Getting my vaccine, here are my fashion priorities! - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Getting my vaccine, here are my fashion priorities!

shiny

Veteran

I'm thrilled to have a vaccination scheduled for this upcoming week and once my husband is also vaccinated-- here are my fashion priorities (not necessarily in order!)

1. Get a hair cut-- first one in a year!

My hair hasn't been this long since my early 30s and I look like an '80s heavy metal hair band member. But what to do? Do I chop it right back off to my usual reverse bob (so tempted!!) or since I have the length now, should I give a modern shag, or something else a try?

2. Get a mani-pedi

I miss my nail salon a lot. Mostly just miss the people working there and the whole experience. My salon has survived COVID, they did not close. As for priority, I'm mostly missing a pedicure, the skin around my toes is gross, even though I've been using foot scrubs. I don't know what they do at that salon to make my feet so nice and soft, but I totally miss it!

3. Get a proper hiking shoe/boot fitting at REI.

Thread I started yesterday explains this well enough.

4. GO THROUGH MY CLOSET AND DECLUTTER.

This one is going to be the toughest one. I didn't bother all year because I figured it was best to hold on to my work clothes, not knowing what would happen, and I do have the space. But now what, did fashion change a lot while I've been lounging in my athletic gear, loungewear, and cute at home pj's (and admittedly avoiding this forum on purpose)? Is that tweed jacket I bought right before COVID and only wore once on my very last pre-COVID business trip still in style? Have I lost weight during COVID, what fits? Have I had enough time that old tired favorites may be new fresh favorites? Or will my eye say that's dated?

There's also the confronting of changed priorities: maybe I want more room in my coset for, say, athletic gear, than business casual?

This last one will be very interesting!

(For the record I still love all my skinny jeans and side part)

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Echo

Veteran

I am so glad you have your vaccination scheduled! My second shot will be April 1, and my mum's will be May 28, so I hope to see her in the middle of April - the first time since the end of August when school started.

And I hear you on the haircut! Ive trimmed my fringe myself, but otherwise my hair is ridiculously long. I simply don't trust being that close to someone who is that close to so many other people all day, especially when the mask might get wet (hair washing) or have to be removed or changed. I am SO looking forward to getting my hair cut again!

Good luck with your shoe fitting and declutter. I've done my declutter and got rid of 90% of my wardrobe, and it is so refreshing!

MsMaven

Veteran

Isn't it exciting to anticipate returning to a semblance of life "before"? My list is similar to yours.

Yes to 1 and 2. I'm afraid to call my old day spa--I'm worried they might have gone out of business.

As for hair, I hope Mr.M will realize this week that he can get a real haircut and I won't have to make a mess of his hair while I try to do it for him.

And as to No. 3, I'm like you, anxious to go to a real shoe store/department and try on shoes to get the right fit and style. That will be so great!

And decluttering will wait for the long term. Last year I bought some items thinking I would be wearing them within a few weeks. I'm sure I have many things I don't need, but I'll wait to see what life brings. Also, my favorite charity is no longer picking up donations, and I have quite a bit of stuff for them once they restart.

cat2

Veteran

Hmm, I think a spa day would be amazing! However, it will have to wait for Summer given where we are in the queue.

rachylou

Veteran

I hear you! My second shot is on the 30th, but it will be a few more months until we get all the way through the tiers and things are up and running again. I also feel very uncertain what life will be like... maybe I’ll finally realise I should just jettison my corporate office wear...

shiny

Veteran

Echo, my stylist offered to come over and cut our hair out on our deck this summer, which was so sweet. But my issue is that the masks will not stay on over my ears-- I have to use an extender that sits firmly above my pony tail. So I could not figure out how in the world I could get a hair cut in that situation! Also hubby and I made a pact early on not to get our hair cut. You should see his hair!!!!! It's glorious, white, curly. When we're hiking he gets people all the time shouting out how awesome his hair is!!

How did you manage to get rid of 90% of your clothes???? I've surely only been wearing about 20% but I haven't been able to fathom getting rid of anything while my normal life has been on pause!

MsMaven, I hope your spa is still surviving! Shoe shopping online only is the WORST. I have donated a few things, we have some donation boxes still accepting, but it's all been in the loungewear, athletic wear, PJ type categories. This past year has been EXCELLENT for using everything I had, and upgrading those capsules as I could!

Cat2, I hope you get bumped in line sooner rather than later! I am surprised I got an appointment this soon (my doctor's office texted me this morning telling me I'm eligible with a link to schedule an appointment-- by the state guidelines, I'm not -- but I'm not turning the opportunity down). I think it's a sign that we're moving through the phases faster than expected! Crossing un-manicured toes and fingers for you!

shiny

Veteran

Rachy, this pandemic has made me want to retire early so much! I'm ready to embrace a different sort of life. Just have to figure out how to swing that financially......but yeah.

But maybe I'll feel differently once everything is back in full swing again. Time will tell-- there's no rush!

N

They only just started the vaccinations here in Japan and being in my early 30s i'm waaay down the list however things are much more normal here. That said they always come with a hint of both panic and guilt. You can't fully enjoy anything without the anxiety. My kids have been going to school but most kids here in Japan are used to wearing masks. In my head i'd been dedicating 2021 to myself for a long time because its the year both kids will be in preschool. I thought i'd have some time to look after myself more.

I've also not had a haircut for well over a year. Its very long now. I'm also wondering what to do. Keep it long or cut it into a bob. The bob does look more refined but I have been enjoying the length. I might just do something with my fringe and get a trim when I feel brave enough to go get one. The salons are still open and case numbers here are low, but they aren't zero...

unfrumped

Veteran

Good list! And still a lot of yay/ nay to figure out, but at least there’s more hope now for actually being able to figure!
Going to travel to see grandkids. Not too much longer to wait now.

I did “ release “ quite a few wardrobe items, but still have a lot. Then after being in a pretty good equilibrium with the whole situation and what to keep and how not to rush into iffy new items or toss stuff based on pandemic brain, take my time, I recently had a big sort of unsettling feeling of, oh, everything looks terrible, I need a big change, what am I wearing?!
Then I got a grip and said( to self), it’s the hair, stupid! ( well I was maybe nicer than that). “ You REALLY need a haircut! Don’t try to analyze style and wardrobe issues without a good haircut!”

So, yay for getting back to professional haircuts.

shiny

Veteran

Ahh, N, I totally get the point about looking forward to preschoolers going into school! My kids are all launched and we're empty nesters now, but I still remember all that! And yeah, my husband has been joking that maybe my doctor bumped me on the list because he knows I can have anxiety over health issues. I haven't seen my doctor in 3 years though as I haven't had a reason to-- so who knows. I like your hair long! Where are you living in Japan? One of my best friends is in Kyoto.

Unfrumped, how old are your grandkids??? I haven't been able to see my kids in a year, one is working as a nurse in assisted living, the other is a K-12 teacher. Both have already been vaccinated. I can't wait to see them either! And OH YES I totally get the hair factor! LOL. I haven't even done any try-ons because instinctively I know that'll be a factor making me hate everything, as I have a short neck to begin with and never looked that great in long hair anyway! You are so right and this reminder is so excellent and timely!! Thank you!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

For me haircut was first and thrifting was second, but that's just me. I love the idea of a shag but I guess the grow out back to a bob would be long if you didn't like it. But not longer than this past year.

N

I'm up north in Sendai. I did live in Tokyo for the first few years but my husband's family live in Sendai and I actually like them and get on with them. In fact my MIL brought me some vegan cookies round the other day so i'm really lucky. We bought a house up here last year and its just perfect for us.

I have a friend in Kobe so visit her, or used to before Corona. Kyoto and Osaka are nearby so i've explored those cities too. I actually think I might have been to more cities in Japan than I have in the UK haha.

Echo

Veteran

shiny, my size changed quite a lot, so I was left with nothing that fits. I guess that didn't have much to do with the pandemic; I just happened to make a lifestyle change and go down about four sizes so far.

nuancedream

Veteran

I received the second Moderna vaccine at the beginning of February and DH got his second Pfizer vaccine at the end of February. Since I work in a nonclinical healthcare job, I was eligible to get the vaccine even though I am a little bit younger that the target age group. DH and I celebrated the 10th anniversary of our first date on March 4 by going out for a lovely, romantic dinner, which is something we haven't done in over a year.

Last year, I was unable to get to my hairstylist for a haircut before everything shut down and I had to wait 18 weeks between haircuts, which isn't fun when you have close cropped hair that needs to be reshaped every 6 weeks. I was able to care for my nails fairly well on my own, but I was happy when salons got the green light to reopen last June. TBH, my first priority had nothing to do with fashion. I was able to get delayed and much needed eye repair surgery once the CDC gave the OK to resume elective procedures.

Towards the end of 2020, I had a clearer idea of what I wanted in my wardrobe. The sheath dresses, pencil skirts, heels over 2.5 inches, and skinny jeans did not make the cut and were donated or consigned. My WFH look is relaxed but not sloppy, polished but not stuffy. Maybe the past year has allowed me to hit the reset button in many different areas of my life and I am 100% OK with that.

MsMaven

Veteran

Reminded that today is one year and one month since my last haircut!

shiny

Veteran

Okay here is me in February '20 (pic 1), a few weeks after my last haircut! I was posing with a beach bag and clutch made by my dear friend, aren't they awesome?? That's her original design! I used those bags all summer long. Love them!!

Pic 2 was in July. I actually didn't mind my hair this long. This is blown dry.

ETA: pic 10 is me in November, this was blown dry.

Pic 3 is me a week or so ago, this is air drying. You can see how I feel about it. LOL. Maybe I could do long again but it needs some shaping and trimming for sure.

Pic 4 is a few days ago, air dried, not washed in awhile (the plus with pandemic is I've finally "trained" my hair to go longer and longer without shampooing). This is with smoothing brush. No smile so I've got resting bitch face.

Do you think I could do a shag? My hair actually does curl a lot--- until it gets too long. See pic 5, April!

And a couple of fun photos of my husband for you!

This post has 10 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

N

Oh I really love the natural waves in PIC 5. Love that length too. Is that when you just let it air dry? That's my fave of you.

shiny

Veteran

Yes N, the shorter and more layered it is the more it curls-- the longer and less layered it gets, the flatter.

Also the curls are never controllable at all. No matter how much curly girl method I've tried! The curls have a mind of their own and can often just be a frizzy mess. As far as I can figure the best strategy when it's short and layered is to 1) blow it dry as straight as possible 2) flat iron it then 3) get caught in a light rainstorm or spend time on the beach. Then I have perfect curly hair! Difficult to replicate just air drying it! LOL

N

Oh I found if I get out the shower, I dont do any of the curly girl method fussing, no product or anything, but I just brush my hair whilst wet then allow to air dry. Then I get nice waves without much frizz. If I then put in a loose plait or twist it round itself and put up in a loose bun then let down, again some waves. It might be the length though. Anyway I love that tousled look on you.

N

Oh one other thing, is that the more you blow dry it and flat iron it will damage the hair, so it might take a little while until it feels healthier again. Also I use ethique shampoo and conditioner bars and they seem to work nice. Not that I'm an expert or anything. Just those things work for me. I also used to blow dry and flat iron my hair a lot whilst young as well as colour. My hair feels much healthier now. Silkier and shinier.

shiny

Veteran

I've rarely blown my hair dry in a year, and haven't used the flat iron in about 5 years now!

Here's a bonus pic for you-- just took this now! This was after it was up in a high pony for most of the day (I'm on 7 days no poo), then smoothing with the brush so it looked like pic 4. But then I fluffed it up with my hands just a bit, it didn't take much!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Minaminu

Veteran

Yes to a haircut! I need to book one as well!!!

The short curly asymmetrical bob is fab on you, it's a great haircut for you!

bella

(website)

Veteran

I like #4 a lot. But you may need to use styling tools if that is not your hair's natural texture. Since your hair is long now, I say take it slow, try something you haven't tried before, and if you are unhappy, you can go back for a shorter style.
Now, if only you had your hubby's hair texture! You could just let it grow and grow and it looks glorious!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Lol to your husbands Pebbles ponytail. That’s awesome, and I can see why people holler at him on the trail.

Yes to the shag! It would be amazing with that much natural curl. If you somehow don’t like it, your hair would be long enough to still get a bob.

Spa days.... we were planning to go to my son’s very favorite hotel in Florida, where I enjoy the pampering, in February. That fell through and now their prices have shot through the roof. I don’t know if people are actually booking—if we can get a room at a reasonable rate, we will do so when we are over there in a couple weeks. But I’m thinking of finding someplace in Berlin to get my legs waxed/sugared before we go.

Are you going back to work? I think it makes sense to wait on closet-cleaning until we resume activities, to see what we actually do and wear then. But I did weed out one sweater last night. It got great comments on the forum, but I hardly ever wear it because it slips down over my shoulder.

Runcarla

Veteran

How do you feel about hair on your forehead/bangs? A lot of shags do have a fringe. Here are some inspo pics. I think you share some characteristics with Meg Ryan. The last three iterations don’t have forehead bangs, and might suit.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

RobinF

Veteran

A shag would be fun, definitely worth a try. I love your bob pic from July and the curly bob too. Funny how different hair can be! If I don't put product in mine and let it air dry (like N does) then I end up with a frizzy mess What works best for my hair is to put a curl activating cream on in the shower and scrunch it upside down for a minute then wrap in a towel. After doing all my other bathroom stuff I take it out and arrange it (I never brush or comb it), put in a small amount of gel and let air dry. After much trial and error this gets me the most predictable curls.

Love Runcarla's inspo pics also - I do see a Meg Ryan resemblance.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

That last pic you snapped has me itching to snip in some layers!

Helena

Veteran

Oh come on ... you are too freaking adorable and so is DH. You guys looks like so much fun I'm so glad to hear about your vaccines and your anticipated return to something approximating normal! Hooray for glimmers of hope!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Agreed with Helena -- you two are adorable! I really like Carla's idea of a Meg Ryan-ish layered shag for you.

I've been razor-cutting some long undefined layers into my hair, very gradually, during the last few months. My wavy/curly hair does not take to all one length well -- I get triangle head with a flat crown and puffy volume around my shoulder. Yuck. I'm looking forward to getting back to the salon where my stylist Scott can give me a real shag haircut. I'm not super excited about the grey in my hair now, but people seem to be reacting positively to it (went hiking with some friends yesterday who remarked on it), so I'll go with it for now and see how I feel after having a REAL haircut. So haircut is top of priority list post-vaccine!

I'd also love a real pedicure. I only have maybe four or five a year, but it's now been since about September 2019 since I had one. The place I go to the most is still open for business.

I'd also like to have a consult to see if I'm a candidate for coolsculpting or some non-invasive procedure for my jawline. My jowls really depress me and I'm willing to consider doing something to tighten up the chin. I don't mind my crows feet so much, but the lower half of my face really seems to show more age than I like to see in myself.

But mostly I'm just looking forward to having the opportunity to get out and about and enjoy seeing friends and family again, without worry. That will give me the chance to wear the fab wardrobe that I enjoy!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shiny, I like Carla's ideas for your new hairstyle. You look SOOOO good with a layered bob! Maybe try a messier and longer one this time? It's going to be super cute!

Thrilled you're getting your vaccine! WOOOHOOOO!!

Personally, I don't miss professional manicures and pedicures, and am happy to continue doing my own thing at home.

It will be fun to get back to a 6 week short hair trim and shape schedule! I will also grow out my very short pixie a bit post mask wearing.

From a fashion and style POV, I am VERY much looking forward to working with clients in-person again post vaccination. And desperate to see my Dad in Europe.

12