Your Style Journey

CocoLion

I have said this here many times, but your determination to go for clean, simple, modern and bold outfits has influenced me tremendously. It didn’t happen overnight though. It took me around 10 months to get there. I feel I have found a style I like right now: minimal, featuring bold silhouettes. I love surrendering the waist but am thinking how to change that from time to time, while preserving the above style goals.

It is so much easier to shop now, because I feel I have a focused vision. I am right with you on the purchase of classic pieces, or another way to put it is to invest in quality basics. And I am having so much fun taking styles that are at odds with my new direction (for example, Boho style is pretty opposite from minimal), but doing it nonetheless. I have learned that if you have a really great piece (quality or unique shape or style), it will stand out so much more if left to shine without a lot of visual clutter surrounding it. So this is the way I might make two “conflicting” styles work together.

January 3, 2012 at 3:17 pm

Lisa

Veteran

I’m craving a softer feel to my clothes right now. More cardigans and knit wear and less blazers and button down shirts. I still wear my blazers and button downs, but I’m really favoring looser fabrics with skinny jeans and boots and the blazers and button downs with bootcut or flares. Something about the contrast of a soft, loose top with form fitting jeans and boots really appeals to me right now. I’m also really craving dresses when I want a break from jeans. Skirts are so hard to fit properly I’ve stopped looking at them for a while.

I’m still wearing jeans, boots and scarves daily. These items are essentials and that hasn’t changed (yet).

January 3, 2012 at 3:39 pm

MsMary

Veteran

Last year at this time I was all about the scarves and cardigans and jackets and as many layers as I could shoehorn into a single outfit. This year I am feeling more minimal. Which is not to say actually, objectively, minimal. But MORE minimal.

January 3, 2012 at 4:20 pm

Mochi

Veteran

This is so pertinent to me. I feel like I’m taking a course in Style 101. Not that I don’t have a grasp of style around me, but I’ve never felt confident in applying it to myself. I am at the bottom of the curve, but have a feeling I will be a fairly quick study. That said, I am right now simply getting the hang of smart shopping, assessing what a basic wardrobe is, and achieving a pulled-together look. I feel like at this moment I can go out the door and look nice, and it’s not a boring type of nice. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved a high level of personal style yet. Then again, I’m working with a body that’s changed a bit already, will hopefully continue to size down this year, and is also temporarily injured (meaning it’s harder to wear certain things, so I’m scaling down my ambitions a lot).

I’m not quite sure what I want my style to be. Actually, that’s not entirely true–I do have some strong preferences, but want to find a way to make them really be mine without having a haphazard, schizophrenic approach to dressing. I’ll know I’m there when one day I’m in a rush or under the weather and throw on some basic outfit and before I even say anything, people I know ask me if what’s wrong or is everything okay…

January 3, 2012 at 4:27 pm

Cynthia

(website)

Active Member

I’m having a style identity crisis right now. I just don’t want to dress “up”. Making the style-blogger effort seems sort of unnecessary. It’s probably good that academia exists for people like me who just can’t keep from being pudgy, eccentric and rumpled.

January 3, 2012 at 4:29 pm

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I just made a forum post on this, how apropros.

January 3, 2012 at 5:05 pm

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I’m adjusting to more weight, accommodating my back brace, and making sure that comfort is key. These aren’t the most stylish things, but they are an important part of my style journey.

January 3, 2012 at 5:13 pm

Louise

Active Member

I love how you share that your style changes and adapts. Isn’t it wonderful how we grow? I’m currently moving toward a more formal style. My life is very, very casual, but I don’t want to just wear jeans and t-shirts. I enjoy beautiful things like pearls and cashmere, so I’m wearing them more even though there is no “special occasion.” My goal is to find lovely things that are just as comfy as sweats, but look nice and tailored.

January 3, 2012 at 5:13 pm

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I’m just starting a new leg of my style journey into a retro look. I don’t want to be “all over” retro, like some sort of costume, but want to figure out a way to merge classic and retro/vintage elements into something that works. Even as short as a year ago, I was all about layering, in an attempt to disguise a body I wasn’t 100% happy with. But through the process of accepting what my body is at this point in my life has resulted in me not wanting to hide everything…hence my recent tucking and belting experiments. I’m not entirely sure where I’m going to end up, but I’m enjoying the ride!

January 3, 2012 at 5:14 pm

taylor

Veteran

Simple, bold, clean with a touch of edge!

January 3, 2012 at 5:27 pm

qfbrenda

Veteran

I’m learning more ways to create a classic feel with my wardrobe. I think things simple and classy, with some buckles and leather thrown in. I’m also growing my hair into a bob which will take months–maybe up to a year–but will help take me in a classic direction.

January 3, 2012 at 5:28 pm

Aziraphale

Veteran

I like this thread. Whenever you ask questions like this, it makes me think about where I’ve been and where I’m going.

I’m still on a dressier footwear kick, and have been for about three years. When I say ‘dressier’, I don’t mean fancy dress pumps — just dressier than, say, Converse Chuck Taylors (although I still love my Converse too!). I’ve got a lot of shoes/boots with a two or three-inch heel now. The dressier shoes have forced my wardrobe to become dressier too, so gradually my uniform of jeans and tee shirts has expanded to include skirts of all shapes and lengths, and casual dresses. I still love my jeans, but now I often I dress them up a tad with button-front shirts — and now, also, my beloved waistcoat!

My latest kick is midi skirts. I got a lovely full, twirly one for Christmas (gray/black/white plaid! How awesome is that!), but it’s the first of that shape. My others are narrow, which on my figure seems to work best. I’m a little late to the midi party, but I’m going full steam now. When I wear a midi and heels, I feel like I’m joining the ranks of mature, elegant women — and I’m rapidly approaching forty, so not a minute too late.

Looking ahead, I see myself continuing with the ‘clothes for grownups’ theme with an arty element. I still prefer clean lines and no fluff, and I don’t see that changing. Maybe in a few years I’ll get into jewellery a bit more, but for now I’m still happy with my minimal jewellery — only one piece at a time (not counting my five small silver hoop earrings), and no necklaces. I’m also continuing on with the skinny jeans. Now that I know how to work them, I can’t imagine giving them up! I’m also into natural hair colour these days, and I have no desire to change that, but once I start to go gray I might start to experiment with colour again.

Bottom line? I’m loving my style at the moment, but I finally understand that it’s not a static thing, and I’m prepared for change when it comes. I’m having fun with fashion! And YLF has been a huge inspiration, so big thank to Angie and all of you!

January 3, 2012 at 5:38 pm

Mellllls

honestly, i don’t think i’m on a journey. i like being somewhat random with my clothing. i will say that i think i am adding a little edge to my work attire.

January 3, 2012 at 5:39 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fun read, ladies! The new legs of your style journeys sound fun, focused, inspiring and strong.

Mellllls, why don’t you think you’re on a style journey?

Elisabeth, it’s a pleasure and welcome to Team Midi. The silhouette is so very elegant, isn’t it?

January 3, 2012 at 5:50 pm

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I think I am moving toward more ‘grown up’ clothes, but not conservative, while seeking more versatility with fewer pieces. This is all relative, of course. Having had a mish mash of collected dresses and tops and whatnont that just struck my fancy on the spot over the years, it’s been a process to cull and add thoughtfully.
My current leg is honing in on some great pieces with equally fab supporting acts to prop them up. And learning to use accessories effectively.

January 3, 2012 at 5:55 pm

Kyle

Veteran

My journey is about refinement. At this point I have a pretty clear definition of my style, Simple. Strong. Bold. Now I’m all about interpreting that and putting it into action in a way that works best for me. Part of this involves recognizing and letting go of the things that don’t make the grade while adding only those things that do. Easier said than done, sometimes, which is why it is a journey, I suppose.

January 3, 2012 at 6:00 pm

nancylee

Veteran

My style journey right now is about having a cohesive, intentional style with touches of Euro chic drama and boho fun. I have a lot of classic basics in my wardrobe, and I feel most happy in neutrals and minimal, low-key Euro chic styles. Scarves, boots, neutrals, quality denim, simple dresses…these elements always make me happy and just feel like “me.” That said, I’ve always had a soft spot for 70’s boho styles–and I think I always will–but I am trying (with the help of YLF) to incorporate touches of 70’s boho without looking like a crazed aging hippie. Pendants, hoop earrings, and tunics are good ways for me to do this. I’m also trying to venture out of my comfort zone and into new territory now and then to keep my look up to date. My fur vest is a good example of this (bonus: it’s a little boho, too!).

So, I’m aiming for some sort of hybrid Euro chic minimal classic style with touches of boho and fun.

January 3, 2012 at 6:14 pm

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

You know, this is a really difficult question. I’m far more focused on weight loss than actual style evolution right now, but I think you’ve highlighted a potential pitfall. I must maintain my focus on looking polished even as my size changes. I tended to use clothes to compensate for my unsatisfactory body image – I can’t reverse course even as the numbers on the scale keep retreating. Thank you for this timely reminder. I’ll have to think this through.

January 3, 2012 at 7:02 pm

mamark

Active Member

I am moving away from cardigans toward jackets. It’s not a big evolution. I still mostly wear skirts and cute shoes and pearls and structured bags (I am such an old lady before my time!) but I have lunch lady upper arms and I have come to realize that drapey cardigans may not be my best look. Unfortunately, well-fitting jackets are a lot harder to find than cardigans!

January 3, 2012 at 7:28 pm

AJoanna

My style journey started last spring, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. My style at that time was extremely conservative and as decidedly “in the box” as one could get. I was only 17, but I dressed like a matronly 30 year old. I basically copied my friend’s styles as closely as I could.
Last March, however, I was standing in a Kohl’s dressing room with an armful of boring, unimaginative clothes when I had my epiphany. I realized that I could spend my whole style career being a cheap knockoff of a Christopher and Bank’s mannequin or I could make my style a true reflection of ME. I marched right out of the dressing room, and walked out of the store with a beautiful, “Bam!” green shirt that I never would have even dared to try on before.
Since that day, I have never looked back. I have become increasingly confident in my style, and as a result, in myself as a person. Getting dressed in the morning has become one of my favorite parts of the day. Within the last year (mostly due to the influence of style blogs such as this one) I have incorporated skinny belts, sequins, pattern mixing, metallic, patterned shoes, ankle boots, scarves, and colored tights into my wardrobe. It has been great fun, and I cannot wait to see where my style journey takes me!

One year ago today I was probably wearing: poorly fitted cable sweater, a-line black skirt, flat shoes.

Today I wore: beret, buffalo plaid button up, sequin tank top, dark gray pencil skirt, wine colored tight, ankle boots, moto jacket. Was it everyone’s cup of tea? No, but it was mine. I felt fabulous.

I have also learned that having certain style restrictions (I only wear skirts in accordance with a religious belief) do not have to cramp my personal style. Attractive knee length skirts are out there, and I treasure every single one that I find!

This blog has helped me so much to keep moving in the right direction. Angie has taught me so much about proportions, quality, and being true to your own style. Thanks for having an amazing website, Angie! Even though you don’t know me, your tips helped me to gain my confidence, a whole new style, and a wonderful office job that lets me dress up every day. (YAY!)

January 3, 2012 at 7:38 pm

Debby

(website)

Active Member

Like Louise, I have a mostly casual life (having worked out of my home for a long time), but am drawn to classic, feminine, “dress up” clothes and accessories. When I shop, I will fall for a dress and heels over pants (hard to fit) and flats every time, and look for opportunities when I can wear them and not feel too out of place. Otherwise, I wear jeans and sweaters, and feel very plain.

I am at a place in my style journey where I’m trying to learn how to better incorporate my love for elegant clothes, vintage-style jewelry, and shawls and scarves in a way that looks more modern, less frumpy. I’m looking at designers’ websites like Kate Spade and Milly for ideas. Their clothes seem to be feminine and elegant, like the Grace Kelly-look I love, without looking costume-y. I’m searching for cardigans and A-line (midi?) skirts to the knee, and have developed a new love for belts that accentuate my waist. If anyone has any suggestions for how to adapt these items to a casual lifestyle, and update them, I’d be most grateful.

January 3, 2012 at 7:39 pm

Aida

Veteran

I am still very definitely on the same path I set for myself back in February last year, “Urban Euro-Chic”; I have barely modified anything on my initial list of style essentials since then! My wardrobe is getting closer to fully supporting those style goals, but certainly still not there. There have been a few changes happening the last couple months: moving towards flats and lower heels, moving away from tees and towards blouses, and a desire to incorporate classic pieces in interesting colors.

I think someone on the forum said this (sorry I didn’t note who!), but I saved it because it embodies what I want my style to be:

edgy and classic,
fierce and feminine,
sexy but ladylike…
a work of art

January 3, 2012 at 7:58 pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, it’s so interesting reading these responses! Angie, it must be gratifying and sometimes awe-inspiring to realize what a powerful effect you have had on so many women’s lives.

Everything Nancylee said applies to me, if you substitute the word “vintage” or “retro” for “boho.” I know that Eurochic is the core: a lean wardrobe of classic, well tailored pieces in good fabrications, mostly in flattering neutrals with some favourite colours thrown in, because I do love colour.

One forum member coined an acronym for my current style: ART: arty, retro, tailored. And I like it! But I’m building a wardrobe almost from scratch and I still feel there are elements of the styleI aspire to that aren’t quite in place, either because I don’t know how to make them happen or don’t own the necessary pieces. I am SO looking forward to my continued evolution! I think what I am still after is a bit more edge, a bit more URBAN feel; how that will mix with my more feminine-retro side I’m not entirely sure.

In the meantime, one basic that has come back into my wardrobe after years of neglect is the jacket. I had forgotten how much I adore jackets of all kinds, how I feel they anchor a look for me and really make it. How had I forgotten that? I have no idea, but I owned only a single jacket when I joined YLF! Now I am building quite a collection of them!

January 3, 2012 at 8:05 pm

Aida

Veteran

(2 other changes I forgot! I’ve started to wear perfume after reading the post on scent, and I’ve started separating my weekend from weekday style (not a lot yet, but it’s starting to change).)

January 3, 2012 at 8:42 pm

Diana

Veteran

A big change for me in the last year or so was that I started buying and wearing more jewelry, primarily necklaces. I still wear a lot of scarves but I realized that I can actually wear both scarves and necklaces at the same time.

Otherwise I think my style has become more distinctive of late, although the general feel (whimsical, arty) has not changed, as I have gotten bolder with things like advanced pattern mixing and asymmetrical hemlines.

January 3, 2012 at 9:02 pm

Joy

Veteran

Thank you for starting this topic,, Angie. It’s a great exercise that will help us to focus. I’m wanting my style have more structure and to add quality basics and a few unique artsy pieces. It’s time for a big wardrobe edit, rethinking especially several of the thrifted and consignment pieces I picked up when needing to start from scratch.
It feels like my style is ready to evolve more but I’m not sure where it’s going yet.
However, with your guidelines and suggestions of new trends, I know that it will be fun.

January 3, 2012 at 9:56 pm

Elly

Veteran

I think one of the biggest things happening in my style evolution is that I think I “discovered” the magic of tailoring today. I’ve done my own alterations or had family members that are good at sewing, but not necessarily seamstresses do alterations. Well, I have a couple of new pieces that make up an interview/funeral capsule that needed work, had no one to help, and couldn’t manage to pin things properly on myself.

So, I took them to a real live tailor. It was pretty magic watching her pin away and solve “problems” that I thought were too difficult to bother with before my eyes. I pick them up next week, and really hope I like the finished product as much. I NEVER have clothes that fit right– she was able to point every thing I’ve discovered about myself that makes me hard to fit.

This year I’ve also managed to discover my “season” which has opened up some doors for me. Of course, I’ve always been pretty intuitive about color, and seasonal color analysis isn’t perfect and there are several colors I love and wear well that don’t “fit”– but the concept of being a “deep” has really helped me understand why some things I was trying to force (most greys) look like death on me and allowed me to expand my neutrals into colors I love but was afraid to wear because of old-fashioned color advice.

I also feel that I’ve made some discoveries (with all the watching and reading I do on the forum) about what I really enjoy style-wise that feels like me. . . In the next few months to a year or so, I hope to finally be able to realize some looks and start to have a visual presence of my own here at YLF so I can continue to grow.

January 3, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Lantana

Veteran

Renewal for me has begun with observation and reflection. I study the forum posts assiduously, focussing on those who have similar body shape and coloring to me. Interestingly, it is these similarities rather than age parity that is most instructive to me.

January 3, 2012 at 11:33 pm

shipskitty

Veteran

This year has been a big one of change for me. First year of my babies life and I became a MOTG instead of a professional engineer for the first time. After the inital shock (I’m a MOTHER! LOL!) and awe (soooo cute, my little guy) a total identity crisis set in. Plus my shape seems to have been permanently altered by the experience.

So I’ve spent a lot of this year browsing style blogs and browsing the shops. I had a lot of false starts but after getting some advice from a stylist I identified my problems and started rebuilding my wardrobe to go back to work. I felt the need to be extra polished and professional to help compensate for dropping back to part time. But at the same time want to express me more now I’m more confident in what I have to offer (I figure they KNOW i’m female now if they didn’t before – maternity leave must have been a hint).

Now I’m working on the other parts of my wardrobe trying to express myself more and to reconcile the different aspects. I’m loving contrasting edgier elements with feminine ones and having always been a mostly jeans and t-shirt girl with the odd summer dress I’m pushing for a bit more femininity too. There’s an arty / eclectic feel in there too.

Really trying to think about getting the best value of of my wardrobe too. Thinking about cost per wear. Trying to have the right mix of clothes for my lifestyle. Trying to invest in fewer more quality pieces that work together but also have interesting details.

Whew! Lots to get to grip with still…

January 4, 2012 at 1:46 am

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I’ve had so many changes since I joined YLF six months ago I don’t know how I could possibly list them all. I went from sporty casual basic boring and accessory-free wardrobe consisting largely of cardigan twinsets, trousers, fleece jackets and clogs, to a defined style persona (Demure Bombshell) with a closet full of skinny jeans, pussy bow blouses, boots, belts, dresses, midi skirts and coats, all because of YLF! I found out I like bright colors, ALGO and pattern mixing, but I also realized that sometimes less is more and that classic does not have to equal boring. I’ve also had fun incorporating some tougher elements into my style to balance the sweet demure ladylike side. I think this coming year I will focus on working with the fab new wardrobe that I have built over the last half year, remixing and tweaking my look, sometimes taking new risks but always having fun with fashion!

January 4, 2012 at 2:50 am

kimlee

Veteran

At this point in the journey, I believe I am try to fine tune (and finally label) my style. I have always been drawn to classic silouhettes and pieces – i.e. pencil skirts, cardi, a white button down shirt — but have struggled to fully embrace them in my life style. These days I am wearing these classic pieces but with fun twist – think a snake skin print pencil skirt, a silver button down instead of white. I am also learning which colors work best for me and I find myself moving away from prints/patterns to solids in terms of tops.

I am still looking to experiment with some of the new(ish) trends and work them into my style.

January 4, 2012 at 4:19 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I’m currently back into my crisp white button down shirts. Skirts. And signature shoes! I’m a little bored with my jewellery so some days I forget to put them on.

January 4, 2012 at 6:20 am

Di

(website)

Veteran

I love this question so much that I decided I needed to sleep on it before answering!

-I’m noticing that I really love clean colors, whether they’re bright, dark, or pale (although bright is my favorite). Maria Killiam talks about clean vs. dirty colors here (http://www.mariakillam.com/200.....lours.html), and it was really helpful to me. When I look at the dirty-colored clothes in my wardrobe, I think, “ugh.” When I look at the clean-colored ones, I feel energized.

-After receiving some incredible wisdom from YLF ladies, I’m trying more slim silhouettes. Rather than worrying so much about my primary shape (hourglass), I’m accepting it enough to play a little with my secondary one (rectangle).

-I still love love love skirts and dresses, and I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon. Angie, you’ve more than once referred to my style as sweet, and even though I try to toughen it up a little, sometimes I’m the only one who sees the toughness! But I really love sweet looks, they’re VERY “me”, and I’m coming to grips with the idea that it’s OK *not* to be a tomboy or an UWP (even though I love their fabness).

January 4, 2012 at 7:34 am

RoseandJoan

Veteran

My life took a rather unexpected turn last year and as a direct result I feel I need to inject some clothing items into my wardrobe which are more grown up or authoritative whilst still being approachable and comfortable.

January 4, 2012 at 8:04 am

rae

(website)

Veteran

I’m full steam ahead with my Utilitarian and UWP fashion persona – even more than before, because now I’m allowing the UWP to come to work with me. Small changes brought by this increase in UWP-ification are:

– Even more license to boot up! Booties next on the agenda for Spring.
– Craving a less buttoned up effect. Want to soften crisp shirts with cardigans instead of topping with blazers. Want to use blazers with sweaters, esp. if the sweaters have a big cowl or fun drape.
– More interest in statement jewelry. I got two really cool UWP necklaces this season, and I really dig the way they subtly reinforce my style statement.

January 4, 2012 at 9:57 am

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Exciting times! I love witnessing many brilliant style journeys here! As for me, Angie summed it up well: the motivation to change could be boredom, a change in body type, or environment. I can say yes to all three – and instead of this being a process of frustration or hesitant obligation, it’s (hopefully) going to be one of fun and pleasure! What a healthy and positive way to look at dressing…love it! My goal is to embody a bit of “classic boho” everyday – with great fit, comfort, and interest hitting consistently too! Hooray for style journeys!

January 4, 2012 at 10:24 am

DeniseP

Active Member

Began YLF this past summer — I had no confidence in how to dress.
Was discontent with my style. And just tired of my same ole look.

Bought nice clothes, but they were too matchy, matchy and boring.
In other words, would buy the coordinates in the line of clothing.
If I found pants from Eileen Fisher, would look for the matching top or cardigan. This was “safe” but BORING!

My fave styles on this blog are:
#1 – Angie
#2 – CocoLion
#3 – Suz
#4 – ClearlyClaire

The one above that I would like to copy for this season in my life is CocoLion.
LOVE her minimal, bold look. Also, her boho look.

I’m retired and not in a professional or office environment. But I am out and about other places, mostly casual.

I’m still trying to find my style.
LOVE quality pieces — but struggle with what brands to look for and where to find them? Then how to put them together.
Example, there’s a clothing line called St.John — and it’s terribly expensive.
And it doesn’t even appeal to me.
How do you find pieces of quality, that are unique but not frumpy. Internet shopping? Thrift stores? Regular stores, such as Nordstrom, Lord&Taylor, etc.?

My goal is a style that is unique, fresh and clean — not overdone. Even a little retro.
Have always liked classic, and worn it. But don’t know how to style without it being boring.

That’s why Angie, and all the YLF ladies have indeed been such a blessing in my quest for fashion knowledge! Hopefully, next year I will have a better report of my style journey.

The other “problem” I’m having is age-related. I’ll be 61 soon, but I still think and feel like 41. Brought home some black jeans last week that did have a little design on the back pockets, not flashy, but subtle. Hubs said I was too old to wear that. So, then I lose confidence in my selections.

Sorry for ramble…it helps to put thoughts in print.

January 4, 2012 at 1:45 pm

Lauren

My style renewal started after after my third child was born. I was getting ready to go back to work and in the market for tall boots. I was really frustrated because I couldn’t find a pair to fit my calves and I googled “tall boot calf fit” and found YLF due to Angie’s post on proper fit. I realized my instincts were right, LOL< and boots should fit snugly. Then I started reading the blog a bit, though not every day. In the spring, I found the forums and I looked at WIW pics and found the Halogen seamed pencil skirt. I bought two and started wearing them in April. In May my husband and I split up rather unexpectedly and as part of my "new life" I decided to focus more on myself. I changed several elements of my style over the past few months – I added brighter colors, fun skirts (I have the Halogen skirt in 5 colors now), paid more attention to fit, added jewelry, started painting my nails more regularly (and with darker colors) and basically became bolder with my style direction. I consider myself to have good fashion instincts – I already intuitively knew about PPL and had a sense of proper boot fit – but thanks to YLF I take risks. As part of this next phase, my wardrobe is pretty complete, but I like looking at YLF for fun ideas for how to remix what I already have and to make sure I'm up to date on current trends (and how to make them workable for my life).

January 4, 2012 at 2:25 pm

Secret Squirrel

Some great inspration in these posts, and it is lovely to read of quite different style journeys.

For me, I have experimented with colour and pattern and I am beginning to get where I want to – bringing in a new neutral (navy blue) and pattern mixing -such as scarves with stripey tops etc.

I have got braver with my petite size and now wear (much more flattering) short tulip skirts or wool shorts with tights.

Despite being happy in tailored peg leg trousers and skirts, I am also moving towards day dresses in easy-to-wear fabrics like jersey.

I love getting dressed every ay! Thank you Ange, for the inspiration.

January 4, 2012 at 2:49 pm

Sylvia

(website)

Active Member

I’m definitely on a style journey as well. I’m defining my style, getting more creative with current clothes and trying to pinpoint what’s really me. I love trends so those will always be present but aim to buy more high quality, timeless pieces. I’m trying to find out whether I’m truly eclectic or if I have a clearer defined style. Sofar it’s been a lot of fun exploring through my my photos, blogposts and interacting on forums like Youlookfab. And you are always an inspiration Angie!

January 5, 2012 at 4:13 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The current legs of your style journeys sound so focused, ladies. I’m impressed! What you learned along the way is fascinating.

DeniseP, I am flattered, and I am sure the other ladies that you mention are too.

January 5, 2012 at 7:12 am

clearlyclaire

Funny, I hadn’t commented on this blog because I’m not sure *where* I’m going. That was so nice what DeniseP said and I’m glad you directed my attention to her comment in another post, Angie; thank you!

My style is classic of course, but I feel like it can be sooooo booooooring when I try to do “simple and bold”, It’s simple all right, just not very bold. That would require having more statement pieces and right now I’m busy building up my basics. So I *need* the scarf and earrings to keep my look from completely falling asleep. My hair is also in a holding pattern so that could be a big part of the problem.

So I am filling in holes, ticking boxes of things I know I need and trusting that when I see something really special I love (like my new moto) I will just *know* it and pounce! I’m not sure where I’m going, but hopefully by year’s end I can look back and figure out where I’ve been.

January 5, 2012 at 8:46 am

glam on the inside

Active Member

Thank you all for sharing your journeys here – very interesting and inspiring reading!
I discovered YLF a year ago and have learned so much.
2011 was significant for me as it was my first year back in the workforce after having children. YLF helped me to build up a good capsule of work basics, and use fun accessories that I already owned in fresh ways.
As a result of what I have learned here, my main goals at the moment are:
– to keep building my collection of quality basics. I had been afraid to buy ‘boring’ shoes and tops before, but I am realising the value of having good quality, versatile items that can be used lots of ways.
– to buy things that make me happy, even if they are not 100% flattering. I had been feeling stifled by rules about leg-lengthening, waist-defining, belly-minimising and butt-lifting but as I’m growing more confident I’m more happy to let my “flaws” be seen and have more fun with dressing.
– to buy multiple versions of the things that really work, instead of feeling that more than one is an extravagance. I’ve been terrified of wasting money or being a spendthrift but now I’m convinced it’s fine for me to have nice things.
Writing this has really shown me that I was quite a fear-driven shopper and dresser before. I feel so much freer now, thanks to Angie and everyone here. I absolutely love this warm and encouraging place!

January 6, 2012 at 5:46 am

slythwolf

Active Member

I feel like I’m at the beginning of my style journey again. I’m getting ready to leave an emotionally abusive partner who has spent the past six years making me feel like trying to look good wasn’t something that was worthwhile for me, and my body type has changed a lot in the interim from what it was when we met; I feel like I’m fifteen and learning how to dress myself all over again.

I am taking inspiration from bombshells like Christina Hendricks and Marilyn Monroe, whom my shape now resembles. I am wearing more skirts and dresses than I have in a long time and rejecting anything that doesn’t show off my waist. My body shape is still changing due to some changes I’ve made in my birth control; I’m losing much of the weight I had gained, except my bust seems to be staying the same size. Therefore I’m not investing in clothes the way I would like to when my weight settles out again, but I am investing in shoes and bags and other accessories.

“Timeless” has always been important to me. I don’t want to have to buy more than a few new things every season and I don’t want to have to overhaul my entire wardrobe more than every five or ten years.

January 6, 2012 at 12:45 pm

glam on the inside

Active Member

Wishing you well, sly. You will need lots of strength to do it, but I truly hope leaving this relationship opens up a whole new world to you, where you accept nothing less than the respect and love you deserve. Take care.

January 6, 2012 at 9:26 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I feel a little lost at the moment, and am frustrated with myself because of it.
I know exactly what I want style-wise, there really aren’t any conflicting style personas to confuse me or anything. I still love the clean, simple, strong look that I decided upon quite a while ago. I always feel most confident and fab, and very me, when sporting this style and I’ve really been enjoying shopping for pieces that help me achieve this, pieces I truly love. That’s all super good news!-)

Yet, despite all that, I appear to have temporarily lost my style groove. I keep wearing the same limited amount of items all the time, in the exact same combinations and somehow seem to lack the “vision” to do more with all these beautiful pieces (that deserve better). I know this is partly due to having had lots of things on my mind lately, but I just wanted to throw this out there, in case someone else is struggling a bit with this too.

slythwolf: I’m loving your plan of starting this new leg of your style journey with footwear, bags and accessories. They can add so much to any outfit, and you’ll have them for years. Wishing you all the best!

January 9, 2012 at 1:39 pm

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