https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:34:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses/page/2#post-2298926 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:52:27 +0000 Suz 2298926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn, </b>what a nice way to put it. It's definitely a joyful hobby -- I guess those of us who love fabrics and textures and pattern and colour are bringing all those things to the world, right? I think about the pleasure I derive from seeing a well dressed or interestingly dressed person on the street. Person can be any age, any gender, any race&nbsp; -- I just love it! So maybe I can bring someone else a bit of joy as well as myself -- and that is no small thing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks, <b>slim cat </b>and <b>Sal </b>-- I appreciate your generous thoughts!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses/page/2#post-2298923 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:38:03 +0000 Jenn 2298923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>you know I keep a reasonably small and conscientious wardrobe, but I still agree with this:</p> <p><i>And honestly -- some movement in a closet is part of what an interest in fashion and style entails<br /></i><br />Enjoying fashion and honing your personal style, even with missteps and mistakes and even emotional purchasing, isn't the same as hauling home bags of fast fashion each week or consuming for the sake of consumption.</p> <p>I've been filling out my 2023 planner this week--a Moleskine with space at the start for life goals in different areas--and one of the sections was "Passions." I know Moleskine puts out a line of "Passion" journals focused on things like cooking, travel, wine, books, film, wellness etc. Thinking about it in those terms made me realize that style&nbsp;<i>is&nbsp;<b></b></i><b></b>a passion and is just as valid as those other pursuits (some of which I also claim).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses/page/2#post-2298921 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 18:35:06 +0000 slim cat 2298921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great análisis and pretty good results considering still very challenging year of 2022. I would say that you are always look very stylish and put together even when you showing things that didn't quite worked for you. Hope the new year will be successful in every way - clothes/purchases included . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298903 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:51:58 +0000 Sal 2298903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this Suz! Interesting reading and I can relate to your feelings with the so close but not quite right. I am tall with more real estate but my misses are often loosey goosey pieces too.</p> <p>You are a supportive and inspirational form member and stylish woman. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298899 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 17:16:21 +0000 Suz 2298899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie</b>, thank you. I completely agree -- a balloon jean or barrel jean is a great style for me. I loved the shape of these and would happily add a pair in blue, grey, or white. Or even a bright, like red! Or burgundy, for fall. Or a pattern! They were super fun to wear. Mr. Suz loved them, too. So I will continue the hunt for the right pair.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298883 Fri, 30 Dec 2022 16:22:28 +0000 Angie 2298883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always, <b>Suz</b>, your writing and thoughts are a pleasure to read! And you're looking better than ever :)</p> <p>I'm sooo with <b>Jaime</b> - I don't see these as mistakes. Fits, colours and fabrics can feel off only AFTER we road test them a few times. Despite our best thoughtful intentions. It's okay! We tried, and now we know....</p> <p>I LOVE straight, fluid and boxy fits!!! My best!! But oversized and "loosey goosey" in the<i> wrong way&nbsp;</i>is not for me either. I can't feel fab in the vibe, and avoid it entirely. I get it!&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't wear olive pants anymore either - or solid olive for that matter. High five!&nbsp;</p> <p>I DO think there is room for the right balloon and barrel BLUE jean though :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298698 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 16:31:05 +0000 Suz 2298698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Bijou</b>, yes, I think with online shopping, even if you develop an excellent routine for returns, it can be tempting to keep an item that is an "almost" -- especially if you have to pay for returns. I'm about to post a few reviews that raise that problem in another thread!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Janet,</b> I've been so envious of your wonderful trip! I loved the Christmas season in New York and also love Quebec City. I love it out here but sometimes I really miss the east! With the pandemic, we have hardly travelled... anyway, no wonder you have not had time to reflect on the closet. Some years, December just isn't the right time. You'll figure out a better moment to fit it in. Anyway, you are so right that some mistakes are inevitable. Especially if we are trying to branch out, or use up a credit, something like that.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenni,</b> I'm so glad you have stopped beating yourself up! Your closet is definitely more sustainable and in your control than when you joined the forum! You have a perfect sense of what you own, how much you use it, why you keep it, and what you would like to add! You're one of the best wardrobe managers on the forum now!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298682 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 15:01:58 +0000 Bijou 2298682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is so interesting to read your analysis, as I can see that I have made many of the same mistakes in 2022. From your WIWs, your wardrobe misses have been few, the wardrobe mistakes were close to being right for your style, but just slightly missed the mark. The wardrobe workhorses have been outstanding additions as have your wildcard items, tulle skirt and leather jacket.</p> <p>Covid has meant for me I have bought more online and as a result have settled with items that if I had tried in store, would not have come home with me. In 2023 I need to exercise discipline in only buying items that are perfect, whether online or in store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298678 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:33:20 +0000 Janet 2298678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, your analysis is so strong! Well done on doing this review. I’m a bit daunted by doing a similar project, but my brain has been overly full of home renovation, holiday travel, and a bit of work too. </p> <p>I think that even with a slightly higher “mistake” rate you’re still doing really well. I’m sure that in terms of percentages, most of us have made at least as many “mistakes.” Quite honestly, sometimes it’s really impossible to know whether things will work out — shoes that don’t pass the long-term comfort test, knits that pill or stretch, pants that bag out… and then there are items you think you have to have, which don’t get worn for whatever reason! I certainly have my share from this year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298650 Thu, 29 Dec 2022 07:52:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 2298650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks about the consignment jacket. I really liked that one. I feel better about passing on thrifted things with possibly fewer than #30 wears as I feel -well they already exist in circulation. But if I can wear them that much first I feel even better. I am liking the charity thrift stores more than the for-profit secondhand stores but do use both and donate to both- the for-profit one provides the easy “clothing bins” which also do rag recycling. I have benefited from the for-profit one going back many years when the girls were teenagers wanting new dresses for teenage dances. And they do make some monetary donations to the Child Cancer Foundation as well, perhaps not as much as some people think.<br /> I still make some mistakes. Even after over 5 years on the forum! So happy my mistakes are fewer though. It feels like I am more sustainable than I was before. I don’t beat myself up.<br /> There are worse hobbies and money-wasters for sure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298558 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:23:40 +0000 Suz 2298558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Jussie</b>! Duplicates in a different colour -- that's where I sometimes run into what you describe above. In theory, both colours should work, but in practice, I wear one way more and the other languishes. I've stopped doing it very often but now and again I fall prey, especially if items are on sale. Hmmm.</p> <p><b>Dee</b> -- desperation purchases are the worst! In this case, I really, really, really needed new jeans! And just could not find a pair that met all my criteria. Jeans are every day work from home wear for me so I understand, after so many try-ons and returns, I finally kept a pair that <b>seemed</b> to tick my boxes....but I wasn't being discerning enough. I guess those mistakes can really happen to anyone.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Robin,</b> thank you. Yes, I wore everything but the kimono, so it's not a total loss. And most of these are in good enough condition to donate and live happily in someone else's closet, so there is that.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cardiff Girl,</b> that is very wise, to avoid the sales except for items you already know you want. I think it must prevent a lot of errors. Another lesson to integrate into my list of lessons!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298556 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 16:02:30 +0000 jussie 2298556@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s also tricky when something is nice, and in theory a good purchase, but you don’t wear it simply because you have other things that are even nicer! So it sits unused even though there’s nothing wrong with it. Talk about “first world problems” ;). your wardrobe is looking great, and frankly it sounds like you made very few mistakes this year. And you gave them a decent try before writing them off, then analysed why they were mistakes so… pretty good strategy overall! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298545 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 14:09:30 +0000 Dee 2298545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another insightful assessment of your wardrobe Suz, the words "desperate purchase" resonated with me, as I've done that myself and these compromises rarely work out in the end.</p> <p>I also identified with the idea of having a closet full of perfectly good clothes yet feeling the need for some updates but still concerned about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. For me thats a biggie, as I want to avoid making too many purchasing errors going forward. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298540 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 13:18:16 +0000 RobinF 2298540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis! I think you can lose the guilt about the mistakes since most were worn, at least for a while.&nbsp;</p> <p>All of your new purchases are great, the white boots and patent loafers are especially nice and will be well worn I am sure. So satisfying when a new purchase fits seamlessly into the wardrobe.</p> <p>I agree with you that rush purchases can end up being a mistake, and about sometimes just needing something new to add excitement to my wardrobe. Such great points. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298523 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 09:39:48 +0000 Cardiff girl 2298523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been looking forward to your analysis on your mistakes.It Can be very hard sometimes to understand &nbsp;why something is a mistake because we obviously don’t buy &nbsp;clothes unless we like them so it’s really useful to hear your experience,and thoughts,thank you.<br />l don’t buy sale things anymore unless l have been stalking an item ,,buying things because l think that lshould have them in my wardrobe and buying things in a rush because l have a voucher or an event always leads to mistakes for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298484 Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:00:41 +0000 Suz 2298484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rachy,</b> maybe too far out is where I need to go! :)&nbsp; I guess we will see in the year ahead.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Minaminu,</b> yes, I need at least some structure. But i am enjoying some looser silhouettes in denim.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suntiger,</b> those are nifty clips! Barettes for your blouse!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joy, </b>I'm not surprised you also find too oversized items difficult to wear. Yet at the same time you need some ease and extra for coverage of the glucose meter. It's a never-ending task to find the right balance, it seems!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298410 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:20:57 +0000 Anonymous 2298410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dear Suz, your mistakes were eye opening. For example most of my unworn items are " loosely goosey" especially a few poncho type toppers. &nbsp;They are one- size fits all (but too big on me). So even if they are good colors they do not get worn to justify keeping them. I gravitate to too loose because that is what I have worn most of my life. &nbsp;It also hides my glucose meter. &nbsp;Another mistake is too loose sweaters for me.<div>&nbsp;I also need to spend more on footwear to get the colors and comfort that I need.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298406 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:11:07 +0000 Anonymous 2298406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had the same issue with loosey goosey tops this year. I just bought a couple of these as an attempt to make them more fitted. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/633635542/midnight-spark-cinch-clip-clothing-cinch?ref=share_v4_lx" rel="nofollow">https://www.etsy.com/listing/6.....hare_v4_lx</a><br /> It should warm up enough this week to wear blouses instead of sweaters so will report back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298404 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 15:59:49 +0000 Minaminu 2298404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great summary and reflections! I can see why loose items were not a successful for you as I imagine that you feel more at home with a structured look which works for your gamine look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298355 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 04:08:33 +0000 rachylou 2298355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have this elusive thought at the back of my mind, darting in and out… you know when you need a bit of style freshening, but a purchase takes you too far out… but you don’t know it until you’re, well, too far out… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298353 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 03:58:09 +0000 Suz 2298353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awww, <b>Jaime,</b> you are such a brilliant dresser and so knowledgeable and thoughtful in how you mix and match. Thank you. Also, I am 100% with you on the return to BF jeans -- that is one way I have handled the looser silhouette, too. They just plain work for me, so why not?&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sarah, </b>SO true about the footwear -- it is HUGE. How did I not understand this before? Or rather, how did I miss out on this? (Actually, I know how; flats are super hard for me to fit and the shoe needs to be slip on to work for at home for me...so I did in fact experiment a few times and just did not find the right shoe. Now I will feel more confident to keep looking.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, it's really interesting that you relate to the "loosey goosey" comments. We are about the same height and work from home a lot. I guess we just don't want to feel as if we are in our robes all day....I really appreciate your comment about that "louche" 20s stye being both attractive and a potential danger to us -- that was a lightbulb moment. Many thanks.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298336 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:49:12 +0000 Jaime 2298336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much to think about Suz. I am very against all the guilt about mistakes. Style is a perfectly legitimate hobby/pastime/avocation or whatever you want to call it and time and money spent on it are no more wasted than time and money spent following a sports team (tickets and merch), fly fishing, skiing or collecting art - just to name a few "acceptable" and expensive things people do. So let's call them experiments and remember we learn as much from disproving the hypotheses as proving it. Your style has been absolutely fabulous this year, and you have inspired me and many others with your ideas and thoughtful comments. So thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298331 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 02:05:23 +0000 LJP 2298331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Suz, I absolutely agree . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298328 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 01:27:01 +0000 SarahD8 2298328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I relate very much to the "loosey-goosey" mistake theme. I am drawn to items that are fluid, easy, and even a bit louche (in line with that 1920s aesthetic that I think we both intersect with a bit). But if they are TOO unstructured they're just wrong on me. It can be a tough balance!</p> <p>Great idea to analyze your workhorses as well as "mistakes." I will ponder the same, I think it could be really useful for me. Also how satisfying are SURPRISE workhorses??? As a fellow WFH person I love that you've found a WFH shoe that is making that part of your wardrobe come together.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298311 Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:29:25 +0000 Suz 2298311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa,</b>.keeping track of what I buy each year and what I retire allows me to see patterns over time (esp. having it all in Finds). How many items am I buying as compared to the number I'm passing along? Why am I buying the items I'm buying? Why am I passing things along?&nbsp; It&nbsp; keeps me more accountable to myself.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not good with spreadsheets, and don't really care about CPW, per se, (though I do want to get value for money) --&nbsp; but I did track wears for about 6 months some years ago, and I've just embarked on a new phase of doing so. The information I gleaned that first time around really helped me figure out where it is ok for me to spend money because I depend on these items to add currency to my style and I will wear them to death within a few seasons (jeans, footwear); where I could consider wearing what I already own rather than buying something new (dressy tops); and where I should consider shopping consignment, super discount sales, or fast fashion if what I want is a fun new statement (blazers, some coats). </p> <p>I do sometimes feel a bit of guilt about letting some things go...if I paid a lot and didn't wear it much, I feel twinges, for sure! But mostly I just figure -- if it is in good shape, someone else really will enjoy it (after all, I buy consignment myself and enjoy the items I buy!) and if it is worn out or not decent quality to begin with, well, what am I feeling guilty about? The manufacturer is the one who ought to feel guilty about that, LOL.&nbsp;</p> <p>And honestly -- some movement in a closet is part of what an interest in fashion and style entails. I don't want to ignore the problems of the planet, but really...this is hardly the <b>most </b>damaging habit we could have, nor are the people on this forum the most excessive fashionistas. I have a lot of clothes by many people's standards but I do not have a houseful of shoes, despite the fact that Mr. Suz calls me Imelda. :)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carla, </b>I am so delighted to be your suit twin and I feel exactly as you do about its travel possibilities!! We, too, are hoping for a really nice trip this year and I will certainly bring it!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298297 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:34:37 +0000 LJP 2298297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh also - I really appreciate your attitude toward passing things along . It’s far more pragmatic and even positive than the beating-oneself - up approach . You’ve encouraged me to see it this way myself - which will make it easier to cull out the old professional work clothes I no longer want nor need . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298295 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:32:44 +0000 LJP 2298295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting , thanks for taking the time to put this together . I am putting together a review of my own tonight and will share more of my thoughts on changing silhouettes in 2022 . I also appreciate how you’ve created a file for “retirements “ - I can see how it will be useful . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298282 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:03:19 +0000 Suz 2298282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina</b>, that's a great way to look at it -- mistakes are balanced by those items that become workhorses. In fact, it's literally true in terms of wears. I have SO MANY WEARS of the loafers already...they have more than paid for the items that did not work out!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>kkards </b>-- so true. And you are also right about the changed lifestyle/ climate. It's been several years since I moved, but I'm still getting used to my new locale and still adjusting.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenni,</b> thank you, and yes! That was the consignment jacket. I really loved it. It's very warm (a winter only item here) and such a fun cut with the flared sleeve and nipped in waist. I wore it a <b>TON</b> the first two years I had it. But during the pandemic it didn't see much action and now I want to move it along to make room for other statement jackets. Someone else will really enjoy it, I'm sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think your point about wearing the newer items like crazy before adding to the closet is really key. If you've worn the old stuff a lot, there is less guilt about letting it hang about almost unworn for a year or two. At the same time, I think I'm ready to challenge myself this year to wear my mostly unworn items (apart from special occasion pieces.) So that will be one of my goals!&nbsp; Thanks for helping me to work that through!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298280 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:01:09 +0000 Carla 2298280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I feel like I’m in a dark room, trying to find the door out - when it comes to personal style. &nbsp;2022 has been like that. &nbsp;I agree with you and&nbsp;<b>LJP&nbsp;</b>that like it or not, new/changing silhouettes are moving into mainstream, and not all the shapes are going to work with what we have in our working closets or gel with our personal style. &nbsp;Sorting through what is available, mistakes and successes, are all a part of the creative problem solving that makes fashion-as-self-expression so much fun. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>PS: BIG THANK YOU for ‘sharing’ all the info about the Liverpool suit. &nbsp;I’m deliriously happy with it. &nbsp;In part because it looks so good, and in part for everything it&nbsp;<i>represents (<u></u></i>embodying&nbsp;my hopes and dreams for some travel in 2023!)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-review-part-2-mistakes-and-workhorses#post-2298274 Mon, 26 Dec 2022 21:45:26 +0000 Irina 2298274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I knew how to avoid mistakes. But I think mistakes are balanced by items that became workhorses. And you did well refreshing your wardrobe.&nbsp; </p>