I m not computer literate enough to help either but I hope you manage to sort something out,I will really miss your Friday ensembles they were my favourite post.

I did say in a post fairly recently that I wondered how you decided when to get rid of things, Angie. I might try to find the post later today ( only just woken up and still dopey!). Along the lines of what Suz is saying. I guess it's not so much of a series, but if you don't mind showing SOME of your old outfits, which would please all those who miss them, then you could explain why or after how long you ditched the items and then throw it open to us on what we do. A lot of forum posts could be started by that I reckon. I had an incredibly early start yesterday and so didn't see the post until very late at night. Of course congratulations and thank you for doing what you do for 12 fab years! Before I signed up I read every single post you had ever written.
It was lovely to see those old outfits and there was a lot of love for them from old and new Fabbers alike yesterday. So a Flashback Friday where you found some of your old ones that have trends that might be coming around again plus discussion of whether you kept the items or when they went and why, would be interesting. Then new Finds on how to update?
I don't think such a series would be all about you and your outfits, those would merely be illustrations of trends that are being renewed and how to do so?
I really enjoyed the ensemble posts like everyone, but for me, and perhaps for many of your international readers, I wouldn't be looking to find out what the exact items were because those are not generally available in my country, or not without shipping across the world which I am reluctant to do, most of the time. I looked at the posts more for ideas.

That is yet another reason I love YLF. I didn't know how to express it on the earlier posts, but YLF is beautiful. The layout and everything that goes with it is always gorgeous. I often wonder about the people in this world that have the artistic ability to "create." I don't have that ability so perhaps that is why I appreciate it so much when I see it in others. Even when I fail to express that admiration in posts, I am definitely feeling it.

Good luck on your future Friday posts. I would like to add my vote toward discussions regarding culling a wardrobe. I am in the midst of it and it has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. I would love to read about your philosophy. Perhaps I could make some peace with my process.

My first idea was to take an older ensemble post and then show how to update it to make it current. So for a "cover" you'd use the new item or items, and then show the oldie-but-goodie ensemble and discuss how to make the substitution or why.

My second idea, like Bella's, was to feature one of your own older outfits and talk about how you've updated and why.

I really respect your decision to make this blog about us and our style, Angie. And I understand you don't want to feature your own outfits all the time because that would defeat the purpose. But in explaining your own thinking, you do help us think about our own style. Even if our age, weather, lifestyle, body type etc. is not the same, we can take what applies and consider what doesn't, and why.

Exactly, Suz.

Thanks, ladies. Great ideas here. Some effective thinking caps. I also appreciate the support from the less computer-savvy. I'm high fiving you.

Sterling, you are LOVELY.

The general fascination with my own wardrobe edit is fascinating to me! - Jenni in-particular. I will see what I can come up with. Promise.

Suz, as always, you are thoughtful, detail-orientated, eloquent, wise, and don't miss a trick. Thanks for chiming back in. I see great possibilities here. Perhaps a fresh take on EVERYTHING is just what the doctor ordered. Things happen for a reason.

I HOPE I can illustrate the updates properly and with the same crisp and professional aesthetic affect. That's my main worry. I won't know until I try....

Count me in as another who always found Polyvore clunky and tedious. Part of me says good riddance. Maybe something more intuitive, seamless, and use-friendly will eventually take its place...

I love this idea of Flashback Friday posts that address the question of wardrobe longevity, what to keep and what to cull. And remixing old ensembles -- well, gosh, isn't that all pop music and cinema is nowadays? Why not style blogging too?

How frustrating for you Angie! I know that feeling workwise - not easy to suddenly have to change tack.

Whatever you decide I am sure it will be a great replacement. If I have a bright idea I will let you know.

I hesitate to mention another blog , as YLF has a unique look which I hope you can maintain, but two other blogs I follow regularly both post groups of pieces in aesthetically pleasing ways......keep it chic, and unefemme.net ...so there must be a way to do it ..

I too would be interested in learning about your editing and wardrobing methods in a more formal, instructional way. Using your own pieces for illustration would really interesting.

I can't suggest any internet tools--I'm useless with anything but the simplest stuff, but I totally agree with Suz and others about the Flashback Fridays idea! It was the first thing that popped into my head when I read your question, Angie; there are so many treasures in those archives.

Thanks, ladies.

La Ped, great point.

Sal, you are a sweetheart.

From what I can see, both the bloggers used Polyvore, Lisa p. I wonder what they will use next though. I'll keep an eye out.

Tulle, you crack me up.

Is it possible to hire a eager and talented summer student to design you a replacement? The MOTG features were my first introduction to conscious styling!

elpgal, that woyld be a lot more trouble than it's worth. Besides, I live with THE most talented software engineer. But time is his currency.

I thought fire was the answer to everything !

I see that there is an Adobe Photoshop collage app (that appears to be free) for cropping out backgrounds, doing layers, etc, which is exactly what Polyvore does.

You’d have to download images to your phone/iPad/iComputer, load them into the app, crop out the background (I bet adobe has some sort of one-click background remover) and then rearrange the photos.

Angie, there is an Australian web retailer called Birdsnest that also does outfit collages (go to “ outfits” in their “style me” section). They only use items that they sell, so I doubt that they use Polyvore. Maybe they use the method that Smittie describes.

Well, Angie, I am out of ideas, but I find Suz and Bella's idea very interesting. I just wanted to say that whatever you come out with, I am sure it will be great, useful, and practical. You are the best, and you will find either a solution/replacement, or a new idea.

I am nodding with Suz, on several points, but especially in the final paragraph of Suz's last post. I have given this some thought but aside from my very rushed ideas yesterday I haven't been able to come up with anything further.

I'm still thinking about this. I know I've had other ideas for post themes in the past (but of course my brain is blanking on them right now when they are needed!) I'm not sure these ideas were for a series -- more likely, one offs, or spin-offs from earlier blogs or forum conversations...and what you need right now (or soon) is something that is consistent and regular because it builds and maintains readership and engagement.

I agree with Dianna that whatever you come up with will be fantastic. I also think it's okay to do a temporary "stop gap" until you can figure out a longer term solution.

Okay...coming up with an idea here...I'm searching the forum for various combos of keywords, e.g. subject and blog post. Here is a thread where we discussed a similar idea.... suggesting there could be real interest and demand for this...and that it is unusual enough to have traction. If you read the thread, you'll see we had a bunch of refinements on the idea at that time.

I'm going to continue the search for these terms and others to see if I can find more suggestions in the archives. People are always suggesting things and sometimes it's impractical or not the direction you want to go, but other times it might be worth at least a post or two. You can be sure if people are asking for it, it's relevant to them.

A couple more threads I found. Not sure if they are helpful at all. Will continue to think on it. I know I've had other ideas in the past!

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....a-resource

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....t-classics

Hi Angie, I am not sure what Bridgette Rae’s uses to put together her outfits on her blog.

Sorry to hear that the Polyvore tool is no longer available.

well....we know the universe (& the internet) hates a vacuum, so i'm feeling that something or someone will come up with a collage making tool soon....

Thank you ALL so much for your help and thoughts - especially Suz, whose thinking cap worked extra hard. I'm going to think about the possibilities and feel my way through it. I don't have to have to all sorted by Friday. Stay tuned.

Fabulous Friday Formula Dressing

Item + Item + Item + Accessory = Outfit

You're well on your way to figuring it out!

I love the Flashback Friday idea where you re-post older ensembles and list up-to-date Finds that would update the ensemble. That is a good short term solution.

Shopbop does collages. Here is a screen shot. When you click on an individual item, it does not lead you to that specific piece but rather to a collection of themed items. So in your case your collage could connect to a themed collection from Finds.

Here is the Shopbop home page. They typically have photo shoots but I actually respond better to the collages because I can see myself better in the collages. It's harder for me to relate to the tall, slim models in the photo shoots, but I realize they are marketing to a much younger demographic.

So it seems like if you had a good collage tool it would work great with your Finds.

I am thinking the brilliant Greg will have some great ideas here, if not immediately for sure over the next few months something will incubate.

ETA -- The fascination with your wardrobe is fascinating. I think you've got us hooked through your packing ensemble posts...

I spent some time yesterday trying to find where I was asking initially about when you decided to cull, Angie. And even searching on all keywords including ditch, cull and Angie, I couldn't find it. But it was in Suz's Citizens Dree thread where I expressed my frustration about not being able to tell at the point of buying something whether it would become a tremendous workhorse or not and wondering if you always got that right at the point of purchase. I think my fascination with your wardrobe is to do with wondering if you pick everything better than we do! I don't mean the exact items, I mean in general for your style sensibilities, practicality, current trends etc etc. I really like that first old thread Suz links to above, as I also often want to keep my things 5 years or more. If they don't wear out, of course, or look battered about which I personally dislike.

Jenni, (FWIW, I don't use the word cull. I edit and pass on).

To answer your questions:

• I have a knack for choosing the right wardrobe items for myself and others - which is why I am a professional and have this site . I'm not infallible or perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I get it right most of the time. I have a very effective wardrobe (which has taken years to build). It makes me very happy and I love it. You can't beat that type of style satisfaction, so I share my strategies with others hoping the info can help them too. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't.

• My expectations are different from yours. I do not expect items to last 5 years these days. Oh my word. No way. Especially not knits, jersey, natural fibres, and footwear. It's more like three years - and I don't include T-shirts and the like. That said, I have a slew of items that are five years and older that continue to earn their place in my wardrobe. Some items are 23 years old and still going strong, (like my Chanel bag).

• I try to make an informed decision about potential workhorses. And am very discerning up front about the purchase. But I'm not always right about that because of uncontrollable variables like mood and emotion. I can be in the mood to wear something all season one year, but not the next. And vice versa. And again - my expectation is different. I don't expect every item to be a workhorse. I don't count my wears so I'm not trying to achieve the types of goals that you might be. That takes the fun out of it for me, and prevents me from listening to my feelings - which I feel is best when it comes to having a style that makes me feel fab. People are different in this regard, and we all have to do what works best for our needs. I hope that all makes a bit of sense!

Thank you so much for the detailed reply! Of course you are the professional and have the knack of choosing for yourself and others. Which is why we all want to learn from you x
I will need to now ponder if my expectations are unrealistic.

Of course, Jenni. You're lovely and make me laugh. Always happy to help. And expectations - like style - can be very personal.