Category