2024 has been a tough year in some ways. In April, I injured my foot/ankle, and it is still problematic enough to limit my activities despite twice weekly physical therapy. A trial of Steroids and NSAIDS resulted in a severe, intractable rebound migraine, and that caused even more problems. Nevertheless, I continue the recovery process and remain hopeful for a full recovery. I have put on weight; most of my clothing does not fit, and I have limited purchases to only necessary items until I see if I can lose enough weight to fit my clothes again. I eat a WFPD diet and have enrolled in the Forks over Knives cooking course to learn more. I continue with Pilates 4-5 days a week and try to do weight training at least 2 days a week. I am sad that I have not been able to take daily walks due to ongoing pain in my foot. I find these walks rejuvenating and stress-reducing.

Among the many positives for me this year, we have a new puppy, Brava, who brings us joy and keeps us on our toes. She is 8 months old, super smart, and well-behaved. She and I do agility foundations twice weekly, nose work, and rally, and she is starting competition-style obedience. DD31 purchased a house, and DS 26 is gainfully employed and doing well. My parents are alive and well, in their late 80's. My DH remains stable with his medical issues. Good friends surround me, and I have a nice support system and a career I continue to love.

Despite gaining weight, I remain content with my style's bones. My style statement, Genuine Composed, and my adjectives, Fresh, Classic, Sleek, Practical, and Light, remain relevant and continue to feel true to my style journey.

I added 11 items to my wardrobe in 2024:
1. Wedding guest dress (which I posted about here on YLF)
2. Frame Mini Split hem Boot cut Jeans (NAS)
3. Lafayette 148 NY Floral Lantern sleeve silk and Linen top (NAS)
4. Madewell Jeans (NAS)
5. Nordstrom Long sleeve wool and cashmere dress (NAS)
6. Caslon Cotton tee long sleeve crew (NAS)
7. Aritizia Winter coat (long down puffer which fits over bulky sweaters)
8/9. Two graphic tees from Etsy with knitting themes (one grey, one blue)
10. Baffin winter boots
11. One pair of light blue booties (NAS)

Clearly, most of my purchases this year were made during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I have made good use of all the new purchases, particularly the jeans and the winter coat. The tees are essential items that replaced worn-out items in my closet. While I already have many winter coats, they were feeling snug, and I wanted something that could fit over the bulky Aran knit sweater I made from yarn my brother carried back for me from Ireland in March 2024. The wool dress and the lantern sleeve blouse were both statement items and used to keep my wardrobe fresh, and I have enjoyed wearing them, although I wear them less than all the other items.

One of my goals has been to purchase less and do my best to buy long-lasting and sustainably produced items. I am pleased with my progress in this regard in 2024. I appreciate considering my wardrobe as divided into basic, essential, and statement items.

One of the hallmarks of my style remains my wavy silver hair, statement eyeglass frames, and interesting shoes. I did add one new eyeglass frame this year, but current trends favor large, thick, and maybe oversized frames. Since I do not suit this style frame, I keep my old frames going. Due to my foot injury, I have only added one new pair of stylish booties and a practical pair of snow boots to keep my feet warm when shoveling snow.

My basic formula for style includes simple lines and pieces, occasional statement items for freshness and fun, and all my clothing is practical/functional. I have a well-defined color palette that I stick with. Color makes me happy, but the base of my wardrobe is neutral. Angie once referred to me as Miss Midtones, and I like this moniker. I typically wear a pair of modern-style jeans plus a sweater or top, and depending on the type of top, I may add a blazer or cardigan topper. I favor knit tops over woven ones as they fit me better and make me feel comfortable. My knitting skills have become good enough that I am knitting my sweaters, which seem to fit well. I also have made a few shawls. Most of the shawls have been too bulky for my taste, but there is one that I enjoy wearing because it is light and does not overwhelm my frame. I have also knit a couple of pairs of socks.

I take very few photos of myself these days. I took more when trying to figure things out, and now that I feel good about my style choices, I do it less. If I can find any, I will come back and add them later.

In 2025, my style goals will continue to follow my current style statement and adjectives without changes. I do not limit how much I add to my wardrobe but will maintain that whatever I add should be long-lasting and/or sustainably produced.

I started a closet edit and removed a few longer-length coats, and as time presents itself, I would like to continue my edit, but due to time constraints, I will need to do it in sections. I am setting aside snug things and putting them into a holding zone with the hope that I will lose weight. If not, I will need to replace some things as I am currently getting by with only a few items, repeating outfits frequently, doing lots of laundry, and things will wear out quickly.

My gear capsule requires an update, and I anticipate buying exercise clothing in 2025. I also anticipate replacing some basic items, such as tees (used as underlayers) and bras. I am working on some sweaters to add to my essential and statement items.

Thanks for reading! Happy 2025!

I