Reflections on my style, 2015 (Long)

Angie, thanks again for posting your reflections on your evolving style. I learn so much from hearing about your process and engaging in a bit of reflection of my own. And thanks to everyone else who has done the same; I've enjoyed reading about where you are in your fashion (and other) journeys.  

This will be long, so if you don't want to read, please do not. I like to write it all down to make better sense of it. 

2015 was a year of many changes for me. I quit my full time job, picked up additional contract work, and travelled to Israel, China, the west and east coasts of Canada, and to Iowa. I also made monthly shorter trips to places such as Toronto, Stratford, Montreal, Ottawa, and more. I went back to school as a (much older) student and as part of that arrangement I also returned part-time to teaching. I tried to continue with my creative work. I parented a teen (enough said!!). We also (quite suddenly) ended up caring for and housing another teen for several months -- one we do not know well and who has significant problems. He is living with us again temporarily as I write.  And this summer, my mother died in a matter of days following a brutal fall and knock to her head; I had to rush home from China to be with her. 

It has been a lot to bear, and to tell the truth, I wasn't able to put fashion at the top of my list. Luckily, my wardrobe was up to the challenge. 2015 was the "year of the working wardrobe" for me, thanks to YLF. I did edit, prune, shop, and augment my closet. But for months and months at a time I just enjoyed what I had and made it work together. Basically, I concentrated all shopping into about four short periods (for seasonal needs) and apart from that, didn't bother. 

On Deb's  recent post I noted that I made 47 purchases (not counting undies and gear or jewellery). I also retired 32 or 33 items. So while I haven't quite reached the point of one-in-one-out, it's clear that my wardrobe is finally assuming an appropriate size for my needs. (For those who are new, I've been on YLF for five years and have been building a wardrobe from the ground up after significant weight loss. I had to buy everything -- and I've had to develop a style persona as well. Obviously, I have made some mistakes and missteps on the way and have had to wait to make some purchases.)

I feel pretty good about the size and functionality of my closet and my evolving style. I have somewhere between 120 and 140 items for my 4 season climate (including coats and footwear) and that seems to be working quite well. I certainly don't need more; I could possible reduce a bit -- but I do enjoy this variety and nothing goes completely unworn (although obviously some pieces get less frequent wear). 

Here again are some of my favourite outfits and purchases for the year, in no particular order. 

Thanks, everyone, for your support and fashion advice over the past year! It's so great to come here to share the fun of a new purchase, the frustration of a fashion fail, or the joy of a tried and true combination that never lets me down. You are all inspirations! 

I'll be back tomorrow with some thoughts about where I might be headed in 2016! 

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

49 Comments

  • replied 8 years ago

    Suz, you're one in a million! I'm so sorry that you had so many difficult and sad times to handle this last year. I really don't know how you coped...I'm not sure I would have. On the positive side, I'm thrilled to hear of your career changes which sound great and these changes obviously brought with them differing wardrobe needs. You really knocked it out of the ball park style-wise IMO and rose to the occasion. I have loved each and every one of your outfits that you shared with us on YLF and the selection above is awesome!

    I hope that 2016 brings with it a bit more peace and happiness for you Suz. You rock!

  • replied 8 years ago

    Interesting read, Suz, and I am nodding along with much of what you say here.  You have a individual style, and one that is very suited to your  body, hair, face, etc.  It all works wonderfully together, and I don't think I've ever seen you in anything that really deviates from your authentic you. If you know what I mean.....

    That's all to say that you have this process down pat - or at least as "pat" as it gets for the average human ;)  I admire your carefully thought out purchases, and often envy your analytical ability when it comes to clothes. You are my polar opposite in those two ways - and maybe that's why we clicked so well !  Let's put the lid on 2015 and use those experiences and changes to march into 2016 with new vigour.  Happy New Year to you and your family!

  • LACeleste replied 8 years ago

    Echoing what Diane said.  I find your style truly inspiring ( i have shamelessly copied 9, 10, and 11) and admire the tremendous grace that you have while dealing with life's challenges.

    I appreciate how much you share with the forum Suz.  You are a class act!

    Wishing you the best of health and happiness in 2016!

  • shedev replied 8 years ago

    All of your outfits are A+s. You were really in a good place with your wardrobe needs. My hope for you is that for every tough minutes of 2015 , you have two joyful minutes in 2016.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Suz, you are a treasure to your family, friends and this forum. THANK YOU for being the wonderful and amazing person that you are. To  know you is to adore you. 

    GOODBYE 2015. May 2016 be a WHOLE lot better for you and your family. 

    As I said in my best outfits of 2015 thread, despite your hard year, you have never looked better. You put in the work and have reaped the reward. The more you are in tune with your preferences, needs and emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is effortless, authentic and makes you feel fabulous. You've listened to and learned from your emotions over the last five years - organized them - and the killer results are proof of your stellar efforts. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. Well done, sweet lady. You are beautiful inside and out. 

  • Joy replied 8 years ago

    What Diane said so well. You make dressing a creative process and each outfit looks totally yours. I especially like you in blue as in 7 and 12, but you can wear dramatic beautifully without one seeing the clothes before seeing you, as in your black and white outfits. I can't wait to read the next installment...2016 thoughts.

  • replied 8 years ago

    Beautiful and stylish throughout a very difficult year -- well done!  We joke about "retail therapy," but I'm a firm believer that taking care of yourself and your appearance is strong medicine against life's blows.  I wish you a peaceful and rewarding 2016, Suz.

  • Elle replied 8 years ago

    It sounds like you've had an incredibly challenging year with some wonderful changes and some difficult ones. I'm very sorry about the loss of your mother.  

    Best wishes for 2016 - hope it is a good and peaceful year for you.

    You seem to have really nailed your style - I love your  combination of practicality and fun and always enjoy your analytical comments on the forum.
     
    PS.  My favorite is #7 - you look great in blue and I love the playfulness of that top.

  • kkards replied 8 years ago

    Wow, what a year you had! I'm overwhelmed just reading about it!
    You may not have made fashion a priority the 2015, but your style shined thru.
    Wishing you joy and peace for 2016.

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    May this be a better year for you and yours, Suz.

  • SecretSquirrel replied 8 years ago

    I would just like to wish you and your family a happy 2016, Suz.

  • JAileen replied 8 years ago

    I love your style. I'm sorry you had a difficult year. I also appreciate your generosity in comments to all.

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

    Thank you for sharing your ups and downs with us, Suz. You've looked wonderful throughout. To me, YLF is a bit of a respite from the demands of everyday life and I hope it is for you as well. You put in more than most here and are much appreciated. I hope you get that appreciation in the other corners of your existence as well.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Thank you all so much for your very kind comments. You know, I would especially like those new to the forum to know that even if you feel like your style is never going to come together, it will, it will! I really despaired my first few years on the forum sometimes...I didn't have the resources or the "magic" to make it happen all at once. Even now when I looked back at this year's outfits to pick my faves, there were an awful lot I did not love...but on reflection, that was more a function of style evolution than the outfits themselves, I think. Or unflattering photos. :) 

    Angie, I really do think this "listening to our feelings" is a great bit of advice. (As usual, you express it so well!)  I'm going to talk a bit more about that in tomorrow's post. :) 

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    I believe all that was really really hard to cope with, Suz, but it is such a relief to have a great working wardrobe for periods like that, isn't it! Thanx for posting this analytic and meaningful post,  I and can't wait to read about your plans for 2016.
    Wish you a Happy New Year, to be one of your bests ever! Hugs:-).

  • chouette22 replied 8 years ago

    Happy New Year Suz! You are always inspiring me with your outfits and thoughtfulness and I always enjoy your posts. 2015 was a hard year for you and I really hope that the new one may be better for you and your family. 

    By the way, as a direct influence, I also bought the Linden booties and they are absolutely perfect! So comfortable, the exactly right heel height for me, and really a good-looking and modern shape. Thank you!

    I am sure your students enjoy looking at your wonderful outfits when you teach! Several of my students mentioned this again during the last semester and it always makes me smile. One young woman said recently that she is always curious to find out what I am wearing on our class days and I love that our efforts get appreciated. 

  • Lyn D. replied 8 years ago

    Suz, all your outfits pictured are fantastic, especially the black and white in #6 and 9!

    I hope you have  a more predictable and easier 2016.

  • Alassë replied 8 years ago

    Suz, I'm glad your wardrobe functioned well for you during this difficult year. I wish you a much better year in 2016. I also want to thank you for being a cornerstone of this forum. You take the time to comment on so many threads, always thoughtfully. Thank you!

  • unfrumped replied 8 years ago

    What a year. It's almost overwhelming to see it re-capped. You've been on a huge journey.
    Still am in awe of your outfit-making abilities and great choices.

  • replied 8 years ago

    J'aime beaucoup vos tenues bravos

  • Helena replied 8 years ago

    Suz, sorry you've had such a tough year ... onwards and upwards for 2016! You look fantastic in every outfit. Happy New Year! (it's been a while!)

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    You not only listened to your feelings, Suz - you organized them and followed through on them. THAT is why you are where you are with your wardrobe and style. 

  • dakotacheryl replied 8 years ago

    Thanks for sharing...somehow, I missed that you also lost your mother in a matter of a few days, as did I back in March...I'm so sorry for your loss.

    That being said, as much as I love the clothes in your photos here, it's your smile that draws me in to each and every photo!!

  • Cococat replied 8 years ago

    Suz, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother, and my very best wishes for 2016.

    I very much enjoy your outfit posts. You always seem to have it together and as dakotacheryl said, your smile is so infectious! It's great to hear that your analytical type approach to your wardrobe is so successful and has allowed you to focus on other challenges in your life. Very inspiring!

  • carter replied 8 years ago

    What a year you've had. I knew you had lost your mom, but I didn't know it was so sudden and unexpected. So sorry. Good for you for providing a safe place to land for a troubled teen.

    You look stunning in all these photos. The black and white dress...O.M.G! Insanely fab on you. Your wardrobe feels tight and precise to me...like each piece is intentional and is there to earn it's keep. This is where I want to be.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Oh Suz, what a rough year, but I have to agree you have never looked better! Caring for a troubled teen (or goodness knows any teen) is so challenging, and along with your mother's sudden death and your career change it is amazing you have come up smelling/looking like roses. You are a true delight and I hope 2016 is less "interesting times" and more smooth sailing. And, of course, I hope we meet again in 2016!

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    You should feel a great sense of accomplishment --- you have taken on many challenges and embraced experiences that were sometimes beautiful and sometimes hugely difficult.  Your year has been full of sudden command performances and also of intricate improvisations.  I hope you can build on these experiences in the coming year, making time for rest and just "being," too!  

    Through it all, your style has been easy, polished and full of interest.  You are utilizing color beautifully -- and, as a result you look radiant and rested, even if you are often craving a nap!  Your current style is perfect for teaching as well -- modern and interesting, but still unfussy and relaxed.

    I love the way you made H&M work for you this year!

  • Deborah replied 8 years ago

    Suz, firstly I had no idea that 2015 had been a year full of such challenge. Clearly you have navigated those times with incredible grace and thoughtfulness.  

    How wonderful that your wardrobe has worked so brilliantly for you during times when it wasn't the foremost thing on your mind.  I think you have developed a very authentic and true to you style and each evolution is now almost organic in how it occurs.  

    All the very best for 2016 and I am looking forward to the next 12 months with you xxx

  • CocoLion replied 8 years ago

    Suz, I'm really sorry about the loss of your Mom.  Even though everyone dies, and even though death can seem like a relief, especially when there's a long drawn out illness or decline -- it's never easy is it.  It is work, like dealing with the bureaucracy of death, or sorting through a lifetime of possessions.  Then there are the feelings to deal with.  If the death is sudden or premature, there's the feeling of injustice and anger.  If the person was in your daily life, it leaves a hole and so much loss.  Kind of hard to express these things accurately I am sure you would phrase it better.

    The wardrobe I aim for will serve me during the most stressful times.  It will have items I can easily combine into outfits that make me feel great even when I'm in a hurry.  It will have quality pieces that flatter even when I'm not feeling great about my body or appearance.  It looks like you have that wardrobe.  You look stylish while friendly and approachable.  Well done!

  • Gigi replied 8 years ago

    Well done, Suz! I'm sorry to hear about your mom; I must not have been following the forum when that happened, because this is the first I have heard about it, I believe.

    Your style is really fabulous! I love the Danier pink jacket outfit, and you look stellar in the black-and-white combos. All of your outfits have some kind of movement to them, something interesting that brings energy to the viewer. Not sure what to call it. :)

    I tried those BR crop flares today when at the mall. For the life of me, I couldn't get them to work! Something about the sizing was different from usual. I'm glad that they worked on you; you look amazing in them.

  • Summer replied 8 years ago

    Suz, you have had a whirlwind of a year, dominated, I imagine, by the loss of your dear mom.  I'm so sorry for your loss.

    I have been following your style journey almost from the beginning, and what a journey it's been.  You've put so much time, thought and effort into your style, and have taken on board the ideas and  advice from Angie and many wise forum members, as well as following your own instincts. I, for one have learnt a great deal from your posts, having similar wardrobe needs (although mine are a little simpler).  It's wonderful to know that your wardrobe is working so well and so beautifully for you.  Here's to a great 2016!   

  • harmonica replied 8 years ago

    Suz, I'm so sorry to hear about your troubled year. Two teens, the loss of your mother, changing career etc. -- that's a lot! My father always says that "life comes in bananas", meaning that one wave never comes alone but rather in a cluster. On the positive side, you and your wardrobe worked really well together and it sounds like dressing did not drain you for the much needed energy.

    I always love reading your posts and comments because you have a way for analyzing and really hitting the nail. I also feel kind that we are kind of climate twins. And I love to hear about your work and how you access your style to your different needs as a writer.  
     
    I wish you and your family all the best for 2016! <3

  • replied 8 years ago

    Oh goodness, Suz, you have survived and thrived in a year of soaring ups (brought about through lots of hard work, planning and leaps of faith) and most challenging downs. You have amazing resilience. As Angie and others said, you're an inspiring presence on the forum, but your ability to be that presence amid such challenges...well, that goes beyond inspiring into something so amazing that I can't find words.

    I remember 'plonking' (to use a MsMaryism) over each of the looks you've posted here. But especially the black and white numbers in 6 and 9. That shoulder line works beautifully on you.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Thank you all so much for your kind comments. I'm in tears, reading your warm remarks. I will come back a bit later to comment some more. Warm wishes to all in the meantime. 

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Suz, 2015 was quite the year of changes and challenges for you. I do hope 2016 will be a bit more smooth sailing for you. Your wardrobe is in a good place and it sounds like you have a nice amount of variety. It's interesting to note how when we're fussier at the point of purchase, how un-fussy our wardrobe becomes later on. 

    Out of the outfits you posted, my favorites are those containing white, whether in small or large amounts. It just brightens you up a bit and you look fantastic.

    So onward to 2016 we go...and we simply must get together this summer when I am in Sackets Harbor!

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    I'm so sorry for everything you've been through this year. I hope 2016 is a better year for you. I especially like outfits 5, 6, and 8.

  • Sveta replied 8 years ago

    It was a challenging and stressful year for you Suz but my word, didn't you look stylish and confident all through it?! You are a true inspiration to me (in more that just style aspect) and I really admire how you are able to look so awesome working from home and staying true both to your style and life style!
    I hope 2016 is a calmer year for you and and you reach all your goals and dreams! Too bad we could not make it happen to get together in 2015, let's work on it in 2016!
    Was picture #3 taken in Stratford? :-) I think it is my favorite because this girl which always said she cannot wear pink suddenly rock it with the best of them! :-)
    Happy New Year once again, Suz!

  • Brooklyn replied 8 years ago

    I am very sorry about your mum and the rough year that you have had.
    I love all the contributions you make to this forum (comments and outfits). You are a class act :)

  • Elizabeth P replied 8 years ago

    I know 2015 was a rough year for you Suz, but boy oh boy, did you ever come through it looking good!  Truly a testament to the hard work you've put in. And through it all you continued to provide thoughtful comments on so, so many posts.  You really are an amazing person, and asset to this forum.  May 2016 be easier on you!  And hoping that maybe WE can meet sometime this year. 

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    Ohmigosh. I feel so gratified you have achieved the wardrobe rebuild. I think it's because I just remember when I became type 1 diabetic and lost so much weight in just a few weeks and couldn't even go out to shop. My clothes would just fall off! Omg. Lol. It's like the greatest joy having things to wear and being able to leave the house. Lol.

    Ok. So I wanted to rave about how much I love that first top... But then I clicked thru and all the outfits are fantastic!

  • Eliza replied 8 years ago

    Suz- the parallels between how you tackled your wardrobe needs and fashion directions and how you navigated this most challenging of years are interesting. Your solid foundations have served you well. Throughout it all, your inclination to reach out to fellow YLFers with support and insight whenever possible was remarkable. 

    I agree with others: your style is an inspiration, but most importantly, it works for you. You look happy in many of your outfits and the way you use color and silhouette to elevate your looks is palpable. 

    I wish you and your family a wonderful 2016, with space for enjoying and re-grouping. You have accomplished so much, given yourself to others and carried on, even as you grieve. That's a lot.  Thank you for all contribute here. 

  • Ginger Tea replied 8 years ago

    Wow, what a busy and stressful year! I must say you looked beautiful while coping with all your busyness.

    While I like all the outfits you posted, my favorite is the dress in #5. You look playful, elegant, and cool (temp-wise).

  • Vicki replied 8 years ago

    Oh, my, I know your post is from last week, and late or not, I just had to say that you are inspiration in so many ways.  You conduct your life with such grace and poise and then there's your style, which I have been inspired to copy so many times, Suz.

    You have such strength, resilience and stamina and I admire all that you've done, are and continue to be as we see you here on these wonderful pages of YLF.  Sending you hugs from afar and condolences in the loss of your mother.

    As for those favorite outfits of yours, I have way too many favorites to even select one.  You know your personal style and it shows!

  • anne replied 8 years ago

    I'm glad Vicki posted, because it made me realize that I hadn't either, though in my case I read this post last week. While I knew some details about your hard year, I hadn't picked up on your having another teenager in the house etc - that does sound tough.

    Your wardrobe was clearly in a great place and allowed you to look great while coasting a little this year.

    And as a chronic under-buyer, I am rather awed that you still managed to buy 46-7 items in a year!

  • Caro in Oz replied 8 years ago

    I missed this last week too.

    So sorry about your mom Suz. Sometimes it's harder when it is sudden. 

    Well done for dealing with an extra teen too - eek!!

    I hope 2016 is your best year yet. 

  • Bijou replied 8 years ago

    Wow - I have always loved reading your posts and been amazed at what a wonderful person you are.  This post just takes that admiration up 100 times.  Not only do you look fab, you are a fab person through and through.  Hoping 2016 is a good year for you and your family.

  • Helen11 replied 8 years ago

    Thanks Suz, for being you. Generous, thoughtful and kind. 2015 was certainly a rough year. I wish you and your family a happier 2016.

  • viva replied 8 years ago

    What a year, Suz. I echo all when I say Yay you! for braving it all so beautifully. I'm so interested to see where you envision your style heading, because it almost sounds like you could say, "okay, I've got this covered; all set over here!" Will you continue to evolve? Will you continue to buy? I'm so interested to hear more.

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    I also thought I had commented on this, and just realised that I failed to do so. Thanks for sharing your year with us- phew - what a challenge. It sounds like a mix of the best and worst times.

    Your closet is in great shape, you look terrific and it is a relief when times are hard to be able to pull from a well curated wardrobe with our FFBO. I first found YLF two years ago although it took me a bit longer to sign up and become active here. Your style has evolved during this time-I love the bolder patterns you are introducing and the silhouette variety. I especially love your silk dress that you pounced on- you look beautiful in it!

    Thank you for being such an inspirational woman.

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