I haven't really commented on becoming a YLF veteran -- I guess because I still feel kind of amateur when it comes to style. But it has been a year!!! Confetti drops from ceiling. Seriously, this has been one of the more enjoyable things I've done on a computer in a long time. And I spend my days on a computer since my company creates software. I've learned countless things from Angie and everyone here. It is such a pleasure to feel like you can get honest feedback on something so important as dressing to feel good about yourself.

Thank you all for being such great forum friends and I look forward to learning more. I feel like I should do an essay on all I've learned but I'm afraid my fingers will get tired.

I'll list a few:
-I've learned to NOT buy stuff just because it is on sale. And esp. not to buy 3 of the same thing in 3 colors just because it is on sale. lol
-I've learned a great deal more about body shape, fit and flattery.
-I've learned that it's very helpful to look at yourself in a photo to be a better unbiased judge of how you look to others.
- I've learned that pattern mixing is not only fun in fashion, it can make or break an outfit.
- I've learned to restrain myself on impulse buys by reading about other YLFer's experiences with shopping regrets. And from making shopping mistakes myself.
- I've learned to purge things that do not look good on me, in spite of how much money I spent on them.
- I've learned that fashion will continue to evolve for me over time
and maybe most importantly....
- I've learned to dress for my real lifestyle and not an imaginary one!

I look forward to more posts, more learning and more fun on YLF!