https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:18:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body/page/2#post-603647 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:37:52 +0000 Janet 603647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've gotten better about shopping for the fantasy body. Sadly, i will never look like Heidi Klum. But not shopping for my fantasy body mostly means avoiding styles that suit slim ITs since even when I'm my slimmest I still have hips and thighs to spare! Patterned pants are a good example, but, as we have seen in my recent K/R post, cropped patterned pants that work on my pearish body DO exist. So I have to be careful I don't cut off my fantasy too much. It never hurts to try things on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body/page/2#post-603646 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:30:39 +0000 Tanya 603646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a little bit guilty of both, but have gotten much better at it.</p> <p>I am very good at shopping for my body. Like some other posters have already mentioned, I will try a lot of different styles on, but once I see how awful it looks on me I would quickly take it off. However, I do shop for fantasy feet. My feet are quite fussy and do not handle high heels well. I have come to terms with that in every day life, but for special occasions I will succumb to beautiful strappy high heeled sandals. I will wear them for those few hours and suffer, and swear I will never do it again, only to repeat in a couple of months.</p> <p>My lifestyle is generally quite casual but I do like dressier, pretty things. I will still get some of them, and either manufacture an occasion to wear it (such as dinner dates with BF) or try really hard to dress hem down. I am currently into wearing silky blouses with jeans and dressy trousers with graphic tees/moto vests/denim jackets for exactly that purpose. Skirts and dresses as tougher, as I really love those but they are not allowed at work. so I have to be careful not end up with too many of them, as they will be seldom worn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603640 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:20:53 +0000 ManidipaM 603640@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your idea of manufacturing occasions to dress for your fantasy life, Una! I'm thinking of joining you!</p> <p>Like Anne, I do tend to dress for two bodies too! Or at least the same body with different confidence levels --- and yes, the focus is on waistline as well. And sometimes, of all things, I find my hair and facial features the limiting factor [waves to Dana!] --- I feel like I want to wear sharper, edgier shapes and my long messy hair that refuses to go up smoothly or my increasingly soft and blurry features look mismatched when I do. To that extent, I guess I often do shop for a fantasy body. I also veer towards Rae's problem of dressing 19-year-old me---psychologically! With the cutesy T-shirts and such; but I'm doing better with that.</p> <p>As for the fantasy life, I think mine involves nothing very specific and is therefore hard to suppress! My fantasy is looking cool and collected and elegant in 100-plus degrees while baking bread... or something like that! Or going for a mile-long run followed by a score of swimming-pool laps before coming home to work on sleek high-tech equipment on a spotless white couch on a job that pays more in 4-5 hours than I've sometimes made in a month! In reality, I'm mostly hot and flustered and clumsily covered in spills and stains, feet still muddy from my walk, and being very thrifty and careful about saving the 'good stuff'... Which means I cannot be wearing pearls and silk, flowing long sleeves and scarves, pretty little strappy shoes to work at home! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603568 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:27:12 +0000 Elly 603568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't really shop for a fantasy life, although sometimes the combo of body and life means I often feel like I''m lacking good flattering options for the life I live.</p> <p>Sure, I sometimes wish for more toned parts, or more normal proportions (I'm very curvy, and it is hard to find clothes that show it off and don't make me look big, essentially clothes that fit). Since I have a boyish side to my style being less curvy could help me pull off some looser and boxier things. I've come to reality with that thanks to my mirror though, so don't shop too much for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603414 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:27:49 +0000 mm88 603414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my fantasy life would probably involve more skinnie jeans and tapered dress pants. They will probably never fit me properly because of my leg to torso ratio. But one can dream! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603388 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:00:14 +0000 Aida 603388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm interesting post! I wouldn't say I shop for a fantasy body, but I do enjoy playing with proportions enough that I have plenty of items that aren't "optimal" for my shape. For example, I'm pretty strong hourglass secondary BUT I wear quite a lot of straight silhouettes on top. Or sometimes I'll wear something that emphasizes my IT shoulders without balancing my hips. Or I'll wear super duper wide leg pants even though I am short AND have proportionally short legs. Never because that is the body I want (I like my shape quite a lot!), but because it just happens to work best for the vibe I want in a particular outfit. I will say that knowing how to sport "correct" proportions for my body allows me to bend the rules in whatever way I feel is necessary for any given outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603224 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:35:15 +0000 rachylou 603224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know that I have a fantasy body, but sometimes I like something so much I just don't care about the body I have. LOL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-603005 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:46:55 +0000 celia 603005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly I don't think I ever shopped for a fantasy body. I was always very aware of my pear shape.<br /> Fantasy life and fantasy personality however are different topics.<br /> I enjoy outfits in themselves, the way a skirt goes with a blouse, the way colors go together and for many years I shopped the outfit regardless of my life.Of course things would not leave my closet because I had no place to take them or the courage to wear what I liked for fear of comments of others.<br /> I still go around the mall shopping for my fantasy life but end up buying mostly for my actual life. And am more aware of the things that are not having their CPW brought down.<br /> Fantasy personality is another business. I am attracted to softer colors that don't go at all with my coloring.And I don't come across as a Grace Kelly as I wished trough my teenage years.Coming into my own helped in this, but I really have to hold myself not to buy all the soft pinks and greys that come my way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602941 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:54:25 +0000 MsMary 602941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having lost a bunch of weight in the past couple years after being chubby my whole life, I swear I feel like I HAVE my fantasy body! LOL</p> <p>But oh my Lord I do want to shop for my fantasy life, in which I wear fabulous jeans and boots and fur vests and leather jackets all the time, instead of pencil skirts and pumps and blazers. I'm getting better at resisting, but I do so love fun casual clothing, and I have so few opportunities to wear it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602907 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:10:23 +0000 krishnidoux 602907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Becoming a parent was a where my two "wardrobe selves" divided and I continued to think I had most use for dress-up outfits, when in fact 90% of the times I was in sweats, pj, gym gear. </p> <p>A turning point in my efforts to bring them back as one was: shoes. Once I understood that more shoes were the solution, my life got so much easier. I mean by this that in order to adapt working life, social life, being coquette and motherhood, one mostly needs better shoes. Because lets face it, motherhood demands it. If, when opening your closet to get dressed, all you find in terms of comfortable shoes are huge Nikes trainers, then you are kind of forced to adapt the rest of your outfit to them. The day I started to invest in high quality 8 hr shoes and boots I immediately broadened my wardrobe possibilities and found my wardrobe much less polarized.</p> <p>Still, I catch myself getting things for my dream life from time to time. </p> <p>One can dream, right?</p> <p>About the fantasy body: also a very interesting point, Una. With age, as I accept myself, the Fantasy Bod clutters my reason less and less. My fantasy bod included NON-muscular calves, tiny waist, mile-long legs, broad hips. Then I understood I was a short leg, long torso inverted triangle. Duh. Nowadays I love it when I make a purchase for my actual body, celebrating what it has, not what I want it to have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602897 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:53:14 +0000 Aziraphale 602897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in agreement with Ironkurtin on this -- any shopping for my fantasy body is abruptly cut short when I try on a great item that my body is unfortunately not built for, and I see how dreadful I look in it. </p> <p>I still shop a little for the fantasy life I don't have -- buying high heels and skirts occasionally -- because I'm working toward having that life one day. I'm not going to be a stay-at-home mom forever. My little one starts K this September and I'll be gathering forces to launch my career in earnest (I hope). I miss going to work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602895 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:49:49 +0000 Mo 602895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure I ever shopped for a fantasy body, but I do notice a change in my shape the last few years, even though I weigh basically the same. Used to be I had to fit my low hips/upper thigh and now it seems I have to fit my waist/high hip first. And that's okay, just something I need to remember after 40 years of dressing around a pear tendency. Maybe this is subconsciously why I am embracing looser tops after so many years of snug knits??<br /> As for the fantasy life, you bet I shopped for that! I am getting soooo much better at that, though. I actually think about situations and occasions when buying now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602873 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:22:13 +0000 Anonymous 602873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I still have to watch that I don't shop for a fantasy life that is dressier and more business casual than my real MOTG life. I'm so tahnkful to angie for showing us some ways to mix dressy with casual items. This mix feels more "me" than strictly casual.<br /> As for the body, I think I've given up onstyles that need a bigger bust to fill them out. Body issues add extra challenges each year but Angie and you on the Forum are a huge help in addressing them. For example, for several years I gave up completely on wearing shorts although it gets horribly hot here. Narrow long shorts like clamdiggers (Angie's post today) mean I can again feel comfortable and stylish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602865 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:10:01 +0000 christieanne 602865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with AJ on the heels. I wore a small heel last week for two days and suffered immensely. Somehow over the last few years of not wearing heels almost daily, my feet have become fussy! I am going to need to invest in some 12 hr low heels coming up quick (I hope) because I can't see wearing flats everyday/all day. Yet I look longingly at heels! </p> <p>I am pretty practical so no buying for a body I don't have. I make mistakes here and there of course but try to at least try on new styles and cuts- who knows what might work? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602860 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:04 +0000 rae 602860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been tough, but I'm slowly coming around. I think instead of shopping for my fantasy body, I sometimes fall into the trap of shopping for my 19-year-old body! Even if I *could* work out that many hours a day again, I don't think I'd ever be 110 lbs again. So now I have to remember to dress hips, thighs, and belly pooch - no baggy clothes and dressing like a boy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602842 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:35:42 +0000 LeahJanes 602842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I constantly shop for a fantasy life. My closet is cram packed with sparkly frocks and whacky thrift store buys and short skirts, when in reality I spend most of my week in jeans and polos and boots for work, and workout gear. I suppose I buy clothes for my weekend life. </p> <p>As for my fantasy body, I have found that I've come pretty close to sculpting that for myself. I used to be very unhappy with my body shape and would rule out swathes of items because of that. But now I have a nice toned, hourglass shape, most of the clothes I like look good or can be styled in a way that looks good so I'm happy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602807 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:57:55 +0000 ironkurtin 602807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have totally shopped for a fantasy life, but any shopping for a fantasy body dies when I try the stuff on. I think my "fantasy body" stuff kinda stops and starts with my face. I have distinct features, a small face, and not a big forehead, so many hair accessories - like headbands - look awful on me. So do many sunglasses. So I am pre-limited, but it's OK. Makes the choice a little bit easier! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602794 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:44:03 +0000 anne 602794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been wondering if I could incorporate a few looks that work for my body and are rather fantasy life. In my case, that would be structured sheath dresses. Maybe, as Una does, I can manufacture an opportunity to wear one! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602782 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:13:25 +0000 Transcona Shannon 602782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I honestly don't think I've ever shopped for a fantasy life, but I definitely have done for a fantasty body. I've dreamed of being taller, thinner, bustier, slimmer legs....but I've come to accept this is who I am at this moment in time and now do my best to dress THIS body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602774 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:06:56 +0000 missvee 602774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting thread! I sometimes try on clothes for someone elses body, but that's as far as it goes. I have a little chuckle and move on. There are so many options out there that DO look good on me, and that's what I have to remember. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602768 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:01:23 +0000 Suz 602768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My biggest problem was (and to some extent still is) shopping for my fantasy life. Fuchsia silk suit, anyone??? </p> <p>But it was thrifted, and $20. I think that falls into the "fun" category. And more and more, my fantasy life shopping is done at the thrift store. I save my real money for my real life purchases, thanks to YLF!! </p> <p>As for the body, I don't know if I shopped for a fantasy body, but I longed for a different body and used to see only my flaws and none of my attributes. Now I see my strong points and play them up, even if my style isn't everyone's cup of tea. Mandarin collars, anyone?? </p> <p>Thank you Angie and YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602725 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:17:42 +0000 Isabel 602725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, great idea. I once heard some one say that if you have a lot of clothes that don't fit your lifestyle, you should either change your clothes or your lifestyle.</p> <p>I really struggled with this when I first became a SAHM. I don't think it was so much a fantasy as a habit for me. I just didn't know how to dress differently at the time. I am usually very pragmatic so I don't have too much trouble accepting it...it was just figuring it out. I have also let go of the fact that I am no more a size 2/4 with a flat stomach and I am having fun trying out completely different silhouettes. Once I took the plunge and let go, I felt better.</p> <p>The big area for me is environment. I live in a small agricultural town and I would like to dress up a bit more sometimes but I just don't feel comfortable doing it. Ironically the cancer took care of that because now I go into Boston a few times a month and I dress a bit better for that ! Got take those opportunities. I do think that you have to take every opportunity that you can ( or create them like you said ) !! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602720 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:13:38 +0000 KikiG 602720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In looking back over my life, I'm struck by the gap between my perception of what I looked like (essentially negative and flaw-focused) and what I actually looked like, as documented in photographs (a whole lot cuter than I thought.) Logically, then, I am now likely better than I think, right? </p> <p>My goal is to do the best with what I have going on, and dress in such as way as to draw as little attention as possible to my problem areas. I think it helps that I am visual and analytical, and I enjoy making a sort of a game of it. Yes, my fantasy body is 6 inches taller and 6 inches smaller around the middle. But my actually body could be much, much, much worse, and I'm grateful I have a healthy, sound body to try to take care of and to work with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602654 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:33:00 +0000 Astrid 602654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It still happens to me when I shop, most of the time it's when I try on dresses that I know won't fit over my bum and thighs. I should be able to guess it when I see them on the hanger, but somehow it doesn't keep me from trying them on anyway. Well, obviously I don't buy them, so that's alright, even if it is a waste of time.</p> <p>All in all I learned a lot about my body shape with the help of YLF and I think I am much better at deciding whether something suits me or not and identifying the problem than in the past. </p> <p>Like Denise said, I don't feel any longer that my body is wrong when something doesn't fit, I just move on and try something else. I definitely don't have any bad feelings in the dressing room anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602644 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:52 +0000 mscooks 602644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sadly I think I'm still shopping for my fantasy body! I tend to buy things in my ideal size even though I know I should be going a size up but keep telling myself "what happens if you love it and then you lose weight and it doesn't fit anymore? better buy it in the size you'll be" Flawed thinking I know, because then it's too small for me to wear now anyway! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602637 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:26:45 +0000 Deborah 602637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once upon a time I shopped for my fantasy body and let me tell you it wasn't a good look:)</p> <p>Now I appreciate the body I have and dress it the best I can. Weight loss/maintenance is no longer an issue of vanity, it's about staying healthy and fit so I can live life to the fullest... And keep up with Master 9!</p> <p>I would like to think my fantasy body and my real life body have somehow merged into a healthy reality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602619 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:19:12 +0000 CocoLion 602619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I now actually *enjoy* working around my physical shortcomings to create a fashion-forward look. For example, I use column of color concepts to elongate my short frame and love wearing heels. I no longer wear fitted, body con dresses or tops because my abs aren't flat any more. And I am completely fine with that (e.g. I'm not going to wear Spanx). I avoid certain necklines due to my short waist and bust line. I am very accepting of myself now, even my thighs. If something doesn't look great on me, I think, I'll find something else or another way to style this trend. Not, my body is wrong. Physical acceptance was a long time coming for me, I am happy to say it is one of the benefits of aging! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602607 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:58:54 +0000 AJ 602607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never shopped for a fantasy body...I guess I'm just too practical. Oh, maybe one that could wear high heels would be the closest I can think of.</p> <p>As far as fantasy life, I used to be drawn to fancy clothes especially for fall and winter. Now I'm trying to stay focused on dressing up summer casual for my MOTG reality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602602 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:50:23 +0000 Angie 602602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woohooo, Una and Anne! Love this thread and hearing how you appreciate your fab bodies!</p> <p>*applause* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fantasy-life-vs-fantasy-body#post-602596 Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:18:20 +0000 catgirl 602596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not off-topic at all! As I'm feeling better about my weight, I'm feeling more inclined to try some fitted looks and tucking in shirts. It's good to have options. </p>