https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:23:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350290 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:16:51 +0000 rachylou 2350290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Brooklyn - am taking all the ideas :)</p> <p>@ Jules - Barbie pink is on my radar now indeed.</p> <p>@ Sarah - that’s a genius idea re the orange mini.</p> <p>@ Angie - I’m glad you think they’ll go with my new navy accessories!</p> <p>@ Zaeobi - my early training is deeply embedded. I’ll always probably have a navy blazer in the closet ‘just in case.’ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350287 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:32:06 +0000 SarahD8 2350287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The ski pants are fab! I hear you on the fashion doldrums but you are slaloming your way through. Can you wrap the orange apron skirt over them for a really over the top fun look? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350258 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:43:13 +0000 Jules 2350258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved reading your thoughts and adore the pants! Practical for your real life but also fun. Style them with a nod to Barbiecore perhaps? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350249 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 15:21:22 +0000 Angie 2350249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime</b> said it perfectly. Wishing you a better 2024, and we're always here to help you figure it out!</p> <p>Another who thinks your new ski pants are fab! You are the most stylish person sitting between two freezers,<b> Rachy</b> :)&nbsp; - and nice with the navy Winter accessories you recently bought too.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350229 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:28:49 +0000 Zaeobi 2350229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>" I both miss it and cannot find it in myself to do it anymore" - never have I felt more seen in an oxymoron, lol! Dressing up sounds great in *theory* but ever since I calculated the proportion of time I spend doing very casual stuff in my day-to-day life (highly recommend Hannah Louise Poston's YouTube videos on this), it just isn't worth the time-effort ratio to me. I'm not looking forward to having to drive everywhere again (once I move back home), for the reasons you mentioned... </p> <p>Lol isn't it funny how our upbringing shapes our sartorial preferences (including rebelling against it)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections/page/2#post-2350223 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:01:59 +0000 Brooklyn 2350223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the ski pants. And you can have fun with them. You can colour clash. You can pattern mix. You can wear them crazy sneakers. Or with a metallic puffy. Or an amazing fuzzy textured sweater. Or a supercool bag for you dog walks. I think there’s more to fashion than “dressing up”. You will figure it out, I’m sure </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350210 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:59:28 +0000 rachylou 2350210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Joyce - my leather shoes <i>injure </i>my feet now... it's pretty terrible</p> <p>@ Sal - it's a reckoning. I need to start lightening the load before I'm too old to want to lift storage crates. I mean, I already don't want to ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350209 Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:44:23 +0000 Sal 2350209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting and honest reflections. Getting real about what you want and need can be confronting. </p> <p>Temperature variations at work are hard. And in a hands on job you need practical clothing. </p> <p>Love the ski pants - let us know how you get on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350206 Sat, 20 Jan 2024 23:30:56 +0000 Joyce B 2350206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am loving your new ski pants. Who says they are only for skiing, anyway .<br /> I am with you on the part about athletic shoes. Ever since I found good jogging shoes, I have not enjoyed my leather shoes that I used to love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350149 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 20:50:13 +0000 rachylou 2350149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ ChristelJ - I am slow and blind. First, only today have I understood that’s an L not an I in your handle And second, it’s been five years since the bakery took over my life and only now am I starting to think of it as not a hobby job. I need to reinterpret!</p> <p>@ Ket - I do love Betsy Johnson. And yes, also *guilty* of polyester. It’s just easier to get dough off, warmer in a cavernous place that can’t be heated and easy to move in. If I just had a task that worked my abs, it would be a complete gym workout. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350135 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:52:08 +0000 Ket 2350135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Rachy, the ski pants are SO YOU! They give me Betsy Johnson vibes for some reason.<div><br /></div><div>I have been feeling my way through making my fashion more practical -- moreso than ever. Somehow I kept my clothes quite dressy or higher maintenance when my kiddo was a baby and toddler. Now that we've entered 1st grade, I find myself needing practical, secret comfortable, and the like. We will be commuting 2-3 days a week for various lessons and events, which is far more than ever. I still love a good heeled boot and will never entirely be sweats 24/7. But comfort has a new appeal to me.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>For me, love it or hate it, polyester has been a great help in my journey, mostly for bottoms. I need technical type fabrics that look dressy but have stretch and ease to them. Fabrics that can take some abrasion and wear without wearing holes in them 6 months down the road. Natural fibers are also in my mix. But for bottoms, polyester has been a godsend. Down the road I might invest in some high tech wool leggings. But for now, polyester crepe slacks, polyester Ponte skirts, and some cheap denim jeggings are what I'm making the most of.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure if that helps at all. I feel your plight. I am slowly finding my groove with fashion and making it wearable again for this current season. I pray the same for you &lt;3 xo</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350130 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:09:20 +0000 ChristelJ 2350130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really relate to what you say re: the casualization, the need to be practical, pare down possessions, and also need for some fashion-related excitement. Your pink pants seem like a fantastic response. I am searching for my equivalent. And the suit pants with leggings underneath sound excellent! You have great instincts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350125 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:17:20 +0000 rachylou 2350125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Zaeobi - I both miss it and cannot find it in myself to do it anymore. Besides the perfume at the opera, it has become a nightmare to go into the city. I had to leave three hours early to go to dinner with above friend the last time he visited. You add the two hours it takes to dress properly then the time to actually have dinner - all the way to armagnac at the end - it’s been like 12 hours! And lol, re your dad! My dad used to very annoyingly pick at me for lint! Lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350121 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:15:07 +0000 Zaeobi 2350121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, that's quite a shift in dressiness levels - &amp; event types! How do you feel about the change? Can't tell if you're stoked or miffed to go home for a nap after a 2 hour event lol? </p> <p>Yes, what you said makes sense RE: matching prints. I think I just have a completely different point of reference that I have no idea... I remember trying to wear shalwar kameez the 'western' way when I was younger (with trousers in a tonally similar print/ colour) &amp; my father thought I hadn't finished getting dressed yet. -_- So I'd trust your judgement much more than mine on this one, lol! </p> <p>We also have the same 'new clothes once a year' mindset in my culture (though for us it's for Eid), so I understand it can be hard to shake. My mother was visibly disappointed when I told her I wore something I already had in my closet this year, lol! But these are folk who also won't shop secondhand (will donate clothing directly to those in poverty instead) so I believe this mindset partially comes from this different way of living (most folk don't live in such communities in the west &amp;/ or outside of medieval times anymore). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350091 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:25:27 +0000 rachylou 2350091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Indigoprint - good memory! I did get a hat and matching gloves, scarf. It was spur of the moment; I was caught out in the cold without. Got two other hats too that way. Don’t know why I try to do without a hat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350089 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 03:47:43 +0000 Indigoprint 2350089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you fer sure. I think you are on the right track to find the fun/ fashion for what works for you. Love those pants. And did you not recently get a Fab hat?<br /> I work with toddlers and they are messy and on the floor so I have to always consider washability and clothing that allows lots of movement yet still look professional. Always a balance </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350088 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:58:40 +0000 rachylou 2350088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Jaime - I hope it’s the state of fashion and not me… although I suppose it’s my fault I live so far from Stanford mall now, lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350087 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 01:35:23 +0000 Jaime 2350087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is depressing not to be interested in anything out there. I hope it is more of a mood than a permanent state, although I hear you about the state of the world. But the new ski pants look fantastic.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350055 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:52:44 +0000 rachylou 2350055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Cardiff Girl - I’m probably unreasonably afraid of becoming a medieval peasant - fashion styles lasting centuries. Or more accurately, I have internalised the medieval peasant aspiration of new clothes once a year from too much historical fiction, lol! I also have this impression it was easier once upon a time to find inspiration and be impressed by what fashionable people were doing.</p> <p>@ lyn - I’m loving the term *shy.* That’s what I don’t want in one word. I need to find basic that doesn’t work like an invisibility cloak. And ps, those times *were* the gilded age. When there was a Season and Summer at the Beach Club. One does miss it. I have one old friend who calls me up to reminisce about it. He took up cooking to try and relive it at least a little bit. Haha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350051 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:05:37 +0000 lyn67 2350051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel the same about&nbsp;&nbsp;"<i>basic *is* the trend and that’s… that’s not trendy! Lol! Not to be a downer, but I also don’t feel I see the quality or even design there in higher priced items much of the time".&nbsp;</i>Whatever you decide for slowly(or abruptly?) adjusting your sartorial prefferences to you actual life....but those new pants look gorgeous, Rachy! Enjoy!:-)&nbsp;</p> <p>(ETA-was a bit sad to hear that your familly is so old now:-(...I still remember the times when you reported us on all those posh events you used to have in your family all dressed to the nines...Those were the times--but I also agree that one has to have their inner instict for how to mantain it's personal style with changing times and...levels of dresiness, too-amd I advice to not aim overly shy....:-))</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350040 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:26:13 +0000 Cardiff girl 2350040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving the pink ski pants!I don’t think having some no buy time is a bad thing then when you see something you like you can have it guilt free.l hear you over the casualisation of life and trying to find that balance between fitting in but still ,as a fashion person ,honouring that side as well.There is no easy answer but l hope you find your fashion mojo as l always enjoy your posts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350036 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:08:04 +0000 rachylou 2350036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ Runcarla - right? It’s too easy to buy nothing. It does give angst. It’s really, I want to buy something but I’m being blocked by circumstances! Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350035 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:59:41 +0000 rachylou 2350035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ suntiger - I do have a heater. Even got a cool new one! But I spend a lot of time not at my desk, even on office days. I’m actually still ‘excessively’ creative even in leggings; it’s just fine fabrications are really out.</p> <p>@ zaeobi - my CYN is gonna be exactly so. The fam used to wear suits and gowns, now it’s fleece. Dinner used to go on for hours, now everyone needs to go home and have a nap after two hours. Fancy still works, but dressed up is kinda out of touch. In my head, dressed up is a dinner gown - so over the top. Also: pattern mixing, with contrast, I feel will definitely go down better than pattern matching with a ditsy floral. I don’t know why, but if it isn’t a suit or a two-piece dress, two items in the same print run the risk of giving vibes.</p> <p>@ Helena - soo… I’m told I still look like I’m on the catwalk with my Puma athletic sandals and leggings lol I suppose it’s an emotional thing. I don’t feel I’ve been participating in fashion…</p> <p>@ Suz - It’s a total dance. I’ve been wearing my suit trousers to work on office days, trying to mix it up… lol, it’s so cold, I’m still wearing leggings underneath. Anything too architectural is straight out with all that flapping cloth, even though it would be cool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350034 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:53:57 +0000 Carla 2350034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You’ve described the angst I’ve been feeling, but have been unable to articulate myself. &nbsp;I’ve been on an inadvertent ‘no buy’ for two months, and don’t see that changing since I don’t have any needs, and the ‘wantsies are non-existent at the moment. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>&nbsp;I’m stimulated by colourful items, but repelled by awful fabrications and shoddy workmanship. &nbsp;Like you said, it’s easy to buy nothing these days. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350020 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:51:42 +0000 Suz 2350020@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, those ski pants are great! They are perfect for your needs, too! And pretty! I think you might need two pairs, and okay, the fleece, too.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hear you on the necessity of dressing for real life, especially one that is active. I feel this especially in biking season. I don't want to wear pants that will get caught up or flap around, or coats that get in the way, or bags that won't fit in my panniers or work as a backpack, and on and on. It's a constant dance between gear...or regular-that-can-crossover-into-gear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2350001 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 13:41:35 +0000 Helena 2350001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And also, these ski pants are fab!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2349998 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 13:37:37 +0000 Helena 2349998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy I resonate so much with this!!! My natural style sensibilities makes more sense in smart-casual midtown than in uber-casual suburbia. I recently watched a few videos about casual style-leggings-sweats style and how freeing it can be to embrace it and find ways to express oneself within those parameters vs always fighting with reality and it helped. For you - what about particular colours or prints to add to the mix? There is a lot you can do with trendy sneakers and those probably need regular replacement if they are your primary shoe, meaning you can keep them fresh? Xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2349995 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 12:35:43 +0000 Zaeobi 2349995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ suntiger<br /> I don't think we have to deliberately 'uglify' ourselves lol (re: looking worse), but I think everyone has their own inner compass when it comes to where the line between overdressed &amp; 'out of touch' lies. It's up to @rachylou to decide where that is for her. The goal is for no one to feel self-conscious, at whichever end of the spectrum! </p> <p>I brought up Chinese New Year because I remember the last time I visited my husband's family, people were literally in windbreakers &amp; jeans whereas I was wore red lace trousers, a silk blouse and heels - lol! I was still comfy (block heels &amp; an elasticated waistband) but looking back on photos, I do look slightly mismatched next to MrZ (who literally wore an orange Adidas tshirt &amp; flipflops when we visited family last month, lol). So whilst I haven't started wearing cargo shorts like him (chuckling at the thought), I did wear flat sandals with a dress &amp; leggings last time. Only to then have my cousin's (new) girlfriend show up in a wool coat &amp; trousers with belt loops, lol! I felt happy being at least somewhere in the middle though. @rachylou I imagine that's how it'll be for you &amp; your mum's CNY meal? </p> <p>Anyway @rachylou the pattern mixing sounds like an interesting idea, but I think you'd need to test drive first just it to be sure. Maybe that's just my own bias speaking though, from childhood memories of people making fun of me &amp; my mother for wearing shalwar kameez outside because they 'look like pyjamas' (how I quickly learnt that western style seems to favour contrasts rather than head-to-toe print, lol). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2349989 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:12:48 +0000 Anonymous 2349989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know I'm on Team Dress Up and environmental norm be d@mned Why on earth should I go out of my way to look worse and feel self conscious all day?<br /> Hope the pants are a good solution for you! Could you keep a heater by you at work?<br /> I'm with you about wanting to minimize shopping and clutter, and uninspired by most of what's out there at all price points too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2023-reflections#post-2349982 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 08:35:36 +0000 rachylou 2349982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, you’re right Zaeobi. I have an existing short puffy, should I feel the need, that will do. It has some light pink, so I could do a pattern mix and it would look less like pjs.</p> <p>You’re also right about Chinese New Year. Another occasion that no longer needs fancy. I’m pretty sure my cousin doesn’t want to see us again after Thanksgiving and Xmas. She’s the only one with a house accessible to people with limited mobility, and those with limited mobility aren’t up to hosting in their own homes. So it’ll just be me and my mum having our own meal.</p> <p>Also, lol, while I don’t mind being the only person dressed to the nines, I admit it feels silly to do it for lunch, especially when I’m just gonna come home and go back out for a hike with the dog. Too much fuss, ha! </p>