https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:36:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2246358 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 21:29:27 +0000 Laurie 2246358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved everything you posted last year, Janet. You are always a style inspiration to me and you've never looked better!<br />Happy New Year - good luck with these goals.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2246303 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:21:00 +0000 Angie 2246303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds good, <b>Janet</b>! I hear you on having too many patterns! I am concentrating on solid separates this year .....but patterned skirts and dresses are allowed </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2246299 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 16:08:08 +0000 cat2 2246299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post spoke to me. I also did a bit too much shopping for the end of the pandemic! Unlike many years, I don’t have a big list of wardrobe gaps. My plan is to go back to my usual shopping patterns, of buying one good item in specific categories each season. So for winter, one really good sweater, coat and pair of boots, and for summer a great dress, a new swimsuit and some new espadrilles, and otherwise do my best to forget my credit card number. We will see how that goes; I have been distracting myself from shopping by trying to advance a level in DuoLingo, and finally reading a couple of books I downloaded back when we all traveled. What are your distractions? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2246288 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 14:47:13 +0000 Janet 2246288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie!</p> <p>Over the last few days, I’ve been considering a pretty strict shopping limit for myself, as a challenge for the new year. I have plenty. And oddly enough right now, it seems like when I am not finding the right answer in my closet, it’s because I need a solid color top for the current season. I have so many prints! The last two years have not been good for solid color basics in my color palette. </p> <p>Toward that end, I did get this teal cashmere V-neck sweater from Boden during an end of season discount. I’m also considering something similar in burgundy, another essential solid for my f/w wardrobe. </p> <p>But beyond that and refreshing some underwear needs (bras are becoming an issue, and my old favorites are discontinued), I’m going to make an effort to simply wear and enjoy the things I have and love, and stay out of the shops (virtual as well as B&amp;M). </p> <p>I’ve been picking away at little mini-edits — a top here, stretched-out socks there — but my coat closet is mocking me. Definitely in need of an edit! I’ll share if and when I accomplish anything of note. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2246252 Sun, 02 Jan 2022 01:12:36 +0000 Angie 2246252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*APPLAUSE*</p> <p><b>Janet</b>, you had a very stylish 2021, and have never looked better! Lots of excellent shopping too!&nbsp;</p> <p>Your KILLER style shines brightly just how you want it to. You are especially talented at finishing off outfits! Soul searching, and following through on what feels right works very well for you. Most people aren't as intuitive with their styles - but you are. Please carry on! The new grey shag is <i>sublime</i> :)</p> <p>......and no wonder your MVPs are shades of grey that match the new gorgeous greyed hair.....! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245484 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:47:40 +0000 Irina 2245484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, Janet. I had a completely reverse situation while growing out my grey hair. My DH was the only one who supported me, all my friends, my hairdresser and my neighbor, who is a well known makeup artist, were firmly against it. But they love it now.&nbsp;<div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245479 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 19:26:37 +0000 Anonymous 2245479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such great new pieces, and I can see why the Bao Bao is such a workhorse! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245462 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 18:06:34 +0000 Janet 2245462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it’s been interesting! My friends have been very supportive — or keeping their mouths shut if they have more critical opinions, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245457 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 17:28:30 +0000 Suz 2245457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet,</b> with Mr. Suz it was like that, too. When I decided to let the grey go in, both he and my kid threw minor fits. They didn't want the change. And at first Mark was skeptical, but after a month or two he really came around to it. By then, I was also transitioning my wardrobe to work better with the grey, which also helped.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245382 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:55:58 +0000 Janet 2245382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaime, you have the best hair! It does take some time to adjust though. I’m feeling better about mine since my husband just told me that he has come to really like it. At first he wasn’t so sure but he wisely never told me until he had a change of heart and wanted to let me know how he now loves it. Maybe it was just a matter of getting used to it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245380 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:36:57 +0000 Jaime 2245380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha Janet, I just saw that Trinny coat count also and had a similar reaction. My closet is enormous, especially if you count my archive of vintage clothing but I can't compete with hers. I hear you about never wearing clothing out, but I do like to feel I give mine a new life by reselling or donating. As for your hair, it literally took me several years to get used to my reflection in a random window or mirror - but now when I see pictures of myself with dark hair I think it is boring . Anyway, your WIWs have never been better as far as I am concerned.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245363 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 00:41:09 +0000 Janet 2245363@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, I love Trinny! My style is very different from hers (all the colors!) but I really enjoy her videos because they get me thinking about different ways to remix my wardrobe. I saw her video where she counts all her coats and it made me feel a LOT better about how much outerwear I own, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245342 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 21:47:33 +0000 Sal 2245342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your closet Janet and think you get it right with your style and shopping. And you have evolved your style to suit both the ‘fashion’ and your lifestyle.</p> <p>There’s not one way to dress or shop - as you know I love Trinny’s massive closet with old and new, designer and high street. She is building an archive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245340 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 20:22:22 +0000 Janet 2245340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everybody!</p> <p>Denise, those fingerless gloves were purchased to replace my old black ones, which were a knit version that I wore for years. They got shredded up when I took a fall on a Lime scooter two years ago and I’ve been meaning to replace them ever since. I love the added refinement/edge of the leather detail. Instant workhorses!</p> <p>The Bao Bao is another instant workhorse — I now use it more days than I don’t. CPW will end up very low on this bag, even though it was pricey (and I don’t actually calculate CPW, I just think of it in generalized terms). </p> <p>Thanks everyone for the cheering on! I figured a lot of people were feeling similarly after the unease of the last couple of years. I do have a sort of general feeling that I have too much in my wardrobe, but honestly a lot of it I do love. And I am not one of those people who wears 20% of my closet 80% of the time — I truly do switch it up a lot. However, this means my items generally last a long time because they don’t get worn out with frequent wear. I tend to tire of them before they actually get threadbare. It’s not a bad problem to have, but it makes me aware that I shop out of boredom with what I have, and that shopping is not usually about filling holes in my closet, but rather holes in my social life or my other areas. I need better hobbies, LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245335 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 20:04:56 +0000 CocoLion 2245335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy Holidays Janet. &nbsp;I added those fingerless gloves to my shopping cart. &nbsp;I am very drawn to those chunky boots and the Issey Miyake backpack complement, they are sure to turn heads. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245308 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 14:13:20 +0000 Bijou 2245308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I need to copy your goals for 2022. I love how your style has evolved in 2021. The Z&amp;V skull jacket and your Bao Bao backpack really stand out as items that capture your ability to wear sophisticated and edgy clothing to stunning effect. I am sorry that your NY Christmas plans were cancelled, that would make me feel depressed too. I hope you had a beautiful Christmas at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245289 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 06:25:38 +0000 Brooklyn 2245289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the changes you made this year. Your style is always inspiring.</p> <p>I identify with a lot of what you said. “The edit” hangs heavily over me as a must do task for 2022. Figuring out when you are temporarily tired of something versus a permanent style shift is hard. I still have lots of work wear (not my fault) but also lots of things that I am a little tired of but still like but not as much as newer things that I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245276 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 22:26:41 +0000 slim cat 2245276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful new additions- silver pieces especially!<br /> You did great in our difficult ( again) year- with fabulous new hair style and gorgeous outfits with perfect accessories . Love your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245274 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 22:01:54 +0000 Carla 2245274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have been an inspiration to me, because I’ve witnessed you evolve your style in a modern, progressive, and authentic direction during 18 months (or more) that have confused and intimidated many. &nbsp;I’m absolutely loving every outfit you’ve posted over fall and winter, and consider&nbsp;your ‘new’ hair and specs direction as brilliant. &nbsp; Carry on!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245271 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:39:36 +0000 Irina 2245271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many wonderful additions! And they compliment your new hairstyle so well! I share many of your goals for 2022. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245260 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:22:19 +0000 rachylou 2245260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your goals speak to me, Janet. Rather sums up where I’m at… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245259 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:21:07 +0000 Suz 2245259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's really interesting how many of the MVPs are grey or silver. This totally makes sense to me. I experienced the same transition when I went grey. It works for our otherwise cool palette, too, so it's a fairly easy direction to go. With my lighter grey hair I also started adding more bits of white and stopped buying patterns that don't have a speck of white or light grey (or possibly very pale icy pink or blue) in them. I find the white, grey, or silver really creates harmony.&nbsp;</p> <p>It was a tough year (again) but you have never looked better! I feel as if this year you found a balance between practicality and aspiration that just wasn't as easy to grasp in 2020.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245257 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 16:42:49 +0000 kkards 2245257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Found myself nodding to soooo much as I read this. &nbsp;The 1st half of 2021 I bought little, then as we moved towards fall I got optimistic and well, probably bought more than I should have, especially given where we are now.<br />&nbsp;And yes to leaning more and more into my style and adopting and adapting trends into my style instead of letting trends drive me</p> <p><div>But this&nbsp;-<i> Letting go of what I’m not feeling anymore. Sometimes it’s hard for me to know whether I’ve truly fallen out of love or it’s just a cyclical shift…&nbsp;</i>this had me nodding the most. &nbsp;YES, this exactly sums up my issues with and troubles when it comes time to do a closet clean out.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/looking-backlooking-forward#post-2245255 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 15:59:07 +0000 Janet 2245255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been enjoying everyone’s recap/looking forward posts, but please forgive me for not responding on all of them. </p> <p>I’ll try keep mine brief. LOL</p> <p>Last year I made an attempt to step my dressing game back up, after a sluggish pandemic 2020. Well, I bought too much, and a bit too optimistically, and now I have some really lovely things with cancelled plans and nowhere to wear them. Maybe Christmas 2022? </p> <p>Nonetheless, it was a year in which I settled into my style a bit more, adopting just enough trend to feel current, yet true to myself. </p> <p>Color wise, I’m feeling low-contrast color palettes, keeping with my usual dark neutrals and cool/jewel tones with a bit more grey mixed in these days. Silhouette-wise, I embraced a bit more of the cropped length pant and jean, and figured out how to style it to make me happy. I remain committed to midi and midaxi length dresses and skirts, especially for warm weather. I had a tough time finding skirts and dresses this year to suit me (colors and styles not very much to my liking) but managed to get a couple. </p> <p>I finished growing out my natural hair, which is now my dark cool brown base with plenty of grey sprinkled through — and I resumed visits to my hairstylist who has helped me cultivate a new shag cut. I updated my eyewear too. I’ve also been working on better skincare routines, and have been resuming wearing a bit more makeup than in 2020, focusing mainly on eyes and brows, since the lower half of our faces is still covered with masks a lot of the time we are out in public.</p> <p>In the new year, I want to focus on:</p> <p>- Less shopping. I have more than enough and I like most of what I have. I do use shopping as therapy and it’s been that kind of year. I’d like to dial it back to 2020 levels. </p> <p>- Letting go of what I’m not feeling anymore. Sometimes it’s hard for me to know whether I’ve truly fallen out of love or it’s just a cyclical shift. The pandemic has also rendered some things very un-useful (I rarely carry a bag now that requires my hands to carry it!) but it won’t last forever, right? But I anticipate some future editing sessions. Outerwear, handbags, and jewelry are things I really should take a good hard look at editing.</p> <p>- Continuing to hone my own style. I’m not feeling particularly beholden to trends, although I like looking current. I will continue to adopt the trends that appeal to me, but I’m more and more secure with each passing year that my instincts serve me well and I know what I’m doing when it comes to my style. </p> <p>Some of my MVP purchases for the year are below in Finds.</p> <p>Well, not so brief. But basically just getting all this down where I can see it later and hold myself accountable! </p> <p>Happy holidays to you all! May 2022 bring us all peace and joy. </p>