YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-year style reflections

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mid-year style reflections https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:46:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Carla on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335891 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:42:42 +0000 Carla 2335891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yummy palette.  Especially love your sweater/hand knit tank top collection.  <div> </div><div>As a comfort seeking low drama homebody, I prefer a closet big on neutrals.  However nothing sparks joy for me like a shot of colour.</div> Bijou on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335857 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 08:30:54 +0000 Bijou 2335857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A gorgeous colour palette and great analysis. It really pays off to plan these things and your acquisitions are proof of that. quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335856 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 08:11:10 +0000 quietloud 2335856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Angie, that's very helpful!  A big challenge for me regarding the emotional part is that I feel it's so rare that I see something I really love or get excited about, you know? Maybe it's just that I have been out of the game for so long and need to practice my creativity more. Angie on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335762 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:51:13 +0000 Angie 2335762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ quietloud, you might find this post on organized emotional shopping useful: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2021/08/18/organized-emotional-shopping-2/">https://youlookfab.com/2021/08.....hopping-2/</a>  quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335746 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:46:42 +0000 quietloud 2335746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Staysfit! Here are the patterns I used for the pieces shown: 1+2 - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wietske-tank">https://www.ravelry.com/patter.....etske-tank</a> 3 - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pi-camisole">https://www.ravelry.com/patter.....i-camisole</a> 4 - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slanting-slip-on">https://www.ravelry.com/patter.....ng-slip-on</a> 5 - <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/luz-cardigan">https://www.ravelry.com/patter.....z-cardigan</a> Staysfit on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335739 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:29:35 +0000 Staysfit 2335739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There’s a lot to unpack here…I can relate to being analytical, since that’s very true of me, and yet despite the care I take to pick specific items, the pieces I end up loving and wearing the most are frequently those purchased with some element of emotional impulse.<div> </div><div>I’m in love with your knit pieces.  Did you create your own knit patterns or did you get one from a designer?  Can you share what you used?   </div> Olive Green on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335727 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:32:41 +0000 Olive Green 2335727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gosh, I relate to the clean styling and overall harmony of your wardrobe. Especially the shoes and bags. Another Margaret Howell fan, I like her combo of plain styling and classic fabrics in sporty classic styles.  The emotional buying part of wardrobe choices, that was harder. We get a global buffet of choice, and it seems like I had to ask myself a lot of questions about the nature of desire to sort out which felt comfortable with my body and life stage. Balancing male and female, proportions, money and energy costs, and your own environmental norms os complex! Learning to let my gut lead rather than an analytical tendency to extract the most functional value from a piece was a divergence from the utilitarian minimalist nomad moniker.  Now I can buy it because its pretty, as well! quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335717 Mon, 21 Aug 2023 08:12:13 +0000 quietloud 2335717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RobinF, thank you! I am not a super fast knitter, but I do have a lot of time on my hands these days ;) SarahD8, thank you, and that is actually super helpful! I think those strategies that you mention are something that I gravitate towards too, but it helps so much to have it put into words. Like you I tend to be drawn to romantic or vintagey blouses, and pair them with pieces like press crease trousers or black jeans and sneakers or oxford lace ups, which does help to balance out the feminine. I’m also making a note of your last point about masculine fabrics in feminine shapes as a way to strike that balance. I am very much drawn to menswear and brands that lean more masculine (Margaret Howell and Toast come to mind, even Cos), but their cuts rarely work on my body type, so perhaps just focusing on those types of fabrics but in more feminine cuts would be a solution for me. :) Minaminu, thank you, I haven’t seen any of them in person, so that is really helpful! I had a feeling the Grace would be somewhat superior in quality given the price, but it’s good to know. And I really like the look of the Monceau, I had never heard of the brand so will definitely take that into consideration as well. I do fear that this is one of those instances where I am analyzing so much that I will not be perfectly happy in the end no matter what I end up with though, especially as I am replacing a bag that I have loved wearing for more than a decade! Janet and kkards, thank you, though to be fair, most of the analysis has been in hindsight and I have not been super focused on my goals throughout the process so far! But I am hoping this gives me a clearer view of where I am going forward. ;) Angie and Suz, thank you, and I definitely want to keep focus on the spontaneous and impulsive side of my style and the things that bring me joy. I really resonated with what Helena said in her check-in post about using a combination of pragmatism and emotion when making style decisions, but it’s definitely the emotional side that needs the most nurturing for me. ;) Jenni and Suz, I have loved getting to know you and all the other forum members as well, and I want to thank you for making me feel so welcome here :) suntiger, bamboo socks feel amazing on my feet, but I am very hard on my socks and footwear (I step down very hard on my heels and wear them out quickly). Unfortunately the bamboo ones lasted even shorter than cotton or wool socks typically do for me, and husband had the same experience with his. Anonymous on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335650 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 18:17:28 +0000 Anonymous 2335650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow to your handmade items- and love your harmonious color palette! Having the texture elevates it all! Good to know about the bamboo socks. I had considered bamboo, in my move to natural fibers. Suz on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335559 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 03:59:10 +0000 Suz 2335559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Also, I love your oxford options and hope one works! I am also a lover of oxfords!  And I wanted to add what a pleasure it has been to have you join our forum and to get to know your style a little bit. :)  Suz on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335558 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 03:58:04 +0000 Suz 2335558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an excellent analysis! It was a joy to read. You've really made huge strides towards. your goals and your choices so far are beautiful and cohesive. Even the ones that have not worked as well as you had hoped were great in theory. We can't always tell until we try items (especially if our style is undergoing a shift) which ones will turn out to work.  I agree with Angie --- you can afford to humour your impulsive side a bit. Yes, there will be a few errors. But also, because you are so thoughtful, a few important and valuable discoveries. And also a lot of fun and probably a few "wildcard workhorses" (a forum term of art) -- and those are honestly the BEST items to have in a closet -- they give so much joy!  Jenni NZ on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335553 Sun, 20 Aug 2023 03:22:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2335553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wonderful long post. Sounds like joining the forum has really helped you- beautiful collection of items. You’ve been an awesome thoughtful forum member too- thank you! kkards on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335515 Sat, 19 Aug 2023 20:12:05 +0000 kkards 2335515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I stopped reading after I got to the “handmade”. Not really just seriously impressed and in awe! Actually I’m impressed and in awe of how much thought and strategy you’ve given to building your wardrobe. Nice job! Angie on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335465 Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:50:00 +0000 Angie 2335465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A very comprehensive and detailed analysis! WOW! A beautiful quiet colour palette that is all about YOU. Love that! Well done, quietloud! Pinpointing the parts of your style and wardrobe that give you joy is what it's all about. Please carry on.  I encourage you to explore your impulsive, spontaneous and wildcard side! That seems to give you as much joy, and is just as fun ;)  Janet on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335457 Sat, 19 Aug 2023 13:18:28 +0000 Janet 2335457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, what a comprehensive analysis! I’m impressed. I’m much more intuitive (ie impulsive, scattershot? LOL) with my wardrobe and I’m always in awe of these kinds of thoughtful posts. I can relate to some of your thoughts though, as far as pinpointing what gives you joy in your wardrobe. Well done! Minaminu on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335449 Sat, 19 Aug 2023 08:00:19 +0000 Minaminu 2335449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ great work! you have a great eye for soothing pieces and I like how you balance the classic and romantic side of your wardrobe!  I have been looking for a similar bag for quite sometime and had the fortune of seeing the APC and Sézane models that you mentioned, I would say that Grace model has a better leather quality and finishing. I'd also like to suggest the Monceau from Ateliers Auguste, they do small quantities and have great reviews. Let me know which handbag you will decide to purchase! Sal on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335407 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:34:06 +0000 Sal 2335407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done - that sounds like a successful few months and I am pleased that your wardrobe can give you comfort and pleasure rather than stress. Your closet is really elegant and classy - and well done on the sewing. SarahD8 on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335393 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 17:26:06 +0000 SarahD8 2335393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are doing really well! I love the quiet cohesiveness of the items you've added this year, admire your sewing and knitting efforts, and am cheering you on as you move forward. I wanted to comment because you mentioned finding the right balance of details to avoid an overly feminine feel to your outfits. This is something I have also had to learn (multiple times, the hard way!). A couple of shorthand strategies that I've developed in case they spur any ideas for you: *I tend to go for more feminine elements in the top half of my outfit and more masculine outfits in the bottom half. For example a vintagey embroidered blouse with a wingtip shoe -- perfection. *Actually footwear can be really important and reliable as a grounding element. I'm happy wearing a floaty dress IF I can pair it with canvas tennies or really good walkable sandals. *An a-ha moment from this summer is that I'm interested in menswear patterns but done in a feminine cut. So like a gauzy pinstriped dress or a pintucked plaid top. Actually this is related I think to my past mistakes with plaid in my cold season wardrobe -- I would buy a typical plaid flannel button-up that I liked in theory and then wonder why outfits always felt too masculine to me. Much better to keep the plaid to a floaty peplum tunic or a top with a subtle ruffle at the collar or something. Anyway, not to say those strategies will be exactly right for you, but maybe they spur some ideas... RobinF on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335349 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:21:42 +0000 RobinF 2335349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, you have really accomplished a lot! I love the sweaters that you made! I knit too but quite slowly so am very impressed. Star (Lise) on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335341 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:34:09 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happiness and joyfulness does not have to equal colour and excitement.   Joyful looks are more like peaceful.   You just summed up exactly how i am feeling lately about my clothing preferences.   quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335323 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 08:56:19 +0000 quietloud 2335323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great question, rachylou! Well, there are a few things that stand out to me. First, it’s become apparent to me that I’m drawn to texture and fabric rather than color or print. I think I have always been that way, but I have become more confident in this and plan on leaning into it even more. Second is that I seem to be drawn to fairly feminine details in individual pieces, things like eyelet and embroidery for example, and yet I don’t like my looks to have an overly feminine feel. So I either need to be more aware of this when shopping and try to avoid adding too frilly pieces, or find ways of styling that tones down that feminine element. Third, I’ve found that the overall feel I’m seeking out with my wardrobe is calm and soothing, which makes sense to me with where I’m at with life at the moment. I’m seeing that happiness and joyfulness doesn’t have to equal color and excitement - for me at this time joyful looks more like peaceful. Star, I am a dark brunette and also used to prefer optic whites, but I’ve really been leaning into creams lately. I’m not sure what has changed for me though, as my hair color is still the same. Helena, I’m glad to know someone can relate! It can be exhausting sometimes, so it’s been a good exercise for me to let myself relax a little in regards to my purchases and just see where it takes me. Jamie, yes! Engaging on this forum has been so helpful for me and given me confidence in trusting my instincts more. Jaime on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335301 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 01:22:28 +0000 Jaime 2335301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/  I am very much an analytical planner by nature, and would spend so much time thinking and analyzing and trying to always find the perfect thing. As I looked back on my wardrobe and the pieces I have loved the most though, I found it was most often the impulse purchases that I’ve ended up loving the most. Your pieces look lovely and this, above, is one of YLF's best lessons! Dee on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335281 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:22:07 +0000 Dee 2335281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the understated and calming colour palette and I really like the silhouettes of all your wardrobe pieces. So impressed with all your hand made items too, they are lovely. I hope that by doing this analysis you’ve achieved some clarity and joy with wardrobe moving forward. pirouette on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335280 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:44:21 +0000 pirouette 2335280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really like your new additions lovely simple quite palette in my colours. I am sorry to heat you have been unwell and I hope you are recovering well. I love your neutral palette. I hope your enjoying your new clothes. Star (Lise) on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335275 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:37:50 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Funny Helena I did think of you while reading that part of Quietloud's post ;).  Jokes aside analysis is an excellent trait to have for all aspects of life. Helena on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335274 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:33:54 +0000 Helena 2335274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well jeez. You've done amazing! This looks like a wonderful capsule with lots of versatile pieces that are simple and mixable without feeling plain or boring. All the better if it's enabling you to find the joy of style once again! I really relate to your point about being so analytical that sometimes you analyze yourself into the wrong things whereas sometimes your instincts get it right. I can be very similar and you're inspiring me to keep this is mind! Star (Lise) on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335266 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:13:27 +0000 Star (Lise) 2335266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting read.  I don't have anything to say except I really like a lot of the pieces you added and my colour palette looks nothing like yours.  I must broaden my horizons.  I thought optic white would be great with silver hair, like Suz, but it is not.  Off-white maybe even cream is much better.  This is a whole new thing for me because when I was a dark brunette Optic white worked.  Your cream items really appeal to me.   will have to experiment, via the 2nd hand shops, next Spring.  I used to be in love with colour, but like you I am finding I get bored with a colourful piece quite quickly lately.   rachylou on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335247 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:45:48 +0000 rachylou 2335247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your palette is beautiful. I’m wondering if your impulses and loves are telling you anything, can be summarised in any way. quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335245 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:42:34 +0000 quietloud 2335245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Some specific goals for the rest of the year: Underwear and socks - I need a complete overhaul here, as it seems both all of my underwear and socks are starting to give up on me at the same time. Not looking forward to this as I am super picky about underwear styles and fabrics. I need a few new bralettes and pretty much all new knickers, black and nude, preferably in tencel/modal/lyoccell or very soft cotton. For socks I prefer wearing bamboo as I find it both softer and more temperature regulating than cotton, but I have yet to find any that lasts for more than a year, so I am not sure what I’ll end up with. Sleepwear - I would like to expand this part of my wardrobe. I got a good start this summer when I added the two pyjamas and bathrobe earlier this year. I will add new pieces if something nice pops up, but it’s not my main focus. Loungewear/homewear - This is the part that I need to focus on the most, as most of my days are spent at home now, and I need more pieces that are both comfortable but also feel polished and put together enough for when I leave the house. I started on this in the spring, but as my health is usually better in the summer I have less constraints with my summer wardrobe, and my focus shifted a bit these past few months. I need a selection of comfortable trousers in a couple of different silhouettes for variation. Starting off I am thinking of adding the Westbourne wide leg jersey trousers from Boden (I ordered these last winter and really liked them, but I got a size too large. The shipping and return fees were so expensive that I didn’t feel like re-ordering right away). I contemplated getting them in navy, but will probably end up with black. I am also thinking about the Dream Pant from Everlane, in the forest green and in black. Will see if I can find a pair second hand to begin with, as I have never ordered from Everlane before and am unsure about the sizing. I will also be continuing to replace my more structured blouses and shirts for softer jersey alternatives in solid, neutral colors. I am looking for pieces with interesting details, textures or cuts, something that is more elevated than a basic t-shirt. Also some more lightweight knitwear for layering. I have enjoyed wearing knit slipovers/vests for a few winters now, and might add a few (probably knit myself). I also need a new pair of house slippers, preferably something sheepskin lined. I have just finished knitting a pair of wool socks to wear around the house, and will probably make a few more pairs throughout the season. Outerwear - I would like to add a new trenchcoat and a raincoat, in beige, navy or black. These might be one and the same, depending on what I can find. I have a few pieces in mind, and am aiming to get these second hand. Would also like to find a new wool winter coat, though I don’t strictly need it. Only some loose ideas for this. Shoes - My black lace up oxfords needs replacing. I have been searching for a new pair for the longest time with no luck, but I just found a couple of pairs from Gabor that I ordered, as well as one from Billi Bi, and am hoping one of them will fit the bill. My warm winter boots also needs replacing this season. I might get the same pair from Panama Jack that I have been wearing for years, as I have been really happy with them. Accessories - I need to replace my small black crossbody bag. I have been looking at the Grace from A.P.C for a while, and also the Milo from Sezane and the Classic Shoulder Bag from The Curated. Something small, structured and minimal. Lately I have also been thinking about an olive green bag, so that is something I will keep my eye out for. Earthy greens are my autumn/winter color of choice, and I wouldn’t mind adding a green scarf too. quietloud on "Mid-year style reflections" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-style-reflections#post-2335243 Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:37:10 +0000 quietloud 2335243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am at with my style as the seasons are starting to turn, and as I am seeing other members posting updates on their style goals for the year it seemed timely to do a review of sorts for myself. Apologies in advance to anyone who reads the whole essay, but writing it all our helped me get some clarity! ;) I rediscovered and made my first post on the forum in March, when I felt that I had lost the joy that clothes and dressing used to bring me after struggling with illness for the past four years. I was tired of wearing the same old joggers every day, and felt that I needed to transition my wardrobe from the structured business casual that represented my old life to something that took into consideration my new lifestyle and physical challenges. I didn’t set any specific goals, but I wanted to rediscover the fun in dressing up, hone in on and update my style after being very stagnant with it for several years, and basically to shop more and try to rebuild my wardrobe. I’ve gotten so much support and help from all of you in the process, for which I am ever so grateful! So here are my goals or guidelines that I have been following in my head this year, even though I’ve not written them down until now. ;) Comfortable elegance - continue transitioning my wardrobe from structured business casual to a softer comfortable style that honors my current physical challenges and new (mostly) stay at home life, while also feeling elegant and polished enough to wear in public. I want to feel good in everything I wear, both in body and mind. Joy - one of my main goals for the year was to rediscover the joy of clothes and dressing. I haven’t bought much clothing at all since I got sick, and even before that I feel like I was very strict with myself for very long when it came to my wardrobe and what I felt I could or couldn’t wear. I am very much an analytical planner by nature, and would spend so much time thinking and analyzing and trying to always find the perfect thing. As I looked back on my wardrobe and the pieces I have loved the most though, I found it was most often the impulse purchases that I’ve ended up loving the most. The pieces I have spent the most time on finding the perfect version of tend to often not be quite right in the end. I want to experiment more, and while I do want to keep the big picture in mind, I also want to let myself act more on impulse when I find things that I love and that bring me joy. I feel like I am getting there, despite some frustrations with fit and finding pieces that are right for me. I have been following my instincts more, made some impulse purchases that I have loved and veered a little out of my comfort zone trying out things like lighter colored trousers and shoes, and even a baby blue cardigan! Color and fabrics - I did express frustration earlier with my colorless wardrobe, but after testing and trying out different things this year I can safely say that I am most happy in the neutrals camp. I will try to add more non-black neutrals though, with greens (forest, mossy, olive) still being my favorite. For winter I might also look for something in a light brown color, most likely some knitwear. I’d say my preferred color palette lies on the cooler spectrum of earthy neutrals, with lots of black and white as a base. As for fabric, natural fabrics are becoming ever more important, due to sensory issues and difficulty with temperature regulation, and I have been doing well sticking to that, adding comfortable linen and cotton pieces. Pieces - well, listing out everything I have bought this year, it definitely feels like A LOT, but that was kind of the plan as I had a lot of gaps to fill and wanted to not limit myself too much. Most of my purchases have been quite successful, I’d say there is only one that was a complete fail (the linen jacket). I’ve been shopping mainly high street/fast fashion brands, which is not my favorite thing to do, but under the circumstances made sense. Going forward I want to focus more on quality pieces when I can, and definitely more second hand shopping, which I used to do a lot in the past. So here goes, everything I’ve added to my wardrobe so far this year: <ul> <li>Blue jeans - I had more or less stopped wearing jeans because it is just too painful for my aching joints, but these are actually super soft even with only 2% elastane, so I have been wearing them a lot through the spring and summer. They are also my first pair of blue jeans in probably a decade. Going forward I imagine they will be mostly worn at home in the autumn winter months, as I don’t know what shoes to pair with the slightly flared leg in winter, and they also feel a bit more casual than the look I prefer in the colder months. </li> <li>Dark grey jeans - same model as the blue jeans. I have worn these quite a bit, but not as much as the blue ones. I think the washed out grey color feels a bit too casual for me, so I am planning to dye them black. </li> <li>Cream ruffle neck jersey top - part of my elevated jersey tops plan. I like it, but it is bordering on too cute for me with the ruffle. It’s best when I dress it down with jeans and wear it under a knit vest or cashmere crew neck sweater. </li> <li>Long sleeve white rib knit t-shirts x 4 - I love ribbed knits, always have, and these are perfect for home wear or for layering in the colder months. I definitely need to stock up on ribbed knit basics while there’s so much of it in stores!</li> <li>Striped rib knit racer back tank top - I have also rediscovered my love for racer back tank tops these past few years, and am hoarding these as well. </li> <li>Eyelet sleeveless top - again, love anything eyelet, and although it often feels too cute on me, this has just the right balance. </li> <li>Cream knit vest - love this and have worn it so much this spring and summer. </li> <li>Striped beach dress - I needed a beach cover up quickly before my holiday in late spring, and this was the best I could find. I don't hate it, but it's also not really me. </li> <li>Linen surplice top - my husband found this for me in Massimo Dutti when we were in Spain in the late spring - I think he knows my style better than I do myself!</li> <li>Piped cotton jersey pyjamas - also from our trip to Spain. Not worn yet as I am saving them for the colder months, but I am so looking forward to wearing. Super pretty and comfortable. </li> <li>Seersucker striped pyjamas - same as above.</li> <li>Piped cotton bathrobe - probably my most worn item of the year! The piping matches the one on the pyjamas. </li> <li>Nude tencel ribbed racerback bralette - I have been searching for a racerback bra/bralette for two years, and finally found one this summer. Super soft and comfortable. </li> <li>Black tencel ribbed racerback bralette - same as the nude one, though I don’t need black bras quite as often I figured it would be smart to have one.</li> <li>Beige cotton linen trousers - got these quite late in the summer so I have only worn them a couple of times, but it feels good to get a head start for next summer! I altered these by taking in and adding a set of darts in the back waist, and it worked well. </li> <li>Grey linen culottes - same as above</li> <li>Cut out t-shirt - I love wearing and styling this t-shirt, but every time I wear it I am sweating so much! It is a thicker cotton knit, so probably better when the weather cools down. </li> <li>Linen jacket - I really wanted to add a spring/summer jacket to my wardrobe, and found this linen blazer on a second hand app. The jacket is beautiful and really high quality, but it was too big for me. I also don’t think blazers are a look I love for myself anymore, so I am probably going to look for a different style of jacket in the spring. I relisted this, and have someone coming to pick it up on Saturday. </li> <li>Beige Vans - I traded these for a jacket on a second hand app. I’ve been wanting to add a lighter colored shoe for summer for a while. I tried to get into white sneakers years ago, as I love how it looks on other people, but for some reason I feel like a clown when wearing them. I got a pair of white Converse some summers ago, but after seeing some holiday pictures of myself wearing them I decided it’s just not for me. I have been pondering an alternative, and wondered if beige might be better, as it’s closer in color to the skin, and might not feel like they are cutting off my leg in the same way. I got these a few weeks ago and have only worn once (they gave me blisters), and am undecided on how I feel about them. It’s not as bad as white ones, but I’m not entirely convinced.</li> </ul> Handmade items: <ul> <li>Linen shorts x 3 (olive, black, cream with navy stripes) - I only have the olive ones pictured as I’ve left the other two at the cabin. Have worn all of them lots, although I don’t wear shorts out in public unless on holiday, so they are mostly for lounging in the garden. </li> <li>Blue striped button down shirt - I’ve been wanting a new blue striped shirt for ages, but I don’t love this one. I’m not sure why, perhaps the fabric feels a little too thin. </li> <li>Embroidered blouse - the fabric is a little thicker, so I think this will be good for slightly dressed up occasions in autumn/winter, and for wearing under knit slipovers, even though I didn't strictly need more blouses. </li> <li>Baby blue alpaca/silk/mohair cardigan - I originally bought the Gaspard cardigan from Sezane, but in the end I wasn’t a fan of the wide neckline and the dropped shoulder on me, so I returned it. Instead I knit this one to satisfy my urge for something pastel blue. It’s better for me with the tighter neckline and raglan sleeves, and can also be worn back to front like the Gaspard. I did wear it quite a bit in the spring, but tired of it fairly quick. I’m saving it for the next time I feel the need for a pop of color. </li> <li>White bamboo cotton knit camisole - I was initially super excited about this, but ended up not loving the fit that much. </li> <li>Beige ribbed knit racerback top - love this and have worn it lots. Confirmed my love of ribbed knits and racerback tops.</li> <li>Black ribbed knit racerback top - I like it, but not as much as the beige one. I’ve realized I don’t love wearing black tops. </li> <li>Beige textured cotton wool blend top - feeling meh about this one.</li> </ul> Part two below...