YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2023 and me

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 2023 and me https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:17:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me/page/2#post-2300949 Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:20:24 +0000 Anonymous 2300949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ They sound like great goals to me! Dressy boots and winter boots are definitely essentials, even in my relatively mild climate. Big yay to texture too! I'd suggest Kettlewell as far as finding the colors you want. They were kinda sparse at last check, but should be releasing the Spring things soon. Suz on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me/page/2#post-2300938 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 23:37:17 +0000 Suz 2300938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I share these foot challenges... at least to an extent...normal forefoot with but more width there (and a small not-quite bunion on one side), narrow heels, narrower mid-foot with arch and instep on the higher side. I can't wear a dress pump without a strap to hold it on; I usually can't wear loafers (but did find a pair this year!), I get blisters from most shoes when I begin with them, laces can hurt the top of my foot but I need them because slip on styles slip off....and on and on. The worst risk is plantar fasciitis, which I really have to guard against.  I can tolerate a heel up to 2.5 inches (esp. if a wedge or well balanced) and in fact, a 2 inch heel is probably my most comfortable shoe, but I rarely wear them now because they are too impractical for my suburban life. I can wear a pointed toe if the point starts in the right place, ditto almond toes and square toes...it's all about the last and where the support and "containment" is, in the midfoot, for me. If I can get a nice snug midfoot fit, my foot won't slide and that will prevent sore toes and blistered heels.  Brands that tend to work for me: Ecco (though some are too wide and I usually need to add a Superfeet insole), EF (at least the sandals and dress shoes with straps), Paul Green. EU sizes work better for me than US. I doctor most boots and sneakers with insoles of various kinds to make the shoe work.   CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300928 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 22:54:04 +0000 CarolS 2300928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honourable mention to Dee for building on the joke!  Dee on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300913 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:54:41 +0000 Dee 2300913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like your list is just the right DNA for a fun fashion year  LOL I think a pair of wide cropped jeans would look great on you and you’ve got lot of great colours on your shopping radar this year. Doing an inventory sounds like a reasonable idea as it’s pretty easy to forget a lot of the time what you might already own. CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300910 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:17:22 +0000 CarolS 2300910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Woohoo -- prize goes to Jenni for catching my silly little play on words!!! I tried to start gathering all my pants together last night to prepare for the count and that was enough to throw me into a bit of paralysis. I haven't pulled them all out yet, and certainly haven't yet begun to actually write the list! Jenni NZ on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300906 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:05:43 +0000 Jenni NZ 2300906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol your title is awesome! Took me a while to figure why “2023 and me” sounded so familiar: it’s because of “23 and me” the DNA testing! As far as inventory goes, my handwritten old school pen and paper lists serve me well. It’s partly because I work on a computer all day and do my consulting invoices on a spreadsheet that I felt it easier and more pleasant to use pen and paper for this very personal non-work interest, and tracking my wears is easy with a tally mark. I do rewrite the lists approx once a month to keep them tidy. It’s relaxing for me and helps wardrobe thinking time. CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300887 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:52:04 +0000 CarolS 2300887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Zaeobi - I didn't know Fit Flop was Canadian founded! I don't know that I ever really see them here at retail.  Zaeobi on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300881 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:07:32 +0000 Zaeobi 2300881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No worries, just edited my original comment to add FitFlop too - hopefully you should be able to access them in Canada, since they're Canadian founded? CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300880 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:00:50 +0000 CarolS 2300880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jussie -- I would love to get into Cos one of these days! Thanks for the suggestion. Zaeobi -- what a pretty array of colours, and they do look lovely and soft! Thanks for the recommendation! Joy -- yes, pleated skirts are a great idea to add texture and interest, and I've always had a weakness for a long pleated or tiered skirt (I used to have some wonderful pleated skirts with a deep yoke, so the pleats didn't add bulk at my midsection. LOVED them). Some kind of sequinned top is on my radar... CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300879 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:53:27 +0000 CarolS 2300879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much, Angie. I have never heard of Gabor. And that brings  up the other challenge -- limited variety available near me and a reticence when it comes to international ordering.  Sounds a bit defeatist, but I am working on improving my chances. Now that we are dipping our toes back into the world of travel, I might have to plan the odd shopping-specific trip to the US to access a broader variety. Angie on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300875 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:40:38 +0000 Angie 2300875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ CarolS, we can work with these challenges! Pop this info on a SEPARATE thread so that we can focus on troubleshooting with you, and the info won't get lost. Inge has similar footwear challenges. Have you tried Gabor?  Anonymous on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300866 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:15:13 +0000 Anonymous 2300866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When adding texture, don't forget pleated skirts.  I found one years ago in a plain dark neutral that has become a MVP for winter.  It feels like wool but isn't and looks good with a sweater or jacket.  <div>Also consider suede and leather. Dressy clothing:  look for something warm that can be worn on a snowy night.  I like a tuxedo suit with sequined top or a warm dress that can be dressed up or velvet. Don't forget a coat or other topper.</div> Zaeobi on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300816 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:26:11 +0000 Zaeobi 2300816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm like you - I need a written list, otherwise I end up justifying purchases whilst at the shop that don't work well with my home's (previously) well thought out closet review! Your colour scheme sounds lovely - especially the orange, mustard, bronze, olive ,cream, brown & gold. But you knew that Some brand recs: 1) We have very similar foot issues (narrow heels/ wider forefoot/ high instep) but most of my shoes are now FitFlop (think they're Canadian founded?) I personally prefer their DynamiCush & SuperComff bases instead of their 'micro wobbleboard' styles, but their 'Skandi' style is a waterproof yet trendy & comfy boot style that they do 2) I'd recommend keeping an eye on Seasalt Cornwall's Easel top (long sleeved) & Landing top (turtleneck). Both are available in petite & regular plus are in a *very* subtly marled cotton fabric - which add 'textural interest' without being 'too' colourful to sit quietly & play nice under work clothes: <a href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/easel-cotton-jersey-top" rel="nofollow">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....jersey-top</a> <a href="https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/landing-roll-neck-cotton-top" rel="nofollow">https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.....cotton-top</a> They release different colours each season but right now I see a cream, deep teal, dark purple & navy that could be of interest? Free shipping above a certain amount - don't know what the returns process is like in your country, but it was a conveniently paper free drop-off for me, the last time I ordered. jussie on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300814 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:18:35 +0000 jussie 2300814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ CarolS: just thought I’d mention, Cos has some cool special occasion wear. Also from time to time they have interesting textures too. I got my two best “going out in the evening” dresses from Cos. Sometimes some of their items look a little uninspiring on the hangar, but really come to life when you try them on. Anthropologie often has some really fun statement items, if that’s any help. Best of luck with your year! CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300806 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 03:02:26 +0000 CarolS 2300806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Jaime -- it was fun collecting the footwear inspiration! I do wish there was more variety available to me locally in terms of styles and colours, but I can dream.... Aw, thank you, Nadya. Even though I've always had some kind of mental list, I do find it helps to get it down in writing. Nadya on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300798 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 01:33:56 +0000 Nadya 2300798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is sooo well thought out! I love how you’re looking at all aspects of your life and what you need. I think I want to do this now.  Kate on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300797 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 01:32:14 +0000 Kate 2300797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not Carol, but Carla, I was looking at Bulle booties, and was wondering whether they run true to size, wide, or narrow. I typically wear a size 10, and my foot is pretty flat, and very low volume with narrow heels, if that helps. I've always loved your red booties, which look fab on you! Jaime on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300783 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:58:13 +0000 Jaime 2300783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent list and I peaked and admired your shoe collection! I join with the idea of a list but mainly wanting to have fun and not take myself so seriously! CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300750 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 23:31:31 +0000 CarolS 2300750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Greyscale -- A good suggestion -- worth looking at!! CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300749 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 23:29:39 +0000 CarolS 2300749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, NIkki -- yeah an inventory sounds like a good idea until one is actually staring into the closet!! I like the idea of one category at a time. Me, too, Vildy -- it's Angie's influence!! Roberta -- I think one category at a time will help with the inventory. Might keep it old school pen and paper to start -- a spreadsheet might just leave me with analysis paralysis.... Keen boots work well for me but they are SERIOUS winter boots. I don't remember if I have ever tried Sorels on but I know many forum members swear by them - - will have to give them a try.  Thanks for the recommendations, kkards. I'd love to get into a Uniqlo one of these days to evaluate fits because I often like what I see on the website. Angie -- thank you for the encouraging words! I have a narrow heel, somewhat wide forefoot with a bit of a bunion and a high instep. My ankles are quite slim. Most dressy shoes feel way too narrow in the forefoot and slip off the heel. I also have issues with instep/arch support. Sizing up sometimes helps, but sometimes it causes different issues with the placement of the shoe's arch support. Although I sometimes think I can't wear any type of pointed/snipped/almond toe, that's not entirely true -- there's a certain shape I've learned to look for that has the width where my foot needs it. I can wear the Ecco Sartorelle shape quite well (I have two pair of loafers). and they are a more pointed toe than I would have thought I could wear. I saw that Ecco has a fairly low heeled cream boot in the Sartorelle shape, which I was hoping to try, but it's not available in Canada. It has a slightly higher heel than the loafers, but I think still within my limit, which I think is about 1.5".  Yes, Suz -- there has to be SOMETHING out there for me! It's tempting to plan a shopping trip to Chicago or Minneapolis at some point to give myself access to more options. Carla -- I've actually notices that one of our local retailers is now carrying some Bulle boots online, so I might check them out. I haven't seen any as fab as your red ones, though.  Minaminu -- I'm looking forward to the hunt!! Greyscale on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300728 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:17:24 +0000 Greyscale 2300728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When I lived in a cold climate and had to deliver newspapers in cold pre-dawn weather, the original Sorel boots with the thick wool felt liner were amazing. That was 30 years ago and I don’t know if the current models are as warm but I hear good things about them. Minaminu on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300722 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:52:48 +0000 Minaminu 2300722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great plan and I like the colour range ! And I with you about keeping an eye for dressy pieces as HEWI are difficult to find! Carla on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300717 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 20:31:19 +0000 Carla 2300717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fleece (real sheep’s wool) lined leather boots by bulle are my cold weather go-to boots.  I treat them with mink oil and they have proved to be reasonably wet resistant,  but at -30 it’s the cold, not the wet you really want protection from.  They are light weight - which I appreciate when I’m out on long (2-3 hour) walks.  They come in lots of interesting colours too. They are carried by an Indy shoe store in my community that caters to folks with fussy feet (ie comfort footwear) but which aims to be as fashionable as possible.  You might find a store in your city that carries them.   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://bulle.shoes/collections/women-boots/products/olibem-17d145m?variant=41904187048130">https://bulle.shoes/collection.....4187048130</a> Suz on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300708 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 19:07:44 +0000 Suz 2300708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds like an excellent plan. Wide legged crop jeans will be great on you!  And I'm with you in the hunt for items with texture. I rarely think of this in my purchasing and really should do so, more often.  Your dressier shoes/ boots do exist! They are out there!  The hunt begins!  kkards on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300707 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:59:24 +0000 kkards 2300707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Wow, this is an excellent and well thought out strategy/plan for the year. </div><div> </div>Re boots, I’ll start by saying I don’t live in a really cold place, and we don’t get a lot of snow, but I love love love my sorels, I the last 2 years I did a lot of walking in them, and will confirm they are comfortable.  <div> I’d keep my eye on Uniqlo, IMO good quality at reasonable prices.  And they usually offer basics and fashion colors, I’m on my iPad so I can’t do finds but this pants comes in brown, grey and beige  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E450639-000/00?colorDisplayCode=39&sizeDisplayCode=006">https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/p.....ayCode=006</a> </div> Roberta on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300694 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 18:02:00 +0000 Roberta 2300694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An inventory is a great thing and has been very helpful to me. I have kept a spreadsheet for years and that felt doable when taking pictures of everything seemed impossible (and still is). You can always start with one section (pants and skirts) or one season.  Hardcore winter boots are tough - when you need them you really need them, but they're expensive and can sit around unworn for a long while. Mine are Baffins and are still in their box from last year. We used to have much snowier (is that a word?) winters and knee high boots were essential. Now I get by with my Sorels, which are warm and have great grip. Angie on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300687 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:25:32 +0000 Angie 2300687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  ".......focus on playing with what I have, continuing to add colour and non-black neutrals, and really having FUN with fashion"....... YES, YES YES! Sweet music to my ears :) GREAT starting point with this list! And our wardrobe colour palettes are colliding.  I can REALLY see you in a pair of wide cropped jeans. Always good to keep an eye out for dressy attire so that you can relax into it and not compromise. CarolS, I'd like to understand the precise fit and comfort challenge with dressier shoes. Then my tools are sharper to help you! I have challenges too! But might be different to you :) Vildy on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300681 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:08:49 +0000 Vildy 2300681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love, love, love the notion of dressy boots. Anonymous on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300680 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:05:31 +0000 Anonymous 2300680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great list! Also am looking for formal sneaks and sandals to prepare for future use. Dressy boots are another good thought for me to consider. Doing an inventory has been a helpful tool but slow going. Working on cold weather items for now. Good luck with your list and style direction! CarolS on "2023 and me" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-and-me#post-2300676 Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:41:07 +0000 CarolS 2300676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, slim cat -- by all means let's travel that road together!!