YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid Year Check In (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid Year Check In (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 16:54:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2391301 Sat, 19 Jul 2025 21:07:37 +0000 Sal 2391301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha Jenni- sometimes i am very decisive. But not when it comes to hanging art on the walls or doing my office filing. Jenni NZ on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390876 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2390876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Once you’ve made a decision you’re very good at getting onto whatever the action is! Way better than me. Holding zone is on a high shelf and stuff for the clothing bin builds up… Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390837 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:03:21 +0000 Sal 2390837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Minaminu. I find regular check ins helpful and sometimes it reminds me of something owned that I am just not wearing. The black heels have been donated as have the dress and lilac sweater. The pink sweater is in the rag bin. Also edited out were my black ankle boots that the cobbler advised were not worth repairing. At six years old that’s okay although I note the actual wear was not very high - I think about 50 wears which is only half what most of my everyday boots and sandals and sneakers get to before wearing out. They were a buttery soft leather and possibly not designed as well as I hoped despite being a good brand - Django and Juliette. And another cardigan went to the rag bin with holes and seams falling apart. The black lace is being adapted this week too so I look forward to wearing it as a blouse soon!! Minaminu on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390745 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:17:13 +0000 Minaminu 2390745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your analysis shows a thoughtful approach, and your additions integrate seamlessly with your personal style! Brava for looking at the pieces that you haven't used much and checking if alterations or storage should be applied. I'm pleased you're keeping the faux fur jacket—it adds a playful element to your everyday wardrobe.! Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390742 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:12:03 +0000 Sal 2390742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Bijou! The hair is a bit hit and miss in the wet windy weather right now….. Bijou on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390534 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 09:26:34 +0000 Bijou 2390534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, love this new outfit and your hair is looking gorgeous! Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390524 Sun, 13 Jul 2025 03:01:09 +0000 Sal 2390524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all. A few decisions have been made. Lace dress is off to be altered into a blouse - thanks for the idea! I tried it on and while lovely as a dress I just can’t see myself wearing it again. As a blouse I see much more scope. The black heels are also going. I have my tan heels which are a good option as well as black sandals and black dressy flats. The faux fur is staying for now. Worn last night as below to the theatre. I don’t love it as much as I used to but it’s probably worth hanging on to. I also edited out a couple of pieces in my lounge wear/ old clothes capsule. I do need some options for gardening or chores but it was time!! I will report back on the blouse when I get it. Angie - I chose the sandals and sunnies - my Dad gives me cash to choose something. And yes I am a careful shopper- I have to watch myself though because I can be tempted to overspend. I have triggers - mostly sadness or boredom. I used to shop for occasions but do this less now that my wardrobe is better set up. Angie on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390431 Sat, 12 Jul 2025 14:39:29 +0000 Angie 2390431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis! FWIW, this is what I think:  Keep the faux fur jacket, Sal! It's a Modern Retro item that will always be KILLER fab - Make sure you like the fit though. Let's see it on.  As for the black dresses. My hunch is that you're over them. Especially the sheath. Pass on. You also don't seem like a "pointy toe black pumps person" either. I vote pass them on too - AND they aren't even comfy! If they were brown or a colour - they would be more "Sal".  Papa's gifts to his darling daughter made me smile! :) I'm with Irina. You are a VERY restrained shopper. I vote don't give it another thought! Carry on adding and subtracting from your wardrobe the way you are.  Lisa on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390377 Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:36:25 +0000 Lisa 2390377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal - Your theater outfit is lovely! A waistcoat and fur is a superb combination. Jules on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390287 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:14:12 +0000 Jules 2390287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Our shopping goals are very similar! I love the idea of having a ‘new in 2025’ collection and will be copying that. Your reflections on the why of shopping are interesting too, and reminded me that I picked up a corduroy denim-styled jacket at Value Village (a for profit thrift store chain that is no longer exactly cheap either) and somehow never catalogued it here (my system for keeping myself honest). That’s probably because I knew I didn’t need it and that it was probably a mistake before I even bought it. I can rationalize iffy second hand purchases as being ‘neutral’ in some way but reality is, I don’t have the need or the room. Although maybe I will send the jacket to the cottage where clothes go for retirement ;) Sorry, I didn’t mean to make this so much about me - clearly your post resonated, and helped keep me honest, so thank you Sal! Bijou on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390272 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:38:25 +0000 Bijou 2390272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A great analysis and shows how well you know your needs. I always admire how you get the balance right between being practical and also fashion forward. I also appreciate the reminder that there is not too much of winter left as we had such a late start to winter, that it feels as though it is only the beginning of the season. Jenni NZ on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390265 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:31:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2390265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the faux fur and it should be warm. I have not been wearing my 2012 faux fur vest for several years but am keeping it because I have never seen a nicer one since. I am wearing my blue faux fur jacket my sister sent as a gift from the UK in 2020 and get lots of compliments on it. I am glad that the Kowtow cardigan that you are not keeping was second hand, because Kowtow is expensive, to me. I know they have excellent sustainable practices though. I found it difficult to stop shopping but have been succeeding well at not doing it much. Returning 2 pairs of shoes that hurt kept the numbers down, but I had succumbed in the first place Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390256 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:29:47 +0000 Sal 2390256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Jaime.  I am looking forward to wearing the thrifted pieces - it feels like a long wait.... As I am more confident in my style I feel fine with buying out of season - a few years back I would have made some mistakes. In fact I may wear the below combination to the theatre- a chance to wear my waistcoat as well as the faux fur..... Jaime on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390232 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:21:07 +0000 Jaime 2390232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done both in practice and in summarizing. I also appreciated your mention that some of your second hand purchases are out of season - this is an excellent way to shop second hand because people tend to clean out their closets at the end of the season. Coats in particular abound at the end of winter. I would be tempted to keep the faux fur. Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390221 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:38:13 +0000 Sal 2390221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks all - sorry about the group reply!! I think the black pumps can go - and since I have a chance to wear the faux fur I will do it and see how I feel.  Local amateur theatre in the winter and a faux fur are a good match!!  And I do have hanging room - more than I have room for shoes where I have limited space. I will keep both cream jackets for now - and review in summer.  The linen is in my holding zone and the soft more cropped one is in with my evening capsule.   The two black dresses are at a length that I am not enjoying right now.  I may try wearing the lace over pants as a duster, that could work?  Will give it a try when I can.  I could make it a blouse too, I will consider that as it could be a good evening option with jeans or even a silk skirt?  Maybe I could wear it over my silk skirt?  Thanks for the ideas. I am considered with my shopping - I will be honest why.  A lot of the pieces I like are expensive and whilst I purchase on sale - I don't rely on being able to do that.  I also am not drawn to many of the more affordable brands at the moment - they are too short, poorly cut and use so much acrylic and polyester.  So for me - I buy higher end (NZ designers and labels mostly although often made overseas) and then thrift cheaply a few other pieces.   Lisa on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390218 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:42:37 +0000 Lisa 2390218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent analysis on your wardrobe and shopping habits. I always enjoy insight into people’s thought process, thanks for sharing. <div> </div><div>You are wise not to edit out clothes too fast even when you’re tired of them, if it was a well loved piece in the past there is a high chance it will become so again. I am slow to edit my wardrobe and put items in a holding zone for a while before truly editing them out. This has stopped me from having purging regret many times! Sometimes a holding zone item gets rescued months later. In the past I would’ve ended up rebuying something, slowing my edit process has helped me make better decisions.</div> Ket on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390211 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:49:15 +0000 Ket 2390211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ PS. FWIW, I keep thinking, this will be the season or year I do low/no buy. Never works. I really enjoying shopping. My issue is space. I have zero closets and hardly any storage. Between knitting yarn, sewing patterns and fabric, and clothes, I've maxed out every little storage nook and space that our tiny bedroom and house has to offer. I did a small edit last month, might have to do more. Or start adhering to "1 in, 1 out" policy.  Ket on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390210 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:43:09 +0000 Ket 2390210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I would keep th faux fur coat, just because it can be a great piece, even if it doesn't get a lot of wear. I own one. I don't wear it gobs, mostly because mine is vintage real fur and I am a bit precious about it. Nonetheless, it makes casual outfits look cool, and dressy outfits look special. Fur is more challenging to source and sometimes costly, even for faux. That said, if you truly, really don't think you'll ever pine for it down the road, I could see letting it go.  I agree to give more time to all your possible edits! I especially would keep the jackets. Cream jackets aren't plentiful compared to black. </div><div> </div><div>Love Suz's idea to alter the lace dress into a tunic or top!</div> Helena on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390203 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:26:41 +0000 Helena 2390203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis Sal ... I love the mindfulness you are bringing to your goals this year! As a recovering over-editor ... I'm inclined to keep the lace dress unless you really feel you're good and done with it. It doesn't look dated to my eye at least, and it so pretty! The sheath I think could be one of those dresses that comes in handy (simple lbd) unless you have something else that you would always reach for first? In any case since you know editing is not an issue form you, erring on the 'keep' side is probably wise! Suz on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390193 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:08:22 +0000 Suz 2390193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a thoughtful analysis.  Re the black lace dress...I have an idea. If it's still not worn out and you don't think. you will be wearing it much as a dress (and I know you love dresses, so that is worth thinking about seriously...) might you get more use from it as a top? I think it could be cut off for that and work potentially work and get more wear in your life.  I have a dress that was feeling too short. It had been pricey (for me) and was excellent quality and I liked it a lot but it just didn't feel like me any more. So I had it shortened to a blouse and while it still doesn't get a lot of wears, I do use it several times per year at minimum and when I pull it out, it is just the thing.  Carla on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390188 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:54:54 +0000 Carla 2390188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thoughtful work,Sal. <div> </div> Irina on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390180 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:10:06 +0000 Irina 2390180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Excellent analysis, Sal. <div>Out of the possible edit items that you posted, I would probably let go a cream jacket with folded lapels and black pumps If they are not comfortable.  </div><div>One of your thoughts struck a chord with me - why do I still shop? You are very restrained shopper, I would say and thoughtful. I’m surprised that you ask yourself that question. I, on another hand, not as restrained and think about it a lot. I will share my ideas in a separate post. I just want to say that I’m always impressed with your shopping choices. </div> LJP on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390168 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:12:34 +0000 LJP 2390168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Of the things I've passed on , the ones I regret the most are 2 faux fur jacket/coat(s) .  At  least once or twice a winter since that I've wished I still had them. I'm not going to rebuy at this point in my life but I do wish I had hung on to them.   RobinF on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390166 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:47:31 +0000 RobinF 2390166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The faux fur is fun but that is a long time of not wearing. I love the idea of wearing it this weekend and making a decision then.  I tend to hang on to things too long thinking I will like them again but rarely do. But I have also found myself missing something I got rid of so you just never know! Love the new finds! Star (Lise) on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390142 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:54 +0000 Star (Lise) 2390142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wearing something for a test drive usually works for me when I am undecided. Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390141 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:48:41 +0000 Sal 2390141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to try on all the heels and wear for an hour or so at home.  I think I will keep the faux fur for now as I do have room - or maybe I will just wear it to the theatre on Saturday night and see how I feel...... I do have quite a bit of hanging room - less shoe storage - and less storage in my drawers. Star (Lise) on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390140 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 05:36:49 +0000 Star (Lise) 2390140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Sal! I agree that you need not edit items you are tired of. You may well reach for them again. Yes edit out less comfortable shoes that you have replacements for. Did you wear the fur a lot before 2019? If not let it go , otherwise it is classic so if you have the space keep it as you may feel it again in the future. I remember the lilac cardi being tricky from day one so good call on that. Sal on "Mid Year Check In (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-check-in-long#post-2390130 Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:44:37 +0000 Sal 2390130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been reviewing where I am at style wise for 2025.   Goals and Shopping In January I set the following goals: 1) Buy and spend less than in 2024. I am looking at adding 12 or less new pieces in to my wardrobe this year 2)I want to shop in person for the clothing, either in my home city or when travelling. The 12 does not include sports gear/active wear. My short list was as follow: <ul> <li>new jeans- blue denim</li> <li>Coloured sneakers - not white</li> <li>bright trousers</li> <li>fine gauge sweater - for work</li> <li>spring jacket - this is a HEWI</li> </ul> Here is a link to my additions for the year.   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/collections/?collection=14835">Collections – YouLookFab Finds</a>  I have added seven items (not gear) that are new with the majority being purchased in person.  Exceptions for the in person were the cycling gear, the yellow sneakers and the red trousers.  With the exception of the Jelenew cycling gear the others were purchased from local companies.  I have been focussing on supporting NZ companies or boutiques as much as I can, but a couple of pieces were purchased when travelling. I have added everything on the shopping list although the blue denim is cream, and the spring jacket is a cardigan!!   I have also had two gifts from my Dad which were the sunglasses and the new sandals for my European trip.  I am doing more second hand shopping this year although since it is mostly out of season many of the items have not been worn yet.   I have added more gear in 2025 - the cycling gear was required for our trip, and the rest is replacement gear (one in, one out) for gym, walking etc..  It will all get a lot of wear so I am not concerned about that. Focussing on a flexible shopping list has been really helpful for me along with my DO NOT BUY LIST - which is as follows - puffed sleeves, black winter tops, drawstring trousers, heels...... Wears In terms of wears, I am getting a lot of wear from my new pieces with the charcoal sweatshirt already being over 30 wears, the cream jeans at 21 wears and the yellow sneakers and green sweater at 17 wears each.  They are all forming a piece of the puzzle of getting dressed and filling a hole in some way. I haven't edited out much this year - a dress that is too soft for me in styling (floral), a sweater that had worn out (hot pink) and a cardigan that I could not make work (lilac)- the fit was wrong. I am trying to be cautious on the editing out unless it is a problem fit or really off stylewise or worn out.  I am not editing out pieces I am a bit tired of. Things that haven't been worn even once this year are below.  Since it has been six months including summer autumn and winter I think it is good to review. <ul> <li> the cream linen blazer and soft folded jacket are useful and I think worth keeping for a while</li> <li>the blue floral and 70s dress are great options that got at least one wear each in 2024 so I will keep them</li> <li> the spot camisole is nice and worth keeping</li> <li>the black and teal heeled sandals I plan to keep for now....</li> <li>the black sheath and lace dress - both a bit dated - but good quality dresses that I will try on come summer and re-evaluate</li> <li>I could edit out the faux fur and the black heels - now I have the Mary Janes - maybe these won't be needed.  These are my least comfortable shoes.  The faux fur is fun - but I don't think I have worn it since 2019.....is it time?</li> </ul> Interested in others thoughts? I head to Europe in August and have no needs for any more additions (will do a packing list post later) after completing my cycling gear and adding in some new sandals and trail runners.  So I am not shopping between now and leaving - with the goal of finding a new bag or piece of jewelry on my trip at some stage..... Conclusion I say I don't like shopping much - but I still keep on doing it.....and while I am on track with new items there has still been a fair amount of gear and second hand shopping.  So I need to think about why this may be the case - endorphins, boredom, habit?   With four more weeks of winter I can make do with my current pieces until August, and on my return in September I will be into the tricky transitional weather here - which is the majority of my closet. Thanks for looking and let me know any comments or suggestions!