https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:47:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402239 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:06:26 +0000 Sal 2402239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I look forward to hearing about your NZ trip MsMaven. Our weather is unpredictable for sure. I wear the red pants to work mostly with navy, occasionally black or white or tan. I need to wear brights more as they suit me - I am a Clear/bright Spring.</p> <p>Thanks Bijou - I think we both find clothing and fashion fun and that is good in this chaotic world!</p> <p>Thanks Janet - I find it frustrating as these tops were expensive and I expected more. But you are right that it is impossible to predict.</p> <p>Jenni - that’s exciting to have a month off in January. And to take sometime for yourself. You do well with your shopping and the swaps. That’s not something I have tried yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402232 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:16:30 +0000 Jenni NZ 2402232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sally, Happy New Year! All the forum 2025 recaps and 2026 plans felt a bit early for me. But here I am today 5 Jan with DH back at work and the first of my non-holiday-time weeks not going to work at all. I have finished at the practice I was in for 34 years, finally. I might do some work again but not this month, my first January with no work for 32 years.<br /> I had been trying to purchase very little new for environmental reasons, but in the end got 13 new items including 2 pair togs last January, lovely gifted Flox bag from my sister for my birthday, 2 pair pants, 2 tops, and 6 pair shoes! My shoe weakness is well known.<br /> I also was pleased to get 7 items from clothes swaps, mostly courtesy of my DD1 who went to a swap with teacher colleagues and picked out several items for me. I was impressed with her eye for my size and style! I have managed to edit out a similar number so as to not bloat my closet too much.<br /> I think your choices really suit your style which is quite unique as per SarahD8’s comments- you understand your own style so well. Good luck for another busy year ahead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402193 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:32:00 +0000 Janet 2402193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It certainly looks like you added a good mix of fun and functional pieces, and I agree with the others that any “mistakes” were not really significant or your fault. We can’t fully know how a piece will wear, work, or wash, until we put it through the paces, and I had my share of disappointment this year too in that regard. </p> <p>I have barely got a grip on recapping last year in my mind, so I’m with you in not really being able to think or plan too far in 2026 yet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402184 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 07:13:45 +0000 Bijou 2402184@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2025 was a great year fashion wise for you - you really get the balance right between having fun with fashion and also use and wearability. 2025 was a year where I updated my gear, sleepwear and underwear - all areas that are boring, yet $ per wear, get the best value! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402176 Sun, 04 Jan 2026 04:00:33 +0000 MsMaven 2402176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, just 3 weeks ago I was in your wet and windy land, and despite the weather, I loved it. We were on a Viking cruise and didn't have much time to explore on our own, but there were 2 memorable places I loved--more when I post about my own clothing adventures.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am impressed by your careful shopping (only 2 mistakes!) and your analysis. And those red pants--I hope you will tell us more about them and how you combine them.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2402010 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:49:24 +0000 Sal 2402010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Minaminu - it was a bit ambitious I agree. I want to keep aiming to consume less though so I will keep on trying!! And yes the MJ shoes were such a good addition. </p> <p>Sarah - I find gear tempting and easy to justify with my tracking. But I don’t want to store too much of it. Thanks - I think I understand what you mean. I agree that my style isn’t quite classic, nor arty, nor edgy or boho. </p> <p>thanks Star -<br /> What a nice thing to say! I do enjoy style and fashion and I hope that shows.</p> <p>Thanks Bonnie- sweaters are so hard to choose. Definitely an area I find more tricky to buy wisely.</p> <p>Thanks Firecracker - it is disappointing when both were NZ made and expensive!</p> <p>Thanks JAileen - I agree it is plaid!! And yes sometimes these things just happen with clothes.</p> <p>Dee - I hope I have another occasion soon for the black dress!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401684 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:06:47 +0000 Minaminu 2401684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just want to say that 12 is actually a very ambitious target, so please don't be disappointed that you went over it—you acquired some truly lovely pieces that clearly work hard in your wardrobe!<div>The fact that you only had two "mistakes" out of 36 items is actually impressive, and you handled them perfectly by passing them on rather than letting them languish unworn. It sounds like you really bounced back beautifully and made thoughtful choices overall.</div><div>I love how intentional you've been—your purchases clearly fill real gaps (those black Mary Janes!), you're getting great wear from nearly everything, and you've even had fun experimenting with new styles like the red pants and wrap top. The fact that most pieces leaving your closet are due to being worn out rather than buyer's remorse speaks volumes about how well you know your style.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401639 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:02:49 +0000 SarahD8 2401639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a wide range of items yet somehow cohesive -- well done. You are really dialed in to a highly specific and individual style. (I worry that sounds like a backhanded compliment but I don't mean it as such -- I mean that your style does not correspond to one of those generic labels that always gets trotted out in the magazines...but you have a very keen sense of what suits you.) Good for you for investing in needed and well-worn gear -- I always under-buy in this area so I'm taking notes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401611 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:50:46 +0000 Star (Lise) 2401611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal I love the direction your style has taken.&nbsp; And cool that some constants remain.&nbsp; I have that too.&nbsp; You are looking more fab and comfortable in your skin with every year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401608 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:45:48 +0000 Bonnie 2401608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had a great year! The Maryjanes, beautiful bomber, and the green knit (sweater) that shrunk are my favorites.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401606 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:05:54 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2401606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like an excellent year to me, Sal. Your shopping is deliberate and thoughtful, and these new pieces have served you well. It's really too bad about the ones that shrank--so disappointing after all the thought and care you put into selecting them!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401603 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:50:44 +0000 JAileen 2401603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s so hard to predict which items will shrink and which won’t. &nbsp;You shouldn’t beat yourself up about those purchases. &nbsp;You also added several items I really loved, such as the embroidered bomber jacket and your striped tops and dress, even if one of them was what I would call plaid. &nbsp;:) &nbsp; It looks like success to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401593 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:45:52 +0000 Dee 2401593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've added some wonderful pieces. SAL, love that elegant black formal dress, and the striped dress is terrific too. I see plenty of colour and patterns creating lots of fun styling options. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401586 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:43:50 +0000 Sal 2401586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jaime. It’s funny how some things keep appealing year after year such as stripes or midi dresses. But I think we need to find wildcards too otherwise it can be very stale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401569 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 01:05:18 +0000 Jaime 2401569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree that the mistakes were not yours but faulty manufacturing. You are a model of wise wardrobe moderation - mostly sticking with what you know works, but still sprinkling in a few experiments like the wrap top and red pants. And your outfits have been fabulous. Enjoy your holiday! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401564 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:08:36 +0000 Sal 2401564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz and Angie. I am getting more and more savvy with my shopping and most of the credit should go to Angie and her advice and forum leadership. I am lucky in that I think and plan but rarely worry about clothing and my wardrobe.</p> <p>Even though clothing is pricy here the selection is good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401548 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:47:30 +0000 Suz 2401548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mistakes were not made! Except by the manufacturers! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>What <b>Angie</b> said! You are a very careful and thoughtful shopper who knows how to get the most from her wardrobe and who also manages to have fun with clothes! Your new formal capsule is sensational. Your new, more colorful items add zing. And your gear items keep you moving in all weather. Here's looking forward to seeing more of your style as your summer recedes!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401541 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:35:22 +0000 Angie 2401541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal</b>, I'm with<b> Helena</b>. I see zero mistakes! Items that shrink in the laundry are rotten luck, and not your fault. Sounds like they found great second homes!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sal,</b> you are a thoughtful, calm, rational, practical and careful shopper - and an extremely sensible person. I applaud your amazing skillset and the results! You put in the work, and get the results. WELL DONE :)</p> <p>Especially LOVE the yellow sneakers and red pants!! And you know what I say....<i>Sal in a pretty midi dress is perfection.</i>&nbsp;The striped dress is KILLER GORGEOUS on you. You wear your items with verve and ease! Glad you had a good year. Long may it continue! &nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401538 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:49:55 +0000 Sal 2401538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena - I was disappointed with the shrunken tee too. Honestly it now fits my sister who is 4 inches shorter than me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401534 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:34:13 +0000 Helena 2401534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal, you have amazing style and I think you added smart pieces that will see lots of wear. Also well done with thrifting. I've never hit a number goal myself, but always do far better for having set the goal. I bet the same applies? All in all a success I would say!</p> <p>I have to comment that shrinking t-shirts is my biggest pet peeve so I really empathize with you on that one and don't even think it should count I get handling a knit delicately but t-shirts should be able to withstand the dryer and none of them seem to, whether cheap or premium. It's ridiculous imo! Ok rant over! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401532 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:17 +0000 Sal 2401532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Pirouette. Some years are like that and others are easier. Quality is so erratic as is sizing which makes choosing quite hard.</p> <p>Clothes are expensive here in NZ so I have to be relatively careful with my choices. Especially since a lot of the more affordable shops are less appealing to me than in the past.</p> <p> And I don’t buy internationally online any more. We don’t pay tariffs but we do have a sales tax, but I spend with local retailers even if it is imported such as Patagonia. I do shop if travelling which I did more of in 2025. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401530 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:07 +0000 pirouette 2401530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sal you did very well in that of all the additions to your wardrobe there were so few failures and they were shrinkage rather than actual shopping mistakes. All the pieces added to your wardrobe and were worn. I especially liked the black jacket you bought for the awards ceremony. I would be embarrassed to count all I bought and all I donated I don’t actually keep records but it’s not good! Enjoy your summer break and all the best for 2026. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-best-and-worst-of-2025#post-2401529 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 03:47:47 +0000 Sal 2401529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi from a wet and windy beach in NZ. </p> <p>I tried to only add 12 new items this year but didn’t achieve that.</p> <p>My additions this year</p> <p>Gear - 9 things - all well used.<br /> Gifts - 4 - all well used too<br /> 2nd hand - 3 - some favorites here including the bomber and the striped tank dress<br /> New - 18 including two pairs of casual<br /> Sneakers, one pair of dressy flats, three knitted tops, a tee, one pair of jeans, two midi dresses, two blazers, a long formal dress, a tank, a skirt and a pair of work pants.</p> <p>There are two mistakes - the cedar green knit - shrank in length and became wider - was donated. And the striped fitted tee shrank a size or even two- and was given to my sister.</p> <p>The yellow sneakers and cream jeans were the most worn pieces. The black Mary Jane’s filled my biggest<br /> Wardrobe hole. And it was great to top up my formal capsule again.</p> <p>I have had fun with clothes this year and tried some new to me things - red pants and the wrap top is a different look for me.</p> <p>There are lots of pieces that are true to my style though - the wide leg jeans, the blazers, the midi dresses, and a return to stripes. </p> <p>All my sports gear gets worn a lot and there are no regrets here.</p> <p>Whilst I want to buy less, the pieces that exit my closet are either due to being worn out, or fit issues, or in a couple of cases, shoes that no longer can be worn. There have been three or four pieces that I don’t like or am tired of wearing. It’s hard to avoid this entirely.</p> <p>I will think about 2026 after our summer break - I am not there yet. It’s been a long and good year but there are always challenges in a family business! And ours is not low stress.</p> <p>Wishing you all the best for 2026!</p> <p>Gear </p>