so, the best place to start is probably to say that I'm not a fashionista. I know almost nothing about designers, unless it's yoga wear - in which case I know OmGirl and Prana.

I've recently made a major life change, though - partner and I moved from the Virginia suburbs of Washington DC to Seattle - and I'd like to finally commit to developing some sort of personal style.

My friend Michelle and I were talking the other day about what we'd be wearing to a wedding we're both going to, and she told me how much she loves YLF. This was the second time she encouraged me to join, so I figured I'd give it a try. Like Michelle, I'm blind, and it's awesome to find a space where people talk in such rich detail about clothes, style trends, etc.

FWIW, Michelle has her whole outfit for the wedding figured out; I know which pair of shoes I'll wear, and that I have loads of fancy and more bohemian jewelry to choose from.

I'm going shopping tomorrow, probably to Nordstrum. (Super-excited to have the Nordstrum flagship store less than 10 blocks away). No, I don't know what I want. Probably something comfortable and flowy.

So, a little about me, and what I think I want my personal style to be about.

I've been diving seriously into getting my career as a freelance writer started, so spend most of my time in my home office, or at a coffee shop or local cold-pressed-juice-place-of-awesomeness.

For years, my signature outfit has been jeans and t-shirts. Some of this is because my body size and shape keeps changing, and some of it is that I love having clothes that are easy to care for.

I don't think this desire for comfort and simplicity is going to change, but I'd love to mix it up a bit, and find a signature outfit that's more creative and expressive - I'm thinking tunics over leggings or other fitted but comfortable bottoms. I love leggings, but do miss pockets when I wear them. My eyes are perpetually teary, so having a handkerchief close at hand is useful.

As I mentioned in my profile, I'm petite - four feet ten inches of petiteness. I'm curvy and muscular these days, and have a stomach that is the bane of my existence when it comes to fitting pants.

My waist doesn't tuck in, and I have almost no hips. Seriously, it's like the lateral shift turned sideways, and the curve that was supposed to hit my hips landed on my stomach and butt instead!

I wear most colours really well, with the exception of pastels (peach, lavender,etc) which just wash me out. I cannot wear stripes on my upper body; I have mild scoliosis and the lines go all slanty, or so I've been told.

I need to redo my wardrobe, but will probably do that slowly, for now, as my body is still changing. That'd be worth talking about here some time - how those of us whose bodies aren't constant in their shape and size maintain a wardrobe.

IN addition to preferring clothes that are easy to care for, I want to shop ethically whenever possible. I have no illusions about changing the world, but really do want to commit to buying clothes made by workers making a fair wage. This also ties into wanting to develop a truly creative,bohemian approach to clothing myself.

I love browsing Etsy for unique clothing creations, especially UPCYCLED and OOAK pieces. I haven't gotten up the courage to buy anything yet. Even with the most precisely described pieces, not being able to see the pictures makes judging the pieces difficult. Plus, having a petite frame really makes buying clothes without trying them on a gamble. It's a gamble I keep taking with my yoga clothes, though!

I'll report back tomorrow on what I end up getting to wear to the wedding. If anyone has suggestions, I'm happy to hear them.

Your post