I love this thread. Ummlila, I'm with Angie in suggesting that you hang onto the toffee culottes and try next year. Of course, I admit, I love culottes! But these would bookend your hair beautifully and could create some cohesive and interesting outfits. It may be a footwear issue and also a climate issue. I still find it harder to wear culottes in cold weather, although I have managed it a couple of times with tall boots underneath and long silk undies.
I made a LOT of purchases this year -- about 50!! (That's more than a third of my closet, yikes!) I also passed on at least as many items, mostly because they were worn out or didn't fit properly. I also passed along to my step-daughter quite a few still current and still-in-good-shape vegan (i.e. cotton or poly) items. She was moving to Spain, so I gave her lightweight sweaters and tops that I realized would work better in her climate than mine.
Almost all my purchases were successful. Like Angie, I don't count something as unsuccessful just because I don't wear it often -- not if the happiness quotient is high.
Among my most loved: my Rebecca MInkoff hobo. My watch. (These also feature in most worn items).
Most worn/ useful/ workhorse items: Franco Sarto sandal bootie, Fitflop sandal (for daily walks), Ecco sneaker, Aquatalia grey bootie, CoH denim crops and white denim crops, burgundy Dres.
Best statement items: Rag and Bone gilet, J. Crew pink jacket, Topshop red booties.
Least successful purchases: J. Crew floral A line silk skirt. (Reason: I can't style it to look less "prissy" or something. It always looks twee. Beautiful skirt, though.)
Denim vest: Wore it once. It was cheap, though. (Got at Winner's -- not the one pictured.) I think maybe it is just too boyish/ casual for my current style direction.
Topshop white sandals -- the style is just wrong somehow, though they are incredibly comfortable!!