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stringy on "Australian shopping resources"

stringy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:09:32 +0000

In another thread some of us Aussie gals were thinking that it'd be nice to pool our shopping resources. We don't have the huge range of choices that are available overseas, but there's definitely good stuff out there. If you've found a good website or blog or heard about something nifty that works Down Under, please feel free to jump in and share!

I like to look at clothing ranges online to narrow down my choices before trying stuff on. Here's my favourites:

http://www.witchery.com.au - excellent quality

https://shop.sportsgirl.com.au/index.html - great for up-to-the-minute accessories, but the styles are often a bit extreme for my tastes (if only I were 19 again!)

http://www.frenchconnection.com.au/ - sale items are often down to 60% of original price

http://www.jeanswest.com.au/Womens.html - for denim and fashion tees

For shoes I like:
http://wittner.com.au/

http://www.zomp.com.au/ - website has been 'coming soon' for a year now. And their shoes are super-expensive. But when stuff goes on sale, it really goes on sale. I've bought sandals that were $145 down to $40.

OK - your turn now!

shell on "Shell & Steve's Engagement Photos"

shell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:54:16 +0000

Well, we finally got our engagement photos back, and I thought I'd share a few of them with you since you all were so kind to offer your input into what to wear! Of course, I didn't go with any of my pre-planned outfits and instead opted for a combination of all of them! :)

Here are some of the professional photos we had taken...
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DUZk.....o+Pics.jpg

I opted for a pink lace-trimmed cami, hot pink sweater, dark wash trouser cut jeans, tan wedge heels, and a white scarf. I wish Steve wouldn't have worn his hat for the outdoor photos, but, oh well, what can I do now! :) Hats are his thing, so I guess I'm ok with it! :)

Steve's sister also took some pictures for us. After a little playing around on Photoshop, I think they give the professional photos a run for their money! :)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DUZk.....m+pics.jpg

For these photos, I wore a black sweater, dark wash trouser jeans, grey converse, and my pink trench coat.

Thanks again for all your help! :)

LegacyOfPearl on "Conference Days 1&2"

LegacyOfPearl — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:58:27 +0000

Hello,

Here's a follow up to my conference travel post for the academics on the forum.

How much you dress is completely a choice in an academic environment and it can get hard to balance. Although I'm not an expert, I think over the years I figured out a way to feel like myself and look good without coming across as too dressed up. It is possible to dress up the way you like and still fit in using a few tricks. Suits made out of individuals pieces, boots or understated quality footwear and casual pieces mixed with dressier items always work. Here are my choices for the week.

Day 1 was a workshop day. Workshops are generally smaller venues with colleagues you get to know for a long time and they are for discussion topics of mutual interest. A business casual attire is generally the best choice. So I ended up pairing my dark wash jeans with a shirt and cascading cardigan. Here's a picture: http://i581.photobucket.com/al.....temp-1.png

Day 2 was my presentation day where I had to emphasize my managerial roles so I picked a more dressy outfit. I feel a bit overdressed and uncomfortable in full suit+shirt+stilettos combinations in academic venues unless it is a cocktail or an inauguration type of event. So I paired a blazer a turtleneck and dress pants. Here's the picture: http://i581.photobucket.com/al...../temp1.png

Tomorrow I'm meeting a funder so I'll go for a skirt+blazer+knit top+boot combo. I'll post the picture here when I have it.

Hope this helps. Apologies for the long post. :)

I would love to hear your thoughts and what works for you as well.

queenie on "what does your user name mean?"

queenie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:37:35 +0000

I am intrigues by everyones user names. I'd love to hear why you chose them!

Me? I chose Queenie because I live with my husband and 4 teenage sons, and so I am and will always be the queen of my house ;-)

What's your username story?

Michelle on "Where should scarves hit on the body?"

Michelle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:08:01 +0000

I'm getting dressed for work shortly and am thinking of wearing my black tunic over skinnies, possibly adding a scarf as I did in this picture:
http://s709.photobucket.com/al.....p;newest=1

I'm a real novice when it comes to wearing scarves and don't know how best to sport them. I tucked the scarf in above because when I let it lie on top of the tunic, the ends fell almost to my crotch point and I felt silly. Where exactly should the end of the scarf be hitting me? Waist? Just above or below the bustline? Also, should I be going for a larger, more full-looking knot than the one used in this pic? I achieve the shorter length by folding the scarf and passing the dangling end through the loop, but I don't know if that would look alright.
Also...Am I right that my moto jacket would look wrong with this?
All thoughts welcome! Thank you.

Mamapicklejuice on "Do skinny ponte pants = skinny jeans in MOTG formulas?"

Mamapicklejuice — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:03:13 +0000

I have not had luck finding skinny jeans that fit me yet. I've tried whatever TJ Maxx had (sorry, don't remember brands) and Ann Taylor Loft. They'll fit in the legs but gape at the waist. I seriously wonder what designers think women look like sometimes.

Anyways, I found these online at Macy's - http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....x-xx.index

Can I use these in the MOTG formulas that call for skinny jeans? I really like the sleekness of them, and maybe they'd fit me better? Then again, I could whip up two pairs for the price I buying one...hmmm...

yublocka on "How to magically grow 2 inches"

yublocka — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:55:21 +0000

Stupid little fact I thought I'd share with you all: until 2 weeks ago I always thought I was 5"7-5"8 because when I plugged my height into online converters in cm it converts to 5.8 feet.

However since there are 12 inches to the foot, that means I'm 9.5 inches above 5 foot. Fancy being so wrong all this time!!!

bitsofpieces on "Opinions needed on these skinny jeans"

bitsofpieces — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:37:24 +0000

Should I keep them? Or just let this trend pass me by...

http://www.mommytriedit.com/20.....r-nay.html

Thanks!!!

Alecia on "OT - letting the baby out of the bag"

Alecia — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:43:42 +0000

I have been offline for a bit and I miss everyone. As much as I have wanted to get on, I just have been moving more slowly because I'm pregnant! That means less online time for me mostly because the bulk of my day is now spent either working or sleeping. In any case, this is our first and we're very excited - and a little scared, too.

Angie and Kari, I actually knew when we met and it was rather torturous not to tell you. But it was early and we hadn't had our first doctors appointment yet. I'm now a ways into things and we're ready to share.

Patience, thank you for your wonderful post this week. You and the other pregnant ladies on the forum inspire me to not let style go by the wayside during the pregnancy. I will admit that I'm a bit flustered by the prospect of maternity clothes at right now, though.

And I know all the moms on the go here will continue to inspire after the baby is born. Thanks so much for being such a great community.

kari on "Faux-boyfriend blazer?"

kari — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:37:19 +0000

I have not found a boyfriend blazer that worked on me and am not sure I want to bother investing time/money in a search for one, but today I tried out Angie's suggestion of wearing a standard structured blazer in a more scrunched-up style to mimic a boyfriend blazer. This is actually the blazer I wore for my job interviews in September.

Does this work or come close to the look? If not, what else I could try to hit the mark on Angie's flop-proof formula #5? (I wore this to work, so substituted skinny jeans and pumps instead of Converse sneakers.)

http://inkariswardrobe.blogspo.....lazer.html

Marianna on "How would you style this skirt?"

Marianna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:49:47 +0000

Torrid was having a 50% off clearance sale and I picked up this skirt:
http://www.torrid.com/torrid/s.....8760187443

The sweet sales associate also gave me a $10 birthday discount (although it's not my birthday month...) so the skirt was *super* cheap and I thought it would be cute to wear to work at Anthro. But now that I have it in my closet I have no idea how to wear it. I tried to pair it with a simple black sweater and boots but I felt that it looked really matronly.

I'd like to style it in an Anthro way but I am clueless with this skirt. I'm not even sure if the floral style is really "me." Help me?

Michelle on "What colour loafers should I get?"

Michelle — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:42:19 +0000

I feel very much at sea with the whole footwear question; I never know when to introduce a pop of colour or when to focus on the long lean line (L3)? As a result, much of my footwear is black to correspond with the dark bottoms I almost exclusively wear (dark-wash jeans and pants/skirts in either grey or black). I am considering adding a pair of loafers to my wardrobe. They'd be quite useful on days when my booties are a bit much and would get a lot of use during this unusually mild fall. My question to you now is what colour should I focus on? I don't think I want to go for black, but does that mean I couldn't wear them effectively with black pants? I'm sort of leaning towards pewter or red, but would welcome your comments on what would strike you as a versatile yet interesting choice. I intend to focus on a dressier style for maximum practicality.

Joy on "Footwear for yoga pants?"

Joy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:03:48 +0000

Cindy594 has a thread on cute lounge clothes and several have suggested yoga wear. I'm thinking of getting this style but am at a loss as to what kind of footwear is used with it other than sandals or bare feet. What do you wear on your feet, especially in cool weather?

PalmFronds on "Best looks for bony chest?"

PalmFronds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:42:44 +0000

Hi YLF family,

I have a troublesome question for you all, especially the stylish ladies who may fall into this category.I don't mean small chested as in breast size, although I fall there too. But rather the chest wall itself. I have broad shoulders but a very small chest barrel frame(32 bra band), and a somewhat bony chest. During the winter there is no problem with dressing because it is cold anyway, but when it is warmer I seem to have trouble figuring out the most flattering options that won't always keep me covered up completely.

Alot of books recommend sticking with high necklines which I actually love and work well with my long neck. Crew necks though I find flatten me out too much though so I avoid them.I think ballet and boat necks work best in knits, and closer fitting button downs are great. But when it is warm I have made the mistake(even today) of wearing scoop neck tops only to look at myself later in the mirror and grimace.Not a flattering look at all.

Any other suggestions, or should I just stick with high necklines? Can I wear more open ones but then wear jewelry/scarfs to fill in the space? I had one saleslady try to convince me that bony chests were sexy but she was trying hard to sell me stuff ;-)

Thanks a bunch ladies!

Ana on "Land's End Knit Turtleneck (Laura65?)"

Ana — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:39:34 +0000

Hi Ladies!

I remember someone on here ordered the Land's End modern fit knit turtleneck. I think it was Laura, but I'd love to hear from anyone else who has this item. I'm curious about the sizing. I know Land's End tends to run a bit big, but the modern fit is a bit slimmer. I usually wear a medium everywhere, but I am thinking of getting a small. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you! :)

kari on "Last week (boots, boots, and more boots)"

kari — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:39:25 +0000

I bought my first pair of tall boots almost exactly a year ago, and until six months ago, that was the only pair I owned. I believe Angie asked me at one point how I'd survived living in Seattle without boots, and the truth is that I just accepted wet pant hems as a fact of life.

Fortunately, in the past year I have managed to acquire a total of four pairs of boots that fit my calves. as winter comes on, I'm glad that I have so many since I can't stop wearing them! I realized that I only wore non-boots once in the past week.

Sunday 11/8
Monday 11/9
Tuesday 11/10 and Wednesday 11/11
Thursday 11/12
Friday 11/13
Sunday 11/15

I'm interested to hear your assessment of whether the more rugged boots can work with skirts, particularly the ones I wore on Friday. The weekend prior I also wore my Rockport boots with a skirt simply because it was too rainy to wear anything else. Any thoughts?

cindy594 on "Seeking cute lounge clothes"

cindy594 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:51:47 +0000

After an acquaintance dropped by unannounced this evening, I've decided I need much cuter sweats/lounge clothes. :-) I've not had much success on finding anything I think is appropriate (i.e., not "too young" - I'm in my mid-40's, so no writing across the bottom or anything). I also don't want anything to pricey. Any ideas?

ChristineB on "Boots? Need advice!"

ChristineB — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:53:40 +0000

OK, as a Canadian, this is going to sound really strange, but I've never owned 'fashion' boots before. I've had lots of pairs of functional snow boots, but nothing that looks good AND keeps me warm.

So, I'm planning on buying a pair of knee high ish boots sometime in the next month or so specifically to wear to work & church with skirts, and possibly with my dress pants (pants over top not under). I don't own a pair of skinnies or leggings at this point, so nothing besides tights will be tucked in.

I'm really not 100% sure what I'm looking for. I think I want a heel or a wedge - not flat.

Please, please give me any advice you can think of that would be useful for a first time boot buyer. I'm excited to own a pair, but I'm one of those people who likes to be armed with information before shopping.

Thanks!

Christine

Maya on "OT: Non-boring cover letters"

Maya — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:29:41 +0000

Any advice on how to write one of these? I have tried all sorts of cover letter tips, from using a canned one (bad idea) to this. I think what I really need is something in between, but most cover letter advice I have been finding really stinks. If I found a stack of 200 applications to sort through in my inbox, and all of them followed the kind of inhuman format I have been seeing, I would want to throw up. Am I being unreasonable here? I realize it's just a part of the overall process, but it is my first real introduction and I don't want it to be stuffy and vague.

With graphic design, and especially when applying to funky/hip/young studios, the second approach seemed more appropriate. Not sure about the marketing jobs I have been applying to though. I feel like I have to relearn everything I knew about the job search. I think I have to go more formal but still not boring and...boring.

Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I have come to depend on the wisdom of YLF. My parents, quite frankly, seem to have very outdated views on this sort of thing ("YOU MUST ALWAYS MAIL YOUR APPLICATION"). So I hope all my unrelated-to-fashion questions aren't getting annoying...

garmenta on "Boots to walk in snow in"

garmenta — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:50:40 +0000

No complaints about the current boots--but this time I'm looking for something closer to gear--something to walk in for exercise in a cold, snowy, icy Midwestern winter. I found some I liked at onlineshoes.com, the Wenger Lady Trapper in brown, (http://www.onlineshoes.com/wom.....p_id161913) but they sold out in my size before the order was filled! Drat, drat, drat.

I'm looking for something that's waterproof, will be warm down to 0 degrees, that has a sole similar to the Wengers, and that laces up. Ankle boots are fine--the Wengers just happen to be taller. I've been looking at brands like Earth, Keen, and Bastien (of course, La Canadienne has some, but $300 is a bit much for gear).

Suggestions, please? Especially from those of you who live in climates with really cold, snowy winters.

Michelle on "Do I have the green light for these boots?"

Michelle — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:36 +0000

There was some discussion awhile back as to which pair of long boots I should buy. There was a consensus at the time, but I wanted to see if this still gets YLF approval before I place my order. I have to move reasonably quickly, because the original site where I found this style has already sold out of them. I lucked out and happen to have found them on Canada.zappos for a lower price, though one foot-width up from what I need (in-souls, here I come)! :)
I also want to make absolutely certain that the boots are in fact the same!

http://www.widewidths.com/beckie.html
http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/p/7581233/c/103.html

RoseandJoan on "Fantasy YLF Christmas Party"

RoseandJoan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:21:37 +0000

If you were to host a very auspicious fantasy YLF Christmas Party.....

Where would you host it?
What would we eat?
What would we drink?
What would you wear?

I will offer my suggestion later!

Thank you for your comments

Julie

Michelle on "OT: Counselling suggestions"

Michelle — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:37:39 +0000

I've been astonished and deeply touched by the level of support and comfort people have received on the forum lately. These incredible outpourings have finally convinced me to turn to you all for guidance in an area that's been a source of trouble for quite some time.

My partner of several years is a wonderful and caring person who unfortunately has been dogged by depression for most of his life. He hasn't always had an easy go of things for reasons I won't fully elaborate on here, but complex family dynamics and the untimely death of his mother are some of the contributing factors. His mom developed terminal cancer and Corey left school to nurse her, believing she had months to go. She hung on for nearly three years and he stayed with her the whole time, assuming much of the household and financial duties in the process.

About five months ago, Corey attempted suicide by overdosing on antidepressants while I was sleeping. The attempt likely would have been successful if I hadn't found him and called an ambulance. His memories of the attempt itself are vague, but does remember feeling intense pain re. his mother's passing and wanting that feeling to stop. He spent several days in the hospital and was referred to staff psychiatrists there, on top of the MD/psychotherapist he had been seeing for about a year leading up to this event. Grief counselling was also recommended.

Several months along in this process, Corey feels the counselling he's received to date has not been effective. His dreadfully low self-esteem has not improved despite efforts to think and act more positively. He says that while he rationally recognizes the fact that his counsellors have been providing reasonable advice, he finds that it hasn't been enough. Remarks like "try not to devalue your own accomplishments" sound like platitudes to him at this point, regardless of the sincerity behind them. He intends to take this issue up with his primary therapist at his next appointment. Both the hospital staff and hospital grief counsellor are leaving things in her hands (the hospital psychiatrist basically just asks if he's depressed each session, and the grief counsellor says she may not be able to work with him if he's already seeing someone else). This chagrins me, as I still believe grief counselling is necessary. The situation is being compounded at the moment by the fact that Corey will be unemployed as of Dec. 4 when his contract with the provincial government expires. Like many of you here, he's been looking for new jobs but has not yet been successful.

And at long last I get to the point of why I'm turning to you all... I know many of you have a counselling background and may be able to offer some more sound advice. Are there certain therapeutic approaches that he and I should be investigating? Is it common for him to harbour these doubts about the therapy process, and is there anything we can do to make things more effective? As you can well imagine, this situation has taken a toll on us, both individually and as a couple. I am currently trying to assess what role I can realistically play in his life, but for the moment I will stick with my decision to stand by him and give him a chance to address these issues and turn things around.

Thank you for reading this long-winded entry and letting me tap into your collective wisdom.

chewyspaghetti on "The Most Important Thanksgiving Question"

chewyspaghetti — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:30:08 +0000

The most important question about Thanksgiving is not where you are going, who you will be with or even what you are eating-
it's WHAT WILL YOU WEAR???

I got an email yesterday (from NY & Co) with a picture of an argyle cardi, and I knew that was my inspiration. I liked the way that the cardi was buttoned only at the bottom, and the sleeves were pulled up with the shirt cuffs sticking out. I had seen cashmere argyle cardi's on sale at Kohl's, and they were marked down again. With a 15% off coupon, and $10 in Kohl's cash- it was too much to resist. Here's the cardi in charcoal:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....rdigan.jsp
with my twist front white shirt
http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X.....atId=50434|50435|51155
my chunky pearl choker, skinny jeans and my pewter loafers.
Thanksgiving is pretty casual at our house, and I need to be comfortable while I am cooking and hostessing.
Do you have your ensemble picked out yet?

marianne on "Interview help"

marianne — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:58:26 +0000

Hi everyone,

I haven't been here much lately, as things got very busy all of a sudden. I need some help - yet again - with an interview outfit for next week. My options are very limited, it'll probably be black pants and a micro-glen-plaid jacket. I don't want to purchase anything new, because I am a little below my normal weight at the moment. My question is, how can I inject a little of my personal style while sticking with the overall conservative look? I think it would be beneficial for this occasion. Sorry, no pictures, but I was hoping you guys have seen enough of me to offer some ideas.

Another question - I also have a black blazer that doesn't match the pants, i.e. the color is fine, but the fabric is a little different. Would that be a no-no?

Or should I forgo the jacket and go with a cardigan? The place itself is casual.

Thanks in advance!

Patience on "Cream jacket: Is it a keeper"

Patience — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:11:26 +0000

I have been looking for cream/white jacket for a long time now. I found this one at the Rack. What do you think (includes outfit picture too)?

http://style.modernduende.com/main/#/story/1143

Even though it was a great deal I think I only want to keep it if it's a 9 or 10.

Patience on "Review and question: maternity dresses"

Patience — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:04:03 +0000

Time to report back on the maternity/nursing dresses I ordered. First I ordered these to try:

1. http://www.mothersboutique.com/hudsondress.html in black

2. http://www.mothersboutique.com/vannadress.html in black

3. http://www.mothersboutique.com/da34slmaanud.html in wood violet

Obviously the first two are virtually identical but for the cowl neck. I'll get back to this in a minute. First the review.

The jersey on all of these dresses is really nice. Of course, I have not laundered them so I can't speak to that at this point. They are all very flattering and drape well but they do cling right onto your body. The thing I am most excited about is that the nursing access is BRILLIANT. As a extended nurser I have always had to put away my dresses for years in the past and so I am very excited about these options. Lastly, all of these dresses are long, particularly the last one which is very long on me.

Now-- which ones to keep? The third one will have to go back because it is too large in the chest and they are sold out of the smaller size. The other two fit like my blue dress and honestly I want to keep both but they are basically the same. #1 comes in purple-- I like the color but my instinct tells me I don't really like it for my coloring. #2 comes in brown but I'm not too excited about the prospect of dark brown jersey. #1 is more expensive and would need to be hemmed but the cowl neck is really nice. Please help!

Thanks.

londonkiwi on "Which Boots?"

londonkiwi — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:52:54 +0000

I am looking at buying these boots as they are such a good price and as yet I don't have any flat boots or ankle boots.

Should I get these in black or brown?

http://www.asos.com/London-Reb.....;clr=Brown

phillygrl78 on "Ask Angie:"

phillygrl78 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:05:43 +0000

I am going on a White House tour in early December and need ideas of what to wear. My family and I will be taking the Metro and doing a lot of walking so I would like to figure out something stylish and comfortable. I've also checked around it is acceptable to wear jeans on a White House, bit if I did that they would be a dark wash. Any tips you could send my way would be greatly appreciated. :-)

cyan45 on "please help my dad!"

cyan45 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:58:55 +0000

my dad is starting a new job at a bay area computer company. he mentioned he has to dress 'business casual' during the week, with denim fridays. he proudly modeled his outfit: khaki pants, long sleeve burgandy cotton shirt, black belt and black dress shoes.

'um, dad, don't men who wear button-down shirts need to wear a shirt underneath?'

'of course not! engineers wear undershirts! marketers do not!'

huh? lol...

i wasn't about to bruise his ego, since he has been very successful so far. but, i somehow want to bump up his polish in small doses! so, what should i focus on first?

btw, he is rather picky:
1) long shirts to keep him warm
2) no watch (he hates wearing anything on his wrist)
3) nothing high-maintenance
4) doesn't want to wear suits

thanks for your tips! fashion is the least of his concerns, but i'd like him to look sharp
at his age and stature in the company :-)