Software engineer hubs Greg lovingly built YLF for me back in 2006, and on April 5 that year published my first post. I was 35 back then, and I turn 50 in July. Fourteen years later to the day, and YLF is going strong and steady. We haven’t missed a (non-holiday weekday) day of posting yet.
Helping people find their personal style, solving style challenges, keeping up with an evolving industry, lifting people up when they’re down about their personal appearance, and striving for more diversity and acceptance in fashion, all feels like a calling to me. After 28 years in the rag trade, it’s as if it runs though my veins. It’s what I do best, and I hope to continue doing it for many more years. With a bit of luck, I’ll be the 80 year old, pearl wearing fashion stylist who is still pedantic about pant lengths and outfit polish.
In the midst of a very challenging and stressful world pandemic, it seems a little frivolous to celebrate this anniversary. But I’m big on saying thank you, and now more than ever, I want to express my appreciation. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for the tremendous support. You are what makes YLF a special place on the internet by graciously sharing your wit and wisdom in blog comments and forum posts. Your thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent and insightful contributions enrich this community, make me grow as a person, and provide me with daily inspiration. A special shoutout to Fabbers who have supported YLF for more than a decade — some for the full fourteen years. Your loyalty blows my mind, and I’m humbled.
Cheers to helping me spread the word that style is not an age, size, or budget. It’s a do-your-own-thing energy, confidence, and inner ease that is expressed through what you wear and how you wear it. Wishing you all a calm, safe, peaceful and healthy day.
We will rest and celebrate 14 years of YLF tomorrow (Monday), and there won’t be a post for the day.