https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:24:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121614 Mon, 18 May 2020 18:08:47 +0000 Anonymous 2121614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And matching knitted cap! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121607 Mon, 18 May 2020 17:49:00 +0000 Helena 2121607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, that's the one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121603 Mon, 18 May 2020 17:37:43 +0000 Anonymous 2121603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I can picture her now! She's wearing cream colored knitted fingerless gloves, so she can properly hold the pumpkin spice latte :)<br /> Actually being a fully stay at home person suits me fine- as long as I can still hike, bike, and SUP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121490 Mon, 18 May 2020 10:09:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2121490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sally... sorry Helena for pitching this onto your thread...for some reason thoughts about Striding are coming to me, maybe there’s a Lord of the Rings reference with Aragorn, but I thought of Ranging and then of explorers...intrepid explorer, Relaxed Bold Elegant Explorer? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121488 Mon, 18 May 2020 09:46:38 +0000 Bijou 2121488@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG my style persona was "Hollywood Glam", drawing reference from Kim Novak and Tippy Hendren - my aim was to look glamorous, sophisticated (so weeding out the more juvenile elements of my style) and bold. This works really well when I work in an office, but not for what 2020 is proving to be.</p> <p>My shadow style is "Harajuku Black Belt" inspired by my love for Japanese culture, quirky elements and martial arts. I am looking to reduce the quirky elements and adopt a more sophisticated persona.&nbsp; A point where these two styles meet is reflected in my Uma Thurman Kill Bill jacket - a Hollywood movie about martial arts!</p> <p>Covid and the changes to my work life will definitely see less glam and a more practical me evolve. I need to embrace this change and not mourn the loss of the opportunities I had to wear glamorous more formal attire. </p> <p>It is tricky, when your life changes in a way that from a wardrobe perspective means that the clothing that you really like and value are no longer relevant. At the moment, shopping my closet and wearing the items I have and love, combined in a more casual way is how I proceed to move forwards. I will need a new style moniker. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121433 Mon, 18 May 2020 03:36:14 +0000 Jaime 2121433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving this thread! Still chuckling over the Seinfeld plan reference so I haven't given the rest the considered thought it deserves. I was once told by a toxic but very influential person in my life that I am like a pinball bouncing around reacting to whatever I hit. She was not entirely wrong. I just like to think it is how I react matters. Not sure if that makes sense to anyone else in this context. Going for more coffee, will be back... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121412 Mon, 18 May 2020 02:19:22 +0000 Jenni NZ 2121412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have just thought about my peasant persona- think it has to be pretty peasant. I mean cute blouses with eyelet lace aka broderie anglaise or embroidery, wooden beads, daisy chains even. Flowers in the hair, you know...which is a bit tricky with a pixie, that’s more 1920s than peasant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121410 Mon, 18 May 2020 02:08:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2121410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! I could never be either Scary or Sporty, Posh’s heels are too high, and the only thing I like about Ginger is her song “It’s Raining Men!”. I’m too old to be a Baby... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121405 Mon, 18 May 2020 01:23:54 +0000 Sal 2121405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha Roxanna - the snooty ex girlfriend!! Awesome.</p> <p>And Carla - didn't know you were a Spice Girls Fan....... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121403 Mon, 18 May 2020 01:03:04 +0000 Helena 2121403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Roxanna, I love this - how you have an overarching moniker and then the avatars ... I will have to do this! And thanks for the blog reco!</p> <p>Carla, that is AWESOME.&nbsp; Posh was always my fave </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121401 Mon, 18 May 2020 00:41:37 +0000 Carla 2121401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;LOL! &nbsp;Though I use the moniker ‘Happy Tomboy’ as my style descriptor, &nbsp;I often ask myself: ‘which Spice Girl should I be today?’ &nbsp;It is usually a toss up between colourful Ginger Spice and energetic Sporty Spice, but for special occasions I channel Posh in a LBD, or Scary in olive chinos and combat boots - and every summer when the temps sore, and humidity is through the roof, it’s all about boho with a tiny nod to Baby Spice. &nbsp; </p> <p>Amazingly, they all fit in my closet!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121399 Mon, 18 May 2020 00:26:15 +0000 Roxanna 2121399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Helena - I have been loving these threads lately, thanks for keeping the trend going!</p> <p>I am anything but linear so I totally get where you are coming from! I feel like I have my style mostly figured out, but I also feel like this could change tomorrow if my mood changes :)</p> <p>I think my moniker of Urban Luxe works well for me, though it sounds vague. I think of Renee Russo in The Thomas Crowne affair - texture, rich colors, sophisticated and luxe. Maybe another way to put it would be the snooty ex girlfriend in the Hallmark Christmas Special :)</p> <p>My color palette of autumn on the beach (combining cool pastel tones with rich neutrals) really helps me to envision what I want to look like.</p> <p>And finally, doing the Style Avatar exercise to figure out my personas was really helpful. I don’t really have a shadow style; I have three different personas that come out individually depending on my mood, the season and the occasion.<br /> The Prince (menswear inspired, architectural, Sharp - mostly for work and mostly in winter)<br /> The Sophisticate (Classic, feminine And elegant - mostly work)<br /> The Artist (celebrates unique and artisanal patterns and colors) </p> <p>Reading the Blue Collar Red Lipstick blog on how she came to her personas really helped me. I think you might like it - she is very analytical and provides tons of visuals and explanations. Prepare to go down a rabbit hole :)<br /> <a href="http://bluecollarredlipstick.com/2018/04/style-avatar-part-one-the-prince/" rel="nofollow">http://bluecollarredlipstick.c.....he-prince/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121383 Sun, 17 May 2020 23:31:26 +0000 Helena 2121383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, I think when you have different roles it really does give you different outlets for different personas, which is great - maybe this is part of why transitioning to be a fully 'at-home' person can be tough? The Hallmart persona - oh, this is the one that needs to look picture perfect, with the curls, the lip gloss, the cozy sweater, right down to the hand-warming coffee cup and stroll down Main Street :D</p> <p>Nemo, yes - it's the balance between the rules and the emotion - I need to let more emotion in too :)</p> <p>Sal, you embody your style words perfectly as far as I can tell!</p> <p>Slimcat, we need to coax that personality out more often!</p> <p>Jenni, 'peasant philosopher' or 'earthy philosopher' - you definitely have some philosopher in you, not the up-in-the-clouds type though, definitely a more practical sort of philosopher.</p> <p>Rachy, you have the absolute dignity that comes with authenticity.</p> <p>Angie :D</p> <p>Synne, I think that would be up to the wearer ... I think for me, I will try think in terms of 'uniforms' rather than 'uniform' ... and then go with my mood for the day.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121364 Sun, 17 May 2020 22:26:34 +0000 Anonymous 2121364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hallmark Christmas movie fashion persona? Do tell! </p> <p>Right now I'm focused on my little gear capsules for my different activities Biking, running, hiking, swim, SUP, and general gym (when that's a thing again). I do feel myself going a little more into the bad-a direction, cause my new hiking gear is olive and subtle camo! </p> <p>I guess my different personas are just related to my (preCovid) needs: the nontraditional office worker (formal when needed), the creative/hippie (weekend), the athlete, and the catburglar (sleepwear)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121362 Sun, 17 May 2020 22:20:54 +0000 nemosmom 2121362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the unfancy planner - it follows a similar thought process as Allison Bornsteins' closet editing method, where you start with pieces you love and always wear (instead of with a target on your never-worn pieces...).</p> <p>Like you, I love numbers, stats, rules, etc. I want to know the WHY<br /> behind it all. Then, maybe, I can take that knowledge and try to apply some<br /> emotion to it. If I keep trying to approach fashion <i>emotion first</i>, I<br /> will be broke...&nbsp; But without SOME emotion, I get incredibly bored with my closet. I find myself straying farther away from the idea of a perfect capsule wardrobe for that reason. </p> <p><div>I giggled at your multiple shadow personas - of course! "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts"... or something... You wouldn't be YOU without ALL of you... So, go rock your Hallmark Christmas Movie persona!&nbsp; <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long">My own style moniker exercise (avatar?)</a> has been super useful to me. Once I assigned a feeling or expression to an outfit, I could think about <b>which moniker's personality or situation fits how I feel today</b>, then I can dress accordingly.&nbsp; Trouble is, I didn't factor in a personality, mood, or moniker for a pandemic, and now I've gotten in a lazy/sloppy rut. :D</p> <p>As for what bits I am focusing on right now, I am trying to figure out how to balance comfort and practicality with style. It doesn't help that the weather is just awful... still, and I know that humid/hellish summer is just around the corner.&nbsp; I am unprepared.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121348 Sun, 17 May 2020 21:02:33 +0000 Sal 2121348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are very funny Torontogirl!!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Some people do seem to follow a logical trajectory with their style and wardrobe.... and some of us have a few more diversions along the way.&nbsp; And you know both ways get to you to the destination.....&nbsp;</p> <p>I think shopping regularly can work better for some people, and for others a two or three time a year update works better.&nbsp; That feast or famine can be difficult for some people.</p> <p>I keep my style statement broad (I haven't ever managed to convert it to a persona) but it is helpful almost by saying what I am not..... (I am not edgy, rocker, delicate, ornate, or romantic in my style - I love these looks but they are not me).</p> <p>&nbsp;I am sticking with the <b>Relaxed Bold Elegance</b> and would love to turn this into a persona...?</p> <p>At the moment I am feeling pretty relaxed about clothes.&nbsp; 2020 is a year of getting essentials sorted and I am doing this.&nbsp; &nbsp;I am also trying to buy in colour capsules in a more logical way - without being too restrictive.&nbsp; Adding more colour whilst not increasing my closet size will be a balance though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121347 Sun, 17 May 2020 21:01:14 +0000 slim cat 2121347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shadow style persona for me would be a special outfit or a few pieces that are more dramatic, artsy, architectural and suited more for special occasion than my regular comfy-casual style of dressing. <br />Any special outfit feels like calling more attention to myself and I usually feel more reserved and somewhat blending in ( up to a certain point of course ). So I need to feel really good about myself and life in general. The other necessary part of such style is very interesting accessories - namely current shoes with some oomph ( sadly lucking in that department ). Thus that shadow style persona rurally comes out to play &nbsp;... Still need to name it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121336 Sun, 17 May 2020 20:32:42 +0000 Jenni NZ 2121336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha to Synne as well! I am still thinking on this , but as well as my moniker “Sassy Shoemaker’s Elf” I have some fashion personas which I am still determining the best names for and how much of my wardrobe should represent them: for my love of 1920s so far Deco Diva, 1960s Modern Miss, 1970s Charlie Girl, 1980s Fun Fashionista, and serious side Serious Thinker. Also wondering if my bohemian/peasant shadow persona needs a name, which may not yet be represented. Peasant Princess is my first thought but not quite right.<br /> The forum helped me get my moniker, so much better than my previous one “Eclectic Matriarch”. And I think it was Jenava who had the fashion personas idea, sorry on my phone can’t link, but searching her old threads might find it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121335 Sun, 17 May 2020 20:29:30 +0000 rachylou 2121335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My whimsical side trips me up. I *am* quirky and there’s no getting off that train, but I’m in constant need of a little more dignity, a little more gravity - well, really, just any at all, lol. I have gotten better about this: I no longer try and fix things with the Preppy Handbook, but I still need to find the magic bullet for all time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121332 Sun, 17 May 2020 20:21:13 +0000 Angie 2121332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>"Hallmark-Christmas-movie-main-character"</i></p> <p><i>&nbsp;"I'm a bit like the rental car reservation agent on the Seinfeld episode - I'm great at making the plan but not always at followingthe plan - and that's really the most important part&nbsp;of the plan!"</i></p> <p>HAHAHAHA!!!</p> <p>I'll be back, but had to quickly share how you crack me up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121329 Sun, 17 May 2020 20:15:29 +0000 Synne 2121329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On the concept of shadow styles.. what exactly does it mean? Is it meant like an undertone that subtly shines through in ones everyday style and outfits? Or how one likes to dress on special occasions, or when one feels like being a little daring and crazy?</p> <p>Are we talking "Bohemian with a cubicle in Silicone Valley"? Or more "sporty luxe" on Mondays, "Courtney Love" on Wednesdays? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121321 Sun, 17 May 2020 19:52:53 +0000 Helena 2121321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, I prefer to think of myself as a scientist who needs to test a concept several times in several ways before it really sinks in But I'll happily bumble along with you!!</p> <p>Suz, you are another one who's a model YLF student with an inspiring journey to follow! Looking forward to see how you tackle this next step.</p> <p>Joy, climate challenges are so frustrating ... keep at it; you always look fab.</p> <p>Carla, looking forward to seeing your insights into fit and pattern going forward. I love that unfancy planner and could probably stand to run through it again. I'm a bit like the rental car reservation agent on the Seinfeld episode - I'm great at <i>making </i>the plan but not always at <i>following</i> the plan - and that's really the <i>most important part</i> of the plan!</p> <p>Synne, I have a whole (hidden) Pinterest board of Hallmark movie outfits The forum is amazing at helping people with style monikers if you ever want to dive down that rabbit hole! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121318 Sun, 17 May 2020 19:43:05 +0000 Synne 2121318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Omg, what genius gave you the descriptor "hallmark movie main"? Love it! Haha, so spot on! Wholesome, proper, polished, preppy, feminine, beautiful. You got it down! I agree you have multiple shadow styles. I also sometimes see the more sporty, or colorful side shine trough in your outfits.</p> <p> I also want a catchy fashion moniker... That must be a big step to be able to carve out an intentional fashion path. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121317 Sun, 17 May 2020 19:39:04 +0000 Carla 2121317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Why, thank you for the shout out torontogirl!&nbsp; My journey (ongoing, by the way) was not as direct as A to B to C. &nbsp;Over the years I posted my fair share of ‘this is going to solve everything’ threads! &nbsp;There are always&nbsp;things to work on, too. The catalyst for getting my s%#* together (as Lisap so aptly phrased it) was a post by Stylefan and Janet’s link to a free wardrobe planning exercise from un-fancy. &nbsp;It wasn’t the only tool I used, but it was an important one. &nbsp;</p> <p>Stylefan’s post:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/working-towards-style-goals-and-style-descriptors">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....escriptors</a></p> <p>Link to the exercise:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.un-fancy.com/capsule-wardrobe-101/free-printable-wardrobe-planner/">http://www.un-fancy.com/capsul.....e-planner/</a></p> <p>To support the development of my personal style, I am teaching myself to become an online shopper. &nbsp;Though I can depend to some extent on Angie’s Fab Finds for winning items, I have to take into consideration what is available to me in Canada, and what meets my ethical Shopping parameters. &nbsp;I’m figuring out how to use filters to sift through sites and reduce thousands of items to a manageable number. &nbsp;(Ex: women’s - coats - purple). &nbsp;I’m studying size charts,&nbsp;reading description, fabrication, care notes, and reviews. &nbsp;I study how the garment fits the model and how close that model’s body resembles mine, and then compare garment measurements to garments in my closet that fit me well. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>I’m keeping a fashion journal, and when Angie or a YLF member makes an insightful comment -&nbsp;<i>I write it down -&nbsp;</i>and make a point of internalizing it. &nbsp;Currently I’m working on <b>fit&nbsp;</b>as a goal - it having been identified that I default to a size too large, and choosing <b>pattern&nbsp;</b>(over solids) when it was pointed out my seasonal MVP lists consisted of patterned items. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121306 Sun, 17 May 2020 18:40:40 +0000 Anonymous 2121306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To answer your questions, I am focusing more on wearing what I have.<br /> I am looking for ways to wear my more dressy things in a more casual way.<br /> Angie’s own outfits and her blog ensembles are a huge help and I learn from them.<br /> I am still experiencing pitfalls in still thinking this four season climate is like my last one. I struggle with what I need and don’t need. I am not used to transitional times and want to make my hot fall and hot summer items into some outfits that actually get worn.<br /> . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121302 Sun, 17 May 2020 18:19:13 +0000 Suz 2121302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm all for you embracing your shadow style or styles. It's the "wild card" element that <b>Angie </b>talks about. If we can see our slight diversions that way instead of as "mistakes" sometimes we can evolve in meaningful ways. </p> <p>Of course, some "mistakes" really do go nowhere. (I just made one of these in the non-fashion realm, signing up on the spur of the moment for an online course, that had I thought a bit more seriously about it, I'd have known would be a complete bust for me -- which it is!! And it cost money, too -- it wasn't free. Live and learn, right?)&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway...on the fashion front, given the current situation, I'm thinking even more seriously about <b>practicality.</b>&nbsp;Meaning, in <b>Carla</b>'s terms -- the life I actually lead. It's quite a lot different, now, than the life I led 3 months ago. I don't really need or use any of my dressier clothes now. It makes me sad, but it is what it is. I can adapt a bit by adding "dress up days" at home -- I've done it before and I will do it again. But even so, I need to think more in terms of clothing I can garden in, walk in, and cuddle with the cat in. I'm not making many purchases these days, but what I buy will have to work for those situations. Which means my actual style will be more casual than my aspirational style, but that is something I've had to live with before, when I lived in a more bitter climate, and I guess I can get used to it again.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121301 Sun, 17 May 2020 18:13:47 +0000 Anonymous 2121301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great new thread, and thanks for starting it. I am just like you. I have never met a rule, idea, suggestion or tried-and-true path that I can't blow up. &nbsp;I'll be following along with great interest because I need to if I'm going to do this right. Or maybe I'm just that person who bumbles along through life not really having their s**t together &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/carla-wisdom-shadow-styles-and-twirly-lines#post-2121287 Sun, 17 May 2020 17:04:11 +0000 Helena 2121287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi friends, just musing a bit about comments <b>Carla </b>made in <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/do-you-dress-the-way-you-really-want-tohttp://"><b>Lisa's</b> really thought-provoking thread</a>. She outlined the process that she has gone through style-wise under the leadership of the incomparable <b>Angie</b>. (<b>Carla</b>, I hope it's okay I'm using your comments as a jump-off point!)</p> <p>Now - Carla and others seem to have the ability to go from point A to point B to point C in a relatively sensible forward trajectory; whereas I have never met a dead end, detour, or circular path I could resist! That being said, I do think I've also stepped along a similar path, but I've missed a couple of steps.</p> <p>The first one is the <b><i></i></b><i>shadow style persona</i><b><i></i></b>. I've tried to make my style persona too neat and am getting better about relaxing it a bit, but I still have work to do. What occurs to me today is that I don't even just have one shadow persona; I have many! Colourful is one, sporty is one, Hallmark-Christmas-movie-main-character is a rather embarrassing third There may be more!</p> <p>The other comment Carla made is the ability to <i>embrace change </i>&nbsp;and of course we are all getting more than our fair share of practice with that at the moment. For me, I think it would be helpful to be more intentional with regular seasonal update shopping in actual stores (when that's possible). Sounds funny to aim to shop more, but I don't shop alot, and then go in a spurt ... sort of like eating treats, I'm far better to allow myself to enjoy a little more on a regular basis to avoid the feast-or-famine mentality.</p> <p>What aspects of personal style development are you focusing on right now? Which bits trip you up and how have you gotten better at it?</p> <p> </p>