https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:42:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163576 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:44:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2163576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I think you might be a bit over exuberant in that statement. One thing I like about this community is the recognition that it is possible to go too far in pursuit of our own sartorial pleasure, and the active searching (such as Sarah08’s second shopping) for ways to ensure that it is not harmful to others beyond our own households. I know you agree, just wanted to state it positively. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163536 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 00:57:43 +0000 Anonymous 2163536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yaas to what Suz said! Enjoying clothing is not a bad thing- it's an art and a science like any other. As long as it's not to excess (causing debt or a house overflowing) or conflict- there's no issue.</p> <p>I'll be happy to take on all the summer shopping To me it's the easiest-little dress, sandals, sunnies- done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163467 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 16:13:04 +0000 Staysfit 2163467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing. &nbsp;Your post is well considered as are the responses which I just finished reading. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I nodded along with the comments made about shame. Do we consider the pursuit of fashion/style a frivolous hobby, petty, wasteful, taking advantage of others, or is it a creative outlet, and a source of expression, joy, and interpersonal connections to a culture? &nbsp;Is fashion and style a way to exert power, influence, control, privilege? &nbsp;Does it depend on the attitude of the owner of the wardrobe in question? &nbsp;These are the tough questions &nbsp;and I do not have easy answers. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The way one defines wardrobe building strikes me as key. &nbsp;Is this about having enough to wear to protect from the elements and provide appropriate modesty, is it about increasing variety, is this about staying current, is this about replacing placeholders with more perfect versions? &nbsp;When does one stop wardrobe building? &nbsp;In my definition, wardrobe building never stops. &nbsp;It’s a fluid and ongoing process. &nbsp;I add new pieces to keep things fresh, I remove items that are worn out and that no longer bring joy. &nbsp;I may need to expand or contract the number of items to fit in a particular space or to suit the climate, my lifestyle or whim. &nbsp;Sometimes I want my clothing to draw attention, sometimes I want to be able to recede into a crowd and go unnoticed. I need to plan my wardrobe accordingly. &nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In advance, it is easier for me to create a “no” list than to clearly define what it is I want to buy. &nbsp;However, the yes items are often easier to detect and define once I evaluate my “no’s”. &nbsp;The best example: a yes item for me would have structured, fitted, shoulders. &nbsp;The “no” this comes from is a wish to avoid slouchy or dropped shoulders. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163452 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 15:09:14 +0000 Angie 2163452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude"&nbsp;<br /></b><br />.....it is SOOOO TRUE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like <b>Suz</b> and <b>La Ped</b>, I LOVE Summer dressing. Dresses, skirts, cute cropped pants, no socks and layers, and lots of warmth! Let us know if we can help.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163435 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 13:21:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2163435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Could it be that you like variety, as I’ve discovered I do? Summer was always my favorite time of year. I loved the sunshine, enjoyed occasional blasts of real heat, was more active and dropped winter weight easily. It was my season and I extended it as long as possible, going barefoot (around home) through September. Moving to a place where it was the all-the-time season, where my sweaters and boots never came out to play, where the blast furnace became a 6-month long steam bath, was a very strange thing for me to deal with. I came to dislike the sun, and to hide from it. That was confusing for me. I’m happy wearing layers here, am enjoying my boots and plotting for more, but I think the biggest thing living in a 4-season climate again has done for me is restore my love of summer. This year I was finally happy to walk on the sunny side of the street, to sweat on hot days because I knew they’d pass soon, and to work out in the park (something the heat in Tampa, from sunrise to hours after sunset, made it hard to do). I enjoyed slipping on a pair of shorts or simple top and being ready to go, and really got a hankering for summer dresses. It sounds to me like Seattle has a similar climate, where winter is winter, so you get your fill of boots and layers and luscious fabrics, and then you set them aside and enjoy dancing in the sunbeams, just you and a little something you slip on quickly. As grouchy as I may’ve sounded about summer earlier, I can completely relate to that. </p> <p>Also, waaaaaaay off topic, I’m curious what kind of work DH does that a full-length mirror is needed in his WFH space. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163394 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 03:10:07 +0000 SarahD8 2163394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, yes exactly— hoping summer tops will be easy enough to sew. I really want something quite basic and simple so I think my sewing skills should be up to the task if I can get the fit right. Shorts should be within reach for me too — I never tuck, so pull on is fine. Fingers crossed!</p> <p>You know, I actually do really enjoy summer dressing for the reasons that you an LaPed mentioned! More color, more pattern, easier to hit the right proportions with fewer layers to faff about with. I think I know what the components should be, it’s just a matter of getting them into place! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163373 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 00:22:27 +0000 Suz 2163373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, laughed out loud at the Thatcher at Balmoral reference!! Thanks for that,<b> LaPed</b>. And also, I'm nodding with <b>LaPed </b>re summer style. I used to despair of it and hate it, but now it is my favourite season to dress for! Like her, I enjoy skirts and dresses with cute sandals and shoes and no socks! So my summer style is a bit more feminine and easy and I rely on more pattern for interest.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie wrote posts on the dangers of the "orphan" skirt. Sleeveless summer tops should be an easy sewing project -- you could probably de-orphan skirts and lightweight pants or shorts really easily that way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163295 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:29:02 +0000 SarahD8 2163295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I cross-posted! Yes, <b>FashIntern</b>, I still love my vintage jewelry collection! The thing is that it's a bit haphazard. A lot of it is inherited which is <i>wonderful</i> but I think what I need to do is fill in the gaps to really make those pieces work for <i>me</i>, does that make sense?</p> <p><b>La Ped</b>, I laughed out loud at Margaret Thatcher at Balmoral! Oh, I could tromp the moors with the best of those royals! I think you're absolutely right about identifying opportunities for drama. In the Before Times I did occasionally enjoy putting on some getup to go work in a cafe for a few hours, and I think you're right that those outings we used to take for granted will feel more like events (and we'll be more motivated to make those outings, and to treat them like events). I'm 100% here for that strategy. And, in the meantime, maybe I'll experiment a bit at home....</p> <p>Also glad there is so much interest in sewing projects! You all are really motivating me to follow through on my intentions so I can share more here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163291 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:19:59 +0000 SarahD8 2163291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for the lovely and supportive comments! I’m glad to have my little analytical forum contingent here. </p> <p>I’m reassured but sorry to hear that so many related to my comments about shame and fashion/style as a hobby. I do think that the patriarchy plays a big role and for me also my Protestant upbringing (<b>JenniNZ</b> I think you and I have a similar background there. Although I have not been a practicing Christian since sometime in my teenage years those roots are deeeeep.) I wish it were as simple as just telling myself that there is no reason/need for that shame but I suspect it will be more of an…iterative process for me. <b>Angie</b>, I love your comment about gratitude. Gratitude is a real shame-banisher, isn’t it? I think I’ll try to return to that whenever I find myself falling into my old mental habits.</p> <p><b>Suz</b> I hope the Blondos work out! I am really enjoying wearing mine. I also took the smaller of my two sizes so fingers crossed for you.</p> <p>Re: secondhand shopping, <b>Shevia</b>, your joy in and commitment to this approach is a real inspiration to me! It’s true <b>Runcarla</b> that it can be hard to find something specific (and I share in your joy at finding the unexpected just-the-thing!). I do think the search for something specific is helped a bit by shopping online secondhand. For me secondhand is partly a sustainability strategy but partly to be honest I just feel it is more successful for me! I lose patience fast with not being able to access garment measurements and having to dig for fiber content on retailers’ websites.</p> <p>Oh, summer clothing! Sorry that this seems to be a sticking (ha) point for so many but as <b>rachylou</b> points out, it’s difficult because it’s hot! For me I think the trouble is similar to what I diagnosed i<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-tops%e2%80%a6and-the-bottoms-that-go-with-them">n this thread</a>:&nbsp;I have a pretty good stable of sundresses that I rely on A LOT (so, <b>FashIntern</b> your prescription is more spot on than you knew!) but when it comes to separates I have a lot of “half outfits” and have had trouble finding the pairs to make them come together. Anyway, <b>Bijou</b>, <b>Runcarla</b>, <b>Slim Cat</b>, and <b>Janet</b> maybe we can all troubleshoot together in a few months. <b>Torontogirl</b> that is a great point about jewelry being a great outfit completer in summer. I kind of want some big dramatic boho earrings!</p> <p><b>FashIntern</b>, re: placeholders, I definitely don’t buy things deliberately as placeholders! It’s more that I buy something, the wearing of it makes me realize that it doesn’t quite tick all the boxes for me and refines my understanding of what I’m looking for, but then it takes a while to find the exact thing.</p> <p><b>Bonnie</b> I’m going to try to follow your outfit planning lead!</p> <p><b>Kkards</b> I love your point about finding a balance between not buying for an imaginary life and being willing to dress slightly outside of environmental norms. Yes! What a great way to put it, and a good reminder that these things aren’t absolute. <b>Torontogirl</b> you know I’ll be looking forward to how your thoughts develop on individual expression vs environmental norms.</p> <p>And thanks all for the encouragement re: dipping my toes into a bit more drama! I’m excited to see what develops!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163290 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:18:05 +0000 LaPed 2163290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great post! I'm nodding along with so much of what you said. I totally understand struggling with feelings of shame. I love Angie's comment that small things can yield great joy. I figure if it's okay for something as mundane as cooking to be a serious hobby, then it's okay for me to treat getting dressed as a serious hobby too!&nbsp;</p> <p>It's interesting to me that both you and Suz have mentioned a desire to incorporate more dramatic looks and some uncertainty about how to accomplish that. The PNW is a lot like New England in that the environmental norms skew heavily gear-casual and "down-to-earth" so I think I understand the tension. Nobody wants to be <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a34313262/margaret-thatcher-balmoral-visit-true-story-the-crown/">Margaret Thatcher at Balmoral</a>.&nbsp;I wonder if adding drama may boil down to identifying opportunities for drama. It's been hard to find opportunities for much of anything in 2020, but maybe going forward... would you wear the bubble skirt and stompy boots to a school concert? The cape-style cardi to a reading? Dinners out, museum trips -- all those things we used to take for granted may, I suspect, feel more like Events once the world reopens, at least for a while.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be a contrarian and say that I *love* getting dressed in the summer. It took me a while to accept that my hot weather style was going to look <i></i>completely<i></i><i> </i>different from my cold weather style, and because cold weather has been the dominant season in most of the places I lived, I'd always sort of assumed that the cold weather version of me was the real me. I had to actually stop and think about what summer looks appeal to me and did some pretty intensive summer wardrobe building for a couple years. For me, that meant a base of simple sleeveless tops (either cropped/boxy or fitted/tuckable), high-waisted shorts with wide breezy legs, plus some knee-length and midi skirts/dresses. So much easier to wear dresses and skirts when you don't have to figure out how to keep your legs warm! The realization that lightweight cotton shirts can be used as toppers was a big one -- sun protection and third piece! I also discovered that my collection of cotton knitwear can serve as a sort of bridge between my summer style and what I wear the rest of the year. A lot of great patterns -- mariner stripes, windowpane, gingham, many conversationals, botanicals -- come into their own in summer, so that's something to look forward to. But my favorite thing of all is just not having to worry about how to keep my feet warm, and getting to enjoy a few months of being able to wear cute shoes and sandals and&nbsp;<i>no socks</i>. So freeing after endless months of boots and thick wool socks. Also, summer clothes tend to be cheaper so it's a great time to experiment. Okay, summer manifesto over. :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing about the results of your sewing projects in particular, and I'd be curious to hear how the outfit planning goes as well. Planning batches of outfits is something I've never figured out how to do properly, and I'm a bit in awe of people who can sort out a whole week's worth and not have to run around in the morning looking for something to put on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163286 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 18:07:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2163286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recall your vintage jewelry collection, but in the midst of changes in my life, I lost track of that thread. Do you still have it/enjoy wearing it, or did you ultimately decide it isn’t for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163260 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 16:43:39 +0000 slim cat 2163260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting read and not too long. I'm with you on summer dressing - it's difficult to find light and breezy pieces that add structure to outfit and some sophistication. <br />I also like your shift to the dramatic shapes and styles - it needs to be analyzed farther to find a few fun things that could be added to more quiet pieces and be worn more frequently that just ones a year ( at least that's my take on it ).<br />I'll follow your 2021 journey &nbsp;- you have a good plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163256 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 16:26:02 +0000 Bonnie 2163256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting read and I can relate to most of your issues, a big one being guilt over spending time "browsing" and wasting resources, I'm glad you shared your thoughts which reinforce mine. Something I have been successful with this past pandemic year was "planning outfits ahead". A big goal of mine was to get 30+ or more wears out of my plethora of tops, dresses, and toppers and I have made a lot of progress by paying attention to what I wear by planning and tracking. I'm looking forward to your posts featuring a new more dramatic style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163244 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 16:02:47 +0000 Angie 2163244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*</p> <p>YOU DID GREAT <b>SarahD8</b>, and don't think otherwise. Most things in 2020 were a moving target, and we all did the best we could.</p> <p>It's amazing how well those "do not buy" lists work! I make them too, and find that they help me stay focussed.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the shame - there is no shame! You are soooo thoughtful and sensible about your wardrobe purchases. It gives you joy, it's very well managed, it's a fun hobbie, and you don't let it boss you around. You are also grateful about it! The small things in life - and what can be regarded as frivolous to others - are the things that yield a LOT of joy. Run with it. You have more than deserved it :)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163214 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 14:41:18 +0000 Helena 2163214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this post Sarah; thanks for writing it! So much here, and so much good stuff has been said above ... the fashion-as-hobby thing really resonates with me so thanks everyone above who has commented on it!</p> <p>There are two struggles I can really relate to - one is the summer thing, and the other is what I'm drawn to vs. lifestyle/environmental norms.</p> <p>Re: summer, I agree with others that this is the hardest season to dress for - even harder than the depths of winter. I've sort of come to peace with the fact that in the heat of July and the freeze of January, my style is going to be mostly utilitarian, and that's that. However, I also think your jewellery capsule might help you a lot in summer ... a tank and shorts with some great light jewellery can make a terrific outfit! (ask Jennifer Aniston!)</p> <p>Re: the lifestyle vs. environmental norms, this is even more pronounced this year, because the lifestyle went down the toilet, and the environmental norms have virtually disappeared since we are not socializing and going out and about as often - so I feel I've been freed a little from what others are wearing. Anyways, no answers but just to say I am mulling how I can bring more of what I love into my style, in a way that still feels comfortable for the environment and lifestyle I live in.</p> <p>Looking forward to following your 2021 journey; you've got a solid plan and have some of the big items - e.g. budget which is huge - well under control, so hopefully you can give yourself some space to relax and enjoy the journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163212 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 14:17:23 +0000 kkards 2163212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As others, and you yourself indicated, there is no need for guilt for having fashion as your hobby. Let it go, and enjoy. Enjoy the process of making outfits, wearing outfit, experimenting with new and different silhouettes -which you mention is something your excited about.&nbsp;</p> <p><i>what I’m drawn to doesn’t mesh well with my lifestyle or environmental norms, even outside of pandemic times. I am not sure how to square that circle.<br /></i>Re this statement. I’ve struggled with this for a long time. And I’ll be honest, i think I’ve &nbsp;tamed it, but haven’t completely managed to eliminated the impulse to buy thing for my imaginary life. Mostly, for me, its about a list in my head of “don’ts”, and “how often”. But its also about being comfortable with wearing and dressing in ways that are slightly outside of my environmental norms. For me, its finding the intersection of these two ideas/statements is the key.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163206 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:58:31 +0000 Janet 2163206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you really are making progress, and I like your goals and strategy for the new year! Agreeing wholeheartedly with you all, especially Suz’s remarks, on any shame around style as a hobby. I know people who spend enormous time and energy on everything from model trains to brewing beer, just for their own personal enjoyment. Fashion is a legitimate form of self expression, and heck, we need to put something on our bodies, so we may as well make it beautiful, fun, flattering, or whatever strikes our fancy. </p> <p>I hear you on summer. That’s always the time I feel the least comfortable in my style. No jackets, no boots, no layers, so my signature items I most enjoy are all off the table. I have found that a good selection of longer shorts and midi skirts with casual tops, and a decent collection of casual midi dresses will get me through. And then I rely on footwear and jewelry to add a bit of my taste into the outfit. It’s a compromise but when it’s 90 degrees with 80% humidity, it is what it is. </p> <p>Good luck and happy new year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163205 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:57:39 +0000 salmaumme786 2163205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your excellent post and nice content. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163204 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:18:12 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2163204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed this read. I can relate to your summer project, as I was so outside my element living in Tampa. (I didn’t realize dressing was part of that until I “met” YLF, and these days I find myself thinking xyz would work in Florida, now that we don’t live there anymore, lol). I’m curious why you buy things you don’t really love as placeholders when you don’t see what you really want, especially since secondhand online is likely to offer a wide variety of options. I know you don’t do dresses much, but may I suggest a below-the-knee sundress that’s slightly fitted on top and then loosens up to not quite a flare but just gentle swooshiness? If you find the right one, it won’t be too much irritating volume. You could think of it as an extended version of your tunic tops, could even wear it with leggings when it’s not too hot out. </p> <p>I’m excited about your sewing projects, am posting about my hopes/plans there in my own goals post. Sorry I can’t get the finds deleted here. </p> <p>Suz, on ad ports as pastime—they’re important to mental, physical, and emotional health. But watching sports is fluff for sure. </p> <p>Wishing you well in the new year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163156 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 03:31:32 +0000 Jaime 2163156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love that you are shopping primarily second hand. There are so many online options these days, especially for people with access to Poshmark and Thredup, that I do think you can find more or less anything you want second hand.&nbsp;<br />The shame thing is so common and always disturbs me. Rankles my feminist roots perhaps. Apart from my sports, as Suz mentioned, there are so many hobbies that really have nothing to do with anything (stamp collecting? miniature building? playing cards?) except the pleasure of the hobbyist. And that is just as it should be. Style, if anything, has more cultural significance and actual impact on your life. So enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163149 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:25:31 +0000 rachylou 2163149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High summer time is a very difficult season. It’s hot so you can’t pile things on to get a look and it’s hot, so things are basic to boot. Summer is always a bit of a detour for me... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163148 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:19:40 +0000 Carla 2163148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Summer is&nbsp;<i>hard</i>! &nbsp;If you learn what to do, let me know. &nbsp;Building a decent summer capsule has been a ‘to do’/goal for three years, and will once again be on the list going into 2021.</p> <p>Shopping mostly thrift is tricky when you are after something specific. &nbsp;Though I have come across a HEWI or two in the charity shop. &nbsp;For the most part I have a ‘you will know it when you see it’ approach - so have to keep an open mind when browsing the racks.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163143 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:08:32 +0000 Bijou 2163143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, you have a great plan and 2020’s project of Wardrobe Building sounds like it was successful. I know I have in the past thought that one day I will reach the place of having a perfect wardrobe, but then how boring and static is that? Summer clothing and footwear wears out faster for me, so your comment “my summer clothing is a bit of a mess” resonated with me, as did your sense of guilt for shopping. The fact that you are buying mainly second hand items and staying in your budget indicates that your sustainability goals are being met. I love the idea of sewing your own items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163142 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:08:10 +0000 Suz 2163142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>So, one of my priorities for 2021 is to try to let go of some of that shame. What if I just embraced the fact that, hey, I love textiles! <br /></i><br />AMEN to that!! The first and only rule of YLF is have fun with fashion. It's hard to have fun when you feel shame. Many of us are burdened with that shame -- I think it's a patriarchal plot, to tell you the truth. Why is fashion any more frivolous or less socially valid than sport? I get that it can be wasteful and we do need to think about the exploitation of other human beings and animals, and most of us have more than we truly *need.* But at the same time, how much worse is a passion for fashion than a lot of other hobbies? It might even be less wasteful and ridiculous than some. Anyway, that's another whole topic, but what an important epiphany.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think this realization may really help you with the wardrobe building. Not only might you be freed to buy a few things just because you love them, but you might also feel better about buying (or sewing) those essentials that are the glue allowing a wardrobe to truly function and even sing.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think a list of NOs is a great idea. I know Angie uses one. I haven't done it in the past, but I may create such a list for myself this year. I think I overbuy footwear -- or that is how it seems now, anyway...because I barely wear anything except my sneakers and indoor shoes at the moment...but anyway, I might need to put a kind of moratorium on that. </p> <p>(She says, having JUST ordered the Blondo Caylas!! Thanks to you!! They might not fit me -- the smaller of my two sizes popped into stock so I am taking a chance. We'll see.)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163141 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 01:06:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2163141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is great and not too long.<br /> I understand what you mean about the shame. I used to have it too, but have managed to largely get over it. I think for me it was a combination of “Protestant guilt” and worry about waste and shallow thinking. Also that I didn’t have a lot of other, possibly more “worthy” hobbies. You know, I don’t paint, I don’t craft, I only garden a bit...<br /> But I have realised that adornment has been a part of every society since the caveman/cavewoman days and have accepted my own interest in it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2020-review-and-2021-plan-super-long#post-2163140 Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:47:05 +0000 SarahD8 2163140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ </p> <p>...and not even any pictures at the end of it to reward you! Sorry about that. Pandemic times and all (full-length mirror is now located in husband's place of work, really put a damper on outfit snaps).</p> <p><b>Spending vs. budget:</b></p> <p>Despite all the ~waves hand in general direction of 2020~ I did continue to shop this year. Partly hope/rebellion? Partly force of habit, as others have suggested? A little bit of both, probably – aided by the fact that even pre-COVID, I was mostly shopping secondhand online, a strategy that in contrast to brick and mortar browsing has not been much disrupted by the pandemic. Aside from underpinnings and shoes, both of which I often buy new, at least 90% of my purchases this year were secondhand.</p> <p>Overall I spent 62% of the budget I set for myself <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/state-of-the-wardrobe-and-looking-ahead-to-2020">at the beginning of 2020.</a>&nbsp;I was under budget in all categories except cold season everyday clothing, where I spent 150% of the amount I had set aside. On one hand it’s good news that this category is my natural shopping focus, since it is my dominant wardrobe need as well. On the other had my intent this year had been to beef up some other categories in which I’d been under-buying. (There was a long stretch in the middle of the year when I was not great about keeping up with my wardrobe tracking and spending, so this picture really only became clear to me now as I did my year-end review.) I do think that paradoxically, setting a budget is a good strategy for me to increase attention to areas where I under-buy.</p> <p><b>Purchases vs. priorities</b>:</p> <p>Setting out detailed purchasing priorities (and “do not buy”s) at the beginning of the year was a new strategy for me in 2020 and it was hugely helpful. It helped me focus on areas I wanted to expand (such as more tunic-length tops, especially light colored ones) and replace items that were starting to get worn. I also did fairly well with avoiding the things on my do not buy list, yay! I will say that I do tend to buy knitwear, especially my beloved cardigans, even if it is not specifically on my priorities list, ahem.</p> <p><b>Wardrobe numbers and churn:</b></p> <p>Churn was fairly high, with 43 items added to my main wardrobe (excluding gear, pj/lounge, and wardrobe basics), and 23 items discarded (a few more moved out of my main wardrobe to my holding zone). (This does not include what I refer to as “failed purchases” – a hazard of online secondhand shopping. I did keep an eye on those but am not discussing them here.)</p> <p>Most of the increase occurred in my summer wardrobe, which grew from 53 to 67 items. All other categories, including gear/pj/lounge/basics, are within 2-5 items of where they started 2020. I thought this was interesting because I had designated 2020 as a second “wardrobe building” year but in practice when I brought something new in I often used it as an opportunity to let go of something that had been a placeholder or that I knew wasn’t quite right. (Actually, this is probably appropriate – because I wasn’t starting my “wardrobe building” from zero, I was starting with a pretty generous amount of clothes that I knew weren’t very deliberately assembled or well balanced.)</p> <p>The increased summer numbers are to some degree intentional, as this was one of my neglected categories. However I am not sure my shopping here was very effective. Frankly my summer wardrobe is still a bit of a mess and I think there are a lot of items that I’m not really that keen on.</p> <p>(I think this is basically the old “you can’t buy what isn’t there” problem combined with “yes but you can’t really force yourself to like what you don’t like either.”)</p> <p>Interestingly, when I look at how long discarded items had been in my wardrobe, the largest number by far came from 2019. Most of these are “not quite right” cold season items from my first year of wardrobe building. I do have a specific sense of where these fell short and can see how that knowledge guided my purchasing this year. Hopefully that learning curve will result in better purchases for summer items in 2021.</p> <p><b>So what about this “wardrobe building” business?</b></p> <p>In <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-those-who-like-numbers-my-2019-wardrobe-assessment">my 2019 wrap up post</a>&nbsp;I said that after a year of wardrobe building I felt I was halfway there and wondered if I would get to the end of 2020 and say I was 2/3 of the way there. Well, no. Certainly there are some categories/capsules of my wardrobe that are weak, and there are things that I would really like to add but have struggled to find. But overall I’m not sure this is too different from the normal sort of flux that all wardrobes go through.</p> <p>One thing I noticed this year that made me think I’m in a different place than where I started is that I no longer find myself wearing items on repeat that aren’t quite what I want to be wearing (what I have in the past referred to as “essentials of convenience” but might more plainly simply be called placeholders).</p> <p>I think that on some level the idea of “wardrobe building” was a kind of psychological trick for me to justify shopping, with an idea that it would enable some future, better, more virtuous me to avoid shopping, owning things, discarding things, etc. An odd epiphany that has come out of this discombobulated pandemic year is just how much shame I harbor around my<br /> interest in clothing and style, and the shopping associated with it.</p> <p><b>Looking ahead to 2021</b></p> <p>So, one of my priorities for 2021 is to try to let go of some of that shame. What if I just embraced the fact that, hey, I love textiles! I love them as physical objects, I love the history and stories they contain, I love playing with pattern and texture juxtapositions. What if my challenge is simply to try to care for and do right by my clothes and the body they adorn?</p> <p>Ok sounds nice but what does all that mean in practice?</p> <p>I do plan to continue to <b>track spending and items purchased</b>. I am setting my total budget at the same level for this year although in some cases the specific category allocations differ. I’m going to try very hard not to get wrapped up in numbers and absolutes and black-and-white thinking. I’m going to gather the information I need to notice when I’m straying from the path I want to be on, and gently course correct. </p> <p>One of the things I really want to prioritize this year is <b>sewing</b>. I KNOW I could solve my summer tops problem as well as beef up my pj/lounge capsule this way, and it would be a much better use of my time than endlessly shopping for things that are just not there. Also, get those “projects” and alterations out of my “inactive” wardrobe category! </p> <p>Also I had intended for accessories (mainly jewelry) to be an area of focus last year but did not follow through on that. I kind of forgot about it to be honest. But it was a good idea! I am renewing my commitment to <b>developing my jewelry wardrobe</b>&nbsp;this year.</p> <p>Most importantly, wear my clothes! I have to admit this has been a struggle this year because of pandemic disruptions. I must, must MUST <b>plan outfits ahead</b>! Otherwise I will never get out of my sweatpants. Plan a week’s worth of outfits on Sunday and then choose one and lay it out the night before.</p> <p>In terms of style, I find myself really drawn to <b>new and</b><b> </b><b>more dramatic silhouettes</b>. A cape style cardigan! ¾ sleeves over long sleeves! A midi length bubble skirt and stompy boots! In reality, my outfits became even simpler this past year, a lot of jeans and a pullover, even coordinating a top and cardigan often seemed too complicated. Plus, what I’m drawn to doesn’t mesh well with my lifestyle or environmental norms, even outside of pandemic times. I am not sure how to square that circle. Perhaps some tentative experimentation, always keeping an eye on what I will really wear.</p> <p> </p>