YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The good and the bad of 2023

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The good and the bad of 2023 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:50:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php MsMaven on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349580 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:13:04 +0000 MsMaven 2349580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, when we landscaped our new house 23 years ago, we didn't want a railing for the spa. A couple of years ago we decided to add one to help us get in and out, but the way the spa was installed prevented that, or so we were told. This year we had a low sitting wall built around part of the spa--I hope it helps. I had a hard time getting in and out, but I've gotten better. We haven't tried it out yet--the workers just cleaned up and left a few days ago. The PT exercises have helped me be able to get in and out easier.  suntiger, I've read that the average woman loses 2-3" as she ages, and men 1-2". It speeds up when we get into our late 70s and 80s. I have good bones, so in my case some of the loss has been caused by upper back problems and loss of muscle in the midsection by sitting too much and bad postural habits. I've been able to reclaim some of that by building stronger muscles.  Anonymous on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349578 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 17:59:36 +0000 Anonymous 2349578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great scarves! Yay for cheerful and Maui :) Re shrinking- my mom was 5'8" but now about 5'4" :/ If I shrink, I'll be under 5 feet- not good. Anonymous on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349567 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:06:32 +0000 Anonymous 2349567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will ask my doctor about PT.  I really need better balance. So many things no one warns you about getting older.  I can no longer get up from the floor.  That prevent lots of exercise and yoga classes. I can not be in water without losing feeling in hands and feet.  That prevents swimming pools.  Gyms are difficult.  I need senior bathing facilities such as showers so I don't have to get out of a tub.   MsMaven on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349540 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:11:26 +0000 MsMaven 2349540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz--comparing the Ecco sneakers with the Soft 7s, it seems to me the leather in the 7s is softer and the toe bed is a bit more roomy. Just enough. One of the factors I love about Ecco is that the website offers insoles with different levels of support, so you can replace a so-so insole with one offering a little more support, or a lot. They also are nice to use in older shoes--I have several pairs of Ecco slip ons and I've replaced insoles. I also have to add a little padding--just the right amount--to the left shoe because that leg is a little shorter. As I've gotten older, I've had to modify most of my shoes a little or a lot. I also use Superfeet in other shoes.  April, I've learned not to take anything for granted as we age. For years I thought walking was plenty of exercise, along with some gardening, until I started falling over without warning and also had knee problems I assumed was arthritis. It wasn't--it was weak leg muscles on my right side. I'm so grateful that I could get the PT and that it helps me so much.  I was going to post more scarves but Mr. M has had our closet in disarray. He's been doing a lot of work to sort through his huge accumulation of clothes.  Suz on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349536 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:17:09 +0000 Suz 2349536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First of all, I'm really thrilled that you have had success in regaining balance with the help of PT. Reading what you wrote, I wonder if the body changes that come for so many of us with aging are -- at times -- themselves a cause of balance problems. I remember being quite clumsy at times as an adolescent. Things were changing faster than I recognized. I was feeling a bit anxious about it all. I was sometimes distracted. Whomp!  This is not so different from the body shifts in age, in some ways. Anyway, onto the fashion specifics. For those who are thinking about the Ecco Soft 7s -- they work for me, too, and my feet are entirely different from Angie's OR MsMaven's. I have a normal width forefoot with very slight extra width at the bunion point (I don't call them bunions because there is zero pain, but there is that slight bump ou; in my case, the overall foot profile still is "normal" in width). I have short toes. High instep. Narrow heel, and narrow-ish mid-foot. The Soft 7s work for me -- with modifications. I need to get rid of the Ecco insole and use a Superfeet insole (the low profile one). Otherwise, the shoe is too wide, loose, and floppy on me. Even with this adjustment, the heel is somewhat too wide for me on one foot, but I manage if I also wear no show Smartwool socks. Note that Angie also modifies by doubling up insoles to take up the extra width for her very narrow foot.  Carla, I am pretty sure you had the same shoe. But I will say -- I have had this shoe in various colours and some work for me better than others. For me, the white has (so far) been best. The pewter version was looser and not as good for my foot.  Re the sweater -- it's so frustrating!! Price seems no guarantor of quality at all.  Love your beautiful scarves.   Cardiff girl on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349508 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:25:32 +0000 Cardiff girl 2349508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good to be facing the New Year with optimism!Sorry to hear about the challenges that age brings but you seem to take it all in your stride which is inspiring..l approve of avoiding the sales too. Helena on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349501 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:04:35 +0000 Helena 2349501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MsMaven, it sounds like you are in a good place, in that you know what is working and what isn't, and you have a strategy for moving forward! I've totally given up on wool and cashmere, and go for cotton and cotton-blend knitwear now ... it works way better for my sensitive skin. Like you an underlayer (tank or tee) does the job for warmth and as a bonus reduces how often I have to wash sweaters since I don't sweat or get deodorant on them.  April on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349493 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:25:53 +0000 April 2349493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With you on balance issues, MM.  I have done PT up the wazoo for mine but they seem irreversible (related not to aging but to degenerative illness) so I do the best I can with crutches and walkers.  Also learned to ask for help. Hmm, Ecco Soft 7s.  I always assume nothing that's just right for Angie's feet will work for mine because different foot issues, but maybe worth another look. Roberta on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349490 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:48:31 +0000 Roberta 2349490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your thoughtful comments sent me to YouTube for "how to fall" tutorials. Two friends have had falling issues - and while my balance is currently good, I'm sure it won't be forever. Better learn good reflexes now. Sweaters: I swear all new womens sweaters are trash. Price makes no difference! Men's sweaters are much nicer. I'm returning to my scarves this winter. I am finding turtlenecks itchy or too tight, so I need something to keep my neck warm. Sometimes I tuck a silky scarf inside the neckline to avoid the itchies. Jaime on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349463 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:33:56 +0000 Jaime 2349463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like you have found good adaptions and solutions to the adventure of aging. My skin has become very sensitive to all sorts of things I never used to notice and an underlayer is a great solution. Beautiful scarves - I am pretty sure I have the second one or something very similar (thrifted of course). Carla on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349460 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:27:32 +0000 Carla 2349460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your feet sound like my feet - except Ecco’s didn’t work for me.  Hmmm, I wonder if I got ‘regular’ Ecco’s and not the Soft 7s!?! Bummer about the sweater.  Love the scarves! A couple of vloggers (video bloggers) I follow have chosen to return to B&M shopping in 2024 as a way to slow down consumption, and make shopping for clothes (which they enjoy) a more mindful ‘event’.  (Working from lists, ‘second hand first’, and ‘shopping their closets’ are other resolutions…)  Lots of references to ‘styling more, shopping less’.   rachylou on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349458 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:16:25 +0000 rachylou 2349458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m gonna look for the Soft 7s(!) avicennia on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349454 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 01:02:39 +0000 avicennia 2349454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The scarves are lovely. Museum stores are the best for finding lovely & unique items! Dee on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349452 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:54:29 +0000 Dee 2349452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Too bad the Vince sweater was a bust, but glad that you were able to find some nice footwear to suit your needs. I love my Ecco Soft 7s too, and you’re right, not all Ecco’s are created equal. Those red sandals look nice as well. Should be interesting to see how keeping a daily log of what you wear helps you going forward.. .  MsMaven on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349446 Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:33:09 +0000 MsMaven 2349446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy to hear of your difficulties. Aging is tough. Two years ago my balance was awful and I had several falls. Luckily, I didn't hurt myself--in part I credit my desire as a child to become a profession ice skater. I learned how to fall. I've had two years of physical therapy for balance and other issues, and not only have I haven't had a fall, I can quickly regain my balance when I make a misstep. I credit the PT. I even had to relearn how to walk.  Anonymous on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349432 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:43:00 +0000 Anonymous 2349432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are right Life is change.  I turned 77 this year and have lost a lot since menopause.  I no longer know my size and that includes foorwear.  I have stopped wearing heels,  sandals, and shorts.  I have lost 2.5 inches in height and can no longer reach even middle shelves.  I no longer have good balance and fall from step stools and chairs so need to reorganize and get rid of lots.  My pants from as recent as a year ago are falling off of me.  So I need a new set of long pants.   It never ends.  Be aware of what meds do to your body.  Some help you gain weight, others take it off.  You lose energy to do the stuff you have always done.   Angie on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349429 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:32:41 +0000 Angie 2349429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice analysis! I can’t tell you how many of my clients have had a terrible run with Vince knitwear. Hubs Greg on the other hand, has had the best luck. The inconsistency is very annoying :( We are gold Ecco Soft 7 sneaker twins! Glad they worked out. Those slip-on sandals look perfect for your CA lifestyle! The red is extra cheerful - and nice match with your vibrant patterned scarves. MsMaven on "The good and the bad of 2023" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-good-and-the-bad-of-2023#post-2349428 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 23:08:37 +0000 MsMaven 2349428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Last year my word was "relax," which I promptly forgot.  I didn't have a color.  This year my color is golden yellow and my word is "cheerful." Color chosen on my trip to Maui. (Yes, we live in scary times, but I prefer staying optimistic.) Let's get the 2023 bad over with: the Vince sweater I bought and hung in the closet, saving it for "best." Big disappointment: after the second wear it's covered with pills. Nice and soft, but not acceptable in such an expensive item. 68% wool and 28% cashmere (not exact.) I'm rethinking cashmere. I can't stand to have cashmere or wool next to my skin, but I like the warmth so I wear the Uniqlo heat tech or the Land's End silk tees under them. I've found some great tops at Nik+/Zoe and LL Bean that I like, and for warmth I can add the under layer. I'm going to look at cotton or rayon this year. Despite the sales.  The good: Shoes. I have lots of foot problems, basically narrow feet, long toes, but with bunions, fat pads gone. I've been doing well with Orthofeet and Ecco Soft 7s. (I made the mistake of thinking plain Eccos were the same as Soft 7s. Nope.)  I took the red Sahari Orthofeet sandals to Maui. These are great, comfortable slip ons with adjustable straps. I wear them for sandals and slippers and house shoes if it's warm enough. I love them and bought them in gray, but well, I nearly always grab the red.  I  took the Ecco Soft 7s metallic sneakers to Maui and found they looked great and held up to a lot of walking. Color: Pure White Gold.  I've been slow to face one reality: Mr. M retired, and between this and Covid, we have few, if any, formal events, business dinners or lunches, charity balls, and conferences to attend. I still keep looking for the perfect formal outfit. even if I found it, I can't control all the body changes that occur with age,  Another reality, body changes with age. Weird to me, but I recently lost not only the weight I gained last year, but another 5 pounds. Tried to lose that for 20 years or more! Has to be the exercise. I've still lost 2 1/2" in height, which went around my middle, but my clothes do fit better now.   Now LL Bean is one of my favorite shopping sites. Their clothes suit the life I live  currently. I've bought a lot of scarves this year--they help keep the neck warm and provide some cheery color and pattern. Example: scarves from Metropolitan Museum store.  Lessons for '24--I've done too much online shopping. Too many sales temptations. I have more clothes than I need. I'm going to try to take a break until at least mid-March. For the first time, I'm keeping a daily log of what I wear.  Also, my chest measurement has changed. I need a bra fitting. More about this in a different post.  I've learned so much from YLF over the years. Life is change though, so there is always more to learn.