https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:50:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990282 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:12:27 +0000 nemosmom 1990282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yikes! I was thinking the style... minus the murder, mayhem and chaps... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990233 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:55:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1990233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hell's Angels the dudes or the style/logo? <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/biker-gang-hell-s-angels-arrest-drugs-1.4969734">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada.....-1.4969734</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990228 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 17:45:13 +0000 jussie 1990228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow you’ve been so busy. And it’s interesting how where we live has such an influence on our style.<br /> Good luck putting your new style moniker to work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990211 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:55:01 +0000 Anonymous 1990211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I insist on seeing the hells angels + j crew! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990208 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:51:28 +0000 nemosmom 1990208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>Sterling, kkards, Joy, UmmLila, Column</b> - thank you! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>ChristinaF</b> - I see NewYorker for you! California just became a "bucket" of sorts, or maybe I'm just non-committal ha!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LaPed</b> - yes, it's the balance I ponder, too. Ideally, I'd like a mashup of Alexa Chung with Jennifer Aniston, with a splash of Amal Clooney and Gwen Stefani... Or a Hell's Angels+JCrew collaboration with Billabong or Free People....&nbsp; maybe it's the leather I crave...<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990182 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:08:09 +0000 LaPed 1990182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, I love the "Vagabond Mom" moniker! I should steal it. :)</p> <p>Nothing like a bunch of cross-country moves and major life changes to unsettle your style. "Refined Californian" sounds great (and I agree with Sal that it brings Jennifer Aniston to mind). I think a lot about how to balance east coast prep with a more laid-back west coast vibe, that JCrew-Madewell continuum. I don't want to end up too far out on either end!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990171 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:58:47 +0000 Lieselotte Kander 1990171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am Lieselotte from Miami. Since childhood, I had a dream to become a fashion designer. Now, I started from a lower level but yes, I am standing with my dreams.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990157 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 15:31:04 +0000 Christina F. 1990157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for this post. I've long struggled with a moniker for myself, and your creative addition of "Californian" has given me ideas. (Not that my style is Californian, but that I might be able to incorporate "New Yorker" into mine.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990091 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 11:43:02 +0000 Column 1990091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You. Are. Superwoman. Only someone with your fortitude would also find time to get her style act together. Thanks for sharing your process so that the rest of us might benefit. Sounds like you are on the right track! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990037 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:19:51 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1990037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am loving the transition from Vagabond Mom to Refined Californian. Way to really know where you were standing, and apply the analytical ideas you've picked up from the forum to reach non-derivative conclusions for your own life. Also, in general, I loved your post, not a rant, just a real woman: this is where I'm at with my family and career. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1990031 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 05:00:27 +0000 Anonymous 1990031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are so strong and impressive. Remember that Chicgo's longest season is winter and cold windy weather so you may want to add a few winter sale pieces, maybe in Spring colors. May this be a more stable year for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989985 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 01:38:18 +0000 nemosmom 1989985@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone I realized after I hit "submit" that my post read more rant-y than resolution-y, and I certainly didn't intend it to lean that way... </p> <p><b>suntiger</b> - YES! Re-inventing the wheel is tiring...</p> <div><br /></div><div><b>Fashintern</b> - Living out of a suitcase is no joke! Exclamations are necessary! </p> <p><b>Suz </b>- yes, I think a WFH uniform is the way to go. It's been too easy to just throw on whatever felt disposable, in case it got messy; a habit I formed while needing to clean, pack, cook, etc. Hopefully, a WFH uniform can just as easily become a new habit. You have incredible style and I have learned a lot from your WIWs!</p> <p><b>Torontogirl</b> - thank you! I look forward to yours as well!</p> <p> </div><b>Lynn</b> - glad "refined" was helpful! I am excited to see if and how you use it!<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>shevia</b> and <b>glory </b>- yes to the warm coat and duds! Holy cow, it is cold here...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>gretchen</b> - yes to the spit up and pb&amp;j! "What can get barfed on today?" does not often result in a cute WIW.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>jessikams</b> - the panic! YES! Every. Morning. I am limiting my day-to-day formulas to two for the next month and going from there. It's rigid, but experimenting and having too many options feels overwhelming right now. Best wishes with your life changes. I hope you will post some outfit labs with your new stuff! <br /></div><br /><b>Angie</b> - I am excited to read your new post on style monikers. You are welcome to use <i>Vagabond Mom</i> - ha! <br /><div><br /></div><div><b>ElizabethP</b> - thank you! :)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sal</b> - thanks! I had not thought of Jennifer Aniston, but now that you mention her, I do like her style and it is a bit like what I envision, with more color and more edge.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989970 Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:44:15 +0000 kkards 1989970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m sorry, I’m so exhausted from reading everything you’ve done on the last 5 years that I can’t even begin to think about the rest of your post </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989913 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:39:17 +0000 Anonymous 1989913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your story and your style moniker. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989911 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 19:33:14 +0000 Sal 1989911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like your post - and love the moniker.&nbsp; I am also drawn in a few directions and think you can combine this variety in a relatively cohesive manner.....do you like Jennifer Aniston's style - she has a Refined Californian style to my mind - casual hair, tidy shoes, a little boho and rocker, and quite simple neutral tones.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989875 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:02:52 +0000 Elizabeth P 1989875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Wow, just reading about your last few years makes me feel tired.&nbsp; <br /></div><div>I'm impressed with your thoughts, and your plan to move forward.&nbsp; I find it so hard to muster the energy to develop and articulate these type of goals, so I'm doubly impressed with you!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989826 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:39:07 +0000 Angie 1989826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MY WORD, <b>Nemosmom.</b> You've had a hectic 5 years to say the least. And you're so positive and upbeat! My hat of off to you. I'm impressed.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be talking about style monikers next week so look out for the post. I like your moniker! I was thinking of <i>Refined Eclectic</i>, but like that you threw in Californian.&nbsp;</p> <p>Those are excellent goals. We can help you sort through your palette, create a Summer outfit formula, WFM outfit formula, and build capsules if you like.&nbsp;</p> <p>(And thanks for the kind words. Wishing you a calmer and easier 2019).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989747 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:21:02 +0000 Jessikams 1989747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some major thinking going on here. Thanks for the links to the older posts too!</p> <p>The idea of outfit formulas makes So Much Sense. I think it’s why I try to limit my “bottoms” to about 7 in each season. That gives me options without creating the mind-boggling, working-from-scratch morning-panic situation. (Right now it’s skinny jeans, leggings, one pair wide pants, one fitted midi skirt, one pleated midi skirt...that’s the basic idea.)<br /> I should think harder about specific formulas though. Right now I have a lot of new stuff (because of life changes, like you) which necessitates time-consuming experimentation. I look forward to getting familiar with each of my pieces and knowing better/more intuitively how to use them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989744 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 06:03:40 +0000 Gretchen 1989744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, truly I love Vagabond Mom, and totally rocked it for about 5 years (nothing like choosing your clothes based on what works with baby spit up and PB&amp;J)</p> <p>Refined Californian also sounds wonderful - can't wait to see where you take it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989734 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:21:32 +0000 Glory 1989734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow what a tremendous amount of change you have had. I am hopeful you will really enjoy your new home in Chicago. You will definitely need some warmer duds! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989721 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 03:27:48 +0000 Jaime 1989721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mind would still be reeling after all those changes. You are very balanced to be able to settle on Refined Californian, and may I add one with a very warm coat if you are settling in Chicago! <br />Also, I couldn't agree more with what you said about YLF - a reliable ray of sunshine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989710 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 02:48:16 +0000 Lynn 1989710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You sure have had a lot of change in the last several years. I really enjoyed reading your reflections and thought processes. I am not a mom but can identify with the Vagabond part. &nbsp; BTW, thanks for the word refined, it is an element I have searched for a word for. To me it also indicates a certain &nbsp;level of sophistication and quality&nbsp;along with structure and simplicity. &nbsp;That is exactly what I want for the more artisan elements of my wardrobe.&nbsp;I can totally picture your Refined Californian.<br />I am looking forward to seeing where you take these insights.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989705 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 02:04:48 +0000 Helena 1989705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is such a rich reflection. You've clearly put a lot of thought into how you want to move forward, and I get the sense you are one to follow through! Refined California is such a great moniker ... It really does capture the different styles you love in such an evocative way. Looking forward to following your journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989702 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 01:40:13 +0000 Suz 1989702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have been through incredible changes in the last five years! WOW. (Also, I laughed so hard at "Vagabond Mom." )&nbsp;</p> <p>Reading your thoughts and goals, I was nodding along enthusiastically. You've already learned so much about your own style and what you need to do to refine it further. The habit of getting dressed to WFH will be really useful (said by one who had to learn it herself). There may be moments of frustration or you may end up wanting a WFH "uniform" like <b>Jenn</b> and <b>SarahDB.</b> But time will tell. The idea of shopping your holding zone is also an excellent one. This is going to be a year for great style discoveries!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989610 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:13:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1989610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><i>Vagabond Mom</i>--ha!</div><div><br /></div><div>"we lived out of suitcases in corporate apartments " is the sentence that resonated most with me. High-five, sister!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds like you're doing a great job calming the waves in all sorts of seas. Fantastic!</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes, I realize that everything I've written ends in an exclamation point. Sorry!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989605 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:06:15 +0000 Anonymous 1989605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, sounds like you've done a lot of work, and I love the idea of refined Californian! Having a crop of go to outfits per season sounds like a good idea for me too. Every week Ive been reinventing the wheel with different combos-need to quit that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/20182019-long#post-1989597 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 20:39:45 +0000 nemosmom 1989597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading everyone's New Year's reflection and resolution posts and was inspired to write up my own.</p> <p> <div>Much of 2018 was chaotic. Over the past five years, I changed professions from conservative corporate job to launching two tech startups to sporadic periods of contract work. In that same time frame we had two kids and moved seven times; five moves within San Francisco then across country to Chicago, where we lived out of suitcases in corporate apartments before finally settling in a house last summer. It seems like once I figured out how to dress for my job, my body, or my climate, at least one or two of those things dramatically changed. My budget and my wardrobe suffered as I mourned the loss of my hip, fun job in the city I loved, that helped shape who I was and how I looked.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, things look calmer for 2019. Both of my kids will be in school this fall which will allow me to pick up more work, focus on self-care, and tackle home projects. Over the past several months, I have been digging through the YLF treasure trove of information to<br /> figure out how to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/02/26/the-four-building-blocks-of-your-wardrobe/">build</a> my wardrobe. Over the holiday break, I put<br /> together a handful of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/05/06/four-approaches-to-outfit-creation/">outfit formulas</a>, listed my essentials based on<br /> those formulas, and tightened my <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/12/04/how-to-build-the-colour-palette-of-your-wardrobe/">palette</a>. I moved everything that<br /> doesn't fit those parameters to my holding zone <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2015/10/19/shop-your-holding-zone/">where I can shop</a> until<br /> I figure out if I am on the right track. <br /></div><div><br />I think having a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2018/01/23/your-style-moniker/">style moniker</a> will help me stay focused in styling as<br /> well as shopping (<i>Vagabond Mom</i> is really not a good look). I tried<br /> several exercises to sum up my style into a style moniker. I combed<br /> Pinterest boards and celebrity looks and found there are several genres I am drawn to fairly equally: preppy, classic, urban, boho, rocker, trendy,<br /> modern, and edgy - (hello, multiple personality disorder! HA!) Now, how to put that into a two-word moniker?!? How can one look structured, yet<br /> loose and fun at the same time?<br /><div><br /></div><div>After much meditation, I chose <i>Refined Californian</i>. I have preppy roots<br /> that run very deep, so I naturally gravitate toward that look. But, I no<br /> longer <i>feel</i> preppy, so I don't want to <i>project</i> preppy. "Refined", I think, gives me the structure and simplicity of what I consider a preppy, classic, or modern look, without argyle, Hilfiger, or feeling stuffy. "Californian", to me, is relaxed, flowy, and fun and a bucket full of things I miss from home. It allows me the boho/hippie, surfer, urban, and rocker edge I am drawn to, without going full Cyndi Lauper, Motley Crue, beach bum, or tie dye. And honestly, all that flowy, crazy Californian NEEDS some refinement. </p> <p> <div><b>My goals for 2019</b> are:</div><div>1. Stick to my palette; no new colors until I am able to create an appropriate supporting act for them<br /><div>2. Wear the things! And keep track of outfits that work so I have go-to's when rushed<br /></div>3. Figure out my outfit formula for summer. <br />4. Work on two capsules: travel and dressy<br />5. Get dressed, including shoes and accessories, when WFH</div></div></div><br />I have the deepest amount of gratitude for Angie, Greg and the entire YLF community for providing such a supportive, positive and educational forum. I have felt so lost and you all have been so helpful. Thank you for being the bright spot in many of my days. Happy 2019! </p>