https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:01:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768239 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:34:48 +0000 Lisa 1768239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am enjoying the goal posts, and did a similar idea on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://shoppingbrake.com/2017/01/02/new-year-new-questions/">my blog</a> recently. I too understand making purchase mistakes, you would think after almost 7 years as a member I wouldn't make any by now, but it happens! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768235 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:29:18 +0000 Sal 1768235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean Carter, I can end up changing a lot at times which can be annoying. &nbsp;Some days I exercise then just shower and change, others when my exercise is more incidental I wear sporty clothes all day, and sometimes it is just a hodge podge...</p> <p>Exercise gear has really only existed since the 80s, prior to that people rode horses, bicycles, walk commuted etc in their ordinary clothes (and footwear) and sometimes I have to remind myself of that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768231 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:16:17 +0000 carter 1768231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great analysis, Sally! Bold Elegance feels just right for you, especially when you're dressed for a party:-). I need to look back through your sporty casual WIWs. This is such a hard one for me to master. It's the source of all my Summer wardrobe frustrations. I can manage the other categories just fine, but I think 15 years in a 7 day/week business left me completely unable to put together an outfit that can go from a walk on the beach to a casual lunch to an afternoon leisurely bike ride. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768227 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 20:06:08 +0000 Sal 1768227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Bijou!! &nbsp;I only post the good pics of course lol....</p> <p>I had a hair trim yesterday - and asked to keep most of the length at the back. &nbsp;When my hair is past my shoulders I always wear it up, so lazy!! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768124 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:03:31 +0000 Angie 1768124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*HAPPY SIGH* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1768099 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:22:14 +0000 Bijou 1768099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally I really enjoyed your post.&nbsp;Bold elegance is a great style descriptor and you wear it so very well. </p> <p>As for your hair it always looks great to me and I have liked the shorter style on you. However, I find that the longer my hair is, the easier it is to style and so I keep mine at shoulder length or a bit longer. Having the option to tie it up is great for those days when I don't have the time or inclination to style my hair. Of course, there is the temptation to wear it like that all the time, which then is a problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767858 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:58:58 +0000 Sal 1767858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the lovely positive comments and suggestions/empathetic thoughts.</p> <p>Style Fan - I am not sure if the five piece will work for me. &nbsp;It may be putting an unnecessary constraint for no real reason. &nbsp;It appeals to do so, to lift my style - but there are other ways of doing this. &nbsp;</p> <p>Sterling - thanks for your support! &nbsp;It is not usually the money that annoys me with mistakes, more the wastage. &nbsp;Thrift shops can't keep up with the waste we are creating so I do want to make my purchases good ones.</p> <p>Robin F - I agree. &nbsp;It is amazing how much I now like older pics of myself!!</p> <p>Smittie - thank you. &nbsp;I could encourage my curls - I would probably need to go longer again. &nbsp;My hair is that wave that can look beachy or just a big mess. &nbsp;I agree re the curved tops, and I think a curved hem on the shorts can also work well (like a running shorts hem). &nbsp;</p> <p>Tex Style - good idea to experiment with the hair. &nbsp;Sometimes longer is actually easier to control than mid length. &nbsp;</p> <p>El Cee - thank you, you always write such kind thoughtful comments.</p> <p>Janet - exactly!! &nbsp;It is not that I am "giving up", it is more that I don't think anyone else notices or really cares except me.....I do think being active helps with my attitude around this.</p> <p>Thanks Angie!! &nbsp;Your suggestions and comments have helped me to improve my style in a major way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767375 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:51:36 +0000 Angie 1767375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look MORE than fine, sweet Sally. You look FABULOUS and had a wonderfully stylish 2016.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767360 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:29:51 +0000 Janet 1767360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thoughts! I can relate to much of what you say. It sounds like you achieved what you wanted to last year, and I think some mistakes are inevitable. I watched a video a few days ago in which Trinny from the British WNTW show did a closet edit on her own wardrobe, and she confessed to LOTS of mistakes -- too small, wrong fit, not a great style for her, etc. It made me feel better about my own lapses of judgment! </p> <p>I spent the better part of a week in a bikini just a couple of weeks ago (spent time in St Croix and Puerto Rico and then went to New Orleans for a few days), and I think I may be the largest I've ever been, so I understand what you mean. I concentrated on how great it felt to be in the sun and the breeze and the water -- I snorkeled and read and watched the surf. When I wasn't in a swimsuit, I was in shorts. Everything that makes me cringe about my body was out on display. Oh well. The world didn't stop turning on its axis, and my husband found me no less attractive than he did when I was a size or two smaller. I can't say that it doesn't bother me that I've gained weight, but I'm not letting it get in the way of enjoying things. So bravo to "a bit of I do not care"! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767356 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:19:38 +0000 El Cee 1767356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your style statement of "Bold Elegance". I think that suits you to a T. It was great that you were able to analyze your dressing patterns in terms of activities. [I really need to do that as I tend to overbuy for the activities that probably get 10% of my time. ]&nbsp;</p> <p>I think you have a fabulous plan for 2017 in terms of buying strategies. Suz is right that it really makes sense to spend time developing a "social capsule". I do not think you will regret putting some focus on this important area of your wardrobe. A few new, elegant additions can make such a difference.</p> <p>And bravo to you for this statement: <b>"I do not want my appearance to dominate my life and thoughts."&nbsp;</b>I am going to take a page out of your book on this subject for 2017. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767350 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 15:02:22 +0000 texstyle 1767350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great overview - I agree with others that you have refined your style nicely during the time I've been here. I think it's important to set goals and writing them down is 100% helpful.</p> <p>About hair - I decided late last year to grow mine even longer myself. Its been about shoulder length for several years but now is edging past that point.</p> <p>I made a few shopping mistakes last year too - some I was able to return, a few I'm trying to incorporate for at least a few wears before passing them on. I guess it's all in good fun. I feel like I have a few new things already for this spring so I haven't had a need to shop again and may try to hold off until summer stock is full on. I will need at least 2 new pair of shorts for the summer season and probably one more sandal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767345 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:49:09 +0000 Anonymous 1767345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really liked your shorts this season. Remember Manni suggested using a curved hem with them? That makes all the difference and that's what I plan to do for summer. Oddly enough, curved hems aren't that prevalent in the stores here. You have to hunt a bit.</p> <p>As one of the less polished women in this forum, I appreciate that you say you're a bit lazy about your hair. I am too, although I really do want it to look good and would put in the work if I could come close to something that I thought looked good.</p> <p>Anyway, I'm not going to complain about my hair. It's fine. </p> <p>One suggestion for an experiment: You could try going curlier with your hair, if you have the curl there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767318 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:02:39 +0000 RobinF 1767318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your comments about appearance! How many times have I looked at old pictures and said "If only I could have appreciated how I looked back then" instead of always being unsatisfied! Good for you.</p> <p>It is also eye opening to realize that an occasional purchase mistake is going to happen. So true but I expect perfection and need to stop that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767287 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:24:59 +0000 Anonymous 1767287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a GREAT post. &nbsp;I have so much I want to say. &nbsp;</p> <p>First, you plan will succeed because you laid the foundation so concisely. &nbsp;It is clear you thought it through. &nbsp;I especially love the activity breakdown. &nbsp;I also love your moniker. &nbsp;It sounds like you. &nbsp;And I believe we should be bold in life. &nbsp;</p> <p>A few misfires is not problematic. &nbsp;Even Angie admitted to having made buying mistakes. &nbsp;It happens no matter how carefully we plan. &nbsp;You analytical mind might be able to pinpoint exactly why those particular pieces misfired and develop guidelines to minimize that in the future. &nbsp;Fit is such an iffy thing. &nbsp;Sometimes something really does fit me well, but I find I don't feel "good" in the fit after wearing it in real life. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I look forward to seeing how your wardrobe list develops in 2017. &nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, no suggestions on the hair, I am utterly hopeless when it comes to hair. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767284 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 11:13:00 +0000 Style Fan 1767284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great read Sally.&nbsp; I am working on my plans and style goals for 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp; Bold Elegance is a great descriptor.&nbsp; &nbsp;I don't think it is possible to purchase perfection.&nbsp; I have come to realize that for myself.&nbsp; Some things just show themselves after being worn.&nbsp; <br />The 5 piece wardrobe is interesting.&nbsp; I am always needing basics so it wouldn't work for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767193 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:52:21 +0000 Brooklyn 1767193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, it can be hit and miss with their own label brands. I have had a few failures too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767192 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:49:40 +0000 Sal 1767192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Brooklyn - &nbsp;yes that is true. &nbsp;I think it is that the fit and quality were poor, rather than a new style that didn't work out. &nbsp; You seem to have had great success with Asos but my experiments have been the opposite...I think you suggested sticking with their more premium brands which is a good idea.</p> <p>Thanks Deb </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767188 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:43:06 +0000 deb 1767188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>this sound like a good plan, Sally. if you need any of the product in the larger size and cannot find the there, let me know and I will send them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767185 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:33:12 +0000 Brooklyn 1767185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have done well Sally. I have seen the refinement in your style in the time I have been here. I know it's hard not to be bothered by the mistakes, especially when you are being careful. But you have to expect some mistakes if you want to evolve your style. I see the sense of saving the big purchases for "event" wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767182 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:13:20 +0000 Sal 1767182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks AM for the feedback.</p> <p>Thanks Suz, I have progressed a few areas of my wardrobe and I am clear that my summer casual, summer party, holiday sections are pretty well catered for. &nbsp;I am also happy with my exercise gear and plan to do one in, one out.</p> <p>I am considering doing a sort of 5 piece French wardrobe idea, not for four seasons, but maybe for two seasons, plus a social/party capsule less. &nbsp;Or maybe even trans-seasonal, but five casual, five work, five party - I can tweak it to suit and with our temperate climate there is substantial cross over. &nbsp;There is always a blurry line between essentials and statements (and a simple pair of jeans here cost $150, ankle boots probably $250) so I may struggle.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767135 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 00:41:37 +0000 Suz 1767135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed this summary, Sally, and I feel that you've done an excellent job of encapsulating where you've been this year and where you want to go. I think your purchasing was intelligent and restrained; it is impossible not to have mis-fires sometimes, perhaps especially when we are being extra careful -- and it's those times that we tend to get angry with ourselves about it, too, or feel we could have (woulda shoulda coulda) done better. In fact, you got some terrific deals and workhorses and learned a lot and you have never looked better or been more appropriately dressed for your life .</p> <p>I think it makes sense to look for some luxe yet comfortable items for your social capsule. Like you, I spend a small amount of my time dressing for that capsule, but it is super-important to me as it is my public facing capsule, really, and so I don't mind spending more on it than proportionately it might seem to deserve. I figure it all evens out if I am careful with other purchases. (Admittedly a big "if" at times, LOL.)&nbsp;</p> <p>I haven't done a breakdown of approximate time spent in various activities for a while and it would be smart of me to adopt this because my life has changed a bit in the last year. Thank you for the idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767121 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 00:18:51 +0000 AM 1767121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading this too. The goal setting, the thought process -- the realities of how you live. Well done on defining Bold Elegance -- I have those words separately on my descriptor list but I really like this pairing.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767120 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 00:13:52 +0000 Sal 1767120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lisa!! &nbsp;I am a work in progress too, in all aspects of my life haha.</p> <p>I have a great stylist, and we have a good rapport, but she did get quite carried away last cut. &nbsp;I need some softness as I have a large wide head and I felt a little exposed. &nbsp;I wish I could re-order the same cut and keep getting it - but that does not work.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767112 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 23:54:28 +0000 Anonymous 1767112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading this Sally, and I nodded along with quite a few of your comments. Adding a few special statement-y pieces for going out with friends is in the back of my mind too. &nbsp;I"m not buying for a few more months, but when I do, that is on my list. &nbsp;I also cringed - in recognition - at your comment about not wanting your appearance to dominate your life. &nbsp;Same here. &nbsp;Work in progress. &nbsp;I am also, despite cutting my hair pretty short into a classic pixie, thinking about letting it grow a bit . Not sure where i'm going , but I don't really like it like this. I know what you mean about the bi-coloured shelf in back : that happens to me too, and I'm not sure I like it either. &nbsp;I quite like Bold Elegance for you - really a good fit. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-plans-for-style-in-2017#post-1767099 Mon, 09 Jan 2017 23:27:53 +0000 Sal 1767099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I planned last year to aim for more elegance in my style, and to purchase about 20 items. &nbsp;I ended up with 28- I said 26 on another thread but it was actually 28 when I included a couple of items I forgot about &nbsp;(bags, clothing and footwear) and achieved the elegance about 75% of the time. &nbsp;I have stopped wearing simple tees, upped my footwear game, and changed my hairstyle.</p> <p>I am still aiming for Bold Elegance with a mix of classic (work), sporty (casual), boho (summer) and bombshell (evening). &nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of percentages of time my ratios are appproximately:</p> <ul> <li>Work from home     45%</li> <li>Weekend casual/family 20%</li> <li>Work with clients    20%</li> <li>Exercising      10%</li> <li>Socialising dressy   5%</li> </ul> <p>The disappointing thing about my shopping in 2016 was that I did have some misfires. &nbsp;One was quality related, three were style/fit related. &nbsp;There have been others that I have only worn lightly, but have added new colours and patterns to my closet. &nbsp; I found a HEWI - a new winter coat, and had four or five work horse pieces (navy sweater, white leather sneakers, black lululemon pants, black dress, red merino top). </p> <p>I did add a new bikini and three pairs of shorts. &nbsp;The bikini and shorts were noteworthy in that I have not worn a bikini for some time, and strongly dislike shorts. &nbsp;But this&nbsp;summer I have had a bit of a "I do not care" approach to fashion. &nbsp;My legs are no thinner than last year, neither is my waist, and I am sure there are new lines on my face. &nbsp; I am probably fitter and more toned, but I have not gone down a size of clothing. &nbsp;I am not under too many illusions about how I look but I have come to the conclusion that I look just fine, and while on some days I would like my tummy to be more toned, or my thighs to be smaller, or my skin to be smoother and more youthful, realistically it might never happen. &nbsp;While healthy eating and living is important to me,&nbsp;I do not want my appearance to dominate my life and thoughts.</p> <p>I am yet to develop a shopping list for the year, but know I will look at winter boots, knitwear and work wear. &nbsp;I also want to add a statement piece or two for winter - suitable for dinners at friends when I want to be at ease but elegant and classy, something quite luxurious. &nbsp;While percentage wise it is not a large part of my life, it is important to me to look good on these occasions. &nbsp;I am happy to repeat my work from home and work wear often, and in fact am happiest with a small tight wardrobe in this area.&nbsp;</p> <p>My hair has gradually become shorter - but I want to grow it out a little more, especially the back. &nbsp;I like the style but can develop the shelf look where the neck is dark and the top is blonde, which I do not want. &nbsp;Naturally my hair is a dark blonde, and I prefer to be lighter, but I don't like the neck being so cropped that it becomes terribly obvious. &nbsp;I would love forum suggestions on my hair, as I am quite vain about it but also quite lazy. &nbsp;I have some gorgeous Bumble and Bumble products from Deb (Secret Santa) which I am experimenting with.</p> <p>Thanks for reading. &nbsp;I appreciate the support and ideas from the forum very much. &nbsp;There are a few absent forum members I am missing right now, I think the end of 2016 was a tough one for many of us. </p>