Report on 2021 - YouLookFab Forum

2021 was a banner year with lots of wardrobe changes as I struggled to incorporate my blood glucose meter and retired life style. I had to purge all bottoms that did not work with the glucose meter which meant almost anything with a waist. Summer was pretty easy with cropped pants on consignment in abundance. I added coral and cobalt as colors and some EF espedrilles for my feet to replace enclosed flats that had worn out.

Cold fall and winter were harder due to the lack of full length pants available, but I did find some good pull ones on consignment. Including Marmot snow pants. My mistake was buying some of these pants too big as they increased in size as the day went on, especially a navy and a burgundy pair which with an olive Ponte knit are the only “colors” I have for winter. Each pair also has tops that will take me from warm fall through cold winter.
Changes in style have been adding a bit of Boho and flannel shirts as jackets over graphic tees. Shirts that are too short are being purged from my wardrobe, so I am embracing mid rise pants with long tops and long cardigan or duster toppers.
I have bought almost everything second hand to keep things out of landfill with the bonus of saving money. I have also sold lots of stuff that I can no longer wear, like jeans and shoes with a bit of heel and tops that are too short.

Going forward, in 2022 I need to replace lots of footwear and look for medium to light browns. That may help me replace a bunch of grey and black and some colors of jeans I still have like turquoise, mustard, and olive, and white.

Dresses are best when pull on shifts with no waist. Skirts are difficult. My old tube skirts seem best but need a long, loose top or topper to camouflage the meter on my stomach.

I have added more white this year including white pull on pants for both summer and winter, a white denim dress and some white tops. I need to have some skirts altered to fit better. Your comment and suggestions are welcomed.

2 years ago

Zaeobi

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Veteran

Sorry that I don't have much advice to give (my issue is the opposite, needing waist definition in my clothing), but you've done well with the new restrictions you've been given!

If you find brown footwear though, do let me know. Still seems to be difficult to find out there at retail currently!

kellygirl

Sounds like you have had a successful year over all! I would think two pieces dresses would be versatile too and allow access to the meter. (I'm not sure if it has to be adjusted during the day at all or not.) I can also see how winter pants could be more of a challenge since the cropped lengths seem to have the structure necessary for flattery--at least in my experience. How wonderful that you are able to but at consignment too. That's one of my goals--at some point but I don't need anything now. Good luck on the shoe hunt!

rachylou

I say you’ve had a great year, Joy, stylewise! Is the cgm giving you any trouble still, in terms of staying on? I found a thing that allows one to change overlay patches without ripping out the cgm… if you’re interested, I can send you one…

Runcarla

I totally get the need to change things up to accommodate health issues and in particular elastic waist pants. I’ve got a GI problem and anything constricting around my torso - from tight bra bands to belts - can result in painful gastric upset. I’m gradually changing over to elastic waists for the ease/lack of pressure, and look for bottoms that have flat fronts (no zippers, etc) and elastic at the back.

Cardiff girl

It takes guts to accept a sudden change brought on by health reasons and tackle it head on rather than pretend it’s not happening so l admire you very much for doing this Joy.lt can’t have been easy having to re jig your whole wardrobe but you done it with aplomb.

Suz

Joy, I'm so impressed by your determination and your creative response to your fashion challenges this year. You aced it! Your choices worked well for you and you are continuing to evolve your personal style even as you have to accommodate your new equipment.

You're the queen of whites so I'm thrilled you have added more to the closet!

Footwear tends to be expensive to replace but it is fundamental to comfort and safety so it makes sense to focus on that area.

I have no suggestions re looking for longer tops apart from Eileen Fisher, which you already know about! But I do think tube skirts will remain your friend -- they have always suited you and now they have the added advantage of working (at least to some extent) with the meter.

Roberta

I wonder if overalls or jumpsuits would be comfortable for you? Like Runcarla, I can't take anything snug or elastic at my waist, and this year I bought three jumpsuits and one pair of overalls. They are so comfortable and forgiving despite the bathroom challenge (I got the hang of that pretty quickly). You can wear the sashes as loose as you wish or take them off entirely.

With both styles I can wear a long top underneath and feel cozy in cooler weather. Again, nothing hits at my waist.

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Jaime

My only suggestion is to keep up the good work!

Bonnie

You always look beautifully dressed so no suggestions. You are an expert in the ways you combine color, patterns, and accessories. I admire the way you have met this new challenge to your wardrobe.

Joy

Thank you all for the encouraging comments. Zaobi,I will let you know if I find any great brown footwear. You are right, retail right now is not offering much brown. I especially want some great brown booties as my present ones are old and need to be replaced
!Kellygirl, good luck with consignment and thrifting. Try on everything you like. Sizes are just a number and vary with the brand. Some things may have been altered
Rachylou my overlay patches seen to stick if I rub them well after applying and let everything dry well before application. I am having good luck with Flonase like spays on my skin to keep it from allergies caused by the adhesive, but they need to dry.
Runcarla, full length warm pull on pants have been a rare find. My biggest mistake is buying pants too big in the waist that stretch even bigger during the day. I have had pretty good luck with Chicos brand pants that haves side zip and some stretch in my normal size. They are not baggy big.
Suz, I am wearing a new- to- me white EF sweater today that adds a bit of bright to a dark day. White is a wonderful addition, especially for winter. Longer tops are tricky with all the high rise bottoms but are pretty easy to find second hand as people replace them with short tops.
Roberta, I am not a fan of overalls or jumpsuits for myself but like them on others. They are too much trouble for an older woman in the loos d look very baggy in back with my curveless hips. I appreciate the suggestion and. Any change my mind if I get more casual with wardrobe choices.

Thank you for the support, Shevia and bonnie

Bijou

Joy, you are such an inspiration in dealing with the glucose meter and finding stylish solutions. It must have been hard to let go of so much of your wardrobe. I hope 2022 is a year of good health for you and your family.

Minaminu

Joy, you are always so stylish in your outfit and if you wouldn't have mentioned the glucose meter, I would have never thought that you had this style restriction. I think your outfits have always fab and timeless and admire how you trimmed your wardrobe to suit your current lifestyle. Lots to learn!

Anonymous

I've been seeing more dark browns in retail lately than before. How about olive for shoes? There's been more olive than in the past.
And yes- you are the queen of the white colors!

Thank you, Bijou, Minaminu, and suntiger. The glucose meter has been a challenge but a necessary addition. My biggest challenge is that the constant wearing of a mini crossbody bag has taken a toll on tops and toppers in that they will need constant replacement due to the pilling, even on woven fabrics. They can be a real nuisance when wearing a seatbelt. But one adjusts.
Suntiger, olive slip-on flats are even more elusive than brown. I have also seen more dark brown but I want lighter shades as I get older. I may end up having to settle for white. That is what I am doing now. Maybe spring retail will have more warm light browns as they sold out quickly last fall. I am glad I am not the only one seeking them.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

*APPLAUSE*

Joy, you and your family have been through sooooo much. I'm even more impressed with your style, excellent attitude, and plan for 2022! Thank you for being a wise and positive inspiration. I adore your strength, humour, and determination

Maybe start a separate thread on your specific wardrobe needs. Then we can really focus on assisting you!

I empathize with the footwear refresh. It's very, very tricky to find fab looking and comfy shoes that go the distance. But we will get there!

Thank you , Angie for your support and hard work you,Greg and Inge do . I give you the the YLF community credit for a positive attitude. You have shown us how to have fun with fashion God has been good to us and we have been blessed.

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