YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2017: Goals and Musings (long!)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2017: Goals and Musings (long!) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:03:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long/page/2#post-1767553 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 23:12:56 +0000 Anonymous 1767553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've really enjoyed reading this thread, I have to say. I don't always get all the way through the analysis-type posts, and lose interest in counting and tracking etc. but this one really appealed to me. I think we share quite a few characteristics, Janet , even though you have a wardrobe about 4 times the size of mine  It's funny about the depression -era informed tendencies that you mentioned  - I've gone kind of the opposite way. My mother drained the shampoo bottle to the last drop, (as a metaphor)  to the point where it drove me nuts.  As if we/she/I was not worthy of shampoo that worked well and that we liked.  I've rebelled somewhat against that thrifty nature, and am the first one to chuck stuff out when I am not feeling those pieces  anymore.      Smitties' comment about having an updated sunglass collection is so bang-on.  Every 18 months or so, I get a real urge for new sunglasses - and am always glad when I pick something a little different.  Btw - you can buy "reading glasses" in sunglass format.  They aren't going to be a perfect prescription , but if your eyes aren't too bad, they work well for reading in the sun, driving etc.  I know this because they are a popular component of one of the lines I sell.  Less expensive too than having your prescrip put in RayBan frames (or whatever ).   One last thought from me, and this applies to me too, which is why I'm sharing it here....you and I both have jobs (or work lives - you don't work full-time , I gather)  that don't have a typical or defined dress code, therefore making "work dressing"  and your work- look identity a little harder to pin down.  That's an extra challenge.   and p.s. thank you for your kind comments ;) Janet on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767400 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:26:34 +0000 Janet 1767400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, great points! I love sunglasses, but since I need a prescription, I often feel limited in what I can get -- I have my special vintage sunglasses (in my profile pic) that we had fitted with prescription lenses, but that's always a pricey proposition. Those are saved for certain occasions when I can afford to be careful with them, because they are delicate. I have another pair of aviator style sunglasses that I wear on an everyday basis. I kind of would like another really cool/special pair of sunglasses -- perhaps that's something that I can budget for if I cut my spending in other ways. For me, investing in a couple of great new pairs of shoes/boots in a season is an ideal way to stay current. I got those Sorel boots before vacation and have already worn them a bunch. Yesterday I had a marathon try-on session of all my pants (gulp), and I found that I liked the Sorels with my cropped jeans, which will make me wear those crops in the winter, extending their usefulness and also giving me an updated silhouette to play with for the remainder of the winter. Denise, great to hear from you! I sympathize on the weight thing. You always look fantastic, but I understand it doesn't make you feel your best. I started working on the holding zone project yesterday, and I even took everything off of my shirt/top rack that was "summer" wear so I wouldn't be distracted with out of season stuff. I've always done a seasonal wardrobe switch by merely changing out the bare minimum of obviously out-of-season items to make the in-season stuff fit. But it results in things still being very full and crammed together. I'm trying something new. I am a bit scared of how many times I tried on something from my closet yesterday and the answer to "would I buy this now?" was "no." I have enough of my mom's conservative, "save it for later" mentality that I am loathe to chuck everything that doesn't appeal to me at *this moment* because sometimes it is a mood thing for me, and I come back to an item at a later point. So, I do think the generous holding zone might be a really good idea for me. We have an empty guest room closet that I can take over. Plus, we're about to embark on a renovation project of our master bathroom, which means lots of dust and chaos in our bedroom area, so maybe it's an even better time to store a bit less in the bedroom closet. Jaime, your grey is fabulous, and you are one of my grey idols that I would model myself on when I finally make that change. You wear it with such a sense of style and life and fun that you make it look easy! AM, so great to see you post again! Excellent thoughts and ideas. You have got me pegged. I need to keep fostering that sense of creativity in my style. If I can exercise my creativity so well by wandering around in a junkyard with a camera, surely I can do it in my closet full of lovely, interesting items, right? Cynthia, I think the dystopian and rocker things have some overlap, don't you? The dystopian just has a bit more RATE aspect, and I still like a little of that in my style. Not too much, but I admit, I would steal that shredded sweater you posted the other day in a heartbeat. ;-) Suz, thank you. You're so sweet. You are another of my grey idols. You waited and found the right time to do it for you, and it suits you SO WELL! You shine with your silver. Someday, when I feel like it will shine rather than drain me, I'll do it too. Jill, I found the planner easy to work with and a quick project, but more helpful than I expected. Let me know what you think! StyleFan, thank you! Lisa, Angie is right that you have so much more than you see in yourself! I see your amazing way of putting together outfits and accessories, your impeccable taste, your way with hair and makeup style, and your wit and vulnerability... yes, you have it all, girlfriend! This is a hard time of life, so I understand the discontent. Let's fight that together! It's so interesting what you and Angie say about that "daintier" part of me, which is definitely something innate, that perhaps I've always sought to counter with a bit of toughness. My mom had that, to a much greater degree than I do, and it's so interesting that it's still apparent even when I'm wearing a leather jacket and moto boots. Jamie calls it "demure" and I would never think of it as part of my *style*, but apparently it is part of me, that actually seems quite contradictory of so much of my rock-concert-going, solo-traveling, adventure-loving nature. Thanks for the kind comments about my ability to pull off some silhouettes that are not easy for all. I tend to feel like others can get away with things I cannot (some days it feels like the fashion world is made for women with skinny legs), but I am grateful for my body and its health and ability. I'm not thrilled with my recent weight gain, but oddly I'm not freaked out by it. I feel like I can manage this by getting back on track with mindful eating and more regular exercise. You're right that I have a lot of classic items. I find myself trying to edge them up somehow in an attempt to use what's in my closet, when really the better answer is probably to wear the heck out of the more interesting things I have that I'm more drawn to. It's like my tendency to use up the rest of the bottle of shampoo that I bought that I really don't like before I use the stuff I love. Just let it go, right? Ah, this is the dilemma of being a child of depression-era parents who lived by the "waste not want not" edict. ;-) Thank you, Karen! I am definitely gaining confidence in my style (if not my body at the moment) -- just getting more focus! I bet you will look fantastic when you decide to go grey too. Thanks, Robin! It's an interesting time of life, isn't it? ;-) Sally, I am looking forward to reading your epiphany! Gaylene, thank you for the kind words! I may lack some body confidence at the moment (well, that's never been my strong suit anyway), but I am gaining confidence -- or maybe more accurately, clarity -- when it comes to my style. I don't feel the need to experiment so widely as I did a few years ago. I'm feeling better about what I wear than I have in a long time, actually. This process is more about gaining more focus and less distraction in my wardrobe. I have a lot of stuff that is not helping that fairly cohesive look that I show here on YLF. It's hard to ditch stuff that fits nicely, is flattering in color and cut, and evokes some fondness to me (an argyle sweater or a classic pencil skirt) but in real life is not what I *want* to wear when I get dressed each day. Hmmm, eliminating distraction might be a theme for 2017. Texstyle, I hear you loud and clear! I've slipped up over the last year in regards to fitness, but I feel like it's an attainable goal to get back in better shape. I remember that I'm not starting from square one the way I was 7 years ago -- I can run a mile without walking, which I couldn't do then. Back then I had no idea I could do that, much less run 13.1 miles, or bike 100 miles in a day or bike all the way across a state. I've also gained some interest in cooking, which will help my eating habits (now that I'm not on vacation so I'm not drinking cocktails every day or eating in New Orleans -- oof!). For me, it's about being mindful and having fitness achievement goals, like a race or an event I'm training for. Meredith, thank you! Angie, thank you so much. You've got me pegged pretty well, my friend! I appreciate your encouragement and your guidance. You've helped me get to a better place! Kkards, it's a balance, isn't it? And it applies to so much in life, not just style. But I believe that the components of our life inform each other -- when we seek balance in one area, we tend to find it in others as well. At least that's one of my hopes. :-) Catseye, I'm glad you liked that piece. It rang so true to me. Emily, I always rolled my eyes a little bit at fretting about "splitting wears" but maybe I'm getting it a bit more now. Why force myself to wear a less-loved item when I'd rather wear the favorite, besides the fear of wearing it out? There will always be more clothes later on, right? ;-) Chris, thank you for the encouragement and kind words! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts as you plan for 2017 too! Alasse, thank you! Deb, there is definitely something about the start of a new year that makes one evaluate and plan! I'm not one for "resolutions" per se, but I always get a hankering to organize and rethink things this time of year. It helps that we've had really cold wintry weather the last few days, so I've had little desire to leave the house. citygirldc on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767398 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:25:05 +0000 citygirldc 1767398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Janet.  I'm feeling you big time especially in these winter months when I get down a bit and tend to gain a few pounds (and I've gained quite a few).  Black and navy are my go-to pieces because they seem to slenderize me (at least in my mind) and I've decided that finding pieces that fit right are key for a more polished look.   I'm not sure where my style is going and I'm in a bit of a rut too. I do miss the edgier pieces of yesteryear but I guess I can use accessories, shoes, and bags to change up a boring outfit.  As for my hair, I would love to go gray but unfortunately the gray texture of my hair is totally different than my dark hair.  We need to have a DC meetup soon. JAileen on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767395 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:19:13 +0000 JAileen 1767395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you have a wonderful style. Arty and tough. You have very cool footwear, as well as great jackets. I admire your style and enjoy seeing your WIWs. I would not presume to make style suggestions to you. One year I cleaned out my closet and donated seven big trash bags full of clothes to the thrift store. My closet was so so lovely. For awhile. It's not lovely now. I need to do another big clean out. I think the middle age weight gain is nearly universal. I certainly gained weight. This year, I lost weight during the holiday season. I had a health scare and cut out wine, sugar, and "bad" carbs. I'm not suggesting anyone should do this. It was easy for me because of the fear of developing diabetes. Re grey hair, this is another thing that is very personal. I'm older than you and, like Shevia, don't need to project a professional image. So for me it made sense, but for you, the time might not be right. It might never be right. LaPed on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767391 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:15:24 +0000 LaPed 1767391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, you're one of my YLF icons! Your color palette sings, you introduce subtle edge to every one of your outfits, and you manage to strike a balance between toughness and allure that is totally enviable. I'll be watching with great interest to see where 2017 takes you. Maybe treat yourself to some new running/yoga/biking gear? Upgraded equipment in colors you love can be a great motivator. ;) Anonymous on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767347 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:53:51 +0000 Anonymous 1767347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Spaced out garments are so soothing. I support you wholeheartedly in Adding space. One suggestion for keeping the fun in your closet is to do boutique shopping if you can swing it. Staying on top of footwear trends I think is key. The silhouette can stay the same. I'm not big on switching up silhouettes that work for you, but footwear definitely should be updated. Having a good sunglasses collection also makes me feel current. CocoLion on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767194 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:59:30 +0000 CocoLion 1767194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ HI Janet, good to hear from you.  I relate to where you are on a few levels.  First, it's been a while since I did a good sort/purge -- so I'll be following your thoughts on that process.  Having a big holding zone makes sense, if you have the space for a big holding zone which I may not.  I have space physically but not mentally, I think I'm coming up to one of those "just get rid of it" phases. I also hear you on weight and middle age.  I am fighting 7 extra pounds right now.  My best efforts seem to yield me stasis.  Which is good, I guess, to not letting myself grow beyond 7 lbs.  It's really limiting what I feel like wearing, I have around 3 pairs of (all boyfriend/girlfriend/slouchy types) jeans in rotation and the same sweatshirts etc.  Most of it is in the mid-section, maybe I just have to accept the new normal, it seems to be very common post menopause. Jaime on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767172 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:51:09 +0000 Jaime 1767172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Completely relate to a lot of what you wrote. Yes, I went grey but no it is not always easy and there have been days that miss clairol beckons. It suits me because of my non-need to be young looking for professional reasons, and because it frees me (in my mind) from the need to worry that anything else I am doing is too young. It is a slightly subservient statement in my prefer-not-to-raise-my-voice way too. Very personal and about my particular psychology.  Weight gain and menopause, yes. I am much thicker and weigh more than before just a couple of years ago. Dealing with it in various ways but I would be lying if I said I have accepted it. Regardless of these internal shared preoccupations, your style is really quite defined and fabulous in my mind. I am excited to see where you will go. AM on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767164 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:36:18 +0000 AM 1767164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Things that jumped out at me. You've got it right with Refined Rock-n-Roll. You are living up to it with black, jewel tones and metallics. Your creativity shines by the selection of unique. bolder statement pieces. You want to stretch your creativity by pushing your style . You want to wear more of your clothes. A few thoughts. Separate out your statement pieces and put them in the order of love the most to love the least (including footwear/bags). Make it a priority to style and start wearing the most loved -- maybe choose 10-15 pieces, style outfits around these pieces and take pictures of these outfits. And as you mentioned, edit pieces into your "hold" space. Get that space between the hangers. Then start to embrace the overused concept of "curating". Can you get excited by the idea of stretching your style by stretching how you scan styles, study international trends, track new designers -- even commit to designing/having made 1 new statement piece? I would amp up your enjoyment of the creative process which will give you good positive energy (also stretching your style)-- that will offset some of the realities (negative energy) of age/weight that we all experience. Just ideas...and some of the things I do when I need a lift. cindysmith on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767156 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:22:08 +0000 cindysmith 1767156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm looking forward to watching your evolution as you refine your style. If I weren't into such dystopian stuff, I'd probably be into rocker chic style. I get to live vicariously through you! Suz on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767149 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:11:39 +0000 Suz 1767149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I think you have amazing style, and I see it always developing in subtle ways. As Angie says, over time you will try new cuts and shapes and specific trends (like metallics and zippers and long jackets) and you always do so with panache and it always updates the consistent core of your look. Your beautiful eyes are one of your best accessories and your choice of colours and neutrals is forever flattering to you.  I can absolutely understand your choice not to grow the grey out now. This is such a personal decision and will depend on so many factors, especially where one is in the greying process. I tried it -- you might recall -- a full three years before I eventually went ahead with it. I was not ready, either psychologically or physically when I first tried it. I was ready, in both ways, by my second attempt. I relate to what the blog writer said -- for me, it had to be all or nothing in that department. I didn't want to be a washed out dishwater blonde. I wanted to be truly silver grey before I took the plunge.  Thanks for the link to the Un-fancy planner -- I'm going to take a look at it!  JamC on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767148 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 01:00:38 +0000 JamC 1767148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is interesting that many of us are taking a look at our closets, our shopping, our style descriptors and our thoughts about future changes. A funny coincidence, I downloaded the same outfit planner today but haven't looked at it yet...maybe tomorrow! Style Fan on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767091 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 23:08:12 +0000 Style Fan 1767091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet this was an interesting read.  I have always admired your style.  I like the casual, creative, artsy look and I think you carry it off so well.  I find when I read posts like this I reflect on my own style goals and think about where I want to go. Anonymous on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767067 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 21:57:39 +0000 Anonymous 1767067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gaylene - yes, yes, yes.  Not relaxing at all. I no longer feel as many style options are open to me .  Angie - I wish you could help me too   Anyways, this is Janet's thread: Sally - you are so right about how Janet can wear a variety of  cuts of say, jeans, or tops, and wear them well.  To be able to wear both skinnies and full-length flares or bootcuts is beyond me. Janet, you DO do that so well. That is truly something to envy. You have enough height and presence to be able to wear more variety in silhouettes than many women.  And I agree with all that Angie said too:  I see the rocker-ish rebel part , but also that vibe of daintiness, which is hard to describe.  It's pretty unique, now that I think of it.   Something else I think of when I picture you - which is a bit part of your look - is your hair. And maybe you could consider changing that up a bit while keeping your wardrobe as is (or on the same path).  Not necessarily with colour, but with cut.  To me you also have a conservative aspect to your wardrobe , or classic is maybe a better word, and that's where you could play around a bit. Like instead of a classic trench, you do a more avant garde coat.  Just an example. But maybe I"m contradiction myself here in suggesting any changes at all ! Time for me to take a nap ;) Karie on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767065 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 21:51:50 +0000 Karie 1767065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very introspective - I love that you're setting goals and making a plan to follow through on them.  I thought about growing out my gray - and I'm not ready and probably never will be. Those who have done it here on YLF look ultra fabulous, and that would not be how it would look on me.  What I see in your style is pretty, fashionable, trendy, with a bit of an edge. You look like a confident dresser, even if at times you don't feel like one.  RobinF on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767055 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 21:20:52 +0000 RobinF 1767055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great read, both yours and the link about grey hair. I totally love your style, it seems to suit you so well and still be really interesting, definitely not in a rut. You're so right about many interesting cuts being in black and if you like black, then so much the better!   I have been debating for a year or longer about growing out my grey, and the linked post stated the reasons perfectly. But I have ultimately decided it is still a little too soon for me. And weight gain! Ugh! Such a constant battle. I'll be 55 next month, have always battled my weight and it definitely isn't getting easier.  Love your analysis, it makes such perfect sense to look at your wardrobe this way. Very inspiring too! Sal on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767054 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 21:17:54 +0000 Sal 1767054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not Lisa or Janet, but I think it is dealing with changes (body, hair) as well as staying current-ish with fashion, as well as staying true to yourself. Well for me anyway! Keeping balance of your own style, amidst changing fashions and finding that some styles that used to work for you do not do so is not relaxing.  Although I have had a minor epiphany which I will write about on a different thread. Gaylene on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767047 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 20:53:42 +0000 Gaylene 1767047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's interesting that two of the women who I'd put on the YLF "best dressed list" don't FEEL the confidence and ease which I associate with their style. As Angie says, I'd have thought both you, Janet, and you, Lisap, would have relaxed into that sense of authenticity which makes both of you look, to the rest of us, as women who have a strong understanding of how they want to present themselves to the world. Authenticity, though, isn't easy to hold onto when the young and fashionable start veering into another direction. It's all too easy to second guess ourselves and wonder if our tweaks will be enough, especially when we know they will viewed on an older body. We want to be fabulous in our fifties and sensational in our sixties, but the realities of aging can defy our attempts to conceal or disguise. Relaxing into an authentic, personal style seems to be anything BUT relaxing. Janet on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767039 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 20:36:48 +0000 Janet 1767039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, everybody! What great encouragement. I'm in a really good place with my style, and yes, Angie, you are absolutely right -- it's happened organically and gradually. For me, that's good. I tend to be methodical and deliberate in any change, rather than impulsive, so it makes sense. :-) In my wardrobe/wearing analysis, I took a few moments to think concretely about lifestyle and activities. I made a quick pie chart of roughly how much of my time comprises the following general categories of dress: - Casual studio/errand wear -- stuff I wear out of the house. Casual, comfortable, non-fussy. ~25% - Client casual -- more polished, dressed-up outfits that can be worn for client meetings, open house visitors, and install meetings. Still relatively casual but wouldn't be out of place in a creative office. ~12% - Home/lounge wear -- doesn't generally leave the house. Casual and comfortable but an extra level of ease. Shoes optional. ~25% - Workout/athletic gear -- running, biking, hiking, swim, gym ~12% - Casual social -- still casual but stepping it up a notch for dinners out with friends or my husband. ~12% - Artsy social -- similar to the above "casual social" and overlaps, but this is for events like gallery openings and parties. Outfits with more edge and incorporating distinctive pieces. Less focus on traditional figure flattery, more on creativity. ~12% - Dressy/special occasion -- small capsule of wedding, funeral, cocktail party, formal wear. ~2% There is a fair amount of overlap between many of my categories, but the overall theme that runs through the whole picture is "casual." So I need to move forward with the knowledge that dressier pieces may not suit my needs. Seems obvious in retrospect, but still, drawing it all out was very helpful! Sal on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767020 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 20:01:23 +0000 Sal 1767020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoyed reading this too.  I love your style and one of the aspects I enjoy is the consistency of it.  But it is never boring.  You wear jeans and pants skinny straight and flared brilliantly, loose and sheath dresses, and add in the odd knit skirt or shorts. I see a range of colours patterns and fabrics being worn and your boots collection is my envy. I think a strength of your style is your mix of patterns, texture and accessories - leather, shine, florals, checks etc, you have a great eye for that. I am usually happy to wear out my clothing, there have only been one or two items that I have worn out that I have really missed (one pair of jeans, one summer dress, one pair of sandals). More often I tire of an item before I wear it out.  My goal is to wear out an item at the same time I am tired of it - sometimes this does work. texstyle on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767018 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 19:57:09 +0000 texstyle 1767018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, your style and wardrobe are fantastic. Not to mention your smile, hair and eyes. I love the colors and choices you make. I know that it's always harder for someone to see themselves the way others see them but trust me, you look great in nearly every outfit you show here. Getting back in shape is probably a goal of 90% of people over 40. I think that is not a bad idea because health is so important. I know I've chosen to give up wine because it's the worst thing I think I was eating/drinking and I know it makes a huge difference in my energy level and belly. Otherwise, I'm just trying to get back to regular weight training, stretching and eating less carbs. I've been tracking my nutrition instead of calories and for me that's helping me feel better too. I'm making sure I get enough Omega 3, iron, selenium, magnesium, calcium, etc. I'm nodding and sighing at the same time over the whole body image over 50 thing after reading lisap's reply. Women at the GG awards are wearing spandex, getting liposuction, getting facelifts, botox, going on extreme diets for the months leading up to the event, using airbrushed body paint to create shape - and much more. Trying to compare yourself to this is just not realistic unless you want to do the same. I don't watch GG or similar awards shows but I have in the past. Maybe it would be better to take a look at a few of those trashy mags at the grocery checkout that show the "untouched" photos of many "glamorous" stars. Just for a reality check I mean. Meredith on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767012 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 19:48:24 +0000 Meredith 1767012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I loved reading this. I don't have any wisdom to add, only that it sounds like you are taking a very mindful and well-paced approach. Angie on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1767005 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 19:36:49 +0000 Angie 1767005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOVED THIS, JANET. Your ongoing soul searching is very effective. As a result, you've successfully honed your look, and are now building on it in a subtle way from season to season. You are not being complacent or experiencing a style rut at all. Your recurring looks are SIGNATURE.  FWIW, in my professional opinion Janet, the reason you have a Killer style that is easy to manage is because it's authentic. It's taken a while to get there, which is just how it should be. All good things come to those who wait - no shortcuts. You get out of the process what you put into it - and you are a shiny example of that. You're a refined and polished rocker who has a dainty and elegant sensibility (your Jamie and I see the same thing). You listen to your positive voices, and let them guide you - yet you are open to newness too (you never say never). And that has made it easy to relax into your style, enjoy your fabulous wardrobe, filter trends with precision, and exude the confidence that you do - which has a positive effect on others. Lisap, you have it ALL going for you - and I don't say that lightly. You simply have to believe it for longer than a very short while! I wish I could help you do that somehow.  Anonymous on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766978 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:27:42 +0000 Anonymous 1766978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, you articulate many of the same thoughts I have too.  I was talking about hair the other day with a close friend, and I was whining away about wishing someone would just tell me what style to wear and what colour to have it, and that would be that. The stress and anxiety over worrying about whether I look ok for my age, or whether my hair makes me look like a caricature of a menopausal middle-aged women is making me nuts.  She laughed, agreed, and then we both said that the same thing goes for clothing.  I really wish someone would just tell me what to buy that suits the body I no longer recognize (I SWORE I would not be one of those women whose body blobs out into something foreign in menopause, and that I would magically be able to control that. Well, the joke's on me. I look like hell now, and for the life of me cannot get the weight off. ). Anyways, evaluating style is always an interesting thought process, and I am beginning to think that like hair, finding one's personal dressing  style and just sticking with it without all of this wasteful experimentation would be a freeing thing.  You and I share some cross-over points in our style, but not all.  I don't feel equipped to comment on someone else's style, and suggesting changes or tweaks is not really something I am comfortable with .  You don't deviate much from your core colours and patterns and over all look, and perhaps you don't need to make any changes that way . Personally, my goal is to learn how to relax into my style , hone it, and forget the trends and experimenting.  I have WAY too much buy and purge going on , and too much closet churn .    I'll always be on top of what those trends are, because that's  part of the  job I have plus I really like absorbing that info, but I hope to move beyond that.  I'm rambling, sorry. But you know what really got me going ? The women like Annette Bening, Sarah Paulson, Kristen Wiig, and even Meryl Streep at the GG awards last night.  Classic, up-to-date, but not trendy beauty.  Confidence and ease.  Maybe I should have written my own post - sorry  for carrying on   kkards on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766975 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:16:36 +0000 kkards 1766975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ janet...i think we are in much the same place... "All of this is not to say that I want to fall into complacency -- I have been in style ruts in the past, and I don't want to go back there." yes to all that....it's the ultimate challenge, isn't it?  how do we remain true to ourselves, yet continue to grow and evolve.... catseye on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766967 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 18:03:54 +0000 catseye 1766967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting link of the going gray story. I am glad you are not taking the route just yet. I think gray hair may look great on a few people, but it is not for the most of us at a younger age.  Emily K on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766956 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:11:29 +0000 Emily K 1766956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ..."It might actually mean I wear out a favorite item, which I don't often do (I'm always afraid I'll never find a good replacement)." -- This resonates with me.  I have a fear of wearing my good (or favorite) clothes because they might wear out.  Sometimes, they get outdated and purged without having been worn.  That kind of hoarding doesn't make any sense, really, yet it's a trap into which I still fall (often).  :-(  Another, related thing I read recently was about purchasing--is this item going to steal wears from something you already own?  I buy many things that fill the same wardrobe niche and, because they share the same job, they dilute CPW.  I've observed that you have lots of beautiful things and a very identifiable style, so I imagine that lots of items share the same roles in your wardrobe...and this thought might resonate with you as a way to think about your closet. Chris987 on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766955 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 17:05:57 +0000 Chris987 1766955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great read, very thoughtful. I love the idea of being able to see a little space between the hangers...and all that you said around it. I too look at my closet and see a lot of stuff and have to apply some filters to be able to put together an outfit. I think I will do something similar about putting a bunch of stuff into holding zone to help with this. It's not the traditional use of a holding zone but I think it's a great one...thanks for the idea!  Hmm, maybe the location of the clothes in the closet matters too...although I have to live with very small space....off to think about that. I'm still mulling over my own goals for 2017, both personal and style-wise and have a bit more work to do to get them organized. I just took a quick look at the planner you reference and it looks like a great tool, I will try it myself. Thanks for sharing that too! I do think that because we live in cultures where we have a clear demarcation between one year and the next, the start of each year inspires all kinds of reviews, assessment, makeover ideas. It is totally normal and in my view a healthy thing to do. One more thing. Of course your style is your own to tweak as you wear,  but I just love everything you wear and think it's all gorgeous and well put-together. The colors you choose really look great on you. Just giving you a second opinion. :-) I really want to get to a point where a good chunk of my wardrobe items can stand on their own and I have a way to go to get there, and I always use you as one of several fabbers I consider to be "mentors" in this area.  Alassë on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766954 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:51:57 +0000 Alassë 1766954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It was a good read - thank you for sharing. deb on "2017: Goals and Musings (long!)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-goals-and-musings-long#post-1766952 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 16:40:31 +0000 deb 1766952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Janet, I look forward to your posts on your closet edit. Do you think it is the time of year we feel this urge to do something with our closets? Stuck inside because of the weather makes us want to do something, and the closet is where we turn, it seems.