https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:36:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2131037 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:53:25 +0000 Sal 2131037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Minaminu - that is interesting and a great exercise to make sure purchases suit your real life.&nbsp; Probably worth doing every couple of years to see - as things change.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My life is mostly level 1, but I have regular needs in 2 and 5 (but not much of 5 this year!).&nbsp; Very occasional needs in 3 and nothing in 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Jenn.&nbsp; I am enjoying camel,&nbsp; I orobably won't add any more right now - I like it on me in winter better than summer.&nbsp; I don't plan to edit any of those pieces out right now.&nbsp; But I do like having a few options that I can pull out when I need a change-up.&nbsp; In my mind I am better to do that with older pieces than buy newer ones.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130798 Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:36:50 +0000 Jenn 2130798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look AMAZING in camel. Every time I see you in it, I find myself determined to find my own version of that color, but I'm not sure I even have one.</p> <p>Totally know what you mean about having those items that seem like prime candidates for culling because you rarely wear them. &nbsp;I have a bunch of those, too, but I almost always try them on and decide to keep, usually because I just love them, regardless of how often I get a chance to wear. I think there's room for some of that, even in a small wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130763 Wed, 01 Jul 2020 08:25:11 +0000 Minaminu 2130763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hi Sal, last year I read a book called "Look like the leader you are: a 7 steps for ambitious women" by Lizzie Edwards and it was very helpful for me, as it basically explains how to build a wardrobe to dress for the role that you want to grow into and how to calculate what you actually need from your wardrobe on a day to day basis.</p> <p><b>Step 1 </b> Look at the diary for a recent 2 weeks period that shows a typical example (if schedule is erratic, try a 4 weeks)<br /><b>Step 2 </b> Go through the diary and how you spent the day, adding the appropriate level of dress and the situation.</p> <p>These are the <b>levels</b><br /><b>1 </b> <b>Quality Casual </b> good quality jeans, jumpers, smart trainers<br /><b>2</b> <b>Smart Casual </b> smart cotton trousers, fine knit sweaters, pointed flat shoes<br /><b>3</b> <b>Business Casual </b> Smart separates, silk blouse, wool trousers, blazers, jersey dresses, low heels<br /><b>4</b> <b>Business Formal </b> Suit, structured dresses, jacket, high heels<br />I added <b>5</b> for Occasions (Xmas party, dinners, etc)</p> <p><b>Step 3 </b> add up and write the total for each level and % (number of days divided by total level in weeks). It seems difficult but it actually is quite straightforward when you see the table, I attached mine which I did based on 20 working days.</p> <p>This helped set up a budget and shopping list for 2020 (unknowingly the upcoming issue with the Covid-19), it was quite easy to recognise the discrepancy between what I have vs. what I actually need when I am working full time and there is no lockdown.</p> <p>If I would do the same exercise in the current situation, it would be totally different, of course! These are exceptional times.</p> <p>Hope it is interesting and helpful :)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130725 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 23:01:02 +0000 Sal 2130725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Minaminu </b>- that is a serious system!!&nbsp; What are the different levels?&nbsp; Before YLF I had some really great pieces but struggled to make good outfits with them.&nbsp; And I sometimes fell into the trap of being either too "cute" or too "rocker" or a different great style that is not mine.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Carla</b> - I haven't tried adding red to the mix (I really don't own much) but I could do the below outfit that might work.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Angie</b>.....some outfits are better than others - but for my mid winter - they are all fine!!&nbsp; H (15) was not very sick but best to get tested.&nbsp; As we are all out and about (and he is at school) winter bugs are circulating again.</p> <p>Thanks <b>Suz</b> :)&nbsp; I am fine with having extras - I have three pairs of straight blue jeans but they all fill a slightly different role.&nbsp; I have lots of statements which in the large part are not essentials - many of which are workhorses too!!&nbsp; Both you and I (excepting for in 2020) have a similarly varied life where we have a need for small numbers of pieces in evening and smart work capsules for example, that might not get a whole lot of use, but <i>when we need them we really need them</i>.&nbsp; That is the area I make mistakes in - and want to keep a small number of items that I really like that I can call on for conferences or presentations at short notice and feel good about.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Suntiger</b> - the minimum just keeps me on my toes.&nbsp; My summer slides are in need of replacement and I love them for summer BBQ and functions where you leave your shoes outside the home.&nbsp; And one basic tidy sweater is not really enough for our climate.&nbsp; Sure I have a hoodie, a cardigan and two statement pieces but I do need another simple option!!&nbsp; Conversely if I get sick of my summer skirts I don't really need to replace them.....</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130717 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 22:16:51 +0000 Sal 2130717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks all:)</p> <p><b>NemosMom</b> - thank you.&nbsp; My son had a cold but at the week he got it anyone with any possible Covid symptoms was tested as we were about to relax the very last stage of restrictions.&nbsp; I won't stick to this perfectly but it makes me realise why some pieces are important for me to function in my current life.</p> <p><b>Jenni</b> - haha I haven't worked out the revised plan yet.&nbsp; The analysis helped me (and was fun on a quiet weekend).&nbsp; In my mind it gives me permission to add a few fun statements but make sure I do add essentials.&nbsp; Look forward to yours!</p> <p><b>Brooklyn </b>- yes without the essentials the statements can languish.&nbsp; I do enjoy camel and black - I used to wear a lot of black and white but I think this works better on me!!</p> <p><b>Thanks Robyn</b> - I thrifted the wrap dress for $3 last year.&nbsp; It is feeling a bit short on me so I like it with the tall boots!!&nbsp; I am definitely preferring longer dresses at the moment.</p> <p><b>Bijou </b>- thanks!&nbsp; I will do something but not sure in what capacity.&nbsp; It was fairly last minute due to the nature of the lockdown but as a result (as it was the first week we could meet with over 10) everyone was available and free.&nbsp; And I was more relaxed about the planning than normal because it was spontaneous (well 8 days in advance).</p> <p><b>Rachy</b> - I love these wide crop flares too.&nbsp; I had a couple of similar pairs back in about 2007 (or so) and was sad when the trends changed.&nbsp; The KPI is good for me as it really shows where my gaps are.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130680 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 18:10:36 +0000 Anonymous 2130680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow the white jacket, but of course I love the caramel too! So glad your son doesn't have Covid!</p> <p>I need to think of minimum quantities too, maximum quantites as well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130650 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:45:54 +0000 Suz 2130650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is brilliant, <b>Sally.</b> Really terrific analysis. I like how you have identified targets. That makes a lot of sense. Unlike some people, I tend to overbuy in the essentials category (vs. the statement) so I find I have -- not duplicates, exactly -- but several pieces that fill the same function. &nbsp;Like you, I don't always edit these out. Sometimes it's <b>GOOD</b> to have an extra -- it prevents laundry jam ups and with the small differences between items, ensures you can make outfits in different circumstances.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love your fun additions this year -- the pink straw bag, the bucket hat!&nbsp;</p> <p>You look AMAZING in tan/ caramel and that robin's egg blue. LOVE the outfits with the pale blue and pale blue sneakers. So gorgeous on you.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm really sorry you missed your party, but glad your son is doing better. And I hope you're able to enjoy a celebratory gathering soon.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130647 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:42:31 +0000 Angie 2130647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SOOO glad to hear that DS tested negative, <b>Sal!</b> Not the ideal way to start your 50th year, but most importantly - the story has a happy ending.&nbsp;</p> <p>Happy to hear your rigorous analysis makes you happy and WORKS! Well done.</p> <p>The outfits in pic #4 SCREAM <b>Sal Charlies Angels&nbsp;</b>to me. In fact, come to think of it - all the outfits do! KILLER all round. You have never looked better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130643 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:24:51 +0000 Carla 2130643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Count me in as another lover of your spread sheet and analytics, Sal. &nbsp;I agree with Jenni about black and camel being your colours. &nbsp;I think of the combination, with red thrown in, as the Burberry House colours!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130637 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 15:33:59 +0000 Minaminu 2130637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab, fab, fab!!!! I love a bit of analysis and stats :)!!! </p> <p>It's interesting that you also keep track if the item is essential or statement. I kind of do the same, I apply a level to each item and this helps me identify the weak areas, I've attached a screenshot of my summary, </p> <p>It's so interesting to see the different approaches that we have to build a curated wardrobe!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130605 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:06:33 +0000 rachylou 2130605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your spreadsheet. What you have v min is very smart. It’s a wardrobe functionality KPI (key performance indicator). Also: I particularly love the outfits in 4. The pants have a lot of game(!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130599 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:50:38 +0000 Bijou 2130599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, you look so great in these WIWs, the tan and earth colours are so beautiful on you. I hope you get to reschedule your birthday party. It is always good to celebrate! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130591 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:26:26 +0000 RobinF 2130591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis! I love your looks with the tall boots - the black ones are great with the wide leg pants and love the tan with the blue coat - so cute!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130574 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:57:35 +0000 Brooklyn 2130574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn’s an inspiration. I’m trying to do something similar this year (not as disciplined) by limiting the number of statement pieces I buy. Focussing on essentials that tend to get more everyday wear. I’m glad your system is working well for you.</p> <p>That camel/black combination is working really well for you. I think it’s signature now. YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130573 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:54:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 2130573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How funny I have just been reading my old forum posts in prep for doing a half-year review. I may write it tomorrow.<br /> Yours is awesome and I like analysis.<br /> In the pics, I am just amazed by how good you look in the outfits with tan/caramel especially. And some of the black also.<br /> Pics 3 right hand side, all of pic 4, and pic 6 left hand side are, as Angie would say, my “killer faves”.<br /> Sorry to hear the small party was cancelled but glad son was OK. Time for a “51st” in 2021? 51 in 21? xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130570 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:21:08 +0000 nemosmom 2130570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Whew! Glad to hear your son was not ill with this virus - what a relief that must have been! I hope things will start to look up for your business soon.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Your analysis and planning is fantastic. I think it is super smart to note your minimums and target numbers so you can easily see not only your potential holes, but also when you are veering off-course as you add pieces. I can see "you" in most of the pieces you've added, so you have clearly done the hard work and it shows!&nbsp; I may have to copy your approach defining minimums and essentials (as I am also lazy HA )</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy belated birthday! xx<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130547 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:11:23 +0000 Sal 2130547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shevia! I was sad about the party but it was only planned just over a week in advance, so fairly spontaneous. And compared to other cancellations- very minor!</p> <p>I do tend to neutrals in winter. I find it hard to find winter colours I like in styles I like! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130537 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 03:04:51 +0000 Jaime 2130537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is no one better to follow than Jenn for rules and guidance for this sort of thing. I won't address that part, but will note that you wear a mix of neutrals really well and the cut of your blazer is perfect for you. Sorry you had to change your plans, but glad your son is ok and that you live in NZ you lucky duck ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130521 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:24:22 +0000 Sal 2130521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha - and I say the Power of One!!&nbsp; </p> <p>I very rarely exactly duplicate but I do have a couple of pieces in the same category.&nbsp; For light woven tops here are the two I have (the first two finds).&nbsp; It is being honest with yourself I think......I</p> <p>I think I could whittle out about 10 pieces from my wardrobe pretty easily.&nbsp; (I added ten quickly that I could edit out because they don't exactly fill a need......) but I don't plan to because they all get some wear.&nbsp; The tan sandals and black blouse are in the essentials category, all the rest are either statements or extras in some way.&nbsp; I really love the long patterned skirt and cream jacket, but they don't get much wear at all!!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130517 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:05:48 +0000 Jenn 2130517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YES! I love it!</p> <p>I think I told you this before, but it was a total gamechanger for me to realize that I have duplicates (though not usually exact ones) of my essentials in my wardrobe, and that's totally okay. I like how you've set target numbers on yours, so you can assess what's a reasonable replacement and what's above and beyond. &nbsp;For me, that number is 1, but for even a slightly larger wardrobe, it makes total sense for it to be higher. Excellent strategy!</p> <p>(I'm replying before your WIW photos, so I'll be back.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/june-wrap-up-and-plans-for-the-second-half-of-2020-long#post-2130516 Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:58:28 +0000 Sal 2130516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi All,</p> <p>June has been a lovely but strange and stressful month for me.&nbsp; It started with me turning 50 and while I had plans for a gathering to celebrate, my son woke up sick on the morning and had to go for a Covid test.&nbsp; As it was a Friday the results took until the Monday and I had to postpone the party.&nbsp; He was negative fortunately and not very sick at all, but we all have to do our part.</p> <p>(keep in mind that I am in NZ and we are really lucky to have no community spread of Covid here, but there are cases at the border with people returning home to NZ- so holding a function is allowed and not unsafe).</p> <p>So now we are in the fortunate position of having no restrictions except for travel which is almost impossible - both in and out of NZ.&nbsp; Tough if you are in the tourism industry.&nbsp; Our business has been getting busier through June which is encouraging.&nbsp; But it has been bleak and wet.....</p> <p>I have three additions to my closet this month.&nbsp; All are accessories.&nbsp; I have attached the finds below.<br /> - Black cross body bag<br /> - Gifted pink basket bag (present from SIL)<br /> - Tweed bucket hat</p> <p>I have also added some recent WIW (my dark jeans pics were part of the challenge).&nbsp; Nothing especially of note except for the good use of the black crossbody bag!! I did attempt wearing the jumpsuit in winter for the first time and it was fun to experiment.</p> <p>(SKIP OVER IF YOU ARE NOT INTO ANALYSIS)</p> <p>Inspired by Jenn, I am going to attempt the <b><i>5 Piece French Wardrobe</i></b>.&nbsp; I am going to adopt her rules (because they seem fair and I am lazy).&nbsp; So to do this I went through my essentials list to prepare so I know what really is an essential for me.&nbsp; My one difference is that I am going to include accessories over $50 though because I can buy them too quickly without thought......</p> <p>I attach my essentials list below. These are the pieces I would always want in my wardrobe. (I am not including any gear here).&nbsp; </p> <p>For me, a floral summer dress is an essential even though some of mine are statement items. But I always want to own a couple of them.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>When I didn't have a long cardigan I struggled for example, this forms a really useful gap between loungewear, working from home and casual wear that works brilliantly for me.&nbsp; I<br /> <i><br /> My quantity i</i>s how many I own in this category currently and then I have a <i>minimum quantity </i>as well.&nbsp; In most categories I have the same or more than the minimum quantity - winter sweaters (basic ones) is my one gap. As I am not a minimalist I will happily own more than the minimum number, but in some cases if my "blazer" wore out or was damaged I would immediately look for a replacement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The last column is my total number of pieces - for example I own 28 tops of which 12 are essentials so 16 are either statements or completer type pieces.&nbsp; For bottoms the numbers are quite different with owning 18 of which 15 fall into the essential category.&nbsp; My wardrobe is about 98 pieces ( I am not counting all accessories here though only bags and glasses).</p> <p>If I look over my wardrobe additions for 2020 I see I have added four new statements, two essentials over above my minimum quantity, and eight essential replacements.&nbsp; So by Jenn's rules, I have added 6 additions.&nbsp; This year was always going to be about essentials and a work wardrobe so this means I am on track.</p> <p>Here are my 2020 purchases.&nbsp; The number is pretty high (there are also two pairs of shoes not in finds, some pool flip flops and running shoes)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=8437">https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....ction=8437</a></p> <p>The ones I consider to be the non essentials<br /> - rust knit<br /> - tweed hat<br /> - yellow stripe top<br /> - wrap coat</p> <p>I did also add an extra pair of black pants and straight blue jeans above my minimum quantity so these count. I have had great success in 2020 and love all my new pieces. The blush shoes have had minimal wear which is a reflection of the year where dressy occasions have been almost non existent. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p>I am actively looking for a basic merino sweater and a raincoat ( I know the one I want but am choosing the colour depending on the sweater I choose as they will be worn together).</p> <p>Sorry this is long and a bit rambling........&nbsp; it has helped me immensely to clarify what is my essential list and why at times I have struggled to make a moderate size wardrobe click.</p> <p>I am very conscious at the moment that we are all in different spaces with Covid and many of us are feeling vulnerable and frustrated - and all the emotions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks<br /> Sally</p> <p></p>