https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:26:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380554 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 15:29:01 +0000 SarahD8 2380554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lisa</b> high five back at you!</p> <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, if the sassy shoe fits, run with it indeed! :-)</p> <p><b>Rock</b>, metallics are a great idea. I'd love to have a few more metallic items in this capsule. I'll be on the lookout! And yes my black patent booties are definitely getting a workout lately! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380266 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:11:34 +0000 Rock 2380266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the idea of a full plaid skirt, and maybe a cozy scarf or pewter metallic turtleneck peeking out of the collar of the reindeer sweater. Black patent booties could fit the Urban Snow Queen vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380263 Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:53:58 +0000 Jenni NZ 2380263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sarah about “gamine dynamism.” I Googled it. Didn’t find that term specifically but “dynamic” was mentioned in a few articles about gamines. I’m happy to run with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380233 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:20:04 +0000 Lisa 2380233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8</b> - *high five for seasonal dressing* I completely understand about saving certain pieces for selected times of the year.</p> <p>White velvet pants sounds like a lovely idea!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380230 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:15:58 +0000 SarahD8 2380230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the votes of confidence, Star! I'll try to experiment with those white velvet pants soon... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380179 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:33:03 +0000 Star (Lise) 2380179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SarahD8 I also pictured a choker rather, if no scarf.&nbsp; I too think accessories may well be the key.&nbsp; White velvet sounds very Urban Snow Queen to me.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380163 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 01:46:22 +0000 SarahD8 2380163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>Angie</b>, I may just take you up on that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380145 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:08:15 +0000 Angie 2380145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>SarahD8</b>, happy to help you work through your outerwear capsule thoughts! It will be fun since you MUCH enjoy analysis!&nbsp;</p> <p>An Urban Snow Queen could be ALL about her outerwear :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380134 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 22:19:07 +0000 SarahD8 2380134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the great advice and troubleshooting, all! I am taking notes. I am also wondering if maybe a solution might be found with accessories rather than clothes? Add a hit of light/contrast with pearl jewelry, or shine/elevated register with a silk scarf....</p> <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, no I didn't make up the idea of "gamine dynamism" I don't think! I was just referring to the commonly held idea that gamines require some kind of "energy" in their outfits -- e.g., despite the fact that we are usually (always?) short, we often look better in/prefer outfits with strong horizontal lines vs. "column of color" looks. Admittedly I don't know these "body type theories" very well but that's what I had absorbed from discussions here and there on the forum.</p> <p><b>Jaime</b> I do have some charcoal gray velvet trousers -- that might provide a contrast of both silhouette and register. They might be too big, I'll have to try them. Good call on adding some value contrast too.</p> <p><b>Suz</b> oh interesting, I would not have guessed that pleather would be so warm! Good to know. I think you are right about outerwear -- noted.</p> <p><b>Star</b> (and <b>Lisa</b>) I agree the necklace is fighting with the neckline of the sweater. I think I'd prefer a choker here, rather than a longer pendant which would fight with the buttons. I don't have any white denim, but I do have a pair of white velvet skinny pants...might be the wrong silhouette to pair with this sweater. Light gray bottoms might be a feasible possibility...&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lisa</b> these are good suggestions. I don't wear blazers, but a skirt would be really nice! Kind of scarce in this deep winter capsule. I have a really cool vintage black watch plaid wool maxi that would look really great with this sweater, although to me that's more of a holiday look (I know you do this micro-seasonal dressing too so you won't roll your eyes at me...too hard!).</p> <p><b>kkards</b> I will do some experimenting with footwear! And also with knitwear texture. Maybe something finer gauge....</p> <p><b>Val MN</b>, I think you're on to something with the "shine" idea!</p> <p><b>RobinF,</b> great point about corduroy as an almost-pattern. I feel the same about textured/cabled knitwear!</p> <p><b>Angie</b> thank you for your honest comment. You know, I think you are correct about outerwear (and bags) needing attention. You have prompted me to really think through why it is so hard for me to make progress with these capsules, and what I might do about it. I will be giving these parts of my wardrobe some extra attention the rest of this year.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sal</b> and <b>Suz</b>, I am listening to your advice about outerwear too!</p> <p><b>Bonnie</b>, thanks! I actually *did* choose black patent boots so we are on the same wavelength...maybe I could have actually tucked *into* the boots rather than putting the pants *over* them. Next time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380070 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:28:30 +0000 Bonnie 2380070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very pretty outfit that perfectly illustrates the Urban Snow Queen theme. &nbsp;(I think a snow queen would have chosen black patent boots.)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380050 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 21:11:22 +0000 Suz 2380050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to add...I don't know how the second hand coat situation is there in Seattle but I often find really nice ones in consignment shops so I imagine they are also available online at times. Coats typically have longevity so they can be a good second hand purchase.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380049 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 21:08:37 +0000 Sal 2380049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like these pieces but I can see why this is not an absolute slam dunk.</p> <p>I think burgundy is nice with other rich colours such as mustard or olive green or rust or for contrast with a lighter pink or maybe an off white.&nbsp; I do like cords but don't own any - they aren't especially common here sadly.</p> <p>I think an additional outerwear piece is not an extravagance.&nbsp; Coats and jackets are my favourite thing to buy second hand too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380047 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:15:55 +0000 Angie 2380047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those cords DO fit well. They love you right back! (Yes, cords are casual. Velvet is dressier).&nbsp;</p> <p>I love how Fair Isle is a huge component of your signature style! Milk it ;)</p> <p><u>Here's my 2 cents:</u></p> <p>Dear <b>SarahD8,</b> you live in the PNW. You NEED lots of outerwear! No Seattleite here will argue that :)&nbsp; It's the one capsule I never put the breaks on when I work with my clients. That's the area of your wardrobe you've been least happy with for years. That's where I think you need to focus to achieve your style goals.</p> <p>Does your "everyday teal bag" make you feel pulled together? Is teal the right colour for a bag you use daily?&nbsp;</p> <p>As for boots, from what I can remember, you have a good PNW boot capsule! You can tuck the back of the cords into the back of the patent boots, and leave the fronts to hang over them. I do that sometimes too. It looks quite cute. Hope that makes sense!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380044 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:51:53 +0000 RobinF 2380044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really nice pieces individually. And not bad together, just maybe could be adjusted a little bit so you love them. </p> <p>I see what you are saying about contrast. I like Jaime’s idea of a white tee and gray or white bottoms. I like burgundy and gray together but with more contrast in the shades. </p> <p>Also like Kkards, I like smoother textured tops with corduroy. The texture of cords almost reads as a print to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380042 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:37:54 +0000 Val MN 2380042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suggestion for footwear: a mid-calf lace-up boot with a slim shaft that fits under the pants. The effect is like an oxford, but sleeker and warmer.</p> <p>Suggestion for contrast: shine! Both the cardigan and pants are made from very matte-looking fabrics. I guess pairing one of them with something in a shinier fabric like velvet would also introduce the register contrast that you’re interested in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380038 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:21:27 +0000 kkards 2380038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t have a lot of current experience with cords but what I did find last month was that, at least for me, they needed a non textured sweater. &nbsp;So more of a smooth knit, like a non ribbed merino or cashmere, &nbsp;let the texture in the cords shine and contrast with low texture in the top. &nbsp;At least that’s what worked for me. &nbsp;<div>Re footwear, with a tighter leg opening I like a very slim fitting higher shafted boot. &nbsp;I love a sock boot, but they can be hard to find these days. But you can also go the opposite direction and have a boot with a low shaft and wide opening that the pant leg sort of sits in/on. 2 examples in the Blundstones my pants sort of pool around the top of the boot, with the Aquatalia the fit is snug and the pants, even very slim opening fit over.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380035 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 12:36:59 +0000 Lisa 2380035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m thinking there is a dressy element you are craving and that’s one reason why this outfit felt off, both the cords and the reindeer cardigan read as casual pieces to me. I like the outfit as is (except I’d wear a shorter necklace so it doesn’t compete with the neckline as&nbsp;<b>Star&nbsp;</b>mentioned), this color palette of burgundy and grey is very pretty.</p> <p>I think pairing the reindeer cardigan with a skirt (maybe something long and fluid like a maxi) will add the textural contrast you crave for the cardigan.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>For the corduroys I’m thinking you can add texture by adding some layers (blazer or jacket instead of a sweater, tweed would be really lovely. You can even double layer with both a vest and a blazer). If it’s not too cold I like the idea of a silky top or some other material that adds movement and shine or maybe even lace for some contrast.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380031 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 08:42:01 +0000 Star (Lise) 2380031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the same cords; colour, cut and wale.&nbsp; Also my favourite this winter.&nbsp; I prefer this cut with a slightly more refined boot, not a chunky one.&nbsp; Clogs and loafers would not be warm enough for my climate either.&nbsp; &nbsp;I find I must be happy with my coat as that is really what everyone sees outside.&nbsp; I have 3 to choose from for very cold days (2 were thrifted).&nbsp; This outfit is good.&nbsp; I would swap the necklace (which is fighting with the neckline to my eye) for a longer winter scarf, in burgundy or the same colour of your footwear, wrapped around the neck once with both ends in front IYKWIM. </p> <p>After more pondering maybe keep the necklace, as it adds shine, and add the scarf.&nbsp; I see a layered look with the necklace still peeking out.</p> <p>I envisage the charcoal pullover with white jeans, very Urban Snow Queen to my mind.&nbsp; I have no idea if you own any or wear them in winter.&nbsp; I only wear mine in Spring/Summer, something to do with the light I have realised.&nbsp; Also with light grey bottoms is a possiblity.&nbsp; Mixing your greys/charcoals.</p> <p>Silk/cotton is not warm enough this time of year where I live. I often wear my burgundy cords with marled knits.&nbsp; I have a three in various colours that all work well with burgundy; burgundy/purple, a deep rust and a&nbsp; green.&nbsp; They tend to break up the 'flatness' with their lighter or darker flecks.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380028 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 01:52:51 +0000 Suz 2380028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like <b>Jaime</b>'s suggestions -- you might need contrast of silhouette here as much as register. But I also entirely understand what you mean about the corduroy/ velvet distinction. I'm enjoying my velvet pants for just that reason. I also like the pleather ones. They are warm like corduroy but texturally different and each reads as "dressier" than cords, so I can throw on and go with a simple sweater and maybe a scarf. That's what I'm doing today in fact (my outfit below -- my pants are lilac not brown as appears in photo.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I should add that I am happy enough with this outfit but might have been even happier if the cut of my sweater were not quite so classic. But since the pants are wide legs, that made it feel ok.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really think prioritizing coat purchases would be smart for you. We need multiple coats in this climate! I honestly never owned (or felt the need to own) as many in Ontario, where winter is much colder than it is here! Here, we need coats for cold, but also for cold wet and warmer wet, and snow and casual coats for the hiking life and dressier coats for city life and rain resistant as well as rainproof and on and on it goes!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380027 Sun, 09 Feb 2025 01:19:52 +0000 Jaime 2380027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All the pieces are good, and the necklace is super, so the question is the styling. How would you put more contrast into this outfit (which is perfectly nice but you are not satisfied). One thought - layer a white tee or top under the sweater and then go with wider trousers in a similar color (if you have obviously). The white might add the energy and the monochrome plus narrow over wide silhouette contrast. Looking forward to other suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380012 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:57:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 2380012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh…what’s “gamine dynamism”? Did you make that term up yourself or is that already a thing? Curious mind wants to know!<br /> I love the reindeer cardigan/sweater and the necklace with it.<br /> I don’t usually dress up much for the grocery store only, just the usual earrings. It’s more to feel like myself I suppose than be too worried if I meet someone I know, which occasionally happens as some good friends do shop there also and a few other contacts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/day-2-watc-challenge-urban-snow-queen-stumbles-out-of-the-gate#post-2380011 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 23:33:33 +0000 SarahD8 2380011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>What I wore: </b>burgundy cords, charcoal reindeer cardigan (as pullover)</p> <p>Outdoor version (not pictured): black stompy boots, blue puffer, teal everyday bag</p> <p><b>New piece(s): </b>burgundy cords, charcoal reindeer cardigan</p> <p><b>Assessment of new piece(s) — fit, etc.: </b></p> <p><u>burgundy cords</u>: These are probably my favorite cords currently. They fit well and I like the slim straight cut. I also really like the color (which is going to read as purple or brown in the pic but is actually a relatively dark version of “my” cool-toned burgundy).</p> <p><u>charcoal reindeer cardigan:</u> I mostly like wearing this as a pullover these days. I love the reindeer print and the unusual button arrangement. I also really like the lower hem in the back (hmmm, I see a theme developing here), I think it adds a nice element of structure and works well with the low-waisted pants that I favor. I do not like the way the collar goes up and in – currently I am using safety pins to keep it open as I prefer, I should tack the collar down with a few stitches for a more permanent solution.</p> <p><b>Is the outfit elevated/cohesive/refined? </b>Eh…not really. The outdoor version was especially meh. (I mean I was just picking up an item from the little grocery store three blocks away but still!)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Where is the contrast?</b> There is color contrast but no contrast in value, silhouette, or register – none of the aspects of contrast that I’m most interested in exploring right now. This outfit is a good example of what I was talking about in my challenge intro post when I said that it is easy to put on a top of one color and a bottom of another (gamine dynamism), but wind up with an outfit that feels slapdash and unfinished. Overall this outfit is a miss for me.</p> <p><b>I wish I owned </b>A more stylish throw-on-and-go coat (right now I tend to default to my gear puffer for quick outings which is not very stylish and is also showing wear).</p> <p>A very short necklace that would sit inside the neckline of this sweater. A black-and-silver Sami choker!</p> <p><b>I would have rather worn…(&amp; why) </b>Different shoes. The black patent stompy boots were basically a default/they were sitting there by the door choice. But they didn’t feel fab. These pants are too wide to tuck into short boots but too narrow to really work over them. What sort of footwear DO I want to wear with these pants and pants of a similar cut? Maybe loafers/brogues? Or a pair of slip-on clogs? &nbsp;</p> <p><b>How else could I wear the new item(s)? </b>I really like the idea of chunky, folkloric/traditional sweaters with dressy bottoms. Like, a Shetland/fair isle sweater with a lace skirt. Or this reindeer-print sweater with wool tweed pants…. (I do have a pair of tweed trousers that I bought last year, but they’re too big at the moment and I’ve also realized that I don’t prefer their bootcut/flare hem.)</p> <p>I need to think a bit more about how I’d like to wear the corduroy pants. I am a bit “off” corduroy at the moment and am more drawn to velvet. I wonder if that’s partly because velvet often reads as dressier so it’s easier to create that contrast in register that I’m craving. So maybe the trick is to wear corduroy with a top that feels more on the dressy side or has some sheen — a silk or silk-cotton top, perhaps?</p> <p>Thanks as always for looking!</p>