Oh.. I'm sorry you feel demotivated and bored! Hope everything gets better for you soon.
I'm not very good with reviving wordrobes, but my suggestion is that you take everything out and think (what fits me perfect, what can be adjust, what is too old). Go to a taylor and see what can be transformed (a jacket you don't like can be a nice vest, or you can take the sleeves and hem an old dress). Use your imagination and have fun!

You're very beautiful and have a wonderful sense of style.

I'm sorry that your current situation is causing you concern but from what I have read the economic outlook is far more positive than this time last year and job opportunities are starting to emerge, I really hope that you get your lucky break soon.

Unfortunately I have no ideas with regards to revamping your wardrobe, but in the past I have had fun nights with friends trying the following things:

1) Having a friend whose style I admire look through my wardrobe and pair together outfits. It is amazing how many looks can be created.

2) Have a night in with a group of girl friends and each bring the things that you love that no longer fit or are not suitable for your lifestyle and swap.

You could also buy some new accessories to revamp your existing clothes and wear lipstick, the sale of lipstick grows through a recession as people search for a quick and cheap pick me up.

I try to dress in the morning thinking that I do not know where this day is going to take me and I want to be prepared for whatever it throws so please take care and post the results of your revamped wardrobe.

I really have no good advice, but wanted to say two things:

- SO many people are in a similar rut due to being jobless. Currently I only have a part-time job, so like you, most of the time I'm just being a bum at home and feeling sorry for myself. On the two days that I do work, I try to have fun with what I wear. But I think it's really important to try and do *something* during the day when you have nothing to do - be it sending out resumes, exercising, cleaning, trying on outfits, etc. Just to keep yourself busy. You currently have a better wardrobe than the majority of the population so I'm pretty sure any outfit you remix would look fab.

- Secondly, you're not fat and don't look fat. I'd give anything to be as "fat" as you! Don't call yourself fat when you're not. :) You're a beautiful girl and clothes look amazing on your figure.

Kari, I am so sorry things have been hard for you. Please don't let that pretty smile of yours disappear. I agree completely with the advice from the ladies above. You are not alone in your predicament, we have all been affected by this downturn in economy.
As far as things you can do for your wardrobe, take a look at the magazines and catalogs. I find many of my ideas for outfits come from looking at those glossy images. Don't focus on what they are selling and how you can't afford it, but colors, patterns and cuts and how they put the outfits together. JCrew catalog has provided me with so much inspiration.
Also if you are on a limited budget (and who isn't these days), accessorize. Bright colored tights will liven up any outfit. Oh and color is your best friend, don't go drab.
Any clothes that you do not wear, but is in good shape, you could try swapping either with forum members, or with your friends. You get "new" clothes instantly.
I hope this helps. Stay in touch...

Sorry to hear about your situation Kari. Please continue hanging out here to get some fresh ideas. And I second Danja's idea of looking through magazines and catalogs. When I see a page I like (for whatever reason -- style, color, layout), I rip it out and put it in a style inspiration folder. It's fun to replicate the looks with your own things. And also check out the remix flick group (if you're not there already), and maybe The Sartorialist for some inspiration.

I understand you feel rubbish but seriously those pictures look rather fab! I'm now 5 weeks into the school hols (1 week to go :-( and have really struggled to decide what to wear most days am getting bored of jeans but don't feel like dressing up if not going anywhere!
Do you have any wardrobe orphans you could throw into the mix? x

Hey Kari, good to see you back. I am sorry about your troubles.
Have you tried Kimberly's inspiration calendar? I like to check it out even though I don't follow it religiously, it gives me different ideas:
http://www.fabfindsunder50.com.....endar.html
These are from past months:
http://www.fabfindsunder50.com.....-july.html
http://www.fabfindsunder50.com.....-june.html
http://www.fabfindsunder50.com.....r-may.html

She posts the calendar a couple of days before the beginning of each month.

Other things I like to do: pick a theme (black and white week; red week), wear an item of clothing 3 ways challenge (skirt, dress, or clamdiggers), wear skirts for a week straight, wear dresses for a week straight.

Finally, I didn't post many outfits recently but you are welcome to look through my outfit set in flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2.....810217600/

Wow bella the fabfindsunder$50 calendar is a fab idea. I'll certainly be taking a peek it's easy to get stuck in a rut x

I have to run off to see another client, but I just wanted to quickly chime in and say that we'll have you pepped up very soon. You are SO gorgeous, it’s a sacrilege to think that you are de-motivated about your lovely self! Such great suggestions from the ladies so far.

Speak soon :0)

Wow, Kari, you look absolutely amazing - polished, impeccable, stylish - each and every day to me!

I can totally relate about feeling frumpy though: I am still working on losing these extra lbs I gained this spring. I am *seriously* overdue for a haircut (going next week, phew); the roots are showing horribly. I desperately need to get to the mall for eyebrow threading: I had done a pretty decent job maintaining on my own for a few months, but they are losing their shape now. And even my pedicure, which I got only a few weeks back, is starting to chip. I just feel frumpy - and it's not really about the clothes. Know what I mean?

As for being bored with your style, sometimes what I'll do is pick an item - say a blouse - and then spend an hour trying it on with items I'd never considered pairing it with before. Even if you don't think it will work, try it. You may be surprised at what kind of combos you come up with. The day Jean came over last month, I did that (I wanted to wear something she hadn't seen already, LOL). I ended up pairing lavender silk blouse with black and white graphic cardigan and pearls. I love this combo so it's now in major rotation. But I would never have tried the two together if I wasn't so motivated to figure out a new way to wear that particular blouse (which I was This close to tossing).

With that said, I also think it's easiest to get in a rut in the summer, because you can't layer, layer layer. Everything is just too simple. Toss on a dress. Done. Pair clams with a top. Done. Yawn!

Fall is almost here... feels like fall here today, in fact!

Kari, you have basically described my life. To say I sympathize is an understatement.

I'll be honest: I have pretty much given up and just wear loungewear most of the time (since I am at home most of the time). I still make sure I look presentable at least. I continue to do my hair and make sure that my lounge clothes remain distinct from my pajamas. I change into them after I take a shower and they are always clean and in good condition. I always wear a bra (not that I have a choice, but some women do). Sometimes I'll put in my contacts.

However, I know I'm in the minority here and most don't feel comfortable being in loungewear to the extent that I'm wearing it. It sounds like you wouldn't do this either. I know it's pretty sad but it helps keep me motivated...and I am seriously lacking in motivation lately.

I also spend some quality time with my closet, experimenting and trying to rediscover or reappropriate what I already own (since I can't shop right now). That way I know exactly what I'll wear when I get out of this hole. It sounds like you are doing that too.

I think you should set some goals for yourself, style-wise. Set challenges for yourself. since outside forces have given you no reason to get dressed every day, you need to make up your own reasons.

I am sorry you're feeling down, Kari. As an involuntary sahm, I can absolutely relate to the motivation and rut problems. I echo everyone, though - you look fantastic! Maybe we should organize a YLF event? That would be a great excuse to wear your dressier pieces :)

That was *just* what I was thinking, Marianne. Hah! Let's organize one.

Kari, can you get your hair done soon?

i just thought of another activity that will both cheer you up and give you new outfit ideas: organize your accessories closet! Go through all your necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair accessories, watches, belts and scarves. Repair and clean the accessories that need attention, wash your scarves. I am sure you'll be surprised how many things you will rediscover and hopefully be motivated to plan new outfits around them.

Hi Kari,

I hope you are feeling better, I think you're lovely. It is hard to be home, I've been there.

I love the outfit you posted with the red dress and the cute little black/pattern neck scarf! You have some really cute items. Also, I adore that chartreuse drapey top - beautiful!

Since you asked for advice, I suggest giving yourself an allowance of $10 per week or whatever you can manage to pick up some fun accessories. You can try perusing discount stores and consignment shops for accessories that will perk up your wardrobe and cost very little. I really think that completely cutting off shopping is tough, and it sounds like you could use a little pick me up. I got this idea from the Already Pretty Blog and it made so much sense to me.

I saw some remixing ideas in your wardrobe too:

- You have a lot of beautiful turquoise and red, have you tried wearing these colors together? I love that color combo.

- Your gray trousers and pencil skirt seem very versitile and look like they could go with a lot of those tops

- Does the red top work with the black pencil skirt? What about the red top under the waistcoat?

-Does the waistcoat work over any of those cute dresses?

-I know for sure that the waistcoat works over the blue sleeveless top because there was a post about that look at some point :)

A couple of tricks I have tried lately:

- wrapping a necklace around my wrist to create a new bracelet
- wearing a hip slung belt
- wrapping a long scarf around my waist obi-style
- changing up my nail polish on my toes
- leggings under a full skirt (rather than a dress)
- tie your square scarf to your purse
- layer your necklaces

Please post again and let us know what you come up with!

kari, I am fresh out of ideas after all those wonderful ones posted above. I just wanted to wish you well and reiterate what everyone has said - for someone in a rut, you look fantastic. I don't feel like I'm in a rut but I wish I could manage to look so put together as you do everyday!!

Hopefully you will find time to do things you wouldn't have had time to do otherwise (when employed). I know this isn't fashion related, but perhaps you find a new hobby or invest more time in an old one? Train for a half/full marathon? It might take your mind off of feeling yucky and shlumpy. When I went through a bad breakup, training for and running a marathon helped me do a 180 and renew my outlook in life. Keep smiling!

Oh my goodness, I knew I could count on help from the forum, but what a plethora of great ideas! Thank you all so much for stepping in to offer suggestions (and encouragement - that's greatly appreciated too.) You are such a kind and supportive community.

Rute, After5, Cciele, Loulou, and Shiny - I agree that it's time again to review what's in my closet so I can search for new inspiration for the orphans that I just haven't worn. I've culled the bad (not fitting, not in good condition) from my closet already, but I'm sure I've forgotten about quality items. In spite of resolving not to shop very much, I'm still leafing through catalogues but love the idea of making a scrapbook/lookbook from catalogues (or even from photos by amateur style bloggers) that suits my style. That would actually be a fun project since I have time on my hands right now.

MariannaCecile and Maya, I wish that we *weren't* all in the same boat, but it does help to know that I'm not alone. Since I knew when my contract job was going to end, I had all these ambitious plans in mind (go to the gym every day, set a schedule for myself RE: job applications, finding volunteer work) but instead I hit an emotional wall and am just now pulling out of it. Maybe I need to think smaller - like one achievable goal per day - so that I can work to accomplish tasks or projects, like Vani suggested. I'm not giving up (and at minimum I need to apply to 3 jobs per week to qualify for unemployment insurance, so that at least gives me SOMETHING I have to do.) I also have an interview next week, so that's at least one thing I can dress up for.

Vani, you read my mind - I've actually just talked my dad into doing the Couch to 5K plan so he can get back into running shape, and committed to being his training/running buddy. There's a 5K in early October that I'd like to do, and then I'd like to work my way into 10K shape. Not sure whether a marathon is in my future, but massive kudos to you for doing it!!!

Bella, I feel like such a dork, but I completely forgot about Kimberly's wonderful calendar. I will definitely use it next time I'm feeling stuck - with so many days to choose from, I'm sure there will be something that gives me a new idea. I appreciate the reminder!

RoseandJoan, Bella, and Fathenry, I was originally thinking that accessories would be kind of a waste of money, but I'm starting to think that they might be a good pick-me-up. Maybe not one a week, but maybe once a month as a small treat. One idea I'm pondering is purchasing a cute felted wool hat from Urban Outfitters since they have so many cute options for fall. I'm also thinking that I could spend some of my spare time beading since I have the supplies already and want to have more chunky necklaces in my collection.

Fathenry, a BIG thank you to you for adding so many specific suggestions. Wow! I love blue and turquoise together, and I sometimes wear them (mainly with my orange/red dress) but should try to do so more often. Maybe I can throw coral into the mix too. I've been wanting to try waistcoats over dresses but haven't played with that look yet - thanks for the encouragement to do so! Finally, thanks so much for including YOUR tricks for when you feel stuck. At the very least, my chipped toes are begging for a new coat of polish, so tomorrow I'll begin there.

Marianne and Angie, thanks for your sweet and encouraging thoughts. I would LOVE to meet other YLFers who are near the Seattle area. I wish I could offer to host a gathering, but living with my parents in an area that's a bit far out from the main city means that it probably wouldn't be the best place. But if there's a way I could help organize an event, I'd be happy to pitch in.

Kari, sweetie, you've gotten a lot of awesome advice (I was going to suggest trying the C25K plan over on your blog), so here's a bit of well-intentioned tough love.

GET YOUR DUPA IN GEAR AND GET DRESSED IN REAL CLOTHES EVERY DAY. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF TO WALLOW IN YOUR LOUNGEWEAR. PUT YOUR BRA ON, PUT CLOTHES WITH ZIPPERS AND BUTTONS ON, AND GO OUTSIDE. JUST DO IT.

And I mean that in the kindest way. :)

As for a clothing inspiration idea, one thing that I did not long ago that inspired me to look at my closet differently was to make myself wear items that hadn't gotten a lot of wear in recent weeks/months. A forgotten scarf, a skirt hiding in the back, a dress you think is just off the right season -- build an outfit around it, just for fun.

Hang in there, hon!

Kari I don't know if I've been missing your recent posts, but I had been wondering how you were doing, so I am so glad to see you posting here. I think the outfit you have posted is great, so all is not lost. Not everyone feels amazing 100% of the time. Tough times like now will pass and in the meantime please take encouragement in the fact that you look GREAT!!!!

Kari - I'm sorry you're going through a rough patch. I can empathize. The best thing I can say is force yourself to go outside and see the sun (I know that can be tough sometimes in Seattle) and breathe fresh each EACH day. Also, make a date with yourself at your local Starbucks so that it forces you to get out, get dressed, and at least see other human beings. I can also empathize on weight gain. I have the same struggle and find it hard to talk about it with most people because by most standards, I am not fat. But I *feel* fat because I'm 20 lbs over what I am used to feeling.

If you can pick one small goal and just focus on that till you've achieve it, you will feel much better. If you think of the full list of things you think you're falling behind on, it will be over whelming and might keep you feeling stuck.

All the best.

Angie and Marianne - looking forward to a YLF gathering.

Losing a job is one of the top major life stressors - it's ranked right up there with losing a loved one! Even if you knew the job was ending, it can be a blow. You have been grieving and that is completely normal and expected. Now it sounds like you are ready to come out of your grief and on to the next phase.

I am a big believer in having a schedule when you are unemployed. So make yourself a daily schedule to follow, if you haven't already. It makes a difference - we are creatures of routine and without a job we lose that. Get yourself up at a decent hour, exercise at the same time each day, work on the job search for an hour a day, same time each day, commit to calling one contact from your network once a day, etc. It helps.

Also, force yourself to get out and about where people congregate once a day. Even if you don't chat anyone up, it can lift your spirits to be around people. (Well, I'm an extrovert, so this is the case for me, at least). For example, I used to deliberately go to the mall, just to see other humans. Even if I couldn't afford anything, I'd try things on and... now this will sound pathetic! ... I simply liked having chatty sales people to talk to! Riding on the bus was also nice. (I know, I'm strange. I just know there's something about me that thrives on physically being near people.)

Your YLF friends have come to your rescue. The ladies above are AMAZING. Including yourself!

My suggestion was going to be the goal orientated one. (I am a pragmatist at heart). The only way to feel better about any situation is to feel like you are doing something about it!

So starting today, I am going to post a separate thread on the forum asking you about your “goals of the day” and how/whether you achieved them. In some instances you’ll come up with the goals and in other instances, we will. You’ll report back on the goals and we’ll keep you motivated as you go. How say you, jellybean?

Marianna and Maya, if you feel this method of goal monitoring would work for you too, give us a shout.

Nice idea, Angie! Chipping away at little goals does add up to achieving big goals.

Kari, you are clearly a great girl and have loads to offer the world. I have lots of empathy for your situation. You WILL get out there and do it! Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. And YLF will help you.

Kari, I read your post, then when I clicked on the link and looked at your recent outfits I wondered if I was on the wrong web page - because you look GREAT!

I'm so sorry that you're going through a rough patch and I hope all the great ideas here help you feel more inspired.

I don't have anything great to add except to echo the comments about getting out of the house. Even going to the public library to read some magazines or to a cafe to get some tea can be helpful.

Good luck!

Great to have you back Kari, I had been wondering how you've been. I'm sorry to hear you're going through a rough time. Please hang in there.

And I'm with Medusa and the other ladies: I think you look truly amazing, but I don't want to minimize how you are feeling (been there and I completely understand). You've received wonderful suggestions and I hope you take Angie up on her "goal" offer.

Big hug!

I keep starting replies and then am pulled away from the computer for one reason or another. :)

Kristen, Tam, Sihaya, Shiny, Angie, Laura, Medusa, and Inge: big, big thanks to you all. I am really feeling the kindness and support and am so grateful. Thank you.

I know that things will improve, and in truth my financial situation isn't bad. It's just scary and unsettling to be out of work and see so many friends and family members get laid off, and some who have been unsuccessfully job searching for over 6 months. I've let unemployment discourage me much more than it should and am trying to talk myself out of my funk.

Keeping goal-oriented is an excellent plan. Angie, I will absolutely take you up on your offer. To stay accountable, here's my first goal recap:
* Submitted four job applications today
* Achieved 30+ minutes of exercise each day this week (and got my dad to be my running buddy)

Kari, I am very late on this thread and don't have anything to add to the great advice - just empathy - I have been there, in the 90's when I was a new grad. It is funny how it can seem harder to do things when you have the time, than to fit them in when you have a busy schedule.

I have a book recommendation for you, since I know you studied English. It is called The clothes on their backs, by Linda Grant, and was nominated for the Booker Prize a few years ago. (I have set myself some reading goals this year, and one was to read at least 5 Booker nominated novels - maybe you could have some reading goals too!) Anyway the heroine is in a similar position as you, for part of the novel.

Excellent, Kari! You sound a little more pepped up already. Well done! I’m impressed with the goals you reached this week.

We’ll give your goals a rest over the weekend but I’ll start cracking that goals whip on Monday morning :0).

Great, Kari! These kinds of exercise programs are very good for adding structure. YLF checkpoint program sounds great, too :)
I'd be all up for a YLF event! I will be freeing up a little once school starts. Didn't someone ask about a possible swap as well?