My summer wardrobe was both a win and loss. I spent a lot of time planning an Pinterest board based on a 1950s Italy and Greek Isles feel and purchasing an entire wardrobe from it. Parts of it worked but I didn't like it as a whole. What I realized is, I like retro and vintage, but I don't like outfits or silhouettes that are too clean, too pretty, too neat. They have to have some drape, some boho, some roughness, something exotic, or a bit of rock 'n roll to make me feel at home in them.

I also realized I miss atheleisure and easy-wear clothing. I want and need more items in drapey jersey knits and wovens. The majority of what I own right now is very luxe chiffon blouses, level 2 dresses (they require some Spanx and a good bra), and satin bias cut skirts. I am not sure I need or want to dump them, but I do really want and need a softer, easier every-day wardrobe. For example, I want some deeper v-neck tees to pair with jackets and jeans--that sort of thing. Very early 80s Bruce Springsteen -- photo 1. 

And I figured out that my inspo Pinterest boards are helpful in finding a vibe but cannot be copied verbatim. I end up feeling too boxed in when I’m copying them directly. I do better when I pull a couple pieces from them to mix in with everything else.

2025 was the year I let go. 

One major thing I did in November was purge every item of clothing I had worn during all the toxic mold illness and healing. I had 3-4 bags of pajamas, sweats and athletic wear, and my boho rockabilly dresses. I do very much love the dresses and hope to sew something like them. But the exact dresses needed to go. Wearing them only reminded me of the past, and I am moving forward <3 

2025 was the year I tried something new.

I tried Platinum Skin Care in November--photo 2. Thank you random lady on Reddit for recommending them! PSC was a leap, but has turned out to be just what I needed. So far, my skin is loving the products. The first 4 weeks, I had tons of old, dead skin sloughing and rolling off. (So nasty, so gratifying!) I'm still 42 years-old, but my skin is starting to glow again.

Yay, for reaching the end!  

I know this is lengthy and doesn't have much for outfit examples or fashion/style analysis. Mostly, I think I'm still figuring things out. I did make some purchases this fall, including yet another print dress--photo 3. It was on the clearance rack at Target. My son picked it out and begged me to buy it for myself. I actually wear it with the tie worn around my waist. Empire waist dresses always feel a bit awkward on me and wearing the tie around the waist really works-- I think. I will do a WIW with it soon! I have worn it a couple of times now,  with crimson lipstick, knee high boots, and my handknit cabled cocoon (in Finds below). Even though it's a very dark print, I think the dress might be pretty in spring too.