https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 23:03:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971854 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 11:31:31 +0000 Deborah 971854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really appreciate reading your thought process. I think your formula makes sense and works beautifully for you. Each of these outfits is really quite stunning and I love how you look with your hair pulled back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971794 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 04:47:01 +0000 Adelfa 971794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's quite unnecessary to be apologetic about doing prints well! I agree with those who are saying that prints are especially important in the summer. Like Una I usually like my prints on the bottom. Your print outfits look wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971758 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 03:09:33 +0000 Ornella 971758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the thought put into all these and it's always so&nbsp;fantastic to see the evolution of an outfit. </p> </p> <p>I agree with your&nbsp;assessment&nbsp;about patterned tops.</p> </p> <p>For solids, I'd say start with the colors - and styles -&nbsp;that you know work for you. Get one or two pieces that fit the criteria&nbsp;and the magic will unfold as it always does when we wear the things we love.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971750 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:52:49 +0000 Beth Ann 971750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm avoiding doing a despised task -- coloring my hair.&nbsp; But, after reading Diane G.'s thread about highlighting your best bits, I decided I needed to spend a little more effort to maintain shine and fresh color so ....... well.....in a few minutes.&nbsp; lol.</p> <p>Thanks Suz and Shannon for coming alongside with suggestions and affirmation.&nbsp; I like the patterned tops, and I seem to do well with color, too, but I fear that "Chicostastic" creep that Mary K.&nbsp; talks about!&nbsp; Sometimes another set of eyes can be so helpful!</p> <p>Suz:&nbsp; I will try color blocking. I have the elements, although I'm short on solid tops, particularly wovens.&nbsp; Actually, part of this is due to running warm.&nbsp; I hate pit stains in silk tops.&nbsp; Even when I'm teaching in A/C, I have the same sort adrenaline in the studio that I get going when I sing.&nbsp; I don't sweat a whole lot, but enough to make not want to raise my arms.&nbsp; Georgette is my friend --- the subtle sheerness makes all the difference!</p> <p>Shannon:&nbsp; You're right about patterns being a little helpful camouflage, particularly in knitwear!</p> <p>Denise:&nbsp; Thanks for the feedback on the hairstyle.&nbsp; I find pulling one's hair back at this stage in life is a bit tricky -- things need to be simpler and sleeker now!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971739 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:39:50 +0000 amiable 971739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look perfectly amazing in all of these! &nbsp;Way to go with your summer wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971736 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:33:03 +0000 Sarah A 971736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These look great! The patterned tops really work so I dont think I'd be worried that you are relying on them overmuch. Love the skirt to jeans transformation. You look amazing in the white bottoms as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971720 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:15:41 +0000 Transcona Shannon 971720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a HUGE fan of patterned tops, for all seasons. Because I tend to wear solid bottoms, I find a patterned top can give an outfit more visual interest, particularly if I'm not wearing jewelry or other accessories.</p> <p>And from a purely practical point of view, I find patterned tops hide more of my wobbly bits and drops of coffee or anything else I might spill!</p> <p>I think these outfits are positively beautiful on you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971707 Sat, 06 Jul 2013 02:01:40 +0000 Suz 971707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I came back because I wanted to talk about the patterned top thing.&nbsp;</p> <p>Back in May, when I was beginning to contemplate my spring/ summer wardrobe, I posted a whole lot of potential outfit pics, despairing because the top/ shorts/ shoes or top/ skirt/ shoes or dress/ shoes outfits just felt so <b>BORING</b> and ill-considered or maybe thrown together...in other words, frumpy.&nbsp;</p> <p>So Claire came on and suggested to me that perhaps i might consider looking at some tops that had <b>PATTERN.</b>&nbsp;</p> <p>Now, you know, Claire is hardly a busy-busy ALGO kind of girl. So when <b>she</b> said the word "pattern" I was forced to prick up my ears and listen.&nbsp;</p> <p>Her theory was that tops with a pattern really helped the simple summer outfits to feel like <b>outfits</b>, vs. random tops and bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I must admit, I think she has a point. I promptly went out and bought a couple of patterned tops and I do find that these create a bit of an actual "outfit" effect.&nbsp;</p> <p>Long winded way of saying, I don't think it is wrong of you to rely on a few patterned tops, especially in summer. If it works, why quibble about it?&nbsp;</p> <p>Another trick I learned from Gaylene but am only really beginning to exploit. It is an obvious one, but worth remembering. Summer colour blocking.&nbsp;</p> <p>Okay, so I am a few seasons behind the times. It may not be "of the moment" but it is not passé, and even if it is, I don't care, because wow, for summer outfits, it is the bomb!&nbsp;</p> <p>Witness image below. The ingredients: bright bag (I know you have one). Top, bottom, shoes. And a cuff that incorporates all the colours.&nbsp;Bingo -- even with solids. I think this type of outfit would work really well for you. Not necessarily the specific pieces...it could be a skirt, or a different style top. But you get the idea. In general, it would work with your elegant, 40s inspired looks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971637 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:24:33 +0000 Caro in Oz 971637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great looks -the white jeans are fantastic on you </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971627 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:09:37 +0000 rachylou 971627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The tops are great. I like the shape a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971626 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:06:22 +0000 Isis 971626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these!&nbsp; #1 and #3 are totally casual professional, perfect!&nbsp; And #1 transitions so well into the casual #2.&nbsp; Well done!</p> <p>I like patterned tops in the summer----way to build interest without adding a layer when it's too hot too layer.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971606 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 22:29:01 +0000 Nicole D 971606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice formula. &nbsp;I love the versatility of the top. &nbsp;That skirt sounds like a comfy piece and it looks really good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971600 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 22:18:32 +0000 catgirl 971600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is a fab formula and you shouldn't worry about "too much" if it works for you. Clearly patterned tops are a no brainer for you. I like having pattern on my bottom half and solid on top. Either way, it works, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971598 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 22:15:29 +0000 Angie 971598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super duper! I say KILLER all round, and perfect switcheroo! You are magnificent in your white jeans. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971585 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 22:01:27 +0000 Beth Ann 971585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the encouragement.&nbsp; If my goal was to win a style award, I'd go for really dressy any day, this "middle of the road" dressing is tougher, particularly in Summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971579 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:53:20 +0000 Suz 971579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I love these, Beth Ann, particularly 1 and 3. You look just sensational in the blue and white (I know you are vying with me for the cobalt-lovers award on YLF) and the Loft top is such a great unstructured structure piece and de-bombshells the pencil beautifully.&nbsp;</p> <p>What you say about the teaching at home looks makes perfect sense, and I think you have nailed it!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971575 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:42:14 +0000 DonnaF 971575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My super favorite is #3 because it looks so summery crisp and you really rock those white jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971570 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:37:20 +0000 Anonymous 971570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I love 3! I think you have done a really great job of looking casual but still professional! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971555 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:09:41 +0000 merwoman 971555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous looks - in particular I love number 3,&nbsp;&nbsp;you look so fresh in it.&nbsp; I like that the tops take centre stage, with "support" from the rest of the cast members. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971552 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 21:02:06 +0000 CocoLion 971552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love seeing your progression -- all versions are chic and I love your hair pulled back. &nbsp;But then again, you look good with any hairstyle with your symmetrical pretty features! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ffbo----the-switcheroo#post-971545 Fri, 05 Jul 2013 20:55:02 +0000 Beth Ann 971545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In Summer, I'm off from my University teaching job, but I do teach about a dozen voice students from my home.&nbsp; I teach in blocks of 2-3 hours, spaced throughout the week.&nbsp; This means, I go from a morning run or ride, to teaching, to housework or grocery shopping, etc.&nbsp; </p> <p>For home "work" I opt for a slightly more casual look than the University, but I do want to avoid looking like a "Mom," particularly because my children are in the home, and my students get to see my "family" side.&nbsp; I avoid blue jeans, except when worn with jackets.</p> <p>These are a few FFBO outfits for my Summer work schedule.&nbsp; </p> <p>1:&nbsp; Loft Outlet top, Kohl's skirt (drawstring, t-shirt knit, with pockets, and very versatile), new crazy shoes from DSW.<br />2:&nbsp; Apres teaching:&nbsp; switched out the skirt for bf's, cons, and cool shades<br />3.&nbsp; Top, Apt. 9, Kohls.&nbsp; White jeans, metallic sandals (now donated and replaced) and a white/black enamel bracelet.</p> <p>I seem to be using heavily patterned tops as a quick way of building interest.&nbsp; I think this is a viable formula, but I don't want to go overboard, particularly with such unstructured shapes.&nbsp; I'd like to have equal skill with solids!</p> <p> </p>