https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 18 May 2026 01:44:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815764 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:36:58 +0000 Ariadne 815764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed, caro. I just need to find the time, and a willing partner! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815739 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 22:11:44 +0000 Caro in Oz 815739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ariandne - I believe that these styles can be adapted to fit any figure. It may be helpful to go to a big department store &amp; try heaps on (take some photos too) &amp; see how you feel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815524 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:47:16 +0000 Janet 815524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I have to restrain myself from repinning all of your pins lest I look like some kind of Pinterest stalker, so I'd say we must have some style goals in common! Not sure where that leads you (I have not read all the other responses yet), but I will be following with interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815514 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 18:38:56 +0000 Ariadne 815514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>caro--sounds about right. I think a lot of the images and designers I've pinned are actually European. Fashion is so global now. Isabel Marant Etoile's latest line is very "Americana" right down to some American flag prints, and she's French.</p> <p>I'm unsure how well I can pull off any kind of androgynous look. Clearly I'm drawn to it, but although I have short hair, I'm definitely an hourglass. To my eye, I either look curvy or bulky, not gamine. I wonder if most of these looks only work on more rectangular body types.</p> <p>Mandipa, let me know what you figure out... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815166 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:59:44 +0000 ManidipaM 815166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sharing 'deer in the headlights' headspace with Claire and also goggling eagerly at KCS's gems --- particularly because there's a lot in common between your boards and mine (and now, there's gotta be even more)!</p> <p>The various responses in this thread are also making me think pretty hard, as Suz had a similar response and yet I don't think of my folksy-eclectic preferences as generally being as urban or polished as Suz's Urban Prince persona! I need to grab hold of and identify the common thread here to articulate my own style and add it to my descriptor! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815067 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 06:02:28 +0000 Caro in Oz 815067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is just what I see on your boards - casual luxe with refined androgynous chic.<br /> The casual luxe may fit with kcs's shop with care for casual pieces - you need a luxurious feel to your casual pieces &amp; they should fit well.<br /> The androgynous chic - menswear influences but done in a very feminine way - no heavy, clompy boots or thick soled shoes. No stiff or heavy fabrics.<br /> I don't think this has to be an American look specifically, I think a lot of women (&amp; men) in Italy do this look to perfection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815026 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 05:05:48 +0000 Ariadne 815026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, Una! No worries. I'm a writer and I can't articulate what I'm seeing (I'm always struck by how hard it is to describe anything that relates to oneself--in my job interview they asked me to "describe my personality" and my answer pretty much amounted to ... ... ...?????). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-815022 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 05:02:45 +0000 catgirl 815022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, KCS is a genius! My feeble description actually makes sense in this context - these pieces look lovingly collected (like a cherished old pair of faded Levis) rather than picked up as one-season wonders from fast-food fashion stores...That was what I was miserably trying to articulate with classic American casual - there's a bit of history and durability there somehow. Not exactly rugged, but a bit like Jennifer Aniston's clean cut but still fashionable looks. </p> <p>Stopping now lest my total inarticulateness is revealed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814939 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:48:32 +0000 Ariadne 814939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fast fashion usually leaves me cold, so that makes sense. I don't want to be trendy for trendiness' sake. I don't want to be boring, either, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814872 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 02:32:27 +0000 Anonymous 814872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ariadne, re: saying that your style is "out of my league" was my way of trying to articulate the "deer in the headlights" stare I was giving your impressive Pinterest board. Like when the teacher calls on you and you don't have the answer. Perhaps, like K said, these looks are not fast fashion and that's probably why I'm not that familiar with them. Sound like she and some others were able to give you a lot of help, so yay for that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814868 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 02:23:11 +0000 Ariadne 814868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a good idea, Beth Ann--photographing individual items. </p> <p>Suz--yes. PPP, PPP, PPP! And some mistakes are inevitable. Hopefully I can avoid expensive ones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814786 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:59:53 +0000 Beth Ann 814786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see you had some thoughtful and helpful replies. I'd encourage you to photograph some of your current pieces, as if they were "pins." See which items you own are keepers and represent your style direction. It might be worthwhile to begin thinking in loose "capsules" (see Angie's posts), too. I'm trying to do this more myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814732 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:25:22 +0000 Suz 814732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh!! K can, I LOVE you!! </p> <p>I am listening in, because a lot of these pins could be (ARE) mine and because I have similar needs and because I also had a bunch of clothes but no wardrobe. </p> <p>I guess the mantra PPP really holds up. But it can be awfully difficult when you are still in the searching phase. And if you're in desperate need of clothing it can be easy to make mistakes. </p> <p>I do think you are well on your way, Ariadne. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814721 Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:12:45 +0000 Ariadne 814721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>k can, you nailed it again. Yes, yes, and yes. That "handful of pieces" is going to be my project--making a list of them, that is. List first, shopping second. I think I need to venture over to my city's hipster-land, which intimidates me, because a lot of the brands that make these types of pieces are sold there. Maybe I can convince one of my very stylish semi-hipster friends to go with me.</p> <p>I definitely need coats and jackets. Mine are cheap, thrifted, and falling apart. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814654 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:12:24 +0000 K. Period. 814654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah! I really do feel like we have related styles, so I'm glad that my predictions and descriptors seem right on. And I loooove your pintrest pics, so even better. </p> <p>WARNING: This is going to be long and rambling. </p> <p>Here's my take on why it is so hard to translate that into your wardrobe: the type of pieces that you need aren't fast fashion pieces for the most part. They are pieces that have to be picked with care. They are pieces that are going to carry you for years, though. Angie has really opened my eyes about that. The care with which she assembles her wardrobe is inspiring. Your pintrest loves are strong pieces worth investing in. </p> <p>I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to be a little random in my casual looks. I pick up a piece here, a piece there. Until recently, I never really thought about my casual style in the same way that I thought about my work style. And honestly, the kiddos really took a toll on my style when it came to casual gear. Until recently (as in less than a year recently), the kiddos meant that my casual wear had to stand up to be barfed on and washed in hot water. It still has to stand up to being grabbed with grubby, greasy hands and washed in hot water 90% of the time. And having little ones means you don't have the time to search for the right pieces or even sometimes think about what those right pieces should be! I responded by collecting a mishmash of pieces that all met the "stands up to" criterion, but didn't do much more. I had a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Just isolated pairings, not a wardrobe. </p> <p>So, I've stepped back and am working on a more disciplined casual wardrobe. I love striped tees, like you, so I have three that fit very very well. All three look great under our avant-garde jacket (Yeah! Jacket twin! Jacket win!). I like jeans for the weekend, so I have several pairs that fit well. I have a sweater gap that I'm struggling with. However, now that I've recognized it, I can shop for it in a disciplined way. Since my wardrobe is for weekends, I only really need one great casual sweater for a season. I have dressier sweaters and dressier tunic tops from work that I can re-purpose for dressier casual at need. I also have several really really great pairs of boots, which are high, low, and mid, and flat and low heeled. I have a great pea coat, military style coat like Angie's and puffer. I have several good leather bags that I've acquired over time and which work well with my casual style, even though they were bought for my dress style. I'm almost there! </p> <p>When I look at your wardrobe picks on pintrest, I see that you really want to buy a number of things that you should be able to multipurpose for your work style and your casual style. The tailored element makes them so adaptable. Honestly, your pintrest style is so cohesive, I bet you can sit back after you hear what everyone says here and pick out a handful of pieces to buy that will make everything come together. And I can't wait to see it!</p> <p>PS: Just adding this tidbit. A dark leather jacket or coat is a ridiculously good investment when you have kids. Leather cleans up with wet wipes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814621 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:44:43 +0000 Ariadne 814621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>k can shop, wow, you've articulated it perfectly. I agree with everything you wrote. Amazing! </p> <p>Apparently I can zero in on what I like. I just can't recreate it. That's what I need to tease out--why can't I do that? Is it body type? Budget? Shopping in the wrong places? Do I need to spend more time absorbing these looks and integrating them more thoroughly into my style consciousness? Hmm. I know it when I see it on someone else. I don't know it when I see it in stores or on me.</p> <p>Una, it's funny that I've apparently zoned in on a very American look. There's really much difference between Canadian and American style, though, I guess.</p> <p>rachylou, I definitely like plain looks. I know what you mean. Strong and simple and often more minimal than maximal, although perhaps not true minimalism. I think you're right that it's a demanding look. Fit and cut and quality are especially important with these looks and that's what I struggle with--getting the subtle but vital details just right. I don't have a lot of cash to work with but I'm open to going very slowly--adding one good piece as I'm able, even if it's only every two or three months--if I can be sure I've found just the right hting.</p> <p>Suz, Urban Prince is such a great descriptor for you (and Angie). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814508 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:26:44 +0000 Suz 814508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know what to call it for sure....but I know I like a lot of what you've pinned. </p> <p>And Angie termed me an urban prince. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814493 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:10:45 +0000 rachylou 814493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think, Ariadne, that you like a Plain look. This is NOT the same as Vanilla - which is tired, boring, unimaginative and lacking in courage. Plain is a very strong look, and a rather demanding aesthetic (for me anyways).</p> <p>How much money do you want to spend? I can think of some beautiful, expensive pieces I saw at my favorite Blu boutique. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814408 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:10:27 +0000 catgirl 814408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I know you're in Canada, but these looks strike me as very nouveau American classic casual with some funky fun twists. Lots of denim and buttondowns and scarves but with a little of that j. crew flair... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814401 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 20:05:06 +0000 K. Period. 814401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ariadne, your picks really sing to me. I think that at heart we probably have very similar style goals. I'd say what I see is this:<br /> Structured tailored pieces are the backbone, in black and similar neutrals;<br /> You are not afraid of prints, floral, animal or abstract, and you like to introduce depth with them;<br /> You aren't into bold colors, other than an occasional pop of subdued color;<br /> You like architectural pieces, what I think of as classic Calvin Klein collection pieces from the '80s and '90s. They have fitted elements to anchor them. Interest is added by the way that the pieces are cut and draped; and<br /> You like to toughen items up with texture. And you have an inner punk who loves buckles and hardware. Tough, but not too rough.<br /> I'll be interested in what others list as descriptors because our styles harmonize so well. My work style is more tailored, but my weekend style is very similar to yours. I like brighter colors a bit more, and tend toward girly rather than gamine, unlike you. That's a definite descriptor for you. Gamine. </p> <p>Just guessing here, but you'd vote for team '60s of team '80s, you'd vote for tailored over oversized (if forced to choose) and you'd vote team stripes over dots. You are team skinnies rather than bootcut or flare. You are team rich color over pastel or brights. How am I doing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814376 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:50:54 +0000 Ariadne 814376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Curious what you mean by "out of your league"? Maybe it's out of my league too and that's why I'm not actually dressing this way (most of these looks don't reflect my current closet). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814373 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:48:55 +0000 Anonymous 814373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ariadne, you have some great, modern looking pins. I got distracted learning to tie my scarf like the last example on your scarf chart, lol! I wish I could come up with some descriptors for you, but your style is a bit out of my league so I'm at a loss verbally. However, your pins seem very cohesive and not "all over the place" so that speaks of your new, focused direction. I'm sure some of the others will be a better help to you, and I can't wait to see what adjectives they turn up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814351 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:32:31 +0000 Ariadne 814351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She really doesn't, does she?</p> <p>My life is 99% casual (soon to be 70% casual, 30% smart casual).</p> <p>I love Janet's looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814349 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:30:44 +0000 annagybe 814349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your outfits are pretty casual. I'd look at Janet's outfits for inspiration.<br /> As an aside Kate Lanphear doesn't have the best posture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/decode-my-pinterest-boards#post-814333 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:17:29 +0000 Ariadne 814333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like my style is really in flux right now. I just went through my Pinterest boards and deleted anything that no longer appeals to me. I feel like there's some coherency in what I've got left, and all the looks are ones I've been drawn to for years, but I don't know how to describe it or translate it to real life or a shopping list/closet edit. Anyone want to help? What do you see on these boards? I'm interested in descriptors, brands or blogs or other YLFers I should be watching, capsule possibities, shopping priorities... anything that comes to mind.</p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/katsurakatsura/items/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/katsurakatsura/items/</a><br /> <a href="http://pinterest.com/katsurakatsura/outfits/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/katsurakatsura/outfits/</a> </p>