Joining the Mid-year Reviews!

Hello fellow fabbers!

I have been MIA for months due to work, and there is no relief in sight—although I found a way to respond briefly to a few posts this past week. I have missed telling Angie how beautiful she looked in long hair, how stunning her Mum was, and how much I have loved and appreciated all of your outfits and wisdom. You all look...and are...fab!

Thanks to a handful of years on YLF, my wardrobe is also in a good place. I am so grateful to always know I can walk into my closet and grab “something to wear.” No more all-these-clothes-and-nothing-to-wear for me, thanks to all of you! I have fewer place holders and more HEWIs in my closet, which makes dressing a reflief. Knowing what I need allows me to purchase high quality during end-of-season sales, which means I get what I want at the prices I want, and I have quality clothing that I am sure will work with my style waiting in the wings for next year. I am ready for summer!

With that kind of confidence, I can now think about my “style journey.” As much as I love to showcase the waist (I still have one and work hard to keep it), if I am honest, everything has to be just right for me to feel comfortable in hourglass silhouettes any more. A year away from 60, the stomach muscle walls don`t always cooperate. I can retain water for no reason at all, and if I have a bad night`s sleep, all is lost to comfort the next day. Not complaining—just being honest with myself, because “dressing the body you have” is key to a functional closet.

With that in mind, my new clothing purchases are not only quality, but also waist-surrendering. This also gives me variety; I have the waistline when I want it and an alternative when I don`t. Some of Angie`s Finds and newer European lines look promising. I will see what is left end-of-season for a score. I also bought more lower heeled footwear this past year; footwear has become more important to keeping my style current and comfortable.

As Angie says, “Over to you.” What have you learned about wardrobes once they are in a good place?

5 years ago

Anonymous

Yay-such a good feeling isn't it! I'm also in a happy place with my summer wardrobe, and am not feeling any big need to add anything right now. It just makes life easier
Butitotallyhatemywinterstuffandwanttobinthelotofit!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Well I totally agree. I’m one year younger than you. Having a plan of what you need can really help. Towards the end of our summer when I realised how badly unflattering one of my 2 pairs of shorts was ( it was a short pair of shorts in a cute black and white print) I wrote a wee list on my phone which included long shorts amongst other items. Took the list on holiday to the other end of the country and there were some silver linen shorts in an unknown brand store from that area. And, bonus, reduced from $80 to $50! I feel OK to accept that the thighs just don’t look so good any more! I don’t resent it.
There’s almost no event that I wouldn’t feel prepared for now. My daughter’s wedding was one I have bought new for but most events I will already have something to wear which is mainly thanks to YLF.
Nice to hear from you!

Joy

I have learned that for my wardrobe to be functioning, I need variety...in fits, colors, pattern, silhouettes, texture, and more. I discovered this several years ago when I tried to form an autumn capsule following Angie’s. For example, I remember tops with different sleeve lengths, some plain, one striped, one polka dot, one graphic tee, one with a print. Some were knit, some woven and different fabrics. I will try to find and link to the blog post that inspired me. Everything ended up working with everything else but looks were different.

Cardiff girl

What an insightful and mature review.l m not sure that I will ever feel like that about my wardrobe,it’s always a work in progress but then most things in my life are like that,l think it’s probably a personality thing and not something that I stress over.

Sal

Definitely sounds like you are in a good place- and realistic about your needs. I agree with shoes being one of the cornerstones of style!!

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