https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:55:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2018447 Sun, 07 Apr 2019 18:49:13 +0000 Nomad 2018447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>FashIntern, I think it is absolutely perfect. I bought a very inexpensive but similar style of bag from Amazon ($30, canvas and leather), and am starting to wear out the canvas after a few years of daily use. The size/style/configuration is almost identical and works well for my needs. The Frye would be more dignified for carrying into formal meetings, and it's more structured than my current floppy version.</div><div><br /></div><div>I like the idea of commissioning a bag, but I'm also leery of paying less-but-still-a-lot for an unknown. This may be a case of paying more up front and knowing it'll be right, rather than getting something mostly-right and wishing it were different, and then replacing sooner than if it'd been perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for helping me talk through options. :)<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2018002 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:07:08 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2018002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Frye bag is gorgeous and I agree with you on the swag. Is it absolutely perfectly everything that you want? For that money, I bet you could commission a leather bag. Not that I see any flaws in this one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017967 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 01:11:56 +0000 Nomad 2017967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>La Ped, I think the Frye is likely to win. I'll keep an eye out on Etsy for alternatives while I keep setting aside my monthly budgets for it, but so far I haven't found anything with that same combination of polish, practicality, and... I dunno... lived-in swagger?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, torontogirl!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017958 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:37:47 +0000 Helena 2017958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017742 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 00:16:43 +0000 LaPed 2017742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That bag!! Wow. I'm rooting for that bag. Looks like a piece worth saving up for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017740 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 23:54:45 +0000 Nomad 2017740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Nice job on the thrifting, Sal!&nbsp; And good new running shoes are always a smart purchase.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm glad to hear a good leather bag can last a good decade and a half, Style Fan! That was a smart purchase.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, taylor! It's not like the bag knows or cares what gender is carrying it, right? ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>I received my Express order today. The shorts are definitely keepers; they fit perfectly, and the white denim is nice and thick... no show-through at all.&nbsp; I'm not certain about the tops yet; I need to actually style them before I make a final keep/return decision.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017661 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 15:51:39 +0000 taylor 2017661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A mans briefcase is such a great idea! That is a beauty!<br /> You have done a stellar job sticking to your self imposed rules . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017560 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 09:26:21 +0000 Style Fan 2017560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great purchases.&nbsp; I love the Frye bag.&nbsp; The bag is something that would be around for a long time.&nbsp; I bought a leather tote bag at a craft show from an artisan 15 years ago that is still going strong. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017454 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 22:21:36 +0000 Sal 2017454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done - great thoughtful purchases.</p> <p>A bag that you love is a great purchase. If you are a person who likes just one getting a quality one makes sense. I love the find - and think it is a long lasting piece.</p> <p>I have added four thrifted pieces this year which I am pleased about. And five other items - one being running shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017452 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 22:11:49 +0000 Nomad 2017452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks for the custom find, bj1111!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, Joy. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sterling, it is hard, isn't it? I keep getting tempted by things from "normal" brands, and have to keep reminding myself of the experiment. That said, I also don't feel deprived... there's a ton out there, either secondhand, or from brands that are trying to do better.&nbsp; And you speak much wisdom about bags... both to factor the weight into the decision, and that the cost-per-use tends to be better than for most items (especially when I only have one work bag at a time, for years).</div><div><br /></div><div>FashIntern, I think we do have some overlap in color palettes, and in some aspects of our style (part of why I love the forum... it's all such a fascinating Venn diagram of colors and styles). You're right that olive is a favorite, and my style is less colorful overall than yours (I'm often very happily head to toe in black and gray), but we overlap on some shades of cobalt, purple, and red.&nbsp; I'll see if I can wrangle some WiWs soon. :)&nbsp; And that Pikolinos bag looks great, too!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>suntiger, I think the rosy color is still there! It's very tempting (and the green would have been tempting if it weren't completely sold out), but I have GOT to stop buying pants (and I don't have enough left on my gift card for another pair...). Except a perfect pair of black pants. But otherwise, I am well stocked, and have to keep reminding myself of that. :)&nbsp; Good call on Etsy, and I have been hunting around there as well. So far nothing has struck me quite as hard as the Frye, but I do love supporting artisans, so I'll keep looking there.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017344 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:23:47 +0000 Anonymous 2017344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Too bad you didn't have the rosy color (which is sadly gone now...), but agreeing about the bag's CPW. Maybe check Etsy for similar though, as there are a lot of leatherworkers and you may be able to find a comparable one that's easier on the wallet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017313 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 09:00:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2017313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I want all of it! </p> <p>On my wish list for fall are blackberry or merlot or other warm not quite red pants and plaid pants, possibly in a menswear pattern. You’ve got those. </p> <p>I knew from your description that the briefcase would be perfect, and it is. After a long search last year, I wound up with a backpack that is a little too pretty. It was bought for me as a gift, and by the time I got my hands on it, there was no way to return it. Your find is wonderful. Here’s another one I’ve got my eye on. <a href="https://www.pikolinos.com/de-de/maletin-mha-860.html?color=COGNAC" rel="nofollow">https://www.pikolinos.com/de-d.....lor=COGNAC</a></p> <p>Interesting that our palettes intersect at cobalt. I usually think of you as being over there in olive and rust land, a place where I don’t venture, but can totally see how good cobalt would be with your coloring. </p> <p>Are you going to do some WIWs with the new items so I can live vicariously? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017312 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 08:39:20 +0000 Anonymous 2017312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done. &nbsp;I especially like the idea of shopping&nbsp;more ethically. &nbsp;That is so hard to do in practice. &nbsp;</p> <p>The Frye Logan will hold up for years to come. &nbsp;It is the type of item you bequeath to the next generation. &nbsp;A good leather bag can be very heavy especially when you add lots of thing. I am definitely not dissuading you. &nbsp;I want you to factor weight into the equation. &nbsp;If you use the bag five times a week, you will be shocked at how rapidly the cost per wear decreases. &nbsp;Paying big $$ for an excellent bag is always worth it. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017301 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 03:42:19 +0000 Anonymous 2017301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017295 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 03:18:31 +0000 bj1111 2017295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, your self control is better than mine.</p> <p>that dai suit is darling.&nbsp; i created a custom find for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2019-1st-quarter-shopping-review#post-2017285 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 01:43:43 +0000 Nomad 2017285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I've been sticking to my self-imposed rules this year, which were meant to help me shop more ethically, but have mostly just helped slow down my purchases... which is also a win.</div><div><br /></div><div>All my buys this year have been from my exception categories (shoes, gear, items bought with gift cards). 6 items in 3 months, not counting gear (one pair of gym leggings and a sports bra).<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1) Mid-rise stretch skinny pants (in the Finds): Mine are in a black/white micropattern instead of the lovely heathered rosy merlot color in the Finds. They have a subtle almost-metallic sheen to them which makes them a little more interesting. Already worn several times.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>2) Gray plaid twill pants (in the Finds): Like a dressier version of the Kut from the Kloth pants from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I love the Kuts, but they're too casual for most work days, and the pattern is starting to fade at the knees. I can happily wear these to work; they have thicker fabric and a less legging-like fit.<br /> Already worn several times.</p> <p></div><div><br /></div><div>3) The Madewell booties that a few people on here have bought, in black (no Find): They fit my scrawny feet and ankles! And they're versatile and comfortable, even wearing them for a full day of work right out of the box.</div><br /><div>4) On the way, an ivory Express blouse (in the Finds): I like the subtle Victorian vibe with the buttons and the high ruffled collar.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) On the way, a zip-neck Express top in cobalt blue (in the Finds, though in a different color): Same color as another top I have and love, and I like the neckline zipper detail.</div><div><br /></div><div>6) On the way, white Express denim shorts (in the Finds): My signature lacing detail, check. I own no shorts at the moment, and a warm weekend reminded me that I might want a pair (one is probably plenty). Angie may have influenced me to try white denim for the first time. :)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My wardrobe doesn't need much, and I'm doing small edits... I let a meh-for-me button-front shirt go last week, and I'm giving up on my black pants after giving them one last run today (not very comfortable, pockets gape, not the best cut for my shape... in short, blah). It'll be strange not having any black dress pants, but I think I can survive without for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm eyeing a few big purchases, so I'll be saving my budgeted pennies for those. I've never found a work-appropriate women's handbag that suits me, so I've been looking at men's briefcases. I want something that Indiana Jones might carry when he's teaching archaeology at university. My dream bag is in the Finds: the Frye Logan. Pricey, but I think it'd be the only bag I'd need for work for many years, assuming it holds up. I saw it person yesterday at the Frye store, and it was just as lovely as pictured.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm also tempted by a Dai suit, since I got rid of my ancient black suit last year... I can't collect a Find for it, but I like the long, slim tuxedo-esque cut of this blazer:</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://daiwear.com/product/trail-blazer-black/">https://daiwear.com/product/trail-blazer-black/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>So far... on track!<br /></div> </p>