On January 16 2008 we launched the YLF forum. I wasn’t sure how popular it would be with YLF readers, and I was totally unprepared for the extent to which I would get addicted to the site we created. I never imagined feeling a connection to online friends, let alone actually meeting them in person. I was so, so wrong.

Logging on to hear and see you express your style quotient is a highlight of my day. Thank you forum members for helping me by helping each other. I am in constant awe of your generosity, kindheartedness, perseverance, assertiveness, intelligence and wit. You make the YLF forum a safe and wonderful place.

I’m not usually big on New Year’s resolutions because I believe that if we’re going to change something about ourselves, it’s a good idea to act immediately as opposed to waiting for the first day of the year. But this is as good a time as any to talk about style, fashion and shopping related resolutions for the year ahead, and the forum had a great discussion on the topic.

It was interesting to see a core set of resolutions emerge. These were shared by almost everyone who participated in the thread:

• to spend less overall and become more of a bargain shopper
• to purchase fewer fabulous items of greater quality
• to pass on items that are not absolutely perfect (minor alterations are obviously permitted)
• to shop for your dominant season
• to focus on footwear and accessories like handbags, scarves, specs and jewelry because they are cost effective ways of changing up a look

Here are some of the other fashion and style related resolutions that were shared on the forum:

• to do regular closet sweeps
• to improve closet organization
• to shop with a plan
• to learn how to correctly fit garments
• to get out of clothing ruts
• to shop more at thrift and consignment stores
• to eliminate closet orphans
• to get a great hairdo
• to let go of T-shirts (one of my favourites)
• to make an effort to look nice every day

These are fabulous resolutions and I share them whole heartedly. I have a few additional ones on my list:

• to add more skirts to my wardrobe – as much as I adore dresses, I’m on a skirt kick. I seem to wear jeans less frequently these days and I’m enjoying evolving my style in this way.
• to add more knitwear to my wardrobe – it takes a long time to warm up in my neck of the woods and I never seem to purchase enough knitwear. That’s not going to happen this year.
• to wear my cocktail rings – I stopped wearing my rings because I encountered problems with my wrists and didn’t want anything on my hands. My wrists feel better so I hope to wear my rings again.
• to have regular facials – taking care of my skin is my top beauty priority and I’ve found that facials work wonders. I am still trying to make these happen monthly but time is at a forever shortage. This is the year for monthly facials.

How many of these resolutions do you share? Do you have additional ones that will inspire us?

The 1^st of January brings with it a sense of renewal. Out with the old and in with the new! But new doesn’t have to mean “brand new”.  Forum member Laura puts it well:

“it feels right at this point to re-use, recycle, re-purpose the things we already have”.

In 2009 I’m looking forward to finding, suggesting and discussing ways in which we can all look and feel brand new, within our means.

We at YLF wish you and your families a happy, healthy and fabulous New Year!

Santa did pretty well this year. I finally unwrapped my new puffer coat. It’s gorgeous and will be put to good use over the next few months. I was also thrilled to receive more things on my wish list, like red wine tumblers, cheese knives, a stout red teapot, a set of dainty bone china tea mugs and a mother of pearl picture frame. Thank you everyone. I adore my gifts!

Extreme weather conditions in this neck of the woods put a sad damper on Seattle retail. Many of us were snowed in, which made last minute Christmas shopping impossible (even for Santa). I’m going to help Santa out by purchasing a few belated Christmas gifts. I hope to score the following in the post Christmas sales frenzy:

• Knitwear, knitwear and more knitwear
• Snow boots
• Another pair of slippers
• Gloves
• A set of good kitchen knives

Based on your wish lists, how would you rate Santa’s performance this year and what’s on your post-Christmas mega-bargain shopping list?

Whether you’re looking out a snowy window or celebrating in the sun, we at YLF wish you a very Merry Christmas. Hope your day is filled with fun festivities, fabulous food and plenty of laughter.

At this time of year, those of us who celebrate Christmas spend a lot of energy thinking about gifts for other people. So let’s take a selfish moment to think about ourselves. What would you like to see under the Christmas tree with your name on it?

You can keep your wish list to all things style and fashion if you like, but feel free to share every last detail. I’ll go first:

• Puffer coat – I actually know this is under the tree because I put it there. Sometimes, you need to be a little extra assertive.
• Knitwear, knitwear, knitwear – it takes a long time to warm up in Seattle and extra knitwear is always a wardrobe welcome.
• Cashmere lined leather gloves – A pair in black (like these) is just what I’m looking for. I’ve tried them, they fit perfectly in length and width and  do not itch. They’ll make a nice neutral change to my thermal lined mustard leather gloves that have seen better days.
• Red wine glasses – I keep breaking them so we are down to two, which was a little embarrassing at our last dinner party.
• Cheese knives – An assortment of the miniature individual ones that spread soft cheese would be good.

At the rate at which it has been snowing in Seattle, I might need to add a pair of snow boots to this list. Also, gifts like teapots, citrusy scented candles, cookbooks, delicatessen food products and exquisite olive oil always make me smile. I hope you’re listening Santa Claus. I promise I’ve been nice all year.

Ok, over to you. What’s on your list?

As you have probably noticed, we’ve made some small changes to the site. First, Lisa Henderling updated my look to reflect current reality. Cropped hair, new specs and my typical uniform of skinnies, a girly woven top, tailored jacket and chunky pearl necklace. Even Jasmine and Rosie had a collar change. And although I’m wearing my red patent Kate Spade heels, I’m kind to my feet when I walk our girls. I’m either in flats or Converse for sure. We let Lisa have artistic license on this one.

Second, we’ve added some functionality to the forum.

• Profile links: Wherever they appear, the names of forum members now link to their profile page. Here you can find information about the member (whatever they choose to include in their profile) and see a list of their recent posts.
• Online members: The list of members currently online is displayed in the forum sidebar. These are also linked to the member profiles.

We love the sense of community in the forum, and we hope that making the profiles more accessible will allow members to learn a bit more about each other. It is very easy to add more information to your profile: just click “edit” alongside “Your Profile” in the forum sidebar.

As always, let us know if you have any comments or notice any bugs.

The 80’s party was great and everyone looked fabulous. Thanks for joining in and making an effort to come in costume (80’s outfits were like costumes). In the process I learned a few things about America in the 80’s, from  Jean Nate and Love’s Baby Soft, to Ciao bags, Capezio shoes and Sweet Valley High.

The competition was tough, but here are the outfits that tickled me the most:

• 1st place is a tie between Keri and Antje. Your outfits are so OTT I can hardly stand it.
• 2nd place goes to Diane whose black buffalo check jumpsuit finished me off. To think that her son borrowed this outfit for his own costume party sent me into orbit.
• 3rd place goes to Dani, whose collegiate preppy Benetton look with Madonna touches brought back loads of memories. My Mum also loathed the rolled down socks.

Congratulations YLF’ers! As we saw in Style.com’s Fall trend report, the 80’s trend is far from over.

Last week the YLF forum passed 1000 registered members. It has attracted women of all ages, nationalities, body types, lifestyles and fashion personas. Whether it’s help with an outfit or purchase, a body type challenge, the chance to view a daily ensemble, or opinions about a preconceived style idea, questions are asked and answered swiftly, compassionately and effectively by astute and conscientious forum members.

Every so often a forum post starts something like this: “I’ve been lurking for a while and have finally plucked up the courage to post”. I applaud this courage. It’s not easy asking for feedback and sharing information. However, it’s not long before a newbie is welcomed, assisted and integrated into the group. If you’re new and haven’t posted yet, you’ll realize that we are all different, but very much the same. Maybe today is the day you will post for the first time.

I didn’t anticipate the extent to which I would enjoy the forum. It is so much fun! And I am in awe of the ongoing efforts of others to listen, help and learn. The sense of community is strong and the level of camaraderie heart warming. I have only met a handful of our forum members in person, but somehow feel connected to everyone. I hope to meet many more members in future.

Thank you for supporting the YLF forum. It would be nothing without your valuable and stylish contribution. And tell us about your experience. Has it helped you? Are there things we can do to improve the experience?

Ps. We have added the facility to tell a friend about YLF. Whether you use this form, or simply send an email of your own, please consider inviting other people to our community. The more, the merrier!

Red, white and blue is a winning outfit combination. Throw in some yellow or green and you’ve kicked it up a notch. How many of you will make the effort of wearing these colours today? I’ll bite. I’m in skinny jeans, ink blue tunic with huge white buttons, red chunky necklace and cami, yellow ballet flats and yellow tote. My white skinnies are in the wash but my white watch completes the palette. I feel a little more American today.

Be sure to check out the online sales this weekend:

• Boden: Summer Collection Sale: Save up to 50%
• Macy’s: July 4th Sale: Free Shipping with $100 purchase
• Lucky Brand Jeans: Twice Yearly Sale: 50% Off Select Items