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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Ask Angie: https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:05:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php greenglove on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63451 Sun, 03 May 2009 16:53:09 +0000 greenglove 63451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ IWC, Great suggestions, you are a beauty!! I also love orange. A great orange trench might be a great basic to have. I can also see you in animal print, do you like that? You will be able to wear so much with great style!! Kyle on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63445 Sun, 03 May 2009 16:20:11 +0000 Kyle 63445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ LWC: Just wanted to say welcome to another forum member from Phoenix...and another Type A perfectionist. I think our weather can be one of the challenging things about dressing stylishly. But you are way ahead of the game because you are going to look amazing in just about anything you wear. I can see you starting with a wardrobe of basics and then adding your global style personality with scarves, shoes, jewelry, etc. Can't wait to see some of your ensembles. You are going to shine brightly on YLF. crwilson on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63441 Sun, 03 May 2009 15:22:07 +0000 crwilson 63441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm going to second Sinead's suggestion about shopping online. Obviously there are drawbacks to shopping online, but I'm finding that it works better for me for now because a) I have a small daughter who hates to shop, b) I get overwhelmed when I shop and buy random items out of desperation, and c) I make bad choices when I'm in stores and end up returning items anyway. Also, when I shop online, I find it easier to keep everything straight and not get tempted by random items that I like but that don't go with anything else I own. You're completely beautiful and will look good in every piece of clothing. So you should have a pretty easy time, I think, finding pieces that work for you. Angie on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63435 Sun, 03 May 2009 14:43:23 +0000 Angie 63435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done Lesley! You are off to a fabulous start! Post your goodies soon. Now that I know you loved the look on the streets of Tel Aviv (good thinking hiding in Jean's cross body bag on my shoulder btw), we can steer you in that direction. How about leggings and tunic tops? chewyspaghetti on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63415 Sun, 03 May 2009 12:52:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 63415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great start! lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63408 Sun, 03 May 2009 08:51:03 +0000 lwc 63408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I went to Nordies and got a proper bra fitting - finally! Boy, was that an eye-opening experience!!! I bought 3 bras to start: one nude basic, one black basic, and one black convertible. So, out with the oldies and on with the new! I also focused on denim this weekend. I purchased 2 pairs of dark wash jeans, and some white clamdiggers. I will post pics soon. Stay tuned... lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63146 Fri, 01 May 2009 05:01:31 +0000 lwc 63146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi, Shiny! Thanks for the encouraging words and the link. I really like the concept of a capsule wardrobe. And I love those Lucky issues that show a week's worth of style, etc. Good stuff. I do have a few of the basic items. So, I'm not completely down and out. But I'm definitely in need of some basics, among other things. Thanks so much, again! shiny on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63036 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:15:49 +0000 shiny 63036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lwc, it looks like you already have a great pair of sandals and a dress, so that is a start! I stumbled upon this the other day, perhaps you may find it helpful: <a href="http://www.omiru.com/index.php/2009/03/24/fashion-101-omirus-womenswear-spring-summer-capsule-wardrobe/" rel="nofollow">http://www.omiru.com/index.php.....-wardrobe/</a> .... although you would have to translate this into pieces that work for your own lifestyle, body type, and are in colors and pieces you like. But, I like this approach because you can see how just 16 pieces (plus shoes and accessories) can mix-and-match, and it gives you a list of 16 items to hunt down so you can shop with purpose. For your lifestyle, you'd probably swap in a jean jacket and a short-sleeve jacket for the jackets, and perhaps clamdiggers instead of two pairs of long jeans. And possibly a denim skirt instead of the polka dot pencil skirt. See how most of these pieces are in neutral colors, except for three tops? Choose the neutrals that flatter you the best, and now maybe it's not so overwhelming to consider finding just three tops in your favorite colors? Lucky magazine frequently does something similar - and those are always my favorite issues. Even if many of the pieces they choose would not work for my body type (or wallet or lifestyle), I find it inspiring to see how everything can mix and match into combos I'd never have considered. Also try searching on the term "Capsule wardrobe" and you will find similar advice on the internet. Yes, I know... the hardest part is actually finding the pieces that work for you, fit, flatter, color, style, lifestyle... that can be overwhelming! I think the easiest place to start (for me, at any rate) is the basics. Of the pieces on the Omiru strategy, those would be the jeans, white shorts, white shirt, trench (or jean jacket, if you substitute) and neutral cardigans. These are items that are always in stock each season and change minimally. Adding in a blouse in a gorgeous flattering color with interesting details (like the green one shown) is more challenging - especially if your favorite color doesn't happen to be "in" during the season you are shopping. I would say that if you have nothing to wear, then it doesn't hurt to experiment and try on blouses in styles and colors you might not normally consider. Who knows, maybe it will look amazing? And you'll be "on trend" .... and have something to wear until the next season rolls around and you may find your perfect investment piece in the perfect color. lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63016 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:42:29 +0000 lwc 63016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie: The simple strategy is music to my ears! Thank you! I did read the basics post, but I will revisit it. My bag inventory is low *hanging head in shame*. I have 2 Kate Spade diaper bags in brown and black; an Indonesian ata purse (I love it...very summery, yet very different), a black satin clutch, and a couple of wristlets (Coach and LV). I have been on "handbag hiatus" for a while. And I love bags...*sniff*. I would love a fab bag. I've been browsing through some style books too. In addition to the trial and error that I've experienced at the retail level, it is helping me to figure out what I like, why I like it, and thus further define my style. Good stuff! Also, my mom retired from Macy's, and has a lifetime discount. I will try to take advantage of this while she is visiting us for the next couple of weeks. I usually hate shopping there, but it may help me to score some premium denim at a lower price. I also think that Sinead makes a good point about fatigue and stress. In addition to caring for my sick kids, I have been sick too. Not a good combo for shopping and wardrobe building. I feel much better now, and the tips and encouragement are really helpful. Thanks again! Angie on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-63004 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:19:57 +0000 Angie 63004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good answers Lesley! So let’s prioritize your first shopping list: o Fabulous jeans o clamdiggers o Sleeveless tops o Statement necklace or earrings o Great sandals o How about a fab bag? Don’t know what your inventory is like. You also might like to indentify your personal wardrobe basics list? Have you read this post? <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009</a>.....be-basics/ Ask us where you can't find the particular item that you’re looking for. You can probably order online too. Keep it simple and efficient – one item at a time, one forum thread at a time. We are here to help you every step of the way. How does this simple strategy grab you? sinead on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62998 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:08:53 +0000 sinead 62998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I want to mention something here, lwc- the situation with two kids under three. Having survi- uh, lived through that myself, I think that has a lot to do with being overwhelmed when you go shopping. I was so tired during that time I couldn't see straight, much less put together a wardrobe- so to me, you are doing really, really well. I've never been a big user of online shopping, but for moms with little ones it sounds ideal. I know there are sites with free returns that could make it less risky. I also had a tendency to look for "the" perfect piece and end up not buying anything... so I've started a new rule for myself: I have to buy something when I go shopping. Now I realize most women have the opposite problem, too many clothes, too much buying, but for us minimalist perfectionist types- sometimes we just need to push ourselves a bit. So when I'm not sure about a piece of clothing, I go ahead and buy it, reminding myself I can return it if I get it home and it doesn't work. About 60% has gone back, but that still leaves me with some things that I like. I know Angie will have great advice- and you are such a beauty, you will always look fab. lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62997 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:04:57 +0000 lwc 62997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Chris! I'm still working on the list, and open to more suggestions. My mom just arrived for a 2-week visit. Woohoo! Help has arrived!!! Can you say, "BABYSITTING?!?!" Chris on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62965 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:15:15 +0000 Chris 62965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My idea for you is to decide on shopping for two outfits: One for church, dressier occasions (skirt, top, cardi would be a good start) and one for daily errands, around the house (new jeans, casual top, denim jacket perhaps). Once you have a list and maybe a few pictures of what you like from magazines, make an appointment with personal shopper from Nordstrom. They can pull things for you to make it less overwhelming maybe? Much better than wandering around frustrated. You could do bra fitting on same day and get it over with lol. lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62941 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:44:26 +0000 lwc 62941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie: Thanks for the compliment, and for breaking things down for me. In response to your questions: 1. Yes, I am still nursing my 1 year old. "Boo-Boo" nurses about 5-8 times a day. Speaking of boobs, I am waaaaaay overdue for a proper bra fitting! 2. I feel good in jeans...and I always have. Currently, I have the one pair of J Crew matchsticks shown in the picture. I wear them all of the time - they're a staple for me. However, they are 3 years old and they have "grown" over time. After a couple of wearings, they are a bit loose. 3. I like to wear skirts and dresses. Obviously, skirts are easier when it comes to having easy access for nursing. But I would love a nice day dress in cotton jersey as well. I agree...Chewyspaghetti is THE TRUTH! *genuflecting* ChristineB: Thanks for the idea. I'm a total list person, despite the fact that I'm a bit of a frazzled mommy right now. I'm hoping to solidify a shopping list with your help. Oh...and did I mention that I'm one of those scary type A, perfectionist people?!?! Just thought I'd share that...hee-hee-hee. I really appreciate this you guys. I really need an action plan, or I'm gonna be wearing my husband's clothes! Oh...wait! He actually HAS clothes...and nice ones at that. Hmmmmm........... shana on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62937 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:38:33 +0000 shana 62937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ lwc, you are gorgeous! You could probably wear a paper bag and look beautiful. One thing that is important (not that I have figured it out yet myself) is to find a tailor that you can work with and trust. Especially when you have fewer items in your closet, you want them all to fit like they were made for you. ChristineB on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62931 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:45:38 +0000 ChristineB 62931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just a tip that works for me when I'm shopping - shop with a list. If my top 3 things to buy right now are cute summer tops, light weight cardis & brown sandals, then that's what I look for. Sure I glance at other stuff too, but there is so much out there it's easy to get side tracked. Good luck! Angie on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62894 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:39:03 +0000 Angie 62894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fab advice from the lasses. (Nice comment from Chewy especially). And you are very pretty lwc :0) You live in a hot climate so that is the number one thing to consider. Also, you can just about wear anything so you have lots of options. You lucky fish! Let’s break it down into bite size bits: o Are you still nursing? o What do you feel good in at the moment? o Do you like to wear skirts and dresses? lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62893 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:35:29 +0000 lwc 62893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ CS: Thanks so much for your ideas and encouragement! Marianne: Thanks for the validation. This process has been ridiculous!!! Bumpin' for more ideas, etc.... chewyspaghetti on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62858 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:31:28 +0000 chewyspaghetti 62858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm sure that Angie will have some input, but here is my top 10 list for you: First off, look for cotton/linen and blends because you live in a hot climate (like me!) Especially if you really feel the heat. 1) Day Dresses Look for an A-line of fuller bottom, and a wide neckline (wide U, wide wrap, wide cowl, etc). Go for flattering solids or ethnic prints that hit at the knee (or that can be altered to) 2) A-line or fuller skirts simple style in neutral colors to pair with more flamboyant tops, or ethnic prints/more details to pair with solid or simple tops (also should hit at the knee) 3) Taylored Tops to wear with skirts These should hit about hip length, and look for the same wide open types of necklines with defined waists 4) Cropped cardi's to wear over skirts/dresses and with tops/clams. You will have to wait untlil you have some skirts/dresses picked out to see what will coordinate 5) Cropped denim jacket 6) Denim clamdiggers- should hit between your knee and the widest part of your calf 7) Tops to wear with pants These should hit a few inches above your crotchline. Look for ethnic detailing or prints on these, and flattering necklines (these should also coordinate with the cropped cardi's) 8) Tunics These should hit between mid thigh and your knee. You are so tall, that regular dresses might hit in the right place. You can really have fun with the ethnic vibe on these. 9) leggings to layer under tunics/dresses and skirts 10) coordinating cami's/tanks HTH marianne on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62831 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:32:27 +0000 marianne 62831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi lwc, I know very well how you feel. I also let my wardrobe pretty much disappear over my 2 pregnancies, and had to start from scratch. It was completely overwhelming, and I am still working on it. I was going back to work and was focusing on work clothes first. Then I stopped working and casual clothes became more of a priority. It sounds like you have a much better sense of personal style than I did, so I'm not sure I would be of much help, but I just wanted to share what worked for me. First, it was more effective to focus on one item, or one "look" at a time as opposed to buying several things at once. For me it worked better building it overtime, which was very frustrating, because there wasn't anything to wear! But I found that 2 months later I wouldn't be as attracted to the things that I had bought out of desperation. Another thing that helped me is outfits posted here, especially by Tanya, Shiny, GG - I am sure I am forgetting others, but anyway, it helped me filter out things and combinations that would work for me and for my lifestyle. Since you're in the warm climate, maybe check out pictures by Patience or Ana? Also have you looked at Angie's post about basics: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/30/identify-your-personal-wardrobe-basics/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....be-basics/</a> For summer SAHM clothes, what about clamdiggers or walk shorts with blouses? And I echo everyone - you are very beautiful and have so much poise that it hardly matters what you wear. lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62804 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:43:07 +0000 lwc 62804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chewy and Chris: Thanks so much for the kind words and feedback. You're sweet. Just for the record, I have looked at the casual blog posts, as well as the MOTG outfit posts. They look great, and make sense. I just can't translate that into wardrobe acquisitions that suit ME (see description in OP above). I even tried to find pics of the stylish mommies on the forum. Some have been deleted, unfortunately. At this point, I'm on research overload. And when I hit the stores, I "crap out." I have done more returning and walking away than I care to mention, which doesn't help my cause too much. I could really use a top 10 list of items to shop for, customized just for me, that I can act on. I really need to hit it out of the park...I'm tired... I usually shop at Nordstrom and J Crew first. I also visit Anthropologie, Gap, BR, Express, ATL, and other assorted pit-stops, from time-to-time. These days, I feel like I'm seeing the same stuff warmed over. Maybe I'm just tired. I have gone out many times to try things on IRL. But the running around is starting to get to me...without much success. *Sighs* Relp! Chris on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62802 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:22:47 +0000 Chris 62802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You would look awesome in a long tunic with leggings. Great idea. Even though I am not a mom, I loved the Mom on the Go concept - check that out. You do have to think about what is appropriate for church, school events vs everyday errands, park going, etc. so a balance of skirts/jeans/nice trouser would be helpful. If I were a minimalist, I would think accessories would be my focus once I had some great peices I love. You have a gorgeous smile! chewyspaghetti on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62762 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:05:33 +0000 chewyspaghetti 62762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're gorgeous! Here's Angie's post about Inverted triangles: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/22/the-statuesque-inverted-triangle/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2006/05/.....-triangle/</a> and here's a post about her Mom On The Go outfits: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/27/mom-on-the-go-road-test-dresses-and-skirts/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2009/03/.....nd-skirts/</a> The Mom on the Go concept is brilliant, IMHO. Dresses are easy, sinice they are a single piece, and you can add leggings and a jacket for cooler days. I would look for A-line dresses and skirts (because of you inverted triangle shape), tunics to be worn with leggings, and clamdiggers or skinny jeans, with ethnic inspired tops. Have fun shopping! lwc on "Ask Angie:" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-need-help-rebuilding-my-wardrobe-and-getting-it-right#post-62748 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:41:28 +0000 lwc 62748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need help rebuilding my wardrobe - and getting it right. Despite a couple of recent Spring/Summer finds, I am at the "bottom of the barrel" wardrobe-wise. I was pregnant at this time last year. Since having my son, I have culled my way to an almost empty closet. My husband and kids have more clothing than I do! I am a minimalist at heart, and firmly believe that I don't need a closet full of clothing - nor do I want one. I do need some Spring/Summer clothes, and can barely get dressed for all of my weekly activities. I would define my style (or the style that I aspire to) as "contemporary-ethnic", "global city chic", "classic world traveler", maybe even a bit eclectic. I hope that this makes sense. My style icons are Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O., and Halle Berry. I like clean lines, simple shapes, saturated exotic colors. Orange is one of my favorite colors to wear - it's MY pink. I am 38, 5'7", 115lbs, an inverted triangle/rectangle. I'm 34-26-35, short-waisted, with a 33.5/34" inseam. I also have a truly narrow foot (9.5N). I'm a SAHM in Phoenix, AZ, with 2 kids under 3, but I still model part-time. Right now, I need everything from "mom-on-the-go outfits" to "mom-goes-to-church outfits", that are kid-friendly and look fabulous. I would like to walk into my (pathetic) half of our walk-in, and be able to shop for a daily outfit, like in a small boutique, and have everything look, fit, feel great, be appropriate for my lifestyle, and show some personal style. I don't have tons of time to shop/return, and feel frustrated at the moment. For visual purposes, here are a couple of links: Here is my headshot: <a href="http://www.sim-agency.com/large.aspx?m=actor&n=lesley_cain&i=01" rel="nofollow">http://www.sim-agency.com/larg.....&i=01</a> Here are 2 outfits that I recently put together and like: <a href="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv9/wifeybug/Outfits/DSC02826.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i664.photobucket.com/al.....C02826.jpg</a> <a href="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv9/wifeybug/Outfits/DSC02827.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://i664.photobucket.com/al.....C02827.jpg</a> Any and all input is welcome. Thanks so much!