https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 24 May 2026 06:21:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1873408 Sun, 31 Dec 2017 19:14:40 +0000 Angie 1873408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NICE. </p> <p>*applause*</p> <p>This is an excellent assessment and a valuable base to work from for 2018, <b>Smittie.</b></p> <p>You're not a Soft Natural - You're a<b>&nbsp;Classic Crisp Neutral. </b>Now&nbsp;choose 5&nbsp;adjectives&nbsp;that are indicative of your aspiring style.<b></b><b></b></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1873118 Sat, 30 Dec 2017 18:46:05 +0000 Anonymous 1873118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brooklyn- I’ll keep a lookout for cross-v shapes. Those would very likely work on me. Re: Mazda—practical! Yes, I heard Subaru’s are not great on gas and that larger SUVs actually get better gas mileage.<br /> LaP- I like “luxe simplicity” :-). Unlike you, I’m terrible at monikers for anybody but do enjoy looking at people through the kibbe lense and trying to categorize them. It’s all in good fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872881 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 22:23:43 +0000 LaPed 1872881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's wise to abandon "soft natural" -- you absolutely look good in classic styles, or classic with a twist (which really makes me think you should consider Dramatic Classic as your Kibbe type -- but I've probably said that before! -- or perhaps Soft Dramatic?). As far as a moniker, would you consider "Elevated Contemporary" or "Luxe Simplicity?" What always strikes me about your style is how effortless you make very luxe pieces seem, and how very simple, understated pieces just seem to shine when you put them on. I have trouble with monikers for myself, but love coming up with ideas for others'. :)</p> <p>Glad you're getting back together with black -- I couldn't live without it. And I do think it's a good choice for you -- instant polish. You're right that rich-looking brown is hard to find right now. And I find browns to be tricky like greys -- the wrong shade looks really wrong. </p> <p>Sounds like you're set up for a stellar 2018! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872871 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 21:52:30 +0000 Brooklyn 1872871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Smittie</p> <p>I enjoyed your honest appraisal. I love your style and think you had a great year. </p> <p>A lot of what you said resonated with me. </p> <p>I also don’t find monikers that helpful. Like you I focus on visuals and also how an item feels on me (my worst buys are always things I don’t feel comfortable in).</p> <p>Sleeveless high neck is also my best top look and my go to for summer. You might find that wrap tops with a high “v” are a good alternative (with or without sleeves).</p> <p>That surprises me about the comments on the Prada bag. I see lots of women with Prada bags (or alleged Prada bags!) in my city. Even the odd Chanel. I would never think to comment just because of the label. On the cars: We used to have a Subie and loved it. We especially liked the intelligent cruise control on long drives. We now have a Mazda. We don’t love it quite as much but I must say it’s piu economico on the gas.</p> <p>T-shirts. Yep. I can’t live without them. Especially in summer, when I wear them constantly. Most of mine are lucky to last a whole summer. Transient as you say. And I get no joy out of buying them at all. Consequently I only have about 3 that I really like. And I need about 10 for summer, to avoid laundry logjams. (I often wear 2 in one day in our humid summer.) Next year I must focus more on buying joyless items. :)</p> <p>Re brown. It’s sooo hard to find. Also tan, rust, bronze. Did you see the article about Meghan Markle wearing brown to church with the royal family at Xmas? Saying how fashion forward that was? It’s sure to come back now.</p> <p>I hope you have a big style year in 2018! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872852 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 21:18:03 +0000 kkards 1872852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I drive a VW Touareg- which is essentially a Porsche but without the label and the extra $10k. But anyway-- it's funny re the Prada bag... I do think that's one "label" every one knows....and not sure why they feel free to comment on it. I had a young co worker a couple of years ago who would sometimes make comments regarding something expensive/ or looked expensive that I was wearing...finally shut him up by commenting that I paid for it with all the money I wasn't spending on beer and fast food! Which is my why of saving, if you can afford it and you like it, don't let others comments stop you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872765 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 16:05:12 +0000 Suz 1872765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"A belly effect I won't speak of." &nbsp; Hahahaha. I know what you mean. I actually get that if the rise is either too high or too low. I feel it on the new cords, much as I love them. The stretchy fabrication means they are not uncomfortable per se, but I won't speak for the appearance. I will be wearing these ones with a top over, untucked! Proportions or no proportions! Heels to the rescue!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872763 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:57:09 +0000 Anonymous 1872763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia: You’re right. Maybe it is a conversation starter. I should think of it that way.</p> <p>Sterling: I’m glad you had a good read it does seem like everyone </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872762 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:45:47 +0000 Lynn 1872762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to cars- I love my Subaru. Has a great safety record and is great in the snow and mountains. &nbsp;Disclaimer- I live in Colorado and am outdoorsy - when I am not injured :(( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872760 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:33:35 +0000 Anonymous 1872760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading every single word. &nbsp;I almost think I could have written your post word for word (except the brown, no brown experimentation for me). &nbsp;I'll join you in coffee with Black. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872688 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 04:18:33 +0000 Jaime 1872688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting analysis. I was intrigued by the attention your bag garnered. I wear a lot of designer (second hand) items and cannot think of a single time anyone has every mentioned them because of the logo. I rarely wear anything with obvious branding but you say the Prada logo is subtle. I do think it is a cultural difference perhaps, as it certainly is not the case that anyone hesitates from commenting on my attire if they feel like it. Perhaps it is seen as an easy conversation starter in a more reserved culture?<br />Also, good for you for understanding that your Kibbe type is not destiny but just another factor to take into account or reject as you choose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872684 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 04:03:34 +0000 Anonymous 1872684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RunCarla-I’ll keep using the bag, don’t worry. It’ll come out to play in summer/fall.</p> <p>Anne: so glad you chimed in, and agree with my assessments. We’re on the same page. One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is how much you inspired me with your long, pink skirt. I think something like that will look good on me too.</p> <p>Isabel, you always so lovely to me, thank you. Thank you for agreeing with me about the classic clothes! Yes: the torso ends up looking a bit blocky and the legs shorter. Very strange...As **Suz** mentions, I think the tunic actually needs to be dress length.</p> <p>Suz- thanks so much for your feedback. I so appreciate your taking the time to give your assessment of how you see me. I’m glad you agree about the trapeze shells. Yes! Those work so very well. With the jeans rise, I need at least a 10” rise, and that is a higher Mid-rise on me and hits about 1.5” under my belly button so it holds in the belly as opposed to going over it and creating a belly effect that I won’t speak of.<br /> A 9” rise is a true mid-rise. </p> <p>Lisa p and Suz: So glad you like my parka! I thought I was being original, fining this little known brand, and then of course, I see two or three women sporting it the same day. Anyway, we all looked good in it, so it’s all good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872676 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 02:39:45 +0000 Suz 1872676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b>, I know. Can you believe, for a minute there, I was desperate to buy the red version of <b>Smittie</b>'s new coat? And I <b>just bought</b> a parka!!!! Fortunately, as she says, they are all sold out, so I don't have to worry...except they do stock the brand at Trailhead, my local gear emporium...</p> <p>In all seriousness, I am happy happy happy with my new coat and will add the red puffer another year. For now a red hat should do it. :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872670 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:50:57 +0000 Anonymous 1872670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I LOVE this parka . All of this winter boot and parka talk is going to wear me down , I swear .....;) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872667 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:29:11 +0000 Suz 1872667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a gorgeous puffer!! You did brilliantly with outerwear this year. And for our climate...well, you know. what I am going to say!</p> <p>Actually, I was nodding along with so much of this. We have similar taste and similar body type modifiers or perhaps proportions. I, too, love the look of a high necked shell on me. It's my favourite summer top. (Tip: In some years you can find tops like this in a slight "trapeze" style, i.e. flaring out at the bottom, an A-line kind of look. In some cases, longer. These can also work like a charm on us.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you, i also struggle with tunics/ leggings on me, and much prefer the look of a semi tucked top. For me a mid-rise tends to work best but a mid-rise on the higher end of mid, if that makes sense. (e.g. 8.5 or 9) I &nbsp;did find a longer tunic-type thing (i.e. a short dress) over crops could work. But I never feel quite as good as when I'm in a semi-tucked top, in terms of proportions.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also agreeing with your self-identification as "classic." Not a true Kibbe classic, maybe...maybe dramatic classic? Or even some version of gamine, like me... your hair might make "natural" seem the right designation but I absolutely agree that you look best in extremely well cut and sharp and modern classic items -- you can go a bit "mod" too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Focusing on outerwear and some great leather goods was a smart move and you learned a lot. Brown is frustratingly difficult right now but it will come back and have its day. Meanwhile, it's great that you and black are still BFFs!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872666 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:26:59 +0000 Anonymous 1872666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In a cooperative mood I'm not going to argue with you about your physical self description but without having analyzed the why, you have a naturally slightly exotic look perfect for classic clothes, as that contrast makes them look way fresher and more sophisticated.</p> <p>It seemed logical to me for so long that tunics would be flattering to me for exactly the reason you mentioned but in fact I found that too much of the same on top made my legs look shorter and my torso look blocky.</p> <p>You always look just beautiful to me, and very stylish, in everything you've posted.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872664 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:23:49 +0000 anne 1872664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, I think you've said that we have some similarities in look. and some of what you've said resonated with me - looking better in classic looks being one of them, and high neck woven shells which I also wear (and because of office temperature vagaries, at least some of the time without a jacket, but cf Emily's point, I'm in Australia where sleeveless is much more normal in office wear, including by professionals).</p> <p>And because, like you I have a long torso and shorter legs, I was particularly interested in your rejection of tunics, which is similar to Suz's.&nbsp; I do find myself wearing them still, because they are so convenient, but mostly for loungewear with leggings.</p> <p>I also appreciated your "style moniker" as not being that helpful, as I haven't really come up with one in 10 years on YLF, except something like "modern classic" which is pretty general.</p> <p>All the best for 2018! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872657 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:05:19 +0000 Carla 1872657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! Smittie! Please do keep and use that lovely, lovely, bag. I have been on the hunt for one like it, or similar, ever since you posted about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872646 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:14:47 +0000 JAileen 1872646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My town has the third highest volume Subaru dealer in the US. The top two are in Colorado and Vermont. We're near Lake Tahoe so that's probably why we're third. Everyone and his brother drives them here. My impression of Subarus is that they're practical. We need them because they don't bother plowing side streets. I'm on my third one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872645 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:06:48 +0000 Jenn 1872645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, smittie! Our second car is a Golf GTI. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872642 Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:02:23 +0000 Anonymous 1872642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa p: sorry I forgot to provide puffer details. It is the brand “indygena”<br /> <a href="https://www.indygena.com/fall-winter-201718/ayaba-ma565" rel="nofollow">https://www.indygena.com/fall-.....yaba-ma565</a></p> <p>I must say, the branding and pictures on their site are very nice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872641 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 23:57:55 +0000 Anonymous 1872641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jaileen and Jenn—Oddly enough, I’m thinking about a Subaru as my next car! My impression of these cars is that they are for outdoorsy types, which suits me fine.<br /> I now have a Honda Fit. Great little car but really tinny on the highway. And I drive on the highway a lot for my commute. My girlfriend has a Subaru and she and it are so cute. She is not outdoorsy, and it’s funny how just this one little thing changes my impression of a car. </p> <p>The VW Golf is another favourite of mine. The fit and finish are very nice.</p> <p>It is hard to find a car that people don’t make any judgments about. In fact, I just don’t think they exist. </p> <p>I love talking about cars! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872626 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 23:16:42 +0000 Jenn 1872626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I drove a BMW for ten years, and I know <i>exactly</i> what you mean about the bag. I bought it for safety and longevity purposes and yes, because I loved all those little touches a luxury brand adds, but I always wished I could make the logo invisible. Like JAileen, my current car is a Subaru.</p> <p>I appreciate how honest you've been about what worked and what didn't work. I'm so glad that peacoat has been a success, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872621 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 23:02:19 +0000 Anonymous 1872621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily, below is what I mean by a high-neck shell. I would need a long cardigan or jacket with it, you’re correct. I don’t even know what a secretary is supposed to look like these days,but the idea is to take the cardigan or jacket off when i go outside in the summer.</p> <p>Deb- thanks!</p> <p>Lisa p: yes, I’m a bit embarrassed but should really just get over it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872620 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:59:27 +0000 JAileen 1872620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting review. You really know yourself. I'm a lot older and don't know as much as you do. </p> <p>Re luxury and perceptions, that's why I have a Subaru. I test drove a luxury car, but felt very weird about it. There's no question it was a nice car, but I didn't want people making judgements about me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872618 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:55:13 +0000 Anonymous 1872618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. I'm curious about your new puffer, can you post a find? &nbsp;And I know exactly what you mean about people commenting on brand names/logos. &nbsp;Especially men. &nbsp;I am quite uncomfortable with that too, and never know how to respond. Nothing sounds right. &nbsp;I think Prada is a target in particular because <i>everyone</i> knows the name, even men who are normally clueless about this stuff. &nbsp;However, now that you have it, you have to wear it with aplomb &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872585 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:12:57 +0000 deb 1872585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good job, Smittie. Yea for the good stuff!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872583 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 22:04:23 +0000 Emily K 1872583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading your review. &nbsp;Although we are at different places with our wardrobes, your observations seemed so clear and authentic to me. &nbsp; I hope you find all the pieces you need to make your wardrobe gel! &nbsp;A question, though...what are you calling a high-neck woven shell? &nbsp;Have you a picture? &nbsp;I'm curious because when I try that type of look, I feel like a secretary away from my desk without a blazer (and I know that I don't want that look and you certainly do not exemplify that look...so I'm pretty sure I'm just not "getting it". &nbsp;:-) &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2017-style-in-review#post-1872573 Thu, 28 Dec 2017 21:42:36 +0000 Anonymous 1872573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>2017 was a year where I experimented a little and finally rounded out my outerwear capsule. </p> <p>Experiments:<br /> - I gave myself the moniker, “soft natural”. Despite the massive amount of navel-gazing I spent making sure this was the right moniker for me, I didn’t find it useful while shopping, nor did I find “soft natural” clothing actually suited me. Conclusion: full-fail. I am going to stick with visuals as my guide.</p> <p>As an aside: If I am being honest with myself, I look best in classic clothing. By Kibbe standards, I should be in some other category, not “classic” because I have a very dramatically large, long and crooked nose, short legs and there’s really nothing in proportion about me at all. But whatever: I still like classics the best.</p> <p>- Colour experiment: I experimented with dark brown. I love chocolate footwear but I don’t love the brown with my blue bag. I need a brown bag, but brown is so hard to come by. Conclusion: semi-fail wth potential for success if I really commit to finding a chocolate brown bag.</p> <p>- tunics: I thought they’d look good because they’d hide my butt and leg join. The reality is the proportions are off on me. I think semi tucking into high-rise pants and leaving the shirt tail dangle at the back is a more flattering option for leg lengthening and butt coverage.</p> <p>- high neck sleeveless shells. This was a huge hit. I think woven shells look great on me! But there is the issue of how to wear them indoors and stay warm. Conclusion: success, but I will need a well-thought out cardigan or jacket strategy to make this look work.</p> <p>- luxury items: I got great deals on leather items, however, I didn’t like the attention garnered by the Prada logo on my bag. I honestly didn’t think anybody would notice, because it’s tonal, but I am naive about branding: lots of people notice. Men and women in equal numbers. I especially don’t like men complimenting me on my bag because of the name brand. (They would never say anything otherwise.) </p> <p>Things I discovered, aka, style epiphanies:</p> <p>- black is my friend. I should have a coffee with Her and apologize for ostracizing her. I love my black suede tall boots, and I REALLY miss having black booties. I also like my black turtle neck and would like a mid-size black bag.</p> <p>Also, every time I wear black, SO compliments me. </p> <p>- not a fan of woven shirts. Not only are they too hot for “outside summer”, and too cold for indoors, but they feel fussy when paired with cardigans. I also feel like they are too structured for my sloped shoulders.</p> <p>- tshirts work for my lifestyle. This was a tough pill to swallow because they’re just such transient pieces, but nevertheless, I ended up wearing my two identical navy cotton tshirts every weekend and even during the workweek and felt good in them. Why? Because I could do stuff in them like take out garbage, garden, sweat, etc.</p> <p>Outerwear additions:<br /> It is with great relief that I announce to the world that my outerwear capsule is in a really good place. I bought a new PRIMO navy peacoat with epaulettes, pleats in the back and silver buttons Lots of details. Quilted lining. So happy to have that piece squared away. No need to ever update it. </p> <p>I also have a new puffer that ticks all the boxes. I hope it lasts for 4 or 5 years.</p> <p>Budget:<br /> - the unexpected peacoat addition put me over budget. I thought I could rein in spending till December, but then ended up buying a puffer at full price in November because the small size always seems to be sold out later in the season. (As it turns out, the Small was sold out by late November.)</p> <p>Anyway, hope this provided you with some fun reading I’ve rthe holidays.<br /> Merry Christmas mes amies! </p>