YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Review

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2021 Review https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:04:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245696 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 04:38:35 +0000 Zaeobi 2245696@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Jenni NZ Thank you! Yes, not going back 'home' to see my immediate family since summer 2019 has forced me to psychologically re-evaluate my clothing habits (I usually visit every summer, & realised I had been saving most of my clothes shopping for then - which of course spelt trouble since the UK isn't exactly a subtropical climate like here, lol...) I'm glad you have family with you there though @Suz I see what you mean about 'masculine' - I suppose I usually do jeans OR a jacket (not both in one look), so that might be why it's throwing me off... In your experience, will the size increase when the leather softens? Wondering whether the waist length is OK the way it is, or if it will lengthen with time... (PS - Aww I was actually debating censoring out my whole head here because of how messy my hair is here lol, so thank you!) --- For anyone else who's wondering, I've now made a separate post to discuss the fit of this leather jacket, just so it doesn't derail this thread instead: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-lab-grace-jones-jacket-trouser-jeans#post-2245695" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....st-2245695</a> Suz on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245684 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 03:26:25 +0000 Suz 2245684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Re the "Grace Jones" jacket -- I actually like it on you and think it might work once it softens a bit. I also like the jeans, at least in the photo! But I think this, altogether, is more masculine/ yang than your usual looks, so that might be part of the issue. On another note, you have the most gorgeous eyes and hair!  Jenni NZ on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245678 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 02:34:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2245678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Enjoyed your thoughts and re-reading last year’s post also. Sounds like you have made overall excellent progress. Accepting that Hong Kong is where you do live long-term is probably psychologically important. Beautiful colour palette. Did you say you had your colours “done”? I find it helpful to look back at the pages in one of my books about colour seasons sometimes to see if I am on track although mostly I just instinctively know what suits my Spring tastes. I do hope you can get back to UK for a visit. We have not left NZ since we returned from Vietnam late Nov 2019. Over 2 years now. But with our daughter and family home now it is less necessary. Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245676 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 01:21:46 +0000 Zaeobi 2245676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Staysfit Thank you - I've had a little luck with linen in the past (see above) but cotton can be hit & miss (I find it's either an elastane blend or is stiff with no stretch at all) I actually have a sheer orange pussybow blouse tunic (documented on the forum) that sadly met its demise with an iron - I want to replicate its fit in other opaque fabric but am scared to ask for a custom order on that too (I know folk say that Hong Kong tailors are renowned, but they didn't make my wedding dress the way I wanted... It seems they're great at making what they know, but I have yet to find a tailor that's willing to follow instructions exactly. It wasn't that strange of a request, either - just a simple Chinese red lace bridal qipao, but fully lined with 3/4 instead of short sleeves!) It's funny you mention breaking in leather shoes & boots - in my reply to @Bijou above, I'm actually trying it on with my new Blondo leather lace-up boots too! Looking back at the photos, the jacket doesn't look quite as bad as I remember... Maybe I'll do a fit lab to gather some opinions Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245675 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 01:16:15 +0000 Zaeobi 2245675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Brooklyn Thank you - that's a big colour scheme compliment, coming from the Queen of Teal & Metallic Bronze! I'm sure we will have plenty of fun along with @Suntiger with these colours That's not a bad idea re: pussybow blouses - but I think because I usually use scarves as my third 'completer' piece, it either competes or my looks feel a little empty without them. Will try it on a more 'minimalist' (for me) day Thanks! As for Etsy linen, I actually had OK luck with some custom sized pieces from a local seller ('AnySize') in a nicely autumnal shade of 'brownish red'. I use them for loungewear or quick 'casual errands' summer OOTDs, where looking a little rumpled is expected Staysfit on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245579 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 12:46:22 +0000 Staysfit 2245579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi, your proposed color palette looks perfect.  I hope you have luck finding items in natural fibers in these colors.  I admire your attempt to have something custom made even though it didn’t work out as you hoped.  I sometimes wish I could take something I know I like (in the wrong color) to a tailor or dressmaker and have them re-create it in a color and fabric I prefer.  There is no one with those skills in business, in my community.  I wonder if there is a way to break in the leather of your custom jacket as one would break in a pair of shoes?   Brooklyn on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245566 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 09:58:27 +0000 Brooklyn 2245566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi, I enjoyed your thorough analysis. I love your colours and will be watching for how you combine them. With the blouses, have you tried tying the bow at the back rather than the front? On Etsy, I’m also pretty careful with clothes. I tend to have better luck with accessories. But I have contemplated having some linen items made (although I prefer cotton, linen is easier to find). notPerfectLinen gets great reviews, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Happy holidays to you too! Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245559 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 06:53:35 +0000 Zaeobi 2245559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @minaminu & @joy feel free to adapt the seasonal palette to your tastes! It's not a hard & fast rule for me though - although yellow is usually a summer colour for me, orange is my pseudo neutral (& therefore crops up throughout the year). A cohesive colour scheme can help me to easily create mini seasonal capsule wardrobes though. Haha @suntiger I think your palette might be a bit 'quieter' than mine though! Will still have my fiery red oranges & sunshine yellows though Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245558 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 06:33:39 +0000 Zaeobi 2245558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Bijou I've linked a fit lab of the 'Grace Jones' chocolate leather jacket in a separate post - see what you think: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fit-lab-grace-jones-jacket-trouser-jeans#post-2245695" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....st-2245695</a> (PS - I'm the same with stripes! They also make me feel 'too' wide - I'm thinking to look for polka dotted tops instead). Anonymous on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245448 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:56:39 +0000 Anonymous 2245448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a great plan.  I will probably borrow come of you seasonal color ideas.  Thank you for this review. Anonymous on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245426 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:20:21 +0000 Anonymous 2245426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh love your color scheme *shocks no one* Minaminu on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245407 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 13:39:42 +0000 Minaminu 2245407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi the palette that you have chosen is great and I like that it has been adapted on a seasonal basis! Black can be a fab colour but agree with you that should be treated for special occasions otherwise it can loose some of its solemnity. Well done for finding the right nude bra, it's one of the most difficult things to get it right!!!! Bijou on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245404 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 12:38:16 +0000 Bijou 2245404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi - your colour scheme is fabulous and so perfect for you. As for the pussy bow blouse, they are something that you sort of have to try to see if you like wearing them or not. I am like this with stripes, I love them on others and then get frustrated when they just don't seem to work on me! Such a shame about the custom made leather jacket - your DH's comment made me laugh out loud with that one - maybe it can be styled in a way that works for you?... However I feel, given the Grace Jones comment, you probably are never going to love it. Onwards we go. Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245399 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 05:51:03 +0000 Zaeobi 2245399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @Janet, @Sal, @Shevia: Thank you for your kind words. @slim cat: Comfort comes first - I've learnt that if it isn't comfy, I won't wear it! @CarolS, @CocoLion, @Helena: I like a variety of colours (even with a neutrals-only outfit, I still need a mix of them) but sometimes *too* much variety can be overwhelming. I need to think of a cohesive colour scheme less as boxing myself in so much as making it easier to get dressed in the mornings. Just hope it works! @Sal: Truthfully, I think always having 'back home' (UK) in the back of my mind was causing me to overbuy & see these constraints as restrictions. COVID has forced me to finally accept that I *do* live here & am not just passing through anymore (6 years now!), so reframing the constraints as part & parcel of life challenges instead is helping @Suz: Glad to know you understand - it's effortful & exhausting to seek something out only for it not to work out, isn't it? Oh well, what is life if not trial & error? ;) The bras were actually from Uniqlo, of all places - I must have seemed off my rocker sidling up to the counter with just 10 bras, but I was just so excited lol! @Shevia: Thank you - I've managed to whittle down my main wardrobe, now to sort through my pyjamas/ loungewear & gymwear! If only I had this much drive with my studies lol Jaime on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245376 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:17:52 +0000 Jaime 2245376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So thoughtful and insightful! Great detailed analysis of your preferred colors, textures and silhouette. And of course more second hand shopping is always a good goal in my book! Good luck with your studies (and decluttering!). Suz on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245370 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 01:18:32 +0000 Suz 2245370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your colour scheme is gorgeous!  Re the pussy bow. blouses -- I know just how that type of mistake can happen. It seems like it will be the perfect thing, but no....but nothing ventured, nothing gained. You couldn't know in advance it wouldn't work.  It sounds as if you've sought and reached some clarity about shopping strategies and that is great news. But to me, the best news of all is that you've finally been able to source proper nude bras! Brava for that!  Helena on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245368 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 01:06:22 +0000 Helena 2245368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous analysis and beautiful palette ... I love how you assessed your colours and may try a similar process! Sal on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245343 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 21:49:07 +0000 Sal 2245343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire your approach too - and always like your WIW with your eye for colour. You face climate and space constraints and make it work!! CocoLion on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245337 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 20:11:34 +0000 CocoLion 2245337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admire the thought you've put into the color palette.  I find that if I do that well, dressing becomes much easier and I get more wear from my items. CarolS on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245319 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 17:00:08 +0000 CarolS 2245319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great insights, and I LOVE your colour palette! slim cat on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245315 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:37:04 +0000 slim cat 2245315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis! I'm with you on breathable washable fabrics and comfortable clothes.  Janet on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245314 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 15:55:57 +0000 Janet 2245314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, I love how thorough and well thought out your analysis is! Good job! Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245309 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 15:12:42 +0000 Zaeobi 2245309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, let's just hope I can stick to it! Happy holidays rachylou on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245284 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 03:44:59 +0000 rachylou 2245284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Straight up. Great progress. Love LOVE the colour palette. Think it’s spot on for you Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245280 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 01:48:58 +0000 Zaeobi 2245280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And my 2021 colour scheme + tweaks: SPRING: Deep olive*/ Watermelon*/ Ecru*** / Kelly green (*Too difficult to find a deep & warm enough version for my colouring ) SUMMER: Inky navy**/ Saffron/ Terracotta/ Teal (**Not as great on me as chocolate) FALL: Chocolate brown/ Rust orange/ yellow/ Chartreuse lime*** (***Still just a HEWI!) WINTER: Deep purple/ Emerald green/ Burgundy**** (****Not as flattering as I once thought! Plum/ deep purple can replace it) ----- My proposed 2022 colour scheme, by category & not season: Main neutrals: Chocolate, Ecru, Tan Pseudo neutrals: Teal, Plum, Rust Colours: Saffron, Emerald, Orange Accents: Chartreuse, Moss, Yellow Zaeobi on "2021 Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-2#post-2245279 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 01:39:04 +0000 Zaeobi 2245279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't believe I set any clothing-related goals for 2021, but I did post about my Style Priorities shifting due to the Protests/ COVID lockdown: <a href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-priorities-partially-virus-protests-induced" rel="nofollow">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ts-induced</a> ----- (Here's a short summary of the below) 2021 HITS & MISSES: HITS/ 2021 Successes: Breathable/ comfy fabrics, Practical/ easy to move in/ high-rise silhouettes, Nude bras, secondhand thrifting (if discerning) MISSES/ 2021 lesson learnt: Too pale neutrals, No more online custom orders, Less black, Fussy thrifted silk pussybow blouses GOALS/ for 2022 future: More deep orange & dark chocolate brown in natural fibres/ machine washable silk, high-rise trousers, UK black capsule wardrobe, To virtually upload my entire closet into YLF Finds (lol...) BACKGROUND: Though we are now finally back to teaching face-to-face this term (HK isn't under lockdown now), I've gone part-time whilst finishing my MA. This means adjusting to a more casual, still WFH-dominant lifestyle until (at least) Autumn 2022. I also officially moved into a new flat last month. Whilst I no longer have to deal with a cavernous hallway closet (thankfully!), I now have a smaller wardrobe instead. This means I'm currently in the process of downsizing my clothing cupboard (we moved quickly, so no time before that) & only having the space to keep what I absolutely *love* going forward. ----- (Longer explanation incoming - you've been warned!) 2021 GOALS: 1) FABRIC: I'd say I managed to fulfill the main criteria of breathable, comfy, easy to move in this year - all my tops are made from either natural fibres (cotton/ silk/ non-itchy merino wool) or from test-driven viscose/ rayon. All my bottoms are either at the new PPP or will be hemmed to such (once I find my sewing kit ) I'm intrigued by the current pleather trend (since it seems more breathable than I remember lol) & also by tencel/ modal/ lyocell. I'm generally doing better with machine washable items, except I did thrift some silk pussybow blouses - I bought them thinking they would be great for work & my Romantic/ Classic Kibbe Type, but find them too fussy & dressy even for teaching lol. I've donated all but the most well-fitting ones for interviews or Zoom. As for opaque, finally finding bras & underwear in actually nude *to me* colours has been a game changer! Too long have I suffered with 'nude' bras are actually glowing headlights under my tops, lol! This has opened up a world of slightly sheer but lightweight & long sleeved tops, suitable for my subtropical climate. 2) SILHOUETTE: High-rise everything! I'm still keeping some tunic dresses & longer cardigans (just in case I desire more coverage with trousers), but cropped tops & high-waisted maxi skirts are finally in abundance now, so I'm going to keep milking this trend whilst I (& my waist lol) still can. Am in the process of replacing all mid-rise trousers with higher waisted ones too. My HEWI though is still a cream cropped jumper in a natural fibre, that hits right at my natural waist & isn't too tight (boatneck & balloon sleeves?) 3) COLOUR: I'm doing better with saturation but I also need a tighter palette. The forum has been helpful in figuring out that, whilst I enjoy a closet rainbow, it needs to be a very specific rainbow to keep me happy. In other words, I'm looking for 'deep/ dark/ rich/ warm' shades - I do need *some* light neutrals for contrast though (warm yellow cream cotton is my HEWI). I thrifted a *rainbow* of silk pussybow blouses but they're too fussy for my lifestyle (see 'fabric' above). So I've switched to cotton cropped cardigans & long sleeved tops instead. Currently working on finding them in orange & chocolate brown colourways too - please let me know if you see any! + 2022 GOALS: 1) I had a lot of luck thrifting & buying secondhand off Etsy (discovered many local sellers!), so will continue with that - hopefully even in-person again now that I have the time! But I will be more discerning than before - many of the aforementioned silk pussybow blouses didn't quite fit right, or were dry clean only, or the colour was 'almost' right (like the pale orange one). No more room for this - either I love it or leave it! 2) I will no longer be buying custom items online. It's frustrating when you can't find what you want in B&M shops, but even moreso when you pay for your HEWI over the internet only for it to arrive as a WI lol! I had a leather jacket made that's far too boxy (my husband said I look like Grace Jones, which could work if only I had the frame for that lol...) & a gold peplum top that's stiff & scratchy (& only half lined...) Given that fabric is important to me, I don't think I can risk not seeing or touching it until after payment (unless I come across an exceptionally proactive seller with enough photos, measurements & communication to make me feel comfortable asking them to make something *completely new* sight unseen - but that's rare) :( 3) I experimented with a black capsule wardrobe this year but found, whilst I *can* wear it, I need texture, shine & contrast to *really* make it work. I will cull any dull black pieces then keep some key ones in preparation for my UK wardrobe instead (e.g. my dark green suit is OK for teaching interviews, but I may need a black one for dressy eveningwear & western funeral(s).) I've had a few items packed in a suitcase for the past 2 years, thinking I'd be able to bring them home & leave them there for future use. Fingers crossed I get to go home with my black capsule wardrobe in 2022 instead! ----- That's all from me - happy holidays, everyone! Now to spend the rest of mine decluttering my closet & catching up on my master's degree - fun times indeed