https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:52:48 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2087178 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 04:06:14 +0000 Jenni NZ 2087178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes I want evening gown and tiara too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2087177 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 04:05:36 +0000 Gretchen 2087177@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great analysis and I love the approachable bi-coastal moniker! I used to do much more column of color looks when I lived in cold climates. Somehow that look made more sense to me when I was venturing into the cold (maybe because I still had the contrast option of outerwear?)</p> <p>Would love to see some pics for inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2087146 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:32:16 +0000 Windchime 2087146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just 12 purchases in a four-season climate is awfully minimalistic. &nbsp;That’s just three pieces each season!</p> <p>It sounds like you have a great grasp on your style and the wardrobe you need and enjoy for your real life. &nbsp;(Meghan and Kate really have the best of both worlds, don’t they?! &nbsp;There’s a small part of me that’d like to have a reason to don an evening gown and a tiara every now and then.)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2087140 Sun, 22 Dec 2019 23:30:56 +0000 cindysmith 2087140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have so many "precious" pieces, and they get so little wear because my job has a very strict all-black dress code. This isn't a bad thing, though; I'm not destroying many precious pieces, so there's that LOL<br /> Glad you got your wardrobe to a place where you can make a "do not buy" list! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086443 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:30:58 +0000 Anonymous 2086443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*carries off the poor rejected sequins, feathers and swishy things*<br /> Love it- and your finds collections too! Big yes to relaxing into style </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086438 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:22:40 +0000 nemosmom 2086438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the encouragement, Angie! And thank you for creating this magical little corner of the internet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086393 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 13:52:06 +0000 Angie 2086393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p>....and especially too this:&nbsp;</p> <p><i>"I am in the "relax" camp with others for the new year. 2020 is shaping</i><br /><i>up to be crazy and uncertain in other areas of life and I need to chill, and find peace and pleasure where I can; I will start with my closet!"<br /></i><br />YES, YES, YES,<b> Nemomom.&nbsp;</b>Don't let fashion and style boss you around. Love your conclusions. Very valuable info to guide the way forward. You did some soul searching, and are reaping the reward. That's what it's all about. GO YOU </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086268 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 22:47:27 +0000 nemosmom 2086268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>notsaf</b> - I am TOTALLY going to dress like a stick of butter! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suz</b> - thank you so much! That is mega-high praise coming from you! :D<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086214 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:27:08 +0000 Suz 2086214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're such a terrific writer -- I'm enjoying all the images you conjure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086184 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 17:03:13 +0000 notsaf 2086184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hillarious! It's like an autumnal version of the "<a rel="nofollow" href="http://https://www.manrepeller.com/2019/02/the-best-winter-style-hack-involves-dressing-like-butter.html">stick of butter</a>." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086175 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 16:40:56 +0000 nemosmom 2086175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>TG</b> - making adjustments for seasonal lighting makes sense. So does the shift of wanting to blend in rather than stick out... The first year I moved to San Fran (coming from Austin), I bought a bright mustard pea coat as a big middle finger to the foggy weather.&nbsp; I lived in the lively Castro district and I would certainly wear bright colors and sequins to grocery shop and not think twice.&nbsp; I have not been so bold in the new town; it's <u>far</u> more conservative than what I am used to. It often feels like I am on another planet here.<i>&nbsp; </i></p> <p>Hey! That's not unlike Meghan! I, too, was living my carefree, sunny life in CA, and now it's like I'm forced to wear the locals' version of pantyhose and tiny crooked hats if I want to fit in. Like Meg, there is no written dress code here in my kingdom, but it is certainly expected that I wear the Lulu leggings as pants<i>, </i>carry the garishly branded handbag<i>, </i>and smile whilst doing so.<i> </i>:D</p> <p><i></i></p> <p> <div><i>Seeing the simplified style as good enough</i> has been my <u>biggest</u> hurdle. Something makes me want to rebel against the simple, yet I can't convince myself wear the things I am <u>most</u> attracted to. Somewhere in there a happy medium exists; hopefully I'll find it in the new year. <br /></div><br /><b>notsaf</b>- you are too kind! The outfit since dubbed my "winter pickle" outfit. I'll try to post it when I am mobile later!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086126 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 15:03:56 +0000 notsaf 2086126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, NM, I bet you were divine in a column of green! Please post pics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086118 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:59:59 +0000 Helena 2086118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I can totally relate to what you're saying about colour ... I actually made a note for myself that this winter I am off contrast and into a column of dark neutrals/nearly neutrals (like forest green which is my current fave, burgundy, chocolate, black, dark denim blue). I'm also off navy, and am thinking black is my fall/winter neutral, while navy is my spring/summer neutral ... I also think I'll enjoy up-ing the contrast again when the skies start brightening in the spring.</p> <p>I find colour very influenced by the weather, environment and light ... and I like the blend rather than stand out, so it makes sense that my palette gets deeper and quieter in the gray winter months. Perhaps you're the same? And given your new climate, the difference might be starker than you are used to?</p> <p>Also, I totally get what you're saying about dressing for the grocery store - I am just now at the point where I'm saying, screw it, I'm doing this for me and I don't care who sees me! This is part rebellion (I refuse to give in to the gear brigade!) and part relaxing into the more simplified style that suits my life and seeing it as good enough. It look me a looooong time though; I think you're well ahead of me in terms of awareness.</p> <p>What about "suburban Meghan" as one of your style personas? I have played with "suburban Kate" and it works well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086116 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:47:42 +0000 nemosmom 2086116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rachylou</b> - It's funny, I had SO MUCH more confidence when I had an office job! I felt so pulled together and so, <i>professional</i>. It's difficult for me to rally now when my only encounters with people, other than family, are for occasional jaunts to get groceries... :(</p> <p> <div><b>TG</b> - what a lovely thing to say, thank you! It has been so fun to find a kindred spirit here and I have learned SO much from you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>CG</b> - Go big or go home, no? <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Deb</b> and <b>Sterling</b> - thank you!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Janet</b> - thanks! I am happy to be an accountability partner for a slow year! :D<br /></div><br /><b>notsaf</b> - thank you! Baby Yoda has stolen my heart! And YES to achieving balance!<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Sal</b> - thanks! I have enjoyed your presence and posts, too. I find your warm weather WIWs to be so inspiring!<br /></div><br /><div>Thanks, <b>Suz</b>! The strict number did make me twitchy, and feel guilty when I went over. Although, it did slow the willy-nilly nature of my typical shopping approach. I feel I was a <i>bit</i> more intentional (e.g., choosing a top in a color that WENT with more of my wardrobe, rather in the color I was in love with, and also not just buying both ;)&nbsp; ) I envy how well your wardrobe works for you as a fellow WFH'er and I learn so much from you! <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Roxanna</b> - you prove that you can have luxe AND practical clothes! I am taking notes!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, <b>Shevia</b>! Birks, boas, and snow are a bad mix! ;)<br /></div><br /><div><b>Carla</b> - OMG, yes! DOS would be a great style inspiration for me!! Maybe I just need to create more occasions for my sequins... YLF state dinner, anyone??&nbsp; And I want to figure out the texture and monochrome bit... Recently, I wore a all dark green eyelash knit, boucle coat, and cords with butterscotch boots, and happiness factor was off the charts (photo is on my phone, but I will post finds). But, when I swapped the cords for light ones (your madewell ones) later, it felt all wrong. I also keep putting on (then taking off) a camel sweater in favor of a dark one.&nbsp; <br /></div><div>The majority of my winter clothes are burgundy, dark green, olive, or rust/cognac so it's easy to have a non-classic neutral look. But, I don't know why I'm not wearing lighter colors. ??&nbsp; I only recently added black (boots, moto, and jeans) and for some reason I am off of navy.&nbsp; As for texture vs. prints, maybe it's the cold weather? But, I am reaching for faux shearling, fuzzy knits, cords, suede, etc.- favoring clothes that say, "pet me", but my introverted side doesn't actually want anyone that close LOL!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>slimcat</b> - a new year and a new decade! I am ready! Thank you! xx<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086054 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:15:19 +0000 slim cat 2086054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's difficult to do limited shopping ( like 12 items a year or such ), limiting shopping budget seems more achievable. You had some changes in your life that I feel I relate to ( I moved 6 years ago from Seattle to SoCa &nbsp;and still adjusting in a way ).&nbsp;<br />I think you did great with figuring out which things bring you more joy and some that feel less important now. It's going to be New Year soon and new beginning. Best wishes to you and your family! Hope to see more posts from you in 2020! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086048 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 04:48:10 +0000 Carla 2086048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It may seem incongruous to you, but when you described your style persona and your life, Meghan Markle, aka DOS, sprang to mind. Grew up in Cali, worked in Toronto (can be cold :-D) and now lives in the UK (can be cold and rainy :-D) -and also a MOTG. Though she does pretty cool casual style, she does get to wear the sequins! </p> <p>I am interested in your ideas about texture and monochromatic dressing. If I recall your outfits correctly, you do monochromatic without resorting overmuch on neutrals (blue, black, grey) and choose interesting colours. I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the new year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2086037 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 03:58:28 +0000 Jaime 2086037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think purchase goals and major lifestyle changes just don't work well together. It is very difficult to anticipate needs in a new situation. At least I know I am always surprised.&nbsp;<br />I love what you wrote about your moniker - yes weather! It is integral to our style like it or not. Aspiration to wear feathers - the day will come! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085980 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:37:44 +0000 Roxanna 2085980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“I suspect my shadow persona lives in sequins and feathers at a Vegas<br /> residency show, but that costume won't cut it if I'm parked at my desk,<br /> shoveling Legos, or shuttling kids to ball practice in crap weather...’</p> <p>Clearly you and I live the same life, NM I also had to put my feather costumes in storage I’m loving your wardrobe building posts... you are on your way to great wardrobe that’s suited to your lifestyle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085970 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 23:47:28 +0000 Suz 2085970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is terrific. You seem to have a really good handle on what's going on for you, and judging from your Finds and your WIWs, your wardrobe is cohesive, practical for the new climate and lifestyle, and serving you extremely well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think your purchase goal vs. actual purchasing is the reason I don't set a strict number for myself. It makes me twitchy...especially when it turns out I have a real need, or when I'm actually still in wardrobe building mode without being able to recognize that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the very limited purchasing works best for:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>People who already have a solidly functioning wardrobe with no gaping holes and needs.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>People who have all their essentials already.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>People whose wardrobes are pretty large so there is less likelihood they are going to deal with a lot of worn out items in any particular year.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>People who don't mind a very limited choice/ don't have high need for variety/ don't play many distinct roles and need clothing for each.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>People who live in a temperate climate with little variation.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div>I so enjoy your posts and am very glad you joined us! :)&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085959 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 23:29:39 +0000 Sal 2085959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great read and I have enjoyed your comments and presence on the forum.&nbsp; Your plan sounds realistic and doable and good.</p> <p>I do agree that clothing and style should be a positive thing in our life - a relaxing and fun aspect.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085957 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 23:19:19 +0000 notsaf 2085957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your finds collections are always so inspiring! Absolutely love those baby Yoda earrings, btw. Striking the right balance between needs and wants, reality and fantasy, and perfect and good enough are things a lot of us are thinking about, and I look forward to seeing how 2020 evolves for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085948 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:54:53 +0000 Janet 2085948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought about the same amount as you and don’t have any climate or lifestyle adjustment to blame, so... I say well done! Your insights are excellent and I can relate to some of them. </p> <p>I need to RELAX into my closet in 2020 and enjoy what I have. Slowing the acquisition in a big way in the new year. I may have to request help for accountability! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085946 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:48:52 +0000 Anonymous 2085946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great read, <b>Nemosmom</b>. &nbsp;You have had an extraordinary style year. &nbsp;You certainly learned a lot about yourself in the process. &nbsp;I bow to you. &nbsp;Best wishes. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085944 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:39:41 +0000 deb 2085944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You wrote a good review and really 12 purchases is a very difficult goal. 67 sounds reasonable to me. Year three of a lifestyle change makes a difference in purchasing I believe and yay to relaxing into the new year.&nbsp; Happy Holidays to you and yours, also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085942 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:39:00 +0000 Cardiff girl 2085942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel feel that you might be my style twin.My daughter has had to march me away from all the sparkly skirts this winter muttering about lifestyle appropriate fashion and Im afraid I did smile when I saw your figures,65,go girl!If you are going to break your total,go big that’s what I say.lm glad that you seem relaxed about this,there are too many other things to worry about in this world,one s wardrobe should be a pleasure not a source of angst.l hope you have a great Christmas and that Santa brings you something sparkly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085940 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:38:17 +0000 Helena 2085940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, so let me just start by saying you are a JOY to have on the forum and I'm so glad you joined! I enjoy your posts, insights and analysis so much!</p> <p>It sounds like you've had an extremely successful year. I too thought I'd breeze through a one-purchase-per-month year, and tripled that amount - without any climate adjustment or lifestyle change to deal with. Given your move (and especially if cold weather accouterments count as part of that number), it makes sense that you were, in some ways, starting from scratch and needed to buy. Next year, you'll be coming at it from a different angle and you may find your numbers moderate themselves naturally, in a way that's right for you!</p> <p>Your insights are terrific, and will definitely be helpful as you make purchasing decisions next year. Team jeans and pullover for the win! And also, embracing your lifestyle now is HUGE. You deserve to feel great in the life, and clothes, you've got and it sounds like you're well on your way.&nbsp;</p> <p>So looking forward to following your journey in 2020 - I hope it's a great one for you and your fam! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085939 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:32:11 +0000 rachylou 2085939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, nemosmom! Yep, a real winter - that’ll do it! And yep, having clothes for what you actually do, that’s made me a thousand times happier. I do wonder, tho, if I still did 8 hours every day at a desk, how happy I’d be. I’ve decided office dressing is the hardest... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-in-review-1#post-2085936 Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:21:57 +0000 nemosmom 2085936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>At the beginning of the year, I set the unrealistic goal of 12 purchases and ended up with <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=6949">67 for the year</a>. I have worn 65 of the 67, and have already passed on the other two. I think my acquisitions were sort of reasonable given that <b>I am nearing the end of my second year in a 4-season climate</b>. Come April, I won't be able to use climate adjustment as an excuse anymore ;)<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>Still, blowing a shopping challenge doesn't make the whole year a total loss - I<b> put the majority of my core wardrobe into finds</b> to get a better sense of what I have, what I buy, and what I edit out; <b>I started tracking<br /> daily outfits</b> in September, and <b>I have drafted a list of essentials</b> for<br /> 2020.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I have learned some valuable things about my style as well:</div><div><br /> </div><div>- I greatly prefer texture to pattern; I am down to only four patterned items (other than scarves) in my active wardrobe.<br /> </div><div>- I don't need to settle for whatever the stores have in stock; it's not like I am running around naked.</div><div>- I feel most like myself in jeans and a pullover. I don't need dresses or skirts to feel fab.</div><div>- I like contrast in an outfit - but only wear it in the summer; winter looks have been quite monochromatic (Why? Must overthink this next summer...)</div><div>- I don't need to wear loungewear that makes me look as frumpy as I feel.</div><div>- I have finally accepted the fact I will never return to the workforce as I once knew it. My lifestyle simply doesn't allow for me to have a large collection of precious pieces. I won't be instagram-perfect - and that's OK. I have mourned; I am ready to move on.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><b>For 2020</b>:<br /> </div><div><b>My Style Moniker needs some tweaking</b>. "Refined Californian" was fine,<br /> until I woke up in 12 degree weather with 4 inches of snow on the<br /> ground. I'm toying with <i>"Approachable Bi-coastal"</i>: It reminds me to<br /> <u>focus on the OTG/practical part of my lifestyle, and also to SMILE</u>. I<br /> suspect my shadow persona lives in sequins and feathers at a Vegas<br /> residency show, but that costume won't cut it if I'm wrangling programmers from my desk, shoveling Legos, or shuttling kids to ball practice in crap weather...<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I haven't set any purchase or wardrobe goals yet, other than starting a<br /> "do not buy" list (no skirts or dresses, no matter how swishy or<br /> sparkly). <b>My wardrobe is in great shape, and I feel like I could pull<br /> together an appropriate outfit for almost any occasion</b>.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><div>I am in the "relax" camp with others for the new year. 2020 is shaping<br /> up to be crazy and uncertain in other areas of life and I need to chill, and find peace and pleasure where I can; I will start with my closet!</div><div><br /> </div><div><b>Happy Holidays, fellow fabbers! Thank you for being with me on this journey of discovery for the past year!</b></div></div> </p>