Pix-Elated

49 Comments

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Some notes: 

  I have not run out of clothes. But...I have worn all my sweaters in current rotation except two, and those two are for colder weather (they make me itch if it is not cold enough). Most sweaters I have worn more than once. 

  I have only worn 5 of my button down shirts currently in rotation. Especially on my work-at-home days, I prefer not to layer sweaters over shirts, and in this weather I need cozy knits. 

  I have worn all trousers and jeans in current rotation except for my bootleg jeans. More than once, in all cases. 

  I have worn all jackets in current rotation multiple times. 

  I have only worn one dress, but have worn it twice. (Since I only have 3 dresses in rotation now, that's not too bad.)

  I have not worn my skirts yet. This is easily explained. I tend not to wear skirts or dresses on my work-at-home days in winter. I do wear them on work-at-home days in spring/summer. Why not in winter, then? HOSE. When I work at home, I curl up with my kitty and he has claws. :) 

  I am getting bored. Deb mentioned in her recent thread that she is doing fine with the challenge, in part, she believes, because her bottoms have interest as well as her tops. Well, that's a wardrobe hole for me, for sure. My bottoms are not so interesting. Colour, pattern, please! 

• deb replied 10 years ago

  Good insight. We are almost done and I think the next week may be more difficult for me.

• Alexandra replied 10 years ago

  Interesting. I like pics #1-5 the best. Maybe it's the white belt, maybe the scarves. Bottoms with interest - can't wait to see.

• Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

  I love every single one of these outfits Suz - particularly #7 (in love with burgundy/cranberry at the moment) and everything with the white leather jacket. Soooooo glad you got that jacket.

  Your comment about needing color and pattern really hit home with me. I know you are referring to your bottoms in particular and I'm starting to have that same revelation. My "aahh haaa" moment really hit when I bought the blackwatch tartan trousers. How fun to be able to wear the pattern on the bottom and keep my tops plain! 

  I'm currently eyeing a pair of Glen plaid Vince Camuto trousers at The Bay and am wondering about returning the black Jay Manuel skinnies I bought last night (the sister to my burgundy skinnies) and going with the lovely paisley patterned ones instead. 

• Alassë replied 10 years ago

  Or maybe you just like more variety, as you've noted in the past? Nothing wrong with that.

• kkards replied 10 years ago

  as we come to the end of week 3, i'm finding some holes as well as some unexpected truths about footwear, which i will detail when i post my week tomorrow.

  anyway, you looked great this week. if i had to pick a fav, it would be #1.

• amiable replied 10 years ago

  Great outfits! I'm learning how MUCH I have in my wardrobe - I have had no problem not repeating, and think I could go on indefinitely - probably the rest of the winter - without repeating an entire outfit.  So far I haven't even repeated a single top, I don't think.  And I have lots of bottoms to go 'round.  Someone needs to purge and/or reign in her shopping....  (me)

• Peri replied 10 years ago

  Well no surprise to me I love them all, but I'm finding the all black with the necklace pretty striking.

  I didn't see the start of this challenge...I'm wondering what it is for? It would not be possible for me cause I'm down to so few items at this time. Kind of like two pairs of pants and five sweaters...that's too minimal even for a happy outfit repeater like me! But I'm wondering what the challenge group is learning? Is it about identifying holes, like you have?

  But I'm not getting why you are bored. I sort of assumed the idea of no repeats would be to not get bored.

• replied 10 years ago

  I love your outfits. I think I just don't get bored easily, so I would be happy repeating the same clothes over and over.

  I think you like to have something different, so your plan to refresh your wardrobe periodically with new items is a good idea.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Peri, I think the point of the challenge was simply to wear all our clothes and ensure nothing is being unfairly "favourited." But of course you discover things in the process. 

  For me, it's not that hard, except I realize I probably would simply have repeated outfits with the same items (similar to what Lisa said) rather than changing items simply for the sake of not repeating -- if that makes sense. In other words, I might prefer to repeat the same pant/ sweater combinations rather than deliberately switch them out for something I find less comfortable or harmonious. 

  I think I am a bit bored because the silhouettes don't change much. And I've actually done a lot of repeating of items. I also think I'm bored because I just get bored when I have a long stretch of "at home" days. 

  I'm more casual in my "at home" days than my "out in the world" days. And I even had an "out in the world" trip with appearances and events in this month...so....imagine a month with no events. Bleah....I think I need a bigger wardrobe....

• Peri replied 10 years ago

  I think I'm much harder to make bored for two reasons.

  1) When I like something I feel happy about it for a long time. Before these two huge purges and joining YLF, new would be considered about 2 years old. I kept wearing things that were 10+ years old. So my new this year things will be exciting for a good stretch.

  2) The thing about seeing different people every day makes my outfits feel less like repeats...I know they are but people react as if they are not. Really, if I take my 5 sweaters and track carefully, any given person will think I haven't repeated my outfit for 6 weeks. I may look better at fashion than I actually am!

  But...5 sweaters is too few even for me. I am actively looking!

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Peri, you know what? I fear I have awakened a beast, because I used to be just like you. My first year on YLF I felt perfectly happy with my 6 sweaters for the entire season. Because, like you, it's not as if the same people see me every day. I don't know what has happened to change my desire for "freshness" or change the "best before" date in my  mind. Hmmm. Off to ponder. 

• Peri replied 10 years ago

  Oh I know....it's YLF!  I see everyone look so pretty and I want to do better. I think I am the awakening beast in this scenario!

• shedev replied 10 years ago

  Love all your outfits Suz. Kinda surprised to hear you say you need more clothes.

• kellygirl replied 10 years ago

  You are the definition of casual elegance, Suz. I don't know how you do it but you look amazingly fab every day. No repeats too. I can't pick a fave but I find the drapy pants and white top so fab on you. Love them all!

• Jude replied 10 years ago

  Suz, would you wear skirts at home if there wasn't the problem with kitty's claws? I often wear casual dresses or skirts with tights, even when lounging at home, and my roommate has a cat. I admit that I am a little bit less inclined to let her sit on my lap when I am wearing tights, but usually she wins ;-) I wear rather thick, cotton-rich tights, and always have a blanket between them and the cat. So far my tights have survived :-) After one or two years they have to be replaced anyway. Do you think this could be worth a try? I would get bored too if I had to wear pants all the time!

  By the way, I LOVE the first two outfits. That white belt is so fab! And yay to the light-colored footwear!

• texstyle replied 10 years ago

  Love all of these so MUCH but esp. 2, 7 and 9. And 7 has some interesting pants which I think were a great choice.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thanks, Tex. Oh, I wish those pants did not bag out and were not too short...alas...

  Jude, I guess if I wear opaque tights with cotton I could survive. My cat has a habit of getting under the blanket with me -- and stretching (when I am standing in the kitchen) with his claws on my legs....Maybe I should invest in cat training school. ;)

  Thanks, Kelly and Shedev. I know...it is ironic I am saying that I want more! 

• Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

  So it's the "at home silhouette" that you're bored with, not the clothing items themselves?

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Great question, Shannon. I think it is a bit of both...the silhouette (jeans, a sweater) sort of gets dull after a while (you know...it's like the summer equivalent of shorts and top...practical but not exciting and doesn't feel like an "outfit" in a way). And then since I repeat items a lot (at least several times per month, often up to 10 times a month, depending...) well...you know. It gets boring to me. 

  Jeepers, no wonder I pass on stuff I've had for a short while. I really do wear it to death! 

  I guess this is the "cost" of a smaller wardrobe. And I never really realized that mine was small any more. I thought I had worked myself up to medium. But at 45 items for a season, it's not very big. 

• bella replied 10 years ago

  you always look so good! #7 and #9 are TDF!

• texstyle replied 10 years ago

  Suz, thinking about your boredom thing and wondering what about adding a slightly longer tunic style top in a warm fabric for winter to wear with skinny pants or jeans? I know that I've been trying to find some tops that I can wear without a belt (and that still look pulled together) just to change things up a little.

• Sarah A replied 10 years ago

  I love all your outfits here Suz, special soft spot for 9. I feel what you are saying on the shilouette boredom. I think that is a great revelation. I had been wearing gray, white, blue and black everyday and it wasnt like anyone was seeing me repeating but i just felt blah so I bought a chunky raspberry sweater (just to wear and be warm in the house, i mean i could wear it out but havent yet...) and i get a lift when i see the new color in the mirror as walk by. So... yes I think some carefully considered shopping is in order :)

• Lisa replied 10 years ago

  You've already worn all your sweaters, that's wonderful!  You would be done with DH's challenge already. :)  I see a lot of repetition for your outfit formula's perhaps that is why you are already bored?  Maybe a new silohuette or two would help?  I'm working with a small amount of clothes right now, but things are really mixed up: I have solid jeans in colors, prints, and light and dark washes.  I have a jacket and a blazer.  And I have knits in prints and solids. 

  At a quick glance here I see a lot of bright tops/toppers and dark colored bottoms.  I also see toppers that are pretty similar in shape/style.  I think light bottoms are already on your shopping list right?  What about wearing or adding: cardigans/pullovers in different styles (really loose, really chunky, more and bolder prints, tunic length, batwing sleeve, or fuzzy textures) and more overall color?  Or how about a poncho or a vest?  A vest could really create some interesting layering and ponchos you sort of just swoosh around which can be fun and for kitty it's like mom is wearing a blanket. :) 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Lisa, these are fab suggestions. Thank you. 

  Yes, light bottoms or patterned ones are on my list. 

  Also...a cardigan. 

  Tunics...I have a sort of hate/hate relationship with. I think it's a good idea (thank you, Tex!) except I dislike how they cut me in half with my short legs. So I might have to experiment with different types to get a fit I like. 

  I do have sweaters in different knits/ shapes which shows up more in some of my previous weeks. And I would love a vest. 

  Thank you again for suggestions and thoughts!

• Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

  Sorry to hear you are bored because these are all fabulous Suz. Another patterned pant & a pale pink or blue sweater are my shopping suggestions :) 

• Parsley replied 10 years ago

  Suz, these are all wonderful, and I'm amazed at how you've managed so well with the challenge. I think my favorite of the whole bunch here is #9. Is that a navy sweater, black pants, and navy boots? That outfit is so serene, yet interesting. 
  I wonder if you could wear leggings with your skirts and dresses? I just got some lightweight leggings to wear with my All Saints dress, and they really look like tights when worn, but should be more kitty-resistant. Mine are Gap Pure, and they don't have any outer seam, which makes them feel more like tights.

• carter replied 10 years ago

  I understand being bored with your standard silhouette. I'm right there with you. I tried on a ton of different combinations yesterday and took pictures of all. Hopefully this weekend I'll have a chance to look through them to see what worked and then find other options in my closet that work with the new formulas. FWIW, I think you look very different in each of these. The formula may be roughly the same, but the effect is fresh and different.

• Angie replied 10 years ago

  You did an excellent job of brightening up, Suz. Shades of white are magical, aren't they? I'm going with #1, #2 and #3 as my faves. But you look fabulous no matter what, Suz. 

• Eternity replied 10 years ago

  I love Saturday's outfit! That scarf is beautiful and the way you styled it looks really interesting. Thursday's also appeals to me - I love the white leather jacket and the boots look great.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Thank you all so much. 

  Christy, it is funny about that scarf. I actually have trouble making it work because it is such slippery silk, and just hit on this tying method by accident. But it works, so I think I will repeat it. 

  Angie, thank you - you remembered! Yes, I am trying to let some light/ bright in as well as not repeat for this month, so it's been a double challenge in a way. 

  Marcy, that's a great idea about some light leggings. Especially with the shorter dresses, it could work. I'll check that out. Gap is having a sale now. 

• Jewell replied 10 years ago

  Love 'em all! I especially like pics 3-5 because I seldom get to see dressy Suz. You look quite snazzy by the way!

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Ironic, isn't it, Jewell. I am dressy on other people's weekend! Saturday is when I wore my dressiest outfit! :)

• pil replied 10 years ago

  Your Danier jacket is such a star, Suz. And even though you were recently lamenting all black, I think 9 (though is that navy on top?) is my favorite. Gorgeous. As far as a tunic goes, maybe you haven't found the right length? I never thought I would wear one because of girth and lack of height, but I'm happy with the tunic sweater I bought recently.

• replied 10 years ago

  All I can say is that I hope to someday have a months' worth of great outfits! Well done.

• Aida replied 10 years ago

  I think you are doing a wonderful job Suz, especially loving the lightness you brought in for this week. I find for myself that changing silhouette is the most needed thing to keep me from feeling bored, which also ties closely with changing up proportions. You've also got a very consistent formula for a lot of these. Even if you are not changing the silhouette, doing things like not tucking here and there, is also a helpful type of change (#9 stands out to me for just this reason). I also very much approve of increasing your non-black bottoms selection :) And one last thing, I find that because I have to wear sweaters for so long, I really do need to add a couple in each season as a refresher and toss some that are a few years old. Just because they get worn SO MUCH. Small refreshers can go a long way in any long season.

• Angela K replied 10 years ago

  I really like the way you style your outfits! Numbers 1,2 5 & 7 are my favorites but you really look great on all of them. I do understand about getting bored with the same pieces. Sometimes a little something new, a scarf for instance, opens up a whole new world of styling options. For me that is both refreshing and challenging. i.e. "How many different ways can I combine this new item?" But really when you think about it that same challenge is always there with a twist: "How many ways can I wear this old item so it looks fresh and new?" In the end, I think that we all just crave something different! IMO Nothing wrong with liking variety!

• Jaime replied 10 years ago

  Well I just love you in the white tops and white belt. I understand that you are ready to shake it up but if you ever needed to rely on a casual uniform this would be a great choice. I think you are a creative person and now that your fashion muscles are in such good shape you want to try them out on new challenges. 

• Lisa replied 10 years ago

  I was just reviewing the responses.  If tunics don't work because they are too long, how about one of those curved hem sweaters?  They will be a tad shorter in the front and longer in the back.  But not as long as a tunic itself. This one has a shorter curved hem in front and a fun back.
  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ke.....n=category

  Also maybe a short sweater with a button down underneath if you want to keep sporting your shirts?

  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/le.....t&

  And to really mix things up, I like some of the bomber/sweaters I see lately.  If I was shopping in stores right now, I'd snatch up one of these.

  http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/ku.....Url=Crewne

• Sveta replied 10 years ago

  I think you did a great job (hey, we were almost twins with your #1 this week!)
  Nothing like white to brighten the gloomy days, isn't it?
  I wore white almost every day too - it is magic. The first two are my favorites!
  I am confused why you feel bored - not because you are doing the challenge, surely? Is this because you don't wear skirts and dresses much and pants feel pretty much similar? I do get one or two skirts into my week just to spice things up, it helps a lot with variety. Maybe you can consider black leggings instead of tights for your work at home days. Hue had wide waistband leggings I got last year which are incredibly comfortable - they may be a good home solution for dresses and skirts  - and they are kitty-proof! 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Wow, Lisa, those are great suggestions! I love the curved hem sweaters and those would absolutely work. I like that particular one, too, but it is only left in large. Maybe I will hunt one down. And you can now style others when you can't go shopping for yourself! 

  I actually had a bomber sweater in mind  a while ago from Club Monaco but decided against it for some reason. I might revisit that decision. 

  Sveta, I think it is true that wearing my dresses more would be smart. I can't really see myself curling up with my pencil skirts (my VC ones, yes, but not my Halogen ones with lining...and I put the VC ones away in winter because they are not warm enough, really...) but two of my dresses are easy to wear at home. Once again we get into the dark opaque leg thing, however....which is quite a heavy look for me with my colouring. Alas....

  In some ways, the more I learn, the tougher this self-styling thing becomes. But also more and more interesting! 

• Sveta replied 10 years ago

  I hear you on curling in pencil skirts! I think it is very difficult for me to grasp the whole "work from home" concept when I work at the office full time. When I curl I cannot work! Curling for me if connected with rest and relaxation so I need a stricter posture in order to get into a work mood and therefore strict clothing works for me. Weird, huh?

• E replied 10 years ago

  YLF in all of these! :) 6 is my very favourite, although I couldn't tell you precisely why. The colour of those stripes is so dreamy on you, and the raspberry shoes are wonderful, and then a bit of pattern mixing with the belt. Perfect!

  I was going to suggest leggings as a possible kitty/skirt solution too! I also think that since you wear a belt everyday, you should consider adding 1-2 more lighter belts to your closet: that white one does a great job at brightening outfits. And in addition to some colourful/patterned bottoms, give yourself permission to get a few more sweaters! I understand wanting a more minimal closet, but you should be happy with your clothes. :)

  Oh, I forgot to add the first time around, have you tried a tunic that covers your rear but leaves most of your leg exposed? So the eye doesn't see where your legs start? I think that's the best tunic length on me (also long torsoed and short legged), but I'm far from mastering tunics.

• Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

  You've been a master of the NoVember challenge!  2, 3/4/5 are my favorites.  I'm loving the light colors on you these days!

  I hear you on boredom, and on a desire for new silhouettes.  I'm saturated with pencil skirts now, and am really craving a little swing of fabric.

  For the holidays, I think I'll try working a little piece of holiday magic into even my at-home looks.  Just to keep it fresh!

• Marmee replied 10 years ago

  What a great week of outfits.  They all look great, but Friday's and Tuesday's are my favorites (perhaps I have a thing for stripes!)

• Vicki replied 10 years ago

  Let me first say that you don't look miserable in photo 6; you look spectacular in each no-repeat day.  I also love the cranberry/burgundy top on you and am smitten with the all-black outfit, too.  Speaking of leather jackets, I can't tell you how often I grab that Danier jacket and feel good every time it's on me.

  Now, I need you to explain all of this to me; I don't even understand what you mean when you have "only three dress in rotation."  Or, sweaters and shirts "in current rotation."  Are these seasonal items and only used, say, in colder weather?  So, are the dresses being "repeated" or not part of the "no repeat" challenge?

  Too many questions and you don't have to answer them, but I think it's just a matter of not repeating and having your pre-arranged line-up of clothing that will get you through.

  Suz, I think you really got to the point of it when you mentioned that it was the silhouette of an outfit that added to the challenge.  I found that out a day or two ago, when I jumped into my skinnies and knee-high boots and, while it was easy, it wasn't very exciting for me.  How to add that ease of dressing and excitement together is my current challenge.  

• Kristin L replied 10 years ago

  I think you've done very well. They all look great, but I think #1,7 and 8 are my favorites. 

• Karie replied 10 years ago

  You look fabulous in all of these outfits, and I have a particular like for anything involving those Sam Edelman booties. I agree with some of the other commenters, a cute pair of plaid pants is a great prescription for lifting your outfit boredom issues!

• Amy replied 10 years ago

  I can't believe how much variety you eke out of your small wardrobe. You are a master and mixing and matching. Very inspiring.