Revisiting my 2019 goals - YouLookFab Forum

Jumping on the mid-year review bandwagon:

My goals for 2019 that I set in January:

1. Stick to my palette; no new colors until I am able to create an appropriate supporting act for them
Check! I haven't added any new colors but, my goodness, I have a crapl0ad of green pieces in my closet...

2. Wear the things! And keep track of outfits that work so I have go-to's when rushed

Oooh, big fail here. I keep reaching for the same 5 or 6 pieces every week - this could be weather/activity related (see #3).... I would love to have a few outfits on deck for upcoming client meetings and should really spend time doing a few outfit labs.

3. Figure out my outfit formula for summer

Sort of?? OK, not really... It has been rainy and cold since March with only a handful of warm days, so I've been unable (and uninspired) to roadtest any outfit ideas. Plus, my kids are playing baseball and soccer this season, which has meant that I am wearing mostly gear when I'm not home. The fields are a muddy, mucky mess, but the good news is that I haven't found any holes in my gear capsule.

4. Work on two capsules: travel and dressy

This is a work in progress. I would love some diversity in my travel capsule which consists mostly of joggers+tees+sneakers+ball caps. I certainly have the pieces needed to change it up, I just need to figure out and document those looks.

My dressy capsule is a mess. It consists mostly of silk/satin tops and skirts that feel too 'shiny' when worn together. My knit tops are casual, but maybe some accessories would jazz them up enough to make outfits with the skirts. I have only one pair of dress pants, and it doesn't go with any of my dressy tops. This may explain why I feel like I have nothing to wear for cold weather special events... I have 2 dresses that I need to figure out toppers and accessories for. I have pieces, I just need to dust off my jewelry box and play with some looks. This may require another outfit lab.

5. Get dressed, including shoes and accessories, when WFH

Check! My most recent contract ended early this month, but I was able to add rings, makeup, and shoes daily. I am excited to get back to it again soon.

4 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

You ve been very honest! And I suspect that my mid year review would contain similar however the advantage of telling it as it is means that you can see where you need to go next and what wardrobe holes you need to address in the next 6months,and yes it has been very hard to get excited about summer clothes when there has been no summer to wear them in.

Anonymous

Weather definitely plays a role-so totally understandable! Is it normal for you to have a long rainy-muddy season?

Outfit lab time! Sounds like you may have a few wardrobe holes!

Suz

(website)

Outfit labs! That is a great idea. We can help.

And weather makes everything so tricky. Mid-year really is a good time to review and reconsider whether the goals we thought made sense actually do make sense, given the realities we're facing.

Sal

Yes outfit labs:)

I know what you mean about too much shine - I like silk and denim together, or textured linen with a silky top (for summer). Winter events are hard I agree - a great coat and closed shoes go a long way though - do you have those?

And if you are buying carefully and repeating that is fine too....I have plenty of pieces that get worn every single week (more than once).

rachylou

Great assessment! You know what you need to do..,!

Jaime

We love outfit labs ! Sounds like a plan!

nemosmom

Cardiffgirl - SO true! Where is summer?!

Suntiger and Suz - It wasn't cold here this time last year (this is only year #2 for me). I am used to the colder, wetter weather having come from San Francisco, and now I know why my wardrobe there was so small!

Sal - yes! My go-to bottoms are definitely jeans, and I like to elevate them with dressier tops. I guess in my mind I thought I would be sorted if I had shiny tops and shiny bottoms, but when I put them together it was too much for me. I do have a great coat and closed toe dressy shoes (not shiny!)

Rachy and Shevia - thanks! I will try one soon!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I see progress

Well done.

Sooooo, you have to figure out WHY you keep on reaching for the same 5-6 pieces - then we can help you find a solution.

Angie - I think the WHY is partly convenience in the damp weather, but honestly, it's mostly laziness...

Bottoms: Dark skinny jeans or ankle length light wash released hem jeans

Tops: a navy long-sleeve crew neck tee, a yellow floral print tee, and an olive lace top.

Shoes were either black rain boots or navy and cream sneakers.

For a topper, I wore an olive waxed jacket or olive rain jacket (gear). One morning I added a yellow hoodie under the waxed jacket for an extra layer.

Brooklyn

I suspect you are time poor NM? I think outfit labs and playing around with outfit creation can take some time. It can be hard to set aside the time to do it (although well worth it if you can). For me, that’s the only thing that can get me out of the habit of reaching for the same thing. In the morning when getting dressed I don’t have the time or patience to experiment. But if I’ve spent an hour or so on the weekend trying some new combinations (and maybe taking photos for own use as a memory aid), I will feel much more confident about giving them a go during the week.

Joy

It sounds like you could use some casual skirts. Blue denim skirts can be worn with anything like jeans. Also consider tee shirt knit skirts and dresses. They are easily worn with sneakers or sandals for a casual look. For winter, sweater dresses are great.

Jane

Well done for the very detailed analysis and understanding. I think that this will stand you in good stead for the next few months. May I ask, are you an emotional dresser?

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