Time Before YLF - YouLookFab Forum

I have been a regular reader of YLF for 2 years now but I have started posting on YLF only since a month. I know every post of Angie's (even from the archives!) I came to this site when I was in the darkest time of my life. Dressing up seemed superficial to me earlier. But when life threw lemons at me I actually realized the power of dressing up. Taking care of myself was so much more important than I actually gave it credit for! When I finally started feeling good about myself, I could face the world head on.

Why am I rambling today? Because I just realized that the 2 yr old journey has changed me so much that people see me differently today. They seem to notice me and I always get double takes on the outfits that I feel good in and I seem to turn a few heads. I seem to have a personality which shows through my clothes and my outfits. I am forever thankful to Angie for putting the basics of dressing out there in the open for lay people like me. It changed me for good ...... forever. When I look back at my pictures now, I wonder what was I thinking! LOL! So here are a few pictures from the pre YLF time (sorry for inflicting them on you :D). Oh I have lost about 15 kgs since the 1st and 3rd pics. I never felt better being me .... Love you Angie and YLFers! I owe this life and this style (which I am still exploring) to you all!

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10 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I actually love your preYLF style too, but can see a difference:-), thanx for posting these!

Jaime

(website)

Congratulations! It sounds like the most important transformation was your self confidence, which is one of the greatest gifts Angie and YLF give!

Anonymous

Thanks for sharing your story!

Ornella

Neel, I too like the first outfit and I am sure it would look great on you now as well. The difference *in you* is what truly matters though. How wonderful that you got the tools to let your personalty come to its forte. Angie says "little bit of magic inside does wonders on the outside" and your story is the best example of that.

It's one of my favourite reads when people share what effects YLF has/made/makes on their lives overall. Thank you for your story.

Windchime

I am touched by your story, especially your realization that taking care of ourselves is so much more important than you'd realized. Since finding YLF, I, too, have given myself permission to really put effort and money into my wardrobe, and am surprised at the difference it's making in my confidence, not to mention how much FUN it is!
Your "before" pics are absolutely fine; I'm sure you sometimes got complimented on your appearance. The difference now is your understanding how to dress for your body type and your life, and it really shines through in your blog posts!
Thanks for your post this morning; I'm thankful to be on my own "style journey" with the YLF community.

Suz

Thanks for sharing your story, Neel! I think quite a few of us must identify -- I know I do. It's really sweet of you to let us get to know you a bit better this way - visually and through your eloquent words.

viva

The most important thing to me is how different you feel! So moving, Neel. Thank you for posting this.

This is the nicest post ever. It resonates with me because I feel exactly the same way wrt the power of dressing well.

I really liked Windchime's post too. Both express for me why fashion seems so important to me. I sensed it's impact on my mood, but could never put it into words.

Robidi

Active Member

Thanks for sharing!

deb

Thank you for sharing this. We never know where positive influences will come from an I am glad you found Angie and YLF.

Neel

Thank you all for your encouraging comments. I wrote the post mainly to thank everyone at YLF. Every time I get a complement on an outfit, I feel the need to credit it to YLF and Angie! It feels wrong to take the compliment without crediting the real people behind it!! I couldn't have done it without your help. Directly/indirectly every person on here has affected my life! And I am not even exaggerating! There is too much gray area in my post but the less said the better

I have also changed my hairstyle. From hip length straight boring (on me) to a bit more stylish layered elbow length. The ultimate chop is scheduled for next year Feb! I want to go bob (I wish for a pixie but I am a chicken!). The chop is playing in my head for 2 years now! My mum would be shocked but I am preparing people around me already It's just hair, it would grow back!

Meegs

This is so inspirational to me! I've been reading YLF for a while, but finally got up the nerve to join the community because I so desperately want the transformation you've described! Thank you for posting this!

Lisa

A wonderful tale, thanks for sharing! I have also gained more confidence wearing my day to day outfits since YLF. And I am not as afraid to try out trends, which allows me to enjoy my wardrobe more because now I add in those "fun" pieces I used to shy away from.

Transcona Shannon

This is wonderful Neel! I'm another member who found her confidence through style and have been incredibly thankful for this place and Angie in particular. We're glad to have you here

minimalist

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm in the "before" phase now, but reaching out for support here because I feel so alone in the struggle to improve outward self-care at a time when many things feel pretty dark. It means a lot to read stories like yours.

Welcome Amy! I am sure you would go miles in your style journey and find more self confidence by reading and contributing to this exceptional place. It's just brilliant to be able to find a place where you can find your goods and bads! Who in the real world actually helps you with that?!

You have taken the most important first step ...... now upwards and onwards

RunswithDolphins

Thank you so much for your touching post, Neel. As a newbie (less than a week) I just stumbled upon YLF while surfing for wardrobe inspiration. Little did I imagine the truly inspirational people like yourself that I would meet here. There is such a caring amongst all of you that comes through in the posts and supportive comments. Angie really has done an amazing job of bringing together an incredible group. Thank you all for being YLF.

Beth Ann

What a privilege to hear a bit of your backstory, Neel! Focus and purpose in something as simple and "external" as fashion can encourage growth of focus and purpose in other areas of life. It can also reflect the internal changes we're making!

I'm another one who likes #1, btw!

Alassë

Thanks for sharing; I always like to read these look-back stories.

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