YouLookFab Forum » Topic: We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:04:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2166183 Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:59:36 +0000 Sal 2166183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn- I could hardly stand upright in the wind.  In contrast Doubtful sound was still and mysterious.  And being in a remote part of the world (population less than 6000 people and taking up 12000 square km) felt like a good place to be in these weird times.   La Ped and Jenn - there is a tension and we all have the pieces that we would wear happily for ten years once a week.  And then there are the pieces that after 3-4 years you can tire of (by wearing or sometimes just hanging there). The three finds below are things I am "a bit over" despite lots of wear being left in them.  I am thinking of trying the dress over pants or maybe cropping it into a short tunic to wear over pants.  I think the coat is worth keeping or potentially selling...  The blouse in the middle I do not know and I will see come fall here. LaPed on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2166170 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 23:42:16 +0000 LaPed 2166170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, your comment makes me think how there's a certain tension, when striving for sustainability, between "worn out" and "over it". When we opt for pieces with greater physical longevity, there's a higher chance that our personal style will evolve before those pieces wear out. And then we're confronted with a choice: pass it on, live with it, refashion it? A lot of blogs will tell you that buying classics, or focusing on essentials, will solve that problem, but I'm not convinced that's the whole picture. I think we're all at least a little bit conditioned to a "disposable" fashion cycle -- new t-shirts and sneakers every year -- and I struggle with striking a balance between de-conditioning myself and still giving my style room to evolve.  Jenn on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2166168 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 22:55:55 +0000 Jenn 2166168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really adore that first pic of you with the windy hair. And photo #4 is breathtaking! I'm glad you got to take a refreshing trip with your family, even if it wasn't a balmy, Mediterranean escape this year.  I empathize with your top two reasons for letting items go--"worn out" and "over it" are probably my top two, as well. As I move towards buying higher-quality (and hopefully longer-lasting!) pieces, I'm working to come to terms with the idea that I don't have to wear an item completely out to have gotten enough use out of it. Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165597 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 22:25:34 +0000 Sal 2165597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Robin.  Yes parts of NZ are like North America I think (Pacific Northwest). RobinF on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165483 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:18:04 +0000 RobinF 2165483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow what gorgeous scenery! I can't wait to travel again! Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165417 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:39:21 +0000 Sal 2165417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Brooklyn..... we only passed through QT on our way (were 2 hours South).  The tourism operators will welcome you back with open arms when the border opens.....(this is a big tease isn't it?).  Te Anau is much sleepier than QT and Wanaka - and wetter!!  Thanks for the compliment - your signature style is an inspiration to me (and to others I know). Brooklyn on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165414 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:35:19 +0000 Brooklyn 2165414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy new year! Say hello to Queenstown for me (I was meant to go last August). As Angie says, your style just keeps getting better. I’ve really noticed it since being on YLF and enjoy sharing your journey. Thanks! Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165411 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:13:19 +0000 Sal 2165411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ NemosMom - thank you.  I was tired (emotionally through business stress more than physical exhaustion).  I will post the list up and maybe create a finds collection. Suntiger - thanks!!  I am up for being a host and you would love the hiking and water activities.  I will lock up my wardrobe in advance so you don't carry it away though..... Jenni- yes you picked it right!!  We went to Milford and Doubtful Sounds.  Both were wet days but we could see the peaks.  Lovely quiet part of the world. Thanks Angie - you deserve some credit as I use many of your strategies - I realised that this morning!!  We have been watching LOTR again to spot the locations.   Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165409 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 23:41:15 +0000 Sal 2165409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla - thanks.  Whilst my year was stressful (working as a Business Manager in an Aviation company in 2020.....and keeping our staff and people gainfully employed)  many aspects of life (except for the international news) were not that different from June-December.  Very lucky. Thanks Shevia.  It is a beautiful remote part of the world.  The National Park is huge and stunning.  I will keep on looking for second hand options, usually they are the fun part of my wardrobe. Suz - thank you.  Yes it is a lot cooler down in the far south of NZ than where I live.  Your outdoor gear has inspired me to expand this area a bit.  I will post the essentials list in the weekend - in the past I neglected them and then found it hard to put outfits together.  For example I had a winter without a long cardigan which was silly...or I didn't have a smart work handbag......silly really when I had plenty of party dresses that were worn 1-2 times a year. Thanks Rachy - I wish I had the glamour of Kelly, Chris and Jill.... TG - I can teach you the hairstyle.....and I will post the essentials list. and thanks for the compliments. Thanks La Pedestrienne - you would love the outdoors in NZ.  And yes we were very lucky to be able to take a break. XtaBay - thank you.  I hope 2021 is an easier year for the US. Star - thanks.  This is a good colour on me and I am trying to choose a few more aqua/greens this year.  I look forward to seeing your essential list. Minaminu - thank you.  Lots of rain in that part of the world as per the lovely waterfalls!! Angie on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165381 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:07:16 +0000 Angie 2165381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mint is lovely on you, and I enjoyed seeing those "Lord of the Rings" pics!  Angie on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165380 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 19:05:47 +0000 Angie 2165380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *APPLAUSE* You are another who keeps on looking more and more fabulous! Just sooooo finding your style groove, and rocking it. Sal, your earnest, sensible, wise, thoughtful, organized yet emotional, and down-to-earth way about you, and the way you approach your style and maintain your wardrobe, is an inspiration! Jenni NZ on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165368 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 18:22:10 +0000 Jenni NZ 2165368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You’re very amusing with your one-off hairstyle! I think I spy Sutherland falls in Milford Sound? Gorgeous scenery anyway. And your purchases are very wise with some fun thrown in, which we all need. Anonymous on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165347 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 17:20:48 +0000 Anonymous 2165347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow what a beautiful place! Gonna have to put it on my bucket list :) Big yes to Grown Up Charlies Angel! nemosmom on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165343 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:28:56 +0000 nemosmom 2165343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great getaway!  You look fabulous AND refreshed!  You have had a such successful wardrobe year - the fact you are loving AND wearing your new pieces speaks volumes.  I would love to see your list of essentials! Minaminu on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165341 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:26:28 +0000 Minaminu 2165341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks like you had a great start into 2021, that landscape is amazing and you look fab as usual, Sal! Interesting to see your numbers and plan for 2021, I am sure it will be an exiting year! Star (Lise) on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165339 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:08:42 +0000 Star (Lise) 2165339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting to see your numbers, as I recently did a full count too.  Your pics are lovely, and that aqua colour sure suits you!  Interested to see your essentials list.  I am going to track all my wears this year and then see if the list of essentials I have in my mind match reality. Anonymous on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165338 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:05:21 +0000 Anonymous 2165338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You make me envious of the windblown look!  What a great trip.  Love your style descriptors, and thoughts on your wardrobe strategies.  Happy 2021! LaPed on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165334 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:39:06 +0000 LaPed 2165334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Sal, what incredible travel pics! Jealous :)  And your wardrobe additions always look so smart -- versatile, yet distinctive and very "you".  Helena on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165327 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:08:39 +0000 Helena 2165327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes please to more essentials talk, per Suz' comment! Your hairstyle in #1 is fabulous. The photos are absolutely stunning - what a beautiful place! This is a well-thought out, balanced, sensible, but stylish approach to your wardrobe, and I would expect nothing less from you Sal! I disagree that your style descriptors are aspirational as I think you knock them out of the park consistently! Looking forward to seeing your style evolve through 2021! rachylou on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165285 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 04:50:02 +0000 rachylou 2165285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Looks tight! Great moniker. So evocative! Suz on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165278 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:54:22 +0000 Suz 2165278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG, Sally -- how gorgeous!! Both you, your wardrobe, and your trip pictures. Looks like "summer" in that part of NZ is a bit like fall/ spring on Vancouver Island. Similar plant life and topography. We should exchange hiking/ biking info. :)  You are so organized and sensible -- you have now officially inspired me to do a new closet count. I haven't counted my items in a while and sort lost a sense of what I have and what I don't through this pandemic, since I wear so little of my wardrobe. This would be a really great time to do a thorough inventory, make sure everything is in FINDS and ensure it is all working well.  I'd love to see your essentials in another thread when you have time. I love essentials talk! :)  Jaime on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165266 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 03:02:01 +0000 Jaime 2165266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was mesmerized by those photos! Wow! Anyway, love grown up Charlie's Angels for you! And 5 second hand items is nothing to sneeze at ! Carla on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165255 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:25:54 +0000 Carla 2165255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A+ for your fashion year.  You did more than survive, you thrived!  I would submit that you did progress your style in 2020 - which is amazing, really.   Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165253 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:20:49 +0000 Sal 2165253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Bijou!  It was extremely windy.... and look forward to your rendition. It was fun to explore a part of NZ I had not been to before....I think for many of us that do enjoy clothing and style and fashion, your tastes do change, so pieces that you once liked, can now feel wrong.  A couple of my blouses/tops feel a bit wrong now - they are a category I don't tend to wear out as quickly. Thanks Slimcat - I am fortunate to have been able to get away.  Most of us in NZ remember that often and know how fragile it is with this contagious virus.  I am sure that 2021 shopping will be different to my list, but YLF has taught me to prioritise for my real life.  Hence the cycling pants and top rather than the party sandals that I would have chosen in the past.... slim cat on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165249 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:07:06 +0000 slim cat 2165249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pretty pieces, fun and beautiful photos ( I wish I had that much hair  ). I think you've done great with your wardrobe and got detailed plan for 2021 - well done! Congrats on having a vacation ( envy of course ). Love pic #8 - aqua top, gold chain, gold framed sunnies and sunhat look wonderful on you! Bijou on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165247 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 01:58:11 +0000 Bijou 2165247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, I have the first hairstyle each morning when I wake up! Love your post and well considered wardrobe, it is fun to see your style, which has an inherent consistency also evolve and change. Your holiday sounds like the perfect start to 2021, healthy and vibrant, just like you.  Sal on "We made it to 2021....(wrap up 2020 - long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/we-made-it-to-2021phew#post-2165225 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 23:43:09 +0000 Sal 2165225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy New Year!! I haven't been around much but am back after a vacation with family to the most remote and wet part of NZ, beautiful Fiordland (yes we spell it wrong here).  It was a lot of driving (for a NZer) and we stayed in a rented house there.  Lots of hiking, biking and afternoon napping.  I feel very privileged to be able to on a break away given the state of Covid in most places.  The capsule was pretty casual - and the most worn pieces were my raincoat, my jeans and my black and white long sleeve tee.  I did two freezing dips in the icy lake though. Anyway here is the state of play for me. In 2020 I had the goals of expanding and better defining my work capsule, and doing more second hand shopping.  I achieved the first and am especially happy with my work wardrobe, but not the second with only 5 second hand pieces added during the year.  Inspired by Jenn I spent time defining my essentials and now have a comprehensive list.  What this means if something is wearing out, whether I will choose to replace or not.  I suspect this will be a moving target though.  I also have lots of capsules on the Finds feature (both colours and patterns and season).  I think of an all year wardrobe with summer and winter pieces slotting in.   I also came up with (with help from the forum) the Grown Up Charlies Angel moniker which is aspirational of course.  I still aim for relaxed bold elegant style... (also aspirational). I added 35 pieces (most are shown in finds below) <ul> <li>6 gear/sports</li> <li>14 essential replacements</li> <li>5 new essentials</li> <li>10 statements - not essentials.</li> </ul> I shopped a bit more online than usual, but had some good in person shopping experiences as well especially in January and February. With one exception I love and am wearing all my additions (the hat has only been worn twice). I edited out 22 pieces in the year. The reasons for editing were: <ul> <li>7 - Worn out</li> <li>6 - Over it (used to wear a lot but no longer)</li> <li>3 - Fit issues/unflattering </li> <li>3 - Just wrong/poor choices</li> <li>2 - Stained</li> <li>1 - Moved to lounge/gardening</li> </ul> These pieces were mostly about three years old but some were older and some only one year old. My main wardrobe sits around 94 pieces - the classification is below.  I haven't included gear in this or scarves or sunglasses or evening clutch bags (mostly vintage). Wardrobe Count Pants and skirts 17 Coats and jackets 13 Dresses and jumpsuits 15 Tops blouses and tees  27 Shoes  17 Day bags 5 Total 94 Plus SunGlasses 3 Scarves  15 Gear 40 Clutches 5 Total  63 Overall 157 As we start 2021 I have chosen my colour as green, and my word as stretch.  These mostly relate to non clothing goals and intentions... I have a shopping list of 12 pieces for the year - I know I will buy more than this but I have a few areas that I need to upgrade.  Initially this is mostly outdoor sports gear- I plan to cycle more and need additional cycling pants and a warm top, and I also would like some trail shoes.   I have also identified a few pieces that are either on the brink of wearing out, or that I am "over" but am not acting on them in a rush. This is long and so I will wrap up now.  If anyone wants to see my list of essentials I am happy to provide this. Thanks Angie, Greg and Inge for this lovely, positive, helpful and intelligent forum.  It was much appreciated during a turbulent 2020.   (I added a few pics from the trip, mostly scenery.  I won't be able to repeat the first hairstyle sorry, it was a one off.