YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2019 in Review

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2019 in Review https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:52:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenn on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085824 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 16:51:52 +0000 Jenn 2085824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Finally have my coffee in hand and am back with more comments.  slim cat, I love the graphic tee/topper look too and can get sucked into a t-shirt abyss if I'm not careful. I'm down to just a couple of geeky book tees and several Disney tees I bought this year to wear to the parks. I will really have to one-in/one-out if I want to add any more, because my drawer only has so much space! runcarla, it's been a rough year for me, but in the grand scheme of things, I know it was just a relocation and life goes on. I think style can help us through some of those rough patches, though.  It's something pleasurable you can let your mind latch onto in stressful times. Cardiff Girl, I am nothing if not a planner. Thanks, lisaflex! Two vastly different seasons...in California terms. Staysfit, most of our Disneyland visits are just for a few hours on a weekday evening or a Sunday morning. Admission passes are a perk of the job, and between that and employee discounts on food and drinks, it's kind of a cheap night out! We've learned to be patient with the crowds and often don't try to do more than a couple of rides per visit. I am lucky, fashion-wise, to work at home, and not have to adjust to a new workplace norm. I do think the internet has made fashion a bit more homogenous than even a decade ago, so CO wasn't as far off from CA as it might have been. torontogirl, as you've seen, I LOVE talking about the 5-piece French thing. It's made such a huge difference in the way I think about my wardrobe. nemosmom, I'm sure I'll be doing plenty of pouting and complaining when summer temps returns.  Right now, it's like the longest fall ever and I love it. suntiger, that sweater-coat (see Find) is both the most expensive and most-often complimented thing in my wardrobe.  I hope to have it for a very long time. notsaf, I'm for sure going to put together that list! I kind of want it for my own reference, as well. Joy, you're lovely. Thank you! Anonymous on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085601 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 02:26:07 +0000 Anonymous 2085601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, you nailed your goals and have a fabulous wardrobe.  Jenn on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085589 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 01:49:26 +0000 Jenn 2085589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, you're so right. This year involved a lot of redefining essentials. Suz, I will definitely put together a list of companies I bought from this year, and ones that I have my eye on. I want that list for myself! I still think my closet could be smaller. I really enjoy paring down. My husband laughed at me when I told him, "Nothing makes me happy," a few weeks ago, but I meant it as "Empty space makes me happy." Same pertains to my closet, it turns out. Aww, shevia. You're the kindest.  I feel like I'm showing the same looks over and over again, but I'm still excited about wearing them! rachylou, there will surely be more tinkering next summer when I'm here for more than just the tail end of it. (back with more later...dinner's almost ready!) notsaf on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085377 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:56:26 +0000 notsaf 2085377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What bombshell! I so enjoy reading your thoughtful posts and updates, and hope you keep us all in the loop in 2020! Joining Suz in requesting a list of your go-to retailers. I know we both have enjoyed pieces Naadam and Nisolo (in fact, the very same sandals!), but I bet you have others up your sleeve.  Anonymous on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085353 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:25:51 +0000 Anonymous 2085353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your coat in #8 especially! You're definitely an inspiration nemosmom on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085330 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 14:00:41 +0000 nemosmom 2085330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Carla said!! You handled your relocation to a new climate and small/temp closet with such grace! When I left SF for Chicago, I must have pouted about it for at least a year, and then floundered and fought with my wardrobe for at least one more...  I admire your discipline and mindfulness and can't wait to see how your style evolves in the new year! Helena on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085324 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:53:41 +0000 Helena 2085324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Amazing Jenn ... your style, discipline and intentionality are an inspiration! Must understand this 5 piece French wardrobe thingy better ... it sounds like something I need to be doing!! Staysfit on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085257 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 12:07:53 +0000 Staysfit 2085257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Inspiring post Jenn!  I am in awe of how well you seem to have managed a big climate change while staying with your plan!  I have had previous experiences of moving across the country and needing to re-invent my wardrobe to match not only the climate but to also fit into the professional atmosphere as well.  I laughed when I read that you go to Disneyland once a week!  It reminded me of many years ago when DH did a post doc at Cal Tech, and we moved from Michigan to California and lived in Clairmont for 1 year.  While living there we had few obligations (no home to maintain, only one child, an infant, few social connections, etc.) so we took advantage of opportunities to explore. We went to Disneyland frequently, although not weekly.  In addition to daytime visits, I recall three open evenings when DH and I went with co-workers.  Our “companies” must have paid for after hours access.  No lines!  Hardly any people.  It was great fun. The fashion memory I have from CA was how stylishly my co-workers dressed in comparison with the people I had worked with in Michigan.  I was used to people in scrubs and lab coats, Birkenstock’s, jeans, and very casual clothing.  My CA co-workers literally looked like they shopped on Rodeo Drive!  They wore gorgeous dresses and suits, plus heels.  I remember having no clue where to shop or what to do to improve my wardrobe until I discovered the women were using resale shops. Sadly, I had no luck with resale, but somehow ended up at Nordstrom.  A SA helped me put together an amazing work capsule which served me well for the year, and did not cost too much.  (We were   poor then and had tons of student debt.).  It kindled my love of Nordstrom!  When we moved to CNY and there was no Nordstrom I felt sad, but also realized that women in my profession did not dress as formally as they did in CA.  I had to figure things out once again.  I certainly did not do as well as you have done here!  I look forward to seeing what happens for you in 2020.  I hope it’s a great year for you!  <div> </div><div> </div> lisaflex on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085238 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 10:55:24 +0000 lisaflex 2085238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 1 and 3 are fabulous!!! Cardiff girl on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085213 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 07:52:08 +0000 Cardiff girl 2085213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for you.You had a plan ,you stuck to it despite a major upheaval along the way and your style is looking in a good place for 2020. Carla on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085193 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 03:52:56 +0000 Carla 2085193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have risen to the challenge life has thrown you, and those you have set yourself in a disciplined, yet creative way. Furthermore, you have not lost your style personality in the process. I am looking forward to what you do in 2020! slim cat on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085191 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 03:43:36 +0000 slim cat 2085191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun collection - love #3,7,8,10 and 12. I'm totally into graphic tees and cardigans/kimonos and you do it so well! Good job on sticking to your shopping plans through the year. rachylou on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085186 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:48:13 +0000 rachylou 2085186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The dress in 1 is such a spectacular look. You’ve really done well keeping your wardrobe tight and cohesive and working for the move! Jaime on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085181 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:31:17 +0000 Jaime 2085181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are one of the best examples of how a carefully chosen, small wardrobe can still yield a lot of fabulous looks and variety. No way I am picking a favorite - the whole is even greater than the parts! Suz on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085179 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 02:19:26 +0000 Suz 2085179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are such an inspiration. Brilliant analysis and way to go on setting and achieving your goals. I'm really impressed that you were able to upgrade your wardrobe for a new environment while buying only 23 new pieces from ethical manufacturers. Wowza!! And your overall numbers suggest a very tight, well-curated closet. Brava! The new grunge trend is so "you" so I hope you are milking it for all you've got. ' LOVE that dress in #1. Also really love 3, 5, 8, 11, 13.  When you get a chance would you mind making a list of the ethical clothiers you've found good so far? Thank you!!  ETA: if I were to add my gear purchases last year, I'd be WAY above my total -- I think I bought about 10 new items. Admittedly, I hadn't bought anything for the previous ten years (apart from shoes to replace worn out ones.) But still -- this shows me just how carefully your closet is composed.  Sal on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085178 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 01:40:51 +0000 Sal 2085178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I know there have been tough things about the year but your style and purchasing have been stellar.  Well done.  I always like all your outfits but in particular at the moment the dark florals. I do think that some years are more about essentials and some are more about statements.   Jenn on "2019 in Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review#post-2085173 Mon, 16 Dec 2019 01:07:55 +0000 Jenn 2085173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have some time this week, and probably won't after the holidays, so I'm joining Suz and and SarahD8 in reviewing my year a little early. I found my goals set back in January to use as a framework. My goals were: 1. Continue using the 5-piece French system, with two annual purchasing seasons, focusing on supporting brands that match my lifestyle and values.  <div>I sort of abandoned the 5-piece system this year in favor of just counting my purchases, and I think my wardrobe suffered for it, with too few statements. That might have been inevitable, though, because it was a year of redefining essentials for a new climate (see next point.) I did change my purchasing habits to align better with my values. Not only have I bought less this year  (23 items, vs 35 in 2018), I also bought better.  10 of my 23 purchases were from what I think of as "sustainability first" manufacturers, who make sustainability a major part of their business model. Of the remaining 13 pieces, 1 was from a small Etsy seller, 2 from a B-Corp, and 2 from specific eco/sustainability lines from larger retailers.  All told, that means that 65% of my 2019 purchases were produced in a "better" way than I might have chosen if I weren't paying attention. I'm happy with this, and will try to do even more next year. 2. Keep my mid-year relocation plans in mind when purchasing...I'll need to be prepared to alleviate some summer boredom and put more of my budget towards (ugh) warm-weather clothes. </div> I definitely limited my purchasing while anticipating moving and I also definitely hit that summer boredom wall. I think I navigated all right and didn't go on a shopping binge to compensate 3. Create a theme-park capsule Done! We go to Disneyland about once a week, so this capsule (which is really just a few t-shirts) gets plenty of love. 4. Create a new work-at-home uniform.  I ended up with a jumpsuit for this purpose. It's really more a work-at-home FFBO than a uniform, but it serves the purpose. <div> 5. Keep my wardrobe roughly the same size--117 pieces, counting tops, bottoms, dresses, toppers, outerwear, athletic gear, scarves, belts, footwear, and bags.  As of right now, I have 103 items, with another 10 in the holding zone. I have been learning that sometimes when I think my wardrobe is way too small and I'm bored by it, I really only to need to swap out one or two things to make it feel fresh again. I think I could go smaller. Some favorite WIWs from the year: </div>