https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:28:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350942 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 01:21:57 +0000 SarahD8 2350942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this but I wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading these reflections and plans. I am interested in the trading idea...it's not something that has worked particularly well for me in the past but you make a good case for it. Also intrigued by your streaks-over-rules approach. Very thoughtful, as always.</p> <p>I'm thrilled that your Rive Droite bag purchase worked out so well!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350782 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 20:23:41 +0000 Jonesy 2350782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your style and it's great to read about your yearly wrap-up! Like others, I'm very intrigued by the swapping/trading you've been doing. I buy lots of stuff second hand (from online sources) but haven't ever dove into trading, other than when my kids were small. It's certainly nice to consider as an option. Happy to hear that your belt bag color combo has been winning--it's so pleasurable when a long-considered purchase works out perfectly! My SO has several items from Outerknown and they are all wearing beautifully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350646 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:24:54 +0000 Anonymous 2350646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We buy lots of super glue. &nbsp;I reuse and buy used most of the time. &nbsp;If I can't find something used I need to be patient. &nbsp;Long pants were big items last winter with the stores full of cropped pants and a new glucose monitor that was more sensitive than the old one had just made most of my pants obsolete . &nbsp; Needed to replace almost all pants with pull ons and found they are not often available in small sizes. &nbsp;Now most of them are too big and fall off of me. &nbsp;Back to square one. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350638 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:08:42 +0000 LaPed 2350638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Angie! I hope the serum works for you. Winter hair is so hard. </p> <p>Thanks Bonnie! It feels great to focus on what's available secondhand - not just for clothes, but really for everything. I just gave DS's old ice skates to a younger child yesterday, and received a hand-me-down pair in his size from a family with an older child. Everything is floating around out there, sometimes it's just a matter of asking. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350442 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:35:27 +0000 Bonnie 2350442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always admired your style and wardrobe choices and am now interested in reading about and following your second hand project. You seem to be able to add nice things that way and I know that other members have found it works for them. Swapping is also new to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350263 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 17:16:39 +0000 Angie 2350263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad the trading app is working well for you, <b>La Ped!</b> There use to be YLF swap parties - some more successful than others.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shoes are hard. Full Stop. I empathize. Hope you find just what you need :)&nbsp;</p> <p>(p.s. Also ordered the hair serum you suggested to combat static hair! Excited to give it a try).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350232 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:43:07 +0000 Zaeobi 2350232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Travel capsuling sounds like a good idea - maybe planning some more could help exercise your creativity whilst maintaining the no buy streak? The funny thing about intuition (my own, at least) is that it requires a little feeding here &amp; there to keep it 'relaxed' </p> <p>I'm intrigued by the trading apps idea - I likely wouldn't be able to do it here (due to the language barrier) but it's something to consider once I move back home to the UK. Maybe I'll host a swap party before I leave - thanks for the idea </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350196 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:53:04 +0000 LaPed 2350196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ChristelJ -- yeah, accepting that often what I want is not the thing itself but the feeling of novelty has been really key for me. I've always thrifted for the same reason, but trades are great because there's a built-in one-in/one-out.</p> <p>suntiger -- online swapping, as with online secondhand shopping, is really great for me because it affords me the opportunity to think things over. I get a little overwhelmed trying to make decisions on the spot, esp in a crowd; the virtual version is much less harried. I also love that Lucky Sweater is organized around a weekly "drop" -- any new items that people post all go live at the same time. This means no constant scrolling, just a quick browse once a week or so.&nbsp;</p> <p>Jenni NZ -- the thing that clinched it for the red-accented bag was that my mum knitted me a pair of gloves in off white and tomato red, and they make a perfect complement! So fun.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cardiff girl -- thank you! I think I'm somewhat lucky that I don't have much of a fancy/magpie gene, so the things I'm drawn to are usually things that suit my preferred lifestyle. The only thing I struggle with is not overbuying summer clothes; I just don't have enough days of warm weather each year to justify lots of cute sundresses/shorts/sleeveless tops, but I do love shopping for them. :)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350180 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 15:23:53 +0000 Cardiff girl 2350180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trading apps are new to me so interesting to hear about those ,well done on the low buy,l feel a lot more of us are heading in that direction these days.I always feel you are one of the fabbers who buys for &nbsp;their actual lifestyle and not a fantasy one and l find this admirable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350162 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:56:11 +0000 Jenni NZ 2350162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All sounds excellent and I am tickled that you chose the bag I liked best :)<br /> My DD2 does a few in-person clothes swap events with her friends from “pole”- pole fitness, that is. I managed to edit out one barely worn top that way last year and some friend of hers took it which was good. I don’t know if we have any trading apps here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350159 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:01:22 +0000 Anonymous 2350159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Trading sounds like a great idea! I heard of swap parties, but didn't know online trading was a thing. Pants and footwear are definitely things to buy in person though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350132 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:32:21 +0000 ChristelJ 2350132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I appreciate your relaxed, intuitive approach and find the trading idea very interesting. The concept of filling ones need for novelty speaks to me, as it is a big reason why I thrift shop so much, but trading I had not heard of. I relate to the need to buy pants and footwear new; same here.<br /> It sounds like you've reached a great place with your wardrobe and a very good balance between your various modes of acquisition. Love the bag you chose, by the way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350109 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 13:33:13 +0000 LaPed 2350109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - the blanket shirts are amazing! Like a flannel, but heavier, with a very textured twill weave. Wide range of non-traditional plaids (I currently have my eye on an olive/lavender combo, but need to do a shirt cull before I add any shirts at all!), plus the occasional solid. I’ve added several Outerknown pieces over the years and I’m always wowed by the quality. </p> <p>The trips have all been great. Always trying to balance the ratio of adventure time to family time, but it mostly works out! </p> <p>Rachylou — my feelings exactly. Fashion retail is feeling a bit stagnant right now, not much I want to buy, and certainly nothing I need! Trading satisfies my desire for novelty while keeping waste to a minimum.</p> <p>Jaime — with Lucky Sweater, the trades are mostly by mail. I’ve managed to organize one in-person trade with someone who lives ~an hour away because I was headed there for an event anyway. People in more population-dense areas do more in-person swaps it seems. Lucky Sweater seems to be predominantly North American, but I think there are users on other continents as well (just costlier and more complicated to ship overseas, so I haven’t done it). </p> <p>I have not yet managed to organize a three-way swap (you trade with one person for a thing that someone else wants, then trade with that second person to get what you want), but it has been known to happen! I think this is something an app could eventually facilitate, if there’s enough demand. My software developer husband and I were talking about this, and it wouldn’t be that hard to code — basically a Venn diagram! But there’s more trust/risk involved on the human side than with a direct one-for-one trade. </p> <p>Joy — I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that 90% of the time, I’ll be paying full price for shoes. It’s worth it me to pay retail price knowing I can return them if they don’t work out, which, if I’m trying a new style, is more than likely. </p> <p>Helena — thanks! I’m lucky to have a social milieu that values practicality, frugality, and sustainability. It’s easy to get sucked down social media fashion rabbit holes and convince myself I need this or that new thing, but the people around me provide a pretty good reality check!</p> <p>Sal — I think you’re absolutely right that how we play with style seems to have shifted of late. A subtle tweak, like swapping in special shoes/bag/topper (like your satin bomber) for everyday ones, seems to be enough most of the time. I like the relaxed approach! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350071 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 22:26:33 +0000 Sal 2350071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing.&nbsp; This seems a realistic plan for additions and I am delighted to read that trades are working out for you.</p> <p>Your additions are much the same as mine but I have more new and less second hand/traded.&nbsp; For me the best second hand purchases are jackets/blazers and bags.&nbsp; I have added second hand footwear but really only in the occasional wear category rather than sneakers/gear/everyday.&nbsp; I find I wear these items out so I am happy to get new here.</p> <p>It's great that you have been able to adjust your wardrobe to one better suited for your lifestyle- it's interesting how different stages mean different needs.&nbsp; It's fun to be able to dress up/have fun/play with style but I think for many of us it is in a different way than we did previously.&nbsp; It's new textures or dressier versions of casual pieces.&nbsp; Just prior to Christmas I added a satin bomber that I know will make my jeans and tee outfits feel a bit fancy for nights at the movies or coffees with friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2350002 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 13:44:25 +0000 Helena 2350002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab recap and path forward LaPed ... I admire that you've always stayed true to yourself, your style and your reality ... You have a very grounded energy and approach which serves you very well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2349970 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:22:25 +0000 Anonymous 2349970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my shoes have been second hand this year. They are comfortable enough and many are two tone like black and white. I now need some boots/ booties. I sat out the ankle length boots because they rubbed the heel or ankles and were not comfortable. Tall boots are too wide in the shaft or have high heels. The snow is beginning to melt and it is slushy walking. I need more waterproof boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2349963 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:33:05 +0000 Jaime 2349963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting! Although I have been a second hand obsessive for a very long time, I have not been exposed to trading as a viable option. I will look at the app you mentioned just to see how it works. Are the trades local or nationwide? I can certainly see why footwear would be tricky (and whichever articles of clothing are more difficult to fit). I am imagining one-to-one trading but of course there are many other ways it might work. I need to do my research!<br />Anyway, excellent reflections and goals. I will be following. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2349962 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:28:48 +0000 rachylou 2349962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My interest is piqued: I’ve never heard of trading apps. </p> <p>I’m personally in a tug o’ war with myself re shopping. I don’t want to waste money and materials. On the other hand, it’s been a little too easy to buy nothing these days. I’ve been uninspired. Maybe I’ll make a reflections post too… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2349936 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:34:27 +0000 Suz 2349936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First -- really glad the bag worked out as you had hoped! That was careful shopping and PPP that paid off. I also feel a special love for your waistcoats.&nbsp;</p> <p>Question: what is a blanket shirt? :)&nbsp;</p> <p>How excellent that you have found a way to combine buying new, consigning, and trading. I am fascinated by the whole idea of focused trades. That's something I should investigate. The in-person (not focussed) trades I have attended have not netted anything for me, but my kid has had some occasional success at local trades.&nbsp;</p> <p>I understand your preference for streaks vs. set numbers etc. I am quite motivated by streaks as well. I'm planning a buy-nothing-new streak for the next few months, but to be honest, it will be easy, because I have no needs. And I'm explicitly planning to break it when it comes to spring footwear. I've decided that I will try to buy more consignment and very little new this year except for footwear and undies. My feet are getting fussier and it's one area where I don't think I'd be happy with second hand unless it was unworn previously.&nbsp;</p> <p>That was a lot of travel at the end of year and a varied set of locations! Hope you enjoyed it all.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections-and-2024-plans#post-2349935 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:15:17 +0000 LaPed 2349935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's taken me awhile to find time to reflect on the past year, because I've managed to spend the better part of late December and early January traveling (10 days in the southwest, a week with family in Vermont and Quebec, and another week with family in New Brunswick). Thus, not much screen time and definitely no fretting over challenges of any sort, style or otherwise. I suppose I could call nonstop travel-capsuling a challenge? :D&nbsp;</p> <p>The big shift in my wardrobe habits this year was that I transitioned toward a pretty serious trading mentality. I did still buy some things, and also sold/consigned some things, but a big chunk of my wardrobe churn this year took place through the trading app Lucky Sweater, brand-specific social media swaps, or in-person meet-ups. The breakdown for my new additions was: 14 traded, 11 bought new, and 8 bought secondhand. The overall number of additions, 33, is very much in line with previous years. My 2023 Collection does *not* include trades and secondhand purchases that didn't work out and were immediately re-listed.</p> <p>I'm still mulling over where I'd like to take my style in 2024. I've pretty much accomplished a full "lifestyle alignment", moving on all of the pieces that felt too stodgy, fussy, or "office-y" to new homes where (I hope) they'll be put to better use, and embracing crossover styles that walk the line between casual wear and outdoor gear (and yes, you might catch me paddleboarding in a linen skirt and top! Great sun protection!). In addition to having more practical pieces, I also have more fun pieces, things that aren't necessarily for everyday wear but are perfect for occasional wear without being "too much" for the sort of occasions I attend. With trading, I've given myself permission to take risks on things that I wouldn't try if I were looking at a price tag, but if the "price" is giving away something I'm not using anyway, why not?&nbsp;</p> <p>For now, my only goal is to see how long I can extend my no-buy streak, and to date I have not purchased any apparel since early December. I don't have any hard numbers in mind, as a find I've found trying to establish and extend a streak&nbsp; (thanks, Wordle) is far more motivating for me, and less likely to result in binging. Even if I do decide to buy one or two things after a couple months, I can just start over again the next day and see if I can go a little longer next time. (My longest Wordle streak is ~60 days, because I go offline too often to play daily. I'm curious to see if I can beat that with my no-buy and suspect it won't be much of a struggle.) Trades are not off-limits, so I can still satisfy my novelty-seeking self that way. If I do buy something, I'll prioritize secondhand and small businesses, as I've already been doing for quite some time.</p> <p>My only complaint about trades is that it hasn't been a great way for me to add footwear or pants. These are the trickiest things for me to fit; so far, I haven't found any of my preferred shoe brands available for trade in my size (highly particular feet! doesn't help that I often go for men's/unisex sizes these days), and the pants I've received through trades haven't been good enough fits to keep. That said, I have more than enough jeans and trousers to see me through the next year -- great silhouette/color variety at the moment, so not going to sweat it. I might add shoes and bags this year; these are not categories where I tend to overshop, and when I do find the right thing it's a huge style boost.&nbsp;</p> <p>On that note, my final purchase of 2023 was the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-bag---help-me-pick-a-colour">Rive Droite sac banane</a> I'd been eying and mulling over for months. In the end, I opted for the olive/tomato red combo, and I LOVE it. It adds just enough pop and goes with everything. It works really well with my many navy/black/dark brown coats and jackets, standing out just enough without being eye-wateringly bright. It will never be quite as versatile as my beloved Patagonia belt bag, as it lacks a buckle and thus has to go on/off over the head, but the size, look, and fabric are all exactly what I wanted. I would not hesitate to buy another Rive Droite bag -- the quality is excellent and I appreciate their use of recycled/deadstock fabrics.&nbsp;</p> <p>Looking forward to carrying this relaxed/intuitive approach into 2024! Thanks and high fives to anyone who read this far. </p>