https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:02:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991734 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:57:20 +0000 Anonymous 1991734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear of your painful year, andno apologies required for shopping! Needs change every year. But it looks like you did really well with what you bought. The colors are so happy, and everything looks cohesive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991732 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:51:04 +0000 anchie 1991732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - now that my back is somewhat better, I can tolerate max 5 cm heel. And only little bit higher then that, like 5.5 cm, feels too high. Most of my shoes had 6 cm heel. Funny how only 1 cm makes such a big difference in comfort. I am still rebuilding my shoe collection, I am missing knee high boots, and have to replace Paul Green Cayenne sandals and two more pairs of work pumps. Knee high boots that are not black or navy are HEWI for me, any help tracking them down appreciated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991720 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 16:29:38 +0000 Angie 1991720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Anchie</b>, back pain is debilitating and you have my sympathy. You poor thing. Sending healing thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds like you did a GREAT job rebuliding your wardrobe. WELL DONE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Going forward for 2019,&nbsp;<u>THE</u> most important thing is footwear because of your health, back, and walking lifestyle. I would focus on that. We can find solutions for every challenge - promise. Happy to help if you need the assistance.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know all too well what it means to virtually start from scratch with footwear - which I did three years ago. I walk a lot, and will not give up that lifestyle either. It takes time, patience and resources - I get it! Hang in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991673 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 14:36:06 +0000 anchie 1991673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If anyone is interested - here is the breakdown of my numbers:</p> <p><b>3 casual blouses</b> - part of my summer casual capsule, point 1<br /><b>1 silk shirt</b> - summer work wear&nbsp;<br /><b>15 sweaters</b> - already posted about them - point 2 and 5<br /><b>6 t-shirts</b> -&nbsp;part of my summer casual capsule, point 1</p> <p><b>11 pants</b> - sounds high, but this is all that fits at the moment, 5 is for summer, 6 for winter - point 3<br /><b>9 jeans</b> - 3 of those bought at the beginning of last year, so only 6 fits now, 3 summer and 3 winter pairs - point 3<br /><b>3 skirts</b> - 1 bought at the&nbsp;beginning&nbsp;of the year, already too small, 1 summer casual, point 1 and 1 for winter but difficult to style. I have only this 2 skirts that fit me now.</p> <p><b>1 short </b>-&nbsp;part of my summer casual capsule, point 1</p> <p><b>6 dresses</b> - 5 summer dresses, point 1, 1 winter dress, only winter dress that fits at the moment&nbsp;<br /><b>8 blazers</b> - I wear blazer to work daily and all my old ones were too small so that was necessity, 4 summer, 4 winter - point 3<br /><b>3 outerwear</b> - 1 trench coat in color, 1 down coat in light neutral, both point 2 and light summer jacket, point 1 - not real necessity, but I don't have a lot of outerwear and some change was refreshing&nbsp;<br /><b>5 booties</b> - 2 replacements for worn out pairs, and 3 for too high pairs - point 2,4 and 6<br /><b>3 pumps</b> - replaced 3 high heels for low block heel, needed for work, point 4 and 6<br /><b>1 sandals</b> - replacement for worn out - they don't last long&nbsp;<br /><b>1 loafers</b> - bought during the acute back pain because of very easy slip on and off, no bending needed , point 4<br /><b>2 sneakers</b> - one summer and one for winter - point 2, 4 and 6<br /><b>6 handbags</b> - OK, I admit this is where I went little overboard. My handbag collection was not in great shape, for years I could not find nice handbag with silver hardware, but in 2018 I got lucky, found some brands that do have silver hardware. One of those was mistake - cross body with a metal chain that burns my skin. Others are workhorses. Point 2 and 6<br /><b>1 belt&nbsp;</b>- point 6<br /><b>7 scarfs&nbsp;</b>-&nbsp; 4 winter and 3 summer, but 2 were gifts, point 2 and 6</p> <p><b>3 hats -&nbsp;</b>1 summer, 2 winter, point 2 and 6<br /><b>3 jewelry&nbsp;</b>- I am not big on jewelry and they were all gifts<br /><b>1 lounge wear - </b>sweat pants that are already ruined<b></b></p> <p><b><br /></b>So out of all those only one clear mistake - cross body handbag, and one potential - skirt that I still did not wear. Everything else is in constant rotation. And this is almost all that I have now - most of older things is too small now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991666 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 14:14:51 +0000 kerry 1991666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That back trouble sounds truly awful! No wonder you’re ready to say goodbye to 2018. I think you’re smart to review 2018 purchases. It sounds like you had a pressing need to rebuild several areas of your wardrobe. You always look so put together and stylish in your WIWs that making sure this aspect of your life is working when your body isn’t must be so important.</p> <p>Here’s to a pain-free 2019! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991656 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 13:51:20 +0000 anchie 1991656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>smittie - I am sure there is a white shade for you too, it opens so much mix and match possibilities. And I agree about H&amp;M and Zara quality, everything has become workhorse and no issues so far.</p> <p>karen13 - you sound like you have been through similar situation, thank you for empathizing</p> <p>Angie - I use your finds often as inspiration, as I know about our shared love for sour brights</p> <p>JessikaMs - you are completely right, I did use shopping as relief and escape, but at least I shopped with the plan this time :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Staysfit - I don't really feel bad about my numbers, I just looked at them again (tracker reporting to duty!) and most of it was really necessary. Probably only building complements was not a need but want, but that was so much fun.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991648 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 13:04:13 +0000 Staysfit 1991648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, I’m so sorry to hear about your back pain, and I hope you achieve a full and sustained recovery. </p> <p>No apologies ever needed for the number of items purchased. The members of this forum can inadvertently come across as judgy or criticical about numbers because there are many who track wears, and aim for minimal, environmentally and economically conscious wardrobes. Everyone has different circumstances, so it’s important to decide for yourself if your numbers are reasonable. </p> <p>It looks to me like you did a nice job of managing your wardrobe through a stressful time. </p> <p>I particularly admire your sweater purchases. I also prefer sweaters and knits year round, and agree that they do not last very long. I purchased 9 of them in fall/winter, and I have no idea how many for spring/summer. </p> <p>I hope you have a happy and healthy 2019! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991644 Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:08:30 +0000 Jessikams 1991644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NO WORRIES about your high numbers of purchases. Injury, weight gain- both would necessitate wardrobe changes. I find that fear and stress might also lead to shopping- it feels like “at least I can do THIS successfully!”- and while that might not be an ideal strategy, it’s just a coping mechanism like any other, no need to add guilt on TOP of stress.</p> <p>And, it sounds like the upside is that you’ve got a better idea now of HOW to shop, how to identify needs, etc. that’s great!</p> <p>I hope this next year is an easier one for you— </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991495 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 19:35:52 +0000 Angie 1991495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Justhigh fiving you quickly because we like the same sour brights! (((HUGS))). Sorry about your back trouble. Back later.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991470 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 17:23:51 +0000 karen13 1991470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting and helpful write up. Sympathy and empathy for the back issues. It makes one feel so helpless and out of control. Kudos to you for recognizing the benefit of not skipping the exercises- I really need todo that in my life. And I love your addition of and success with accessory complements. When I put my goals together for this y3r, I think that is one I will add. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991467 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 17:10:59 +0000 Anonymous 1991467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like the use HandM and Zara for basics now. Not for everything, but I am finding the quality good enough for me, and in some cases quite good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991466 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 17:06:18 +0000 Anonymous 1991466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So informative, thank youfor writing your thoughts down, Anchie.<br /> I’m sorry about your back and not being able to work. That would stress even the most resilient among us.<br /> I hope you’re feeling a bit better.</p> <p>On to the fashion!<br /> That is a great observation you made about being bored and wanting more brights, but the brights being too jarring with the dark neutrals! Yes, I feel the same way! The one exception might be red and navy. Also, the observation that adding grey wasn’t the answer. Yes I totally agree. The greys are too variable between the green, purple, pink and and blue undertones. I like your idea to use cream as the basis. I must think about this for myself. I have dark hair and cool skin thigh, so it might be too hard to execute.</p> <p>Happy new year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991456 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 16:29:17 +0000 anchie 1991456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardiff Girl - sorry to hear about your experience, it took really long time for you to recover. Good thing that there is a still hope for the heels :)</p> <p>rachylou - thanks - too much free time with my iPad I guess ;)</p> <p>Bijou - thank you, it means a lot coming from you, because I admire your style so much. My daughter is fickle, she was wearing hoodie all the time first few day, but not so much any more, so there is a hope. I have not removed it from the finds yet :)</p> <p>cindysmith - thank you, looking forward to reading your analysis, you always write so well.</p> <p>Kathie - thank you. This numbers are OK for one off year, but not sustainable for me in the long run, so this year I have to cut back.&nbsp;</p> <p>torontogirl - such a nice words, thanks. I agree, I learned so much on this blog but did not really implemented what I learned before. It takes time for everything to sink in I guess.&nbsp;</p> <p>nemosmom - I am very good with coming up with the reasons to shop LOL. In 2017 I lost quite a bit of weight and had to shop a lot too. But seriously, I am little tired of constant rebuilding and would prefer that my wardrobe and my weight became more stable.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991445 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 15:09:20 +0000 nemosmom 1991445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about your back pain and subsequent stress and I hope you are on the road to feeling better. Thank you for taking the time to write out your thoughts (never too late) and share your reasons behind what you bought and why. It sounds like your decisions were thoughtfully planned and executed and your numbers are not alarming at all. Everyone has periods of high/low shopping for all kinds of different reasons; please don't beat yourself up. No judgement here. Hugs and healing to you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991434 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 14:34:24 +0000 Helena 1991434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie, so sorry about your back. That's awful and very stressful. I hope that 2019 brings you healing and a lightening of your stress xx<br /> This is a wonderful analysis! Quite inspiring. I love that you really implemented all the amazing tools we learn here - a follow-up I need to improve upon. I am especially inspired by how you created complements in your favorite colors, and will keep this in mind for myself this year.<br /> Re: your numbers - they are your numbers and no one else's! We all have different seasons and times when we need to buy more or cut back, rebuild or minimize. You've clearly done a well thought out rebuilding process that will serve you well, and that's what matters. *Applause* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991433 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 14:28:22 +0000 Kathie 1991433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all the brighter colors that you added! Your plan was thoughtful and well designed. There’s nothing wrong with those numbers if the items are making your wardrobe work for you.</p> <p>Hope your back continues to heal- you had a tough year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991431 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 14:26:48 +0000 cindysmith 1991431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is good work, and it's inspiring me to look at my 2018 and set some goals for 19. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991404 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 12:51:10 +0000 Bijou 1991404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie - there are certain times when you just have to buy new items. For me, the transition in 2016 to a more formal job required me to buy a work wardrobe. I now have that sorted. I am looking to smartening it up and refresh it, but it does not require an overhaul. It sounds like 2018 was a similar transition year for you.</p> <p>Sorry to hear about your back pain. I think you were wise to wear flat footwear and stay with that, no point in risking potential back issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your style in 2018 was fantastic, I could not tell from your WIW posts the health issues you faced. Well done on giving yourself a great summer capsule and refreshing your sweaters - you have a brilliant collection and it looks like your daughter has kept the cashmere hoodie, so lovely of you to let her keep that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991394 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 12:24:18 +0000 rachylou 1991394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boy, that is a rough time. I’m so glad you are doing better! You really did a lot of work on your wardrobe. Enjoy it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991390 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 12:12:39 +0000 Cardiff girl 1991390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anchie I do feel for you ,back pain is the pits.l hurt my back badly 3years ago and was unable to sit down for the first year put my own shoes on or wear heels but time ,along with regular exercise is a great healer,and I can wear low heels now so don’t despair.I m also glad to see that you are a sweater buyer,l ve been beating myself up about buying more sweaters this winter after saying I wasn’t going to.You have a lovely collection and I always admire your style when you post so you must be doing something right! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991379 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:47:43 +0000 anchie 1991379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adriana, I think Banana Republic, Uniqlo and Boden are still worth a look.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991378 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:44:41 +0000 Adriana 1991378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you. I like them. I hope I can find some still. Left it too late I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991374 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:33:21 +0000 anchie 1991374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barbara Diane - thank you, I am better, but still have to do exercises from PT on regular basis. If I skip it for few days, I feel it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Adriana - 2018 was a good year for summer dresses hope 2019 to be as well. I have all my sweaters in finds:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/finds/?member=anchie">https://youlookfab.com/finds/?member=anchie</a>&nbsp;Here are the sweaters I got in 2018. One is missing because it had a big stain that I could not remove, and is no longer in my wardrobe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991370 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:17:31 +0000 Adriana 1991370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very sorry about your back. That took a long time to heal. I hope it is better now.<br /> About your numbers: a lot yes, but you needed it and you had a plan.<br /> Good ideas for summer clothes. This is a struggle for me too. A dress is so right in summer, but you need a collection I have found.<br /> I think that with your difficult year you did very well. The shoes, the sweaters, the compliments, a complete refresh to use in 2019.<br /> Can you share your sweaters? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991369 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 09:05:03 +0000 Barbara Diane 1991369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you did a very good job of shopping to have a happy and workable wardrobe, one that fits and sets you up for different weather and various aspects of your life.<br /> I’m sorry to hear about your back and resulting issues. I’m glad you are doing better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/review-of-2108---veerrrry-long#post-1991367 Sat, 12 Jan 2019 08:56:26 +0000 anchie 1991367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am little late to this and was not even sure that I should do it, but after reading yours it seems like a useful exercise.<br /> 2018 was not that good year for me. I suffered from lower back pain from April to November and it peaked during the summer. That had put me in a very bad frame of mind, I was frustrated, depressed and worried. For a month a could not even go to work and being the source of only income in the family, it really scared me. As a result I put on quite a bit of weight which resulted in even more frustration and depression. I also shopped a lot, probably too much, but for the first time in my life I shopped with plan and intention, so I do not feel so bad about it. Dividing my whole wardrobe into capsules was a best thing - I finally had a clear picture of my needs, I could see what is working and what I am missing and how it all fits together. I bought 96 items in categories that I am tracking wear, and 22 basics (undies, bras, pj, socks etc) that I am not tracking. It all can be divided in this 6 areas:</p> <p><b>1.Creating summer casual capsule<br /> </b>For years I was struggling with summer dressing outside the office. I defaulted to a uniform of shorts and simle tees that worked only at home, or on the beach. Dressing for any other occasion was a nightmare. So I finally did something about it. Added 3 lightweight blouses, 5 summer dresses, a casual skirt, and 2 pairs of wide leg breezy pants. Also upgraded my t-shirt collection from boring essentials to something more interesting. So much better!</p> <p><b>2.Adding light neutrals and color to my winter wardrobe<br /> </b>My winter wardrobe was always very dark and boring. I defaulted to a dark neutrals like black, navy and charcoal - that was easiest to find and did not require much effort to create outfits. It worked OK but by January I would start feeling bored and craving color. So I decided to add some winter weight items in my favorite bright colors. Soon I realized that combination of bright color and dark neutral looked too jarring for my taste and that I need to also add some light neutrals to make it work. First I thought that light grey is the answer, because of my gray hair, but somehow I did not feel it. There are so many shades of grey and they don't always look good together. So I finally settled on ivory, cream, off white - not sure what is the exact name of warmer white color. I added light neutrals and color in lot of categories - but mostly in accessories, handbags, tops and footwear. It was fun and I really enjoy my lighter winter wardrobe. </p> <p><b>3.Rebuilding essentials<br /> </b>That was something I did not really enjoyed doing - who likes to by basic black pants? - but I had to do it because of the weight gain. I added simple pants in dark neutrals, few pairs of jeans and some classic blazers. I did not want to spend a lot of money on it because I am still hoping that this is my temporary size, so I was searching the sales, or buying very low end - H&amp;M and Zara to the rescue. I was more concentrated on good fit than quality. </p> <p><b>4. Eliminating heels<br /> </b>That was another consequence of my back pain. During acute pain I was barely able to move or bend, and I could only wear flat shoes. So I bought couple of flat or very low heel shoes for summer. But even when I got better, probably after wearing low heels for months, my winter shoes felt too high and all wrong - like I am wearing somebody else's shoes, so I had to buy low heeled winter shoes too - 12 pairs in total for the year</p> <p><b>5. Refreshing sweater collection<br /> </b>I am a sweater girl and I wear one daily - winter, summer, work, casual - and I need big collection - different weights, colors and neutrals. Unfortunately sweaters are not category that last very long and needs constant refresh. Add to that few washing accidents and my sweater collection was suddenly depleted. I added 15 sweaters in 2018, and my winter collection is now in good shape. I still need to refresh my summer collection this year. </p> <p><b>6.Building complements<br /> </b>I finally understand power of complements. I am matchy-matchy at heart and I always feel off if my metals or accessories don't mach. So this year I created even 3 complements - yellow, red and blush. Now I have scarf- handbag-belt-shoes-hat complements in my favorite colors. Not every item in every color but close enough.  <br /> <b><br /> </b>If you got this far thank you for reading. Hope you are not outraged by my numbers. I am still pondering about 2019. One thing I am certain is that I need to bring my numbers way down. But I am more or less happy with the state of my wardrobe at the moment, so it should not be that hard. </p> <p>Any feedback is much appreciated. <b></b> </p>