Well hello there stylish strangers! I wonder if it's ok to slink back into the YLF family with a HUGE apology?

Approximately 5 months ago, after several years with YLF, I left rather abruptly and announced it to Angie and the Fabbers with a rather self-serving, slightly judgemental,kinda cranky farewell post. I had gone through a very difficult time leading up to my departure and felt overwhelmed by life. I would like to first and foremost, apologize to Angie - I read that post of mine recently and felt a wee bit ashamed at what I had written. I never meant any sort of offense. You know I love you and all that you do The past 5 months have been full of positivity and I will admit, the break was what I needed at the time. I just wish I hadn't bowed out in such a public fashion.

So speaking of fashion...I'm feeling the pull to get "back in the game" and have been reading with a voracious appetite, Angie's blog posts and all of the forum threads to see what's happening the world of fashion these days. My goodness...YOU ALL LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I personally have found myself leaning towards a new style - well actually, not that new but more like returning to my love of structure and retro elements. I was chuckling reading both Angie and Suz's recent comments about "coming home" to their previous style loves. I think life in general is rather circular, don't you?

I have enjoyed experimenting with more fluid and comfy clothes, particularly Eileen Fisher. And Angie - as per your forum thread re: have we become too comfy, I would have to say ABSOLUTELY! Now for the stresses I was experiencing, draping myself in extreme comfort was what I needed at the time. But life is extremely good these days and I'm ready to move away from lots of black, lots of drape, lots of layers and embrace the new-old me again. In particularly, I'm wanting:

• color
• pattern
• more structure
• hints of retro
• hints of Parisian chic
• subtle touches of boho

In many, many ways - I'm starting over and what better time than heading into Spring. I've put on a few more pounds (will I ever get it under control??? Darn you menopause!) but as Angie kindly reminds us, I'm dressing for the body I have now. I want to embrace who I am, including my curves rather than trying to hide everything.

So that brings me to all of you - I need some advice on where to start. I did go and have a professional bra fitting two weeks ago and invested some serious cash on the most luxurious, well-fitting European bras (so THAT'S where the girls are supposed to sit???). I've started a very loose list of what I'm thinking about and so far have included:

• cropped dark wash jeans
• patterned, woven blouses (something boho-ish perhaps)
• heeled oxfords
• open toe booties with fringe

What are YOU all excited about for Spring? And what do YOU think would work for a petite apple-bordering on a petite plus size apple?