https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:34:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list/page/2#post-319723 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 01:01:26 +0000 Aziraphale 319723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>HAHAHAHA Angie, your reply is hilarious. Ditch the boring salads indeed.</p> <p>Una, your list didn't bore me to tears at all....in fact it got me thinking about what I plan to do with my own wardrobe over the next few years. I have similar issues in terms of what I'd like to wear and what I can ACTUALLY wear without looking goofy. There are a limited number of silhouettes that I can pull off with my height and shape, and of those, I don't love all of them. So that narrows it down, at least. I think I've already identified my bacon and waffles! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list/page/2#post-319699 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:16:03 +0000 Angie 319699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Valuable reflections, Una. </p> <p>This is the crux: </p> <p>"Ideally, for example, rather than ten shirts that almost work, I’d like one or two perfect shirts".</p> <p>Your buffet analogy was spot on. You need to identify your bacon and waffles, add a bit of ice cream if you need to, but stay away from the pasta, and forget about the tasteless salads. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319685 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:44:20 +0000 catgirl 319685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornela, I love how you have been doing that. I am going to try cardigans for the rest of the week, as that is today's buffet item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319681 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:42:49 +0000 Ornella 319681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you can do your homework girl! </p> <p>Can I make a suggestion? Pick any of the entries from the list you compiled and start working on it, do your own themed week(s) around that. And I mean a whole week, not just one or two random outfits. I find that themes keep me personally focused when I want to dwindle, but for me it seems to work as only that approach brings me to certain realizations and clearer views of where I want to take my style. Couple that with the feedback you get here and I'm pretty sure your buffet will soon become unbearably delicious. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319639 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:40:40 +0000 Janet 319639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"My biggest compulsion to overcome is that I've realized that just because something fits and looks good I don't HAVE to buy it."</p> <p>Oh, Lynne. You've hit me right in my soft spot there. I think this is one of my greatest shopping challenges. When something fits and looks good, I feel like I DO have to buy it, because, you know, who knows when I might find something else that fits and looks good? As if that is the rarest of all rare occasions! It's as though we don't have faith that we'll find something even better later on, something we need more. I think that's called "settling." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319629 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:27:55 +0000 Aida 319629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, there is a reason I almost never show true side views of myself; much of my extra weight is in what I like to call my "inner tube" The thyroid issue just makes it that much more important to continue exercising even to merely maintain desired weight, since the metabolism is constantly slowing *shakes fist*. I will say that once I changed to healthier eating and regular exercise my TSH actually dropped for the first time, by nearly half! So that's another motivation for you :)</p> <p>I think my shopping problem is I'm just not picky enough. I'm hoping to start getting pieces that really make me excited from now on, instead of things I simply like. We'll see how that goes.</p> <p>I'm glad to have helped, because initially I was just writing down random thoughts as they popped into my head. It never occurred to me that it would end up as something coherent or even helpful to someone else, and it seems to be both those things. So! /highfive for going through it, I'm feeling the same as you: just wanted to define the rules of the game. Now we can play! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319624 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:22:54 +0000 Isabel 319624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK , Una, you have called me out, like a good lawyer who can just feeeel something is amiss. So, tonight I am going to learn how to take a self-portrait so that I can post and morph. Or, morph during posts.</p> <p>I find that I don't really have as clear of a picture as you and Aida.I would also love Eurochic, but I also like reserved frippery. I like the masculine/feminine juxtaposition. I love military/safari looks. I am not really sure HOW I want to look, though I am very clear on how I don't want to look. I don't want to look dumpy, frumpy, or just darned confused. I don't want to look as if I don't care or as of life has me so worn out that I can't pull myself together....now I need to develop a picture of what that means. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319588 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:25:25 +0000 Sylvie 319588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your post is not boring at all. I can relate to the "buying clothing for a fantasy life" issue and buying fabulous clothes that become wardrobe orphans. In some cases, I've eventually been able to bring the fabulous item into my wardrobe just with a bit of experimentation.</p> <p>I'm really impressed that you were able to put together a list and articulate your vision so well. I aspire to do the same but wouldn't even know where/how to start.</p> <p>I really like some of the fun pieces you've added to your wardrobe recently though and I do look forward to seeing how/what you wear in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319574 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:11:52 +0000 catgirl 319574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, thank you! Lynne is right on the money. However, I rarely have that problem - mine is the "this doesn't fit or look great, but it's close enough" issue. </p> <p>I have a thyroid issue too, but I don't think that is the only reason I've gained. I just haven't made exercise a priority since having my son. You do not look like you need to lose weight at all - but I understand the feeling of wanting to be where you were, believe me.</p> <p>Your suggestions re: asymmetry and Hollywood are perfect and well-taken. </p> <p>Mostly I want to thank you for inventing this little exercise and inspiring me to go through with it. It has given me a template. I think I've made the analogy to blackjack and basic strategy before. Basically, if I know the rules of the game, I can play by them and take some of randomness out of the process. So I look at this list as setting my game rules. Because it's such a fun game! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319565 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:01:11 +0000 Aida 319565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! I think you did a fantastic job with this Una. And I still stick by my statement that you're farther along than you think Even your experimental looks have been working closely to what you've listed here. I would add "asymmetrical" to your elements list; it could do double duty of actual asymmetrical items and the idea that you enjoy when something is slightly off kilter. I see no problem with you having some extra buffet options as long as your core options are true to what you want from your style :)</p> <p>I'd also like to add that you shouldn't give up TOO much of the "richer/lived in Hawai’i/spent my life in Hollywood" aspect; you'll end up with a whole mess of boring basics like me! Just because an item seems glam for your daily needs, there are often ways that it can be toned down (like how sequined tops can be dressed down with jeans and a blazer); a little glam can go a long way to spiffying up an otherwise "safe" look, and can also provide an unexpected element.</p> <p>In regards to weight, first off PFFF you look pretty darn great!! But I will confess that that is part of what prompted me as well. Over the last several months I finally started actively working on losing the extra weight (~20lbs) I put on several years ago after getting the thyroid diagnosis, in addition to eating horribly for quite a while there. (Plenty of people tell me "what weight?" but to that I say hooray for the tricks of dressing yourself well.) However, I started the wardrobe part FIRST because I knew that getting into clothes that fit/flattered THEN was more important than being unhappy with my entire closet. I think it's an admirable goal, don't get me wrong, but definitely make sure that you love what you have and that it fits well along the way. It's a huge huge boost and is very encouraging while working on the weight loss part ("I already look this great NOW, just think! :D").</p> <p>Slightly OT, Lynne made a VERY good point that really resonates with me: "just because something fits and looks good I don't HAVE to buy it". WOW, light bulb moment; this is exactly what I was doing, even up until a couple days ago!! In fact, I returned a batch of stuff this morning because of exactly this. I'm done doing this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319424 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:53:24 +0000 lynne 319424@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I admire your ability to articulate your thoughts, feelings, processes so well. My biggest compulsion to overcome is that I've realized that just because something fits and looks good I don't HAVE to buy it. Impulsive and emotional shopping left me with lots of nice clothes and lots of money spent. Friends at work would tease me because my wardrobe rotation was so long. Now my lifestyle is more casual, and my income is lower. I don't have the money I used to, but I don't need it. The world isn't going to end just because my friends have already seen me in a particular item of clothing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319375 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:28:49 +0000 tarzy 319375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I think you're a lot closer to your ideal than you realize.</p> <p>I do two things you mention - the "it'll do" syndrome, and shopping for an imaginary life (in which, apparently, I'm an FBI agent running around in sleek suits. Don't ask.) I've been most successful when I can plan actual entire outfits, and shop for those specific items with a detailed list. </p> <p>I'd love to see you identify a few items you need - items that would make your wardrobe work better! Would you care to share that with us? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319364 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:07:14 +0000 catgirl 319364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies! I could not have done this whole exercise six months ago, or maybe even before the whole SYC attempt and purging out the closet flab. Learning to take and post photos and get YLF feedback was also instrumental. </p> <p>Be assured I will read and ramble on all of your lists, should you post! (Isabel!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319344 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:51:09 +0000 MsMary 319344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brava, Una! I'm giving you a standing ovation!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319321 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:32:21 +0000 nicoleb 319321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm having a good time reading these! I am totally an emotional and implusive shopper also. </p> <p>Good luck with honing your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319316 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:22:59 +0000 Mo 319316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thoroughly enjoyed reading your list, too. I share a few similar tastes as you and so I was nodding my head along with much of it. I do think you are doing a great job of narrowing in on your look already but look forward to watching your progress as you hone in. Great fun to watch all this unfold!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319309 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:16:31 +0000 Isabel 319309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I really enjoyed your post as well ! ( I read yours now you have to read mine! )</p> <p>I think that a problem women have in general is dressing in an aspirational way. You know, learning to dress for the life we have instead of the one we want. I have told this story before here. Years ago I gave up reading Vogue for that very reason. I am not very artistic and took things a little too literally. So when I saw the woman in the $15K dress gardening in the mud, I thought how COOL ! And my mom used to wash our floors on her hands and knees with her heels on. So, imagine my husband's surprise when he got home one day and I was scrubbing the bathtub in a lovely dress he had gifted me. I had no where else to wear it, why not ? That was the last of Vogue in my house.</p> <p>Anywho, one thing that I found extremely helpful was to make a list of all the areas of my life that I dress for - for me it was out with the kids, in with the kids, visiting with the kids, you get the gist. Once those basics were set, then I thought of how to compliment them with things that I love. Don't get me wrong, I have no idea, really, what I am talking about ! But right now, I am trying to "casualize" some pieces that I love so that they fit my actual life a little better ( some are pieced from when I last worked - 9 years ago ! )</p> <p>I also really like the advice that someone once gave : once you get a new piece, take it out of the bag immediately and see if you have 3 or 4 other things to wear it with. Then see how many areas of your life that fits into ( and it may be just one - like rocking climbing, and that's ok )</p> <p>WE CAN DO THIS UNA !!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319305 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:12:53 +0000 kellygirl 319305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to agree with Heather--you are definitely on your way. You've identified your weak areas and that is more than half the battle! This style and fashion stuff is hard--especially when you're dressing a body different than what you are used to. I know I've said this before but I would never guess you struggle with fashion--your WIW's are consistently stylish and edgy. Good for you for snatching up that JCrew jacket--something you know is you and will be a workhorse. I'm excited to see how you and Aida implement these goals! U go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319295 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:59:44 +0000 Heather 319295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mmmm. Wafffles. *wiping drool* Okay, Okay, gross....but yum!</p> <p>Una, I nodded and nodded while reading your list. You and Aida are brilliant for putting this in writing (it helps to re-read your thoughts that seem to tangle in one's own mind).</p> <p>"Instead, I got into the habit of buying unrealistically based on what I’d like to wear if only I were (thinner/taller/richer/lived in Hawai’i/spent my life in Hollywood, etc)."</p> <p>Um, I do this all the time. </p> <p>I think you are well on your way and I adore your style. Seriously, since joining this awesome forum, I cannot tell you how many times I have been positively influenced by you and your awesome style. =)</p> <p>BTW: there is a house for sale on my street. You may move next to me anytime! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319281 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:22:55 +0000 rae 319281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NOT boring! In fact, I find it really interesting and helpful to see you break it down like that!</p> <p>Re: body issues: I always catch myself jonesing HARD for new clothes when I've gained weight. I think I subconsciously think that the clothes will work some kind of magic-eye-optical-illusion trickery that will convince me that I'm not *really* too big... but that whole "confidence/beauty comes from the inside" thing is true; if you aren't happy with yourself, the clothes don't matter. :T</p> <p>Re: the list: I think the outfits you've posted recently fit into your ideal style pretty well! I know you think you're all over the place, but I think you've got a really solid wardrobe going! I look forward to seeing you dial it in even more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319271 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:02:00 +0000 Shauntelle 319271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think this was boring at all! You and Aida have inspired me to try to verbally sort out my ideas as well. For the same reason-- I'm sick of making emotional/spontaneous decisions that don't further my desire to have a pulled-together wardrobe that I like.</p> <p>I am impressed at how detailed you guys were though! I'm not sure if I can narrow things down that much, but I'm determined to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319253 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:22:24 +0000 Jonesy 319253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a really illuminating process and it's fun to read! I know what you mean about buying things for some sort of fantasy lifestyle, rather than the more mundane, reality-based gig that occupies us day-to-day (working, schlepping kids to and fro, evening trips to the local Target, etc.). On the other hand, I am feeling more bold about incorporating some offbeat elements into my daily style, and it sounds like you are too ('edgy" "unexpected" and "quirky" all in a row!). </p> <p>Many of your aspirational adjectives resonate with me--it looks like an interesting, absolutely attainable vision! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319241 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:05:09 +0000 Janet 319241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, that does it! Between you and Aida, you've convinced me I need to do some of this self-analysis as well. Thank you for sharing. </p> <p>Besides, the slightly OCD part of me LOVES to make lists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319239 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:00:46 +0000 chouette22 319239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really enjoyed reading your analysis and think that what will advance you the most in your style evolution is your having learned to "hold back". Those emotional and too spontaneous purchases which don't work out later on are frustrating and most of us make them. As a matter of fact, I just bought a sleeveless blouse at The Limited on final clearance, and even though I was very hesitant, I couldn't walk away from the deal. Even walking out of the store I was half regretting it and I think it's going to be a chore to make it work with my wardrobe. It's a beautiful item, but I doubt that I will wear it a lot. Not good, and I should have known better. Anyways, I hope that having narrowed it all down into a list will help you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319221 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:06:45 +0000 rute 319221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>eh eh!<br /> It was fun to read not boring!<br /> I'm an emotional shopper too!<br /> I've benn there, now I guess I've learned to wait, to think and to know what I will wear and will be able to mix with the rest of the wardrobe!<br /> I'm getting there!<br /> Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319218 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:54:26 +0000 JuliaInGermany 319218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, very well done, Una. (Hope I remember your name correctly.) I've done a lot of analyzing, too, lately, and I think it helps a lot. Another list I found helpful was to write down my all-time-favourites. You know, the clothes you wish you still had/you would instantly buy again. That really helped me to find out what elements I love. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319213 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:41:09 +0000 Aunty 319213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow AG that is what I call a list!</p> <p>Having said that, I think you are spot on. I am trying to only buy what really works for me. I have been known to panick because I need something,but then it works out that what I bought is not up to standard. That means I wasted my money ( a big sin for a finance manager )LOL</p> <p>I am glad you are narrowing down your style, because you will feel less frazzeled!<br /> I will say though, don't loss that lovely living in the moment that you have, it is supposed to be fun </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319209 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:40:43 +0000 Vix 319209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG --</p> <p>Congrats on sitting down and forcing yourself to articulate all this...I know you've been wanting to get past this step. Looks good and like it contains plenty of room for improv. </p> <p>I'm fading out here so will have to return, but as a recovering "it'll do" / impulse buyer I know the ruthlessly patient and analytic stuff can feel rather bloodless. For me the trade-off is loving even the more boring stuff because it fits well and works with lots of stuff. </p> <p>I think (hope!) you'll find that when the majority of your closet functions the way *you* want it to, there's still room for some impulse buying -- especially because the buy usually integrates really well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319201 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:01:57 +0000 chewyspaghetti 319201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think these lists are boring at all. I find them really insightful and interesting. I don't know if I could come up with as concise a picture as you and Aida have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/at-the-risk-of-boring-you-all-to-death-my-list#post-319200 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:59:13 +0000 catgirl 319200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, I forgot the word ECLECTIC! Although I'm not sure that's an aspiration or just a fact. </p>