Things I have learned since joining YLF:

Although I am not a WIW photo posting person, I have been a
member of YLF for about 2 years, and I wanted to share my thoughts on things I
have learned.

1)
T-shirts are not “real” tops. Floored me. Before YLF, all I had
were short- sleeved Basic T’s from
J Crew in multiples, and long- sleeved ones from J Crew for winter. I thought I was stylish and had it
covered. Lol. Now I wear tops and blouses and all
sorts of things other than my J Crew Basic T’s. Who would have thought?

2)
From forum discussions, I came to recognize that
I was doing something that others were, which was buying for my “fantasy” life,
and not my actual real life today.
Sigh… No wonder all I had
to wear were either T- shirts and jeans, or party stuff and dress-up things
that never left the closet. I had
two years (Okay, I am a slooow learner) to ponder where I actually am in life,
and what I really need in my closet.

3)
On that same note, a posting from Suz really
resonated with me. I was so lost
outfit-wise, because my life is not 100% stay at home mom, or working in an
office, or even living in one climate.
I actually am at home most months for only half the time in days, as I
travel a lot. When I travel, it
can be to cities like Los Angeles, where I actually wear things that I feel I
can’t really wear anywhere else, to New York City, where the dress code and
climate are different again, to North Carolina, to Atlanta, Savannah, you name
it! No wonder I was so confused. And I live in Florida, where it is hot
for at least 6 months a year. Then
there are the events, charity dinners, etc., which I thought I was prepared
for, but never had all of the right pieces. Still working on all of this.

4)
I have learned, and this is a BIG help, about a “holding
zone”. Whew. Last year I wanted to purge my closet,
and emptied everything on to the living room sofa and chairs while my husband
was on a business trip, with the intention of sorting it all out. It was kind of overwhelming, and I had
to make an emergency trip the next day, before I could get to it. He got home before me J When I got back, I was only able to
clear that living room quickly, and save my marriage(just kidding) by putting
all of the things I couldn’t make up my mind about in a huge box, the “holding
zone'. There were the high heels
that still look fab, but are a bit too tight, or hard to wear with my back
problems, the pants and skirts that were also looking good, but not on me, or
were a bit too snug. Those are the
worst because they were hanging there, looking good, telling me I was prepared
with clothing for certain occasions, only to get thrown on the floor in disgust
and dismay every time I needed to wear them, because they really were too
small. Just didn’t want to admit
it. The 'holding zone' solved all of
that without the guilt, and showed me where I really was in closet land.

5)
I heard from others about the “over 50 body
changes”. I haven’t gained or lost
a pound for many years, but suddenly, it seemed that everything was too
tight. I blamed my washing
machine, my dry cleaner etc. After
reading other’s woes, I realized that not only is everything dropping, but that
any fat I do have is migrating to either my butt or my middle. I was down to wearing only 2 pairs of
jeans because I just could not accept that. Well, hello comfort!
I guess one size up is not the end of the world.

6)
This means that I am basically replacing most of
my wardrobe, slowly, and also adding new things to make it work for the
different parts of my life. I have
lost 5 pencil skirts, for example, which have not been replaced yet, but I have
bought 3 evening clutches, one in black, one in a champagne gold/silver, and one
in red, to fill a dire need. I
have made mistakes too, as I am shifting from wearing Kate Spade type dresses
to sheaths, and longer. I do love
dresses. Figuring out 55 is not so
easy!

7)
You all wear such cool blazers and
accessories. I don’t ever really
reach for a blazer, despite the fact that I wore suits in my 20’s and 30’s when
I lived and worked in NY City. I
just can’t figure it out. I reach
for a sweater or cardigan every time.
I rarely wear belts, and almost never remember to put jewelry on. Goals for the future!

Right now I am in a LONG recovery from Spinal Fusion
surgery, done 3 days after my birthday in June, done in New York. Kind of never out of the house, and no
traveling at the moment. Wearing
stretchy things in the heat, as I have 4 different scars healing, two in front,
and two in back. And a big-old
back brace! So I am not trying out much of my closet for a few months, but I
wanted to share how much I learn at YLF, and incorporate in to my life. While I am so homebound, it is lovely
to hear about everyone else, and I really enjoy the new “Keeping it Real”
posts. Thanks!

P.S.- I am dealing with a lot of pain at the moment, so may
not be able to answer all your comments, but I will try, and will love to read
them!