Wardrobe/Budget Management- Next Steps into Spring(now with pictures) - YouLookFab Forum

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Wardrobe/Budget Management- Next Steps into Spring(now with pictures)

celia

Veteran

(This is probably a very self serving post so feel free to ignore it.But there are actually two questions at the end.)

Pictures added for Spring/Summer work wardrobe inspiration.

So... I was thinking about my wardrobe, budget, finances, goals, life in general.
I have been trying for some years now to make my life as clutter free as I possibly can. I have no great minimalist wishes or am particularly organized but I like when things are straightforward, when the process of decision doesn't take away the joy of doing something.
Also, like everybody else, am trying to live a happy life, minimizing the stress factors or finding ways to cope with them, being the truest to myself that I possibly can, and not be a wasteful person.
This applied to my wardrobe/budget means that :

My budget must be created to fill my needs(will define needs later)
Each item must either express my individuality or be a building block(basic/essential)
I cannot purge just because I want to buy more
I wont expect my clothes to perform miracles
But I want to upgrade seasonally because clothes and fashion are fun for me

Do I have true wardrobe needs right now?
I do believe that some new underwear is past due, and maybe some yoga clothes.

Do I foresee wardrobe needs for Spring/Summer?
Yes, my work shoes took a beating last year. I should replace two pairs of them because they are scuffed and don't look polished anymore.

Would any particular item be useful to add to Spring/Summer wardrobe?
Another work appropriate dress. Maybe a couple more blouses or tops for work.

Are there trends that I see myself wanting in Spring/ Summer?
Some kind of boho tops/skirts, the new blouses with waist definition.

What are realistic timelines in terms of wear for these items?
Honestly , except for the underwear and yoga clothes I don't see myself needing the rest of it before May.
So... how can I better use the clothes already in my closet?
Well, by wearing them in different combinations and finding out what I like best, what suits me best.
And now I have 2 questions for you(if you are still reading, for what I am very grateful)

Is there any item or any outfit that I wore that was memorable for any one of you as to something I would wear?
What is the best way to post outfits and get feedback from you without you thinking that I want an ego boost or being afraid to hurt my feelings?

Thank you for reading.

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Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from celia

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Celia, I can't see any of your outfits! Are the photos in your posts hidden? Or did you delete them?

As for objective feedback, I've been wondering the same thing. It's quite hard to be politely critical on the Internet without sounding rude; people here realise this and pull their punches.

Why not make a wall of outfits like Suz, jackiec and kellygirl have done lately? You'll get a feeling for what's working, and the things other people admire in your style.

celia

Veteran

Approprio I have hidden the photos but will create a group of loved outfits.
I know that YLF forum is more honest than usual but still I sometimes feel that people might not be comfortable saying not so complementary stuff.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Celia, first off, your reflections are extremely sensible. Brava!! I think you are well positioned to move your style forward without betraying your core values!

I do recall some of your outfits but not in enough detail to compare, so I would love to see a wall of pics for reference. I think if you are direct and ask people which looks they prefer and why they will respond honestly but not unkindly.

Joy

Veteran

I took a peek at your summer work capsule as well as your photos above and was impressed with the variety of pattern, color, and silhouette. You are not a neutrals girl. As Approprio and Suz said, ask for suggestions when you post outfits. I find that it tells me something when an outfit is ignored in a post, that it is not working very well.
The clothes and outfits that you have posted look like they suit you well. You might pay attention to how you feel in an outfit.
Do your wide trousers have movement? If so, they look on trend. You have a lovely crossover/wrap-look white blouse.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

This is such a well thought-out post! I really enjoyed reading it. This is going to be my new mantra: "I cannot purge just because I want to buy more".

So - with regards to your outfits - I am not pulling any punches - but I think you have some great looks here!

My very favorite outfits are #1 and #3. I had to really look to figure out why those two stood out, and my conclusion is that it's the overall package, including your hairstyle. Your look soft and feminine, and yet, you are able to convey, through your complete look, that you are a force to be reckoned with. Also, those lighter colors reflect onto your face, and you have a glow.

That being said, I also really like the simplicity and clean lines of #5.

#6 - I can't decide. I look at the print and think it overpowers you just a little - and then I look again, and I feel like you are wearing it (and not the other way around) and it looks great on you. I think it's like the optical illusion of the vase or candlestick where it's two faces, and then it's a vase/candlestick. If that makes any sense? I think the shoes are a great color to balance the dress. You look like a knockout in the outfit

#2 I also like, but I'm not keen on the shoes. But keep in mind, that is just one person's opinion (mine), and overall, you look like a bombshell, and I so want there to be bombshell shoes

#4 I LOVE the upper half of the outfit, and your hair is CUTE. You have this Tina Fey-on-safari look that I really want to figure out so I can copy it. I'm not excited about the lower half of the outfit - I think the pants need either more contrast (darker or lighter), or more texture contrast (lighter or drapier material). Maybe? Also... the shoes. I don't care for the shoes. I feel like they are a little too cutesy and undermine what is an otherwise impactful look.

#7 - the pieces are very pretty - but I feel like this is a play-it-safe outfit. I don't feel like I'm getting the real Celia in the photo.

rachylou

Veteran

Brilliant questions. I'm gonna try and answer them for myself when YLF will load for me on the computer.

I feel your #6 is the big winner. So flattering shape wise, and you look very rosy cheeked with the lively colour

MTBGirl

Veteran

Good thought provoking post. In answer to your questions, I
feel that the lovely ladies on this forum really know how to support one
another and give honest, but as Suz said kind responses. I'm a newbie and can't
believe how much I've learned already, not just about fashion but also about
myself, from these knowledgeable and insightful women.

Of your outfits, #1, 2, and 3 are my favorites. I think you
look fabulous in pastels and in black/white. I think a dressier shoe in #2
would be nice. I think #3 is killer!

I hesitated as I looked at #6. The colors are great on you.
The fit is lovely. The shoes with the dress are fab. So why the hesitation? I
looked at them all again. And it hit me. My favorites are the ones where you're
really smiling!

celia

Veteran

Thank you for your answers. They gave me room to brainstorm a little bit more about what kind of outfits I like to wear.

shedev

Veteran

A lot of your statements resonated with me. I think there are two ways to get the feedback that you want. The first one is to ask the specific questions that you want to know. Are you seeking polish? Trendiness? The other way is to post a lot of pictures.

The dress silhouette in your pictures looks really good on you. My favorites are 2 and 3.

shedev

Veteran

A lot of your statements resonated with me. I think there are two ways to get the feedback that you want. The first one is to ask the specific questions that you want to know. Are you seeking polish? Trendiness? The other way is to post a lot of pictures.

The dress silhouette in your pictures looks really good on you. My favorites are 2 and 3.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*applause*

Celia, your wardrobe plan is well thought out and sensible.

I am blown away by how beautifully you wear dresses. #2, 3 and 6 are killer stunning - and showcase your ultra pretty shoulders. I love #1 too.

To answer your questions:

I love you in dresses and sleeveless items. Flares and heels are fab too.
Never worry about the ego-boost thing. I have never thought that of any regular forum participant. Post your pictures - ask for specific feedback, and tell us how you felt in the outfit. Easy.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I agree exactly with Angie's favorites (no surprise). It is hard to draw out more critical comments because people here are (rightly) very polite and it is hard to suggest well meaning criticism on a forum. I find asking if you should keep/return or keep/purge an item tends to make people feel more comfortable saying they don't like something. Or posting several versions and asking which is better. You really do look wonderful in dresses!

Nannabella

You look absolutely lovely in dresses. They really flatter your gorgeous hourglass figure.

That being said, I think outfits 4 and 5 aren't nearly as flattering for you. When I started looking, I had my monitor set way too dim, which turns out to be an excellent tool for me to look at shape (and I think I'll try it with some self photos!) without being distracted by individual pieces that I like. The pieces may be keepers (or not), but I'm not as happy with the shape of the outfits as a whole on you, if that makes sense. I do think the outfit in 7 looks much better on you than either 4 or 5, so perhaps it's the addition of contrast on top, which allows a lovely hourglass shape to peak through in #7?

AM

Veteran

I'm new here but I like #3. It is chic, classic, and very current. I feel like you just stepped off a yacht in the South of France. I don't have any other references but that's my 2 cents!

AM

Veteran

Just had another thought. I think I like the long flowy lines on you!

celia

Veteran

Thank you so much for giving me your thoughtful comments. You all raised excellent points.
Angie, although we don't fish for complements here I have to say that I got a new appreciation for my shoulders after joining YLF because of you
From what I got so far, and I do feel a little bit of that myself,

Dresses are everyone's favorite thing on me(including myself)
High contrast outfits
Shapes that emphasize my 'hourglassness' instead of trying to balance it or hiding it (like when you wear a column of color)
Uncomplicated patterns

This leads me to a possible purchase (when it comes the time for that).
I saw this dress at Boden and , although not sleeveless felt that it might agree with my fashion disposition.
What do you think?

Pall Mall Dress

View Info

Top Pick

1

unfrumped

Veteran

Just like LBD said--love that mantra.
You look great in all the outfits; What strikes me is you are perfect high-contrast and deep color person. #1 is pretty too and I am not encouraging you to give up pastels or avoid white-out, but you glow in the deeper colors + white + black.
Also you look fab in dresses. For me, I often like how I look in pencil skirts better than pants--I have pear issues and proportion issues and also just think they make me look more grown-up, plus I don't wear pointy pumps that often amp up pants outfits. But, I know I need pants outfits most of the time! So to me, #7 captures more of the great color and pattern that looks so good on you, fresh and vibrant and has good proportions.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I just came back to look at the pictures.

My very favourites are the dresses -- 2, 3, and 6. But that is old news, now.

I also like #1 a lot and I think it is because of the sweater's fluid fit and lovely feminine colours. You have a delicate yet grounded ladylike quality that seems to want to express itself in the patterns and colours you choose. At the same time, you can carry off a higher contrast look, so I don't see why the Boden dress wouldn't be worth a try!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Late to this too, agreeing that you look fab in dresses & the Boden dress will be great if it fits well. Like Suz I think you look great in #1 too.

The only other thing I see, is that I'd like to see you in different footwear. I love the sandals/shoes in #1 & #3 but the ballet flats don't look substantial enough imo. I'm not talking heavy/clumpy shoes just something more like #3.

Runcarla

Veteran

Joining the chorus (since others beat me to it)...you rock a dress! I love every dress pic you posted, and #6 is my fave. Dresses are easy, but usually only get worn one way. You might like to change up your footwear more and experiment with a topper (blazer style, Jean jacket, cardi). You also look great in light colours, #1.

Do you have a white Jean jacket? If not, it might be something to try!

rachylou

Veteran

Ok! I'm back to answer the questions

Do I have true wardrobe needs right now?
I need an ankle-length puffer. The zipper on my current has gone kaput (right, and of course False Spring has ended and it's pouring rain). I think the chances of me getting one at this point are zilch, sadly.

Do I foresee wardrobe needs for Spring/Summer?
I anticipate the need for new moto boots and black/grey retro sneakers... and have acquired replacements for when my current pairs go kaput. (I walk the dog a lot in these.)

Would any particular item be useful to add to Spring/Summer wardrobe?
Sundresses that aren't full-skirted 50s numbers... dresses that I could wear to work and reach the knee. Some cotton voile tops that aren't so cutesy.

Are there trends that I see myself wanting in Spring/ Summer?
White shoes, oxfords or loafers.

What are realistic timelines in terms of wear for these items?
April would be nice for the white shoes. The sundresses in June. The tops, August.

So... how can I better use the clothes already in my closet?
Shine the spotlight back on silky blouses and sweater tops. But I think this will happen naturally when winter ends.

Hey! Thanks, Celia. That was really helpful.

celia

Veteran

Rachylou I found fascinating your answers. Do you feel that your needs are the kind of items you are less atracted to buy?