Every year I keep track of how much I spent and for what, but I've never been able to count the specific numbers. I do have a large walk in closet and I hang most clothes by item type and color. So if I wear a red top, (pink, berry, red category) I move it from the left to the far right of that color. Same with pants/jeans, depending on weather or activities, I choose from the left side and move to the right after it's worn or washed.

In the last couple of years, I’ve felt the need to add more color to my wardrobe and experiment with styles. Boden was a big help—I bought I think around 8 cotton sweaters in different colors and some dresses. I experimented with leggings and dresses, which now I seldom wear.

I also got caught up in the sales goggles and online buying compulsions. I did spend about 30% less on clothes than I bought in the previous 2 years, but it isn’t because of the sales. I didn't buy many nice long-lasting items.

Now, thanks to DH’s diet (he’s closing in on 50 pounds), more careful eating, and a bit more exercise, I’ve lost 12 pounds—mostly belly fat. I’m starting to look like my old self, or older version of younger self.

My biggest problem is footwear: I have foot and ankle problems that are getting worse. I’ll be seeing the podiatrist again soon, but his suggestions for footwear don’t work for me. I buy shoes and a few months later my feet/ankle become uncomfortable. I have bought boots—ankle boots—but they irritate my instep arthritis and ankle. I need to stop buying shoes online, then in the belief that I can fix them with pads and orthotics, end up sorry because I kept them, but maybe they'll work next summer.

So for the year to come:

I don’t need any more jackets, but I will probably buy more later. Jackets work year-round where I live. I can’t resist them, although knit cardigans would be more comfortable with my current life. Most of my tops still fit, and fit better than before. I may buy some new jeans/pants in summer.

Most pressing items: new bras and undies in a smaller size. I’m going to wait a few more weeks before having a new bra fitting in case my size changes even more.

I will still work on footwear—but promise from now on to send them back immediately if they are only “close.”

Big events in 2020:

My high school reunion

DH’s high school reunion

DH’s law school reunion.

Do I want to look fabulous for these events? You bet.

I'm also going to work on wearing the special things I have: my two leather jackets that now fit—the ones I almost gave away; some less worn nice jewelry, and my 2 Chanel bags. I just can’t bring myself to using these bags to run errands, but there are certainly other occasions I can carry them. I do believe it’s better that I wear them out than that I leave them to be passed on after I’m gone.

I think #1 was my YLF first photo—but it was on Flickr and my account there is no longer recognized. DH’s 40th LS reunion.

My HS class president recently sent out an email about our reunion: it began, “Those of you that are still vertical . . .

#1 DH's law school reunion outfit.
#2 My 2010 HS reunion outfit. My 1980s Chanel bijou chain and my WHBM jacket.
#3-4 Me and the classmate who was my date for the Senior Awards dinner dance. (In HS he had a girlfriend and I had my own boyfriend--but the boys drew girls names out of a hat for the dinner dance. Years later this guy apologized profusely because he didn't get my dance card filled out--he was so nervous about a talk he was going to give.) DH says he was jealous because this guy flirted with me all evening. Now he's a widower. I'll let DH know just to torment him a bit.

Maybe this is part of why DH has been so motivated to lose weight?