YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Reflections 2 Years Later

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:41:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Ornella on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1266203 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 08:10:27 +0000 Ornella 1266203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Debbie. I am the luckier one, grateful for having a place where I can share my many thoughts and where they make as much sense to the women I respect as they do to me.  Debbie on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1266139 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 03:38:20 +0000 Debbie 1266139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just saw this and I have not read all the comments yet. You drove home a huge point for me. "What the right stuff feels like". That is a lesson I am still learning. It's not about how many pieces but what makes you feel confident and good in your own skin. A reflection of yourself. Ornella you have a gift and we are very lucky that you share it with us. I am not as eloquent as you so I am always grateful when you share these thoughts with us. Ornella on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265468 Sat, 31 May 2014 08:28:40 +0000 Ornella 1265468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ NDMom, Firecracker :: thank you, I wish I could hug you.  Aida :: I understand you. "I need clothing to be cute but by no means a focal point". While I don't have work clothes and play clothes, but it's all the same at the moment, I still need a break from creating looks. That's why I had put the words out, to push myself to the next stage in a way. I'm addicted to the good feeling playing with clothes creates and I do not underestimate the therapeutic role of having such creative outlet when there's no easy way to practice my other interests right now, but I also identified the need to just let be. But, because my mind had been permanently YLfed and I owe to myself no to settle for anything but for my best, I think that for me this will be achieved by having things I can pull out of the wardrobe in the dark and still know I can leave the house without even looking in the mirror.   And, you get the gold star anyway for 4/5 because I actually never mentioned anywhere that I was on a quest for the nude lipstick for 2+ years and it is practically invisible. But, its role in making my look feel more finished is an import and upgrade. Karie :: "better to wear an item over and over than to wear an ill-fitting one at all." Nothing to add to that. Claire :: I wish I could I dissect your thread word by word. I don't know if I have time, I need my 10 hours to think this all through and there's a long day ahead of me. But if this is all I'll write - than thank you for these: YES to how it makes me feel psychologically; YES to "I don't feel confident in it" as criteria (I have returned amazing, raved about Pettys but I knew they would not work. Plus, I didn't even mention here that I purchased and returned twice one Theory Lanai lookalaike which was great - except in one unusual position of my hands and I knew I could not ignore that); and huge, huge YES "To a more casual observer, it might appear that my fashion sense is regressing" - I think you're brave to put it like that, but that's exactly how it is. I was pondering the same effect too, but did not have the right term for it. It's beyond whether the clothes are boring, it's - am I actually regressing?. But, that's the trick I think (I hope) to why wearing the same thing is not the same, because there is an inner evolution which inevitably leads to more peaceful, more accepting you/me/us, which does result in that final look - however uninteresting it is to a casual observer - which is "the supporting act, but not to eclipse my personality". Firecracker (Sharan) on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265423 Sat, 31 May 2014 04:24:51 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1265423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ While you are learning, you are inspiring me! What a great post; thanks for sharing these thoughts. NDMom on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265336 Sat, 31 May 2014 02:33:34 +0000 NDMom 1265336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a beautifully-written piece!  I am going to re-read it an mark it as a favorite.  You have a gift....thanks for sharing it with us! Karie on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265328 Sat, 31 May 2014 02:25:14 +0000 Karie 1265328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I couldn't agree more! I've also been striving to wear good things and look like myself - and the learning does continue. And the same was true of when I was growing up - we made a few big trips to the Phila. department stores, and searched and searched for those perfect items to purchase. Fit, fabrication, and well made garments were top priority, and we didn't settle.  And I love what you said about finding pieces that you'll wear over and over again. I used to think I couldn't wear the same skirt or whatever for at least two weeks, and now I think, "Who cares?" - better to wear an item over and over than to wear an ill-fitting one at all. I wish I was as eloquent with words as you are. Thank you for writing this post! Aida on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265268 Sat, 31 May 2014 01:03:39 +0000 Aida 1265268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah it's always SUCH a great pleasure to read your writing Ornella, both in terms of the words themselves and the thought and content they contain. I think your path towards enjoying your wardrobe in terms of "the right thing" as you call it has been blazed for a good while now. Experimentation aside, you've always had that element as a strong underlying factor, whether or not it was getting prioritized. The words that really resonated with me were these: "...the tool to let me express what I want to express with the clothes IF expressing is what I’m after. Because, you know, sometimes I just want to wear clothes and leave it at that." I need to be better about that. Maybe not for work outfits, since that is my creative play time, but certainly for the weekend when I need clothing to be cute but by no means a focal point. So that I can just get on with whatever fun activities are planned without worry. Good words to keep in mind, thank you. I must say that I'm proud to have noticed 4 of the 5 changes (the lipstick one got me!) ^^ As Rachy said, it's the small details that make the difference. Updated bob, updated shoes, and updated bag all go a long way. Much longer than one might expect, given how similar all those things really are. Anonymous on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265206 Fri, 30 May 2014 23:03:04 +0000 Anonymous 1265206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Dear, dear Ornella. I read your post first thing this morning, nearly 10 hours ago. I could not yet comment, but I have been thinking about it all day. As the comments came in, I was not surprised that they quoted some of the parts that seemed most poignant to me too.   I have also been concentrating a lot about how my clothes make me feel. Physically as well as emotionally (or psychologically). It occurred to me recently that it was okay not to choose and item that felt and looked great (IRL and in photos) for a reason that I cannot quite yet put my finger on. The best way I can describe it would be to say, "I did not feel confident in X". So that is a new requirement for my clothing purchases from here on out.  You know I loved your Flavia series. It didn't even need pictures because your words were so descriptive. I love that her clothes weren't expensive, but "right for her". I love that you remember her but not her exact outfit anymore. This is what I want too. I want people to notice me before they notice my outfit. I want my clothes to be the supporting act, but not to eclipse my personality. I love what Angie said about style starting from the inside out. I think I'm finally starting to get that. To a more casual observer, it might appear that my fashion sense is regressing, because I'm dressing more simply than I was before. I want to be able to "own my look" and the only way I know how to do that is to have it authentically represent me.  Ornella, you are beautiful AND stylish from the inside out. Instead of having lots of doodads and gizmos to distract the eye, you have pared down your exterior as well, reduced to your style essence. Now the depth of your personality and the substance of your character is more readily visible. You look so calm and grounded, your priorities easily perceived, like Cerinda said, "truth in advertising" and bien dans leur peau.   Ornella on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265159 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:58:48 +0000 Ornella 1265159@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow! I surely did not expect this. Thank you all for taking time to read and comment! Sorry for getting back to the thread so late, I went out for a brief meeting to sort out house insurances at 11am and ended up running around until 9pm! Crazy day, but good crazy. Lyn D, Joy, shevia, Janet, lyn67, Cerinda, Diane, Neel :: your kindness, friendship and ongoing support are humbling. Thank you. I am happy what I wrote resonates with you, as that's the only way I can try to give back some of the joy your words give me. Astrid :: I could quote your comment back to you word by word! I see so much of myself in your experience too - from wanting to develop a look, to desire to wear the clothes you'll forget about during the day. YES, completely! Yes, experimental phase was necessary. We're both the same YLF "vintage" and I know your path quite well. We both reacted to everything here in very similar way - the most important being that we finally understand what this style thing is all about, how to make it work for ourselves and that we can be good at this game too. I think <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/too-much-inspiration---full-circle---daring-to-go-simple">this post I wrote</a> is about a year old, but it was an important style breakthrough, the realisation that I could let go of many misconceptions and perceptions, and simply be whatever I - actually - always was.  Suz :: it's what I learnt from my father. He values shoes the most and never hesitated to spend money on them - they all lasted him a long time and obviously left enough impression on me. He never spared money on shoes and always kept saying he was not rich enough to buy cheap things.   E :: it's the investment that will pay off in the long run, I am sure. As I'm sure we'll learn from and with you. Btw, you touched on a great idea and something  experienced a few days ago - shopping while wearing good fitting clothes. It matters, big time, oh yes. I wore the cardigan which makes me feel amazing every time I wear it (I know - a cardigan!) when I saw the dress I instantly loved with unreasonable intensity (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-role-of-love#post-1265125">Adelfa's killer phrase</a>!). Because I wore my magical cardigan, I could have a whole conversation with myself "Does this dress have the same potential? Does it measure in quality? Would my life be different without the cardigan and will I be sorry if I miss the dress?" All because I had something good to compare the new things with. ladywone :: "To dwell in this place to connect on such a level is so powerful." I know, I KNOW! 4 years on and I'm still struck by the depth of insights and wisdom here - which transcends to all areas of my life, and it all essentially revolves around some pieces of fabric we put on to protect ourselves form the elements. Mindblowing. And thank you for your observations, your ability to understand things beyond written words is inspiring. Angie :: You made me cry. I feel like framing your words. Brief, powerful, to the point. Rachy :: however different our paths are, they are essentially the same - it comes down to knowing (in this case) clothes and its role enough to make them be in our service so we can get on with life.  Neel on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265064 Fri, 30 May 2014 19:40:27 +0000 Neel 1265064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This post is going to play in my head all night Ornella :). You are one beautiful woman. Inside and Out. Your line "I am not rich to buy cheap things" was like a kick up my sorry butt. You probably just changed the way I think. It will be a slow change for me but a sure one. You looked lovely then and you look lovely now. Like others have noticed, it's your confidence that makes the *new* outfit better. Annnndd YLF continues to inspire me in beautiful ways Anonymous on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265037 Fri, 30 May 2014 18:20:41 +0000 Anonymous 1265037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I go away for a few days and as soon as I'm back on YLF I get treated to a fabulous Ornella post :) You are such an eloquent writer Ornella and as usual what you've written strikes a chord with so many of us. You look fabulous in your outfit too. I need to ponder now on what you've written and think about how it applies to me rachylou on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1265030 Fri, 30 May 2014 18:07:01 +0000 rachylou 1265030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A good read, Ornella; a lot to think about. I'm not sure how willing I've ever been (since being a teenager) to suffer for fashion - but I have bought and not worn because of lack of ease. I've put a stop to that and my wardrobe happiness has definitely shot through the roof. I have, however, gotten cheaper about things and have maybe come to terms with having a very big wardrobe (although still not as big as it is right now)... I sometimes think about this because it seems to be the reverse direction of enlightenment. But for me, I think it's the direction I'm coming from. I'm pretty trendy. I like fast fashion. I like to shake things up pretty often (even while at the same time I hang on to things forever). My clothing gets a pretty hard workout when I wear it. The amount of walking I do, for example - well, better more expensive shoes are not gonna last any longer than cheaper ones. (Sweaters, tho, I think are probably worth the big bucks - cheap ones really fuzz up and go down fast.) Anyways, I want to say your outfit even tho it's pretty much the same, it's also very different between 2012 and 2014. The change of bag and the shape of bob... much more sophisticated. Little details, big impact. Cerinda on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264980 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:44:14 +0000 Cerinda 1264980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What wisdom is inherent in your comment about "not rich enough." You express so well what I struggle to articulate to friends and family: not only do I seek to "have fun with fashion," but that fun is also a metaphor for my inner life. Not, as my daughter insists, "Just surface," but also 'truth in advertising.' lyn67 on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264978 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:41:42 +0000 lyn67 1264978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Ornella, not much to add anything of a help but you said it all(&soooo well!!): "I’m enjoying playing with my wardrobe more than ever, but my joy now comes less from the imaginative combination, and more from the right thing - right colour, right fabric, right hem, right cut, right line; with each right purchase I’m closer to my ideal of spending more on the right thing because I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things. The more I think about living with little, but right stuff, the more I’m attracted to the concept of finding the very core of my wardrobe - essential silhouettes and individual pieces that I can wear over and over again without thinking about it at all." Thnax for sharing not only  a true and gorg Ornella outfit, but your deeper  thoughts as well:-). Angie on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264968 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:31:54 +0000 Angie 1264968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautifully written and as eloquent and sensitive as ever. Poetic. Cathartic. And so very Ornella.  How we feel in something becomes more important as we age. It's a powerful styling tool that costs very little - yet it's priceless. The more comfortable we are in our own skin - the stronger our styles. That's because style is from the inside out. Not the other way round.  Ledonna N. on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264897 Fri, 30 May 2014 14:59:22 +0000 Ledonna N. 1264897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was a great read and breakdown of feelings ideas and concepts. To read your thought process and the growth between 2012 and 2014. I feel as if you are not only speaking about what you wear but how you are choosing to react to life. The impact of your words and thoughts truly reaches out to me. To dwell in this place to connect on such a level is so powerful. E on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264822 Fri, 30 May 2014 13:00:15 +0000 E 1264822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This whole post was beautiful & thought provoking Ornella! Thank you. :) I especially loved this bit: <ul> <li>And while learning, I like to wear the same stuff that works because I am soaking in the feeling of what that right stuff (not looks but) feels like, making sure that very feeling can be replicated with everything else that’ll take up space in my wardrobe: the fabric against my skin, the ability to move unrestricted, the freedom to not compromise with anything but simply put things on, the tool to let me express what I want to express with the clothes IF expressing is what I’m after.</li> </ul> I'm spending this year getting fussier about fit, and it helps so much to wear my best fitting clothes when I'm going shopping, so that I have a good comparison in place. Janet on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264803 Fri, 30 May 2014 12:40:54 +0000 Janet 1264803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love how thoughtful and articulate you are, Ornella! Wonderful musings. I understand how different an outfit can feel two years later because you're in such a different "place" now! Well, you look fab then and now, but I'd have to agree that somehow even more confidence shines through in your more recent photo. I like your new bag too. Jaime on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264793 Fri, 30 May 2014 12:28:45 +0000 Jaime 1264793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a beautiful and inspiring post Ornella! What occurred to me looking at the pictures was this is what they mean by tweaking your look to keep it up to date but sticking with what works. I think this is a text book example of that. I think Suz has it just right when she calls it effortless elegance and you have it in spades. Suz on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264780 Fri, 30 May 2014 12:14:03 +0000 Suz 1264780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "I'm not rich enough to buy cheap things."  What an eloquent phrase. I couldn't agree more. You look wonderful in this outfit -- both in 2012, and now -- and I share your aspiration to find the silhouettes, fabrics, and colours that work best for me, so I can just get on with my day. It seems to me that you are closer and closer to that goal all the time. It's what we mean when we talk about effortless elegance, I suspect. You have already reached that goal.  Anonymous on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264775 Fri, 30 May 2014 11:59:59 +0000 Anonymous 1264775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The same eloquent paragraph that struck Astrid also resonated with me. I want even my supporting act essential pieces to be as carefully chosen as the more noticeable elements. Thank you for sharing your journey. You look wonderful! Astrid on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264768 Fri, 30 May 2014 11:39:53 +0000 Astrid 1264768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn is right, you look wonderful in both pics but you seem so confident and at ease in this year's picture. And there's so much wisdom in your post I don't know where to start... There's one paragraph that tells exactly what I've been feeling recently. "I’m enjoying playing with my wardrobe more than ever, but my joy now comes less from the imaginative combination, and more from the right thing - right colour, right fabric, right hem, right cut, right line; with each right purchase I’m closer to my ideal of spending more on the right thing because I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things. The more I think about living with little, but right stuff, the more I’m attracted to the concept of finding the very core of my wardrobe - essential silhouettes and individual pieces that I can wear over and over again without thinking about it at all." You said it much better than I ever could. You know, at the beginning of my style journey I did a lot of experimenting. Cut, color, combinations. I bought a lot on sale and other cheap stuff because I wanted to develop a 'look'. And I think it was necessary to learn and grow, so that's alright. But now I'm back to wearing certain silhouettes and colors, going more minimalist and comfortable/practical again. Rediscovering my old inner Tomboy that felt neglected. And this just feels right. Going forward I plan to take care with new acquisitions to get it just right. I want a wardrobe that is full of pieces that are comfortable, practical and make me feel fab. To enjoy getting dressed in the morning and then being so at ease in your clothes that you forget about them during the day! That's what I want. I'm thinking now that I'm not a true minimalist at heart when it comes to my wardrobe. I really admire Claire and her 10 item wardrobe, but I don't aspire to the same. But I do aim for a small, curated wardrobe appropriate for my needs. I want just enough to deal with all the occasions and temperatures I might experience in everyday life, but not more. However high a number of pieces that would be. Lyn D. on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264751 Fri, 30 May 2014 10:57:57 +0000 Lyn D. 1264751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have come from the post about only feeling Fab when we look thin, and you have expressed my thoughts about that so eloquently here! That somehow it is becoming less about the outfit itself and more about the feelings it creates that can make me happy or not so happy with how I present in a particular outfit. LOVE your thoughts about being increasingly unable to 'afford' the cheaper, not-quite-right items in your life. This translates to relationships and  daily living too. I see confidence and inner-beauty in BOTH your pics, but especially in the 2014 version :)  Ornella on "Reflections 2 Years Later :: Spot the Difference (XL)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-2-years-later-spot-the-difference-xl#post-1264732 Fri, 30 May 2014 08:20:03 +0000 Ornella 1264732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are 5 visible differences between 2012 and 2014 outfits. The solution (*) is below, the XL reflections if you fancy reading them follow. The first photo is what I wore on 25th May 2014. Sometime during that day I remembered that I wore - and posted - the identical outfit on almost the same date, but 2 years ago. My first thought was not to post the same thing twice, but the more I thought about it the more I was sure I should. Posting outfits has long ago stopped being just a diary of what I wore and accidentally became a way of chronicling my life through one of its aspects. So, the outfits which appear the same and technically are - to me are not. Because I’m wearing them with different states of mind.  On personal note, 25th May 2012 was the day when we completed the sale on the only house our son knew as home, we drove off its driveway for one last time and set on a journey to the big unknown - therefore every detail is easy to remember. On our way we stopped at the friends’ house for two nights and I clearly remember the morning after I woke up - the first day of the in-between real homes phase which still lasts and will soon end: I slept through for the first time in weeks, I had a shower, put on the fresh comfortable clothes and life was good. 2 years, a new culture and several amazing new people later, life is still good. Hard at times, stressful too often, frustrating more than I dare to admit, but good. Because whatever happened in the meantime was a result of our choice - and that’s a blessing one must not forget. What does it all have to do with the outfit?  2 years of living in the in-between phase taught me a lot about myself, the priorities, what matters and why it matters. The learning continues. Translated into what I wear, I am more than ever aware which compromises I’m ready to make when it comes to clothing; I am less preoccupied with difference but more with comfort and character of my clothing; I am faster at dismissing half-solutions and maybes because life simply is too short to waste time on mulling things over unnecessarily; I’m enjoying playing with my wardrobe more than ever, but my joy now comes less from the imaginative combination, and more from the right thing - right colour, right fabric, right hem, right cut, right line; with each right purchase I’m closer to my ideal of spending more on the right thing because I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things. The more I think about living with little, but right stuff, the more I’m attracted to the concept of finding the very core of my wardrobe - essential silhouettes and individual pieces that I can wear over and over again without thinking about it at all. I mentioned in Claire’s thread my experiment with using Flavia as my muse and Claire asked me if Flavia triggered the desire to wear the same great outfit over and over again. Btw, for those who remember that series, I must mention again that Flavia did not wear what looked like expensive clothing, but the key was it was the right clothing for her - and I was just happy to be literate enough in style matters to be able to recognise her signature outfit and then watch how she worked it every single day. Strangely, I now have difficulties remembering the outfit itself - but I remember that Flavia looked like herself. While Flavia was catalyst, I actually have to go back much further in the past to realise I learnt a lot form my mum who probably had 1/5th of wardrobe I have now (and I call mine reduced), but she always looked perfect! I figured out that I don’t remember mum's specific outfits either, but much more that she looked groomed, polished, in my eyes always a lady. We lived modestly like most people around us while I was growing up, yet mum had several items which were true investment pieces, e.g. once she bought a coat - she had THE coat for years and years and it was perfect in every way. I guess that’s what I strive for - wearing good things and looking like myself, whatever that myself is. The learning continues.  And while learning, I like to wear the same stuff that works because I am soaking in the feeling of what that right stuff (not looks but) feels like, making sure that very feeling can be replicated with everything else that’ll take up space in my wardrobe: the fabric against my skin, the ability to move unrestricted, the freedom to not compromise with anything but simply put things on, the tool to let me express what I want to express with the clothes IF expressing is what I’m after. Because, you know, sometimes I just want to wear clothes and leave it at that.  Thank you if you read everything. I have had a lot of reflections these days because of the outfit posted below and the fact things are rapidly changing in my day-to-day life again and the day after the Big Outfit Repeat it was the anniversary since my mum passed away too. I'm happy to hear your thoughts and comments if you want to share any.   (*)Solution: (1) the bag is different, but I still wear the old one too, (2) the shoes have been replaced, but happen to be by the same maker (3) it’s different pair of jeans, but I still have the old one too, (4) I have found my nude lipstick in the meantime and (5) the hair has a bit less volume, but that’s styling thing.  But, technically, it IS the same outfit.