YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion Forward, 2020

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Fashion Forward, 2020 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:57:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php taylor on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089702 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 02:48:13 +0000 taylor 2089702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In love with your dreamy  garden...it’s beautiful. Suz,  you have your style and wardrobe down to a fine work of  art, just like your garden/yard.  Your purchases are well thought out and intentional...no impulsive  crazy buying going on there.  I need some more discipline. Your highlight shopping with Angie is a dream come true! Lucky girl :) LaPed on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089598 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 19:12:34 +0000 LaPed 2089598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So envious of your new climate and locale!! The garden looks gorgeous and I hope you'll start a brainstorming thread for garden gear. I hardly ever buy garden-specific clothes, apart from gloves. When it's cold, I wear old Carhartts or Mountain Khakis and Bogs boots, and when it's hot I wear demoted trail runners and Patagonia Baggies. I have so many grungy old band tees and graphic tees that I save for sentimental reasons; they no longer leave the house but make a fine gardening kit. Duluth Trading Co is worth a look if you want to build a capsule. I want their overalls! Beth Ann on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089583 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 18:05:22 +0000 Beth Ann 2089583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you are hitting your stride in your new location!  I've bought less this year, too. While I am living more sustainability it has more to do with less income and one (next year, it will be two) children in college!   I do very little thrifting.  It requires a bit time commitment and the offerings in size 14 are not encouraging.  Still, I like having a pared back wardrobe, except that it is now a crisis when a well-used wardrobe item bites the dust! I'd encourage a cargo pant for the garden -- lots of pockets are helpful!  Here's an interesting post with a link to made-for-gardening clothing.  <a rel="nofollow" href="https://homesteadwishing.com/what-to-wear-while-gardening/">https://homesteadwishing.com/w.....gardening/</a> RobinF on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089238 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 14:18:15 +0000 RobinF 2089238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great read! I love your new yard, I am not a gardener myself, hubby does that, but we have had vegetable gardens for years and do better some years than others. I like the fresh veggies but not the weeds I have spent a few days in Vancouver and loved it, so jealous of someone who gets to live there - haha! Your style works so well for you it is hard to imagine that it needs tweaking but I suppose that's how we stay current. I agree with others that "arty" might not be the right word for your style, I do like "individual" though. Hard to pinpoint I guess. The only biking advice I might have is I have seen ponchos made specifically for bikers that fit over a backpack and handlebars. I have always thought if I biked to work I would definitely need one of these! Windchime on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089224 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:59:57 +0000 Windchime 2089224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your new garden looks beautiful and lush!  This could be a joyous new hobby for you.  For what it’s worth, my gardening capsule consists of jeans and long and short sleeved tee shirts, all of which have been demoted from other capsules.  I get really dirty when I’m gardening, and it’s not uncommon for a shirt to get snagged and torn.  Your idea to buy excellent, sturdy footwear is a wise one; you’ll do a lot of walking as you garden. Get sturdy gardening gloves, too; I quickly wear holes into those thin ones.  :) Suz on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089169 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 04:59:46 +0000 Suz 2089169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YES, we are west-coasters. We sold our Ontario house in the summer and moved the furniture into storage. Bought the Victoria house in the fall but have to wait to move there until our teen has finished their year at school. I have a BC health card and driver's licence and I am paying taxes so I guess that means I live here for real! :)  Jenn- to your point -- my wardrobe feels pretty good for this climate. I think I was always trying to dress for this weather, ha!! In all seriousness...I will probably pare back a bit on high summer and deep winter items over time (but no huge rush...just as things wear out) and I doubt if I will be buying a puffer for -40C again any time soon....but apart from that I do not feel any need to make major changes (or purchases) apart from dedicated capsules.  Shevia...that is interesting info re second hand clothing. I will take it under consideration. And YES -- avant garde intellectual sounds much more "me" than arty. Hmmm. I will have to hunt down that book!! Thank you!  I have always had a love-hate relationship with gardening. As a kid, it was pure love. I had a backyard plot of herbs and veggies and adored tending it. I also liked my little pot gardens when I lived in apartments. But when we moved to a larger house with an extremely overgrown garden in Kingston, I was stymied and stumped; it didn't help that Mr. Suz and I disagreed about what to do and a neighbour constantly came over the fence to criticize and carp at me. I was working full time AND trying to write full time and had 3 step-kids and then a baby...I couldn't manage a big, messy, overgrown garden and had zero interest in trying. Our next house had a smaller patio garden and I liked that -- but when my mother got ill and I had to travel all the time to see her, I hired someone to help me, which was the best decision ever.  We have built in irrigation here. I'll have to weed, as people have pointed out (if I can figure out what the weeds are...) and someone else will cut the grass until I can get rid of it. I loathe lawns for all kinds of reasons, plus I am allergic. Will be looking for some native ground cover instead for the long run.  Jaime on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020/page/2#post-2089140 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:43:02 +0000 Jaime 2089140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh wow! So many thoughts. Ok, first off, like Jenn I want to know if this move means you are sticking around Canada's west coat. Second, we have a very small garden that was planted by the previous owners of our house, and as much as I enjoy looking and being in it (when there are no mosquitoes around) I don't like to garden and don't. I just thought I should put that out there.  Third, regarding wearing second hand I will wear anything that looks like it is in decent condition except underwear (including bras, socks, etc.). My attitude was partially formed by an unfortunate (for other reasons) association with someone in the "shmatta" trade. The chemicals on your new t-shirt are pretty scary. Things close to the body can be washed - it is actually jackets and coats that are trickier because they need to be dry cleaned usually. This is not to change your mind! Just another bit to think about. E-bikes are incredibly popular here, only rivaled by e-scooters which are available in Tel Aviv to rent and leave everywhere. (Regular bikes too.) Enjoy the e-bike lifestyle and wear a helmet! And now, your actual style post. Your style has just been on an incredible upward trend, and I think living in a more wardrobe friendly climate has really added the icing to the cake of your style. I don't know if you are looking for arty - I appreciate arty like Dayle's style the recent blogger Inge featured, but it is not exactly how I see you (or me for that matter). A long time ago Trinny and Susannah put out a book called "who do you want to be today", which I loved. This was probably ten years ago and it really helped me understand a lot of vocabulary and designers that I was clueless about. Anyway, I believe Avant Garde Intellectual was one category. Again, just a thought! Ok, this is more than long enough! Last thought: absolutely love the photo of you, Angie and Anna! Jenn on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089135 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 03:08:08 +0000 Jenn 2089135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Exciting times, Suz! Does this mean your westward move is permanent? Or at least longer-term? Are you all set, wardrobe-wise, for a longer stay in that milder climate? Love the local designer pieces you picked (and thanks for including sizing info!) I'm excited about your sustainability goals and the tweaks to your style persona. Can't wait to see how that plays out in your wardrobe over the next year. As for gardening, I can't say I miss keeping up a yard, but you may find that gardening is the type of work that allows your writing brain some space to stretch.  It's sort of like Agatha Christie and her dishwashing. The tasks don't take much mental power, so your mind is free to roam. Suz on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089130 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 02:44:38 +0000 Suz 2089130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Bijou, MR. Suz has a pair of those -- from the 80s!!! I think maybe I need some, too. :)  Such great ideas, everyone-- thank you! Back to comment more after supper. Bijou on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089122 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 01:41:24 +0000 Bijou 2089122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ With a fab garden like that, I would buy some Hunter wellies. I have always loved this look on Princess Diana, her outfit from the 1980's still looks good today. Anonymous on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089114 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 00:31:59 +0000 Anonymous 2089114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, your posts are always special. Gardening... I love classic Crocs. They are washable, waterproof and cover the feet to give some protection yet cool when it is hot out. Your garden looks ready made but will need weeding. My most successful way is to have some loose clothes with coverage to pull on first thing in the morning, and go out to wander about spending 15-20 minutes weeding. Then stop and come in and shower. If you have mosquitos, tick and such, you need a good insect repellent and will be ready to shower and get it off when you come in. Getting started in a different climate is difficult. Look at what you like that your neighbors are growing. A gardening neighbor told me to notice even what side of the house plants are growing on, that each side of our houses is a different microclimate. She is right. Classically Casual on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089111 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 00:06:03 +0000 Classically Casual 2089111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Regarding the gardening capsule, I second the advice already given with a tweak or two.  We’re both in the PNW, and slip on WATER PROOF shoes are a necessity 3 seasons of the year.  There’s gardening to be done even in the winter. I personally have a leopard pair of Crocs which are serving me well, and keep my feet dry.  When conditions are really soggy I use rubber boots (also leopard). For me winter gardening entails a base layer, hooded sweatshirt, and a warm, durable vest on top. Plus a hat. Nothing snaggable.  I don’t garden in persistent rain. Many gardening tasks are repetitive and basically boring. You may be able to create mentally while gardening in the fresh air surrounded by nature. Glory on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089093 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 22:25:25 +0000 Glory 2089093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz I have an e bike which I purchased about one year ago. Happy to share information on it. I absolutely love it. I had such a hard recovery from ACL reconstruction it was my saving grace. Angie on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089080 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 20:17:56 +0000 Angie 2089080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The best NAS EVER! Because Suz and I shopped together and had a much needed mutual therapeutic ball. It must become a regular thing :) KILLER new garden. WOW!  And onto the analysis:  *APPLAUSE* As I said to Staysfit on her thread: Unless you rent your entire wardrobe - which has its major drawbacks - there is no easy way out, shortcut, or free lunch to successfully building a fab-for-you wardrobe and style. You put in the work, and reap the reward. WELL DONE!  I'm smiling at your new dedicated garden and biking capsules. YAY.  You have never looked better, and are in the BEST place with your style. Rock on :) smittie on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089066 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 19:54:41 +0000 smittie 2089066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am SO looking forward to your gardening capsule!!  Hello sunhats!  Anonymous on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089049 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:58:05 +0000 Anonymous 2089049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ear warmers for the biking! I went out biking on Christmas day at 50ish degrees, and my ears were Freezing! Looking forward to the arty style Suz on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089048 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:57:46 +0000 Suz 2089048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Liesbeth, thank you! This is exactly the info I need!  Yes, e-bikes are becoming very common here. I live a literal hop from two of the most extensive bike trail systems in Canada. People use their bikes all year here and because the area is mountainous (or at least hilly), e-bikes are becoming quite popular.  I'll only commute to an actual office or teaching situation occasionally-- more of my rides will be recreational/ to visit friends/ go to an event etc. in town.  That's a really good point about needing less insulation against cold and more against wind-- I will keep that in mind! Also, the purse situation -- excellent point! I was thinking I might get paniers but I'm not entirely sure. A bag to hold my bag might be a better solution.  Sal, if you visit the city, you are MOST welcome and please let me know if you do! Maybe we could go on a thrift hunt together since we clearly prefer the same items second hand. :)  Liesbeth on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089043 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:43:20 +0000 Liesbeth 2089043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great plan for this year! I love to chime in with ideas for adapting your style to a bike commute as I did the same last year ;). As an aside: here in Belgium-Antwerp (where all the economic centres are pretty close to another when compared to Northern America), e-bikes have become pretty common over the last five years or so. Same where you live or are you an exception? Anyways, the most important things for me were: - change in outerwear: unbuttoned jackets lost against zip-up coats with at least some rain resistance; at the same time I wear lighter coats now: wind resistance is more important than padding to me as I generate quite a bit of heat myself when cycling - I’m choosing trousers over skirts & dressesmore often, and have reached for my tall boots when I did wear a skirt: I find my legs/ankles too cold otherwise - a practical bag (or special bike bags to store your usual bag in) is required so as not to have purses flying about, but I’m sure you knew as much cause it counts double with a fast e-bike! - OR you could go so far as to wear cycling shorts and change at work Sal on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089042 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:42:15 +0000 Sal 2089042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your thoughts Suz! And what a stunning garden. I wear mostly old gear or denim for gardening with hats and gloves. What a fun new hobby - it is very rewarding and also good to have a physical hobby for those of us who work at a desk or creatively. Gardening gives us time to ponder and think while we work. I loved Victoria on my visit and may have reason to visit again - I hope so!! Your shopping goals are very similar to mine - which I am yet to write about. A mix of second hand and new additions. I don’t really look for gear or shoes second hand and won’t. I find jackets dresses and bags the easiest best choices. But I do want to support local retailers in my city. I wondered about artisan, sophisticated, creative or avant- garde as possible descriptors? Not sure they are quite right though. Suz on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089041 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:21:49 +0000 Suz 2089041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisa, what a great word -- "cerebral." I think you are getting at something there. Comrags has an interesting aesthetic because it combines retro elements with architectural Japanese-influenced elements -- quite an unusual combination, now that I think of it, and you're exactly right -- it takes thought, both to design it and to "place" the clothing mentally, in a way. Hmmm. Much to ponder there. Maybe "cerebral" is what I'm after. I like that word, at any rate. Thank you.  Janet, yes, I saw that article and laughed! My climate will be warmer than most of England's and not quite as wet except for a few months a year. It's warm and very dry here for four months a year, and cool and wet for about four; in between for the rest.  rachylou on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089038 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:47:38 +0000 rachylou 2089038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous garden!! JAileen on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089034 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:34:27 +0000 JAileen 2089034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your posts are so interesting to read.  I admire people who think out their plans.  I’m more impulsive.  I hope to change that this year. <div>In Inge’s links post, Vildy linked to an article about gardening clothes. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-post-your-bi-weekly-links-here-80">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....ks-here-80</a> I had to laugh, though, because our climate is so different from the author’s.  I definitely need a big brimmed hat, and most certainly wear shorts.  Maybe BC is like England in that respect.  It was interesting, anyway.<div> </div></div> Anonymous on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089031 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:16:39 +0000 Anonymous 2089031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gosh Suz, the yard is stunning ! I’m so jealous ! Anyways , I think I understand your bit of hesitance using the word ‘arty’. Comrags , for example , is less arty than “ cerebral “ - if that makes any sense ? More sophisticated in a sense too ? Anyways ....back to work I need to go - have a great day Suz on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089027 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 16:51:14 +0000 Suz 2089027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for your helpful comments!  A bit more on the garden: it is mostly ornamental but we also have lots of herbs, a few fruit trees, and a few vegetables. It is a well established, mature garden. It is set on the edge of a small ravine and backed by a small strip of land that can't be developed due to the slope and the presence of protected species (mostly Garry Oak). I'll start a separate thread on it in the spring in off-topic, but a few photos below.   For now, I am hearing: sunscreen, hat, on-off footwear for quick ins/outs. And see how I do with my demoted regular clothing. I will try. :) Laura, thanks! E-bikes can I think be fun once you get used to the extra weight. Hmmm. Now I am not so sure about the "arty" descriptor -- when I looked at Artful Home's clothes, some were sort of what I might think of, but most were not. The loose, drapey, Eileen Fisher-esque styles do appeal to a part of me -- but always on other people, never on me. So i might have to come up with a better descriptor that truly encapsulates my vision. Maybe that will be easier once I find a few pieces that exemplify my idea!  Murph, what a lovely thing to say -- thank you! And YES! Buchart Gardens is pretty close to where we live and I'm sure there will be inspiration there!  TG, we don't have Style Encore in BC but we do have a chain called Turnabout which is pretty good.  Carla, I know you are a garden expert. I will be sure to turn to you with questions!  Cardiff Girl -- covering the arms and legs is going to be key, I think -- there are a lot of brambles and vines in the back part of the garden that may need taming before they tame me! I think for me "function" will equal "style" in the garden -- the practical side of my style will rule!  Bijou, I really like that attitude -- by buying new (as you can) you are creating joy for others in the long term! It makes sense to me. That's why I'm not going to beat myself up if I can't find what I want at consignment. I'll just be mindful of how much I'm purchasing in that case.  Rachy -- really good distinction between ornamental and veggie -- two entirely different types of work and garden visit! Thank you. I also love those rubberized gloves, I know from experience. Fabulous.  Laura on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089014 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 15:00:52 +0000 Laura 2089014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ An e-bike! How fun! We rented e-bikes during a summer vacation this year and had the best time zipping around town. I also really like your move to "arty" dressing. When I think of arty dressing, I think of Artful Home, which is such an inspiration to me. Happy 2020 to you! Murph11 on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089012 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 14:08:10 +0000 Murph11 2089012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Loved reading your 2020 thoughts here, Suz. I never skip your beautiful posts for fear of missing helpful insights. Victoria is wonderful and we visit every few years. You have Butchart Gardens for all the inspo you need year-round! We visited in late September, in light rain, and had the place to ourselves. So breathtaking! Helena on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2089005 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 13:47:17 +0000 Helena 2089005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, these sound like perfect goals; as usual, your focus and progression is an inspiration! Two things: do you have the store Style Encore in Vancouver? It's a used clothing store I was told about this year where you can buy and sell. They are extremely picky about what they accept and many items are new with tags on (and many are high end). I also get the heeby-jeebies with thrift, but I would wear anything at this store. Plus, because you take such good care of your clothes, you may be able to sell pieces. Just a suggestion; it's on my list to make that my 'first resort' this year. Re the garden - I am not a good gardener, so we had landscapers plant low maintenance plants that thrive on local conditions and neglect The nice thing is, when I'm inspired, I can get in there to weed and tend, but everything does fine if I don't (not to mention they don't need an excess of water to survive, which is good when summer is dry) ... And everything survives fine when we go away. I'm sure your west coast climate would allow you to do the same with an even nicer assortment of plants. Anyways, something to consider. Enjoy it! Carla on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2088982 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 11:29:03 +0000 Carla 2088982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I should comment on the fashion part of your post, but I’m distracted by mention of your future garden!</div><div> </div><div>Congratulations, Suz!  Gloves, a hat, and a bottle of sunscreen are de rigeur.  The rest can probably be sourced from older clothes you are thinking of demoting or from thrift.  I picked up a pair of Gap chinos this summer ($3) for the express purpose of gardening, but I often wear jeans or shorts from my ‘regular’ clothes, and a light weight t-shirt with long sleeves - for sun protection.  Sneakers are fine for light gardening/weeding, but demoted hiking boots for digging or heavy work.   </div><div> </div><div> <div> </div></div> Cardiff girl on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2088971 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 09:22:51 +0000 Cardiff girl 2088971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yay for the gardening ,l love it and hope that you find pleasure in it too.lm afraid that my gardening clothes are practical and not at all stylish but then I do not think about what I am wearing when I am outside gardening as long as I am warm  enough.The 2most important things are footwear and decent gardening gloves,then a good pair of secateurs!Then I cover my arms and legs so I don’t get bitten or scratched when I head off into the borders!l look forward to seeing the fruits of your efforts. Bijou on "Fashion Forward, 2020" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/fashion-forward-2020#post-2088970 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 06:48:45 +0000 Bijou 2088970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, your posts are always a treat. Shopping local is a goal for me. As is shopping less and shopping better quality. As for using my gear more, that is definitely a 2020 goal for me too. Thrift and consignment shopping is tough in my city, as I live in a city with many students who seem to swoop down and get all the great stuff very quickly. I figure that I have a bigger shopping budget, so it is better that they get the great buys rather than me. Lucky you updating your occasion wear capsule, that is always one of my favourite capsules to update.