YouLookFab Forum » Topic: First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:41:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Style Fan on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041617 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:36:24 +0000 Style Fan 2041617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, it does seem that a new bag might be just the thing.  I am not a bag person but I do love vintage bags.  I have a vintage coach bag and they are beautiful.   Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041410 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 11:29:10 +0000 Anonymous 2041410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz --- In my current wardrobe I literally only own one single clothing item in fuchsia!  This is an extraordinary development.  I am actively searching to add fuchsia back in, but have had trouble finding the exact color I like.  I am currently wearing my fuchsia bags with yellow tops and pink pearls (part of Sal's Challenge).  It seems to work.   I will reach out to you if I ever get tired of my Rebecca Minkoff bags.   Nice to see you.   Hope all is well with you and your Family.   Suz on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041276 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 22:40:07 +0000 Suz 2041276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am really late to comment here but first off, I think you deserve to shop for some more bags! :)  ESPECIALLY now that your beloved briefcases have found a new home. How kind of you to offer them up.  I also love Chris's idea of adding a light scarf to "lighten up" the fuchsia bags.You could also get something like a top in a predominantly light pattern that includes some fuchsia.  Of course, you know I am in favour if fuchsia!  :)  And if you get tired of any of your Minkoff bags, just give me a whistle! :)  ophelia on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041204 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 17:48:06 +0000 ophelia 2041204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling and Sal, thank you both so much for your kind and thoughtful responses! Sadly, however, I post from an iphone and haven't figured out how to put members' names in bold. : ) Sterling, I may take you up on your offer, thank you! I can imagine you are a good listener as your threads and responses are always interesting, articulate, and display an interest in and a depth of understanding of the language of clothes, image and presentation. I don't post often--my phone's tiny keyboard keeps me brief--but I always read your threads and they are among my favorites. Sal, I have been startled by how harsh optic white is on me. I found Joy's comment helpful as well. I'm one of the lucky ones (ha) whose mother had to take tetracycline when she was pregnant with me, and I took loads of it as a baby. This gives my teeth a slight but permanent grayish cast. Perhaps that will be my new white, lol. I find optic white looks harsh against my skin as well. I do love all the off whites, and they seem easier to wear with my skintone. Some carry optic white off beautifully though. Angie does, and my mom loved it and wore it beautifully. I may get around to posting pics! I tried recently to get an opinion on the back view of a pair of pants--there is sometimes an unpleasant surprise laying in wait back there--but for the life of me I couldn't get the angle right. Thanks again to both of you for your warm responses, and congratulations to Sterling for passing on the two briefcases (although I would understand if you didn't!). Just think how overjoyed your friend's daughter will feel! Jenni NZ on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041077 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:09:13 +0000 Jenni NZ 2041077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Sterling that’s great about the briefcases! Happy ending! Sal on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041036 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:42:03 +0000 Sal 2041036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling - how kind of you!!  What a lovely gesture. Interesting re the white comment by Joy.  I could see this being part of the reason.  I try to stick to off whites and ivories - bone can work too.  Optic white does the skin on my face no favours at all. Ophelia - I am glad you posted.  Aging can be hard on us and the emotions that go along with it are a challenge.  The forum can help - some people don't like to show pics but even finds or photos of clothing can assist.  I also love brown and black together!! Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041026 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:16:13 +0000 Anonymous 2041026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy -- Your friend that says your whites should never be whiter than your teeth is correct.  I drink a lot of coffee.  My beloved coffee has stained my teeth and no amount of whitening will bring back the luster.  I admit to wearing optic whites and it does look wrong.  Just this year I started by off white and it looks better.  I will look into the Eileen Fisher bone too.   Suntiger -- Never! Angie -- I found a home for my Coach briefcases today.  I am giving them to the daughter of a good friend.  The Mother was thrilled.  We just have to connect so that I can pass them on.  I do this with no regret.  I thought I would grieve deeply.  Nope.  I am fine as long as I know they are going to a good home.   Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2041021 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:09:28 +0000 Anonymous 2041021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ophelia -- I am so glad you opted to join in this conversation.  I am genuinely sorry that the lighter, carefree person that you used to be has passed on due to life circumstances.  I recognize how hard life can be. It takes its toll on all of us.   I wish you good luck as you decide how to present yourself to the world in terms of clothing, makeup, and hair.  If you ever need to talk ... about anything .... please send me a private message.  I am a good listener.  Best wishes.  ophelia on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040924 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 16:52:54 +0000 ophelia 2040924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, Thank you for your good wishes on my edit. I am a reluctant editor. I *love* navy and black together. I also like brown and black together. The goal of being serious about my intent in life is one I hadn't thought about, and since your post have been giving it a lot of thought. It is one I should have focused on long ago. I realize I wasn't clear about wanting a wardrobe that "screams serious" as I didn't want to derail the thread. It's more that my life, and subsequently I, have become so serious, after a series of events. The lighter, carefree person I was has passed on. There's also that tricky matter of age. One member put it amusingly as "young dress, old face." Of course I loved that dress too...But I am finding that my prior style looks too young on me. It's more about the way I have aged than the age itself, if that makes any sense at all. I'm finding both clothes and cosmetics and hair very challenging right now. It took me days to figure out how to articulate my response, but at least this thread has got me thinking! Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040869 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 11:32:53 +0000 Anonymous 2040869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sounds like you have a good plan going forward, and love your fuschia bag especially! Next the "utilitarian" shoes? Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040849 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 05:18:24 +0000 Anonymous 2040849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I just saw your response to my reply. I love flax, especially with black and even greys and white. If you decide white is your summer neutral, note that there are many shades of white. Pick your best shade for most of your items but mixes of different whites are good too. My best white is EF bone, a very pale grey-white. I tried to make ivory work, then optic white, but they were just wrong. I good friend really believes that one should never wear a white that is whiter than your teeth, or the whites of your eyes. I don’t know if this is correct but I can understand the wisdom. Angie on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040555 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 19:19:24 +0000 Angie 2040555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Holding zone is fine. Keeping them in a sentimental place is great too. Just don't let the bags that don't work mess with the capsule of bags that do work.  Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040544 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 19:05:21 +0000 Anonymous 2040544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie -- GASP.  I think what I can do is remove them from my working wardrobe for the time being.  I can't purge them at this time due to sheer sentimentality.  They need to go to the best home possible.  I want someone else to love and respect them the way I did.   Angie on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040537 Sat, 06 Jul 2019 18:52:07 +0000 Angie 2040537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YAY. You are evolving, assessing and listening to your feelings, Sterling. The evolution is natural, and you're free to pander to your changing needs and preferences as little or as much as you want. I vote edit at least four of the bags.  FWIW: I feel AS serious, level-headed, calm, powerful and authoritative in dark neutrals, and I do in whites, pastels and brights because my attitude is the same, and the pieces exude the same level of polish, dressiness and structure. It's not a colour thing - it's the sum of its parts thing.  Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge/page/2#post-2040285 Fri, 05 Jul 2019 11:42:02 +0000 Anonymous 2040285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting, Ophelia.  If I understand you correctly, you are purposely working on your wardrobe to send the message that you are serious about your intent in life.  Congratulations.  That is an admirable goal.   I feel certain that dark colors DO send that message.  I personally have found that black bottoms combined with a rich dark navy top are one of my favorite "going to meeting" ensembles.  I developed two other work microcapsules that are significantly lighter.  I always feel appropriate in them, but I am trying to think if I feel as serious in them.   I think you can project the same degree of seriousness using the right pieces.  I am guessing that would incorporate classic lines and structure.  Best wishes on your wardrobe edit.   ophelia on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040211 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 23:50:20 +0000 ophelia 2040211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "My wardrobe is SO DARK. Everything screams serious." Ooh that gave me my own "lightbulb moment." I'm in the midst of a massive (for me) wardrobe edit, and that's exactly where I'm trying to go. I appreciate the "verbal shortcut" your sentence provides. Some dark colors look harsh on certain people; I'm trying to figure out if light colors can "scream serious" too. Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040181 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:27:23 +0000 Anonymous 2040181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is so well said, JenniNZ.  I will think long and hard on what you wrote.  You are right.  That woman was 20 years younger and had a lot to prove to herself.  You do have a sentimental streak that is wide and deep.  I never thought I did ...... and I guess I don't unless we are talking about purses.  Then something happens to me and I get all emotional.   Jenni NZ on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040174 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:11:17 +0000 Jenni NZ 2040174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my enormous culling of items from our home of 27 years in the past 12 months ( 7 months in the new home and 5 -at least- in prep while it got built behind us) I have edited out a number of things that meant a lot to me. Lisap put it very well in another thread that I have “a wide and strong sentimental streak that trips (me) up at times”. It has been quite emotionally instructive. I am by no means suggesting that you should get rid of the Coach briefcases if you have room to store them. But the woman who made those gains in her career made those gains a long time ago. I am just clearing my doctor’s surgery as well, of old textbooks at present. What I learned from them is now incorporated in my head and my whole professional persona. I guess eventually the achievements those bags represent to you may be carried with you in a more internal way, is what I’m trying ( not very well) to say. I love the fuchsia bags and hope you may fall back in love with them! Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040172 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:09:32 +0000 Anonymous 2040172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Already moved the briefcases out of Style Book and my spreadsheets, Delurked.  They are still stored in the same closet so not out of sight. Thank you so much, ChrisM.  Your idea of small colorful scarfs is brilliant!!!  That will add so much color to my wardrobe!!!  I had not thought of looking for thrifted scarfs.  I'll make it a point to consider them in the very near future.  Maybe I'll get lucky.  If the scarfs are cheap enough I could own a handful of different colors.   Sal -- I am so glad you saw this thread and had time to read it.  This is not the first time you imagined a challenge that rocked my tiny fashion world.  I will say this was one was particularly interesting to me.  I knew I had to join when I kept thinking about it long after I read your original post.  I am excited to see what develops at the end of summer.  Thank you for your creativity.   Thank you, BJ1111.   bj1111 on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040170 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:08:14 +0000 bj1111 2040170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So many good lessons... Sal on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040169 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 20:06:10 +0000 Sal 2040169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am glad that you are enjoying the challenge Sterling. I think your approach of seeing where the gap is and shopping for it is exactly right. I used to have a briefcase for work and Jon had a range from leather to hard shell ( like luggage). I think now it is either backpacks or totes or messenger bags- must check what my BIL takes as he is a partner in a large CA firm. I love the idea of a pale blue tote for you and maybe even for me:) ChrisM on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040165 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:59:09 +0000 ChrisM 2040165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a great thread - so very thoughtful - and thought provoking! And - your collection is lovely. Re: bags that feel too “dark” - what about a small silk scarf tied to the handle of your bags to infuse a little color? I’ve thrifted a couple of small scarves that are a bit too small for much more than this and they give me the little jolt of color where I need it. Following along on your journey of discovery... delurked on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040156 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 19:07:32 +0000 delurked 2040156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nothing wrong with not getting rid of the coach bags (briefcases). But if they’re not part of a handbag rotation, maybe consider them excluded from your count. Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040154 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:26:12 +0000 Anonymous 2040154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree, Delurked.  And it has been kinda fun to shop to my heart's content, knowing that I am not yet ready to buy anything.   Oh, I might not have told anyone.  I bought this bag in navy.  It is still enroute.  It should arrive tomorrow.  New shape for me.  I am pretty excited.   I know that multiple people commented on bags that close for security reasons.  I am one of those individuals, but after having carried my Longchamp bags for a long time without any mishaps, I am less strict about bag closures.   delurked on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040150 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:21:12 +0000 delurked 2040150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I understand not adding right now. Looking at what you’re drawn to over the next month is good research for any future purchase. Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040149 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:19:26 +0000 Anonymous 2040149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes.  I am definitely having my estate ship all my bags to you, Jaileen.  You are the only one on Earth that will truly love them.   I will never purge my Coach bags!  Fist raised to the Heavens.  NEVER! Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040148 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:16:30 +0000 Anonymous 2040148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had to go look up "prescient," LisaP!  Thank you for your comment.   We are in agreement, but there is a caveat.  Whenever people get too comfortable, there is an external pressure to change things up to "avoid getting stale."  I know what works for me.  Yet I feel external pressures to try new things.  I need to learn to tune that external voice out.  Or at least turn down the volume.   JAileen on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040147 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 18:13:04 +0000 JAileen 2040147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My main neutrals used to be brown and tan. It wasn’t until I went grey that my neutrals became grey and blue. The vast majority of the Coach bags I have are thrifted, and so they are brown and black, because that’s what I found. I made a concerted effort to find grey Coach bags, and now have several. I also have several blue/navy ones. I have given some of them away, but it’s very difficult for me. I know you understand. I try to use them from time to time. For instance, I have a mustard bag, and I like it with grey and also blue. I also added mustard/dark yellow shoes and scarves. Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040138 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 17:56:15 +0000 Anonymous 2040138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ "Hi Smittie -- You make the point that I should not veer too far from my successful formula as long as my life stye remains constant. " This is the most prescient comment of the day, and one we can all use when thinking about what we want to wear, or when we get bored with a look.  The wheel does not need reinventing all the time. This sentence makes so much sense to me in my own struggle with dresses this season. Anonymous on "First Glimpse of Reality from Sal's Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-glimpse-of-reality-from-sals-challenge#post-2040135 Thu, 04 Jul 2019 17:54:13 +0000 Anonymous 2040135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jaileen -- You and I share the love for older Coach bags. I knew you were a collector.  I always assumed that if I died before you, I would have my estate ship you all my bags.  I did not realize your bags were brown until this very moment.  So how do you keep your Coach bags.  Do you keep them in your working wardrobe?  Do you keep them in a special, sentimental place?  You of all people know that I will never be able to purge my bags.