I didn't want the year to end without writing some sort of recap of the YLF meet-up that happened back in September. I apologize for not writing it sooner and now the day's details are fuzzy but I hope you really want to know more about the ladies than the actual events.

Since Sarah, Patience and Ana couldn't meet us until later in the day, I had the pleasure of spending the most time with Donna and DebbieK.

Donna - Since she hadn't posted her photos, I wasn't sure what to expect. However she is a great example of classic style: black sheath, cropped brown short sleeve cardi, a wonderful statement necklace in gold, brown and black tones, a tortoise shell Michael Kors watch (So fab!) and she added zing to her classic pieces by finishing the look off with gold gladiator sandals.

I believe that Donna was the only one who did not find something to buy because she felt she had a good working wardrobe and just didn't see anything that she couldn't live without, even though she did find things that caught her eye. I admire her ability to discern what she really needs and not give into shopping temptations!

She has a very sweet personality and was so helpful with offering feedback about fit and fabric quality. A great shopping buddy indeed! Even more testament to her sweetness, when we first greeted each other, she presented me with a cute set of note cards for a belated birthday gift. Thanks again Donna!

DebbieK - What I first noticed about DebbieK is that her photos don't fully convey how beautifully gentle her facial features are and how strikingly sweet is her smile. Debbie wore a gray ruffle hem jacket, white sleeveless blouse, a pewter metal chain necklace, trouser jeans and red Born flats with flower trim. She looked so hip and put-together!

Debbie's shopping style is similar to mine: if it tickles your fancy buy now and return if you need to. It was fun to watch her find items that she liked and even if it didn't meet unanimous approval, she trusted her own instincts, tagged and bagged it. : )

She has a generous heart and that is evident in her posts where she mentions that she is caring for her grandson. Well she so very generously offered to buy Donna and I lunch to celebrate my birthday. That was way beyond the call of YLF meet-up requirements but she wouldn't take no for an answer and we had a very yummy lunch of oversize portions at Nordstrom Cafe. Both ladies were very easy to talk to and even though we three are probably more on team shy than team boisterous, we gabbed about our families, YLF and shopping without the awkward pauses that you would expect from 3 strangers meeting for the first time.

In the afternoon, we met Patience, Sarah and Ana at Loft. That day Loft was having a 30% off promotion and there was even a DJ and refreshments. Unfortunately the music made it a bit difficult to carry on a conversation, so we each took the opportunity to spread out and concentrate on our shopping.

Patience - Her eyes and naturally sunkissed skin tone are even more striking in person! She wore a sleeveless denim jacket, bright red-orange Trina Turk dress, and gold Eric Michael espadrilles. I also remember her wearing this fab statement necklace that had a thick gold band with a large turquoise type stone in the center. Unfortunately I didn't get much of a chance to chat with her due to the aforementioned music and the fact that she was exhibiting her supermom powers by shopping with baby Luke (who incidentally can go from smile to utterly cute pouty face in 3 seconds flat).

Sarah - Tall, hourglass Sarah...just as striking in person as in her photos. She was summer stylish in bermuda shorts and a sleeveless top both in blues if I remember correctly, and fab natural snakeskin type heeled sandals. It was nice to witness the YLF bond between Sarah and Patience as Sarah easily tended to Luke so Patience could try on clothes. Also their banter with one another was one of a developed friendship.

Ana - Luv her short wavy/curly blond hair! She wore a sleeveless silk black blouse, a beige short sleeved sweater, a denim pencil skirt and beige sandals. Unfortunately I didn't have much of a chance to speak with her as she had a friend who came along for the shopping. I did notice that she has a warm and lively manner of speaking. While we were at the Gap, it was fun to hear her, Patience and Sarah give each other knowing feedback as the three have been on shopping trips together in the past.

We did take a group picture together and I hope Patience will add it to this thread. Thanks again ladies for shopping with me! I hope we can go again soon!