https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:35:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical/page/2#post-2251331 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:42:16 +0000 Zaeobi 2251331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha @Sarah here's hoping we'll soon be in a world where 'girl's night out' is an actual social event on the calendar once more! (HK has gone from single/ double digit cases in December to 1k+ today... *sigh* looks like nights out will still be a while off for now!) </p> <p>LOL @Brooklyn's 'vandalism' though - just imagining Sarah breaking out a graffiti can to spray all over her jacket now </p> <p>---<br /> So 'Asia' has different meanings depending on where you're from - I agree that 'South Asian' generally tends to mean the Indian subcontinent though. But even *that's* contentious re: Pakistan &amp; the 'Middle East' - I know they were trying to replace that term with 'West Asia' for geographical accuracy, but it doesn't seem like that's caught on... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical/page/2#post-2251263 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:13:28 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2251263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MB, I love the SOGOTP idea! One caveat I’d throw in though is the question I originally asked in my post—when, in the various trends that have come and gone while you’ve held an item, could you have worn it? </p> <p>Think, for example, of anyone who loved flared jeans 1 or 2 decades ago. I’ve pulled my black Gap baby boot cuts back out and am perfectly happy to wear them now, but for years I couldn’t wear them simply because the world belonged to skinnies. Same might be true for olive. It isn’t a color I wear, but it sure seems like people who adore it and look good in it are jumping up and down now because it’s suddenly become an acceptable color to be seen in, in a way that wasn’t true for a long while. Nothing against olive or bootcuts, but even if an item was perfect for you and your circumstances, you still might want to tuck it away for a few years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical/page/2#post-2251262 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 17:03:59 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2251262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very enlightening read!&nbsp; &nbsp;I myself have those lurkers, and always tended to assign blame to 'lack of opportunities' or fragility of the garment in question.&nbsp; &nbsp;So it was refreshing (in a way that made me cringe a little), to take a step back and view it from the perspective of your comment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm going to set up a "sh*t or get off the pot" sort of trial run for a few of my long-term holding items. :)&nbsp; &nbsp; Thanks for sharing your wisdom and insight - it's very helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251157 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 20:03:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2251157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done! I like this rubric for analyzing those long-term lurkers in my closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251154 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 17:14:06 +0000 SarahD8 2251154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>unfrumped</b>, I see what you mean. "sparked joy" would be too simplistic and lead me astray in this case. I do think it's useful (and, in an age of overabundant, throw-away clothing, meaningful) to really engage in detail with the particulars of an item.</p> <p><b>Roxanna</b>, so glad this was helpful for you! And what a very wise point about making more careful purchases to avoid the time and emotional energy of culling. (Though, for us thrifters, there can be so much joy in experimenting...maybe it's about that up-front effort to define the parameters of experimentation? Like: I'm bringing this in for X reason, and here's how I'm gonna see if that works for me, and if it doesn't I'll pass it along with no regrets. Maybe?)</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, thanks for the vote of confidence! I love how you express and honor the different aspects of your heritage in different ways. Dutch orange in the streets, Asian crockery for the eats. (Sorry, sorry! I hope that's not too cheeky!)</p> <p><b>kkards</b>, I like that idea about being more thoughtful about our "outliers" so we can get more of that creative joy from them. Thank you for articulating that!</p> <p><b>nemosmom</b>, glad this was a useful exercise for you! Interesting point about loving things so that we either want to wear them all the time or avoid wearing them at all. Would love to hear more thoughts about that.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>CardiffGirl</b> and <b>LaPed</b>, thank you! Glad I am not alone in falling under the spell of thrifted treasures.</p> <p><b>RobinF</b>, high-fiving my fellow cardigan lover!</p> <p><b>JAileen</b>, oh yeah -- the combination you suggest would kind of make a Lily-Pulitzer-with-a-twist kind of look. I can see the appeal of that. But, I own neither white cropped pants nor a white t-shirt. I don't think I have the ability to do a column of white at all. You see the problem! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251153 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 17:03:19 +0000 SarahD8 2251153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime</b>, thanks so much for the kind words! You know, I think running a clothing museum is just fine actually -- as long as it's a deliberate choice, which (to the extent that you do so) it seems to be for you.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b> glad I am not alone in being too-charmed by a color or pattern. I agree re: vandalism -- better to find this piece its rightful owner than try to remake it as mine.</p> <p><b>columbine</b>, thanks so much!</p> <p><b>rachylou</b>, it's all so confusing, isn't it? Istanbul was Constantinople, now it's Istanbul. Even old New York was once New Amsterdam! ;-)</p> <p><b>Bijou</b>, wise words.</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, glad the better "fit" of this new piece comes through to others. And glad I'm not alone in having a dubious soft spot!</p> <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, see that's what I'm hoping -- that the jacket will be just right for someone else!</p> <p><b>SF</b>, so interesting that we came to the same conclusion about those pieces we held onto for so long. I look forward to seeing your winter shorts, when they materialize!</p> <p><b>Star</b>, glad this was useful to you. I find similarly, I can be quite taken with a color or print, but if the fit is off I won't actually wear it.</p> <p>Going to post this so I don't lose it and then respond to others! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251148 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 16:10:00 +0000 JAileen 2251148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The jacket is just so pretty. &nbsp;I would try it with a column of white, maybe cropped pants and a tee.<div><br /></div><div>I had a 3/4 sleeve linen jacket that I never wore. &nbsp;Not even once. &nbsp;I ended up donating it. &nbsp;I took it on a road trip back east thinking it would work in restaurants, etc. &nbsp;It didn’t. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251140 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:26:33 +0000 RobinF 2251140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very thoughtful read. Sounds very satisfying to figure out why the jacket wasn't working. It is beautiful but maybe will work better for someone else (I am totally with you on cardigans over jackets - I have tried and just reach for the cardi every time).&nbsp;</p> <p>I love the new vest. The longer length is great and I love the fabric. You have already come up with some good ways to wear it too.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251111 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 01:02:20 +0000 LaPed 2251111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so thought-provoking, thank you! I totally understand how hard it is to let go of those thrifted treasures. I have a few of my own! </p> <p>The new tunic looks like it will fit seamlessly into your wardrobe — great find! I hope the old jacket finds a home where it will get lots of outings. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251079 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:02:06 +0000 Cardiff girl 2251079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a really helpful post to me as &nbsp;l am so guilty of buying clothes for reasons other than the fact they suit me!So thank you for that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251071 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 17:46:22 +0000 nemosmom 2251071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed the way you broke down your thought process. It’s a great exercise in discovering why it can be so hard to reach for one piece over a nearly alike piece, And, why it’s so difficult to let those unworn pieces go. And I hear you on not wanting a museum for a wardrobe! </p> <p>Your questions are great! I am writing them down to use on my loved-but-unworn pieces. So, THANK YOU for sharing your thoughts!!</p> <p>Still, there are those pieces I love so much I want to wear them all the time, and still others that I love so much that I am too afraid to wear them. I wonder what that is about… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251063 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:37:58 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2251063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course, Indonesia matters too—270 mil population, world’s 4th biggest, behind China, India, and the US. All of them very different from each other, and home to many different cultures, much more differentiated than the US, a settler state. Thanks for mentioning it, Angie. You speak of your mother often. Do you have any family photos with her mom that you can share? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251061 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:18:29 +0000 kkards 2251061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone whose general style/wardrobe runs pretty basic (and very neutral) l think it’s the pieces like this that get the creative juices going…as you say, not every thing needs/should be a workhorse. &nbsp;But I also think it’s interesting to understand what draws us to the outliers in our wardrobes, and seeing what, if anything we can take from them and learn.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251060 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 16:17:04 +0000 Angie 2251060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't it satisfying to figure out the puzzle, and find the right piece that fits! WELL DONE :)</p> <p>The new tunic is a good addition to your wardrobe! It works well under the cardigan. I can see it over a skirt too. '90s look.</p> <p>I grew up in Asia, and had a half Asian Mother (half Indo, half Dutch). My grandmother was Indonesian, and so was her family. Asia is in my heart and blood. Our home decor is Scandi-Asian. I love Asian designs, and Asian crockery is my BEST! I understand the attraction to Asian aesthetics.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251054 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 15:30:12 +0000 Roxanna 2251054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sarah - this has been immensely helpful to me as I think through what to keep and what to purge as I move. Also it strikes me that for me, or takes a tremendous amount of mental and emotional energy to let go of something (sounds the analysis etc) vs. acquiring something (this looks cute - I’ll get it.) need to be more mindful of acquiring things so I don’t spend as much time/energy on the back end! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251049 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 14:10:04 +0000 unfrumped 2251049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The other thing I liked is how it relates to my wardrobe culling “ personality “. Occasionally I make rapid or sweeping decisions- something has shrunk in the wash, permanent stain, shoes fit horribly IRL when seemed to fit fine in store—but more often I have to ruminate a bit. I don’t do that well with ruthless touch/sort/ spark joy approach. So I do best when I can finally “ see” what’s keeping an item from working for me. If I can get in that groove I can successfully weed things out, even large numbers of items in a relatively short period of time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251045 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 13:06:54 +0000 Star (Lise) 2251045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved this - need to do this exercise on some of my museum pieces.&nbsp; So clever.&nbsp; I must say I find that usually it is colour for me when I look back on pieces that were not worn, and then fit - maybe the hem is not at a flattering point, or too clingy - that is a biggie for me being one who keeps my extra pounds around my middle.&nbsp; But then the fabric or fabrication gets me and I don't want to let it go.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251040 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 11:02:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2251040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s good to know I’m not alone! I also decided the colors and fabric were what I loved. I would have loved to make those pants into shorts, but the legs are too narrow for the style I want, so whereas you replace your short jacket with a tunic, if I get anything to replace those pants, it’s likely to be winter shorts. </p> <p>The new tunic looks great the way you wore it. I also really like the “springtime” no topper look. </p> <p>The mix of colors in the original is intoxicating. I’ve been looking for short but not cropped tops and have a feeling I’d put this right to use. Too bad postage for Germany is so high! (But I do have family stateside )</p> <p>Rachylou, not to go all Geography Prof on you, but the old-timey phrase “Asia Minor” refers to Turkey. Istanbul is divided by the Straits of the Bosporus, which separate the European side from the Asian side. The Levant is another term for SW Asia, but it can also include Egypt and other parts of N Africa—regions are squishy. The phrase “South Asia” refers to what’s also known as the Indian Subcontinent—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh (which used to be part of Pakistan). “Southeast Asia” is Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and that area.</p> <p>I’m happy to have a “book museum” aka library, and am looking forward to getting mine back in my home eventually (when we have a bigger apt). As it is, I’ve considered purchasing electronic version of books I already own in hard copy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251039 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 07:53:13 +0000 Jenni NZ 2251039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I love the Bangkok jacket! Much better colours for me.<br /> Here in NZ we tend to think of “Asian” as South-East Asian actually so this jacket fits right in. I am aware of the inappropriateness of the lumping of many cultures into one bucket though. I am even more aware of this having my Vietnamese son-in-law now living next door.<br /> The new tunic looks great for you though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251038 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 06:17:58 +0000 Suz 2251038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating and (as usual) intelligent reflections and I can see how this new piece fits so much better into your closet and lifestyle. Brava! You've shown you can make several kinds of outfits with the new item so it has already earned its place!&nbsp;</p> <p>(I also have a soft spot for Asian textiles for dressy items. Like, a major soft spot. I hear you on the dubious politics but I'm not going to stop wearing the stuff I bought in China, even if I don't wear it often.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251035 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 04:58:14 +0000 Bijou 2251035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With an item such as your jacket, I am sure it will be snapped up by someone who will love and cherish it. It is a great piece, just not meant for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251034 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 04:37:26 +0000 rachylou 2251034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well analysed!</p> <p>Being American, I’m now completely confused by Turkey ‘becoming’ an Asian country… I will keep my mouth shut on these matters… lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251031 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 03:47:48 +0000 columbine(erin) 2251031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I can definitely benefit from thinking this through with my own closet. The rose colored tunic is fab for you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251029 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 03:24:24 +0000 Brooklyn 2251029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really identify with this. It’s one of the reasons I have trouble with editing. My style changes so that an item is not suitable to wear anymore but there is still something I love about it and find hard to part with. Usually fabric. Sometimes colour or pattern. Sometimes the quality of the work. I just love beautiful things.</p> <p>The jacket is a thing of beauty, but I think you were right to part with it. Sometimes I try to upcycle in this sort of situation (like I did with my Nicole Miller dress) but I think in this case that would be vandalism.</p> <p>The top is lovely, and much more useful. It’s probably obvious to you, but you could layer it over a long sleeve turtleneck or crew neck too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251013 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 02:51:45 +0000 Jaime 2251013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I am impressed. You demonstrated excellent analytical, ebay hunting and styling skills and finished with a decisive conclusion! Now I am running a clothing museum actually, but not in my active closet and I wonder if I still have some items there that would benefit from this sort of analysis. Most likely yes. (I will leave the analysis of your penchant for certain patterns aside, because I find cultural appropriation vs. appreciation very tricky to parse.) Anyway, well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251011 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 01:52:16 +0000 SarahD8 2251011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Janet</b>, yes exactly -- a few tricky favorites can really exercise the creative muscles. But beautiful-but-unworkable is just frustrating! It can be a fine line...</p> <p><b>unfrumped</b>, oh yes, I can relate -- those "favorite" categories can be a source of mistakes because we get overwhelmed by the sugar eye and forget to notice all the boxes that aren't ticked.</p> <p><b>Synne</b>, thank you for the lovely compliments!</p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, ohhhhh the book museum! I am prone to that although I do like to be able to open up old favorites or oddities at random times. I'm trying to be better about realizing when a book was just ok and I'm not likely to turn to it again...but I do get inspired by things quite unexpectedly and like to have them near to pull off the shelf. Hazards of the writing life!</p> <p><b>Runcarla</b>, yes! I like the eulogy idea. I feel like Marie Kondo would approve of my efforts today.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Zaeobi</b> oh, you make a good point calling out my blind spot about flattening a broad swath of the globe into a single "Asian" category. You are right that the silks that end up in Western formal wear are mostly East Asian designs. Though I think the print of the jacket (print, yes -- the silk has a nubby texture to it but the design is printed on) looks rather Southeast Asian to my eye? Perhaps I'm just being influenced by the Bangkok label. Interesting to think about whether it might have been produced for a local market or in fact intended for export. The new tunic is a jacquard (the pattern has a raised texture but it's woven into the fabric, not embroidered) -- but the brand is Western. I had no idea about South Asian brocades but now I'm intrigued and will have to read up to learn more! I do adore South Asian textiles -- though most of the South Asian-influenced designs that end up in Western clothing markets tend to be more casual, perhaps? Let us pause for a moment and acknowledge how very much my beloved Liberty prints owe to South Asian block prints! As to your own fancy jacket -- I think knowing that/how you would wear it if you had an opportunity justifies keeping an item. Boo on your husband for his aversion to shiny things! You need a fancy girls' night where you can wear your jacket and those gold silk pants! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2251007 Sun, 06 Feb 2022 00:38:22 +0000 Zaeobi 2251007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the analysis - the longer jacket seems to suit your lifestyle more! I find it funny when Americans use 'Asian' to mean specifically East Asian, since technically I'm also Asian but would not be referred to as such over there - whereas back in the UK, I am what's considered 'Asian' &amp; usually East Asians would specify their country instead That said though, I can understand the appeal of such brocade* for formalwear - we also have our own versions (like banarasi), but the South Asian patterns tend to be more geometric (e.g. circles) than the East Asian motifs (usually more nature inspired, like animals &amp; foliage), which I suppose can read as softer for eveningwear. The motifs all carry particular meanings, though I'm not sure about your particular example. Will leave that to someone with more knowledge, so I don't overstep </p> <p>* It looks like this fabric is more printed than truly embroidered with vines, right? Not sure whether it truly carries meaning then, since I know there was an explosion in popularity of such fabrics in western eveningwear during the 50s-80s. </p> <p>---</p> <p>As for hoarding pretty items, I suppose I'm guilty of this with the YSL Variations jacket I wore to Sal's Virtual YLF Party - it's a gorgeous silk brocade only 'somewhat' in my colour palette (has some pink, like your sunset one), but is also pretty fancy (gold buttons, sweetheart neckline, swirls). </p> <p>The difference, however, is that I know I *would* wear it out ('cropped' works well with my high-waisted *everything* motto), if only it weren't for my DH! He doesn't like anything 'shiny', &amp; so he vetoed it for my 30th birthday - if I can't be obnoxiously shiny *then*, when can I? On my 40th, lol?? Good thing he hasn't yet spotted the vintage gold silk dupioni pants in my alterations pile </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2250993 Sat, 05 Feb 2022 20:25:23 +0000 Carla 2250993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Through the process of articulating your thoughts on the garment, you have provided it with an eloquent eulogy, and should feel confident with your decision. &nbsp;Well done! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2250989 Sat, 05 Feb 2022 19:03:40 +0000 Jenn 2250989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fantastic exercise, and I already can see how much better this new piece fits into your wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>"I don't want to run a clothing museum" is an especially good self-reminder. I need to tell myself the same about some other things in my life (ahem: books). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-taste-of-my-own-medicine-longanalytical#post-2250988 Sat, 05 Feb 2022 18:48:24 +0000 Synne 2250988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are an excellent writer. This was a treat to read!</p> <p>How perfect your new (or, "new") tunic is. I really can see why you love it. Fits you perfectly, and the colour is exquisite on you.</p> <p>That would be my major issue with the Asian jacket. The colour isn't right for you (or me, we both look like soft summers). </p>