I've always thought of myself as somebody who (ideally) would like a small to moderate, well-curated wardrobe of good quality essentials supplemented by fun accessories and seasonal "extras." Sort of a Vivienne Files girl.

I was never really in a position to purchase the good-quality essentials...or not many of them, anyway, but that didn't interfere with my ideal. I figured I would buy these pieces slowly, over time, replacing my lesser quality pieces as I could afford to, and eventually I'd build a solid, functional wardrobe.

Well, this is my second autumn on YLF. And I am discovering something about myself that sort of disrupts my sense of my fashion self and as a result, I'm not sure this is the best plan for me going forward after all!

Here's the deal: I'm beginning to think that I might be a candidate for yearly wardrobe overhauls vs. small tweaks and additions/ rotations.

Here's why: I have learned that what I tend to do each season is pick a couple of favourite items and literally wear the HECK out of those items. I mean, I will wear these babies cheerfully several times a week, sometimes more. And I really don't want to wear anything else.

So what's wrong with that, you might say. What's the problem?

Well....the problem is, that when it comes round to the next year, I have ZERO interest in wearing these old favourites. I want nothing to do with them. They languish unworn in my closet and I don't care a fig for them. Instead, I want to wear my NEW favourite items all the time.

Okay...I admit, there *are* certain essentials that I will wear happily into season 2: denim, black trousers, a plain pencil skirt and sheath dress, my coats. Footwear (mostly) and also a few other accessories like scarves, plus layering Ts and a few button downs and blouses.

But when it comes to anything that has standout colour or pattern or any sort of distinctive or interesting cut (pretty much) I just don't want to wear it again!

Below are some pics of items that were total favourites last year, that I have yet to wear this year:

9 West Tweed jacket (consignment)
Patterned A-line skirt
Cropped cord jacket
High waisted ponte pencil skirt from Anthropologie

Okay...I admit, looking at these pieces I can see that to some extent my distaste for them now arises from my heading in a more minimalist, streamlined and modern style direction. I seem to be moving away from whimsy and the retro elements and towards a sleeker, more urban style.

"Distaste" is probably too strong a word, too...I still *like* these things in theory and might be attracted to them in a store. I just don't feel like wearing them.

Is this just a sign that I am refining my style direction? Should I just consign or give away these items and make room for the new, without regret, or should I worry about this tendency? Going forward, what would it say for my shopping? Should I still aim to build a wardrobe of simple classic backbone essentials, adding in a few "standout" pieces per season, and resign myself to the fact that those standout pieces might not last in my wardrobe very long? Does that mean I should seek them out at a lower price point? Or, on the contrary, is my current dislike of last year's "standout" pieces just a sign that these were cheap and cheerful finds, *not* particularly high quality, more "make-do" than truly aspirational. Maybe I should be seeking *true* standout pieces - one or two - each season, and maybe those would end up lasting me much longer. But how would I know in advance whether or not I would tire of them? I am afraid to spend a big chunk of money on pieces that might end up in next year's donate bag!

Yours in confusion....