Oh boy. No one wants to write a blog post like this. Hahaha! I really aim to be an encourager here in this space. I love to encourage women to get dressed for their days, to keep showing up and engaging with the world around them…even as we all get a little older. And I enjoy encouraging women to keep putting the effort in and trying to look modern, current. All that cheering you on may make it seem like I’m perfect at all of this myself. But it’s important to me that you know that, while I encourage you to be your best, I’m not at all perfect. I make fashion mistakes and purchases I regret, too. So today I’m getting real about my most regrettable fashion purchases in 2024.
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You’ll notice that most if not all of these regrettable purchases are indeed things I shared here on Dressed for My Day. The good news is that I still stand behind all of them. These are, without exception, beautiful garments, well-made and stylish. But they simply turned out to be items that didn’t work well for me. I’ll share a little more about each item and why I regret purchasing it, but please understand that I am not saying that any of these are “bad.” They just weren’t my wisest purchases.
I’m sharing links to any items that are still available, and I’ll also link you back to the original blog post so you can check out other items you may see in the photographs and be interested in. What didn’t work for me could certainly still work for you…if you’re interested. In fact, most of the ones that are available are marked down considerably now.
One more note before we start. I only included items that I actually purchased with my own money, not gifted items that I received from sponsors.
Claret Wide Leg Pants
I think I was originally drawn to the beautifully pigmented color of these claret wide leg pants from Madewell. And they are indeed comfortable. But…
I just don’t reach for them. I think the length is quite limiting for me. Remember, I’m 5’8″, so the length works for me with these flat sneakers. But I can’t wear any kind of heel with these pants at all. When I purchased them I had envisioned wearing them like the model on the website shows them…with heeled boots or mules. But either she is shorter than me or she’s wearing a tall. I really should have returned them when I realized that the length wasn’t what I preferred. Or better yet, I should have paid attention to the inseam when I was looking at them on the website. I know that I need a 29″ inseam for an ankle length pant and at least a 31″ inseam to wear with heels.
Lesson learned: pay attention to details like rise, inseam, leg opening measurements, as well as fabric content when shopping for clothes online.
Cinq à Sept Faux Leather Red Jacket
Okay, here’s an exception to what I stated earlier. I did not spend my cash for this faux leather Cinq à Sept jacket. I spent hundreds of dollars in precious Nordy notes! Ugh. That’s almost worse! Yes, this faux leather puffed sleeve jacket is still in my closet. And maybe I’ll actually wear it more this spring, but…
I just didn’t wear it much at all this fall. Like maybe once. Like, yeah, this may have been the one day I wore it. I do think it’s very stylish and smart looking. I love red. And I think I styled it nicely above. But every time I considered wearing it again, it just looked a little too “precious” for me. I tend to like leaner lines, more simplicity. But maybe I just need to work with this one a little more. What do you think?
Lesson learned: beware impulse purchases. Yes, I bought this jacket on a whim. I hadn’t taken the time to consider how it would work in my wardrobe or lifestyle.
Waisted Vest in Yarn Dyed Plaid
I do indeed love the idea of a button-up vest. They’ve been growing in popularity over the past three years and finally showed up in all of our favorite stores this fall. But…
This waisted vest in yarn dyed plaid from Madewell was never worn again after this day that I wore it to church. I think it just doesn’t “feel” like me. Every time I looked at it and considered wearing it, I just didn’t want to. So I ended up donating it to Dress for Success, hopeful that someone trying to get on her feet could get more mileage out of it that I would.
Lesson learned: you can like a trend and appreciate it without incorporating it into your own wardrobe. I actually do love button-front vests, and I think they look smart and fun on other women. But I don’t have to own and wear one. So I’m trying to be more discriminating about what I add to my wardrobe.
Warm Blush Blazer
Now I actually do love this warm blush blazer from Talbots. It’s well made, has a beautiful silhouette (slightly oversized, but still flattering) and is a really pretty color. And I think I styled it very nicely for this blog post – two ways, in fact! But…
I just didn’t wear it this fall. Yeah, it was an early fall purchase. And I should have known better. While I enjoy wearing this color of pink in spring and summer, I’m not prone to wear it in fall or winter. I just prefer different colors for the cooler seasons. I would definitely give this one another try this spring and summer, but I’ve already passed it on to Dress for Success, too.
Lesson learned: I’m a proponent of a limited color palette because that’s how I enjoy managing my wardrobe. So I should stick to those colors for those seasons. I’m just someone who likes to really shift gears each season. So with that knowledge, I need to purchase accordingly.
Faherty Portia Top
I think this outfit looks so fun and comfortable and even pretty. And I absolutely still love my Faherty cotton blend pants (similar to these). But…
I never reached for that Faherty Portia top again. Why? I think for a couple of reasons. One, I don’t usually do pullover tops like this. I just find them hard to get on and off. That’s just me. But second I think the print scared me off. I’m pretty careful about wearing prints these days. And while this one doesn’t necessarily look old or frumpy or out of date, it just doesn’t look all that appealing to me either. Again, I think this is more about me feeling little nervous about wearing it. If I were to see someone wearing this exact outfit out and about, I’d think she looked darling in it.
Lesson learned: to thine own self be true.
Odette scallop tank and Maren kick flare pants
I think this was one of the first things I ever purchased from Spartina449. I love the brand, but honestly not all of their clothes are really my personal style. They’re beautiful and well-made and feminine, but again, some of their styles are a little too precious for me. I got lots of compliments on this outfit when I showed it, especially on Instagram, but…
I just never felt comfortable putting this outfit on to, say, go out to dinner or go to church, etc. I think I might would have worn it to a bridal shower or birthday party if I’d had one to attend. But I never needed to wear patterned peach pants and an embroidered floral cotton top to anything. Know what I mean?
Lesson learned: It’s okay to experiment with new styles, but be prepared for the results of the experiment to go either way. Ha!
Elena Shirtdress
Okay, here’s a “regrettable purchase” that is actually still in my closet. Like the red faux leather jacket above I’m hoping that I can get more wear out of this Elena cotton shirtdress in the summer. As I stated in the blog post where I showed this pretty white dress, I do indeed believe we can wear white dresses with confidence. But…
I don’t think I ever wore this one again after showing it here. Why not? Honestly, I think it’s because I turned right around and purchased the off-white Colette wrap midi dress shown in this blog post the very next day. I don’t have enough opportunities to wear dresses like these at it is, so I certainly didn’t need both of these. I just loved them so much. Ha! I ended up wearing the off-white dress several times. But I’ve kept both in my closet for this next year, so I hope to get more wear out of both.
By the way, I notice they still have this shirtdress on the J.Crew website, and they also have it in black. Hold me back! You know I love a black dress.
Lesson learned: don’t by duplicates! You can only wear one thing at a time, so you only really need one…usually.
Annora linen dress
Here’s another brand that I have an interesting relationship with. I do indeed love J.McLaughlin, but not all of their clothes are really my cup of tea. Sometimes it’s a fine line, too. The Annora linen dress below feels great and wears well, but…
This print just really isn’t me. Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t mind showing up in this very outfit on any given warm day. But it’s just not a favorite. And at this point I don’t need dresses that I don’t just love.
Lesson learned: be very careful about purchasing prints. More than likely you will tire of them much more quickly than you do solids.
Willow Linen Jacket
I actually purchased the Annora linen dress above and the Willow linen jacket below on the same day. You know I love me some linen! But…
I already have other linen jackets, and this one doesn’t fit me especially well in the arms. And you know what? I take full responsibility for purchasing these two pieces, but I had no intention of doing so until the sales associate told me how great they looked on me. Hmmm. So…
Lesson learned: again, beware of impulse purchases. Don’t let anyone, even a sales associate, talk you into something you don’t really need or have a plan for in your wardrobe.
Smocked Blouse
When I look at the photo below I see a woman wearing a pretty outfit. There’s nothing wrong with this look in my opinion. The colors in the blouse are pretty and work nicely with my coloring and eyes. But…
I knew when I purchased this blouse that I would regret it. I purchased the same blouse from Talbots several years ago (shown here in 2019) in different colors. And the same thing happened that time, too: I just didn’t wear it. Yeah, I’ve decided I have a bit of a problem with prints. I gravitate to them, but I tire of them very quickly. Either that or I just don’t feel comfortable in them. Then again, I absolutely love this print shirt from this past summer and will definitely wear it again in 2025. So maybe I just need to select them more carefully.
Lesson learned: be very careful when purchasing prints. I’m still working on figuring this one out, but obviously I need to proceed cautiously…if at all.
Ribbed Striped Henley Top
I’m a big fan of stripes. And I rarely mess up with those. Unlike prints, stripes tend to keep their appeal longer in my estimation. So it’s not the stripes in this Henley top from Talbots that messed me up. But…
This time the quality got me. Look, I’m a Talbots fan through and through. But every so often I do come across something from even my most favorite stores that just doesn’t hold up. This Henley tee just never felt great on. I assumed, when I showed this outfit, that it was because the top was new and needed to be broken in a bit. But the shoulders always sat up off my shoulder, the sleeves were too long and the top just didn’t fit well on my body.
I think that most brands are doing the best they can to keep producing clothing that their loyal shoppers will like and enjoy wearing. But the truth is that manufacturing costs have skyrocketed in recent years. So, if they’re going to keep their offerings at the prices we like to pay, they sometimes do have to fudge somewhere. I think it’s up to the consumers to decide the direction of these brands. We send them a signal with our purchases. If we purchase things of lesser quality, they’ll keep making them. But when they offer higher quality items and we don’t buy them – because we decide they’re too expensive – then we also send them a message. We indicate that we’re not going to pay those prices, so they once again have to cut back somewhere to get their inventory at a price we’ll pay. See the conundrum?
Lesson learned: we get what you pay for. Manufacturing, shipping and supply prices have gone up, so if we want the same quality we’re accustomed to, we may have to pay more.
Wide Leg Jeans
Well, we’re kind of coming full circle here. I purchased these wide leg jeans because I wanted to like them. But I know that generally Talbots wide leg and bootcut jeans do not work for me because the length is not long enough for my 5’8″ frame. And here’s another thing I’ve learned. Most every woman can wear bootcut or wide leg jeans, truly. But…
Not all wide leg jeans are created equal. It really is all in the silhouette of those jeans. Depending on your body shape and proportions, you’ll look better in mid rise or high rise jeans. I need a high rise and a fairly long inseam. So I can enjoy wearing wide leg jeans (and I do!) but I need to choose them carefully. These just turned out to be the wrong rise and inseam for me.
Lesson learned: most every woman can wear wide leg jeans, but you do need to find the right ones for you. Jeans are all very unique, just like each woman. So we have to be prepared to try on a lot of jeans, learn the brands that work best for us, and pay attention to those measurements when shopping.
Well, that wasn’t too painful after all. Ha! I’m always learning, just like most of my readers. And I have far more purchases I’m pleased with than regrettable ones. So that’s something! In fact, tomorrow I’ll share my 24 favorite outfits of 2024, and later I’ll be sharing my favorite fashion purchases of the year, too. ‘Tis the season!
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Blessed for My Day
“For all the people…” If that’s not one of your favorite phrases in the biblical account of the Christmas story, it definitely should be. The fact that the shepherds were the first ones told about the birth of Messiah is amazingly significant. These were outcasts, stinky men, lonely and looked down upon. But the angels appeared to them, heralded the birth of Christ and then actually invited, no, urged them to go and see the babe lying in the manger.
Today the Holy Spirit continues to beckon us to come to Messiah. In fact, until or unless we quench His voice by refusing over and over, the Spirit implores each and every person to come and see the One who loves them so. Jesus was born for all people. You and me, surely. But also the grouchy neighbor, the child who kicks the back of your church pew each week, the hardened criminal and the waitress who served your table recently. Praise the Lord, He is Emmanuel, born for all the people.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ~ Luke 2:8-11
Wow Kay, I was not expecting that many mistakes when I opened the post! Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I remember some of these thru the year and at the time thinking, hm, this is different for Kay! Christmas blessings to you.
I agree with you about most of these things, especially the red faux leather jacket! I still love the blush jacket and I consider it more of a spring color. Thanks for sharing your mistakes because I lean from them!
learn from then!
Haha you were right the first time. And I agree with you and thought the red jacket especially was an out of character choice. Same with some of those prints.
Hi and thank you! This post was oh, so helpful! I especially appreciated the comments on fit…I am 5’9″ and find a 32.5″ inseam works best for me (my height is in my legs). “Settling” for a garment when the fit is not for me is always a “mistake waiting to happen” for me! Any coaching you can provide us on fit compromise (or not), interpreting comments from sales staff on whether a garment works for you, and how to just walk away because “we can do better…” in the next year would be so helpful! I think we’re all at a point in life where less is more…but our individual figure/stature challenges are not always addressed in the marketplace. Helping us to take advantage of what IS available to create the long-lived wardrobe that helps us “Dress for Our Day” would be super-helpful! Thank you!
What you call :precious” I call “cutesy” and I think at my age I need to watch my choices of “cutesy” and opt for “classic.” Thanks for sharing. I remember seeing a few of those as original posts and thinking, “I don’t think so!” Merry Christmas!
Hi Kay!
I, for one, I’m really thankful that you share some of your “dressed for my day” regrets. We all know it’s not a perfect science and I love that we can learn from each other. Thanks for sharing and happiest of holidays to you and yours!!
Couldn’t we all make a “mistake” post? lol. Just last evening I folded up a recent purchase of jeans and sweater for donation. When I saw the title of your post, my mind immediately went to the red jacket. Sorry, but the fit, the ruffle, the sleeve length are not your style. You asked for our thoughts. I have pretty much eliminated prints for the same reasons you mentioned. Thinking you may love your F & E print blouse because it’s tailored. The others were as you said, “too precious.” This was a fun , real post. Loved it! Some lady will so appreciate wearing your donations. Merry Christmas!
This post is very helpful! We all make clothing purchases that don’t work out and it’s helpful to see some of the reasons. I do love the floral print smocked blouse from Talbots and had to have it after I saw how pretty it was on you! Hopefully I’ll pull it back out next spring. Merry Christmas! It’s fun following you and I loved your Christmas message!
Kay, this is one of my favorite posts from DFMD. It is comforting to know that even professional fashion teachers/ influencers like you make mistakes. I make my share of unwise purchases too. It’s frustrating because even after having fit and personal style forefront in my mind, sometimes I come home with clothes that just aren’t for me. All the clothes purchases you regret look good on you. However, it really is all about how clothes make us feel. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty!
Thank you for sharing this post. Impulse buying seems to be a common thread. Thanks for the tips on how not to do this. Thanks again. Blessings, Kaye in Salem, VA
As I age I find myself in the same conundrum when it comes to prints. I am drawn to them, but have to step back and remember that I’m not 40 years old anymore – and haven’t been for quite some time! But what about animal prints? I have always gravitated toward them, but notice that while they look adorable on younger women, on older women they can look as if they’re “trying too hard”. ! Does that make sense?
Yeah, I’ve found myself not wanting to buy as much animal print as I did just 4-6 years ago when it was last trending. I’m not sure if it’s age or I’m just still a little tired of it.
Good morning, Kay! Thanks for addressing your mistake purchased this year. We all do no matter how careful we try to be. While these were lovely items they didn’t all fit your classic style. Some were too Bohemian in style and print, too “stiff” looking (plaid vest), not quite right color or fit. Stick to your updated classics without veering too far into another style. Sometimes it’s a fine line there.
Man! I need to do this myself. Ugh! I absolutely LOVE your red jacket! 😍 So beautiful and looks awesome on you! Hopefully you will find days to wear it again. Glad you are getting a little bit of down time.
Thank you, Kay, for this post. It was so helpful. I’m like you, if it’s uncomfortable or just isn’t my true self, I won’t wear it. You have taught me so much about fit & personal style. Keep up the great work! You are such a delight.
Enjoyed this post, Kay. I remember most of these items you presented in 2024 and that I thought at the time, that’s not quite your usual style. I think you’re on the right track with avoiding “precious/cutesy” items. The plaid vest feels way too masculine for your style and I wonder if the prints you dislike are just too high a contrast level for you. The importance of contrast level is one of the major things I learned from you this year. Merry Christmas and Happy 2025!
Ahh, that’s a good point about those prints. They are a high contrast with the white jeans, which is still the only thing I’d wear them with. But my Frank & Eileen print shirt is a low contrast in intensity with the denim jeans I like to wear with it. Good observation. Thanks!
Thanks for your honesty and tips to remind us to shop what we like not what others like. I love the red jacket and thought of purchasing it but have 3 red blazers, etc and the only thing I didn’t like was the short sleeves. Thought it would not be worn enough. I think you should try it again in the Spring and Summer with the short sleeves. Looked great on you! The blush blazer, I thought about too, but already have one and I too think is a Spring color. I do not like smocked tops on me. Maybe this is your issue on why you did not care for it.Looking forward to your best of 2024! Merry Christmas.
It took courage to write this post, so kudos to you. I woke up this morning feeling stressed because I had a super busy schedule today. Then I saw the title of your post and it made me smile, and sort of lightened up my anxiety. I loved the post, especially “why” you felt certain things did not work. You made some great points, and as usual, I can apply the lessons learned to my own wardrobe choices.
Of course everyone’s style is so different, but lately I get riled at the idea that we have “A STYLE”. I know it makes life easy to gravitate towards one “way of dressing” yet my thoughts go to the idea that we have many emotions and many traits to our personality. So I like to think that my style could go from professional to feminine to edgy all in one week. I know that’s the opposite of what many stylists promote, but I guess I’m a rebel at heart.
Just last week, I shared this lacy, Italian made turtleneck that one of my friends influenced me to buy. And I didn’t wear it for years. Until recently. I’ve found myself reaching for it more and more lately because I’ve been trying new ways to style my clothes.
And in my email, I was telling the story about this turtleneck and sharing with my readers how sometimes it’s good to be pushed out of our comfort zone, otherwise we never evolve. Another friend replied that sometimes we have to “grow” into the clothes we buy because we liked them, but sometimes aren’t ready for them.
Then there’s the problem with having room for everything, right?
So I totally understand this post. Of course I hope you find ways to wear that red leather jacket. It is not only unique but a dichotomy of style in and of itself. The leather makes it edgy, while the puff sleeves give it more of a feminine vibe. It’s like a two in one.
OXOX
Jodie
Oh thanks so much for this post! I also have an issue with prints. I buy something that I think looks really cute and then I never end up wearing it!
Hi Kay! Most of these outfits look wonderful on you! Why not DYE one of your white dresses black? That would solve your problem! I agree the pink patterned pants and white embroidered top are a bit over the top cutesy for you.
Thank you for sharing Kaye! We all make clothing purchases we regret! I only buy “cute” at Christmas but I love feminine fluffy clothes on other people but not myself. I try to pass my clothes on or sell so someone else can enjoy my purchase mistakes. Have a blessed holiday!
I loved your red leather jacket when you showed it! I even looked it up to purchase and was thrilled it came in black but the price tag scared me off. 😬 I think you look great in color! I bet you could do a whole episode on different ways to style it, just like you would a denim jacket. Jeans, white , black, navy, gray slacks, a cute small print dress… don’t give up on your beautiful jacket! It has a lot of potential.
I agree with all your regrets except the blue floral smocked blouse. I think the outfit is gorgeous on you. I didn’t like the red jacket when you showed it the first time. The pink blazer is gorgeous, but all the wrinkles on the sleeves would have been a no for me. The first dress just seems like a lot of material below the waist but the other one looked really nice. Thank you for all you do!!
Prints are tricky and often do read “old” I love the pink jackets but it says spring to me. Now, I need to do the same. Thanks.
Hi Kay,
Thank you so much for this post. I was nodding along with you as I read it. I also have items in my closet that have never been quite right, and I can’t put my finger on why not. Especially expensive ones. One of my style angles is feminine, but I’ve now added the proviso, “but not fussy”. Your description and examples of precious clothing has helped me to refine what I mean by fussy. And I’ve gotten a lot better at taking a piece of clothing home, trying it on with everything else I have to wear with it and taking pictures. It’s amazing how often the pictures say, “no” and I return it. Prints are tricky, and you’re right, a high degree of caution is needed.
Many thanks for all you do! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2025.
Kathleen
I really appreciated your post today. Even though I try to evaluate the clothes I buy, sometimes I make mistakes. I wish I were in your area. I love the ivory jacket! Have you notice all the leisure clothing for sale? I like them alot, but I don’t feel dressed for the day in leisure clothing.
Hi Kay,
Thank you for your timely blog during this busy holiday season!
I’m smiling since I ordered a festive sweatshirt last night as the Talbots’ 50% off sale was ending. Not sure I need it and definitely qualifies as an impulse purchase!
I have appreciated your daily blogs this past year and have definitely become a better shopper when planning my wardrobe. So a great big thank you!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Kind regards, Barbara
Great topic, Kay. I hate ordering clothes online because the chances of it not fitting, not the right fabric feel, the wrong color, etc are greater. If the store happens to be in my city, I’ll try to find the item there and order my size online if I like it but what a rigamarole! Ha. I’m with you also on prints. I’ve actually been aghast the last few years with the print dresses I’ve seen in the stores. They actually make me cringe. Thank you for your insight into our collective issues with fashion!
Fabulous post! I think you did a good job identifying misses and some hits that didn’t result in a second wearing. I started thinking about some of my own misses. Guess we all have them.
Happy holidays to you and all your readers.
Thank you for this post. I like how you listed the reason why you think it was a mistake. I agree with your mistakes. The red jacket looks so pretty on you but I didn’t like the sleeves. It would be a deal breaker for me. Since my 60’s I avoid anything precious too. I’m finding that pants and jeans especially wide legs are getting too short. I’m finding that in petite sized. Instead of 28 inseam now some are 27 inseam. You’re correct about finding the correct wide leg style for your body. I need high waisted and full length. I’ve made my shares of impulse buys too. I’m going to have to do better next year. I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas. Looking forward to your blog next year.
I agree that most of these clothes are not quite you, especially that red faux blazer top
We all end up with things in our closet that don’t work for us. My style weakness is I like boho style on other people, but it always looks ridiculous on me. I’m getting much better at NOT purchasing anything boho. Most of my mistakes have been from boho purchases, which do not suit my style.
For what you said:
The red jacket, the puff sleeve makes it more youthful. Maybe pair it with dark denim, black pointed toe booties, something to take the sweetness out of it.
Warm blush blazer, I’d call it a yes for spring/summer, the color is nice on you.
Wide leg jeans are a tricky silhouette. Took me a long time to find ONE pair that is well proportioned for me.
As for prints/patterns, I agree with you, choosing prints carefully is key. I only have a few prints I like, but I prefer solids.
Hello Kay,
Thanks for sharing that even fashion influencers can have purchase regrets!
I absolutely agree with some of your insights. That royal blue patterned J Mc dress was just too much! The red leather jacket is cute but impractical-when do you ever need a short sleeve leather jacket? What weather is that? The pink blazer may have been adorable in spring, but I agree, not fall. And I personally love the cream colored linen jacket, bought one very similar myself last spring and got a lot of wear out of it! But put it away for fall.
Thanks for keeping it real and sharing your thoughts!
From a faithful viewer/reader
Mary
Don’t feel bad, we’ve all done this – buying something we thought looked good at the time, but didn’t work out. After I make a purchase I wait a few days (don’t cut the tags) and try it on again. I agree with you that much of the clothes you regret purchasing I didn’t like on you either. Didn’t fit your style esthetic, and after following you for a few years I feel I know your style (even though you tell us all the time). Also, I’ve learned through many bad purchases over the years that if I’m on the fence about an item it usually means nope.
I love your honesty about your mistakes and will continue to follow you.
Vicky
Kay, I think this kind of post is very important to do. We all need to know that others make regrettable purchases too so we won’t be so hard on ourselves when we evaluate our own shopping mistakes. I especially liked how you articulated the “lessons learned” and found I could apply some of your ideas to garments I have removed from my closet. I tend to like prints – is there a way to wear them and not have them read “old”? Maybe an idea for a future post. Christmas blessings to you and your family.
The two mistakes that I didn’t care for when I first saw them were the faux red leather jacket with short sleeves and the scallop top with the checked pants. I just could not see me wearing those.
The lesson I learned was to really consider the clothes that are being presented. And while you, Kay, might look fantastic in them, they might not be for me. It was also reassuring that I’m not the only one making fashion mistakes!
Merry Christmas!
Kay, I want to thank you for last year’s recommendation of the Advent book Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simmons.. I purchased several for friends and one for myself. It is a beautiful book that helps keep the focus on Jesus all season long.I especially love the songs she lists at the end of each daily reading. It’s a beautiful way to end my quiet time. Merry Christmas and God bless you!
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the book. It is indeed beautiful and inspiring. Merry Christmas!
Thank you so much for this blog. I have been making so many mistakes with my wardrobe wasting so much money. . I now understand I need to step back and really think if that item is the best look for my shape. Your honesty really helped also. Thanks again!
Hi Kay
I really enjoy reading your posts and get inspiration from you but I have to agree with your ‘failures.’ When I first saw the red jacket I thought it was OTT for your style and then the full skirt dresses which seemed to swamp you. I am so pleased you did this post – I honestly thought you were perhaps paid to wear these items.
Happy Christmas Kay from the UK!
Wow – what a refreshing post! I love the assessment and lessons learned. You mentioned that some pieces were too “precious” for your effortless style. But I submit that the workhorse pieces that you “reach for” time and again are made more fun by throwing in 1-2 precious pieces. Imho you should keep the red puff-sleeve jacket. I thought your observation about prints was interesting. Thanks Kay!
I love learning about your reasons for not wearing items; it helps me be more discerning. Funny though, I love that red short-sleeved jacket on you! I just looked below and I am alone in my opinion – but so what! I thought it was great. Also, the print from Talbots, I bought because of your blog and I love it. I only got to wear it twice but that is because of the climate I live in, our spring is very short and I only had two occasions to dress up. Anyway, thank you for the blog. Blessings to you.
Good morning, Kay! I’ve only been following you a few months but I absolutely love your posts. You are a breath of fresh air in a crazy world! I love your style and also your explanations for why you choose certain items. A special thank you for not constantly using the words “effortless” and “elevated.” I retired a few years ago and I’m still trying to figure out my new style. Your posts are very helpful! I look forward to future posts and wish you a happy new year.
Thank you for sharing this! It’s good to know others have regrets too. I’m trying to learn from my mistakes and be careful about purchases. I got too excited last January and bought too many clothes that I didn’t love. So I’m trying to warn myself now-LOL!
Thanks for the word “precious.” I couldn’t put my finger on why I don’t like things that are too young and girly for me and that’s the word – precious!
This will help me cull from my closet and, hopefully, prevent me from repeating this mistake.
A fan from Reno, NV
Kay,
I find this blog post to be one of your more refreshing ones. Bravo to you for being brave in recognizing, and sharing, some of your “regrets”. And I agree, most of your selections are lovely and fit well, and you style them well, but you have decided that they just don’t “feel” right or work well, with your wardrobe. Those values are so important, and part of the journey in figuring out, and owning, our style.
I have a challenge for the new year–how about we (your readers and viewers), vote on some of your best and less best outfits on you? I would suggest that we try not to decide what we like on ourselves-which is what you encourage us to do–but what we see on you. And give a rationale.
Anyway, I am looking forward to your two new series in 2025. You are one of my favorite style influencers.
Hi Julie. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this post and found it helpful. Indeed we all have wins and misses. That said, I do respectfully ask that you resist rating my outfits or voting on them in any way. I’m a sensitive soul really. It’s one thing to willingly claim one’s own mistakes or faults; it’s quite another to have other people point those out.
Thanks, Kay. I do understand. My comment was meant in the best possible way. Blessings to you, and thank you for all you do.
Great post! So many valuable reminders. That red faux leather jacket is such a great lesson for ME. Not a fashion rule, just personal reactions to having it in MY closet. (1) Love that color red but would never be drawn to it in the fall. (2) If it is cool enough to wear leather or faux leather, I would freeze in short sleeves. (3) The sleeve length–halfway down my upper arm–is a total no for me. I would feel like my very dear grandmother on wash day, and NOT the grandmother with her own NM’s personal shopper. Heh. (4) That style is too cute, in your word precious, for ME. It would look like a million bucks on my sister. Now, I admit that with ALL of those objections … wait for it … I tried it on anyway. But your advice saved me from a mistake.
Your series led me to my three signature words, and thank you for that!. I am myself when an outfit is Classic, Minimal, and looks Effortless. I do have a few edgy pieces which I love–and wear–when the mood strikes me. Tonight for a house concert I am wearing red slim pants with splashes of black, white, and silver with a silver foil t-shirt and a black coated-denim jean jacket. I’ll wear silver flats. It’s on the edgy side, but the lines are all classic and effortless.
I want to say thank you again for helping me look at my wardrobe through my authentic lens.
I agree that some of these purchases just don’t look like you, especially the red faux leather jacket. And the embroidered top and patterned kick-flare pants. It is tough to realize that we spent hard earned cash or hard earned points on something that didn’t work out. But hopefully we learn from our mistakes.
All the best for the New Year 2025!
I read your blog Saturday morning and returned a lovely coat to the store that afternoon. I knew it was not practical (faux fur) for my lifestyle and a “special occassion” coat would hover in the closet like a regret. Thanks for the honest reflections. Susan
Thank you for posting what you regretted purchasing. I have some regrets too (actually more than aome :)) but knowing rhat an expert like you can make some less than ideal clothing purchases too was enlightening and encouraging for me.