And now...my own musings on my 2014 style and going forward

I wasn't going to bother posting anything since I didn't really HAVE any goals back in 2014. 2014 was a rough year in many ways and there were lots of big changes. Style was really not at the top of my priority list. Early in the year I went through menopause and this change is actually more significant than I thought it would be. There is a level of grieving and fear of a new chapter that I did not expect. Menopause causes changes to one's body shape that I did not like. I had to start looking at my new shape completely differently. None of my clothes fit the same way. I also had a major surgery in May that I have not really recovered from. Although the relentless pain that I was dealing with was resolved, the recovery uncovered several chronic health conditions that I have been dealing with head on the past couple months. There were also several big transitions in the family and we are all now in a much better place. I feel like a whole weight has lifted off my shoulders and 2015 is truly a wonderful new beginning.

I started doing a closet purge this week and made some observations which in turn are helping me move forward with my wardrobe.

I have many sizes of clothing in the closet. Many are errors based on trying to fit my new shape. A lot of these items can go. Some need to be tailored properly. I don't need to just wear big and baggy just because I am bigger. I need to study how to best flatter my new shape. More self evaluation is in order. I need to accept that I may never be my former size again.
My closet was filled with a lot of dreary colors. Most likely a reflection of my state of mind this past year. I purged out a pile of those items that looked dreary. I am so done with that.
My closet was also filled with a lot of very plain and sensible items. I made the observation that there wasn't a lot of PRETTY items. This holiday season I wore several outfits that made me feel PRETTY. And I liked it. I want to have more of that going forward. So anything that did not make me feel pretty was purged.

So based on these observations, I have a lot of work to do! I think getting rid of the stuff that is holding me back is a good first step. Then I need to see what is left and go from there. I really does feel like a new start this year of 2015! I think when I first started following YLF (how many years ago was that???) Angie made the comment that style is a reflection of more going on in your life than you may realize. That is more true with me now than ever for me. Happy new year everyone!

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What a wise post, Marlene, and I wish you luck and confidence as you move forward! Great idea to toss out the stuff that holds you back and find some new pretty things.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Never understand the Power of Pretty. I believe in the power of pretty because wearing pretty things can make you feel magical. You just proved that again.

Great refections, Marlene. Love that you're editing already. START AGAIN, and listen to how you feel in an outfit.

It must be 8 years since you started reading YLF. I appreciate your loyalty and support. xo

Elizabeth P

Thanks for sharing Marlene. It sounds like you had quite a rough year, but are now truly ready to move onwards. Good for you for recognizing what you do about your style and journey, and doing something about it!

Here's to 2015!

texstyle

Wishing you a very Happy New Year Marlene! - great post and insights and I look forward to seeing your continued style journey.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Marlene, your insights have got me thinking. I'm so glad to hear you are at a point of calm and optimism after your tough year. I thought of you in September at the big meet-up and missed you.

shedev

I hope 2015 is a magical year for you. Great job clearing the weight from your closet and your shoulders.

Sharon

Sorry to hear that 2014 was so difficult. I think Angie (as usual) is right. Time to unleash the healing power of fashion!

Helena

Marlene, sounds like a perfect attitude and plan for a fresh start and a new year! Best of luck with the journey

Transcona Shannon

*clinking champagne glasses with you*

Here's to onward and upward for 2015. Thank you for sharing your musings with us

kkards

Marlene, here's to a fresh new year, filled with many pretty things!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

Save me some of that champagne! Marlene, this is a beautiful, brave post! Here is to making 2015 a magically pretty year! Happy New Year!

Marlene

Thank you all so much for your kind and supportive words. I really challenged myself to post my musings here since I have been so MIA this past year. But forcing myself to reflect and make my feelings public is part of making myself accountable and moving forward. I did go shopping a bit today (I took the tweens down to the mall!) and found some items that meet my new standards of Not Dreary and PRETTY!!! And can tide me over until my health situation stablizes. So baby steps, right?

Jaime

You have a great attitude for the fresh year. Yay for the power of pretty!

Anonymous

Thank you for this post, Marlene. I am a new member and still figuring out when to post and how to be a good member of the community. But I do want to say that your thoughts have helped me become more aware of some of my own style decisions surrounding menopause. I went through that transition in my mid 40s. With the power of time, I've been able to find the positives, and there have been some: I should have believed post-menopausal friends when they talked about not caring as much what others think/say; it's been eye opening and so freeing. Now, 6 years on, I feel more comfortable in my own skin, having said goodbye to the aspects of my younger figure that never matched my personality or style.

Your post has made me realize that -- unlike you -- I didn't try to face or even acknowledge my challenges, I just sort of drifted along. As a result, I made some whopping great spending mistakes that were completely inappropriate for someone in my nonprofit salary bracket. I'm fortunate that I'm not in debt. But if I'd had your foresight, discipline, and honesty, I would not only have been better off financially, but I'd have built the resilience to cope with the challenges and stresses that life threw at me these past 2 years. As your post helps me heal, I wish you progress on your own healing journey. Thank you again.

ATLynn

Thanks for sharing. 2015 looks to be an exciting year for you style-wise. Here's to a great (and pretty!) adventure.

Caro in Oz

Wishing you a wonderful 2015. I love your great attitude.

Hilary

Active Member

Marlene- your note about having lots of practical, basic things but not a lot of pretty things really struck me. I am very much the same. My goal for 2015 is to invest in myself in all areas of life- personal style and wardrobe being only one area. And your post reminds me that I need to make a conscious effort to add pretty things to my wardrobe.

Category