https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 16:45:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797337 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:40:41 +0000 Louise 797337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating insight into Angie's thought processes. I sometimes struggle to know if something is a 10 sometimes only realising the thing I bought isn't a 10 when something better comes along. I'm quiet impatient too in that once I decide I want something I want it now so I can start wearing it x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797330 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:46:14 +0000 ManidipaM 797330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi, thanks for asking this question! It's something I've been wondering about too --- how do people who are savvy shoppers, like Angie (who quite literally does this for a living), do it so well and without absolutely exhausting themselves with all the options in the stores and on the style boards?</p> <p>And Angie's answer certainly sorted it out pretty well for me. Actually, specific sites or stores wouldn't have helped me any, being in such a different geographical space and having quite a different lifestyle and budget, so the general principles are rather more handy (to me), I think.</p> <p>Certainly Angie's ability to visualize as well as articulate clearly is a huge stepping stone to the search. Wonder how one develops that ability, short of duplicating her extensive experience (impossible!) or being born with it (like Deb).</p> <p>And the fact that she's happy to pounce on it, without waiting for a 'better bargain', when she does find it --- though here's another aspect where she is thinking very clearly: what's a budget I'm willing to allocate here? (I think this is particularly hard to pin down in a long-term search?). Which actually dovetails quite neatly into the no-regrets strategy, because if you're already getting great wear out of your buy, it pretty much IS a bargain for you, even if a cheaper one in a different fabrication turns up. I'm especially impressed by this because I know I often paralyse myself with doubts at these two stages. Must do better.</p> <p>Aside to Suz: Can I join your club? I've been looking to replace my brown leather bag that fell to pieces for a couple of years now. Sure, budget is part of my constraint, but I do live in the land of affordable handcrafted leather wares! It *shouldn't* be so difficult, surely, to find: "One tan medium-sized handbag. Must have shoulder strap as well as handle to carry in hand. Multiple inside and outside compartments, zippered rather than buckled or buttoned for preference. Pretty and durable fabric lining. 'Antique' brass or silver hardware. Ability to endure waterproofing wax treatment." Eh? </p> <p>And I'm also with Suz in realizing this year, and finally accepting, that I need to set aside *aimless* window shopping time too, just to get an idea of what's out there --- just so that I know where and how to look when I have an actual aim to buy! Flipping through magazines and blogs alone isn't going to do it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797287 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 04:56:20 +0000 deb 797287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Question Angie, did you have this ability when you were a child? I ask this, because as long as I can remember, when I want something, I decide, go into a store and if it is not exactly right, I leave. It always drove my dad crazy. My mom did not drive so my dad always took me shopping. I would rather do without than have something that did not fit my wants/needs. I am this was to this day. I find it interesting that you have a very similar system. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797284 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 04:30:23 +0000 Suz 797284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Mochi. And I completely agree with Shevia. At all Angie's points I was nodding, yes, yes, yes...and then I was wondering: But how does she know so clearly what she WANTS??? </p> <p>That's the part that still eludes me! </p> <p>Well...not entirely. I do think I am getting much closer to knowing this. </p> <p>Sometimes I know it in the negative. For example, I really, really , really need a decent bag. I don't even have one that is what I would consider "good." Leather, practical, attractive. (I realize that's not asking much, in theory, but there you go. I DO have a couple of bags, but they don't match those criteria.) </p> <p>One reason I don't have a bag is that I cannot find one. I simply can't find one that I like. Not at all! Seems impossible, but it is true. Most of them are too fussy for my taste, too blingy, to this, too that. </p> <p>So I know I DON'T want them. And i just haven't bought one as a result. </p> <p>I think this process of refining one's style is so crucial to successful shopping. Until we know what it is we want...well. We won't get it, will we? </p> <p>OTOH, I ALSO think a fair amount of shopping is probably necessary for learning what it is we want. This is where I fell down in the past. I didn't look at anything. So how could I know what was out there? And if I didn't know what was out there....well..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797248 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 03:22:07 +0000 Mochi 797248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had also marveled at Angie's ability to be so specific about what she wants, but thought it would be impossible to get an answer as to how she can do that...so I didn't ask that part :)<br /> I agree with you completely, Shevia and Krista. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797232 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 02:43:09 +0000 Krista 797232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great questions, Mochi - thank you for asking them!<br /> Angie - I am super impressed that your list is so specific; even right down to shiny buttons on a coat! I had never thought to be that specific but I do see the value in being that way. You ultimately find exactly what you want.<br /> I enjoyed this thread! Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797200 Sun, 16 Dec 2012 01:40:19 +0000 Jaime 797200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread! Thank you for starting it and Angie thank you for your detailed answer. I think the take away point for me is that Angie is able to clearly visualize exactly what she wanted and why before she even saw the coat. Then when she found it she knew it. For me, and perhaps others, that is truly the hard part. Knowing exactly what you want and why is key! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797146 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 23:12:38 +0000 Adelfa 797146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad you asked this question, Mochi. I've been thinking I'd like to try making a small list that I'd try with this approach.</p> <p>I'm a float through life person but I'm learning it can be useful to define what you want (not just in clothes). Last year I bought an Angie's pick faux brown leather jacket and loved it. It had silver zippers. I decided that eventually I'd like a black one with gold accents. Lo and behold, Angie featured one at the half yearly sale--and I jumped, in spite of the price, because I'd already thought through that I could really use an item like that.</p> <p>I think this list-for-the-longer-haul could be a great tool in building a great wardrobe with minimal sidetracking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797141 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 23:04:03 +0000 Caro in Oz 797141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also interested in process &amp; find these questions &amp; answers really interesting.<br /> For me one of the biggest revelations was the importance of homing in on my own best style. I like so many things &amp; can be a bit of a magpie. These qualities do not make for a small cohesive wardrobe (one of my goals). I find my style is morphing again at the moment &amp; need to adjust my wardrobe to accommodate these changes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797098 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 21:37:46 +0000 Mochi 797098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Angie. Thanks, yes, that's helpful. I like your overall philosophical approach, and though it's not as much specific details about stores, websites, etc, it makes a great deal of sense. </p> <p>I agree about the Team Full Price. That must be very liberating and facilitating. Not everyone will be able to do that, but if you're willing to go with it, sure it will cut out a lot of running around trying to beat a certain price or come up with a similar item. </p> <p>The Buyer's Remorse thing I agree with too in theory. It's hard to put into practice, but since it goes hand in hand with putting the quality of the item over any other feature (like price, buying within a certain time frame, etc), I can see the second-guessing also becoming irrelevant. I did put that into practice very recently with the Danee boots. I had them unworn in the closet for about a month while I thought about returning them...but am glad I didn't! And I will try to move closer to not feeling anxious about spending more money on something that's what I really want. </p> <p>I do someday want to own a well-cut, cropped navy blazer, for example, so that's an item where I can leisurely try out your methods. I'm not so clear on what else I want at the moment....</p> <p>Thanks again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797076 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 20:56:16 +0000 Angie 797076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question. I don't know if I can answer it all that eloquently - but I'll try. </p> <p>First, I have a very good idea of what I want in my head. I knew I wanted my ink blue coat to be classic, knee-length, military, and with shiny buttons. That way I could wear it with everything - after all, mixing up the classics with new trends and a good dose of modern is what defines my style. </p> <p>Second, I'm decisive so I don't keep on changing my mind. For example, I'm not suddenly going to want an ink blue cocoon coat because they are more on trend. Or a shorter coat because it looks better with jeans. As flexible as my shopping list is, it can be just as rigid. </p> <p>Third, I am VERY patient and picky about this aspect of my style. I do not settle for a 9 out of 10. </p> <p>Fourth, I leave no retail stone unturned *as long as the process stays fun*. If I'm frustrated, I stop the search both in stores, online, and when I travel. I am not a big online shopper so I do not search endlessly online at all. I just do it when the mood strikes me. If it takes years to find my piece than so be it. </p> <p>Fifth, I bat for Team Full Price, so if I find the item and I have the means - I buy it. I am not concerned with the need to buy a bargain. </p> <p>Sixth, I do not suffer from buyers remorse once I have the item and am wearing it - which means it is a 10 in my mind. That is, I do not keep comparing the item I bought to others that pop up all over the show - even at a better price. And remember I shop for a living so I see so much stuff! I move on and enjoy my piece because I do not have the time to devote to that type of negative emotion. I have *so much* to do in a day! </p> <p>Is there method to my madness? So far, it works for me, although for a myriad of reasons my strategy won't work for everyone. Hope this was helpful in some way, Nancy. Perhaps I haven't really answered your question </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-add-another-p-for-process#post-797045 Sat, 15 Dec 2012 20:27:34 +0000 Mochi 797045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Angie. I know you've mentioned this in passing before, but the striking blue military coat in your latest post has really gotten me thinking. You know I'm always interested in process and I am always intrigued when you speak about patiently hunting something, sometimes for a few years, as is the case with this coat from Stefanel. </p> <p>So just using the coat as an example, I'm really wanting to know more specifics about how you go about it. Obviously you won't know until it's over how much time it will actually take, but it's clear you're in it for the long haul. In that case, what's your strategy? Let's say you want a certain type of coat--how do you go about searching for it? Only online, and if so how do you determine which sites to go to? Or do you go to stores as well? And how often do you keep checking back? I just want to get a sense of what's a good search method...productive but not veering into obsessive. I feel like I waste so much time searching for things and come up empty-handed. Anyway whatever you could divulge on your methods, I would be really grateful to know! Thanks! The more details, the better. </p>