YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The year that was

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The year that was https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:31:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245739 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 16:20:46 +0000 CarolS 2245739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much, Brooklyn, Cardiff Girl, and Zaeobi! I'm going to try to enjoy the 'luxury' of having a bit of time to plan for my spring needs. Of course, I'll still be in a panic when spring arrives!!! Brooklyn on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245718 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 11:40:52 +0000 Brooklyn 2245718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations on achieving your health goals and on the steps you have taken to transition your wardrobe. It sounds like you will be able to use the rest of winter to form a plan for what you need to add next. Spring should be fun (Covid permitting). Happy holidays! Cardiff girl on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245711 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:37:23 +0000 Cardiff girl 2245711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good puffers, cant have too much outer wear if you live in Northern climes.lam not at all surprised that you have prioritised outerwear,Being outdoors seems to be our only safe social outlet here too.Well done for getting fit and healthy,at least you have something positive to come out if this year. Zaeobi on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245692 Tue, 28 Dec 2021 03:56:31 +0000 Zaeobi 2245692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've enjoyed reading your posts - you've been taking this new wardrobe challenge in stride! Your pops of colour are lovely too - I shall live vicariously through you with those yellow Doc Martens As for the weight loss, good strategy not to focus on the number on the scale so much as the health benefits you've been reaping in return. You can always find bigger or smaller clothes (albeit not as easily as you might like lol), but you only get one body! Don't feel bad about the number of puffers, either - sounds like it's proportional to your climate! I could stand to learn from you - I still have more than one coat, even though winters here usually 'only' reach 5-10C lol. Also I completely understand jeans feeling 'cold' - I bought two this year for winterwear, but have to wear long socks &/ or leggings underneath so they don't directly touch skin. Onwards & upwards! CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245614 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 16:34:15 +0000 CarolS 2245614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much, Kkards! One of the big tasks will be to figure out just what my lifestyle is really going to require!!  kkards on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245432 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 16:10:41 +0000 kkards 2245432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, congratulations on getting healthy.  And hoping that as the old year fades and the new year emerges that your wardrobe comes together in a way that supports you and reflects who you are and the life that you lead  CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245428 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:56:07 +0000 CarolS 2245428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LOL Shevia -- understatement of the year = "somewhat improvised wardrobe"!!! I do love improv, but look forward to starting to build a more deliberate wardrobe in 2022. Thank you, Bijou -- I'm enjoying the burgundy puffer too -- the extra length is much appreciated on a cold walk, and I am very happy with the colour. Thanks so much, Minaminu Thank you for the kind and encouraging words, Gryffin! Sounds like 2021 brought plenty of healthy changes to your household, too! I like the way you phrased the mantra needed for this stage of the body recomposition journey -- "the dogged tortoise always wins." (And yes, the velvet jacket might make an appearance at home on NYE!) Thanks, Irina -- it's fun to have some outerwear options!  Suntiger-- Thank you! The brown was stitched oddly at the neck and didn't sit right, and I couldn't find another in my size, so back it went.  Anonymous on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245421 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:08:03 +0000 Anonymous 2245421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congrats on the weight loss! My favorite is the grey velvet! Did you end up keeping the brown? Irina on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245419 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 14:59:08 +0000 Irina 2245419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, love your puffers! Congrats on your achievements in improving your health. That takes a lot of willpower. Hopefully, coming spring will inspire us all. gryffin on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245413 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 14:08:30 +0000 gryffin 2245413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol - seriously huge kudos on the weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes!! That’s awesome. The drops do get slower. My DH is in that frustrating zone but the dogged tortoise always wins. Beaming strength, admiration and focus your way so in spring you emerge healthier and happier on your journey. I’m taking a page out of Bijou’s and Angie’s book as well as rereading Lessons from Madame Chic. Dressing you when no dressy event. Put an apron on for any questionable situations. It’s amazing how a nice polished outfit and a little grooming can put your head in a good place. Why dot wear that fabulous velvet NYE if only for you?! Love the puffers. You have done an amazing job on sourcing lovely pieces. Wishing you all good in 2022!! Minaminu on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245408 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 13:43:30 +0000 Minaminu 2245408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ you had a great year and well done on your weight loss! I like the new pieces, they work well with your new silhouette and colouring! Bijou on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245406 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 12:51:25 +0000 Bijou 2245406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If I lived in Canada, I would live in puffies too. I particularly love the burgundy puffer - it looks long, warm and luxurious. Your grey velvet topper is stunning on you and a forever piece. Jaime on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245374 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 02:00:02 +0000 Jaime 2245374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very impressive post! You are handling the transition to a healthier life style and the need for new clothes with aplomb. You look great in all your WIWs despite working with a somewhat improvised wardrobe. It makes perfect sense that your puffers have multiplied - sounds just right for your lifestyle. Inevitably weight loss slows down as your lose weight; it is the maintenance of the healthy habits that is the real accomplishment. A style refresh in the Spring sounds perfect. CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245372 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 01:43:11 +0000 CarolS 2245372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Sal -- it's hard to stay focused or to evaluate purchases when I don't really have a lot to pair anything with, but I'm trusting that will improve with time. Thanks, Helena. I've tried to keep focused without obsessing. Some days easier than others. The next two or three months will be the toughest.  CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245371 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 01:40:11 +0000 CarolS 2245371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, slim cat -- holding out hopes for spring!! rachy -- that does not sound like a very happy way to drop weight. I hope things are better now! I have had quite a few pieces from various stops along the weight gain journey that I have been able to wear again on the way down. Plus elastication. :-) Thank you Suz! It wll be interesting as I try to find my footing. :-) Carla -- yes, trying to strike when the iron is hot on the footwear. I do like autumnal colours, although with my grey hair they may not like me as well as they used to. I have ideas about more saturated colours, too, but simply haven't found anything that fits body and price range. Thanks, Lisa! I bought that on a bit of a whim the other day, but I think it's going to be a good addition. I bought one pair of jeans this fall, but jeans are a tricky fit for a wide waisted no butted gal! And they get almost impossible when the waists are high and shaped. I looked at (didn't even consider trying on) the Levi's ribcage the other day and it looked like they really would basically hit the bottom of my bra. And by the time they fit me there they would to totally swimming on my lower body. Ugh. Plus, I prefer ponte pants when it's cold. Jeans seem so cold.  I hope you're right about the grey topper, Coco Lion! I came close a few days ago, but the event was cancelled. I do have some ideas I'd like to try with it.... Helena on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245367 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 01:01:43 +0000 Helena 2245367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, it's amazing that you are feeling healthy and have been able to take great care of yourself! Sounds like you did a great job in a time of flux. Sal on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245344 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 21:52:00 +0000 Sal 2245344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a fab coat and footwear collection you have added. I think you are prioritising the right way - these are pieces with longevity and you will connect the dots… Thanks for being a positive fun person on the forum. CocoLion on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245334 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 20:00:41 +0000 CocoLion 2245334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your silver velvet topper.  You will have that one for years and it's perfect for festive occasions. Well done on the fitness and health goals. Anonymous on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245327 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 19:20:13 +0000 Anonymous 2245327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Geez- I love that Olsen jacket ! I agree with others in that you’ve weathered this incredible change in style . There’s no mention of denim - do you not wear jeans much ? Carla on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245325 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 18:48:39 +0000 Carla 2245325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ When you’ve got fussy feet, and good shoes are available, you’ve got to strike while the iron is hot!  Good on you for collecting winning footwear.    Am I correct in figuring you have a preference for autumnal colours?  Suz on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245323 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 18:35:07 +0000 Suz 2245323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You did brilliantly! I'm always impressed by your outfit posts. You look SO great for one in the midst of a weightloss journey. I can't wait to see the outfits you create this spring as you continue to upgrade the wardrobe.  rachylou on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245322 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 17:58:59 +0000 rachylou 2245322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful puffies — esp the olive :) I’m surprised that’s *all* you bought. 40 is quite a lot. I lost 20 and it necessitated an entire new wardrobe… albeit, ok, I lost it during 2 scary weeks… slim cat on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245318 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:53:36 +0000 slim cat 2245318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You did really well in 2021 with all the challenges and changes! Many great outfits, fun finds and pics always with a sweet smile . I have similar feelings about some of my needs - "easy enough to get by with what I have until spring". I hope spring will bring us more good options in clothes and more opportunities to wear fun outfits! CarolS on "The year that was" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-year-that-was#post-2245317 Sat, 25 Dec 2021 16:43:31 +0000 CarolS 2245317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There wasn't really much going on fashion-wise for me in 2021, but it has been a year that will have a significant impact on my style in 2022. Spring 2021 found me woefully out of shape and at my highest weight ever, with the bulk of the weight in what is usually considered the least healthy place -- around my midsection. When things finally opened up a bit, I signed up for a "re-entry" type class at my gym, desperate for to start changing my health trajectory. Although the class didn't turn out quite as expected, the circumstances around it led to a dramatic shift in my eating habits, which in turn has led to a loss of 40 pounds of body fat (so far). While I still have some fat to lose and muscle to build, my visceral fat has now at least reduced to a healthier level, for which I am extremely thankful. Although this significant weight change has left me in an awkward place when it comes fo my wardrobe, the pandemic has provided its one small silver lining in the form of seriously reducing the need or occasion to venture out in public. (Nothing to wear AND nowhere to to -- talk about a mixed blessing!) Over the past several months I have mostly gotten by with wearing old pieces that have fit again as my weight dropped, or that just fit differently. I had a bit of a buying frenzy as I prepared for the events around my nephew's wedding this fall, but sober second and third thoughts resulted in most of it going back! In fact, I returned a couple more pieces just the other day after realizing I'm probably not going to wear them. Although I think I "didn't buy much" in 2021, I was surprised when I reflected back on what I actually purchased: <ul> <li>3 long sleeve t-shirts/lightweight sweatshirts to get me through warm fall. I had sleeveless summer tops and heavy winter sweaters, but noticed a definite gap when it came to transitional tops. A cheery graphic tee and pink sweatshirt saw quite a bit of use, but the simple grey heathered top has been a bit neglected. I think it will get use with jeans as spring approaches. </li> <li>2 sweaters. The solid cream got quite a bit of use, but it took me until very late fall to commit to the striped one. (Fall was warm, so there just didn't seem to be an occasion for it). Now that I've taken the tags off it, I've worn it a few times and gotten at least one nice comment on it. </li> <li>1 grey velvet topper - worn once (for my nephew's wedding). I was going to pair it with jeans for a holiday lunch, but the event was cancelled. I might get a chance to wear it before the end of the year. </li> <li>1 lightweight olive green trucker jacket. Worn a couple of times, but the jury is out. The weight is perfect, but I have felt sloppy both times I've work it. Probably because I envisioned it as having a somewhat dressier supporting act (ie I thought I'd wear it for work with a matching green turtleneck and skirt or fluid pant. There's been no occasion for this look. The matching turtleneck is one of the pieces that went back.) </li> <li>2 skirts. I wore the oatmeal midi tube skirt to one of the pre-wedding events with the cream sweater and felt good about the look. The black knit trumpet skirt still hasn't been worn. I'm hanging on so far because it was inexpensiveI, could be useful for specific circumstances, and I THINK It will still fit even after losing a few more pounds. It can still be returned if it turns out it is going to be too big. </li> <li>2 pants. Very lightweight camo joggers were a bit of a novelty item that got a bit of use in our warm fall. I enjoyed wearing them around home with Birks quite a bit, but was never entirely happy with how I felt wearing them out in the world. I think I needed a dfferent supporting act. Will see what happens in the spring. I finally gave in and added a pair of very inexpensive jeans later in the fall. These have already gotten quite a bit of wear, and will probably serve me reasonably well until spring at least. </li> <li>Um, four puffers (five actually, but I haven't committed to one of them). I got through the past several winters with ONE plain black puffer. This year, I added four new puffers in a variety of weights and lengths. I figure even if something is a bit big on menext winter, I can always use room for layering. I bought on sale with an eye to making sure I have a variety of needs covered: <ul> <li>A long, warm puffer for winter walks around the neighbourhood and for general use any time the temps demand extra warmth (burgundy)</li> <li>A shorter warm warm puffer (olive) - general use, grocery shopping etc on average cold days</li> <li>A lighter weight cream puffer -- for warmer days, dressier outings. Will serve me well in spring, too</li> <li>A lighter weight black puffer - for slightly warmer days, dressier outings. Will serve me well in spring, too.</li> <li>A very light packable puffer I thought I could layer under my walking coat for extra warmth is still under consideration. </li> </ul> </li> <li>Four pairs of shoes. I really hadn't bought shoes since my foot issues escalated four or five years ago. Tired of living in my Blundstones and Merrell hiking shoes, I decided it was time to take some risks in hope of finding some more fashionable flat footwear. I lemminged LIsaP on a pair of cognac Olukai sneakers and also added a pair of bronze Ecco Soft 7s, a black patent Clark's loafer that served as my "dressy" shoe for the wedding, and a pair of burgundy Ecco oxfords.  The loafers and oxfords have been worn once each. Both would be good "office" shoes, but there's no return on the immediate horizon, and I have no desire to wear them at home. Still, I remain confident they WILL both have a role to play in my future wardrobe. </li> <li>Two cheap, cheerful, and somewhat cheeky winter hats -- mostly to wear on walks around our suburban neighbourhood. </li> <li>One orange scarf to wear with my burgundy puffer. Plus assorted socks and undies.</li> </ul> Close but no cigar... I have been trying to find at least one new pair of winter boots, but after several orders and returns I am giving it a bit of a rest. I can function with what I have, so will try to be PPP. Shifting thoughts to the year ahead... WFH is going to continue until at least March, and don't have many real "getting dressed" occasions ahead of me this winter, so it should be easy enough to get by with what I have until spring. At least I have a few new outerwear options to entertain myself with, and let's face it, outerwear is all anybody's really going to see of me for the next few months anyway! I'm not losing weight as rapidly now as I was in the beginning, so it's hard to project where I will be this spring in terms of fit. I'm trying not to fuss too much about the slowdown and focus instead on maintaining the health gains I've made by staying mindful of my eating patterns and doing what I can to build -- or at least not lose - muscle over the longest, coldest months ahead.  Regardless of where I am in the body recomposition journey come spring, I do know that by then I really will have to start some serious wardrobe rebuilding -- although for what activities and lifestyle is still a bit unclear! I've added finds for what I could. My wardrobe (such as it is) a bit of a disjointed mix right now, but I'm hopeful that 2022 will help to connect the dots and allow me to truly move away from the pieces that no longer fit or serve my purposes. More on 2022 goals in a future post. Thanks to Angie and all on the forum who have taken the time in the past several months to offer suggestions, advice and kind words to my posts! I learn so much from all of you.