YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: 30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880875 Sat, 20 Jan 2018 12:01:08 +0000 Anonymous 1880875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brooklyn -- I fully intend to explore Uniqlo for some sleeveless tops.  They are so versatile.  Our office can get awfully hot and a sleeveless top is the perfect solution.   I hope you like the tee shirt as much as I do, Sarah.  I find it incredibly "comforting" and I always feel good wearing it both at home and in public. I have bought both the long sleeve and the elbow length versions.   Day 20.  Still a little sick, but definitely recovering.  Drugs are our friend.  I would like to leave the house today ... just to leave the house.  I have a few very minor errands that will get me out.  Depending on how I feel later today, I may go to the mall just to try on different sizes and cuts of pants.  This is purely an exploratory trip.   When I get dressed I will pull from my existing 30 x 30.  I will post pictures for a fit analysis.   Brooklyn on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880761 Sat, 20 Jan 2018 01:52:08 +0000 Brooklyn 1880761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I don’t know if this is helpful to you or not but increasingly I am trying to think of items in terms of being substitutes for each other rather than duplicates. I have the 2 striped tops below and the 2 black tops below. They are not duplicates but they are similar and can easily be substituted for each other. But the subtle differences allow for a little variety while still sharing the wear and resolving the laundry backup issues. SarahD8 on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880681 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 21:22:17 +0000 SarahD8 1880681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling that makes sense re: avoiding duplication. I was going to say I will battle you for the title of Queen of Duplication but I guess I am properly the Queen of Cardigans. Thank you for mentioning the brand of the tee. I have been looking for long-sleeve tees and having trouble finding ones that are not too see-through. I had not thought to check Nordstrom but I will now. Yay for loungewear in your fave color scheme! Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880669 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 20:27:38 +0000 Anonymous 1880669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Jussie.  That is a brilliant idea.  I'm not sure why I never thought of it before.   Thanks Katerina and Toban.   Katerina on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880594 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 16:55:44 +0000 Katerina 1880594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very nice! I especially like your blue top and the colour combo rocks! Toban on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880492 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 12:01:49 +0000 Toban 1880492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lovely loungewear. It’s super hard to resist duplication. I just bought this T-shirt from Athleta for my weekend/casual wear and now I want it in blue, too. I hadn’t realized it was available in blue when I bought it. I WILL resist, but oh, so tempted. Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880488 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 11:47:58 +0000 Anonymous 1880488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, everyone.  Everything you write is therapy and makes me feel so much better.   Lynn -- that print came from Style Book.  It is very tiny, but I get the information I need at a glance.  I really like Style Book.  Unfortunately, I have not been keeping up to date with it this past week.   Sarah -- I am the Queen of Duplication.  However, I am currently taking Toban's advice and not duplicating any of my clothing at the moment.  I do want to say that tee shirt is Caslon and one hundred percent cotton.  Some people on the Forum have noted they do not care for this brand.  I am the opposite.  It is my favorite tee shirt.  I just wish they had more colors that I liked. Right now, the pea coat is the only color that appeals to me.  Day 19:  I will be wearing lounging clothes today. The bottoms are DKNY and the top is Uniqlo heatec.  Neither are part of my 30 x 30 challenge.  I add and subtract a fleece jacket as appropriate.  Note that combination of black and navy.  YAY.   jussie on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880487 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 11:47:45 +0000 jussie 1880487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ About the v neck sweater, I’m just wondering whether it would work with a longish button down shirt under it? Preferably something quite thin and soft so as not to add bulk. That way you’d have all your waist covered and some colour at the top of the outfit where the collar comes out? OR you could wear a little scarf wrapped and tucked into the V. I think a fitted v neck in a neutral colour with plain pants will always need a third piece to make it work... just my opinion of course and I hope I’m not too blunt. It may work better with wide leg pants too, worth a try. I find fit very difficult myself, so don’t wear fitted clothing at all as I get completely anxious that it looks too tight! Best of luck on your journey and thanks for showing your outfit pics. Mainelady on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880466 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 10:37:07 +0000 Mainelady 1880466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling your challenge is interesting, educational, thought provoking and inspiring to me on so many levels. Your insights are helpful to me and ones I will revisit, when I am ready to identify more challenges and set new goals for myself. I hope you are feeling dramatically better! IMO having a capsule of cozy, “I need comforting” clothing is essential. We had a snow day on Wednesday. I was seizing the opportunity to hunker down and work on report cards. After showering I put on clean and super cozy pajamas. If I was going to work, I was going to feel toasty and hugged. As cozy as I was, something was not right. I was working, but felt off. Something was missing: my jewelry. I put on my diamond rings and added diamond earrings for good measure. My happiness factor went through the roof and I had a highly productive day! SarahD8 on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880402 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 03:13:12 +0000 SarahD8 1880402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I hope you are feeling better! I admire your openness to letting your challenge evolve. I think that is ensuring you will get as much out of it as possible. Hats off to you. I love how the Stylebook app is letting you see the patterns in what you wear. Have you thought about duplicating that blue shirt you have been wearing repeat? Lynn on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880398 Fri, 19 Jan 2018 02:43:55 +0000 Lynn 1880398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling I hope you are feeling better. I am glad you found my post helpful. I love the record of your outfits- is that in the Stylebook app? Katerina on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880152 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:41:33 +0000 Katerina 1880152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, great job updating with daily outfits despite being sick and in loungewear and the bad weather! Nothing wrong with repeats. I have had a very busy couple of days at work and I have some difficulties keeping up with my goals to create a new outfit every single day without repeating items (to use as much of existing clothes in my closet as possible) and to take pictures. Today, I wore the same black suit as for three days ago. I will soon post yesterday's outfit. I will have to take the challenge in a slower tempo, but the goal is still to complete 30 new outfits as planed. Hope you are feeling well and looking forward to your next updates.    Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880140 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 15:02:55 +0000 Anonymous 1880140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hope that you are feeling better. Maybe one should have a sick and cold capsule with loose things with pockets, especially people like me who don't do pj's or loungewear. Something to think about as yhe flu is just getting started in this area. You are nailing this challenge, although maybe not as you planned. Today DH wants to drive into Denver to take DGS to the stock show, and scheduled it so I could go. It is supposed to snow but possibly get into the 60'sF first. I doubt the venue is heated. What to wear besides jeans and comfortable boots? Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1880131 Thu, 18 Jan 2018 14:25:03 +0000 Anonymous 1880131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ House bound on Day 18.  Slipped into the exact same clothes I was wearing yesterday (different socks).  I'm thinking I am going nail this 30 x 30 thing ....   Below is a visual of my outfits in January.  Note the repeats beginning on Saturday.  I am literally wearing the same exact tee shirt and jeans (laundered every other day, air dried over night).   I am genuinely comfortable and happy.  I have electricity.  I have plenty of food.  My head cold might be abating.  YAY.   Emily K on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879961 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 22:33:20 +0000 Emily K 1879961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Take care, Sterling!  It's flu/bug season here, too. Toban on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879928 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 20:52:45 +0000 Toban 1879928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in loungewear also today, on a telework day. We only got about an 1" of snow in this storm, so it's not keeping me in. I hope you don't get sick! Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879893 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 19:28:50 +0000 Anonymous 1879893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Day 17:  We are house bound today due to inclement weather.  Lounging clothing include oversized Kut from the Kloth jeans, Caslon long sleeve navy tee shirt, and a fleece topper.  No scarfs or jewelry.  Because I am starting to get sick, I might be in pajamas before too much longer.   On a positive note, I completed all of my scheduled work tasks and vacuumed the first floor.   Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879731 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 12:26:14 +0000 Anonymous 1879731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Angie.  I will post my style goals today.  I appreciate your support and your reminder.   RunCarla -- I wanted it to be my comfort level when I bought it!!!  And Brooklyn -- I hadn't thought about trying it with other pants.  Coincidently, I bought higher rise pants in 2017.  I am currently homebound due to adverse weather.  I'll have plenty of time to experiment for the next few days.   Brooklyn on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879598 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:56:42 +0000 Brooklyn 1879598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling. I echo what Angie said about your sweater outfit. Are you sure about donating? How high is the rise on your pants? Sometimes that can make a difference to the "sliver" issue. On the other hand, sometimes just one inch too short can be enough to make an item wrong! Carla on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879577 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:30:05 +0000 Carla 1879577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wowsa! I want Lynn to come to my house (I’ll provide the ice) and evaluate my garments! Everyone is posting such good info, I have nothing to add other then the pale sweater while being thicker, is also more body con. I think it is very flattering, and moving into ‘sexy’ category. It is totally appropriate, but maybe not your comfort level? Angie on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879575 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:25:41 +0000 Angie 1879575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My pleasure. I REALLY like you in your dressier work outfits with the jewellery. Have you posted your style goals on the blog post, Sterling? It would great if you could do that.  Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3/page/2#post-1879573 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:12:26 +0000 Anonymous 1879573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I cannot begin to thank you, Lynn, for such an excellent explanation of fit.  It truly is giving me lots and lots to think about.  Hope your recovery is progressing well.  Interesting Sarah.   Tanstaafl -- After wearing the sweater for more than 12 hours, I concluded I like it.  It fits.  The problem is that when I bend I expose a 1" sliver of flesh along my back side.  Although I did not realize this prior to today, I was acutely aware of it all day today.  I will be washing it and placing it in the donate pile.   I agree, Toban.  I am going to start hitting the mall on a regular basis starting in February.  The mall is literally half way between work and my home.  Stopping will be fun.   Thanks, Angie.  I am really glad you stopped by.  Your advice is so insightful.   Rambling Ann -- I have consciously decided to pull out and experiment with problem pieces in my wardrobe.  That accounts for the high number of items either begin donated or retired.   You should be fine then, Joy.  I'm the one that has the short window of wear for velvet.   Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879571 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:06:29 +0000 Anonymous 1879571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, you are so right about velvet, can't imagine wearing it in warmer months. I think it will work well after the January challenge and go into heavy rotation in February and March. It snowed here last year around Mothers' Day in mid May. Lots of cold spring weather. This year could be different though. The velvet short sleeved top with a jacket could be ideal. I need to play in the closet. Rambling Ann on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879563 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 22:51:15 +0000 Rambling Ann 1879563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you get to replace the donated items in your list of 30. It's only fair. If all you had were 30 clothing items and one got wrecked, you'd replace it, right? Your game, your rules, but don't be too hard on yourself, especially since you are on a roll with insights. Angie on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879500 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 20:04:48 +0000 Angie 1879500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you're sorted on the fit of those jeans.  I really like the proportions of the ballet flats outfit, Sterling. Flattering, classic, and versatile.  Toban on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879445 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:29:16 +0000 Toban 1879445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Lynn that fit is very personal. we can play with it for different effects and style persona. there is a fine line between loose/relaxed and baggy in clothes and where you draw that line is individual. Both do add visual ‘weight’ to an outfit that can be mitigated (if desired), such as with flowy or drapey materials that move or hint at underlying shape. Appearing one’s slimmest self is a concientious choice and not mandatory at all. This is why I recommend trying 2-3 sizes of a variety of items to learn your personal preferences. tanstaafl on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879432 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 17:05:03 +0000 tanstaafl 1879432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Toban said, these pants look like they might be a little big. The sweater fits you nicely, but the length is one I struggle with for myself. I prefer my tops to be slightly longer. Overall I like this outfit. SarahD8 on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879418 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 16:41:06 +0000 SarahD8 1879418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, if the sleeves are bunching it could be that the sweater is too narrow through the chest, or that the shoulders are too narrow. I definitely encourage measuring vs. one of your favorite tops! (If it might be the weight of the material, you could even possibly weigh on a kitchen scale.) Perhaps sounds obsessive, but this kind of thing has been very helpful for me in being able to predict what will work. Lynn on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879415 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 16:36:26 +0000 Lynn 1879415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Sterling-  You said you are interested in fit so here goes. This may be TMI or too obvious. Feel free to ignore in either case :)))  As a seamstress I can tell you that concept of fit is quite complex. Did you know there is a fitting book with over 88 figure variations? Fit is also very personal, especially when it comes to the amount of ease you like in clothing. Identifying what kind of ease you like would be a good first step for you in assessing fit. Do you like your garments--- - Fitted i.e. very body con - Semi-fitted- skimming the body but still showing the body's contours (the sweater)  - Easy-fitting- looser fit but body contours still noticeable.(the velvet tee) - Loose fit to very loose fitting (VLF)- body contours typically masked.  Be aware the fabric will change the fit. The same size garment in different fabrics will fit differently.  So  getting in the habit of trying on multiple sizes is good idea.  In regards to the velvet tee- the cut of the sleeve typically varies with the cut of the garment.  The more fitted the garment is the closer to the actual shoulder point the sleeve has to be to allow movement. Just think of all those teen boys hobbling around with their pant crotches around their knees. A tee that is cut to be an easy fit often has a slightly dropped shoulder with a wider sleeve hem then closer fitting tees/tops So in regards to your blue velvet tee- if you tried a smaller size & the top of the sleeve didn't develop pulls because it is actually supposed to be slightly off the shoulder then it would be "better" fit if you prefer a closer fit. As is, it is easy fitting and is flattering.  The sweater in the 2nd outfit is semi-fitted and looks great to. Again depends on which fit you are more comfortable in.  As to the pants- they fall from the waist and the waistline has to fit you at the level you want it to be. Worth the alteration to get it in the correct spot for where you want your crotch line to be (obvious I know, but worth saying). The EF pants fit well and look great. The jeans are a mess. Is the bagging in the thighs on both sides? If so, then the size in too big for the stretch of the fabric and likely the fabric does not have good recovery. I think easy fitting pants are better in less stretchy fabrics. If it just the one side- the problem in the cutting in the factory.  If you prefer a more easy fit I have a few tips for you in not heading into the baggy arena. I personally I struggle with this since I hate anything too close fitting.  I bet Angie would have even more expertise. Hope that didn't put you to sleep and you found it helpful. Can you tell I am bored sitting here with ice on my knee post-op :))) Disclaimer: I am far from an expert on fit but have read just about every book written in the sewing universe in my endless quest for the perfect fit. So I am knowledgeable in theory but not alway in the reality.  Anonymous on "30 x 30 Challenge (Week 3)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/30-x-30-challenge-week-3#post-1879403 Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:51:55 +0000 Anonymous 1879403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Toban -- I can't begin to tell you how helpful your assessments have been to me.  I am grateful.  I may not retire these pants just yet because they serve me well during the Winter months.  They do fit me in the waist, but there is excess fabric in the thighs.  I hadn't noticed the excess fabric in the rear until you mentioned it.  Egads.  I now wonder how I've been dressing over the course of the past six or so months .... Katerina and Toban -- Laughing because it never occurred to me that you cannot judge if the sweater looks good on me because you can't see my coloring.  I am not yet ready to post much more than my outfits for the time being though.   Joy -- I have such a small number of items because I have not had much social life going on in January.  The donations/retirements also detract from the overall numbers.  That doesn't mean I haven't been experimenting!!  Post a picture of your sweater and let the collective wisdom of the Forum help you too!!! Sarah -- The doctor's appointment is for my BF.  I am merely his driver for the time being.  I truly hope it goes well too.  It has been an interesting start to 2018 for him.   I am not sure what to do about the sweater.  I can't identify anything wrong with it, yet I rarely ever reach for it.  I hadn't considered the length until I read your posts.  Great observation.  It might be the length.  I do feel "uncovered" in the back when I reach down to pick up a piece of paper.  It might also be the feel of bunchy fabric when I bend my arms.  This sweater will make it to the end of the Challenge. I owe it that much.  I doubt it will make it into next year's Winter season.