January in Review (long!) - 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

January in Review (long!)

Helena

Veteran

Hi all - for fun I did some wardrobe tracking in January - out of a sense of curiousity rather than for any particular aim. For other data geeks like me, here's the breakdown.

Overall no surprises - I had declared January the month of unapologetic gear and cozy comfy clothes, and I wasn't kidding! Socializing was extremely casual - walking with friends, coffee, a spa day with my Sis, uber-casual lunches, and that's about it.

Total number of pieces worn (excluding winter hat and mitts; including lounge clothes) - 24

Daily Heroes
- Black Blondo chelsea boots - 29 wears

- Black Uniqlo belt bag/crossbody - 28 wears
- Taupe Superpuff puffer - 22 wears

Top 5 (excluding above obvs)

- Aerie black leggings - 12 wears
- Lululemon teal quarter-zip - 9 wears
- Lululemon navy leggings - 9 wears
- Taupe TNA sweatshirt - 6 wears
- Camel coat - 4 wears

Wishlist
As I saw the numbers rack up for some of these items, I briefly considered buying more activewear - but I am absolutely happy to wear my favourites on repeat. I wear undershirts in winter so can easily wear a sweatshirt several times before washing. I don't care if people see me in the same thing all the time. And there's plenty in my closet for the rare times I hit a laundry bottleneck.

I *did* wish several times for a new everyday necklace - I've been wearing both gold and silver lately, so a two-toned necklace to tie everything together would be nice. I spotted one one Mejuri (photo 1) and will give it some thought! I would *never* have come up with this idea via over-analysis, thus proving it's much better to tune into my own inner voice vs. 'the noise'.

Purchases - 1 item

Funny story - I was telling my beloved SIL/bestie about the tan BR coatigan I edited too quickly and have regretted since. I Googled to find an image to show her and sure enough, a new-with-tags version was on Poshmark. With her encouragement ("If you don't buy it for yourself, I'm going to buy it for you"), I bought it. Can't wait for spring to wear it now hahah ... and if it doesn't get worn, well, then I've proven never to regret an edit. All in the name of science ha!

Plans for Feb

Carry on! Appreciate what I've got. Listen to myself.

If you got through that, thank you for reading. Thoughts, insights, your own January observations, etc. always welcome! xx

This post has 2 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.

View Info

View Info

View Info

TNA cozy fleece boyfriend crew sweatshirt Oversized, crew-neck sweatshirt

View Info

Top Pick

5

View Info

Aerie Chill Legging

View Info

Top Pick

1

Blondo Hallie Waterproof Bootie

View Info

Top Pick

4

Super World the super puff

View Info

Top Pick

4

Banana Republic

Cocoon Coatigan Sweater

View Info

Top Pick

11

General

24 replies

Latest reply was from Helena

Ket

Veteran

Oh Helena, this is so, so helpful and good: "I would *never* have come up with this idea via over-analysis, thus proving it's much better to tune into my own inner voice vs. 'the noise'."

Since getting active here again at YLF, I have noticed myself tuning into my inner voice more, and doing less analyzing. I know it seems like I post some analytical, over-thinking type posts. But I'm not living in my head all the time while I get dressed. So I feel I've taken a huge step forward.

I LOVE the camel coat! Your SIL/bestie was so smart to push you to buy it!! I can't wait to see you wear it this spring

Long ago, my most worn leggings were also Aerie. Given you number of wears, it seems maybe they're still as good now as when I wore them. I do miss leggings; I just feel more self conscious in them these days. One of my healing goals is to reintroduce them.

I love how unapologetic you were with your January cozy wears! your outfits look very polished and lovely. I actually live at home in sweats a lot. I do very much feel the need to upscale the sweats. Still wondering how to do that. I'm thinking of wide leg or harem style pants paired with soft long-sleeve tees/turtlenecks, kimonos, and wrap sweaters. I really don't look good in a lot of loose, wide lines, yet it is so comfy to wear! So...we shall see. I don't know if my upgrade will happen this winter. We still have 4-ish months of heavy snow to go, and yet it feels like not quite enough time?. But I have definitely been thinking about it. If not this winter, next winter for sure.

LaPed

Veteran

Cheers to Cozy January (over here in my chore-grade sweats, painting bookcases)! I am really impressed by your 24 pieces stat. Now I want to go count! Haven’t been tracking but that makes me so curious…

Rooting for the replacement coatigan. I hope it earns its keep!

rachylou

Veteran

That’s very interesting. What I want to know is if you’ll wear the same 24 things next month too, or your 24 will change.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good story! And it cracks me up

Happy you had a peaceful, comfy, and cozy January! Just what you wanted and needed. Well done!

Personally, I don't worry if the same people see me in the same clothes either! I think that's a good thing, actually. HIGH FIVE.

Please get the necklace, right now! Looks perfect for you.

Helena, am I right to conclude that you wore the same black boots every day for the month of January? 29 wears! 30 days past. WOW!!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Helena, this is great to read. You are so much clearer and happier in your own style, needs, and choices now and it really comes across in closet cohesion, self-forgiveness, and forward-planning for a bit of "organized emotional" shopping for the necklace and repeat coatigan. Love hearing all this.

Those booties would be complete workhorses in my closet, too. It's incredible how many wears an outerwear item can rack up in the winter, right? Just in one month alone. No worries about not making it to 30 wears on these things!

Helena

Veteran

Thank you everyone!

Ket, you, like me, love a good system I think ... but all the information can be overwhelming and drown out one's style intuition. Here's to listening to our own voices! I think a matching lounge set in a beautiful colour would be fantastic for you ... a wrap sweater would be great, or something drapey. Your hair, makeup and jewellery will keep it feeling like you!

LaPed, thank you!

Rachy, I was wondering the same thing ... I suspect it will be that a certain percentage stays the same, and a certain percentage swaps out, as the year/weather/season progresses, creating a wardrobe gradient throughout the year, if that makes sense ... I also suspect that January will have the *least* number of unique pieces worn. As to the details of that changeover, that will be fun to observe - presuming I manage to keep up with my tracking system, which I made no promises about

Angie, yay, thank you! Necklace is definitely on my purchase list now, once the December invoice payments come in #smallbusinessfun As to the boots, you are correct - and I bet the number of wears is similar for December! I'm sure these have racked up a couple hundred wears over the last couple years. I did wish I had a black alternative a couple of times, and Blondo makes the same pair in dark taupe - although I've been burned trying to dupe Blondos, I would be pickier this time. What do you think - worth duping? Is this a style that coming to the end of its run, or modern classic enough to go the distance? Or perhaps I should investigate other styles, hmm ... BUT that said, I'm fine wearing these so don't feel any pressure to add unless just the right pair were to come along!

Suz, thank you and yes - winter-worthy pieces definitely earn their place in the Canadian closet! As much as these are not my favourite pieces to purchase or wear, dry warm feet = happy feet = happy woman!

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.

Laurie

Veteran

Love this analysis. Wish I had the discipline to track!

I would feel right at home in your January collection. Just back from a 10 day trip, and lived so comfortably out of my suitcase with just this type of assortment of cozy and practical gear. I wore my Blondo Elvina black boots almost every day in both rainy/snowy Munich and much more temperate Sintra. I keep eyeing these Blondos you are endorsing with 29 wears! The Elvinas, with Athleta bootcut fleece joggers were as dressed up as it got! My Quince black cross body/belt bag was my most useful accessory.

I see no need to choose anything but comfort any more, especially in January, and do not think style is sacrificed if put together well. Look forward to your Feb fabness.

Helena

Veteran

Laurie, high five! Those joggers look great!

Ket, forgot to mention the Aerie leggings are a few years old, and sadly when I've looked for a similar pair, the quality doesn't seem to be the same Seems to be the way of things lately!

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Ha,the coatigan was obviously meant for you!Sometimes we have to lose something to really appreciate how much it meant to us.Get the necklace l think it will be a fab purchase for you.

SarahD8

Veteran

Well. You know I LOVE this. Love an analytical post and love hearing you so confident in yourself and having such a great month. Variety or outfit repetition, its ALL GOOD and one is not more stylish than the other. I love your coatigan story, and I hope you get the necklace, or something like it.

(Funny story: my socializing this month was about on par with yours except my thought was: wow what a busy social calendar I have had! lol)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Helena, I would at least ORDER the taupe duplication. Wear them at home for a bit, add them to a few outfits, and see how you feel. Can't do any harm!

A totally good style to have in your wardrobe forever

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

You sound great Helena - I think listening to your inner voice (and SIL!) is having a wonderful effect. Hope to see you sporting that necklace one day soon!

Dee

Veteran

So glad you had a great month with your wardrobe, and I love you coatigan story too. I repeat my outfits too especially during our long winters , I mean why not wear outfits again if you enjoy them

Jules

Veteran

One nice thing about a lighter coloured boot and non-shiny finish is that they don’t show the salt stains the way black does. I was just thinking that this morning when I put on below boots and noticed they had a little salt at the toe, but also realized it basically blends in fine.
I love your cozy and relaxed January vibes! Am thinking of doing some tracking myself next month, but not sure I will have the patience to count my at home wear of the same hoodies and leggings over and over!

View Info

RobinF

Veteran

YES to a cozy January! I love your attitude and confidence in your wardrobe. I would totally duplicate boots that I liked so much, although of course there is always the danger of not liking the dupes as much but worth trying on at least.

Helena

Veteran

Thank you everyone!

I ordered a 'nearly dupe' - the same taupe colour, but a lighter sole, which I think would be nicer than the dark sole (if the purpose is to have a lighter shoe option, which would be the point) ... and got 20% off so that's good - will report back when received

And I *may* have shared the necklace link with DH, along with a reminder that Valentine's Day is coming up

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement, as always!

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.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay! Hope you have a bountiful Valentine's Day

And I like the almost dupe! Hope they work out.

Ket

Veteran

Thank you for letting me know, Helena. SGood to know so I don't rush to buy a bunch of Aerie things ha!

Sal

Veteran

Nice analysis! Your workhorses are really performing and working hard. I track my numbers too and mid winter and mid summer have the lowest number of pieces worn.

I agree re gear - a lean capsule washed and worn often. The only downside is when you need to replace there is no chance for dilly dallying.

slim cat

Veteran

Yay to the comfort, practicality and knowing yourself ! You month sounds like "very busy" socially to me - lol.
Love your necklace and hope you'll get it this month!

Jonesy

Veteran

Your January sounds perfect! Especially the spa day with your sister. Those taupe boots look great; fingers crossed they work out, and that necklace finds its way to you on Valentine's Day!

lyn67

Veteran

Great story with repurchasing an item you edited too early (why not!) I also cannot wait to see if it still works out for you IRL (so not only in your fantasy one:-)-as there was a reason you edited it in the first place?)

Anonymous

Big yay for Cozy January and a spa day, and love the camel coat and the new boots! Are you going to keep tracking?

Helena

Veteran

Thank you so much everyone!

Lyn - I'm can't quite recall but it was basically a combination of a cold autumn where I have few weather-appropriate days to wear it, in combination with some edit method or another I was doing *rolls eyes at self* and the logic that I could sell it and re-coup some of the sunk cost if I didn't sit on it for too long. I've since re-learned the lesson that we do have some mild falls and springs when such a piece is just right - even though they don't happen every shoulder season, I do need something to wear when they do occur!

suntiger, I will keep tracking in this casual way ... just a tick on a spreadsheet when I login for work. It's interesting ... I can already see with the milder weather and increased outings so far in Feb, I am wearing different things ...