YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2019 Mid Way Check in

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2019 Mid Way Check in https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:45:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2038098 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 05:26:14 +0000 Sal 2038098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suntiger.  I think it is mostly cotton.  I will take a good look at the jacket as it is partly the fit (I think it is too loose) and partly the colour (I have a similar coloured blazer that I love).   Sterling - I think duplication works really well for many people - especially if you like a uniform or do laundry only once or twice a week - or if you are a classic dresser.  I am looking for red but finding it tricky to find in the pieces I like!! Thanks Joy.  I need to hold strong!! Anonymous on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2038088 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:50:55 +0000 Anonymous 2038088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, you are wise and inspirational. I loved reading this and it gives lots of food for thought. Anonymous on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2038014 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:02:53 +0000 Anonymous 2038014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sal!  This is a wonderful mid-year assessment.  You identified strong goals and have done really well meeting those goals.  I am most excited about numbers 8 and 9 for you.  I would love to see you in more red.  It would suit you so well.  I also love the idea of midi-length, wide bottoms with simple tops.  On trend and yet so elegant.   I cannot endorse the lack of duplication.  I consider myself lucky if I only duplicate once.   Congratulations on your challenge.  You are doing GREAT.   Your thoughts on churn are especially good.  Did I miss a post somewhere that explored the idea of churn?  Anonymous on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2038013 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 22:02:00 +0000 Anonymous 2038013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Depending on the fabric dyeing may or may not work. Natural fabrics dye easiest, and I've had the most luck overdyeing prints, as it's less obvious when the color isn't uniform. Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2038009 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:55:28 +0000 Sal 2038009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jenn - I see our wardrobes as quite similar in many ways.  But you seem to have progressed further in the ethical/conscious purchasing - I have a few second hand items, a couple made by a friend and the only true fast fashion piece was bought second hand. There are some local options I should look at more closely.  Some are not quite my style, or colours, and all are quite pricey.....I added several locally made designer items last year which I still have and love. Jenn on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037995 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:24:16 +0000 Jenn 2037995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your threads always speak to me, Sal. Your thoughts so often mirror mine when it comes to things like mindfulness around our clothing, and you always state those thoughts eloquently. Case in point, you wrote:  For me the key is lots of essentials and lots of statements. And lots of repeating! This is so true for me! I don't have very many of those "completer" type pieces in my wardrobe. instead I try to pair essentials together and make sure I wear the heck out of my statements.  Not everyone is comfortable with that, I know, but I don't mind repeating a statement piece often, even if it is recognizable; Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037994 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:14:43 +0000 Sal 2037994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn - yes I have done that too - and I think if we love clothes then it is inevitable to some degree.....I am more prone to making mistakes when I think something is a perfect essential but then I just don't love it (as in the grey jacket above).  I need to be passionate about it even if it is a tee shirt or hoodie. Rachy - I think we have all done that!!   General update - I found my hoodie over the weekend!!  And have decided to have a shopping break until the end of July unless I find one of my "wants" second hand or thrifted (midi dress, red items, work tote).  I find mini shopping breaks of 6 weeks to 3 months really helpful (this is only 5 weeks of course).  So I will watch you all have fun at the NAS and try to wear the heck out of my winter closet. Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037993 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 21:09:31 +0000 Sal 2037993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sorry about the delayed replies.... getting their now. Jenni - good luck with your shoe sale.  I do still have some rarely worn pieces - I would say 1/4-/1/3 is worn very lightly ie silk blouse worn once per year, party dresses one per year, kimono - once or twice...  But because they are sunk costs and I do still like them I don't plan to remove them as it seems like false minimalism. Style fan - thanks!  I have my good and bad moments:) Thanks Cardiff Girl. Angie - you can take at least 1/3 of the credit with another 1/3 to the forum in general.....  I do dress and shop with emotion definitely but have learnt to also be realistic about my life and needs and preferences. NemosMum - I think we are on the same page with respect to shopping and buying!!  The worn thing can be a bit tricky (and is easier with casual pieces and for those of us with a RATE look).  I always like the faded English Aristocratic vibe ie worn tweed and blazers.....  Sarah- I don't consider my closet that small (I own about 20 pairs of shoes including my trainers and rainboots....).  For me the key is lots of essentials and lots of statements.  And lots of repeating!!  There is some emotion involved with editing - either happy memories or disappointment from the wasted money or that it does not fit or you never wore it.  At times this can be hard to overcome.  I had to let go of two pairs of very loved shoes this year and found it hard (and I have another couple of beloved items almost at this stage too.....worn out, and past repair).  It is good that they have been so fantastic but a bit sad too. Shevia - thanks - I try to be mindful.  You are always inspiring with your thrifted finds. Suntiger - yup - I have done that too.  I have a jacket (see below find) that I added being sure it would be an essential and have worn it about twice and completely gone off it.  It is a spring weight but I am wondering whether to cut my losses and sell or whether to give it another go....It is classic and potentially could be dyed so I might put it on another thread in a month or two. Jenni NZ on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037652 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:01:27 +0000 Jenni NZ 2037652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is awesome, I’m impressed by your discipline. Am trying to emulate. I’m still editing mine to get to a more workable number for me. Two pairs of vintage shoes have gone to the vintage consignment shop- one really too tight and one a bit loose, both bought for or at Art Deco weekend. Luckily the woman accepted them for sale- we’ll see. Style Fan on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037422 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 09:18:49 +0000 Style Fan 2037422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great check in, Sal.  I do see you as a Flamboyant Natural.  You have great sense of style.  Cardiff girl on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037359 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 23:52:25 +0000 Cardiff girl 2037359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very good points well made. Angie on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037156 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 14:05:48 +0000 Angie 2037156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, you are impressive. Eloquent, level-headed, logical, disciplined, organized, positive - and all with a good dose of emotion. Your style and great attitude are a reflection of your fabness. WELL DONE.  nemosmom on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037149 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:45:55 +0000 nemosmom 2037149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>You make great points about churn - especially "just because I like it does not mean I have to own it" and acknowledging mistakes early. I too don't mind wearing repeats or things that look a bit worn, and the lack of quality out there these days is disheartening. </div><div> </div><div>You have been well-disciplined and thoughtful about your additions. Hooray for happy feet!! </div> SarahD8 on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037074 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 03:25:20 +0000 SarahD8 2037074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done, Sal. Your wardrobe is so inspiring to me. I know it is small and tight, but it seems so varied -- when you post a group of finds I never think, "Oh yeah, there's one of those, and another one of those over there," ykwim? Pretty great how you get it to all work together! I agree with you about passing things along promptly! It's similar to the reason I almost never make keep/return posts here -- if it's not "absolutely keep," it's return. But as for things we already own -- why is it so much easier to let some items go right away than others? Hm. Jaime on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037051 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 01:34:34 +0000 Jaime 2037051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great review and very good points about acknowledging mistakes while someone might still enjoy them and also using donations as a way of excusing over consumption. Mindfulness is the theme I am hearing. Anonymous on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037031 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 23:17:20 +0000 Anonymous 2037031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great additions and good plan! Totally agree about acnowledging mistakes early-ideally before tags are off! I have had a bad habit of throwing good $ after bad, either in alterations or buying more to make the wrong thing work. Then I keep it, try it/hate it/change, repeat for months, and eventually pass it. Brooklyn on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037026 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 22:42:58 +0000 Brooklyn 2037026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Sally. You have a very thoughtful approach. The midi skirt/dress look suits you to a tee. Milk it, as Angie would say. I think my biggest problem with churn is making mistakes. Trying something that’s not quite my style or settling for something that’s close but not quite right in terms of colour, fit or comfort. I’m trying to be much more fussy about all those things. If I truly love something I will keep it for a long time and wear the heck out of it (to quote Angie again). rachylou on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037024 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 22:26:05 +0000 rachylou 2037024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like your everything doesn’t have to be brand-spanking new guideline. I have jumped on this wagon. I’ve been very guilty in the past of always wanting to wear new things... of not even looking in my closet to see if I’ve already got something similar. Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037016 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:48:41 +0000 Sal 2037016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz!!  I love the skirts the most actually after a few years of avoiding additions.  It is working out the tops again and looking at shorter simpler tops.  It is actually more flattering on me than the long over lean look that suits so many others. I also struggle with letting things go early - rationally I think either wear the heck out of them or let them go to someone else early on.  Suz on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037013 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:41:33 +0000 Suz 2037013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great summary, Sal. Thank you for your thoughts.  I love, love, love, love, LOVE your floral/ leaf print skirt! And the blue A-line is great, too. The little citron bag also looks like a winner for you.  You've done extremely well keeping to your goals and it seems as if you'll get even closer by the end of the year. Excellent point about acknowledging mistakes early. Sometimes I am too tempted to keep trying to make a thing work when I'd really be better off just letting it go.  Sal on "2019 Mid Way Check in" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-mid-way-check-in#post-2037011 Thu, 20 Jun 2019 21:32:46 +0000 Sal 2037011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi All, My 2019 goals are listed below.  I will put in bold my thoughts to date:)   1) Continue to wear outfits that fit within my flamboyant natural style persona – key words are elegant and relaxed (taken out the sporty- still there but not as important)  yes I think I am there mostly.  Some people would not see me as flamboyant but I do add a few touches... 2) Being clear and fussy on new additions – pouncing when I know something is perfect, but sometimes waiting is the best approach.  I am happy with my new additions - but the proof will be at the end of the year. 3) Upgrading essentials - puffer, practical city walking boots, work pants, winter knitwear, blazer.  I have a lightweight puffer, low heeled black boots, a cable sweater.  I added an A line skirt instead of the pants.  No blazer and I think I will hold off at the moment.  I have a few jackets and I want to wear the ones I do have. 4) Make sure I have a good base for three week trip to Italy - especially shoes.  Capsule went brilliantly....  feet were happy! 5) Don't duplicate - the power of one. There are very few exceptions to this for me.  I have duplicates of black and white striped tops (2) and black tops (about 8 across all categories from sweaters to blouses to tanks etc)  Still holding firm on this. 6) Quality!! Check this out.  One late 2018 addition has developed holes through washing which is disappointing-again proof will be at the end of the year. 7) Step away from/do not buy <ul> <li> Heels (I have enough for my needs)</li> <li> Summer casual dresses ( love them but I have enough)</li> <li> Party dresses - again I have plenty</li> <li> Summer scarves - they never feel right on me</li> <li> Tunics ( I have two which I will keep wearing - that is enough)</li> </ul> I did add a thrifted summer dress (casual summer party) but am yet to wear it.  I added one scarf but wear it in winter.  I have stepped away from heels, summer scarves and have donated my two tunics and not added more. 8) Consider more <ul> <li> Light neutrals - caramel, cream, soft light grey</li> <li> Red</li> </ul> I have added some light neutrals but no red (three patterns containing red in three thrifted items).  A transitional season red dress would be a great piece for me... as would red shoes (food for thought!) 9) I seem to be moving to midi, wide leg bottoms and skirts and simple tops. Keep exploring that carefully.  Yes new wide leg crops, new skirts....  Tops are mostly essentials. 10) Keep having fun!! Be bold. I like one statement per outfit - this works for me.  I am having fun with clothing.  Winter is my hardest season - ours is relatively mild but often damp and wet.   I am still aiming for under 30 additions for the year. I have added 20 to date (all in finds below - two tees I got for my birthday are not included as finds as yet nor as counting as my 20 additions -  I am including all clothing, shoes, gear, bags and accessories that I buy though).   On the radar are a work tote, a hoodie, a transitional season dress (midi) and replacements for a few essentials that are starting to wear out (pewter slides, black lululemon loose pants, black blouse) - they may not be exactly replaced but their function needs to be filled.  And maybe some red shoes.... I have exited 16 pieces, mostly through wear.   I have a few thoughts on churn which has been discussed this morning. I don't have a perfect answer - I make mistakes every year.... I try to keep the following in mind. 1) Just because I like it (or it suits me) I do not have to own it. 2) Repeating outfits is fabulous if I love them. 3) Some sort of plan/thought is helpful to make sure I add pieces that I truly love and will wear enough. 4) It is okay to wear pieces showing some ageing. 5) Keeping longevity in mind when adding - quality of the sewing and fabric and a realistic style for me. Shoes that could be reheeled or polished for example. 6) Acknowledging mistakes early. If I bought something that I am not going to wear I am better to pass it on while it is still trending.   7) Acknowledging that there is an excess of second hand clothing and we all have a part to play in being the best consumers we can and not letting ourselves off the hook.  Thanks for reading. Sxx