YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:18:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269855 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 23:52:54 +0000 CarolS 2269855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Sal! It is taunting sometimes to figure out how much is being smart to "buy it now while the colour(s) I want are available" vs out of control consumption! One does have to take advantage when what you want is actually on offer. A grey merino seems like such a staple I'm surprised there are none to be found. Here's hoping your luck changes! Sal on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269844 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 21:19:06 +0000 Sal 2269844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When times are hard a bit of a distraction can be a very good thing!!  I can see some practical, some playful and some trendy - so a good mix.  I think there are years when specific pieces are just hard to source eg I am low key looking for a grey merino - grey is "out" and everything is tan or camel or black or rust....  CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269737 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 03:25:44 +0000 CarolS 2269737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Jaime! It's sometimes harder to remember to do it, but there's great truth in the idea that you have to put on your own oxygen mask first!! Jaime on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269730 Mon, 04 Jul 2022 02:08:45 +0000 Jaime 2269730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you are doing very well with your goals, and suspect there is a good deal of elegant in there too. Shopping, wardrobe planning, gardening and all and any distractions are very important for your own balance right now. You can't help others if you don't take care of yourself.  CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269717 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 21:42:01 +0000 CarolS 2269717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great recap, Carla. I think you've hit on such a great formula for your wardrobe. Those Levi's are what I would call one of your wardrobe icons for sure -- a super classic pair of jeans that can be styled so many ways. Same with the tees. The aren't necessarily showy, but they are important players in every show they're in. Classic, simple style in colours that flatter you and work with the rest of your wardrobe. And then there are the special players that add that extra spark -- the pleather pants (I love that they've been such a great addition for you!), the red skirt, the lilac trench, etc.  I'm glad you feeling some of the heaviness of the last couple of years lifting. I see the road ahead getting increasingly difficult for my own parents and it gets weighty indeed.  Carla on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269711 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:57:21 +0000 Carla 2269711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I really like your recent acquisitions, and totally get where you’re coming from!</div><div> </div>I’ve been hemming and hawing about writing a mid year review, though I didn’t set any goals at the start of the year.  Your review is pretty close to where I’ve been.  Cool spring, lots of therapeutic time in the garden (and the gym for me).  I feel like I’m just now coming out of a period of mourning precipitated by the pandemic and compounded by issues with aging parents - my father’s long illness and death this past fall, and my mother’s move into an assisted living facility.  Churn has been low, though - 22 items added (basics, mostly navy) and 6 items edited (5 garbage/worn out - one donated after an upgrade). Will probably skip further summer shopping now, except maybe some thrifting that is more recreational than needs based! :-)<div> </div><div>Most worn items in the past 6 months: t-shirts: 15+ wears each of 4 colour ways, and jeans 40 wears EACH 3 identical pair - ‘cause gardening and yard chores!  Surprise/wildcard: green pleather pants purchased December 2022 with 12 wears already.  </div> CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269710 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:55:03 +0000 CarolS 2269710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Style Fan! I haven't gotten a ton of wear from the sneakers yet, but I think they will play a big role in late summer/warm fall dressing.  Style Fan on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269706 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:42:53 +0000 Style Fan 2269706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a great capsule there.  The cognac sneakers are cute.  I haven't seen them around here. CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269701 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:24:47 +0000 CarolS 2269701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Angie -- therapeutic is a good word for it! And lighten and brighten and florals are making me happy to get dressed. You're right that I did find some decent eyewear options a while back, but nothing that made me hear angels sing. Maybe will start looking again this fall. Looking forward to the swimsuit post! CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269698 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:15:16 +0000 CarolS 2269698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Rachy -- I feel like it's reasonably functional. Being more deliberate about these capsules is definitely making it easier to get dressed. I also have a little olive capsule that I didn't mention here because it's from last year - but I find it pretty easy to integrate with the rest. Angie on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269697 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:15:04 +0000 Angie 2269697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Solid plan! Focused, and therapeutic, I'm sure.  LOVING the lighten and brighten :) Having fun with florals is fab!  Swimsuit post scheduled for this week so take a peek.  And from what I can remember - you found great eyewear options. But I guess they weren't right in some way. Next!  CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269694 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 20:07:31 +0000 CarolS 2269694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you LJP -- I'm enjoying the addition of white sandals. And frankly, the fact they are nylon or whatever they are means I don't mind wearing them even in the rain. Floral top is Winner/Marshalls, as are the other two I haven't created finds for yet. I am really happy with the colours! And this is an example of smocking working for me because it just helps keep it a bit tidy around the neck and shoulders while being forgiving in the middle. :-) I miss seeing you, too! It has been a woefully long break from the gym. I am desperate for them to offer an evening class that would work for me, but, well, nothing is hitting the mark. Excuses, excuses. One day I will show up! LJP on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269687 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 19:36:57 +0000 LJP 2269687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those white Tevas are cute . I could justify a pair of casual white sandals next summer … Also really like that flora sleeveless top . Where did you fine it ? I agree that our late summer weather has meant that half my summer clothing has yet to be touched. However , I found too that because it remained SO chilly for so long that none of my spring / early summer jackets got worn . Strangest weather this year ! Btw - miss seeing your smiling face at the gym rachylou on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269684 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 19:11:41 +0000 rachylou 2269684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds solid. I must contemplate the concept of complements more. I have a love/hate relationship with olive, but have acquired a little capsule of olive items… CarolS on "2022 Goals: Mid-Year Review" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-goals-mid-year-review#post-2269672 Sun, 03 Jul 2022 16:19:51 +0000 CarolS 2269672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Checking in to assess where I'm at in relation to the goals and guidelines I set for myself at the start of the year. This spring has thrown a few curveballs.. Cool and wet weather combined with continued WFH has meant limited need for any of what I have purchased. More importantly, my mom's breast cancer diagnosis has pulled a great deal of time and attention -- although I have used shopping (and returning, and shopping again) as a diversion strategy. Gardening has been the other diversion, so no dressing up there!  GUIDING PRINCIPLES Remember it’s not over yet — ...Until I have a better sense of where things will settle (both body and life in general, frankly) I’d rather have a small collection of clothes that work well together than a lot that don’t. This means still trying to exercise some restraint ... HAHAHA! I have been buying too much -- and am now working on taking myself in hand and returning things I don't really love or need. I lost a couple of the pounds I added on over the winter, but with everything else going on further weight loss is not my priority -- will be happy to just hold where I am. Re-use what I can — My closet includes a wide variety of sizes from the journey to my heaviest weight. Where it makes sense, I will make use of those pieces while I work on building my wardrobe... I'm getting use out of a few older pieces, although mostly for gardening or other messier activities.  Be complementary :-) — Enhancing some of my existing complements will help me pull cohesive looks together. I’m thinking cream/white, burgundy, toffee/cognac and maybe grey/pewter/silver . I've made some progress here. I now have a few nicely interchangeable summer complements that include: <ul> <li>White -- I've added white footwear, a white linen trucker-style jacket and several white tops in a variety of styles. I have a couple of pairs of white jeans and brought home a pair of pale beige cotton pants to consider adding. These replace a synthetic pair I had shown the forum a while ago but returned after deciding I'd rather have cotton.</li> <li>Cognac/toffee -- added cognac sandals, a bag and linen topper. I just brought home a pair of linen-blend cropped pants in the same hue, but haven't decided if I can justify keeping them yet. Also have a pair of toffee and white cigarette style pants.</li> <li>Navy /blue-- I bought and returned a few tops in navy and white or various shades of blue but have ended up with a good little navy capsule -- navy linen pants, a darkish-wash denim jacket and the chambray shirt I found not long ago. I've got a navy and white striped tee from a couple of summers ago. I recently brought home two other navy items still under evaluation -- a solidy linen top with an interesting sleeve and a very basic tank. I kept a pair of light blue linen pants, too, for hot summer wear.</li> <li>Floral - I don't know if this is a 'complement' or not, but I have picked up a few colourful polyester floral shells that work with absolutely everything. I had purchased a few colourful solids as well, but have returned almost all of them. The florals are forgiving of spills and smudges, making them a no fuss option that also makes me feel and look alive.</li> <li>I am very pleased with how all of the above works together. </li> </ul> Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.  I think the bigger challenge for me is to learn to hold out for at least CLOSER to perfect!! Treat black as an ensemble player — VICTORY -I haven't worn black much this spring/summer. I bought one black tank that I haven't needed yet and am on the fence about a skirt with a black and cream pattern. Lighten up — I hope to introduce a greater variety of lighter neutrals to wear with black and the brighter colours covered in my next point. I've been successful here! In addition to the white and cognac complements, I've also added lightweight cotton pants in charcoal and cool brown/taupe that are both going to be workhorses in my summer closet. Brighten up — While I like the quiet simplicity of wearing neutrals, sometimes I want something more vibrant. Um, my bright floral tanks definitely meet this goal! I also have a couple of colourful toppers under consideration -- a little orange shrug-type cardigan, and inexpensive magenta cardigan, and a couple of longer cardigans (sorry, still like em long...) in a bright green and golden yellow that I found it hard to walk away from. Yeah, not very minimal, I know...  Be thrifty — I haven't tried my luck at thrifting yet.  Be pragmatic where it matters — ...I need a strong cast of ensemble players that are versatile enough to play dressy or casual, office or (gasp) evening out. I think I've got enough variety to meet these needs for my casual lifestyle. The only hole would be a very formal event, but since there are none on the horizon... Be playful — I don’t want to take myself or my wardrobe too seriously. I’ll keep an eye out for playful patterns and colours that will work with my basics and neutrals. My flowery pants and new floral tanks fit the bill here! A FEW WORDS TO LIVE BY... Easy, elegant, simple, playful, timeless, creative, intelligent, functional, confident, carefree...Not sure there's a lot of elegant here, but easy, simple, playful, functional, carefree are in evidence. SOME KNOWN 2022 NEEDS <ul> <li>New eyewear - no progress</li> <li>Workout gear - still limping along with the old</li> <li>Sleeveless tops for ‘hot summer’ - SORTED</li> <li>Lightweight bottoms for ‘hot summer’ — MORE than sorted</li> <li>Mid-weight knit tops for early spring and mid to late fall - reasonably well sorted for now</li> <li>A few pairs of casual-ish pants (suitable for the office if needed) - sorted for summer. Still need to figure out fall/winter.</li> <li>A blazer — I’d like to find a light- to mid-weight, light coloured, slightly oversized blazer to dress up jeans or wear to the office. Not a priority, but keeping eyes open for the right one. I have lots of colourful ones under consideration in the meantime.</li> <li>An oversized denim-look shirt — SORTED with my Talbot's chambray shirt.</li> <li>Jeans - Nothing urgent here. Might add a pair in a dark wash at some point.</li> <li>Swimsuit - Still working on this. Came close on a couple of colourful one-pieces but decided to be picky. I kept a simple black one so I at least have something basic in the meantime.</li> </ul> ********************************************************************************* I feel like I am pretty well sorted for summer clothes at this point, although, due to the cool and rainy start to our spring and summer I might not get enough summer or enough occasions to actually wear it all!  Still need to create finds for some pieces. The next challenge will be to figure out my office wear needs for this fall and winter. I don't feel terribly well sorted on that front. If you’ve stayed with me this far, thanks for reading. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome!!!