Pff Ana, when I'm a billionaire jetsetter, I'll put us up at a fancy hotel where room service comes just to turn the TV on for you :p

But until then, I'm sure your couch will do just fine!

Julie, that's a good point. Perhaps it's easier to just have everyone come to one location! But it would be fun to travel. Well, if I'm a billionaire I could probably do both

This thread has put the biggest smile on my face!! From the concern for others to the fabulous fantasy travel plans/convention proposals, it just reiterates what an incredible cybercorner this is. I hope Shiny, Tanya, Tam and all those discussed here are doing well and receive our collective good vibes. I know for a fact they work; you guys are not only helping me cope with a major rough patch, but are also key in keeping me motivated through this challenging but crucial weight loss effort.

Maya/anyone else, you're welcome chez moi in Toronto any time!

I too am here - just lurking my life has been very busy, and unfortunately I don't have the time or means to devote myself to fashion.

It's still very entertaining to read the forum - it's just not for me at this point in time. Ciao!

Shell, so good to see you, and Dani, and Lena, and Tanya, pop your heads back in. Hope you are all doing well!

I frequently think about all the regular posters who do more lurking these days; I owe so much of what I have learned to them, and I miss their style and graciousness and humor! Even the ones who have been around but quiet, like Kyle and Jean and Laura and Sarah, I wish all of you posted your outfits more! I miss being dazzled and stretched creatively by all of you.

I'm adding to the list of where-are-they-nows:

-Asha. She was only here for a short period of time but I was blown away by some of her fantastic outfits.

-Christine (crwilson), my body type twin. We were about the same height, same dress size, and same bra size. I was really hoping to see more of her outfits because I knew if something looked good on her, it would probably look good on me too! I know she was pregnant so I guess that is the reason she stopped posting.

I have been wondering the same thing about Danja. I was such a fan of her style, also Encore hasn't posted in many months.:(

Maya - I must be as much a dork as you since I've been here for years. It's been fun to see the folks who've been a constant for a long time (I feel like I know you even though we haven't met) and the new folks who are so active. And it is sad when people go away. Dani - nice to see you pop up in this thread. I was just thinking of you today as I have a new bright orange watch and I paired it with a turquoise purse - to me a signature Dani color combination. I hope you are all well and we'll get to see you more often when the time is right for you.

I was just thinking about Asha the other day too! I miss her fab, fashion-forward outfits. And does anyone remember devin? She had such gorgeous style. I miss her bold, creative outfits too.

Oh, I just saw that I am recruited as organizer for the worldwide convention. Yay! I guess that means Chicago just got a little boost in the rankings. If we can't get the Olympics, at least we can get the YLF Convention

p.s. to Kristen. I agree that the old-timers (myself included) should post more outfits. You do such a good job of that every day -- you are my outfit-posting hero! I'll try to do more ... and same for Kyle, Jean and Sarah - although Sarah still does a pretty good job, I think -- and Ana! I miss Ana's outfits.

Hi Shell! It's good to know people are reading, even if they're not posting at the moment.

Wow -- Devin and crwilson. I can picture them both so clearly.

Also, I remember a very young woman who posted only a couple of times, but got a huge number of replies because her situation was so challenging. She was trying to be more fashionable while observing a number of religious strictures on her clothing: elbows, knees, and hair had to be covered, etc. I think her username was Boobalah.

Maya, you are also invited to visit me in Germany on your YLF world tour for a few beers...;)

Many YLF members just don´t have the time to post (such as I). that doesn´t mean that they don´t read the blogs or feel less connected with the others.

Hi all!

I am here - and still lurking. I follow the blog every day even if I don't comment, and I'm also subscribed to many of your personal blogs. If I've missed any, let me know so I can add to my reader!

As Angie mentioned, I had some personal stuff going on which put me into a bit of a slump. The slump has affected my interest in fashion. I'm just not inspired to go out shopping, and I keep wearing the same outfits over and over (living in my comfy ponte knits!). Nothing excites me enough to snap a photo and share with you all, you've either seen it already or something similar.

I've been in slumps before. Well, let's call it what it is: I've been depressed. Minor, not major. Sometimes focusing on dressing well will get me out of it. This time, it's not working, but what has been working is focusing on finding things to make me laugh all day long. Those of you who are connected to me on FB may have noticed I am constantly posting funny things. Now you know why! It's my fake it until you can make it strategy.

I should probably refocus that same strategy on my wardrobe, but my jeans still don't fit! (The UO skinnies fit, but not my COH's, which limits my fashion choices). I am losing weight but it's taking forever. I know I need to go out and buy a pair of COH jeans in the next size up. It's just finding the motivation to get out there and do it.... I walk into stores, try on a few things, lose interest, and walk out again.

I'm sure it's just a phase - here's hoping for a better Spring! I am ready for warm weather and sunshine.

I would just like to say I've been reading for years as well, but only rarely post because my work computer won't let me! I'm rarely on the computer at home so my ability to post is extremely limited....I'm sure there are many others in a similar situation. I wish I could be a regular contributer but...c'est la vie.

Shiny, I'm sorry you're not feeling your best. I've totally been there. I hope things improve for you!

Shiny, I can relate to what you are going through, having been there myself. I hope it is a boost to realize how much you are missed here.

I try to check in every day, though it's difficult when I'm on the road for business, which has been the case lately. I love to post outfits and receive feedback...it's so helpful (when people are honest!)...but do not like to take my own photos. Unfortunately my photographer has a very busy social life these days and just isn't available as much as I would like. What will I do when he leaves for college?!

Oh, Shiny -- so good to hear from you, and so sorry to hear that you've been down. I hope things feel right again soon. You have definitely been missed!

I'm sorry you've been glum Shiny. It's good to hear from you though. Hopefully reading about what a YLF hero and legend you are perked you up a little! Look how many people just cannot get dressed in the morning without you as a muse (ok, that's an exaggeration...but not much of one!).

Hi Shiny - I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with depression. It really is an awful monster to struggle with.

It makes me sooooo happy that you feel comfortable somewhere, apparently here, to call it for what it is. If you had heart attack, there would be no shame - this is no different !!!!!

Prayers going your way !

( I love the fake it til you make it ....so many comedians suffer from depression yet they have amazing wit and senses of humor )

Oh Shiny, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been feeling down lately. I'm thinking of you and am hoping that you feel better soon!

Shiny, I am so sorry to hear about what you have been going through. I hope you know that so many of us here cherish your presence and your thoughtful, generous input.

We miss you and your insightful posts, stylish outfits, hilarious sense of humor ... hope knowing that helps at the moment as you get through this. We're out here sending good vibes your way.

Oh, I've been thinking about so many of you lately. Shiny, Shell, Dani, Tara so good to hear from you. For those of you going through a rough patch, I'm sending positive energy and hugs.

Shiny, I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling down. It's hard and it's such a bummer; I've been there 5 yrs ago. I came out of it on my own, but it was a struggle. I also totally lost interest in fashion, and it was only my other hobbies (books, movies, some TV shoes - and discussion groups based around these) that kept me somewhat sane. Depression, even mild depression, is a beast. From what I know, understanding what's going on with you is key.

Hang in there.

I really enjoyed reading this thread. I read the forum long before I had to courage to join the discussion, but I remember some of the old names. How nice that some of them already responded.

Shiny: A special comment that I also miss you and send hugs to you from my neck of woods.Exercising and sleeping well helps me when I feel down.

Shiny, Sorry to hear this. Sometimes, quite unexpected something takes the wind out of our sail for a bit. Hoping you are back to your spunky self in no time.

Oh Shiny, I'm sorry to hear about the rough time you are having. We will be here for you when you feel like posting again. In the meantime just know you are missed.

Good to catch up on everyone! Hope things turn around quickly for you Shiny. Laura-Hope you are seriously planning the YLF convention in Chicago! That would be so fun!

Hi everyone! I was so incredibly touched to see my name mentioned in this thread! I miss you all.

Shiny, my heart goes out to you. I hope you're hanging in there and I know things will start to look up eventually. I am just coming out of a major months-long relapse of fairly severe anxiety and depression. It's awful and so isolating, and the work that has to take place to change things is exhausting. Do what you need to do for yourself!

I just clicked over to the forum for the first time in probably a month or so. I've been lurking a little but mostly have just been following the blog. I've found that since the Chickadee arrived, my style has become extremely streamlined. I honestly wore the same 5 sweaters with jeans, boots, stud earrings, my white watch, and one of 5 identical layering tees every day since fall! Add one of 2 or 3 coats/jackets, my black purse or black Nine West diaper bag, and maybe a colorful pashmina, and that's pretty much it.

I've found there's a very limited range of clothing that works with my current lifestyle and parenting choices (I "wear" my baby almost all the time when out and very often when at home, and it's amazing how much that affects my clothing choices!). Plus it's easy to be able to pull together an outfit every morning in no time and with pretty much no thought and still look good. There's just not much time or money or opportunity for creativity in my wardrobe right now, whcih wouldn't make for very interesting posts! Literally everything I wear now comes directly from what I learned here, though. And with spring coming, I've been msising YLF and although I can't promise anything, I'm hoping to be able to post now and again.

My daughter the Chickadee is now almost TEN months old. Her adoption was legalized a few weeks ago. She's beautiful and happy and always on the move. She has 6 teeth and is crawling and standing all the time, and she's been sleeping for 12 hours a night since she was 4 months old. I'm unspeakably blessed!

shiny, Brianna, it is absolutely wonderful to hear from you!

shiny, I am so sorry you are having to go through this rough patch. We miss you but will wait patiently while things work themselves out and you feel upto posting regularly. (Hugs)

Brianna, I saunter on to your blog once in a while The other day while cleaning out my closet I stumbled onto a bag with all the dupattas I had put aside for chickadee and was wondering how you guy were doing. SO nice to hear updates on how shw is growing, fast! Take care and come back soon when your life isn't as hectic

Oh guys I am sorry to have been away for so long! I'm now down in Melbourne. Moving was exhausting, and getting settled into a new city, new work environment etc is nearly as exhausting. I have today off and only woke up at 11am because my brother called and woke me.....oops!!

I've been lurking on the forum, but find it hard to keep up. I love reading and seeing everyones pics though. I still have some outfits from Dec/Jan that I haven't posted so I'll try and do that when I can. I think I have taken 1 outfit shot in our new apt so far. Not pretty with boxes still lying around!!

I've loved hearing how some of the other people who aren't commenting right now are doing as well. Shiny special thoughts to you as you go through a rough time.