WIW 1. Sometimes a photo confirms your suspicions. - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW 1. Sometimes a photo confirms your suspicions.

Anonymous

Decided to do a YLF considered outfit today -based on one of my two favourite pair of white jeans with a bookending thought in mind, and putting more detail into my look.
So, white watch and enamelled link bracelet: check. White enamel and silver ring: check. White bag: check. White straight leg cuffed BR jeans: check. Grey Fly London shoes which I never wear, paid a small fortune for and are the single most comfortable pair of sandals I own (but they work with nothing) and the only grey top I own that actually matches the weird shade of grey in the Flys. I love the top because of the back detail and because it's long without being too fitted. My goal here was to have a top that was longer to break up all of the white. I'm larger breasted and high-waisted. One false move away from looking dumpy at any given moment.

But what do I learn from these photos? (taken by my husband who is demanding to know WHY he is doing this, and for what reason, hence my expression). That cross body bags are not flattering on us larger breasted women - especially in a contrasting colour like white. And that those shoes have TMGO. So - shoes to the purge bag. Strap shortened on cute bag and worn as a shoulder bag. And husband not recruited to take pics again. Sometimes just taking the picture and looking at it through the lens of what i have learned on YLF is a lesson in itself. Also - I hate hate hate having my picture taken, and this is a huge leap for me. Not sure I will recover enough to post again

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34 replies

Latest reply was from Transcona Shannon

abc

Veteran

So nice to see you, LisaP. It's hard explaining ylf - sometimes people (DHs, cough cough) just don't get it.

I love the color of the blouse and shoes together but I lament with you. I have some odd color items and it is a pain to try to make them work.

I love cross body bags. Would a wider strap help? I know you mentioned you're well endowed up top but in my experience the wider strap seems to stay put better than a thin one like you show here.

You look great, really.

kellygirl

Veteran

Omg you look great. Do not purge those FLs. What about changing the lace color to make them look more streamlined. I love this outfit on you. Have you tried black harem pants or track pants that you can pull up to showcase those fab sandals? You are too hard on yourself. I love this outfit on you!!!!!

rabbit

Veteran

Aw, yeah the camera can show me things my eye can't. I always find cross-bodies and breasts kind of confusing too, does the strap go to one side? In between? I usually end up foregoing the cross and slinging it over one shoulder if in doubt.

The shirt is lovely on you though. Also with the shoes I think it's only the laces throwing them into ALGO territory. Would shorter black or gray laces solve the problem? The shape of them looks great.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

lisap, one word - TRIPOD! I also hate to have my pictures taken by somebody else, I can never relax in that case - but tripod and self-timer on the camera works as a charm!
I hear you on the crossbody. My chest is small but I also get that "bob splitting" feeling from it. And a good call on the shoes!
Pictures taking is very eye opening: even if you don't post them here take them for yourself. This was one of the best tools for me!
And it is so nice to see your pretty face now! You are very pretty, you know?!

Alana in Canada

(website)

Veteran

You are much too hard on yourself! Those shoes are amazing--please pull them back out--can you change the laces to something less focus pulling, maybe? I do agree about the purse, though, it is a tad distracting.
But you look fabulous, truly!

Runcarla

Veteran

Laura, poor you! But, wise decisions...all of them! I do love the top and jeans combo, though. And, you've got beautiful proportions. Do you have a white or silver footwear option? I recruit for picture time too, mostly DS#1 but sometimes DH will do me the favour. Haven't got the 'selfie' down yet, but I'm working on it.

Meredith

Veteran

I've just recently started wiw photos as well and it really is amazing how different our impression if an outfit can be when viewing a photo vs our image in the mirror. Sounds like you're drawing some great insight right off the bat. You have some great pieces even if you don't love them all together. And I feel the same way about crossbody bags.

MNsara

Veteran

Okay, you are just too adorable in this pic and I have to quit lurking long enough to comment

Yes, I'd repurpose the cross body bag! It doesn't look bad, but cross body straps do weird things in front . . . even to those of us less well endowed!

Your sandals are awesome and unique. Don't purge! Instead, find dark laces and after tying (it can't be tieing, can it?) them, tuck in all the laces. There will be lots less going on, and you can feel great in these awesome shoes!

Last suggestion - get thyself a tripod and find a safe place to take your own pics (This said from someone who finds picture taking the equivalent of prepping for an exam, but also knows that some husbands take all the fun out of something simply feminine . . .)

MsMaven

Veteran

You look fabulous!

Yes, the cross body does present some problems, but after decades of shoulder bags my shoulders are uneven--a problem I share with lots of other women. When I'm shopping or traveling I have to go cross-body, even though I wince at the photos later. I guess the best thing is to try not to contrast so much.

And I use a tripod and a timer. DH can't understand why I keep my old camera, but it's much easier to use than the new one as far as self photos.

I used to just set the camera up on a shelf or tall chest, but the tripod works so much better.

Gracie

Veteran

Well, hello there! You have a lovely shape, lucky you - I have no issues with crossbody bags IYKWIM I also though of suggesting changing the laces on the Flys, to black and short so that you don't get too much of a dangly bow, or maybe tie them around the back like you did your Cons. It's great that you're putting together YLF inspired looks and learning from the photos. Maybe tell your DH the ladies here think he's such a sweetie or a good sport for taking your photos for us!

Anonymous

Ha! Thanks ladies - interesting comments about the laces. They are the craziest big fat beige laces - but they match the sole of the shoe, which to Mr. Cool Fly London, was the idea I guess. Kelly - the idea of harems and black track pants is great one actually - I have both - but honestly? Looking for laces that work? If the soles were black or grey, maybe but they aren't. Too much work. I've had these shoes for a couple of summers now, and wear them exactly once a year. Move on. Sveta - ok, tripod on the list of things to buy. Can i use one with an iPhone? I'm not very camera-savvy, as you can tell. Lol.
abc - DH not getting this AT ALL. And I know enough not to try to explain at this point. He is kind, but a little mystified by what we do as women. Rabbit - I totally end up slinging the bag over my shoulder too. I look down and all I see are two. breasts. Not a good look.

Anonymous

I have been looking for a new white bag all summer, and could not find anything I liked that was not super expensive. I wanted something that could be kept clean (i.e not put on floors in restaurants etc) and that wasn't super huge. I love the size of this little guy (Danier) - but I will definitely not be wearing it as a cross body bag.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I have a few pairs of Fly London shoes and they are ridiculously comfortable. Don't purge them. I think the issue you are having is the blocks of black/white. If you had done a white top with dark pants and dark shoes it would have worked better. Having said that, I think the top fits well and is a nice shape on you and the pants also work. the outfit just needs a bit of tweeking.

If you ever do the boho style, those shoes would work. I'm thinking a longer soft skirt and more fitted top perhaps.

shiny

Veteran

LOL "One false move away from looking dumpy at any given moment." -- that's how I feel all the time too, with the high waisted/ chesty thing going on. But you chose very well with that top and I'd steal it from you in a heartbeat.

I know what you mean about the cross body -- and this is something that I obsess over too -- but seeing it on you, I don't see any problems. Which makes me wonder if I obsess too much, and have trouble seeing the bigger picture that others see.

Please don't purge those shoes. OMG, my eye immediately went to those shoes and wondered where I could get a pair myself. They look so comfy yet stylish!

Anonymous

Lol. I needed a good chuckle. Your expression tells the story perfectly! I think you look great and the shoes are really fun. But, if your not feeling them than it is time to pass them on. Or, if you are looking for more ideas to save them, maybe thin more delicate brown laces?

Grey Rainbow

You look fab! Keep the shoes! Keep! They are so cool! Try with the same silhouette but darker bottoms, jeans or black slim ankle pants. Also try with a necklace to balance the detail on the shoes. The only off element was wearing the bag cross body, the lines are better when it's on your shoulder.

JAileen

Veteran

Ha! I had not told my husband of YLF at all, but when I had the chance to meet a couple of Fabbers I had to fess up, so he wouldn't think I was having an affair!

I love cross body bags for the convenience, but I don't have a problem with them. I don't really think it looks as bad as you seem to think. I agree with the suggestion that dark laces would look better. However, I was looking for grey laces last year and couldn't find any. Maybe you could find some on line. Otherwise I really like your outfit. Those shoes are super cool and I love the color of your tee.

Anonymous

These shoes! I am the least boho, flowing, soft, dresser ever. And almost all of Fly London's designs hold no appeal for me. Just not my look at all. I can't even explain why I bought them. . I pull them out once a summer, get all kinds of comments on them, then never wear them again . Dianthus - if they're your size, they're yours. I'm an 7.5/8. I think I've worn them about 4 times.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Great post! You are being admirably firm about the shoes, and I think it is a good decision. They are not calling to you so out they go. I think the strap looks fine, but if you don't - make it a shoulder bag. Excellent! You look terrific and I think a tripod that holds a phone will have you all sorted out!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Cool details on everything! I think you are being far too hard on yourself, to be honest. I wish i looked that good in a basic summer outfit. Cross body bags aren't the most flattering on anyone with boobs, but I carry them anyway - it's a functional thing not a flattery thing. Most of mine have adjustable straps so I can carry them as a shoulder bag when I don't need the cross body ability.

Sal

Veteran

You actually look great!! I love the jeans on you (and as an aside love your hair).
I like the shoes and think different laces could make them simpler. But if they are not your "thing" I am sure you can rehome them happily.
Yes cross body bags can cause difficulty with "the girls"...I am scared to photograph myself with mine on.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Lisa, there are too many comments for me to read them all before posting. I think you look just adorable. I love the outfit, as-is! the shoes add interest from the front, the top adds interest from the back--not too much going on at all in my opinion. Your figure looks amazing in this outfit--the back zipper on the top is so cool. I think it works like the notorious pinning technique on mannequins! (It gives a nice, flattering, skimming fit on the top.) I also like the cross-body bag--I see no problems with it at all. But you are the one wearing it, so I will defer on that one.
Sometimes maybe the photos just make you more self-conscious??

I am so with you about having my photo taken. I really dislike how I look in photos. Look back at my first WIWs if you want to see awkward. And my more recent ones to see slightly less awkward--ha ha! I don't even have a tripod, but I perch my camera on a railing, set the timer, jump back in the frame; rinse, repeat.

Hang in there--it gets easier! And yes, you do learn a lot from the photos, I've found.

Deborah

Veteran

Lisa you are too hard on yourself! Lets start with the fact that you are gorgeous:) I love the outfit. I wear a cross body bag (it is black) but I generally have it sitting forward. When I wear it to the side like you are doing, it pulls and given where the strap sits, accentuates my bust. Having the weight more to the front seems to alleviate that for me (and I am large busted). The shoes are fab! I would try removing the 'laces'? and replacing with laces that are smaller and in the same colour. It is lovey to see you and you do look fab.

I know others have mentioned a tripod is a great way to do your outfit photos, and do keep doing them. We learn heaps this way and I find I much more comfortable now at social occasions when the camera comes out. I used to run and hide:)

Neel

Veteran

Lol! Which is why I take selfies

I know that crossbody bag feeling far too well! But trust me, it doesn't look bad on you from any angle! The shoes are really cute but if it doesn't fit your style persona then off it goes!

Fantastic outfit and love the zipper detail on the top.

Marley

Veteran

Lisa! You are beautiful! So nice to see your face! AND - you are waaaay too hard on yourself - seriously. I have yet to see someone with a crossbody bag that doesn't do wonky things to the chestal and shoulder area. They seem like such a good idea - but to actually wear the darn thing the way its designed to be worn - execution is very, very difficult! I've changed all of my cross-body bags to just plain shoulder bags - and they work so much better!
OK - about those sandals. Incredibly beautiful. And I had the same idea that others had - change out the shoe laces to a black or gray color that are thinner and shorter than the beige ones currently in the shoes, then tuck them under for the "no lace" look, wear dark pants, and you should be good to go! I LOVE the sandals - they're unique and you say comfortable too???
Also, the back of that top is awesome - such an interesting detail.
As for as husbands and YLF pics go - I knew from the very beginning to not ask my husband to take my pics - there is no way that he would ever, ever, ever understand and I just didn't have the energy to even attempt to explain it to him. So, its tripod for me too.
And, in answer to your question about i-phones. Yes, you can take pics with them - although I can't get a good pic on mine, Vicki does quite well - I think she uses an app called Gorilla.

carolbee

Veteran

Lisa, I have to add to the chorus, you are too hard on yourself. This outfit rocks. Having said that, reading your comments about the shoes it does sound as if you are over them, so NEXT. The crossbody bag looks fine, sometimes you just have to do it.

Mona

Veteran

I am with the shoe loving team here but if have decided to purge then you purge.
The top has such an interesting detail on the back and that is why it fits so nice. It is nice to see you in action on YLF, I hope you get a tripod soon and treat us to more of your beautiful outfits.

frannieb

Veteran

Also with team loving the shoe.

I love fly london shoes and don't give up on them. As someone else mentioned above change the laces. For whatever reason they put the ugliest laces with their shoes. I have changed them out on all my shoes from Fly London that require laces. You will be amazed what changing to a grey lace will do for those shoes.

Quietgirl

Veteran

I agree with the comment about the laces. With matching laces, they look more like the ankle strap shoes that I see on the blog. For me, comfortable shoes that are also fashionable are hard to find. (If you are tired of looking at them in them in your closet and WANT to purge, that is another story.)

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