https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:51:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2090271 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 20:42:37 +0000 Angie 2090271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY. </p> <p>I LOVE hearing that your style and wardrobe are in a happy place, <b>La Ped</b>. The reason we put in the upfront effort is precisely so that we<i> CAN</i> forget about our styles and just get on with it. That's the best part </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2090077 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 11:58:11 +0000 Style Fan 2090077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Ped, I am also intimidated by the Elisabeth Suzann ordering process.&nbsp; I wonder about size, what the item will look like on me, what colour, etc.&nbsp; But I have heard so many wonderful reviews, including Jenn's, about their products that I want to try something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089984 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 00:56:10 +0000 LaPed 2089984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards and nemosmom, we cross-posted!&nbsp;</p> <p>kkards -- I definitely plan on saving room for fun. I'm also realizing that I find gear-type purchases like merino tank tops way more fun than the average YLF'er because those translate directly into *having fun* outside. I get a little giddy thinking about gear, especially for whatever season is coming up (hence thinking about tank tops now). Definitely not a necessary evil -- one of my favorite categories to shop!</p> <p>nemosmom -- I keep thinking about your Barbour jacket, because I remember you've sung its praises before. The idea of being able to re-waterproof is&nbsp;so appealing to me, especially in contrast to Gore-Tex and other waterproof technologies which are so unsustainable (albeit effective).&nbsp;</p> <p>anchie -- patience is key, I think. Every time I've rushed out and bought a big batch of clothes out of desperation, I've ended up with a much lower success rate and lots of mistakes and regrets. It's one of those tortoise and the hare things; sometimes you have to go slow to make progress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089824 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 15:37:39 +0000 anchie 2089824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am completely with you about limiting time, money and mental energy put into clothes. Your wardrobe seems in good place and this will enable accomplishing your goal. Unfortunately I am still in wardrobe rebuild and have to remember that it can take years to come to the place where you are now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089821 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 15:26:52 +0000 LaPed 2089821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardiff girl -- Thanks, yes, I'm all about function and pragmatism!&nbsp;</p> <p>Suz -- I'm always open to a wild card! And yes, the tights, belt, and gloves will all be style-refreshers. They'll probably play into my current earth-tone obsession and feature mahogany/rust/mustard shades in some way or another. I'm still really liking those warm colours as accents to black/charcoal/navy.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rachylou -- Right?! Prep v Hipster IS the Eternal Struggle. Do you nod to classic or go full-on?</p> <p>Christina -- "Full up" is a good way to put it! I'm just not seeing anything better (for me) than the versions I already have, which is nice.&nbsp;</p> <p>Smittie -- I *love* fun tights. They're best for fall/spring, but I do pull them out whenever it's warm enough in the winter. I have enough plain, dark dresses that tights with colour/pattern end up being really useful. Here are the fair isle ones (Uniqlo Heattech) that need to be replaced.&nbsp; The <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.rei.com/product/119114/rei-co-op-stormhenge-850-down-jacket-womens?CAWELAID=120217890008004531&amp;CAGPSPN=pla&amp;CAAGID=30320806000&amp;CATCI=pla-394933007500&amp;cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C404_1050507447%7C1191140037%7Cnone%7C48775518-ba2c-4b5c-a6b0-3976024e2e7e%7Cpla-394933007500&amp;lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA%7C404_1050507447%7C1191140037%7Cnone%7C48775518-ba2c-4b5c-a6b0-3976024e2e7e&amp;kclid=48775518-ba2c-4b5c-a6b0-3976024e2e7e&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8bwBRD4ARIsAHa4YyIEEM5o9P1RXivDoRpBDNGkdd0t8d_IFE-0lhs4JPTgWDFIquvpyDcaAqtkEALw_wcB">REI parka</a> is one I've been looking at all year -- waterproof shell, underarm vents, and very lightweight down fill. And the colour is a good match for my ski bibs. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>BrieN -- Yes, SO privileged. I know exactly what you mean. Even my needs aren't true needs, and that perspective is important to me. I can get through the summer without the sandals. I have suede flats (below) that I only wear in warmer weather anyway, and following Angie's example, I've become more okay with wearing closed toes in the summer. So if I find sandals, great; if not, no biggie. And so on with pretty much everything I shop for these days.</p> <p>Shevia -- I'm hoping to post more WIWs once the days start getting longer. My house is too dark this time of year to get decent outfit photos!&nbsp;</p> <p>Liesbeth -- Yes, relearning how to dress post-baby is a real project! So much trial and error. In clothes and in every other area of life, it seems.&nbsp;</p> <p>Notsaf -- I will be sure to post about my waxed cotton quest once I undertake it (probably spring). :)</p> <p>Style Fan -- I am *so* intimidated by ordering from Elizabeth Suzann. Tricky sizing that will require advice from customer service, long wait time that means ordering well in advance, limited return policy, etc. But&nbsp;<b>Jenn</b>'s glowing review of her black ES dress has made me more motivated.&nbsp;</p> <p>TG -- Thanks! I am definitely trying to focus on quality purchases and "fewer, better" these days.</p> <p>Anne -- Thank you. I tracked pretty steadfastly for a couple years but at a certain point it stopped providing me with new insight. A good deal of my wardrobe is now at the 3-4 year mark and well over the 30-wear mark. The only things that don't rack up wears for me are dressy items, but there's not really any way around that. My day-to-day life isn't dress-up friendly. I've come to terms with having an occasional-use-only category.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089814 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 14:53:16 +0000 nemosmom 2089814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Ditto BrieN!&nbsp; It sounds like you are in a really good place; especially with your needs and wants.&nbsp; Add me to the list of folks who enjoy your WIWs and I do hope you will continue to post - especially when you decide on a jacket!&nbsp; I can attest to Barbour's quality.&nbsp; I've had my waxed Barbour since 2007; I've put it through hell and it still looks great. I re-wax it about every other year, but you can also mail your jacket to Barbour to have them do it for you (along with minor repairs, if ever needed). <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089813 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 14:49:41 +0000 kkards 2089813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;i admire your thoughtfulness and the effort you have put together in getting to this point. the list of needs is exact enought to be meaningful but not so exact that you will get tied up in searching for an&nbsp;elusive something, and your wants are fun and varied. like Suz, i wonder if you should also leave space for some kind of statement or wildcard, but then again, i can see your wants feeling this spot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089803 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 13:52:13 +0000 anne 2089803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Love this</div><div><br /> "One of my wardrobe goals is to limit the amount of time, money and mental energy I put into clothes".</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm with you on not wear tracking though I do keep a rough list of purchases on Keep on my phone. I tracked for 2 weeks once, saw that I rewore stuff plenty of times and that was enough. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089800 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 13:48:20 +0000 Helena 2089800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab plan LaPed and solid philosophy behind it. I love the you can reward you discipline with some really special splurgy items; a great motivation and truly encapsulates the "quality over quantity" mindset. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089797 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 13:42:53 +0000 Style Fan 2089797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a great plan.&nbsp; I am excited to see which coat you buy.&nbsp; Elizabeth Suzann is on my wish list too but probably not this year.&nbsp; I would probably start with one of her tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089745 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 06:54:38 +0000 notsaf 2089745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Rachy said: which will you choose!?! Ditto others: hope you post WIWs when you're rewearing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089742 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 06:46:12 +0000 Liesbeth 2089742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's always nice to see confirmed how long it can take after having a kid to have your wardrobe in shape again. Glad to see you're there, and excited to follow your 'maintenance mode' if you care to share. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089709 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 03:29:58 +0000 Jaime 2089709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a solid plan for the well dressed person that doesn't want to focus on fashion. I especially like the idea of slowing down the return cycle. Living somewhere that returns are just revving up as an option, I see where the danger lies for me and others. Still considering this one. Anyway, I will be very happy to see your repeat outfits, when you care to share! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089706 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 03:16:17 +0000 BrieN 2089706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am nodding along to everything you wrote. While I am about a year behind you in wardrobe building, I have many of the same sentiments and experiences you shared - including finally buying the necessary warm coat that cost $ but didn't include much shopping.&nbsp; I have on my phone my list of items I still "need" (including the sandals your outlined) but none of them are critical: generally if I can find them at a price that suits my budget sometime in 2020 that would be great but not a disaster if I can't find them. It's a wonderful feeling to have a wardrobe that really works for me and I feel very privileged.&nbsp;</p> <p>I always read your posts with interest; I think you have a wonderful style and enjoy seeing the outfits you post.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089692 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:59:38 +0000 smittie 2089692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds good! I can see how fun patterned tights would be high on your list if they complete outfits.<br /> What type of down coat did you get? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089665 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:55:03 +0000 Christina F. 2089665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like you’re in great shape! A flexible plan is the best kind of plan.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I want to slow down too, though many of the same trends have spoken to me. I feel kind of full up now, though and free to enjoy.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089650 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:03:37 +0000 rachylou 2089650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds all good! Now I’m diving straight into Barbour v Bridge &amp; Burn and the Eternal Struggle of Prep v Hipster Which would I choose?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089641 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 23:03:56 +0000 Suz 2089641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This makes a lot of sense to me. You have done the foundational work and now will enjoy the rewards. Brava!! </p> <p>My only thought would be that in addition to leaving room for your two splurgy purchases, you also leave room for a "wild card" or two each year. It could be a thrifted item. Even if you're spending less energy and money on clothes, and know your style enough to know you don't want to experiment, you'll still crave an injection of fun every now and again just to keep things fresh. The patterned tights will certainly provide a bit of that, of course. Anyway, my point is not that you <b>have</b> to buy a wild card -- just that you make room for it in your plan so that if you buy it, you don't suffer unnecessary guilty for going "off plan."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089633 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 22:34:31 +0000 Cardiff girl 2089633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a very sensible approach to your style in the coming year.And it’s obviously working for you as you always look great in your posts.l don’t think that one needs constant purchasing to look good ,it’s more important to have a wardrobe that works for you and your lifestyle but by focusing on functionality you haven’t surrendered &nbsp;style.Then when you find your perfect big ticket items you can splurge guilt free!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-wrap-up-and-2020-plans#post-2089627 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 21:51:48 +0000 LaPed 2089627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Looking back:</b> One of my wardrobe goals is to limit the amount of time, money and mental energy I put into clothes. This means a variety of things: avoiding pieces that would need to be altered to fit or that require dry-cleaning or hand-washing; not bringing home pieces that would require purchasing a new support act (special undergarments, shoes with different heel heights, different length toppers, etc). It also means I'm not worrying about my old spreadsheets for purchase- and wear-tracking, because I no longer felt the information they were providing me was worth the time they took to update. </p> <p>Now that my wardrobe is pretty much rebuilt and fully functional (it's taken almost six years since having my kid and four years since moving back to New England to feel this way), I don't feel the need for any constant churn or experimentation. My shopping has really slowed down, and my rate of returns has slowed waaay down. It does help that what's available at retail doesn't particularly appeal to me. I've already cherry-picked the trends that excite me (wide legs, high rises, earth tones, rib knits, corduroy) and haven't seen anything new that strikes my fancy. Including gear, lounge, and basics, I added ~30 items this year, at least 12 of which were purchased secondhand. I culled about two dozen pieces, roughly half of which I sold or consigned; the others either got donated or tossed, depending on condition.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Looking ahead:</b><b></b> I've shopped very little the past few months (but did buy a down coat from REI on Black Friday, so I spent quite a bit without shopping much at all!). My goal for now is to focus on replacing things directly as they wear out *if* it's something I only have one or two of. For categories where I have multiples (jeans, sweaters, etc), I really want to examine whether or not immediate replacement is necessary before buying something new. I cleaned and reorganized closets over the holiday break and came up with an overall needs/wants list as a way of staying focused in the new year. </p> <p>High-priority ("needs"):</p> </p> <ul> <li>Lightweight non-gear gloves (replacement for a pair with holes)</li> <li>Fun patterned tights (replacement for some worn-out fair isle ones from two years ago)</li> <li>A belt (filling a longstanding hole; no gold hardware)</li> <li>Merino or synthetic tank top in a dark neutral (black, charcoal, navy; direct replacement for two old tanks from Icebreaker)</li> <li>Crewneck sweatshirt for lounge (filling a hole; sometimes I don’t want a hoodie!)</li> <li>One pair sweatpants for lounge (replacement for a pair with holes)</li> <li>One pair flat smart-casual sandals (filling a <i>major</i>&nbsp;hole; I’ve been looking for a couple seasons and haven’t found anything with the right combo of comfort and looks)</li> </ul> <p>Splurge-y things ("wants"):</p> <ul> <li>A waxed cotton raincoat (either Barbour or <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.bridgeandburn.com/collections/womens-waxed-cotton-jackets">Bridge &amp; Burn</a>)</li> <li>Try something from Elizabeth Suzann (probably <a rel="nofollow" href="https://elizabethsuzann.com/products/clyde-work-pant-in-cotton-canvas-clay">Clyde Pants</a> to start)</li> </ul> <p>The two big-ticket items have been on my wishlist for years. I think about things for a loooong time before I buy, especially if they're $$$. I figure if they're really worth $$$, they'd better be things I still want a year or two later. I fully expect the "needs" list to grow a bit over the course of the year, but I also expect my numbers to stay pretty modest. As long as I don't get distracted by little non-essentials here and there, adding a couple of big, fun things shouldn't be out of reach.&nbsp; </p>