YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-Year Check-In

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-Year Check-In https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:05:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Roberta on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1/page/2#post-2335616 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:00:20 +0000 Roberta 2335616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This morning alone, YLF has given me three major insights into my wardrobe! Especially in retirement, where I don't have regular input from stylish coworkers, I rely on your voices to help me figure out changes in my style and how to manage my shopping habits and expansive closet. ETA: I find I shop LESS, but SMARTER, because of YLF. Despite all of the gorgeous Finds. cat2 on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1/page/2#post-2335610 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:40:34 +0000 cat2 2335610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats on a great year. I am also amazed you can find essentials thrifting; I usually see a big rack of everyone’s discarded statement pieces. Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1/page/2#post-2335601 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:48:37 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ChristelJ Thanks!  I am also having more fun with my wardrobe than ever. ChristelJ on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1/page/2#post-2335600 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:43:42 +0000 ChristelJ 2335600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am impressed with your thrifting success and your self-discipline. I am a bit thrifter too but a bit jealous of your Italian-made quality finds. Things like that are rare where I live. Anyway, congrats on your progress! Your new items sound perfectly in line with your goals. For myself I do a large edit every year which helps me manage my wardrobe. YLF has helped me be more creative and open to combinations I wouldn't have considered before, which makes getting dressed more fun than ever. Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335585 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 08:22:10 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jenni!  My winter clothes are very boring, trousers and turtlenecks and puffer coat.  And it is a looong winter.  I have to dress like that from October to March. Jenni NZ on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335571 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 05:31:38 +0000 Jenni NZ 2335571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fantastic work Star! I love how you have been reducing slowly and thoughtfully without totally denying yourself new-to-you items. I have bought a similar number of items to you this year- 10 clothing ( only one of them thrifted) and 1 pair shoes. Unfortunately I have only edited out 3 completely but some have gone to holding zone or dress-ups. Numbers have trickled up to 154. I am so much better off in my wardrobe for being a part of the forum. I find I don’t interact as much in my winter as I am more bored with what I am wearing. quietloud on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335375 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:58:18 +0000 quietloud 2335375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m really impressed with your thrifting skills! It’s something I used to do a lot myself, but I feel like it’s so much harder to find good pieces now than it used to be, or maybe I am just more impatient? Anyway, it’s something I want to focus more on going forward, but it will probably be mostly online via apps. I’m also with you on the stripes! I tend to avoid patterns, but will always make an exception for stripes ;) And yes, definitely better off for being a YLF member! I am learning so much about my own style by reading others’ thoughts about their own, and from all the fantastic discussions Sal on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335271 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:29:19 +0000 Sal 2335271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree Star re stripes. In general I have always been a big fan so I am surprised I don’t own any. That may change if I find the right piece. Such a useful way to mix colours in an outfit. Brooklyn on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335164 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:40:49 +0000 Brooklyn 2335164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done! I am in awe of your thrift shopping. I have found a few things that way that are real gems. But mostly I come up empty. Lately I’m enjoying flea market shopping for second hand clothing. I think because in that case someone else has done the hard work for me sifting through thrift stores. And I’ve definitely become more thoughtful about my style and wardrobe management since joining YLF. Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335143 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 05:36:32 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal Thanks!  Stripes can be very versatile but I guess one needs to be in the mood for them.  I love them but I don't wear them that often.  Also I favour some over others.  I have noticed I prefer a wider stripe and also I have a black/white stripe that I don't really like.  It seems the width of the stripe and the colour puts me off.  I have the same in blue/white and wear that one much more.  I think in future I only want classic navy/white stripes as those get the most wear.  I am talking about Ts.  B/downs are a different story as I like some vertical striped b/downs.  Actually just realising I don't think we can love all striped items.  They can all be so different! Bijou Thank you!  Yes to not shopping for a fantasy life, I never do that any more.  I really have learned a lot. Bijou on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335140 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:17:36 +0000 Bijou 2335140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have been very disciplined and it is great that you have these results. I have greatly benefited from the YLF Forum in not shopping for my fantasy life and embracing change and reflecting upon how my wardrobe needs to respond to that change with intention and purpose. Sal on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335128 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 02:13:07 +0000 Sal 2335128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great work Star!  Sounds like a focussed and cost effective shopping strategy. Good job recognising what you like as well.  Funnily enough I have now no stripes in my closet - first time in a long time!! Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335020 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:35:54 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Janet!  There is lots of weird, icky stuff too where I shop.  However I always manage to find a few gems.  Maybe the difference is the thrift items here are from all over Europe whereas maybe for you guys it is just local.  I am guessing, I don't know anything about thrifting in the US TBH. Janet on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2335010 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:54:56 +0000 Janet 2335010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great job! You have terrific discipline in your shopping and I applaud (and admire) that. I’m in awe of those of you who can successfully thrift shop for these great items — whenever I look, I seem to find weird or boring items in less than ideal condition, or interesting stuff that is nowhere near my size. LOL I have definitely benefited from YLF in the dozen years I have been a member. I do need to practice more consistent discipline and analysis — sometimes I’m better at that than other times! Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334990 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:27:51 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suntiger I have hardly ever gone with a list of things I need to thrift, probably because I really do not need much!  However the one time I did, it was white jeans, I was thinking 'no way am I going to find white jeans in pristine condition' and I came home with two amazing pairs, one Hugo Boss and one Calvin Klein.  I think the Thrifting Gods like me Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334989 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:25:31 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ SarahD8 How cool - vintage pottery!  Yes, bring an empty suitcase Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334988 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:23:51 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie that is interesting about SA.  Yes, I do think it has a lot to do with my hair colour, just like your hair colour is working with brown!  I am really having fun with my existing wardrobe now. Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334987 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:20:57 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaime I actually wore the fuchsia dress last night - it is super hot here!  It was our Town's annual celebration, lots of music, fireworks and too many people :)  I don't have a means to take decent photos unfortunately but when I do I will catch up, promise. Jaime on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334963 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 01:39:07 +0000 Jaime 2334963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am infinitely better off because of the YLF forum, although perhaps not so much in terms of shopping . Delighted to read about successful thrifting finds, and would be happy to see some pictures - especially of the fuschia dress! Anonymous on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334944 Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:05:43 +0000 Anonymous 2334944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy to be a forum member too :) Glad you had successful thrift scores! It's easy to get derailed and buy some random fun thing if the needed things aren't there. Angie on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334899 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:51:47 +0000 Angie 2334899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done, Star! WOOOHOOO! You stuck to your guns, followed your effective goals, and it's working :) Fun to find out things about ourselves - and still be surprised. I'd have bet my life on the fact I would not wear chocolate brown again. Jokes on me!  Keeps it interesting.  You might like neutrals more now because of changing hair colour. It's all connected. Follow your feelings! Please carry on. BTW, thrifting, consignment, purchasing secondhand, and renting wardrobe items is a lot more prevalent in South Africa now. Especially online with IG. My goddaughter who lives in Johannesburg and goes to varsity at Wits keeps me up to date with that   Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334897 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:47:43 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Minaminu!  Actually did not take too much time.  Now that I know what I am really looking for they kinda jumped out at me. SarahD8 on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334896 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:46:56 +0000 SarahD8 2334896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Star the thrifting where you are sounds super fun! Is it wrong that I want to visit your country with an extra empty suitcase? (We are on vacation now and I made sure to hit up a local thrift store. Scored a cool piece of vintage locally made pottery!) Minaminu on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334895 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:39:32 +0000 Minaminu 2334895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am on the same page as you for wanting more neutrals, less patterns but keep the stripes. There is always space for stripes!  Very well done on your thrifting success! It takes time but it must be very rewarding! Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334886 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 17:00:37 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy I feel like I am mostly done shopping for this year.  Maybe some winter pants if I can find the right pair.  Last year I had the most amazing luck and sorted out my winter jacket/coat conundrum.  I was lucky enough to thrift a fabulously stylish short navy Sisley puffer jacket and a long dark brown puffer (a Polish brand - nice and warm - like a duvet).  Together with my 8 year old Eggplant long puffer and black short hooded puffer I am set with regards to winter jackets for quite some time.  I love the new additions and am no longer looking at jackets/coats.  Unless of course a fabulous long wool coat presents itself... Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334885 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:55:59 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - a pile of pieces that don't necessarily work together.  Yes that is what I had for a long time.  I finally feel like I am making headway. Star (Lise) on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334883 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:50:21 +0000 Star (Lise) 2334883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dee I actually knew I love stripes, I did not know I love neutrals - can you believe ha-ha!  My preferences had changed and I had not realized it.  I do feel like I am finally getting a handle on my wardrobe!  I loved your striped WIWs.  My dream wardrobe is going to be 100 pieces max and mix and match, and be predominantly neutrals.  All good quality pieces I love with interesting details.   SarahD8 and Helena and LJP in my home country thrift stores are not really a big thing, so when I moved here in 2015 I was blown away by the number of stores here and the quality of the items.  Over 50% of the stock here is Italian made and I had really never seen quality like this before at such unbelievable prices and I went a little crazy, like a magpie, buying so many pieces that caught my eye.  When I shopped this year it was not hard to find these perfect for me pieces because I have realized I don't want the bright patterned items that I loved years ago anymore.  I just did not know that I did not want them anymore until I started tracking IYKWIM.   LJP on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334880 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:21:19 +0000 LJP 2334880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it’s admirable that you’ve found workable items by thrifting - and that you’ve stuck to your slow downsizing plan . I know it’s not easy to do ! I’ve been on the forum for many years and do credit it for making me a better shopper although I’m still too unfocused to consider myself really good at wardrobe management . Anonymous on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334879 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:18:43 +0000 Anonymous 2334879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am one who is better off for being a YLF member.  I feel like my wardrobe is in a good place but continually needs tweaking.  I also did not set written goals this year but have a list in my head.  I hope to add a bit of winter color and replace ill fitting footwear. Dee on "Mid-Year Check-In" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-1#post-2334876 Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:03:44 +0000 Dee 2334876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I too never realized until joining this forum and doing WIWs that I have a strong affinity for stripes as well. I find them so easy to add a bit of pattern to an otherwise simple outfit. It’s also through this forum that I learned how to create a mix and match wardrobe that I’m now pretty satisfied with. Well done with all your thrifted acquisitions, sounds like you have a good handle on your wardrobe.