YouLookFab Forum » Topic: (30x30)x2. Mid point musings.

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: (30x30)x2. Mid point musings. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 23 May 2026 19:45:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1887094 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 15:44:17 +0000 Elizabeth P 1887094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Back again... :) Thanks Mainelady, Jane, and Lynn Katerina, last summer I tried to wear everything, because for some reason my summer wardrobe had exploded.  I think some part of me refuses to accept that summer is only two months, and I'm likely to take a coule of weeks off, so really my summer wardrobe does NOT have to be big enough to last six months :)  At the end of the summer I was sad at not wearing some new, favourite, things enough... this was when it hit me that something needed to change.  The way of thinking I've got into through this challenge will really help me in the long run I think.  It's mind boggling how difficult this has been to get through to me... I just keep buying thinks I like without thinking of the reality of it all (finances aside) Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1886528 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 13:05:58 +0000 Elizabeth P 1886528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sarah, now _I_ am getting caught up... busy weekend away with DD at a synchronized swimming competition, then a couple of busy days getting caught up with life, including spending all my computer time downloading hundreds of photos :) I do have some cobalt for winter, and I will be bringing in at least one piece in the next month.  But I am also similar to Suz in that I tend to wear it more in the summer, with white.  I hadn't really noticed that before!  I'm glad you are still hanging in there with me for another month. Brooklyn, glad I'm not alone in spreading out my "repeat cycle"  It's definitely the statement pieces I feel this way about.  And I am more of a statement piece person, so I guess that means this happens a lot.  Another lightbulb.  I'm also with you on all rules are thrown out when something is new and fresh. OK, gotta run... will respond to the rest of you later!  lyn67 on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1886024 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 19:46:57 +0000 lyn67 1886024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always love to see your gorgeous outfits, Elisabeth-butthis thread was so instructive! I esp loved how did you personalize the 30x30 challenge! Your goals and  observations make perfect sense to me, and are very inspiring-can't wait to see the next post with the casuals!  Katerina on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885981 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:31:08 +0000 Katerina 1885981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing your musings Elizabeth, it is really interesting to read. Especially your last point, not to worry about orphaning anything in the process, made me think about my own goals I set for the challenge. I too have a rather large wardrobe and one of my goals was to wear more of the orphans and spread my attention more evenly. Now, as I am about to complete the challenge, I am more moving in the direction of wearing what I love and culling. But it took me the intensive work during the month to get closer and I am still far from getting there. You are so right - not wearing what you love IS silly. We do not have to settle. You capsule is great - a lot to love there! And the style book is brilliant - I have to try that. Look forward to your next outfits! Jane on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885908 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 11:43:25 +0000 Jane 1885908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in awe of your range of bottoms; I don't have so much choice. I like the visual.  Mainelady on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885904 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 11:36:39 +0000 Mainelady 1885904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your work capsule is great! I also have a deep winter work wardrobe and most of my pants are skinnies, for the same reason. Once in a while I can wear a pair of low ankle boots, but for the majority of days, my pants need to be tucked in to tall boots. Black, navy and gray have been my go to colors. This year I added a few burgundy and olive pieces and found they really gave some breadth to my options. Like Joy, I found myself needing to add some lighter colors to go with my lighter hair. I hope to see more of your great outfits. Brooklyn on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885866 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 05:53:58 +0000 Brooklyn 1885866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have found the same thing. I don’t like to repeat a distinctive piece the next week, at least not with the same audience. But I am happy to repeat support items, like plain black tops (Angie’s essentials). With one qualification. If it’s something new and distinctive, and I love it, I am happy to repeat it more frequently. Fresh love. But if it’s older and distinctive, not so much. Suz on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885860 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 05:09:44 +0000 Suz 1885860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a nice looking and cohesive set of outfits. It makes sense to me that you would go for navy and black in deep winter, with red as the pick-me-up colour. (I do, too, though I also wear a lot of grey in winter.) Red is warm and vibrant, makes a person feel cozy and alive. (Highly necessary at a time when we want to hibernate!)  I wear royal/ cobalt much more often in summer as an accent colour. It's vibrant but more cool than red, and works great with white, which I wear more of in summer also.  I find it fascinating to see how much you have learned from this challenge. I'm now feeling that I ought to have tried it myself!  Jenni NZ on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885858 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 04:22:52 +0000 Jenni NZ 1885858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL, Elizabeth, "orphan guilt"! I have the same, I've been calling it Protestant guilt. It is actually helping me to pick outfits though, and use things a bit more evenly. I'm not failing to wear my faves but trying to share the love a bit more. Jaime on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885842 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 03:47:10 +0000 Jaime 1885842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have really pinpointed your goal nicely and what you wrote makes a lot of sense.  SarahD8 on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885832 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 03:21:08 +0000 SarahD8 1885832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am slowly trying to catch up on all the challenge posts I missed mid-week! This is a really interesting halfway assessment. Your outfit screenshot really shows that you have wrung a lot of variety from a small number of items! I like all the red but am bummed to hear that you haven’t yet worn your favorite blue. I think your navy and black items would look great with a bright cobalt! I wonder if you can add a few blue items for the second half? It seems it would be worth going a few over 30 to be able to wear your favorite color! Or is the issue that you don’t own blue items that are weather appropriate? I am also continuing my challenge so I will look forward to joining you for the second half. Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885105 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 17:52:31 +0000 Elizabeth P 1885105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, thanks for explaining that, it's good to know what is worth sharing!  I should qualify something: I didn't want to wear something distinctive TO WORK the following week. I did wear a layering tee twice in the same week once, but with very different toppers.  In my casual life (ie around the house) I have no problem wearing the same thing several times, until it needs to be laundered.  This challenge, and how I structured it for me, did help to shed light on some things that can go, which is great.  As I've mentioned or alluded to, I often wear things out of "orphan guilt".  By focusing on things that make me happy, rather than trying to rotate through things, I can clearly see this, and what they are.  I also haven't had that "my work style isn't cutting it for me" feeling.  Yay me for that! :)  And Style Book... I know, right?  I've created six packing lists to help me keep track of this challenge.  So much fun   I LOVE THE LATEST UPDATE! Lynn on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885100 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 17:47:16 +0000 Lynn 1885100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth this was very interesting reading and raised several thoughts for me. Great goals for the challenge BTW. I have always been interested in experimenting with seasonal capsule wardrobes. But I think you identified one of the major reasons why they often end up not working so well.  It creates artificial barriers to getting the most use out of your clothing. I also really related to the falling into the trap of thinking everything needs to coordinate.  I look forward to your continued observations and musings.  Anonymous on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885063 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 17:07:39 +0000 Anonymous 1885063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What I found so interesting were the challenge goals each participant developed for themselves.  I was extremely interested in the variety of challenges in respect to that individuals ultimate goals.  A part of me wanted to instantly start creating outfits like you and Katerina did.  I resisted, but I followed your journey.   You started out with a list of questions that you wanted to assess and then used your challenge to compile the data you needed to answer those questions.  YAY you.   I shuddered at the idea that you don't like to repeat something the following week.  I am so different from you, yet I think you are the more "normal" dresser.  I was also very interested in seeing that there were items donated as part of your challenge.  For some reason, that caught me by surprise.  But didn't this challenge really bring to light those items that failed for some reason or another.  I was astonished at how quickly I could make a decision in a mere 30 days.  I just knew.  Of course, Brooklyn held my hand and helped me as well.   And Style Book.  LOVE IT.  HOW DID I live without it for so long.   Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885047 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:42:10 +0000 Elizabeth P 1885047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, I hope you do continue with some sort of challenge.  I'd love some company, plus I'd love to see what you do with another month, esp if you mix up the colours and add in some navy.  Navy with bone would be GORGEOUS.  So what if you are traveling, you can skip those days and extend the challenge... or not.  Personalize!  I also nodded along with your challenge synopsis.  I don't think I've commented on that thread yet.  I know I intend to if I haven't, I think I needed to reread and ponder.  I recall  something you said really clicked with me and made me see what _I_ might get out of doing something for only 30 days, and sticking to it.  I'll pop back over to that thread sometime soon. Sterling, I'd love to know what it is you find interesting :) RE stylebook, what I did was create a packing list for my 30x30.  So all the looks are captured in that, as well as all the items (to keep track of what and the numbers).  The above picture is a screenshot of that packing list. Anonymous on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885035 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 16:17:15 +0000 Anonymous 1885035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is SO incredibly interesting to me.   So you captured all 16 work ensembles in Style Book on a single page.  Hmmmm.  More interesting even still.   Anonymous on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885021 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:28:07 +0000 Anonymous 1885021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth, I found myself nodding with everything you wrote, including those bridge items that one needs even when there are warm days in Deep Winter. In the past, I mostly wore black, navy, charcoal, and chocolate this time of year and was ok with that after lots of color in the fall and December. But my hair and skin colors have changed. Now I at least want to throw in some light neutrals. About those black tees. I found I needed more than one because at least one would be somewhere in the laundry process. I agree that different weights, necklines and lengths ( especially with skirts and high waists in style) call for several of these basic pieces. I am considering continuing the challenge, maybe with different pieces, in February, although we will be doing some travel this month. For, example, I did not include navy at all in my 30 and missed wearing navy cashmere sweaters. Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885014 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:11:47 +0000 Elizabeth P 1885014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Spring was the season I used to really struggle with.  I've always loved sweaters, and used to knit a ton, so I had lots of warm tops.  then lots of tees.  But nothing for the what... 6-8 weeks? in between.  Crazy.  One year Costco had some cotton 3/4 sleeve sweaters, and I bought four, and it was a lightbulb.  OMG I had appropriate tops!  I'll never forget how excited I was the following spring, when I did the wardrobe change over, and  remembered I actually had some tops to wear.  Helena on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885010 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 15:02:42 +0000 Helena 1885010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, that is so true (6x2) - I am going to try to apply that theory to my closet too ... and I bet I have 2/6 seasons for which I have almost nothing which is why I struggle in the height of winter and summer ... *mind blown* Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885008 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:58:04 +0000 Elizabeth P 1885008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And yes, I do think we should force ourselves to buy for the difficult seasons.  Cuz they last as long as the not so difficult ones!  I truly think I have 6x2 month seasons, give or take a week or two.  Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1885007 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:56:25 +0000 Elizabeth P 1885007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TG, I think it's much easier to buy warm cozy pieces in navy and black, so I may have defaulted to them a bit too much.  I am just looking at my cobalt pieces (gosh I love stylebook), and I have a lot for summer, and very limited amounts for winter.  Which is interesting.  I do have a cobalt/black coat, and several winter scarves, so maybe I get my mental fix of the colour without documenting it the same way.  I will consider adding something to the mix for next month.  I think two things are going on... I'm trying to wear my favourite pieces and many of them ARE black and navy.  The other is when I try to put together limited capsules, something in my head says everything needs to go with everything (even though it doesn't) and I get really boring, really quickly!  I would have pulled out more colourful things had I not had to think about whether I'd wear them enough to justify being part of the capsule, in these specific two months.  Which is where this plan falls apart... for example I have a great red/cobalt/black/white plaid top, which might only get worn once or twice in "deep winter" but will get worn more in March-May.  But if I don't wear it now, the wears per year drops.  Will I wear it enough in those months to justify it being in THAT capsule?  All of a sudden these bridge items don't earn their keep.  Which is not really accurate.  OK, I'm musing again...  Helena on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1884996 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:31:22 +0000 Helena 1884996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth, your visual shows a very cohesive and interesting-looking capsule - well done! Your musings on 'deep winter' are very interesting - I find this undoubtedly the hardest time to be stylish during (followed close second by 'sweltering summer'). You mentioned that you don't wear your beloved blue much in deep winter, as most of your pieces are navy and black. Do you think you limit your deep winter buying, since it's not exactly the most fun or fashion-forward season? And do you think those of us who live in these climates ought to force ourselves to buy more for the difficult seasons? I've been pondering these questions lately. In any case, YLF - you look amazing in red so it's great to see it featured! Elizabeth P on "(30x30)x2. Mid point musings." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30x30x2-mid-point-musings#post-1884983 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 14:14:40 +0000 Elizabeth P 1884983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, it’s Day 30 for me!  Time to do a mid-challenge summary. I chose to do this challenge for 60 days, but divided into two groups - work and casual.  I was most interested in the work capsule, which I called “deep winter”.  Deep Winter is when:  Its cold.  It’s when I wear chunkier, cozier sweaters, when these pieces look right, and not too heavy and out of place (which they may in March April).  The roads and sidewalks may be snow covered and messy, so my pants tend to be skinny so they can be tucked into high boots.  My goals were not so much about the numbers, but to use the idea of a defined number of items to see: <ul> <li> What, and how many, items do I wear items only in this “deep winter” period?   </li> <li> How often am I happy to repeat? </li> <li> How much variety do I need?  Esp in colour.  At this time of year I am very happy to cozy up in my black and navy clothes more than at other times of the year, and my “deep winter” clothes reflect that, but how much is to much or for too long? </li> <li> What, and how many, “essentials” do I need to support this capsule.  For example, I know I have an excessive number of black long sleeved tees.  Do they all earn a place in my current closet?   </li> <li> Wear what I love, and what supports my style, as much as I want, and don’t worry about orphaning anything in the process.  With a large wardrobe, it’s easy to force myself to wear things, and as a result my favourites don’t get worn as much as they might, which is just plain silly.  Use this information to do some culling. </li> </ul> Observations so far: <ul> <li> I don’t like to repeat something the following week.  I reached for a top one day then checked stylebook and realized I’d worn it the week before, and back it went into the closet.  Am I okay with every second week?  I don’t feel the same way about bottoms… at least not plain ones. </li> <li> I still have several pieces that I categorized as “deep winter only” that have not been worn.  Two black heavy cardigans/sweaters will be donated, not sure yet about the rest. </li> <li> It’s still a bit early to make any decisions about the crazy number of long sleeved black tees that I have, but I decided that most of the “work” ones can stay, as they have varying necklines and hemlines, that work with different toppers.  I’ve donated one, which had a similar neckline to another one, and I reached for the other one almost exclusively. Because I’m focusing on wearing my “deep winter” clothes, not all of them have been worn this month, but they were in the fall, and I’m sure will be in March/April.  Will have to make a note to pay attention to that. </li> <li> My favourite colour is blue, yet I have chosen NO blue (other than navy) so far.  This is just weird, and I’ll add that to my list of things to think about.  I suspect it’s just because most of my heavy items are black and navy.   </li> <li> Red seems to be the colour I’ve worn this month, when I’ve worn colour. </li> </ul> My work capsule numbers as of January 31: 16 outfits, 29 pieces of clothing.  Four of these pieces were worn to a conference (day of meetings plus a dinner) so I’m not sure if I’m going to count them.  Sure, I needed them, but they are not things I generally wear on a day to day basis, and I’m not going to learn anything by counting them… they are definitely items that are staying in my wardrobe.  I think I’ll count them if I wear them again.  So I’m going with 25 so far.  I have two items that are definitely going to get worked in next month (black cashmere turtleneck and navy skirt) so I have two discretionary items, if I’m going to meet the goal of 30.  I also have 9 outfits already in mind for the month, using items already included. A lot of things have only been worn once, so I think I'm fine. Sweaters 1. Navy Joie asymmetrical (2) 2. Tomato red asymmetrical (2) 3. Grey asymmetrical (1) 4. Navy EF cashmere asymmetrical(2) 5. Red turtleneck (1) Cardigans 6. Black Danier leather sleeved (1) 7. Navy/Black heathered Lululemon (2) 8. Black/white BR (2) 9. Navy BR (1) Layering tops 10. Navy/black Zara (1) 11. Black BR scoop neck (1) 12. Black EF (3) 13. Navy BR (2) 14. Silver linen J.Crew (1) 15. White linen J. Crew (1) (didn’t enjoy wearing this, but I think it may be how I wore it.  It needs another try, as I love the idea of it) Bottoms 16. Black Halogen crops (1) (Not a fav, I struggle with footwear, going to see if I wear these more now I have my cool Sorel boots) 17. Black/white BR Sloans (1) 18. Navy 5 pocket Sloan leggings  (1) 19. Black/white plaid wool J Crew trousers (1) 20. Burgundy Halogen slim ponte pants (2) 21. Navy/white BR Sloans (2) 22. NYDJ black ponte leggings (3) 23. Black Danier leather leggings (1) 24. Black Dalia ponte black leggings (1) Dresses 25. COS navy boiled wool dress (1) Special events:  Not going to count these unless I wear them more than once. 26. Black BR trousers (1) 27. Pink leather jacket (1) 28. Black BR moto jacket (1) 29. Black EF dress (1) Picture below shows my outfits so far. I’ll come back with my  casual musings after this weekend. For any of you crazy enough to read all that, thank you!  You don't need to comment, this was really done for me, and to force some accountability.  But I’ll welcome any additional observations or comments you might like to offer.