Mid year check in - YouLookFab Forum

Hi all, I've enjoyed reading a few of the mid-year check-ins and thought I'd do one of my own!

"My goals is to trust my emotions. That’s it! I may set little ‘microgoals’ as needs come up … E.g. for January I have a goal to add a few more base layers because being cold makes me so grumpy! But other than that, it’s a “let’s see what happens” year for me!"

So what's happened? I think I'm doing pretty well actually! A few observations I've made:

I've purposefully 'turned down the noise' from various fashion and style sources this year - not because they are not useful and trustworthy but because I am prone to losing touch with my own wisdom on things. I will do this regularly going forward.
My happy colours lately have been black, white, and blue (you can see the blue especially in my June outfits shared here). Black makes me especially happy in the slop of winter, in stressful situation when it makes me feel psychologically shielded, and in warm weather mixed with white or soft colour. Blue makes me happy when the weather is nice! I've enjoyed other neutrals too this year, such a beige, taupe and rose brown. I always love a bit of pink here and there too.
Gear makes me happy when it's polished and when I want to be active and productive on things like household jobs. Polished casual classic makes me happy when I need to focus on work, or when I go out.
My shopping strategy has been really simple but successful this year I feel. Rather than trying to overplan - or swing the other way and get too emotions-driven - I've found a nice balance that is working for me. Start with the practical (i.e. I notice a wardrobe hole that would be filled nicely by 'x') but the when it comes to choosing 'x' make sure it's something I'm excited to wear. That's it. Easy peasy and I haven't made too many missteps this year using it, I don't believe.

For the remainder of the year, I plan to keep building my self-trust, honoring my practical self, allowing my emotions to guide me *within* that practical space, and basically carry on.

Thanks for reading if you got this far! Any comments or feedback always welcome xx

1 - DDs grade 8 grade - twinsies in navy. My Daddo in the background there!
2 - polished gear
3 - pink and gear
4 - black and blue
5 - uber casual and a bit sloppy, but comfy for a day of cleaning
6 - this is my optimal 'black' - a clean, soft and deep gray

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2 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

That emotion-logic balance is so good when it happens! I tend to approach it from the opposite direction; I see a thing I like, get excited about it, and *then* I think whether I already own something that can do the same job or how it would fits my needs.

nemosmom

Trusting your gut has most definitely paid off, Helena! And can we talk about how that shade of pink just lights up your face?! It’s just brilliant!

rachylou

I like your strategy: notice a hole and then see what comes up. Relaxed and unforced.

slim cat

Looks like everything is working for you - nice polished looks in a comfortable style. Great strategy all together!
#5 is not sloppy by any means - love it!

SarahD8

Lovely to see you trusting yourself and the results just cannot be argued with! Turning down the "noise" and balancing emotion and logic -- yes yes yes. I especially love that happy pink gear look on you!

Sal

Yay - that's great Helena. I think I use that strategy too - and being patient tends to yield the best results rather than forcing it.

You suit modern classics really well.

JAileen

Your outfits are so pretty on you, despite your limitation on color. The calmness is lovely. I also love charcoal. It’s my favorite LS tee in winter.

Jaime

(website)

You and DD really do look like twins! You made me laugh with your "sloppy" outfit. That would be me in a polished look ! You really do give me Duchess Catherine vibes with these. And I love how your practical/emotional strategy is working for you!

Anonymous

Looks great! I'm wearing black most days for the same reasons. It's just quiet and peaceful, like a pitch black night where nothing and no one else is visible.

RobinF

I would agree, it really seems to be working for you! These all look great, polished and quiet but not boring. I quite like your #5, not sloppy at all. And the pink is a great color for you.

I need to do more of this for myself. I have gotten so that I overthink every decision instead of going by my gut and it isn't working for me. I end up returning almost everything or regretting the purchase.

CarolS

I'd call that a pretty great strategy, and it sounds like it is working brilliantly for you! Thanks for sharing.

merwoman

Lovely pic of two beautiful ladies! Wonderful strategy, a simple solution is often the best.

ZoeyGirl

Active Member

I looked at the pics before I read your captions for each one, so I also laughed to read your "sloppy outfit" comment - I did not think that was your intention, though I guess it is less polished than your other outfits. I think your outfits look great!

I also am agreeing with Rachy in regards to that takeaway on strategy. Wisdom, indeed!

Aquamarine

This post really resonates with me, Helena, and I found myself nodding along with all you wrote. It feels like there is so much chaos in the world, so trusting your instinct and ignoring all the (style) noise is a fab way to go about it, as you clearly show in your outfits.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Pic #1 is adorable!

Good job turning off the noise and following your instincts! The most important goal this year, Helena. You did it

Zero sloppiness about you, and loving you in that shocking pink! Fun to see you in white bottoms too.

Bijou

Trusting your instincts is such a good approach. I particularly love #1 and you wear bright pink so well.

Lucy

Great strategy! You polished and comfortable (and not sloppy at all in #5)!

Helena

Thanks so much everyone! Appreciate the positive feedback! YLF and Angie's philosophy has really helped me learn to trust myself, so thank you all xx

Robin, ugh ... I totally hear you. First class over thinker and self-doubter. It's an ongoing practice to notice when I'm doing so, take a deep breath and remind myself I'm perfectly capable of deciding whatever it is for myself. Good luck and lots of self-compassion xx

Suntiger - yes! It took me forever to realize my whole black obsession is all about the psychological benefits. It hit me full force at the dance competitions this year - my black tops were my shield against stress, overwhelm and aggressive dance mom energy Couldn't have cared less how well it looked on me tbh - it FELT just right.

And thanks all for the bright pink love! I've said this many times I'm sure, but I ALWAYS wind up buying something pink in the spring - this sweatshirt was this year's rendition and I love it! Glad you all approve!

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