https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:51:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-794507 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:28:13 +0000 Vicki 794507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the O-cycle! Ornella-cyle! I see where you're going with this and how your style has evolved in consideration of your way of life, however, you look extraordinary in A-cycle AND B-cycle and yours poses are #1 in my book! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-794330 Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:55:51 +0000 lyn67 794330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed this post earlier, and even late to the ball I had to say YLF no matter which cycle you are(A or B). You have a very strong sense of your own style, which shows through all your outfits! It's so brave you decided applying for a job in your new place, and using a new language-not anybody could do that-but am sure you'll be succesfulle in your new job, less than a minute! Wish you luck!:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-786298 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 20:55:24 +0000 Sveta 786298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, I have to echo the others that either A or B cycle you look fab and true to your style. You are not only beautiful and stylish woman but also a wise one to adjust to your new life conditions with such grace. As Suz said - you are my hero!<br /> As for wanting to get a job to be able wearing skirts and heels again? No, I don't think it is crazy at all! I began to walk to work every day - in part because I like it but also because I wanted to have a chance to wear my post-YLF acquired coats...:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-786277 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 20:26:36 +0000 Ornella 786277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Janet, thank you. It is nice to see your artistic eye picks up the consistency.</p> <p>@MNsara, thank you, you are actually right, my next job might involve cycling to work, if I find something locally... in one way that would be ideal, this town has a lot of big employers and I'd fancy a short commute.<br /> I found that limiting circumstances do help self-discipline. I might not have been like this had I landed the job quickly and in my line of work, where I'd still have all of my wardrobe in rotation AND would have to cater for 4 very distinctive seasons.</p> <p>@Vix, you too have been a wonderful supporter on my style journey all the time, thank you. Your own knowledge of yourself, your preferences and your well curated wardrobe are a big inspiration in my current stage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-786154 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 18:03:53 +0000 Vix 786154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Ornella --</p> <p>I so agree with Janet about the consistency in both sets, but I'll add that to me your personal style is a strong thread that is seen in both. It's fluxed to work with your new lifestyle demands, but I still see "you." </p> <p>And that's lovely to see. ;)</p> <p>ps Also agree that you deserve a little applause for keeping the majority of your purchases sensible vs fantasy! So tough to do when jumping from one way of life to another. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-786018 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:29:28 +0000 MNsara 786018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow - I agree with Janet that your personal elegance and grace is consistent in both A- and B- cycle outfits I can't wait to see your next style stage because it might involve bicycling to work, or who knows . . . !!</p> <p>I appreciate how you've managed to control your purchases to such well-thought out ones. I SO need you whispering these truths in my ear when I'm trying on yet another leather jacket or another pencil skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785990 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 14:28:53 +0000 Janet 785990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting comparison! The thing that strikes me, besides how fab you look in *all* of these, is how there is a wonderful consistency even between what would seem to be two disparate styles. If your lifestyle were such that you alternated between these (A-cycle one day, B the next), it would not be jarring at all. You still have a sense of grace and elegance in your style that transcends casual/dressy interpretations. Keep on rocking', girl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785977 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 13:46:25 +0000 Ornella 785977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@caro, I think our style is always a work in progress. What I had tried to express here is that I have identified some things that help me at the current stage.</p> <p>@Suz, you are always so kind and appreciative, thank you. It means a lot. True, I have managed to resist so many pieces that would have worked for my A-cycle style, but I have to admit one fantasy purchase, spectator Mary Janes (I visited Clarkes outlet to buy shoes for DS :-o, when we were back in England in September). They were a steal and even if I only ever wear them in party outfits, they'll be worth it. So, although unused for now, they will shine at some point, I know that.<br /> Having said that, we're on one income and although our life standard is unchanged, that fact partially dictates my attitude too. I don't feel comfortable spending on anything I can't justify. So, identifying what I truly need and having smaller budget had all led to pinpointing what my current wardrobe scope is.</p> <p>@anne, thank you. A good warning for nicer clothes too :-)</p> <p>@rae, I had to laugh out loud at "spandex bike gear". A scene from "Singles" (which I've seen a dozen times) came to mind when one of the characters, Debbie, puts on cycling gear so she can meet the guy who responded to her ad... so.not.her :-)</p> <p>@kelly, thank you. You are a major inspiration to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785915 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 06:20:42 +0000 kellygirl 785915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I can say is that your style has not suffered in the least. Even though your outfit are less dressy, they are still polished and SO you. You know your style and the fit, details and colors are perfect. It's great seeing the more casual side of you. You rock skinnies and boots like nobody's business! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785914 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 06:03:28 +0000 rae 785914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I loved reading your ephiphany! It really resonated with me, since I've also had a lifestyle change that affected my style. Not transport, but the office environs are certainly gone. </p> <p>Your changes make perfect sense, though I also enjoy how I can still see "you" in your new outfits. It's not like it's all suddenly spandex bike gear. You look like you... ready for biking! I can't wait to see where this takes you in future seasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785825 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:35:19 +0000 anne 785825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella this is a fascinating post. Your lovely style shows in both cycles.</p> <p>I have had periods of life when cycling has been my main transport too. I can't remember it affecting my clothing much when I was dressed casually and I can remember that when it was commuting to the office I just dressed the same as if I had taken the bus - I ended up ruining a pair of dress pants that way!</p> <p>Like Suz, I am extremely affected by climate - which means that like you I am seen in turtlenecks all through the winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785799 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:11:02 +0000 Suz 785799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, you are one of my YLF heroes! </p> <p>What a wonderful post and what accurate insights. Not to mention, what strength of character to stop yourself from buying things that are impractical for you....and to find ways to stave off boredom within the parameters you have set yourself! Alas, even now, even exercising as much self-discipline as I can muster, I STILL fall prey to the fantasy purchase from time to time. I almost always regret it, too. </p> <p>You look stunning in both A-cyle and B-cycle and there is a great continuity to your style, despite the different pieces. I admire your ability to enjoy the fashions around you. </p> <p>And I agree wholeheartedly that our work and environment must necessarily inform our style personas. I know for myself, I do a lot of walking, and while I can and do wear heels, they must be chunky and comfortable, with flexible soles, or they are unworkable for me. I need trousers in cold weather, I need a puffer coat in winter, I need to wear hats in winter. And in summer, everything must be simple, because the humidity makes layers and jewellery unthinkable to me. </p> <p>Thank you for these reflections, and for sharing your outfits! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785785 Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:56:05 +0000 Caro in Oz 785785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you my change of lifestyle has had a profound impact on how I want &amp; need to dress. I am still a work in progress though:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785613 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:40:33 +0000 Ornella 785613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks :-)</p> <p>Indeed, lifestyle should ultimately determine what we wear. I have identified it all here... and wrote a while back that my own <strong><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot-silver-jubilee-of-weekly-themes-what-ive-learnt-so-far-long">defined criteria for shopping</a></strong> are, in the order of importance:<br /> 1 - color<br /> 2 - fit<br /> 3 - lifestyle<br /> 4 - climate</p> <p>Nothing has changed.</p> <p>I have seen some nice shops at the new place which substitute the shops and brands I loved before, but it would be a complete waste of money to buy anything but a turtleneck or a scarf there at the moment. I don't need fancy office clothes or gorgeous structured bags or even funky patterned hose, as pretty and inviting as they are. That, at the moment, are elements of imaginary lifestyle for me.</p> <p>But, I recently bought a quilted sports jacket because:<br /> 1 - I loved the color (purple)<br /> 2 - The fit and style are great<br /> 3 - My lifestyle requires casual jackets<br /> 4 - It is cold here and I need toppers all the time</p> <p>And funnily enough, having smaller subset of criteria to work with, I am becoming aware even more of what I really need, like and want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785602 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:16:13 +0000 Angie 785602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need to document these thoughts and pics on a YLF blog. </p> <p>YES!! Lifestyle is key. I walk a lot and at a fast pace in wet weather. Comfy shoes and tapered leg widths are very practical. You've seen my outfits so you know this! </p> <p>Ornella, either way you have KILLER style. Chic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785599 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:15:24 +0000 Ornella 785599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Mo, hopefully the switches get easier for you over time. I am sure it's not just climate and distances/transport arrangements that take getting used to. </p> <p>@Claire, thanks, we have taken these life shifts to our stride I liked the choice of word meaty, btw. It's very... well, meaty ;-)</p> <p>@Lisa, sounds like your work environment is helping to hit the shopping brake big time. I'm happy for you :-)</p> <p>@fern, I bike slowly too and thanks for the "tip-off" about fuller skirts, I'll probably try them at some point. </p> <p>@Gaylene, I agree. After all, functionality is one of the main criteria for me to feel good in my clothes. Anything that makes me self-conscientious for any reason is a big enemy of feeling good in my clothes.</p> <p>@k, thanks for the understanding and your kind compliment about B-cycle. As I said, I explore all the possibilities of enjoying more with less and that is certainly sharpening my focus even now. I am interested to see what will happen when I go back to work, whenever in the future that is.</p> <p>@JR, thank you. I do wear my jeans a lot, true. And since I haven't located the place with long enough clothes for my height, I am beginning to panic what'll happen when these are worn </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785597 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:14:07 +0000 JR 785597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Transport affects my style a lot too, especially footwear. I walk and bus most of the time, so my shoes and boots have to handle long hikes and the incredible variety of weather Canada can throw at them. And then everything has to work with the footwear. Mind you, I am perfectly happy wearing flats or low heels with pencil skirts and trousers, so it hasn't cramped my style too badly.</p> <p>But I do have to say, you really rock jeans. Your B-cycle outfits are fantastic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785580 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:02:29 +0000 K. Period. 785580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fabulous post and what amazing outfits! What really strikes me is how much more depth and interest there is in your B-cycle outfits. It is like the challenge of your shift vaulted you up to a whole new level of style. This is going to serve you amazingly when you return to work. (And, by the way, I used to joke that I went into the profession I did because I liked to dress up, so I totally know what you mean about wanting to go back to work so that you can wear your dress-up clothes!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785564 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:50:56 +0000 Gaylene 785564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've eloquently expressed my thinking that lifestyle and environment ought to be a part of one's style journey. While having fun with fashion is important, it's not fun to be constrained by your clothes or to be so outside the norm that you feel isolated and alone.</p> <p>It's fun to live vicariously through another person's outfits, but, ultimately, what we choose for our wardrobes has to function for our individual lives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785562 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:49:54 +0000 fern 785562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fab in both incarnations.<br /> I am always walking, which most affects my shoe choices, but I bike too. I can't wear my 2 pencils skirts when I bike to work, so they are a little lonely.<br /> However, full skirts / full dresses work for me on the bike - especially with tights &amp; boots. Maybe because I bike so slowly :)<br /> Can't wait to see what comes next for you - </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785561 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:49:34 +0000 Lisa 785561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, transport is key to how I dress. So is office environment. On days commuting into the city comfortable footwear is a must! And on rainy does, that means galoshes for the commute. My style has changed with my current job. Right now I can sport jeans everyday which means a smaller wardrobe because I don't need "work clothes" and "weekend clothes" that are really different. I just wear the same for both days. In the past I had a more formal office which meant no jeans and many more trousers and button down shirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785543 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:33:25 +0000 Anonymous 785543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, what a lovely, meaty post! As soon as I saw it, I made myself a cup of tea so I could sit down and enjoy it. It sounds like you've adapted beautifully to your new habitat. I can just see you, whizzing through the streets in fab style. And if you're not bored with your current formula, then I see no reason to change. You and your family are on quite an adventure and it seems to agree with you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785542 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:32:49 +0000 Mo 785542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, yes!! Here in FL I walk everywhere, in the heat. That has a huge impact on what you wear. Back home in Tahoe I drive (we are 12 miles outside of town) and it is obviously colder.<br /> I feel like I do a 180 every time I come and go from either place. It's really something and takes me a few weeks to get my mind around each time I switch.<br /> I totally understand! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany-how-my-style-went-through-b-cycle#post-785529 Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:03:13 +0000 Ornella 785529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two things made me finally put these thoughts out in the open: the first one being when I was searching for examples of styling the read flared dress for Ingunn, I went through my folder with all the WIWs from the past. That was some trip down the memory lane! I enjoyed looking through my old style file and loved what I saw... skirts, dresses, heeled shoes, blouses.</p> <p>Then today, as I was thinking about what to wear for the Fuchsia Friday, I instantly remembered the lovely pencil skirt I bought and enjoyed wearing last winter. True, I'd be warm as it's made of wool, but it would be impractical to wear it because I use the bike as my main form of transport. </p> <p><strong>A-cycle</strong><br /> Before, I used the car to get out and about. And I worked full time in an office, where my own challenging of the environmental norm didn't go unnoticed. Any type of shoes were an option as long as I could walk in them and I could wear anything I wanted. Work suitable, of course. After discovering YLF, I discovered my style direction / comfort zone / younameit and I had defined to myself what I enjoy about my own and other people's styles.</p> <p><strong>B-cycle</strong><br /> These days it is a different story. Following our move to a place with completely different life-style and my current status of SAHM+MOTG, I walk a little but mostly cycle everywhere and I love everything about it: the freedom it gives me, everyday exercise, the routes I take I vary as I like, no parking issues, I can stop to admire things and move on - when I want, as long as I want.<br /> Naturally, my wardrobe choices are determined by these changes in the form of transport. For me cycling is all about comfort. Skinnies are perfect (the more stretch the better), tucked in the boots they don't get in the way; bootlegs, on the other hand, flutter like a flag in the wind, so right now mine go almost unworn. But I adore the skinnies, so that's fine. In the summer I could try different tops, but now - in the winter - I wear mostly turtlenecks ; compared to button-downs they are quicker and easier to launder and (not) iron. Not to mention the most important thing of keeping my neck warm.<br /> I wear blazers, but not nearly as much as before - they are not necessarily the first layering option for me.</p> <p><strong>So, where does it leave me?</strong><br /> The silhouette I wear nowadays is a lot more relaxed, I have fewer dressing formulas than before and I wear only a subset of my wardrobe. I haven't ventured into the bacpacks except for the gym gear and I only use messenger bags - anything else is not practical and is too fussy to handle.</p> <p>Not a single heeled shoe in sight!<br /> Nor skirt either...</p> <p>If I notice the signs of getting bored, I swap something - scarf/hat/gloves/bag for some other color/pattern. I have learnt to enjoy in these small changes. I am rediscovering things I've learnt here, as they now mean even more. Personal style is a reflection of a lifestyle and needs to adapt to it, and while I now wear mostly casual clothes I still try and inject some of my personality and preferences in my outfits, no matter how subtle (or invisible to others) those details are. I will never loose my preference for polish and elegance.</p> <p>I also enjoy other people's outfits even more and the thought that goes behind the outfits I see around me. I love seeing chic ladies on the bikes around me, with carefully chosen scarves and boots, or simply enjoy admiring someone's outfit while I queue at the checkouts.<br /> My sartorial diet is not unbearable because you ladies look fab and provide enough evidence of all sorts of fabness and creativity - living vicariously through you I do get a lot of enjoyment in the combinations that are currently impractical for me.</p> <p><strong>In a few months time...</strong><br /> There are some big issues that we are currently wrapping up leaving me no time or energy for much else, but I'm getting ready to start applying for jobs. I don't quite know what's out there and how long it will take me to find something, but I do partly want to go back to work so the other part of my wardrobe gets back in rotation. Crazy, no?</p> <p>Anyway, if you made it this far, thanks for reading. Btw, do you pay attention to how much the form of transport determines your outfit choices or even style?</p> <p>Photo 1: Before a.k.a. A-cycle (driving around in the car)<br /> Photo 1: Now a.k.a. B-cycle (cycling and not wanting a car) </p>