https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:09:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765692 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 14:05:44 +0000 RobinF 1765692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like a very thoughtful spending pattern. You know where you're going, made some purchases toward that and have a list of things you still need. I follow with interest the color discussions here. I have always thought I need most colors in my wardrobe but am wondering if I need to narrow that down. It's worth some thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765690 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 13:36:17 +0000 LaPed 1765690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Style Fan -- I added the find for the Blundstones in the OP. They're the women's version, which has some very slight broguing that's kind of cute and makes it easier to tell them apart from DH's. They're not insulated because I wanted them mostly to bridge the gap between fall-winter and winter-spring when it's sloppy but not frigid. I do have a felted alpaca insole in them now, which adds a remarkable amount of warmth. And I bought a half size, which gives me enough width to wear my thickest boot socks if I want to. When it's really freezing and I'm going to be outside for a long time I wear Muck Boots -- they're not pretty, but nothing else is as warm and waterproof. I used to wear Bogs Classics, which come in cuter patterns than Muck Boots, but they changed something about the design and the instep is way too low for me now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765670 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 11:34:48 +0000 Style Fan 1765670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great retrospective.&nbsp; I also found getting the colour palette written down was important for my wardrobe development.&nbsp; It is difficult to find variety in the winter when we are trying to balance warmth with style.&nbsp; <br />I have been looking at Blundstones for awhile.&nbsp; Which ones did you get?&nbsp; I tried the winter insulated ones on in distressed brown. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765665 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 11:15:40 +0000 cindysmith 1765665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a solid plan, based in some serious self awareness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765656 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 10:21:02 +0000 Staysfit 1765656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the use of less expensive versions from Uniqlo as a way to experiment with silhouette until you feel secure it is something you will want to add more permanently. Why not play with less expensive trendy item if that sparks interest as well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765649 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 08:23:07 +0000 approprio 1765649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great roundup. I should take a leaf out of your book regarding consignment because I also tend to sit on things when they aren't working. I think I must be waiting for them to acquire vintage provenance or something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765619 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 04:06:24 +0000 BrieN 1765619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I especially enjoyed reading about your color focus this year-and what you said about charcoal gray. I have been puzzling over how to wear a pair of orphaned gray dress pants... Your mention of the charcoal pants and then metallic footwear was a total lightbulb moment for me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765594 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 02:27:47 +0000 Suz 1765594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great retrospective and this sounds like a wonderful plan. I agree that your new puffer is perfect for you. And in my experience, refining a colour palette and considering patterns will result in a cohesive and highly functional closet very quickly -- it's the first step to personal style for many people. I am totally in agreement about needing variety in my bottoms. That is one reason I feel happier with my summer wardrobe -- I wear slim straights, BFs, shorts, culottes, skirts in a variety of shapes -- and much of this is harder to do in my winter climate.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765592 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 02:26:13 +0000 Jaime 1765592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well thought out and self aware! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-retrospective#post-1765568 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:52:18 +0000 LaPed 1765568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b><br /> </b></p> <p><b></b><b></b></p> <p><b><br /> </b> </p> <p><b></b></p> <p>Overall I feel I did a pretty good job in 2016. Some rambly, not particularly well-organized thoughts:</p> <p><b><br /> </b></p> <ul> <li>I’m happy with the building blocks I added, particularly my recent winter acquisitions (a long blue down puffer, a pair of blue insulated hiking boots, a long-awaited pair of Blundstones). I added very little summer clothing since I spent most of the past 3 years in a desert climate where probably ¾ of my wardrobe was summer wear. I had to replace a few gear items (yoga tights, hiking pants, and river shorts) and I’m happy with the new upgraded versions.</li> <li>I was much stricter with myself about colors and patterns this year, honing in on what I know I’ll actually wear vs what looks fun in a shop window or photo montage. To that end, I added a lot of charcoal, burgundy, red, grey, and navy. I added a couple pairs of black footwear, which are highly functional for my color palette and lower maintenance than lighter colors. I didn’t add as many black clothes as I have in other years, partly because I have plenty and partly because I wage an ongoing battle with pet hair. Charcoal grey is a practical fur-hiding alternative, and I’m enjoying the slightly “cozier” vibe it gives off as well. In 2017 I hope to add a few more “bright” accessories and shiny things since I’m working with a mostly dark-neutral base -- probably thrift store silk scarves and shoes in silver and/or pewter.</li> <li>I added a couple pairs of jeans I really love, but also had to throw a couple pairs out, and turned several others into cut-offs, so I’m still not really ahead of the curve pants-wise. I also didn’t have much luck adding non-denim pants this year. I’d like to build a small capsule of smart-casual non-denim pants that spans all seasons: wool for cold weather, cotton and linen for warm weather. I also discovered how easily bored I am if I wear one pants silhouette all the time: this year it was pretty much all slim-straight in the spring; then I re-introduced boyfriends and bootcuts in the fall and was much happier having some variety. To that end, I caved and bought a couple pairs of slightly jogger-ish pants, a trend I wasn’t initially excited about, but the pairs I added fit so well I couldn’t pass them up. I also tried some wide legs (full-length and crops) but haven’t found the right ones yet -- that’s on my list for 2017.</li> <li>I was careful not to add too much cotton jersey this year and plan to continue that resolution into 2017. I did buy a couple Supima-cotton basics from Uniqlo, mostly as a cheap way to experiment with silhouettes I haven’t worn in a long while (turtleneck, henley, etc.). Most of my t-shirts have been demoted to loungewear or chore clothes. Instead of replacing them, I’m adding woven cotton and linen tops for warm weather, and lightweight wool knits for cold weather. This approach is more climate-appropriate, keeping me warmer in winter and cooler in summer, but it does mean I’m moving towards a more distinct wardrobe switch-out between seasons, something I’ve not really done before (except with gear). This isn’t a problem -- I’m living in a much larger house than I’m used to (1300 square feet!) and have the storage space if I need it.</li> </ul> <p>YLF has definitely made me more strategic in my habits. The biggest changes: I keep a running list of Needs and Wants, only buy online if I can return for free or locally, and I started spreadsheeting my new wardrobe additions in September. I've also upped my consignment game, bringing things in while they're still reasonably current instead of sitting on them for years. I still shop the thrift store and the sale section first, but if I can't find exactly what I want there, I'll pass and start looking at full-price. I feel more focused when I shop, and "PPP" has become a mantra. :)&nbsp;</p>