Life changing

Cathy G

Angie,
I have been reading your blog daily for the past 8 months and it has truly changed my fashion life! I felt very unsure before, and now, with your advice I feel that I know current styles and how to wear them. And I love that you address the more mature woman who still wants to be stylish and on trend but not look silly. Now, though, I have to admit that sometimes I am overwhelmed by all of the choices. Without an unlimited budget, I am very careful to spend on only the "right" pieces, but now I feel like I can't decide!!! I am going to start using your "top picks" feature. Thank you for sharing your unique talents with all of us!

9 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Suja

Veteran

How nice of you to post a thank you. Angie has done the same for me and many people on this forum.
Welcome!

9 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Angie's approach really does help with life and body changes. The feedback from the members here is invaluable as well, and provides so much positive encouragement. One of the great things in making decisions on an item is that you can get the feedback to help you decide if it's the right piece.

I enjoy seeing how several posters will buy one piece, but all style it a different way--great for spurring creativity.

9 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Hear, hear! Thank you Cathy for expressing your feelings about Angie's (and Greg's) work: they really deserve this!
Uncovering this blog was life-changing for me as well so I am joining here in thanking Angie once more!:-)

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Woohoo--good insights.

The forum itself does present a sometimes overwhelming array of choices, doesn't it?
Things that can help are to use a preview of styles and trends and select just one or 2 things to focus on; plan ahead and shop at beginning of season but don't necessarily get completely outfitted, save some resources for an unexpected later item. Then I have to still remind myself that there'll always be a next time, a next season (well, barring things like life and death getting in he way!). Have to really not get caught up in "the one that got away" because if I did, I'd buy everything in sight! I'll often be pondering something and then it will sell out in my size. I can't always worry that I didn't "pull the trigger" faster--though getting better at a style focus and knowing price points can help to know if something is a really good deal.

I also have to not compare constantly--say I carefully select a couple of new sweaters for fall/winter, even if I have shopped and compared before I bought, and determined the fit and style aspects that I like most, and I think they're great, it's always possible that some new item will come out and I'll think, hmm, maybe that one would have been better! But that is an endless treadmill.

9 years ago

Windchime

Veteran

Your words describe my experience, too, Cathy G. I've been a YLFer for more than a year, and my wardrobe has been transformed by what I learn here.

I remember feeling quite overwhelmed, also, in the beginning. Like you, there were so many items I wanted to buy and I had limited funds. I prioritized by choosing one or two items each month that seemed the most urgent or significant. Such as a pair of jeans that fit me well and were on trend (November 2013), a trench coat (April 2014), and trousers that are on trend (October 2014).

At first, my list of wardrobe holes grew faster than my list of purchases, but that started to change after several months. (not that I can't still think of five different ways to spend every clothing dollar!)

In hindsight, I focused mostly on acquiring wardrobe essentials during the last year, and that has made a tremendous positive difference in my satisfaction with my closet and my confidence about putting outfits together.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Windchime said! And what Sveta said, too. We are all the beneficiaries of Angie's terrific approach!

9 years ago

tolkitty

Active Member

Hi Cathy, in deciding where to focus my limited budget I've tried to be more honest with myself about identifying wardrobe holes and calculating how often I would wear it (cost per wear). I pay more attention to the fiber content of a garment and try to avoid those that I've learned don't work for me or aren't as durable. I've also become stricter with myself about fit - i.e., not settling for something that is just okay. (I've learned the hard way that settling means that I simply keep looking for a "better" version!)

One of the really helpful aspects of Angie's picks, reviews, and the forum is gaining a better understanding of which items suit my body type.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I so agree. Angie sorts through all the fashion noise with a laser eye! No idea how she does it.

9 years ago

Debora

Veteran

What a nice post. Welcome, Cathy!

9 years ago

Cathy G

Active Member

Thank you everyone for your comments. It's especially helpful to hear how others prioritize and "work" on their overall wardrobe. I'm looking forward to seeing what my closet looks like in a couple more seasons.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Cathy G, sorry for my late response. I've been away for 2.5 weeks and am now unfortunately under the weather. Thanks for your awfully kind words, and for taking the time to express your appreciation. It delights me no end that YLF has helped you enjoy fashion. Long may it continue. Rock on. xo

p.s. And thanks to the others on this thread for their sweet words too.

9 years ago

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