Yes! Another fun revived 80’s trend, only this time sans the shoulder pads. You’ll find ruched sleeves on tops, knitwear, shirts, blouses, jackets and coats, and there’s no stopping the look as new Spring collections swarm stores. I much prefer this type of voluminous sleeve to the short poufy sleeves that are simply gathered at the crown and hem. Somehow, the integrity of the sculptured ruching seems more grown-up, especially when the sleeve is elbow length and longer.

This design feature is a no-brainer win for lasses with dainty shoulder lines because it instantly widens the width of the shoulders. Surprisingly, a more subtle ruched sleeve works well on broad shouldered gals too. I had the INC ruched short sleeve cardigan (the  one on the right below) on a strong shouldered client last week and it looked fabulous. The shoulder seam was cut deep past the shoulder closer towards the neck. This shortened the shoulder line to compensate for the shoulder extension that is achieved with the effect of the ruching. The actual volume in the sleeve is less dramatic too. So clever. The two ruched styles immediately below this paragraph illustrate these points perfectly, whereas the ruched sleeves on the black dress pictured at the bottom of the post are more voluminous, AND the shoulder seams are cut wider on the body. This automatically makes for a broader shouldered look.

Ruched sleeves are a definite nostalgic yay in my book. It’s probably a fad but fads are fun! You can pick up inexpensive items with ruched sleeve detailing at Macys, Asos, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 and H&M at the moment and that’s precisely what I did. I purchased a citron cardigan with crazy over-the-top ruched sleeves from H&M, and a more mainstream subtle take on the trend from Macy’s. Does this trend inspire you too?

I love the beginning of each new year! It’s a time to re-purpose, reflect and recharge. Leave the cobwebs behind and start again.

Did you stick to the style, fashion and shopping related resolutions that you made in 2009? One year ago I summarized the New Year’s resolutions we had discussed on a forum thread. I thought this was a great list and decided to adopt it for 2009. Here’s how I did:

• To spend less overall and become more of a bargain shopper: I failed miserably at this one. I’m still a bad bargain shopper because when I see something that’s hot off the fashion press at full price, that’s when I want it. I usually lose interest once the item goes on sale.
• To purchase fewer fabulous items of greater quality: Scored A+ here. This has been my shopping mantra for the longest time.
• To pass on items that are not absolutely perfect (minor alterations are obviously permitted): I’m a perfectionist so this one was easy.
• To shop for your dominant season: I’ve got this down after burning my fingers several seasons ago.
• To focus on footwear and accessories like handbags, scarves, specs and jewelry because they are cost effective ways of changing up a look: This was my year for adding the very best handbags to my collection so I feel particularly good about this one.
• To do regular closet sweeps: I enjoy editing and am in the habit of doing it every few months.
• To improve closet organization: Our walk-in wardrobe is organized but I could kick it up a notch. I need better boot and handbag storage solutions so I’m busy building a bag and boot shrine.
• To shop with a plan: Yup. Easy.
• To learn how to correctly fit garments: The new trends bring new fit challenges. I eventually got my head around the proper fit for newcomers like boyfriend blazers, boyfriend cardigans, harem pants and mid calf boots after fitting them on many body types.
• To get out of clothing ruts: I’m wearing jeans far less frequently. I moved from a predominantly smart casual dress code to a business casual one, and it feels right as I approach 40.
• To shop more at thrift and consignment stores: Another complete failure. My size is hard to find and I don’t fancy the musty smells of thrift stores. I’ll leave thrifting to the thrifting pros as I have finally accepted that I am not cut out for this way of shopping.
• To eliminate closet orphans: Hmmm. I don’t think I have closet orphans.
• To get a great hairdo: I’m happy with my do. It’s a little longer and darker at the moment and I much prefer it that way.
• To let go of T-shirts: I don’t wear T-shirts so this one was completely effortless.
• To make an effort to look nice every day: I do! And have fun in the process..

These were my additional resolutions:

• To add more skirts to my wardrobe: Nah. That didn’t work out. I’m still a dress gal at heart.
• To add more knitwear to my wardrobe: Yup. I finally have enough non-itchy knitwear for Winter and Spring.
• To wear my cocktail rings: Didn’t happen. They’re still hibernating which means that I just identified my closet orphans.
• To have regular facials: Yes! I’ve had one a month and my dry skin issues are sorted.

I would rate my performance as fair. Not stellar, but not hopeless either. I’m still thinking about how I will adjust my fashion and style priorities for 2010.

How did you do? Are there style related resolutions that you would add for 2010?

Greg, Rosie, Jasmine and I wish you and your families a happy, healthy and fabulous New Year!

We had a lot of fun in 2009, with more wonderful members, new social features on the site, and the recent addition of the YLF Store. I also passed the milestone of one thousand blog entries. We’re very excited about the new things that we are planning for 2010.

I have one request to kick start the new year. Please treat yourself to a full length mirror if you don’t already have one. You can pick them up for a song at Target or IKEA. The tub balancing acts are making me anxious and you deserve to see beautiful you from head to toe without breaking your neck.

It’s the last day of the year! Let’s pay tribute to the very best of our 2009 wardrobes, including both old and new items. These are the items that you wore over and over and over again and LOVED to bits. You felt fabulous each time you put them on and missed them when they were in the wash, or when the weather didn’t cooperate. You even created outfits around these items so that you could wear them more often!

It was hard coming up with my top ten list because I was particularly excited about my wardrobe options this year. In no particular order, here are my 2009 wardrobe favourites and the reasons they ranked tops:

1. Stirrup leggings because they’re sleek, retro and arty.
2. Cream and black studded satchel because it’s so Chanel-esque.
3. Yellow and white scarf because it smiled back at me each time it refreshed my Spring ensembles.
4. Chestnut slouch boots because they dress down my dressier frocks and add a rugged touch to my polished style.
5. All my sheath and sack dresses because they’re versatile, flattering, forgiving and very feminine. And because I’m on a major frock kick.
6. Off-white leather jacket because it makes me feel like a Bond girl.
7. Textured hose because they kick my frock and boot ensembles up a notch.
8. Zippered skinnies because they’re the best blast from the past.
9. Black patent eyelet and stud belt because it adds an instant edge.
10. White 20 eyelet Dr. Martens knee-high boots because they cause a stir each time they go out to play.

My priceless Valentino handbag is too new to make the list for 2009, but it is definitely the first item on my list for 2010.

I did not include my watch, wedding ring, eyewear, pearl necklaces, fragrance and haircut because they’d occupy six places on the list which would leave little room for anything else! But each year, these six items probably work the hardest in my wardrobe which is why they deserve a special mention.

Over to you ladies. Let’s hear about your 2009 wardrobe favourites and why they are on you list.