https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:58:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2300266 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:52:12 +0000 SarahD8 2300266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, great point about weight gain being uneven. In fairness the sizing up I have been doing has not necessarily involved the same brands/styles as my smaller-sized pants so maybe they are just cut different. But the point remains that it may take some trial and error to fit new proportions, so thanks for that reminder.</p> <p>Glad that you found my post thought-provoking, do tell if you have any Plan A/Plan B insights! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299946 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 20:36:16 +0000 CarolS 2299946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah, I love your "aha" about "your" version of something -- sounds like a concept worth delving into! My version of a red lip used to be a somewhat brownish/brick red. I don't think I have one anymore as I haven't worn lipstick since possibly before the pandemic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, my personal observation about hormone-related weight gain and fit. The taunt is that it is often not proportional, so a larger size of the same pant is often not the answer -- as you say, suddenly you find yourself in pants that are too big. I know I need to find specific cuts/styles/proportions that fit at the waist but don't swim in the seat. I'm sure it goes without saying that elastic is my friend. And I can totally relate to something fitting but not looking like I want it to!</p> <p>I haven't gone to the link yet, but I like the Plan A/Plan B concept you describe. Might be something there I could use!!</p> <p>Thanks for a very thought=provoking post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299890 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:15:12 +0000 SarahD8 2299890@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Zaeobi</b> your version of bedpost dressing sounds sensible and organized! Mine is chaotic and schlubby, which is why I try to avoid it. Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to consistently make the time to plan outfits on the weekend for the week ahead, so I don't think adding the task of arranging outfits inside my closet would help the situation. I can relate to the nervousness about swimming indoors during COVID! I do worry about it, but it's where I've decided to "spend most of my risk points" for now...</p> <p><b>SF</b>, yes, that makes sense re: how you use Angie's picks! I'm hoping the "my version of" mantra will help me persevere when I am drawn to a look/trend/etc. but find that initial attempts at carrying it out don't suit me. Rather than write it off, try to find my version, if that makes sense.</p> <p><b>rachylou</b> glad to have provided food for thought!</p> <p><b>Angie</b> thanks as always for your positive take! You are right that we had quite wild weather in 2022. Hard to be prepared for every possible eventuality in that department! I'll just take it as a useful prompt to pay more attention to a somewhat neglected part of my wardrobe. And good reminder to be PROMPT about alterations!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299382 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:07:50 +0000 Angie 2299382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8,</b> we had a bizarre year of weather in Seattle in 2022: </p> <ul> <li>Winter until June, and VERY wet</li> <li>Virtually no Spring, and another hot Summer (third year in a row)</li> <li>Summer till the end of OCTOBER. It's laughable....</li> <li>No Autumm</li> <li>Straight into a cold and frozen Winter in Nov and Dec</li> </ul> <p>.....it's no wonder that shopping for the in-season was tricky! </p> <p>Soooo with you on shopping, refreshing, planning, and prepping for the seasons<i> ahead</i>. It's a safer and more effective strategy these days!</p> <p>LOVE that you gave old necklaces a layered new life!</p> <p>I've found that having alterations done fast so that items are wearable is key. I stick to three options: Nordstrom where my alterations are free because of card status. The dry cleaners down the road for simple alterations. And sometimes I can alter an item myself. Hope you find time to have your fab stuff altered too.</p> <p>It's possible to be in-between sizes with bottoms, and that's annoying! Let us know if we can help you locate a style, brand or silhouette that can ft the way you want it to.&nbsp; </p> <p>We are all finding our way back after three years of pandemic. You are doing great :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299365 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 16:16:40 +0000 rachylou 2299365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have given me something to chew on - active attentiveness. Deep *hmm.* Happy New Year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299335 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:56:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2299335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"doing my own thing" and "doing my version of a thing." </p> <p>I see a huge difference between those two. I’ve mentioned before that I use Angie’s picks to pull items from my closet, rather than getting exactly the pieces featured. Doing my own thing entirely would mean not looking at her posts at all. By definition, the items in my closet will suit me, so if they line up with things she’s posted, it’s with a Stag twist. Berries are my version of red, my version of stompy boots are fitted in the ankles, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299279 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 01:37:32 +0000 Zaeobi 2299279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also employ Bedpost Dressing, but with hangers on the back of my door (I shared a photo of it here, but can't remember if it was on your thread or elsewhere?) This makes it easier to have space for the week's clothes plus any extra components for outfits (e.g. my gym clothes, loungewear &amp; coat).<br /> Maybe what @Cat2 mentioned (arranging outfits inside your closet) could help? Maybe identify certain things that can help tweak an outfit to different situations too (e.g. if it's colder than anticipated, I add a cardigan or underlayer to my pre-hung look. If the event is dressier, I have a go-to scarf). </p> <p>I also employ what @runcarla &amp; @SF have mentioned in the past about redressing from the prehung pile (if something is 'clirty' aka not dirty enough to go in the wash yet, I keep it on the hangers to try to remix it into a later outfit (either for this or next week) - the usual culprits for this are bottoms). </p> <p>I stopped swimming because of COVID, must get back to it! But now the outdoor pool is closed, not sure how I feel about doing it trapped indoors with the potential for more COVID, lol... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299271 Mon, 02 Jan 2023 01:07:49 +0000 SarahD8 2299271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SF technically it's the high footboard of my bed too. Except when footboard is pressed into service as a drying rack for sweaters as it is now. That is one hard-working footboard! Yes, you and I both march to the beat of our own style drums for sure! Maybe I'm splitting hairs, but to me there is a subtle and rather intriguing difference between "doing my own thing" and "doing my version of a thing." Will ponder/explore further.</p> <p>Jaime yes I relate to the body changes day by day too! I think I need to come up with a set off FFBOs but also FIFBOs (fast I feel bloated outfits). Lol! But also for real.</p> <p>Dee so glad my musings rang true to you. And THANK YOU for mentioning the idea of "is it that I don't actually want to wear it or do I just need to make a smidge more effort?" That will be a really useful question for me to keep in mind.</p> <p>Sal, so so true that this is an individual path for everyone. Grateful to have your wisdom and that of the collective here to draw on along the way.</p> <p>Cat2 fab to have a solution that works for you! I like the idea of planning for a week of wear but inevitably something comes up on the weekend and I don't get it done and then I'm scrambling... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299242 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 18:34:51 +0000 cat2 2299242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love bedpost dressing! I like planning for a week of wear, but I am not a morning person, and found it only works for me if I actually hang the pieces for an outfit together in the closet. Once I pick one I can pull it together enough to add jewelry and accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299237 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:54:52 +0000 Sal 2299237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an honest thoughtful post. Lots of things that we can all relate to. </p> <p>I think many of us need constant reminding that our life, climate, home, life situation, shape, face, budget and tastes are different than everyone else. We do have to work out our own path to wardrobe zen. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299194 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:56:57 +0000 Dee 2299194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another great wrap-up with lots of good observations, but&nbsp;<i>“what I think I want to wear vs. what I ACTUALLY want to wear” </i>&nbsp;rang so true for me. It might be a little bit of that imaginary lifestyle or maybe just not making enough of an effort, I’m not sure why that happens.<br />I also identified with the “my version’ of items and rediscovering new ways to wear some unworn items. It’s great wearing the things we actually went to the trouble of purchasing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299142 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 02:44:00 +0000 Jaime 2299142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many great points Sarah! I love what you said about red lipstick - I completely relate to the endless quest to be a red lipstick person. My clothes fit differently day by day, particularly in the waist, so pre-planning outfits is really never going to work for me. Living life on Plan B speaks to me. And Suz's quote - which I take to mean live it up whatever you are doing right now. No way out but through indeed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299137 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 02:14:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2299137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So funny about transitional season pieces. They could be worn more than any high summer or deep winter items, but are so easy to give short shrift to! </p> <p>My mom always referred to the high footboard of my bed as my “clothesline” because I used it much as you do your bedpost. As a matter of fact, I’m in my childhood bed right now, and that footboard is once again strewn with clothes. </p> <p>I quite agree with getting your version of anything, but I guess you know that about me already. I’ve been trying to picture you in bright red lipstick, and really can’t do it. </p> <p>I’m with you and Suz on occasions and the fit between lifestyle and wardrobe. I’ve actually advised my son to consider that when choosing a career field. If you are young and trying to decide between multiple options available to you, why not pick one that you’ll enjoy day to day. If you need a regular sleep schedule, maybe don’t be an ER doc. If you hate wearing suits with ties, a career in finance might not be your best choice, etc. </p> <p>On meno weight gain and sizing: what annoyed me the most was how spongey my waist got. It was no longer clear what my measurement was—there were various options that all seemed “real”, without sucking it in or any other weirdness, and they differed by several inches! I take it by your use of “peri” that you are at the start of the ride. Hang on, and don’t fear—it does end. I don’t think it is the sole reason, or even the main one, for all the weight I gained a decade ago, but it certainly contributed. The weight is gone now; life didn’t end. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299125 Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:58:17 +0000 SarahD8 2299125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, glad this is good food for thought! And thanks for the transcript tip!</p> <p>Roberta, yes! I've recently returned to swimming too after a pandemic hiatus. No effect on the waistline (yet???) but swimming is also its own reward. Very wise about just biting the bullet and wearing the proper size (now just need to figure out what that is).</p> <p>Kkards so glad you could relate to this! And glad you will be watching to see how I go, that should keep me on the straight and narrow.</p> <p>LJP I think we are on the same wavelength these days for sure. Hoping the pieces fall into place for both of us in 2023! (Am on my phone and first typed 3023...oh dear, that's a long wait!)</p> <p>Vildy I didn't post many cold weather WIWs last year but I'll try to post a pic of that white sweater in the coming weeks. It's truly aces!</p> <p>Suz, love that quote! And sometimes you can manufacture an occasion. Yes, that motivation to wear more of the closet like you describe is one of the things that I'm hoping for from tracking. Will be interesting to see what we both discover. And I'm hoping to think about "my version of" not just in terms of items but in terms of looks/trends, if that makes any sense.</p> <p>Jussie I think "bedpost dressing" might be my coinage but everyone seems to know just what I mean. Funny, that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299105 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 23:26:47 +0000 jussie 2299105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“Bedpost dressing”!! I love that term and have never heard it before. Thanks- you’ve educated me!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299094 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:46:36 +0000 Suz 2299094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thoughtful analysis! Your structured experiments in the summer were a great way to reinvigorate your style! You figured out new ways to wear old favourites and had fun in the process. Brilliant!&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like your realization about "my version of" X. (Confession, I've never been able to wear a bright red lip, either.) I think if we consider most of these "must haves" in terms of <b>function</b> rather than as specific items, it all becomes clearer. Does every woman need to have a red lipstick? No, but if she wears lipstick at all, she <b>might</b> want one vibrant and flattering lipstick suitable for evening wear.&nbsp; Does every woman need a "little black dress"?&nbsp; Even if she looks and feels like death in black? Of course not! But she probably does need an outfit that can fulfill the many functions of a LBD -- it might be a skirt and top rather than a dress, it might be a pantsuit, it might be blue or chocolate brown or burgundy instead of black. But it will be neutral and versatile and at least a little bit dressy.&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't tracked wears in a long time but I have also returned to that and plan to do it for 6 months at least -- maybe a year or more. I hope to identify with greater precision what I'm actually wearing; I have a fairly&nbsp; clear sense of that already, but I hope to get even more granular. I also hope to wear a few of the items I tend to neglect when I am not tracking, either by challenging myself to wear them, or simply by trying new outfit combos. (It's a bit like calorie counting that way....I don't count calories but research suggests that when we do, we become much more aware of what we're putting in our mouths and tend to govern ourselves differently as a result.) And I hope the information I get will also help me continue with the thorough edit I promised for this past year and only completed in part.&nbsp;</p> <p>"What I think I want to wear vs. what I actually wear" -- ah yes. The perennial issue. On the other hand, as you also note, it can take a while for newer items to move into rotation. You don't have the support act ,or you can't imagine the lifestyle situation in which they will work -- until you <b>do </b>imagine it or it arises, you create an outfit for that occasion, and you're off! Then suddenly you don't know how you did without the item that only a week ago was languishing.&nbsp;</p> <p>On a related note,&nbsp; I loved something I read in the Times the other day:&nbsp;</p> <p>“I was in a vintage shop with my friend Max and saw a sequined top. I remarked to him that I wouldn’t have anywhere to wear such a sparkly top in my current life but that I would love to. He replied simply, ‘Choose a different lifestyle.’ I’ve thought about these words every day since.” — Monica Tanouye, London</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299092 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:39:23 +0000 Vildy 2299092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On all those must have lists there is often "a version of" item.&nbsp; I love how you have <b>MY </b>version!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;" a white short-sleeved sweater with a pointelle yoke that gives it a fair isle effect" sounds right up my alley, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299090 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:22:21 +0000 LJP 2299090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - so much of what you wrote is “ me too “ . Size , weight , shape - all changes this year and I don’t know what I’m doing . I too have fretted about not doing more mending , fixing , upkeep etc ….when exactly will I do these things ? I know I should , but what gets dropped so I can invest the time needed ? Oh and the red lipstick ?? Agh - I almost bought a new one thinking this would be my holiday season look and I’m glad I didn’t . I cannot wear red lipstick . It makes me look 100 years old . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299089 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 20:57:03 +0000 kkards 2299089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg, i suffer from this as well&nbsp;<i>what I think I want to wear vs. what I ACTUALLY want to wear” at work here<br /></i><b></b><b></b><b></b>And yes to recognizing what’s not working, and then try to find another way to reach the same goal.<br />looking forward to to seeing how you bring this to life in 2023.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299088 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 20:54:07 +0000 Roberta 2299088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In 2021 I also ran into "I am <b>this</b> size (but not really)" with pants. Swimming regularly did nice things for my arms and legs but my midsection is the same or even a little bigger. I bought four pairs of pants that were just a little tight in the waist and found that they drove me crazy after a few hours. Not good for my wallet or self-esteem.</p> <p>So this year I donated all of those shame pants and got a couple of pairs (via eBay) in the next size up. So comfy! But the waste of money makes me grind my teeth. It's hard to find a way to manage this issue and feel good about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299084 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 20:19:32 +0000 Anonymous 2299084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The podcast has a transcript btw :)<br /> Ok that plan A, plan B is Definitely something to consider!<br /> Love all your discoveries! Lots to think about now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2022-wrap-up-and-looking-ahead-to-2023#post-2299081 Sat, 31 Dec 2022 20:11:03 +0000 SarahD8 2299081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you know I love a good thinkpost and I have enjoyed all of yours so here is my very long and very thinky contribution to the year-end genre.</p> <p>First, thoughts about <b>dressing</b>:</p> <p>I’ll start with a <b>high note of my style year: “structured experiments”</b> with my summer wardrobe, in which I picked a loose theme on a weekly basis aimed at finding out what my wardrobe could do (e.g., “<i></i><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/%e2%80%9clooks-like-you%e2%80%99ve-got-some-pattern-mixing-going-on-there%e2%80%9d">pattern mix every day</a><i></i>,” “<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-more-summer-experiments">wear all the skirts I haven't worn yet</a>,” etc.). That was great! I had FUN, I learned a lot, and wound up feeling more confident about my style than I had in a long time.</p> <p>Unfortunately, I <b>wasn’t able to keep the momentum going</b> into the fall. Partly because a lack of time, partly because I am struggling with some perimenopausal weight gain meaning that some of my clothes don’t fit (my summer clothes are a bit more forgiving in fit than my cold-weather wardrobe, apparently) and I am less excited to play in my closet. I am not particularly proud of my feelings around this development but there you have it.</p> <p>Ok, back to positive things:</p> <p><b>Best discovery</b>: my <b><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/more-summer-outfitslistening-to-the-forum">navy Aran cardigan is my version</a> of a denim jacket</b>. This realization has helped me wear the cardigan itself in a more intentional way, but more than that it got me thinking about<b> “my version of” other style-related things</b>, and that’s been really useful. For example the recent <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/makeup-by-numbers">discussion of makeup numbers</a>&nbsp;prompted me to throw away this red lip crayon I'd had for an embarrassingly long time…and to ponder how I have bought and discarded SO many red lipsticks over the years, I want to be a person who wears red lipstick but every time I put it on it looks garish and wrong and I immediately rub it off. When I am going out in the evening or whatever I always turn to this other lip crayon in a deep, saturated shade of fuchsia/burgundy (Nars “Damned,” if you’re curious)…Oh. That’s my version of a red lip. The thing I’ve been chasing after has been right in front of me all along.</p> <p><b>Best RE-discovery</b>: some of my long-owned <b>jewelry that I had put away as too “dainty” or “juvenile” <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-last-of-summer-feat-jewelry-experiments-lots-of-pics">works when layered</a> with other pieces</b>. This was a really nice realization for a sentimental person like me. More broadly, the idea of closet rediscoveries is important here. I’ve come to understand that I want to have a moderate-to-generous wardrobe in which I hold on to items for a long time, knowing that some items might fall out of favor for a while. In order for that strategy to work, I need to be on the lookout for when and how items might come BACK into rotation.</p> <p>Second, some thoughts about <b>shopping</b>:</p> <p>I will put it bluntly, I <b>did not have a good shopping year</b>! Maybe this is my version of (ha!) the struggles that others have identified with changing silhouettes, filtered through my own offbeat style and shopping habits. Maybe it is partly the weight gain issue (I buy things and they do not fit they way I expect them to, or if they do fit they don’t look like I expect them to. Early in the year I kept buying pants that were too small, later on I realized I needed to size up but now I keep ending up with things that are too big and sloppy.). Maybe it is partly just a general lack of intention and follow-through.</p> <p>In any case, I did buy a bunch of stuff, but as I began to think about this yearly recap post I realized I didn’t feel great about my purchases overall and don’t feel that they moved my wardrobe/style forward much at all. So I sat down and went through everything I had bought and made some notes about what worked, what didn’t and why.</p> <p>Turns out that my purchases from 2022 fall roughly equally into the following ad-hoc categories:</p> </p> <ul> <li><b>Workhorses</b>: most of these were items I have bought before, and have long known to be workhorses (Eileen Fisher skirt leggings, and this particular J. Crew oversized cashmere sweatshirt that I wear as loungewear). One exception: a white short-sleeved sweater with a pointelle yoke that gives it a fair isle effect. I don’t even wear it that often but it is so excellent in so many respects and the happiness factor is so high that I’m counting it as a workhorse. Anyway, that sweater was bought way back in January — oh, so no wonder I don’t feel like my purchases have taken my style in a new direction!</li> <li><b>Successes</b>: items that I wear and enjoy but don’t wear often enough to deem them workhorses. Many of these items reflect already solid/longstanding parts of my style (which is probably why I don’t wear them tremendously often, I already have other things that serve a similar function so they just go into rotation with a richer mix). A few exceptions — which I’ll make a concerted effort to play with more, although their use cases may be more limited/they may be less versatile.</li> <li><b>Meh</b>: items that I wear or have worn but am only so-so about. Lots of summer tops in this category! I continue to struggle with summer tops and have a lot of churn in this area.</li> <li><b>Haven’t worn</b>: items that I like in theory but have not actually worn. To some degree I am just a person who often takes a while to incorporate new things into the rotation, but there could be an element of “what I think I want to wear vs. what I ACTUALLY want to wear” at work here.</li> <li><b>Needs alterations</b>: sometimes I buy pants knowing they will need to be hemmed (short people problems). Funny though, there are also 2 summer tops in this category — one with straps that need to be shortened, one with straps that need to be lengthened!</li> <li><b>Fails</b>: Most of these are me trying to do something new with my bottom half.</li> </ul> </p> <p>I do feel that I developed some good insights late in the summer about <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/planning-prioritizing-for-fall-2022-long">how to plan and prioritize purchases</a>, but I largely failed to put them into action for fall. One reason was that fall weather arrived quite late in Seattle this year, so I went from feeling like it was too early to buy fall clothes to feeling like fall was almost over so what was the point! This leads directly into my first two <b>intentions for 2023</b>:</p> </p> <ul> <li><b>Work on my transitional weather/cool summer capsule</b>. True summer often arrives quite late in Seattle, but then we often have quite mild weather until late September or even October. I need a more intentional collection of clothing for these conditions so that I can enjoy then in comfort rather than feeling like I’m holding on to the previous season or being impatient for the next one!</li> <li>Work ahead: that is, <b>focus my purchases on on the *next* season, not the current one</b>. So, in early January I’ll begin planning and purchasing for my cold spring capsule that I begin wearing in March. Will this strategy work? Not sure, but it’s worth trying for a season. I’ll re-evaluate in March/April.</li> </ul> </p> <p>Additional intentions:</p> </p> <ul> <li><b>Return to tracking wardrobe purchases, edits, and expenditures</b>. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2021-review-hello-to-2022">Last year I said </a>I was going to “let go of the need to track obsessively” and “instead let a gentle awareness of these things be part of the joy of living my values.” That was the right idea in terms of not getting all spun up about $$ and #’s, but in truth my awareness became so gentle that I lost the plot! I need to pay more consistent, concerted attention so that I can learn lessons and course-correct more promptly. Track not just the how many/how much but how it worked out and why.</li> <li>Also <b>perhaps return to tracking wears</b>. I am not committing to this for the long term, but I think I’ll experiment with it a bit and see if it helps with that “what I think I want to wear vs. what I actually want to wear” issue, or yields other useful insights.</li> </ul> </p> <p>Finally, several things I’ve been aiming at for a while but haven’t yet cracked the code:</p> </p> <ul> <li><b>Keep trying to find ways to work mending, alterations, and sewing into my schedule</b>. I did experiment a bit with visible mending last year and enjoyed it, although was somewhat frustrated by my less than ideal tools. I just invested in a speedweave loom and am excited to get to know it!</li> <li><b>Keep trying to expand silhouettes</b>, especially on the bottom. I suspect there’s no way out here but through.</li> <li><b>Keep trying to find ways to plan outfits ahead of time</b> in order to avoid extremely repetitive “bedpost dressing.” I just listened to this mind-blowing podcast about “<a rel="nofollow" href="https://unfuckyourbrain.com/plan-secret-resolutions/">Plan A vs. Plan B goal setting</a>” (warning, slightly salty language at the link) — briefly, Plan A is what you plan to do to reach your goals when your life is going smoothly, and Plan B is how you are going to scale it back but still work toward your goals when life gets busy/chaos erupts. “Write down outfits on the weekend for the week ahead” has always been my Plan A in this department but I’ve proved over and over again that it’s not sustainable for me. I need a Plan B.</li> </ul> </p> <p>If you made it this far, gold star New Year’s Eve fireworks for you! Grateful for your attention, and for any thoughts/comments/insights you care to share.</p>