https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 21:07:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412586 Fri, 08 May 2026 18:55:07 +0000 Lisa 2412586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wonderful walk through of your process and excellent plan you have for moving forward. Thanks for sharing! I wish you best of luck with this leg of your style journey.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412580 Fri, 08 May 2026 17:41:20 +0000 bella 2412580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great work. I lobe this haircıiut for you, I hope ir works out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412576 Fri, 08 May 2026 13:41:10 +0000 LJP 2412576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>kkards - that's a very good suggestion , thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412575 Fri, 08 May 2026 13:40:37 +0000 LJP 2412575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>DonnaF </b>- yes *sophisticated * was on my list too. And to the button down shirt? &nbsp;I can guarantee it won't be worn tucked in and done right up. I see it as a casual piece worn over linen or gauze pants with a tank top . &nbsp;Or alone with a few buttons at the bottom undone. &nbsp;And it will NOT be a traditional fit . &nbsp;I'm not *that* crazy ;)</p> <p><b>Jaime</b> - yes - the idea is to get back to where I once belonged, as the song goes. &nbsp;I've let myself go, so to speak, and become too casual and lazy in dressing. Sure - it was a by-product of lifestyle and environment, but Im inspired to pick up my page again. &nbsp;And I'm sheepish about using the term *fashion forward* as I know my clothing isn't terribly advanced.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sal</b> &nbsp;- I did have minimal and classic on my list. Just a matter of picking the words that matched my clothing preferences. It's a tough exercise!</p> <p><b>K. Period </b>- agree with you vis a vis olive and blue - and red even. I do wear lots of olive and blue . Haven't delved into olive and red though.</p> <p><b>Lisa</b> - haha. There is not a chance you will see me in a blazer, a button down, and a belt together . Belt with jeans and a sweater; blazer with anything and everything, and button down will be an experiment :)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Re: hair </b>. &nbsp;I am going to lighten it up for summer - next weekend. &nbsp;I have tried - although not for very long - to grow my hair in the past. &nbsp;I was successful only with the help of extensions . &nbsp;I have no idea and no expectations other than I'm going to do my best to relax into it - using Angie's advice for most things in life !&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412574 Fri, 08 May 2026 13:26:24 +0000 kkards 2412574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for taking control and feeling like you have a plan/way forward<br /> Might I suggest instead of fashion forward -which no shame isn’t what I’ve heard you describe your aspiration to be- trend aware, or current. But maybe I’ve misunderstood what you’re looking to do fashion wise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412568 Fri, 08 May 2026 12:02:30 +0000 tam 2412568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, congrats on all the work you've done! This has to feel good and put a smile on your face.&nbsp; Second, thank you for sharing - all of it - the meltdown, the solution - so helpful and real.&nbsp; I've ordered the book and will do some work soon.&nbsp; Love the colors and the bixie - I too am curious about why you are stepping away from the olive green as you wear it so well.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412566 Fri, 08 May 2026 11:23:54 +0000 Helena 2412566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an excellent process and a great plan ... Your style muse looks like a perfect and realistic source of practical inspiration. You've inspired me to pick up ABs book! </p> <p>I think your spring style meltdown needs to be rebranded ... Perhaps it's an annual refresh, or perhaps spring is your natural "new year" when it's a good time to revisit your direction, as others do in early January? Given our climate, it's kind of the most sensible time for this anyhow! Fwiw </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412565 Fri, 08 May 2026 10:54:14 +0000 lyn67 2412565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see how deep you"ve gone in your analysis-and predict soon the sprouts will get blooming! I love your palette of neutrals and accents as they are similar to mines, at the moment-including the notes about using color in the accessories rather than cothing itself.</p> <p>Also love the hair inspo-I would be happy to have this cut, too- but probably don't have enough density and volume for it (my natural hair never holds&nbsp; a style more then a day as is very fine and very thinning nowadays). Also will you dye it platinum?</p> <p>Thanx for sharing your newly aquired knowledgewith us, Lisa! Please keep sharing the implementation steps&nbsp; you'll do I am so eager to see how you will turn theory to practice-from thoughts&amp;words to real life/real choices/real outfits.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, and an question: -why did you decided to step avway from the olive green? I am curious to hear the answer, as I find it a good neutral for us blondes--BUT it always skew more on the casual side, isn't it?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412564 Fri, 08 May 2026 10:31:49 +0000 Sisi 2412564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like a very good plan. The idea of the 3-word style identity and the 9 core pieces are very interesting. I like your color palette. Looking forward to seeing what outfits you will put together following this new strategy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412563 Fri, 08 May 2026 05:54:51 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2412563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like all these ideas for you, especially the color palette, combining your two wardrobes, and &nbsp;resuming blazers. I still remember a beautiful turquoise (cerulean?) one you wore many years ago. </p> <p>There is something about a blazer or a structured jacket that can really make you feel more confident and put together.</p> <p>Will you actually incorporate the polished items (blazer and button up shirt and belt) on the day-to-day?</p> <p>Also, are you going to change your hair color as you’re growing out?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412562 Fri, 08 May 2026 05:30:13 +0000 Brooklyn 2412562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good plan. I’m looking forward to hearing about the next steps.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412558 Fri, 08 May 2026 05:09:22 +0000 pirouette 2412558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well done i look forward to seeing your style evolve within the new parameters. I like the list of essentials and have everything on the list except a button down shirt. For me a tight colour palette really helped build my wardrobe anytime I stray from it spends in the donate pile. I like the hair style you posted it will take patience to achieve but I think will look amazing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412554 Fri, 08 May 2026 04:02:07 +0000 Star (Lise) 2412554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand how these identified pieces are going to work hard and reset your style direction, and excellent palette. What is the difference between 'modern' and 'fashion forward'? I see minimalist as a possible word, like SAL, but maybe that is because modern looks do lean minimal...<br /> A Bixie looks modern and edgy.<br /> This seems like a good and doable plan.</p> <p>I also think it's a good move stretching black across all your wardrobe needs. A black turtleneck is an absolute essential for me. It immediately makes any bottom elegant.<br /> Still searching for the perfect white tee. I did find one but my size was not in stock. A black tee is an absolute essential for me as well, and a navy and white striped tee (a very specific one).<br /> Button downs are becoming my go to. They used to feel too masculine for me, but I've realised it is in the individual cut as well as which bottom I pair it with that makes the difference. They do add polish when done right.<br /> Trenches add elegance for sure. I have two but unfortunately the weather is hardly ever appropriate to wear one.</p> <p>You have a natural elegance so this reset plan will put you on your preferred track quite quickly.<br /> Taking notes so thanks for the outline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412553 Fri, 08 May 2026 03:34:44 +0000 Sal 2412553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a check through the core pieces - I am covered with most of these except - I don't have a trench (like them but not right for my life) and my white tee and black turtleneck could do with an update. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412552 Fri, 08 May 2026 02:33:04 +0000 K. Period. 2412552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this!&nbsp; My favorite piece of advice that I've taken from Alisson is this: If your outfit feels flat, you need to ask which style word is un- or underrepresented and add. It always seems to work. And my favorite piece of advice from Angie is everything she's ever suggested to me! </p> <p>Do you wear your olive green pieces with your blues and the red? I love the way green plays with colors.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412551 Fri, 08 May 2026 02:17:09 +0000 Sal 2412551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you have the three words right - especially the elegant (you like nice nails, jewelry, shoes) and fashion forward.&nbsp; My only comment would be, are modern and fashion forward too similar and would you add something like minimal or practical, or even classic.&nbsp; My word that encompasses the "keeping it real" part is unfussy which instinctively feels right for me given my lazy tendencies for hair, tucking clothes etc..</p> <p>Pleased you have a solid plan!&nbsp; Yay.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412550 Fri, 08 May 2026 01:23:32 +0000 Dee 2412550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm excited for you, l've found sorting out a colour palette and some style words really helpful and I like the style words that you've chosen to work with right now. Glad to hear that Allison's book and Angie's suggestion has helped set you on your way.<br /> ETA: Love the bixie hairstyle inspo too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412549 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:42:36 +0000 Irina 2412549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a solid plan to me. Good luck, Lisa. I think you will enjoy wearing a blazer occasionally on weekends. After a break for a few years and post office days, I updated my blazers last year and loved the feeling of being put together, IYKWIM.&nbsp;</p> <div>Funny about Must Have lists - I’ve never bought anything specifically because of any lists and yet, I do have all the pieces. Even a couple of belts that I don’t wear! :)<br />Also: interesting choice of accent colors. I don’t remember seeing you in light blue. I like it, too.&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412548 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:30:37 +0000 Jaime 2412548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really admire how you move to action. (I am the queen of analysis paralysis most of the time.)<br />So the main impression I am left with is that you want to make your style less casual and more sophisticated. This makes total sense to me. You want to look sharper. This is an excellent goal and I might adopt it too.<br />(I am also working on a style reset but see above.)<br />Finally, what is wrong with fashion forward as an aspiration? No shame in that says I . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412542 Thu, 07 May 2026 23:57:10 +0000 bj1111 2412542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LJP </p> <p>I love this post. It’s so real AND actionable. </p> <p>Can’t wait to see how you implement. Particularly drawn to your expressing colors in accessories instead of clothing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412540 Thu, 07 May 2026 23:40:47 +0000 DonnaF 2412540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looks like you are well on your way! That button down shirt, however, is very much NOT Lisa unless it is an actual silk one. Maybe a band collar or collarless shirt? A blouse seems too dressy for your current life.</p> <p>I love how you feel best in all solids, whereas I feel like I need to wear a pattern SOMEWHERE even if it just hosiery. Oh, and sophisticated is another word you might use. I can appreciate others' look even if I lack the temerity to even try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/angie-allison-bornstein-and-the-forum-a-reset#post-2412539 Thu, 07 May 2026 23:05:22 +0000 LJP 2412539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I last posted my (seemingly ) annual <b>Spring style meltdown </b>and received some  fantastic ideas, and lots of support. <br /> One of my best traits is that when given a mission, even if I create it, I <b>act quickly and thoroughly</b>. No half-baked measures here.  </p> <p> I pulled out <b>Wear it Well, </b>which I bought upon release and then never read (ouch) , sat down with a pen , and started reading and making notes.  It took me a few evenings to complete but I was left with a clear plan.  That's <b>Allison's part.   </b>I found this book very useful.  <b></b></p> <p><b>Angie was the first to suggest I stop treating my work and personal time wardrobes as two separate entities . </b> I resisted, at first, but then really warmed up to the idea when I used Allison's method of sorting out your clothing and pulling out the pieces that are holding me back .  I do this often, but still had a ways to go and really went deep this time.  I <b>determined my core colours and accents - swatches below- </b>and used this to pull together the pieces I want to wear moving forward .  I sorted my closet by item type, and then colour within, and my black "work only" pieces are now in several places in my closet instead of on one rail.  It's been very eye-opening .  Fewer colours , almost no patterns.  </p> <p>The next step in Allison's book (although I did this first to help me do the sorting and editing ) was to figure out my <b>3-word style identity. </b> I've not done this before.   I picked 3 words that are <b>meaningful to me . First word</b> is to be your practical word defined by the pieces you wear regularly = <b>Modern.</b>  <b>Second word</b> is something aspirational and where creativity and growth can happen = <b>Fashion Forward . </b>This was the toughest one, so please don't cringe at it - it will be a work in progress and I'm not sure this is quite the word I want.  Placeholder.    <b>Third word</b> describes how you want to feel in your clothes = <b>Elegant/(or Polished). </b> </p> <p><b>AB suggests 9 core pieces</b> - and stresses that these are to be modified to suit your 3 words - and she shows you how.  1. The <b>White Tshirt.</b> I discovered I have too many and only wear 1 or 2.  Pulled out the ones that weren't perfect and kept 2. <b>The Button Down shirt </b>. I'm not good at this category and feel like a man wearing one, but have now learned what to do with it, and have a brown linen or cotton shirt on my to-buy list . Probably not a traditional button down - but I'll know it when I see it. 3. The <b>Black Turtleneck -</b> don't have one but have tabled this for fall. 4. <b>Cozy Sweater - </b>I'm covered here.  5. <b>The Blazer</b> - this is where  my <b>juices started flowing.</b> I have not worn a blazer in a few years, but AB loves it with everything as did I !  I felt excited to polish up my look by wearing one instead of my usual shapeless casual jackets - have a natural linen one from a few years ago ready to be worn right now.  The 3 key words again reminded me that I do like dressing up somewhat and <b>have let my look get too casual</b>.  6. <b>The trench coat </b>. I have this but could be talked into a long swooshy super-lightweight non-traditional Mac or modified trench in tan . We'll see. <b>7. Denim</b> - I think I'm good for now - will revisit in Fall.  8. <b>Trousers </b>- I'm good.  9. <b>A belt -</b> don't wear but want to experiment and try again for the added polish .  Now don't all come at me with "<b> I don't believe in those must-have lists".  I get it.</b> But I'm doing this exercise as it fits within the context of her method.  </p> <p>I also have found a current <b>style muse in Lucy Alston</b> . Her IG and Substack are great and I love her style. I’ve also attached a hair goal - we’ll see how realistic this is . </p> <p>This is the first time in my life I've <b>set a palette</b> and am very excited to work with it.  The <b>red/pale blue/mid blue are the pops of colour </b>I sometimes crave but will be purchased in bags/shoes/accessories and MAYBE the odd top .  The <b>neutrals speak for themselves. </b>I'm also <b>stepping away from olive green a</b>fter a decade of it being my most represented colour. I have lots, but don't want to add more.  I have pledged to <b>up my jewellery game </b>on weekends and to use the beautiful things I have .  That long whiny post served me up some great ideas and I'm grateful for all of your comments.  For anyone looking for a fresh start - I highly recommend AB's book.  And Angie's quiet wisdom .  </p> <p>Thank you for reading :).  </p>