https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:14:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long/page/2#post-2057590 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 23:52:33 +0000 Anonymous 2057590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! All your hard work paid off! And that Align system looks really interesting from the little she posted so far. Definitely interested in finding out more about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057430 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 12:45:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2057430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Such lovely closet pics! Those unfolded sweaters in mine must've made you itch, lol. Do you see the commonality in color schemes that I see?<br /> </div><div><br /> </div>I'm not sure exactly when my mom quit buying stuff for me, because I really didn't pay attention to clothes. She occasionally sent me outfits, but more often would declare I needed new clothes and haul me to the mall when I visited them. She took me shopping for work clothes like that a few months after my son was born when I mid 30s, but I recall buying a dress in Austin when I lived there in my early 20s, shopping J Petermann and the Limited in Lexington in my mid 20s, a lovely SA in Honolulu when I was there for a conference in my late 20s, was in Berlin age 29-32, don't think I got much new stuff from any source during that time, except for a couple of black dresses &amp; sweaters I bought for myself, and big black lace-up combat boots. Oh, and an amazing pair of bell-bottoms! When I returned to the US, I found an outlet mall had opened an hour away from where I lived. That was the first time I really dove into getting myself clothes, and I think I asked her to stop sending the outfits then. But yes, roughly similar to your mom buying things until your were 25, just not as clean a demarcation. I asked her to come along on a leisure swimsuit-buying trip a few years ago because I knew she would speak clearly about what wasn't working. I was stunned a while ago at the early ages at which many people here began taking a real interest in style, many purchasing or making (!) their own clothing while their age was still in single digits. Not knocking you and me for later attention—a person only has so much bandwidth, you have an MD &amp; I have a PhD. Your mom sounds like a real example of strength to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057408 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 11:51:47 +0000 Staysfit 2057408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>notsaf, I have been reading your posts and am glad you took the plunge to actively join in our discussions. </p> <p>Fashintern, it does seem that we share a lot in common right down to having a parent still picking and purchasing clothing for you into adulthood (I was 25). I personally found it hard to focus on style or fashion while there were multiple unsettled concerns in my life.</p> <p>ETA: You get bonus bravery points for showing off your closet! Here is mine photographed right now....I need to dust and take some things on my shelf to dry cleaners. I hope I was able to crop out DH stuff. He does not fold or put things away neatly! We are opposites! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057393 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 09:59:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2057393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Staysfit, the similarities I see are<br /> </div></p> <ul> <li>my mom also bought most of my clothes--always in outfits I was to keep together--until my early 30s. Style and fashion just weren't a thing I thought about. My reason for thinking about them now are roughly along the lines of your desire to make an appropriate professional impression. </li> <li>the colors you list--<i>reds that range from pale to light pinky reds to true red; blue greens (turquoises/aquas/some teals); greens; some cool toned violets; and some cool toned blues (sky blue, periwinkle, cornflower, lavender), and a few yellows including mustard and very pale yellow</i>-- are those I naturally gravitate to, except probably not the yellows; I have a couple oranges instead. <i>When hues are in the </i><b><i>cool range</i></b><i>, then grey/charcoal, taupe, and indigo/navy are my best neutrals; when </i><b><i>warm earth tones</i></b><i> are in vogue than chocolate brown, eggplant and forest green</i> also describes me/my wardrobe. My closet is a mess right now, but I might take a pic to illustrate. I do wear plain white, but am much more likely to wear neutrals in a pattern. </li> <li>I consider myself a swimmer, (although I need to get back in the water!) and always take that into consideration when considering haircut/style, and for years wore my hair quite short.</li> <li>I had a natural waist, at 36-26-36, but was never really curvy of butt or bust. "Swish" and movement aren't things I've actively considered, but they certainly appeal to me. Your rectangle style preferences often work for me (except for pencils with my knock knees and true turtlenecks--I like mocks, find them more comfortable and attractively cozy.) Bootlegs are also sort of an exception--I'm always attracted to them, probably because of the movement, but keep at most 1 or 2 pair in rotation, and I generally don’t do crops (I think the reason my recent “crop” of short-legged jumpsuits work for me is that they are so flowy as to emulate dresses). One mistake I've made several times is buying "swingy" tops, which just hang sadly on me, as would a shift or A-line dress. (These days, with my apple pot, they would actually sit on the shelf my tummy makes). I'm going to look up the post on types of drape you mentioned.</li> </ul> <p><div>I'm not at the goal you have reached (congratulations!) because my life is still very much in flux. Right now, I need to find a job, lose the rest of the weight (40 down, 10 back, 20-35 to go, for a total reduction of 50-65 lbs), and look towards buying our own place. Eventually, it will all happen, bit by bit. As you noted from my moniker, I intend to keep learning.<br /></div><div><br /> </div><div>I really appreciate your post's careful analysis. I know not everyone here is into that, but recognizing the possibility to think about fashion like that was a real "aha" moment for me not long after I started here. That makes it interesting for me.Thanks for writing.<br /> </div></p> <p>ETA closet pix, shown for color, not neatness/organizing skill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057230 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 17:35:16 +0000 Staysfit 2057230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, Thanks for your detailed response to my question about your journal. The process you describe resonates well with me. I use Creative Problem Solving (CPS) when working with difficult youth; incorporating social emotional learning, mindfulness and cognitive therapy as additional resources. One of the main benefits of CPS with youth is how it builds autonomy while supporting the development of specific skills. I never considered how useful CPS can be for other processes! I never thought to apply it to style, cooking (a personal passion) or to gardening, and yet, it is a tool I use regularly when I work! </p> <p>I’m heading to my study to think about ways to apply this new insight! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057196 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 14:09:16 +0000 Carla 2057196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@staysfit - I'm in the group of folks who don't intuitively put together stylish outfits reflective of who I am. It takes 'work', but it is a challenge I enjoy. I came across the term 'creative problem solving' which I quite love, since it applies to so many of the things I enjoy - gardening, cooking, dressing myself. Like mathematical problem solving, I like to start with formulas or recipes (vs 'rules') - as a jumping off point. </p> <p>Re: my fashion journal - there are pages for listing the items I purchase with dates and cost, as well as a list of items I edit out and the reasons why. There is a list of things I need to shop for and HEWI's. There are notes about things I have learned I should look for in styling and things I should avoid. Then there are less coherent notes, often repetition of concepts or formulas. Like mathematical formulas, I need to repeat several times before I 'get it' - so my notes can be repetitive. Currently I'm trying to understand yin/yang better. Like you, I'm working with 'financial parameters' which I find results in much better quality selections. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057192 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:50:08 +0000 Staysfit 2057192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, I have seen you rock a wide range of colors and am always impressed at how well you pull them off! </p> <p>Cardiff Girl, persevere is a great word! I ran marathons and probably apply that focus and tenacity to everything! :-)</p> <p>Style Fan, I’m glad you have also heard of Align. I think this young woman is brilliant and that her system has potential to do well. I stumbled on it randomly, because I do not usually look at any other blogs or forums!</p> <p>Fashintern, which part of your story is similar to mine? The parent purchasing the clothing? The white lab coat? The total lack of fashion knowledge! Of course.....hence your clever moniker! :-)</p> <p>Elizabeth P, I need a good editor! Terse essays are not my forte!</p> <p>Rachy, with luck history and a plan will prevent past mistakes! Hmm, that is not a political statement.....but maybe it should be......</p> <p>LisaP, I am glad there is a noticeable difference in my style. It’s hard when you are not quite able to pinpoint what it is that isn’t working but you know there is something! I usually could find help from the forum, but it’s cumbersome, and does not always give you a reason. That requires looking at multiple posts for patterns in feedback, which as an analytical type, I have done. Now that I have the Information from Align, my previous questions have been resolved, and everything makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057190 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:37:47 +0000 notsaf 2057190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have been following this thread with interest! Thank you for sharing you story, SF. As a newbie here, I don’t have much to add except to say that the intelligence, thoughtfulness, and generosity of YLFers like you really drew me in and continues to astound! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057185 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 12:13:28 +0000 Staysfit 2057185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katerina, Thanks for your kind words. I am particularly happy that whatever I am doing somehow looks easy when it actually has required what seems like an enormous amount of effort! I really started from almost zero, having no shopping or style experience or sense, and needing to learn it because it was not innate. My mother, who I love dearly, did the best she could as a single parent (my parents divorced when I was 9), with a physical handicap from polio, who worked full time. She never talked to me about style, clothing, makeup, etc. I have a brother, no sisters. The only shopping I did before I finished my education was with my Aunt, or with friends and that was rare. My mom says she picked out my clothes because it was quicker and easier with her limited free time. She did not realize that she was failing to give me a social skill that I would need. </p> <p> I have followed your posts since you started on the forum, and I think you have impeccable taste. I admire your use of color. You have a clear signature style and I have been inspired by how you experiment with new ideas within the parameters of your style. </p> <p>Sal, I agree that your style improved significantly since you started sticking with pieces that suit your personal lines. I believe that is a key lesson for all of us. Lemming behavior is easy on a forum like this or when looking at fashion blogs, so it’s important to figure out your personal parameters. Whenever I read your recent posts I see how selective you have been with purchases and I have learned from your outfit evaluations....pattern, silhouette, collars, pockets.....details! Your looks have become increasingly chic and vibrant. </p> <p>Shevia, I like the idea of dressing intuitively and using analysis after the fact. I think I may do that sometimes, although I clearly fall more strongly into the analytical camp. Maybe that is why it has been harder for me to sort out my style? On SaraD’s recent post asking how people choose their outfits, I mentioned dialectics, and continuum’s which I have seen in all forms here on the forum. Some of us are at one extreme or the other in terms of our pre-planning or spontaneity, while others perhaps are moderate. There are dialectics for things like color, genre, movement, pattern, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057142 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 06:26:20 +0000 Katerina 2057142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great analysis, very interesting and so helpful to read. Impressive, actually. Thank you very much for sharing it.<br /> I admire your analytical approach, your patience and discipline. It all paid off. You style is impeccable and your wardrobe is amazing. From what you have written, you have achieved tremendous results in only five years. I have only been on YLF for about a year and a half and based on your posts and your WIWs, I would never have guessed you were ever struggling with your wardrobe or style. You look stylish, chic and confident and make it look all very easy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057109 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 02:33:01 +0000 Sal 2057109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have worked hard and gained an impeccable sense of your own style. You dress well in colours and shapes that suit you and your profession. I admire your persistence and logical approach. I can see how the colour theories have helped create a cohesive closet. I agree - long lines, mid tones, flow and movement with some tailoring to provide structure and sharpness. I do agree also that cropped pants are not as good as longer on you- and I don’t know why because your slim figure and height would lead me to assume they would work. </p> <p>For me the key tools have been the YLF forum and Angie’s blog posts along with Kibbe. Once I determined I was a natural a few things fell into place and I stopped trying to look like others wearing styles I really like but that don’t suit me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057101 Sun, 01 Sep 2019 01:27:27 +0000 Jaime 2057101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting and thoughtful to read. I like what you had to say about the skeleton holding you up without thought when it is working properly. I also find resources like Kibbe et al. useful to clarify my thinking and give me some parameters to consider. Angie is in a league of her own in terms of providing emotional support along with practical feedback. The Align analysis seems to have done that in a very helpful and specific way. I am very intuitive about my style but love to analyze after the fact to see what systems align with my results. And of course, it all informs my intuition in the end, including posts like this. Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057043 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 16:44:34 +0000 Angie 2057043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, that’s high praise and means a lot coming from you. I'm smiling   </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057039 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 16:19:35 +0000 Staysfit 2057039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, in general, what sorts of things do you record in your fashion journal? Has it been helpful? </p> <p>Angie, I am sincerely grateful for your consistent positive interest and sensitive attention to everyone here on the forum. You have a magical way of encouraging improvement and boosting confidence. </p> <p>Gigi, I think five years has flown by quickly.....The guidelines for my Mysterious type are tremendously helpful. </p> <p>Ms. Maven, of the style icons I think I can relate most to Tilda, but there is a very wide variety. I like wearing blazers....</p> <p>Gretchen, since ideas are constantly evolving I am certain I will look back at this in the future!</p> <p>Suz, I owe you a sincere thanks for your help and feedback as well. You have connected me to useful resources and given me plenty to consider with your clear and well written posts. </p> <p>Jenni NZ, I allowed myself to splurge for reasons I have explained elsewhere. I have a long history of being a “tightwad” as well. Spending on myself has turned out to be the best investment, and not one that is simply based on self absorption. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057027 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:25:12 +0000 Staysfit 2057027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the feedback. I love what Janet has written about emotion and intuition. As analytical as this summary sounds, it may seem strange that when I shop or put together outfits I am not sure I go through much of an analytical process, although maybe I do? It’s an interesting question.....what actually takes place when choosing an item for your wardrobe? Do you simply see something randomly and decide you like it? What made you feel drawn to that item? Why do we get emotionally drawn and how does our intuition work? I need to go back and reread the research! (LOL a true analytical type!). </p> <p>Perhaps a skeleton could serve as a metaphor for my summary. We know our skeletons are there but we don’t think about them unless we have a broken bone. Once the bone is mended, you move and function freely and without thinking much about the skeleton underneath, but it is always there exerting it’s influence. I think that’s how my choices work, I pick with emotion and intuition but there is an underlying analytical framework. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057022 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:14:25 +0000 Carla 2057022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I filled a page of my fashion journal with notes while reading your well thought out and articulate post. Thank you for sharing your process. Though I know nothing about the Align system, I can completely see the similarities between you and the celebrities identified as within your type. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057015 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:02:51 +0000 Angie 2057015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>“APPLAUSE”</p> <p>I’m wowed by your progress, analysis, soul searching, honesty, discipline, satisfaction, patience, and KILLER results. You make it look natural, easy, and are a fast learner! </p> <p>Thank you for graciously mentioning your resources for encouragement and planning. I am awfully humbled to have been mentioned. Enjoy your beautifully curated wardrobe. You have never looked better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2057003 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 13:36:23 +0000 Janet 2057003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what an impressive analysis and recap! I confess, as a analytical as I can be, my approach to all of this is much more emotional and intuitive, LOL. Perhaps it’s the artist in me. But it’s always fascinating to read these kind of thoughtful insights. </p> <p>Kibbe left me thoroughly flummoxed, so I quickly dropped further exploration of it — perhaps for some of the same self-examination reasons you had. I just felt like it was too hard to categorize many things about myself, and I have some very conflicting answers (I’m so not angular in appearance, but I’m so not “romantic” either). I have never heard of the Align thing, but will look it up, out of curiosity. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing all of this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056982 Sat, 31 Aug 2019 06:04:38 +0000 Gigi 2056982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great synopsis of your style journey! It's hard to believe that it's been five years since you joined YLF. I'm glad that you were able to get the "Mysterious" designation to tie together the loose ends. That must have been incredibly helpful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056937 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 22:39:32 +0000 MsMaven 2056937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a pleasure to read your analysis. How great that you have taken the time and effort for yourself to learn and experiment and refine your wardrobe. I can see the common features joining your style icons, yet there is still a wide range of different styles among them. Very inspirational. Thanks for taking the time to explore your journey with us.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056925 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 21:14:03 +0000 Gretchen 2056925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great write up. I could see this being a solid touchstone as you go forward as well. Very interested to hear where your style journey takes you next! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056923 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 21:03:59 +0000 Suz 2056923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a wonderful summary of your style journey, <b>Style Fan.</b> It's been such a pleasure to be with you on the sidelines, cheering your progress, and wow, have you learned well. You have never looked better. I'm very curious now to know more about Align and eager to check it out!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056907 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 20:01:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 2056907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow I thought I had spent a long time on this fashion hobby of mine but I think you dwarf mine! I have been on the forum for about half the time you have, about 2.5 years. My story has some similarities with the lab coats and the having a family but I am not sporty and although my wardrobe got too big I am much more of a tightwad than you which held me back! ( In both a good and a bad way). Great story. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056904 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 19:49:04 +0000 Style Fan 2056904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is excellent.&nbsp; I have heard of Align.&nbsp; Someone mentioned it on another forum I belong to.&nbsp; It sounds like it was a wonderful experience and also pulled together some of the missing pieces.&nbsp; I agree that it is hard to be objective about oneself.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056896 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 19:35:35 +0000 Anonymous 2056896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you and I joined the forum at about the same time, and I can really see the end/current result of your efforts . You and I don't share a similar style sensibility but I always, always get something from your posts - and it helps me hone my own eye for picking up on certain details. &nbsp;This was a really interesting post to read, and I thank you for taking the time to put this together. Off to check out this "Align" system.....</p> <p>I too have lots of clothes, but there is still something missing in terms of how it all works together. Hard to articulate this ,though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056893 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 19:31:02 +0000 rachylou 2056893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! What a great write-up! It’s a history, but it also makes for a plan! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056879 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 17:57:03 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2056879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So that’s why I feel so drawn to you—quite similar backstories! I’m wiped out right now, but plan to come back and read the “lessons learned” part carefully. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056875 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 17:49:20 +0000 Roxanna 2056875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I agree - thank you so much for sharing such an in depth analysis of your journey! I am a warm who had gradually gotten cooler wth age and silvery hair, and like you, I can wear a wide range of tones, so I find creating color constraints very helpful too and have inspired by your consistent palette. I will read this again a few times as well as the comments - I'm sure it will be so helpful!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056873 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 17:35:18 +0000 Elizabeth P 2056873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh SF, this is FANTASTIC.&nbsp; I need to read it a few times before offering anything intelligent.&nbsp; But definite lessons to absorb here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/evolution-of-style-lessons-learned-from-ylf-kibbe-align-long#post-2056872 Fri, 30 Aug 2019 17:34:45 +0000 Cardiff girl 2056872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good grief,if you are going to do something you persevere and do it well don’t you!It must be the athlete in you.Well you have been awarded a gold medal in wardrobe management by me,this sounds like<br /> well earned wardrobe contentment.l am impressed. </p>