2017 year end review (edited/+ outfit pics)

The impetus to overhaul my style is more a seasonal thing so my last style assessment was about 10 months ago when I worked through an Un-fancy work assignment found by Style Fan which required one to identify Lifestyle - hours spent on identified activities, Go-to items, Go-to outfits/silhouettes, Colours, Cravings, Word Associations. Then 3 months ago I did a F/W closet cull.

My goals for 2017 were to soften the edges of my Tomboy style, round out a dressy capsule, work on a high summer capsule, experiment with the colour blush, source some white (HEWI) items.

I had a certain amount of success with softening and refining my Tomboy style and that is reflected in the best of my 2017 outfits. The experiment with blush contributed to this. Summer I loved wearing whiteout outfits head to toe. The dressy capsule is sorted, and I am very happy with the results.

Weight loss, in part due to very intense physical training for a triathlon resulted in some purchasing errors as I struggled to figure out proper sizes. Bottoms purchased in the early part of the year were unappealingly baggy by mid summer and I put off developing a summer capsule completely.

The gift of a fun skirt with a bicycle print and the end of year (November) score of a fabulous pair of specs were probably my greatest moments of sartorial happiness in 2017. Trends I most enjoyed were cropped pants, tunics/dresses over pants, and neckerchiefs.

I am going into 2018 somewhat hesitantly due to more lifestyle changes. It will take a while to figure out what the reality of retirement will be (vs my fantasy!) and I anticipate assessment, false starts, successes and errors, adjustments, followed by more assessment - but always fun!

Below, 12 outfit pics in no specific order that I feel best represented my style in 2017 and #13 the new specs.

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6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I have especially loved the way you’ve gone this year. I feel as if you are more you (as if such a thing is possible, lol).

On a related tangent: I’m starting to hate all pants. None ever feel all-day right...

3style

Awesome bicycle skirt! On general, I like how you balance colors and neutrals. Everything in your outfits and wardrobe as a whole feels connected to everything else and to your personal appearance and to a coherent overall impression.

The Cat

My favourites here are #2, #6 and #8.

I am surprised that the stunning picture of you wearing a white blouse and a long black skirt is not included among your best outfits, but perhaps that picture was from a different year.

Runcarla

Good point, The Cat! I have edited to add the outfit I wore New Year's Eve, since I did indeed wear it into 2017, and it was a catalyst to my style going into the year!

Glad to see that elegant outfit again.

Mainelady

I think all of the 2017 pics you posted are fabulous! I especially love that you added your New Year’s Eve outfit....stunning! I will be following your retirement reality journey. Retirement is on the horizon for me within the next year, or maybe two. Life changing for certain!

Suz

(website)

Carla, you had a great style year. I don't think anybody but Angie wears that tunic/ dress over crops as well. (I'll bet Sveta also does but she hasn't posted much.) I love your fun additions -- the silky bomber, the bicycle print skirt. And you have a great collection of flats. And of course you know how I feel about you in that classic ball outfit. It's perfection on you.

Re: retirement...it sounds as if you are beginning to worry a little bit about how it might go...understandable, especially as you are dealing with illness now, so you are sort of experiencing the worst possible mini-introduction, with enforced rest, less exercise than you are used to, and now, brutally cold weather. This is not your usual busy lifestyle. My own observation (for what it is worth) is that women often find retirement easier psychologically than men and their days are quickly just as full (if not more so!) as during their working lives. The real danger I think is in not identifying how you want to spend the time most, because the world will quickly jump in and tell a women what she should do to make everyone else happy.

Having said that, this is merely an outsider's uninformed view since I haven't spent years working in an office job that helped to define my identity. I can imagine there must be many threads to untangle because it is also a change of social scene, etc. But you and DH have planned exceptionally well both in terms of financial decisions and your move (it was all done in advance) and you also have your athletic pursuits which are rich and rewarding to you!

Anonymous

RunCarla- I think you have softened your tomboy look, it is true. Not just with the use of blush, but also with slightly longer, wilder hair, cat-shaped glasses and pearls.

I love how your white silk drapes on you. I also love your tomboy airport outfit.

I hope you’re able to find balance in retirement.

Hi RunCarla -- You posted the following: I am going into 2018 somewhat hesitantly due to more lifestyle changes. It will take a while to figure out what the reality of retirement will be (vs my fantasy!) and I anticipate assessment, false starts, successes and errors, adjustments, followed by more assessment - but always fun!

I agree that 2018 will be a challenging wardrobe building year for you for exactly the reasons you mention above. In a way, I think this will be incredibly refreshing. You will have the opportunity to clearly see your ultimate wardrobe identify in the absence of work place requirements and restraints. I hope 2018 is a fascinating year for you. Best wishes.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Carla, you have never looked better, and I hope you're feeling better too. Onward with the retirement wardrobe, and we're here to help you every step of the way.

deb

Carla, The bicycle skirt outfit is wonderful and my favorite. All of these outfits are fab.

Nomad

Active Member

You look gorgeous and have a beautiful cohesive style. I'm glad you added #12 of the long skirt and white shirt... I love that look on you so much.

Style Fan

Carla, you are looking great as you head into retirement. Your style is softer and more relaxed looking. I love your hair and new specs. Gorgeous. The bicycle skirt is perfect for you. I hope you are feeling better.

Retirement was and continues to be an adjustment for both myself and DH. I work a small amount and I need that but everyone is different. Actually, I would love to take on more teaching assignments. That is whole other topic.

Jaime

You have had a fabulous style year and seem to have learned a lot about yourself as well. Good luck developing and enjoying your new lifestyle!

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