It gives me great pleasure to introduce today’s post by long time forum member, Sarah (who I refer to as TexasSarah because we have several Sarahs on YLF). Sarah’s weight loss and style journey are an absolute inspiration to us all. Her powerful story reflects on her years of soul searching, which have resulted in a killer sense of personal style, a positive body image, and more importantly – a very happy heart. It’s clear that Sarah is a beautiful person both inside and out.

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I’ve always loved fashion. There is little more I enjoy than the fun and boost to my confidence of putting together a successfully fabulous outfit that presents me at my best. I haven’t always felt this way…in fact, my beginnings were mostly filled with fear, frustration, insecurity, even depression.

I always knew I wanted to be confident and fabulous, but there was a disconnect between my desires and the ability to actually make them happen. My childhood and teen years of being the “big-boned” chunky girl set the stage for intense insecurity about my body image, and I ended up an early 20-something, trapped in a box of labels and limitations. I didn’t know I could be anything better than what fate had dealt me, which I believed to be the worst combination of flaws and imperfections any one girl could throw at a wardrobe. I had stacks of fashion magazines dog-eared with fabulous outfit inspirations and in the next room a closet full of nothing to wear.

This disbelief in me wasn’t a conscious choice, it was just my reality. I’d grown to reject who I was, and accepted that there were no alternatives. Why try to be me? “Me” was no good. So instead I’d copy people I admired or celebrities I wanted to be, via what they wore. But my unhappiness and insecurity in my own skin was a poison that left unchecked, promoted damaging and unhealthy habits, both inside and out.

It was at this point in my life that I hit a speed bump, and it jarred me all the way to my core. I’d trashed the inside of my body to the point where it was rejecting itself, and I underwent an emergency surgery to remove my gall bladder. At age 26, this was a serious wakeup call back to reality that forced me to take a hard, honest look at things. My introspection resulted in a brand new outlook. I decided that I was going to live the rest of my life as Sarah, and start learning to live it the best I could. My life was mine for the taking, and I was done living passively, letting negativity and lies boss me around.

The five years since my surgery have been a nonstop journey toward retraining healthy patterns in my daily life, but I can tell you every step – both up and down – has been worth it. I realized that the body I now accepted was worth taking care of, and through encouragement and education, I learned to eat right and exercise. I accepted that Sarah is valuable and a person to be appreciated, which helped me start treating her that way.

Enter Angie and YouLookFab. I was nervous to post outfit photos on the forum initially, but once I did, I was overwhelmed with acceptance and support. I realized that Angie and the other forum members saw me as someone with great potential, not as the scary, ugly, monster I’d always seen. This outside affirmation was so healing! I learned valuable tips and tricks for my body type and lifestyle, and I was encouraged to discover my personal style in a way I’d never allowed myself to do. This “permission” opened up a new world to me, and I was suddenly free to embrace the real me.

The environment of the YLF community gave me confidence for the next baby step, and the next one, and the one after that, and I gradually bloomed into the person I am today. I see now that I had been the one holding myself back all these years. Life isn’t about arriving at a destination, it’s about a journey. It’s not about being “right”, it’s about being YOU.

Not to say there weren’t struggles along the way. Even today, there are times when my mind’s eye sees nothing but distorted images of me. In these moments though, I have to remind myself that this is indeed a process, I’ve worked very hard to be where I am, and I need to trust those around me who see me for who I really am. If I don’t accept and support me from the inside out, I will never be confident regardless of how fit I am or what is hanging in my closet.

I’ve chosen to surround myself with positive influences, which I found through YLF, good friends, family, and healthy eating and exercise. The 75lb weight loss and closet full of pretty things are just the outward signs of an inward transformation. I am finally the person I’ve always wanted to be. Not a perfect style icon, but someone who is full of confidence inside and out, learning to accept where I am at the moment and who I can become in the future.

You can be what you want to be, but it all starts with you. Don’t sell yourself short of your potential. I’m rooting for you!

Stop by Sarah’s style blog the Daily Sophisticate where you’ll see Sarah successfully work a simple, chic and polished look to perfection. Sarah is quite the style icon at YLF and sports perfect pant lengths like no other!

I’m mixing things up in this week’s poll, giving you a choice of several Teams. But you can only pick one side. Sorry ladies, I’m tough.

Today you’re picking your favourite budget shopping store. I am not including retailers who specialize in discounted items, like Ross, the Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, thrift stores, eBay and outlets. Your choices are from a pool of budget retailers where the items are inexpensive, even at full price:

1. Old Navy
2. Target
3. H&M
4. Forever 21
5. Walmart

As much as I love to wear better-end items, I also like to mix things up with the odd budget piece. I get a kick out of wearing my Prada boots with an item from H&M. Why not! There is something to be said for inexpensive fast fashion. So there we go, I’m on Team H&M. I’ve been shopping there for as long as I’ve been in the fashion business, which is almost 2 decades. I adore H&M’s often over the top designs and interesting advertising. The stores are hip, the people inside the stores are hip, the clothing fits, and I enjoy the fun shopping experience.

I haven’t yet had the chance to visit a Walmart, probably because I’m very seldom outside city centers in the USA. I have also never purchased anything for my own wardrobe at Target, Old Navy and Forever 21. I’m an H&M gal through and through. You’ll find H&M stores all over the world and I try to visit as many as possible because the merchandise is a little different in each country.

Over to you. Are you Team Old Navy, Team Target, Team H&M, Team Forever 21 or Team Walmart? Tell us why and remember that you can only choose to bat for ONE Team. This is going to be very interesting.

This post is brought to you by Nordstrom Rack, where you can find the hottest brands and trends at the best prices.

Dressing for less doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing items at budget stores. It can also mean purchasing better-end items at discounted prices. Even at discounted prices, very few people can afford to dress in labels from head to toe, but a single statement item can make all the difference. It might be the item that pulls the outfit together, or takes things up a notch. This is particularly true for work business ensembles. Not only will a great statement piece create a positive impression, but it will also boost your confidence.

Of course, you do have to be cognizant of the statement you’re making. When it comes to career wear you might be looking to show professionalism with a pulled together outfit, creativity with something bold and unexpected, or just the good impression associated with a piece of high quality workmanship.

In this post I will outline some things to think about as you search for that elusive killer statement piece that fits within your budget.

Brands are Sometimes Important

In business the people making snap judgements based on first impressions (and the reality is that so many people do) are not necessarily fashion-savvy like you are. Aside from the obvious quality of some items, their only signal may be the brands that they see. You may hate the fact that they think better of you because of your Prada handbag and Stuart Weitzman shoes, but that might be the reality.

Note that brands are often about more than a name or logo. Many brands have design details that have become iconic, like the Burberry check, the Louis Vuitton pattern, and the Chanel chain handle and quilted fabric.

The Universal Appeal of Quality

Branding is not always positive and can be associated with extravagance. Overt branding may be a turn off for some people, a sign that your priorities are different to theirs. The key is to know the environment and dress accordingly.

Quality, on the other hand, is universal. There is something about beautiful workmanship that is recognizable and aspirational. And while it is often true that expensive designer items are expensive for the name alone, this isn’t always the case. There are many examples of high end items that fit better, wear better and generally exhibit a higher level of workmanship. For example, the drape on a Hugo Boss or Theory suit is hard to beat because the fit and fabrication are a cut above the rest.

I believe that even when the branding isn’t visible, this quality can shine through.

Design Exclusivity

Getting that extra bit of interesting design detailing is another reason to purchase a statement piece. Buy something at the Banana Republic sale and you’ll see other people wearing it too. Purchase the right statement piece and you’ll stand out from the crowd.

Whether or not you want to stand out from the crowd will depend on the situation, but in many cases individuality will be a positive thing.

Picking the Right Item

You’ll hear this over and over again in the fashion and style world: better end shoes, handbags, jackets, coats and suits make an instant style statement. These items are central to the outfit and can carry the statement, so to speak. It is much harder to create a statement with a separate like a shirt or pair of pants, which are more like the support act of the ensemble.

Items like footwear and handbags can be faithful statement pieces for many seasons. And even if a piece is more expensive than your budget normally allows, the cost per wear will whittle down to nothing if they work hard for several years. Look for items that will go the distance.

It is more cost effective to make your better end statement piece something fairly timeless. Not only will this be useful for a lot longer than something that is trendy for one season, but you are also far more likely to find it on a discount or second hand.

Remember that it’s all about HOW you wear something that counts. Purchase better-end classic pieces and combine them with less expensive trendy pieces to make them look current. Often, it’s a spunky and fashion forward hairstyle that makes a high end classic item look hip.

Ultimately… Other Things are More Important

The things you say and do, and the results you achieve will be far more important than any item you are wearing. But a good ensemble can create a good first impression, it can give you a boost of confidence, and most importantly, it can be fun. The right statement piece can take your ensemble to the next level.

Better end statement pieces need not break the bank if you choose them carefully. You can buy on discount at an outlet store, or second hand at a consignment store or on eBay. And who are we to turn down a fabulous hand me down!

In fact, the cost per wear of a hard working, better-end statement piece might be lower than many of the inexpensive items in your wardrobe.

These are items I found during recent shopping adventures with my clients. They are well worth a look, and they won’t break the bank.

• Talbots Striped Bateau-neck Tee: The drape on this 100% rayon tee is sublime. Love the variegated stripe and the roll-tab sleeves. Best black and white striped tee I’ve seen all year. Available in regular, petites and plus sizes.
• Gap Chambray Tie Neck Blouse: Pretty, lightweight and very feminine. It’s shown with a bow but you can knot the ties instead of tying a bow. I like it with white denim, but it also looks fab with blue and black denim. Great tucked into wide leg trousers.
• Island Flower Dress: It’s nice to NOT have to worry about a plunging neckline! This little frock is fab dressed down with metallic flats and a faded denim jacket.
• Gap Sexy Boot Surplus Jeans (white wash): If you’re after a pair of non-premium white jeans, these might work. A Gap coupon will reduce the price even further.
• Miz Mooz Walker Pump: I really like this interesting pump. You might not fancy it now, but wait till you pop it on your foot. Interesting and comfortable. Available in black, red and whiskey.

Maria from Colour me Happy recently drove down from Canada to shop for Spring and we had an absolute ball! As a colour expert, Maria wears colour daily and there was no shortage of colourful items in stores. She bought the striped black and white tee from Talbots to match her black skinny trousers. She’ll layer over a new lemon yellow blazer and finish off the outfit with ballet flats, an orange handbag and spunky cream specs. She also bought the white jeans, which look amazing with virtually every top we bought that day.