I loved reading everyone's New Year's reflection and resolution posts and was inspired to write up my own.
Much of 2018 was chaotic. Over the past five years, I changed professions from conservative corporate job to launching two tech startups to sporadic periods of contract work. In that same time frame we had two kids and moved seven times; five moves within San Francisco then across country to Chicago, where we lived out of suitcases in corporate apartments before finally settling in a house last summer. It seems like once I figured out how to dress for my job, my body, or my climate, at least one or two of those things dramatically changed. My budget and my wardrobe suffered as I mourned the loss of my hip, fun job in the city I loved, that helped shape who I was and how I looked.
Fortunately, things look calmer for 2019. Both of my kids will be in school this fall which will allow me to pick up more work, focus on self-care, and tackle home projects. Over the past several months, I have been digging through the YLF treasure trove of information to
figure out how to build my wardrobe. Over the holiday break, I put
together a handful of outfit formulas, listed my essentials based on
those formulas, and tightened my palette. I moved everything that
doesn't fit those parameters to my holding zone where I can shop until
I figure out if I am on the right track.
figure out how to build my wardrobe. Over the holiday break, I put
together a handful of outfit formulas, listed my essentials based on
those formulas, and tightened my palette. I moved everything that
doesn't fit those parameters to my holding zone where I can shop until
I figure out if I am on the right track.
I think having a style moniker will help me stay focused in styling as
well as shopping (Vagabond Mom is really not a good look). I tried
several exercises to sum up my style into a style moniker. I combed
Pinterest boards and celebrity looks and found there are several genres I am drawn to fairly equally: preppy, classic, urban, boho, rocker, trendy,
modern, and edgy - (hello, multiple personality disorder! HA!) Now, how to put that into a two-word moniker?!? How can one look structured, yet
loose and fun at the same time?
After much meditation, I chose Refined Californian. I have preppy roots
that run very deep, so I naturally gravitate toward that look. But, I no
longer feel preppy, so I don't want to project preppy. "Refined", I think, gives me the structure and simplicity of what I consider a preppy, classic, or modern look, without argyle, Hilfiger, or feeling stuffy. "Californian", to me, is relaxed, flowy, and fun and a bucket full of things I miss from home. It allows me the boho/hippie, surfer, urban, and rocker edge I am drawn to, without going full Cyndi Lauper, Motley Crue, beach bum, or tie dye. And honestly, all that flowy, crazy Californian NEEDS some refinement.
that run very deep, so I naturally gravitate toward that look. But, I no
longer feel preppy, so I don't want to project preppy. "Refined", I think, gives me the structure and simplicity of what I consider a preppy, classic, or modern look, without argyle, Hilfiger, or feeling stuffy. "Californian", to me, is relaxed, flowy, and fun and a bucket full of things I miss from home. It allows me the boho/hippie, surfer, urban, and rocker edge I am drawn to, without going full Cyndi Lauper, Motley Crue, beach bum, or tie dye. And honestly, all that flowy, crazy Californian NEEDS some refinement.
My goals for 2019 are:
1. Stick to my palette; no new colors until I am able to create an appropriate supporting act for them
4. Work on two capsules: travel and dressy
5. Get dressed, including shoes and accessories, when WFH
2. Wear the things! And keep track of outfits that work so I have go-to's when rushed
3. Figure out my outfit formula for summer. 4. Work on two capsules: travel and dressy
5. Get dressed, including shoes and accessories, when WFH
I have the deepest amount of gratitude for Angie, Greg and the entire YLF community for providing such a supportive, positive and educational forum. I have felt so lost and you all have been so helpful. Thank you for being the bright spot in many of my days. Happy 2019!
