https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 15 May 2026 00:26:56 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-855000 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:44:34 +0000 Carla 855000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Rae, your pics looks are right on with your pinterest style. I think Joy and Roseandjean are spot on with their comments about the street style folks having something in their hands (namely a great bag). </p> <p>Any of your looks styled with just the addition of a substantial bag would give your looks the finish I think you are looking for. Maybe a colour block Birkin look-alike, or studded black leather. </p> <p>Check out Rae's, MaryKay's, and of course Angie's outfits. Though their styles are all different, see how a great bag finishes their look. Check out the style of bags in your pinned outfits too.</p> <p>Winners is a great resource for some amazing deals on real leather bags, and you only need one ( to start!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-854977 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:55:52 +0000 siniestra 854977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>raisin lol really? ur stily is beautiful done and looks easy and not overly excesively trying hard!!! You look beautiful and remember pinterest is so inspiraton not to look like a copy...I usually use my pinterest and use for prints, colors, trend, cut not look the same cuz i wanna have my signature me! so i can sugest to be bold on make up like a simple cat eye or bright lip! ur sking is beautifully porcelain!!! u can be edgy and no need for extreme hair cut u know </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-854840 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 21:18:20 +0000 bj1111 854840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rae, sometimes it's not a new piece that is needed, just tweaking how you wear what you have. so take pic 3, try doing a half tuck..as in </p> <p><a href="http://finalfashion.ca/trend-ender-the-half-tuck/" rel="nofollow">http://finalfashion.ca/trend-ender-the-half-tuck/</a> or<br /> <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-or-dont-half-tuck.html" rel="nofollow">http://joannagoddard.blogspot......-tuck.html</a></p> <p>or wear a funky tshirt, or a super drapey tshirt (also will work with the leather trimmed shorts--which i L-O-V-E).</p> <p>in outfit 2, try wearing a loud sock, or even a white sock...so punk rock. add a white leather bracelet, watch or even a piece of wide twill ribbon from joann fabrics that you sew snaps to, just to make the white sock intentional.</p> <p>BTW, yoox.com is having a super sale on winter pieces including a lot of helmut lang and helmut lang inspired stuff. for example, in white at all price points.</p> <p><a href="http://www.yoox.com/us/women/shoponline#/c=340&#038;dept=samplesalewoman&#038;gender=D&#038;page=1&#038;color=6&#038;season=A" rel="nofollow">http://www.yoox.com/us/women/s.....8;season=A</a></p> <p>you are so close...you are picking up on the tiny things that make an outfit go from great to WOW.</p> <p>ps: i think rocker chic is minimalist--see kim gordon of sonic youth. but there is also a strict minimalist esthetic of calvin klein, which i think is too severe for you. but you should fit in with rei kawakobu minimalism </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-854814 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:48:18 +0000 Scarlet 854814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to be sure it was clear--I didn't mean you are overly neat. I just meant that is a difference I can discern when comparing the photos. I actually love your hair the way it is. It is a definite style and suits you really well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-854685 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:11:13 +0000 Raisin 854685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in Fredericton now. Not too far from home, I get there pretty often, and DH is from Montreal. Yah I could cut the hair edgier. I did highlights once and hated them and immediately covered them. I don't like the stripes look, and my hair is so dark, you wouldn't notice unless I got them much lighter. I am also horrible for any sort of hair upkeep, so I tend to keep it simple. I guess that's my main problem, my desire to be simple and minimize doesn't exactly mesh with my love of rocker chic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start/page/2#post-854677 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:04:09 +0000 Elizabeth P 854677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think when you have the embellishments, you don't need anything else... that great shirt with the silver on the sleeves in your "my style" post for example. But some of your other outfits don't...eg #1 here. Even just a funky belt would do the trick. IMHO. </p> <p>Pretty excited that is from CM! Might just check that out... Where do you live? </p> <p>And wrt your hair... could your hair handle an edgier cut? Layers, chunky highlights? I've tried with mine, doesn't really work </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854644 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:26:36 +0000 Raisin 854644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Charmian you're right about the leather jacket....I have one, not moto, but I will post it later to see how it stands up. It's still a bit cold for it though. Never thought of pinning my own outfits! Good idea!</p> <p>Elizabeth I'm not much of an accessory wearer, but I could try. I tend to do my "accessories" as leather embellishments, or studs, buckles, zips..... Also, the silver sweater is Club Monaco, lucky you, you have one in Halifax! My parents are in Dartmouth, so I get to hit up CM often. That sweater is high on my list of wants!</p> <p>Scarlet, you're right about me being too neat! I wish my hair looked a little more rocker, it is honestly just that straight all the time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854529 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:40:50 +0000 Charmian 854529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking at your pinterest board + Angie's comment made me go back and look at <em>my</em> pinterest board. Apparently I'm addicted to white! Just as you seem to be addicted to soft colors and black. So I would agree with Angie that there's some misalignment there.</p> <p>The other thing that the ladies pointed out is that you're missing some ... well, I didn't think it was "edge", more like "toughness". Compared to your board, your outfits and aspirational pieces seem to be missing hardware (ie, zippers) and to a lesser extent, leather. Maybe a black leather moto would be a weather-appropriate place to get start unstuck. If you're worried about an expensive mistake, clearlyclaire and I (both minimal classicists as well) really liked the pleather moto from Express. I'm thinking of upgrading my moto now that the experiment has been validated.</p> <p>Next, would it help to start pinning your own outfits? I was shocked at how much I learned when all my inspirational pins were together on one screen, and I wonder if the same would happen if my "reality pins" were presented similarly.</p> <p>Lastly, I think you look wonderful as is! Don't forget we're supposed to be having fun here, and if you find yourself getting frustrated, maybe it's time to settle back into a few "fast fallback outfits" and remember how many people love your look now. I certainly enjoy your WIWs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854487 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:01:34 +0000 Elizabeth P 854487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Me again. I looked at your photos a while ago, but really don't feel "qualified" to make much of a response. But I've been stalking you a bit today, because I really like your "look", so feel I should comment. I think your pieces are great, you have a wonderful sense of what works on you, but what you are missing is accessories to pull the look together and make it your own. I get that you like being minimal, but in my eye, those are the things that put an outfit up a notch. That take it from just putting a couple of things on to wear, to turning them into a thought out outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854461 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:43:36 +0000 Elizabeth P 854461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can you share where that silver sweater is from? i keep coming back and looking at it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854457 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:37:10 +0000 Scarlet 854457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I do think your "wants" are fab, but I think your look is already pretty in line with your inspiration, except that, as you note, you like to be more minimalistic. The main things jumping out at me are that your pictures don't have accessories (also they are mostly the indoor version, versus the street, aka outdoor, version), and also that you look neat as a pin, whereas the pinned images are often more windswept. Otherwise the idea that comes to mind is a black leather jacket would be a great topper on you if you don't already have that. It seems like you already have nice under layers in your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854109 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:21:03 +0000 Raisin 854109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yah they do have some gorgeous stuff Sarah. We have a couple of boutiques that get some good stuff. Not sure about HL, I wish though, I do love the aesthetic. I may go down this week just to check out what they do have though, I would imagine they just got a lot of new spring things in, and I haven't checked since before Christmas. I need to make a bunch of outfits out of my own clothes too and see what works welli, and then maybe I will be more inspired to pick a great piece when I am shopping. </p> <p>Caro, I agree on filling gaps with cheaper stuff. In fact I've been trying hard to do that lastly but find it hard to find anything close. We have very limited shopping where I am though. Which is why I love shopping when I get to visit DHs family in Montreal once or twice a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854096 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:10:36 +0000 Sarah A 854096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I learned something today. After reading Caro's post about one Helmut Lang vs. 3 classic styles pieces. I went to go check out Helmut Lang -- WOW! thats some gorgeous stuff. </p> <p>Are you somewhere you can go B&amp;M shopping for high end clothing? You could take an "almost there" outfit and try a few of the pieces and see how those worked to make the look. Then make decisions about what "placeholder" pieces to get and which of the designer items made the biggest impact across the board. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854086 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 02:05:46 +0000 Jaime 854086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have received great advice here. Sometimes when I feel stylistically frustrated it helps me to try on a bunch of things and see how some feel right on first glance and some I have to convince myself are right. Also helps me get rid of what is not working! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-854080 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:59:04 +0000 Caro in Oz 854080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Raisin - I think if we have wardrobe gaps it's perfectly legit. to buy things that aren't perfect or are a cheaper version of something we want. For me it didn't ever end there though - I sort of made a habit of buying those pieces. I found it actually helped me to realise I did have enough &amp; to concentrate on being PPP. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853911 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:04:22 +0000 Raisin 853911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to chime back in, but Mochi, that is exactly what I am feeling...like some little small element is missing, not the whole picture. I feel like it's hard to just fix with toppers though, since most of the time here I'm in the same jacket. Anyway, I need to work with what I have now and try it out some more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853864 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 23:17:02 +0000 Mochi 853864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I think you've got some pieces lined up for some really promising outfits. The components are working well together and you are well on your way to a sleek, minimalist or at least uncluttered look (which I obviously mean as a compliment). It would seem to me that you're just one or maybe two pieces short of tying everything together--I mean per outfit. Like some sort of interesting topper and/or belt or vest or something. You do NOT need a major overhaul. I'm not a great one for specific advice, unfortunately. In fact I can identify with this problem, actually. I have skipped over the comments. I wonder what Angie did or will say? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853854 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:58:07 +0000 Raisin 853854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RoseandJoan - I think you are so right, pins are just a "moment in time" and it's not usually exactly how people look walking around all the time. I mean it's not like we pose like that IRL.</p> <p>Rachylou - yah the boots in pic 4 are gear boots, I was asking about them in another post, but my normal boots are black with a zip up the side. They go better, i think.</p> <p>Rae - you're right, I need some more dramatic, edgy pieces to go with the more classic ones.</p> <p>Caro - I would love to get about 3 or 4 pieces I've been looking at for a while. I think they would go far for what I'm trying to achieve. Alas, not everything can come at once! I think I should plan to wait on the real ones I love, rather than trying to find cheaper alternatives. Though some alternatives do have their place, I just need to learn which ones. </p> <p>I really appreciate all the replies, they are helping tremendously. I have an itch to get my camera out tomorrow and see what I can come up with, and then maybe pick 1 or 2 things I am eyeing to get soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853811 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:02:45 +0000 Caro in Oz 853811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love reading this post &amp; all the replies, I agree with the others you are further along than you think:) </p> <p>I think taht edginess is a key factor in your look. You would be far better off with one Helmut Lang piece rather than 3 or 4 more classic pieces imo. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853808 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:59:12 +0000 rae 853808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually do see your pin style coming through in your outfits. if you feel like you are not quite there can you experiment with more dramatic and less classic cuts and volume? I feel like you are right there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853803 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:48:48 +0000 rachylou 853803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like less is more for you. Very strong that way. The one outfit I'm not so keen on is #4, the buttons and the tie at the waist and the buckles on the boots. It's a lot of stuff hanging off the individual pieces. But, for example, the ombre jeans I think are fantastic (and also the shorts in #5). Where there's interest incorporated into the fabric or the main construction of the garment, I love that for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853753 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 21:06:18 +0000 RoseandJoan 853753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really love the soft simplicity of your style, it is minimal but not strict. I also think you have the best hair and poses.</p> <p>Street style shots are inspiring because they are a moment caught in time, there is movement, weather, light and background which cannot be replicated inside. Take your looks onto the street and you have instant context and dynamism.</p> <p>I was also looking through the pinterest board searching for the certain something which makes the looks different...and the only thing I could find was they are nearly all holding or doing something with their hands. I'm guessing that is not the X which you feel is missing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853686 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:14:17 +0000 Raisin 853686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for the replies! I am feeling a bit less frustrated now. A lot of answers were very helpful and got me thinking more straight.</p> <p>Joy - you are right I need more edgy footwear, since it's often the only item seen when I'm out until I take off my jacket. My bags are pretty plain too.</p> <p>Tracina - I think you make sense, that maybe my WIW are a lot more on the safe side then these pins, and I feel that way myself, just trying to decide or find what will take them up a notch to what I want.</p> <p>Ceit - the assymetrical black top is also Helmut Lang, I do agree that it's often small details that set pieces apart, which is usually what I like in the first place. I often have time finding alternatives that work as well.</p> <p>Suz - you have a lot of wisdom for going through your own style journey. Hopefully you are right and I am close to a breakthrough! I think you are right, I will try to copy a few pins closely, just to get myself thinking and using my own clothes. I also agree that it is really hard to translate some looks to cold weather. I mean it's not like we wear open jackets in winter, or rolled pants. </p> <p>Angie - thanks for chiming in. I do agree that pins should be inspirational, which is kinda why a lot of mine don't translate well to cold Cananda weather. I tend to pin what I like and go, and hope to draw from it later. That's the part I'm struggling with now. I do have some pieces that don't go as well, mostly the colorful ones, and I'm not sure why, but I love overall dark outfits, but tend to be drawn to colorful pieces sometimes. </p> <p>Beth Ann - like I said to Angie, some of my color pieces stick out a bit, but I can still try to incorporate them into my look. I love darks and neutrals, but color sometimes as well. </p> <p>Mary, Sona, traceyLiz, SarahA Shannon and Isis, thanks for your support! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853408 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:15:28 +0000 Beth Ann 853408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Raisin, I feel I'm in exactly the same place, although I have a very different body type and style. I feel like I'm circling the airport at the moment, waiting to land at my destination. On bad days, I say I'm circling the drain (lol)! I think Suz is right --- there's a certain struggle that comes before a breakthrough. </p> <p>Even though your style is far different from mine, I love your WIW. You have an amazing eye for proportion and modern lines. The outlier items to me are the yellow and floral tops. Now, I have some items that are outside of my "core", too, and they're important to me, but I think Angie's write and soft tonal and neutral outfits are your signature style.</p> <p>LOVING pics 7, 10, 12, 13 and 14 on the wish list. Of your WIW --- 2 and 4 are the most striking to me. </p> <p>You're looking terrific, Raisin, enjoy the journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853394 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:59:38 +0000 Isis 853394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing to add, except that I must comment that this thread is really informative! Lots for all of us to ponder; thanks for posting this Raisin! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853391 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:56:15 +0000 Angie 853391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pinboards serve as INSPIRATION. They are not a means to create a cookie-cutter copycat look. That's point number one :)</p> <p>Personally, I think it's the pattern and the colour of both blouses that are throwing you off. From what I have seen so far, you are a neutral gal - with the odd bit of muted colour and muted pattern thrown into the mix. </p> <p>Also Suz's point about the weather is crucial. Pinning So Cal looks for Canadian Winters is not an ideal match! You have to Winterize the style sensibility. Make it your own.</p> <p>Style is ALWAYS a work in progress. That's why it's a journey :). Like the others have mentioned, I think you are doing well! Piece by piece you are getting there. You need to flesh out your boot and knitwear capsules for sure. </p> <p>Deep breath, Raisin! You are on the right wicket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853311 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:32:44 +0000 Transcona Shannon 853311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae - Suz has said it all so brilliantly and I have nothing to add! You will get to where you want to go and in the meantime, you look fantastic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853282 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:46:44 +0000 Suz 853282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this feeling. I've had this feeling. Lots of times. It always comes before a bit of a breakthrough. So take courage! </p> <p>First off, your individual items and wants all seem to fit with your overall aesthetic. Even so, instead of buying helter skelter, why not pick ONE outfit from your Pinterest board that you would like to copy as exactly as possible. Sounds like a baby step, but that will force you to analyze the specific details of the outfit and what makes it work to your eye. And then buy with that "outfit" in mind (if necessary). </p> <p>I think I know why you are not wearing booties in your WIWs (even though the pinned outfits include them. ) 1. Until recently, you didn't own any. 2. Your weather requires tall boots. </p> <p>So more footwear options (as Ceit says) PLUS some consideration of how to translate your aesthetic preferences to your actual lived environment might be in order. You might need to do a hunt for (Canadian) winter looks that you love....it's all very well to pin celebs in California, but you will be forever frustrated at not being able to wear the booties with no socks thing for 6 months of the year. </p> <p>I've had to do a similar thing when it comes to my work-at-home life. In my FANTASY world I would be going to work outside the home in my creative field and wearing business casual every day (which in my case would veer to high end Urban Prince Helmut Lang, heh heh). BUT. In my REAL life, not so much. I need clothes that are as comfy as workout gear, yet look like my aspirational style. It's a tall order. One I have yet to meet. But at least I see where I am going. </p> <p>With a little more analysis, you will, too! You are very nearly there, and you look K-worthy in every single one of your WIWs already!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853281 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:45:47 +0000 Sarah A 853281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you are doing really well identifying your desires and the pieces that will get you there and really have just a short way to get to those pins! Adding in that little edgey-ness with asymetery, leather, and detailing (zippers, leather trims) and choosing abstract prints will help bring that little bit of rocker vibe your pins hold.</p> <p>ETA: I am so impressed with how coherent your pinboard is. Mine is all over the map!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/argg-i-am-super-frustrated-and-dont-know-where-to-start#post-853270 Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:34:56 +0000 Anonymous 853270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, where is 12 from? I love it! I also love the Helmut pheasant shell. To die for.</p> <p>I don't think you should be frustrated. I think you are well on your way. Some of your pieces are pretty classic in styling, whereas your pins have them a bit edgier. Does that make sense? Like what makes 12 is the asymmetry....I think there are lots of black crossover shells out there that would be a straight substitute, but then you miss the essential details of the one you posted.</p> <p>Your new cream white shell is pretty classic, but paired with shorts and your new booties, it will look edgier.</p> <p> I also think increasing your shoe options (which you are doing!) will help. </p>