I love reading all the YLF reviews of the previous year and goals for the next. 2020 started simply enough for me, but like most of us, it all changed in March.

I had some simple objectives:

1. Buy new underwear. I did replace most of my old stuff, although a few favorite things stayed in the drawer--if they still fit.

2. Continue experimenting with colors and texture.

3. Yet, don't waste money. Think before I buy.

4. Find some great tops in red and 3rd layers.

As far as 2 & 3. I did try several colors I'd stayed away from: browns, more shades of blue & green, and even some rust/burnt orange. And didn't I buy the faux leather pants in 2020? All the sales made it possible to buy cotton tops and other items without spending a fortune. I learned I still don't like to wear brown and some shades of blue or green, although I found some shades I do like--slightly muted darker greens. I like teal but I don't like to wear it.

I've had a thing about red for 3 or more years now. I wanted a red jacket, and I got a velveteen one at NAS 3 or 4 years ago, but I rarely wore it. I thought I'd wear it during the holidays in Chicago, but it didn't work under my coats. It's a Theory with strong shoulders. My friend helped me with an analysis on Skype--"It's the shoulders. Could you take out or get smaller shoulder pads?" Once I wore lots of Theory, but my body has changed and even if I spent the money to fix the shoulders, there were other problems, including the cut overall.

I did get the red Halogen jacket on the last NAS, but only wore it once for a Zoom call.

And why do I think I need a clear red top? I keep trying different ones but don't wear them. A light started to go on.

I don't count wears but I do rotate hangars as I wear things--I put the most recently worn on the right. The clear red tops stayed in the far left corner of the closet while other tops steadily made their way through from right to left. And the tops I do wear? Berry, cherry, pomegranate, coral, cranberry, even blush and even some rust. (Chico's calls it desert coral.) Duh!

I love blazers, but they aren't comfortable to wear at home. For the first time I experimented with LL Bean--a fleece pullover and dark red pile lined hoodie.

I wear the faux leather BR pants quite a bit but I won't buy this fabric again. Shiny textures aren't for me. I've tried several pairs of leggings and pull on pants, but other than the velvet pull on pants, Id' rather wear jeans or ponte pants.

No need for dressy clothes in the foreseeable future, but those dark neutrals are definitely the way to go for now.

I do need to do a good clearing out of unworn items, including belts, which I accumulate from sales and then wind up wearing the same two I got from BR and J Crew ages ago.

Right now shoes are my biggest problem. I need to weed out the pairs that no longer work for my feet, which seem to be expanding as I get older.

For 2021: No goals right now other than taking a realistic look at my life and what I really want to wear now.. I think getting my closet and shoe racks cleared out will help. I don't want to buy items just because they are on sale. I've experimented and have a much better idea on what works for me. I tend to get stuck in past "oughts." One of the great things about YLF is how those "oughts" can be retired.

Below are a few of my favorite buys. See what I mean about "reds"?

I bought the Eccos slip ons in the gold, pale pink, and now black. I would buy others, but they are out of my size just about everywhere.