https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 11:31:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1766632 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:56:51 +0000 Angie 1766632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wooohoooo.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1766607 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 19:07:01 +0000 Chris987 1766607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Momo, Summer, Sterling, Diane, RobinF, and Elle! </p> <p>Angie I''ll take some photos of my wool coats soon. They are stored on a different floor from where I usually take my photos so I have to remember to do it. Thanks for suggesting the BR fur scarves, I ordered one in grey and one in a dark blue and will see how they work out. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1766023 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:27:31 +0000 Elle 1766023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for the F-21 faux suede jacket. Looks great on you. I also like the F-21 piped blouse on you. I'm into pretty these days, so I may be a bit biased.</p> <p>I've also seen faux fur mufflers at Target as well as at Banana Republic. A fun look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765989 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 15:12:54 +0000 Angie 1765989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, I'd love to see your blue coat. And AT &amp; BR have faux fur mufflers on sale that could help you create the vibe you are looking for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765981 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 14:26:39 +0000 RobinF 1765981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like the faux suede jacket, definitely keep. I like the vest but if it isn't part of your vision then you have to go with that. Agree the tops are both quite big on you and would be a lot of work to alter. And I do like the gray coat but agree that the fit is off. Love the fur! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765971 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 13:41:36 +0000 Anonymous 1765971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the drape jacket and I rather liked the grey coat too, but Angie is right about the fit. Although the two blouses are nice, having to alter several points on them isn't always worth the effort is it?&nbsp;A faux fur scarf or collar for the coat you already own is a great idea...or you could make one </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765967 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 12:29:35 +0000 Anonymous 1765967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what is so interesting about these posts is that Angie's comments on the fit of the items <u>on you</u> are instructional <u>to me</u>.&nbsp; I learn what to look for when trying on clothing.&nbsp; I commend you for trying new things.&nbsp; It is an exciting adventure for you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765960 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 12:05:28 +0000 Summer 1765960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You were quick off the mark, Chris!</p> <p>Another "thumbs up" from me for the faux-suede jacket.&nbsp; It looks gorgeous on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765958 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:50:18 +0000 Momo 1765958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You need a faux fur collar in your life for sure! Love th smile it brings to your face ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765956 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:39:46 +0000 Chris987 1765956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, thanks! I'm definitely keeping the faux suede jacket. &nbsp;I couldn't agree more on what you said about finding the right retailers. I am pretty familiar with&nbsp;the retailers that make stuff that fits me, but I've gotten tired of their styles so I'm trying to branch out a little and that's where it gets tricky. I need to be more patient, after all, I don't exactly have&nbsp;an empty closet &nbsp;I realized after I posted this that Ann Taylor was a good call for more feminine looks, and as most&nbsp; retailers, they have more petites online than in-store, so back to some online browsing. </p> <p>Bennett, I love it too, but now I do see that it's a poor fit, so need to find a version that fits better. I am definitely continuing my hunt for a fur collar. There seem to be vast quantities of choices online. </p> <p>Style Fan - great idea on the Friday ensembles and thanks for the examples! . High five from another person JCREW does not "get"&nbsp;!&nbsp; I love&nbsp;their stuff but it just doesn't fit right for me. </p> <p>lyn67 thanks. I'm still thinking about that sleeveless sweater, when it comes down to it I just don't think I like it enough to keep it and I'm not going to try to talk myself into it. (Did enough of that last year) </p> <p>Staysfit, very astute comments. I am definitely keeping the fold front jacket and on the fence about the piped blouse. I'm definitely going to keep looking for some sort of&nbsp;fur collar thing. I have never bought anything at WHBM but they carry petites online so I think it's time for me to give them a try. </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765949 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 10:51:20 +0000 Staysfit 1765949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's interesting how differently people evaluate themselves versus how others see them! I love the look of the draped jacket, the vest and the piped blush blouse. However, they may not be the direction you see yourself going? Your style words are open to interpretation. The fab part of the grey coat is the fur collar and the color. You rock a fur collar lady! Maybe you can find a sweater or indoor jacket with a faux fur collar? That would be fun wouldn't it? I saw a bomber jacket at WHBM with a fur collar over the weekend so I know there are possibilities out there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765948 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 10:44:54 +0000 Style Fan 1765948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris here are 2 Friday ensembles that might be helpful to get that beautiful cashmere sweater into action.<br />In the melon sweater one you could substitute your cashmere sweater for the melon one and&nbsp;play with&nbsp;the other colours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765934 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 08:31:01 +0000 lyn67 1765934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like sleeveless sweater in nr 2 and the 2 new things in nr 3, pls. keep them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765858 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:26:30 +0000 Style Fan 1765858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris I also vote to keep the faux suede jacket.&nbsp; Great look on you.&nbsp; That cashmere sweater is gorgeous.&nbsp; Have you looked through some of Angie's Friday ensembles for inspirations?&nbsp; That is how I get dressed these days.&nbsp; I am a walking Friday ensemble.<br />I agree with Suz about finding retailers that "get" you.&nbsp; J. Crew does not get me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765857 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 00:18:52 +0000 Bennett 1765857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE the jungle cat print, I would pair it with a leopard print sleeveless long wrap sweater, if such a thing exists! Give the sleeves a couple of rolls, like you have done under the sleeveless pullover.... </p> <p>Love the pink faux suede on you, and I, also, can picture you enjoying a fur scarf, collar, or stole after reading your thoughts on these outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765845 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:42:44 +0000 Suz 1765845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you keep the faux suede jacket -- it's great on you! And I also hope you find something like that coat very soon -- so special!!&nbsp;</p> <p>The fit issues are frustrating until you find the retailers that tend to "get" you and it gets a lot easier. You are also fortunate in that you can make small alterations where needed.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765841 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:13:53 +0000 Chris987 1765841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DonnaF yes you are right about petite sizes, that's almost always what i look for in blouses, shirts, jackets..and in many cases they are only carried online as you say...I was just trying something different this time. I am familiar with both Foxcroft and Talbots and do look at them from time to time although as you suggest they are both pretty conservative. Foxcroft tends to focus on woven shirts, not blouses, and Talbots right now is doing mostly open neck blouses with no collar and I was thinking of more of a traditional cut blouse&nbsp;but in an interesting print.&nbsp; I routinely check Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, Macys, Talbots, Anthro...I'm pretty familiar with most of the retailers that carry petites. I guess the moral of this story is I need to stick with that approach! Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765832 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 22:41:52 +0000 DonnaF 1765832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second the suggestion to try Petite blouses/shirts.&nbsp; Unfortunately, some stores only carry that size range online.&nbsp; In addition to shorter sleeve lengths, the hips on Petite clothing is more likely to hit where your hips are so have a higher probability of fitting.&nbsp; Have you tried Foxcroft at Nordstrom?&nbsp; Or Talbots?&nbsp; Just suggestions for fit and quality, as both may be too conservative (and boring) for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765787 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 19:58:01 +0000 Chris987 1765787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, as usual, thanks so much for all the great feedback! </p> <p>Emily good pointm although I was trying to get away from so much structure for once </p> <p>Carter...thanks for the feedback on the way the blouses fit.&nbsp; The more I look the more I think they are off. and...GAME ON on the sweater challenge! Should be fun. If you want to make any suggestions I'd gladly accept them. </p> <p>Thanks Diana, and you are right about the pockets, I was so focused on the shoulders that I missed that. :-)&nbsp;I don't think that particular blouse came in a petite but you are right that a petite size would definitely&nbsp;be more likely to work. &nbsp;Yeah, that pj style blouse IS a bit meh. </p> <p>Thanks AJ. Your olive military jacket looks great and you are right it goes with a lot. Interesting comment on a fur scarf...yes I have been looking and have tried on quite a few. Nothing has been quite right but I should probably keep looking.&nbsp; With the leopard blouse I was thinking maybe if the shoulders were just a little big but not too big then alterations would be worth doing to correct the other issues. It was the other blouse where I found the print uninteresting. </p> <p>Thanks so much Angie.&nbsp;On the coat..&nbsp;"less straight and more curved in silhouette"...yep that's exactly right and I didn't see it myself. I have a dark blue coat that is just that "right" silhouette, maybe I could find a pale grey faux fur scarf to add to it..... I'll have to take some pics to show it, the fit is really much better. Thanks&nbsp;for the suggestions on the other items. Not sure I want to bother with alterations on the blush blouse, might be better to find something else that fits better. That sleeveless blouse was AnnTaylor and there were no other sizes in the store, and it has disappeared from the web site - probably sold out. But good advice on trying a size down. </p> <p>Minimalist thanks! Yes I do have a Nordstrom Rack not far from me, I go into it from time to time but rarely find anything I like. That won't stop me from continuing to drop in...:-) </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765763 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 18:03:42 +0000 minimalist 1765763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your smile in the cat coat! :-)</p> <p>Shopping is hard work! But I find it's worth persisting. Do you live anywhere near a Nordstrom Rack? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765758 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:56:24 +0000 Angie 1765758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, the faux suede jacket is KILLER. Love that on you. <b>KEEP.&nbsp;</b> </p> <ul> <li>Return the Jungle Cat blouse and the grey coat. Large on the shoulders and bust, and snug on the hips. I know you love the coat Chris, but the fit is off. You can adjust the buttons, but that does not address the fit up top. The vibe is very glam on you though, I hope find something with a better fit soon. You need something less straight, and more curved in silhouette.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>F21 sleeveless blouse has potential - try a size down.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Pajama blouse looks great although too long in the sleeves. Will you alter?&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sleeveless sweater looks great too.&nbsp;</li> </ul> Love that you went shopping. It's good to get out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765756 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:45:38 +0000 AJ 1765756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The draped jacket is my favorite of the bunch.&nbsp; That jacket fits nicely on you and will refresh a basic outfit.&nbsp; I have a olive military jacket that has added that bit of oomph to many of my outfits.&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wi-been-wearing-1" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....-wearing-1</a></p> <p>I do think the fur collar on the coat is fun and the color of the fur looks great with your skin tone and hair.&nbsp; It's just that without the fur, that particular shade/tone of grey does not seem as flattering and you said that you would have to tweak the coat a bit.&nbsp; Do you think that finding a fur scarf might be a possibility?<br /><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?contextualcategoryid=0&amp;origin=keywordsearch&amp;keyword=fur+scarf" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?c.....=fur+scarf</a></p> <p>Your comments about the leopard blouse were that it was too big and the print was not interesting.&nbsp; I'm curious as to why&nbsp;want to keep&nbsp;it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765753 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:30:37 +0000 Diana 1765753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the coat on you very much! I also like the draped jacket.&nbsp; </p> <p>The jungle cat blouse and the sleeveless blouse both look too big/long overall.&nbsp; One issue I see with the jungle cat is that the breast pockets look huge and sit too low, which is not really fixable.&nbsp; Shame, because it's an awesome print!&nbsp; Does it by any chance come in a petite?&nbsp; </p> <p>The fit of the pajama blouse is much better on you than the others IMO but you don't sound too excited about it, and I agree the pajama styling is kind of meh and that a bit more structure would be preferable. ETA: I quite like it under the cashmere sweater but I think that's because the sweater adds structure. I agree with Carter that you should wear that sweater more!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765751 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:25:14 +0000 carter 1765751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your smile in the fuzzy coat picture says it all! You MUST keep that one. I'm not loving the fit of any of the blouses. I do love the print of the leopard one though. The mauve jacket is lovely on you. I would keep. I've never mastered the sweater vest thing, probably because, as you say, it feels very preppy. Let's talk for a minute about the cashmere sweater that you own but don't wear. It's gorgeous! And it fits you so well! I challenge you to come up with 3 fab outfits for that sweater...and to WEAR them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765750 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 17:19:30 +0000 Emily K 1765750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like #8 very much (look at your smile in the photo!) and, #7. &nbsp;You might be right about tailoring making the difference, but I'm concerned that the other looks do not have enough fit or innate structure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/first-shopping-trip-of-2017-a-few-experiments#post-1765747 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 16:48:43 +0000 Chris987 1765747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a few reasons for my shopping trip earlier this week: 1)<br /> I had a F21 cash card and an item to return, after several rounds of purchase&nbsp;&amp; return retail research late last year. The fit, styles, and quality at&nbsp;F21 are mostly not for me, so I was on the verge of cutting up the card and considering&nbsp;the $30 as “sunk cost”, but decided to try one more time. 2) except for one&nbsp;grocery trip I hadn’t been out of the house for 3 full days since we got back&nbsp;from the UK, and my sleep patterns were still a mess so I was feeling very out&nbsp;of sorts. Shopping always cheers me up and makes me happy even if I buy&nbsp;nothing. </p> <p>I’m tired of plain neutral basics, dark colors,&nbsp;classic styles, chunky sweaters. These are my primary wardrobe definitions these days,&nbsp;and I’m&nbsp;not doing a complete overhaul, but I’ve been yearning to dip my toe into some&nbsp;new water for several months and the boredom of my UK vacation outfits put me over the edge.&nbsp; </p> <p>So, I set myself a small budget for some experimentation. I&nbsp;decided on a moniker of pretty, sophisticated, a little bit feminine (this seems<br /> to be HUGE trend on YLF lately…see all&nbsp;the comments in Runcarla’s recent posting) &nbsp;with lighter colors and different types of&nbsp;prints than I normally choose. One of my goals for 2017 is to only buy clothes<br /> that I really like. I don't want&nbsp;any more that are just OK unless I have a<br /> specific reason.&nbsp;These came home with me:</p> <ul> <li>Ann Taylor “Jungle Cat”&nbsp;print blouse</li> <li>Ann Taylor sleeveless&nbsp;sweater in black/cognac print, although the “cognac” color skews&nbsp;slightly&nbsp;toward mustard yellow&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </li> <li>Ann Taylor sleeveless&nbsp;blouse in a mauve/grey print</li> <li>F21 Mauve faux suede drape&nbsp;front jacket</li> <li>F21 Blush blouse with piping</li> <li>F21 Grey coat with faux&nbsp;fur collar</li> </ul> <p>I just went through a first pass at some styling ideas, all worn with some med-wash jeans.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<b><i>Would love your feedback! </i></b></p> <ol> <li>Jungle Cat blouse. I’ve been wanting a few blouses, and really like the cat print. It needs to be&nbsp;shortened, have the cuffs slimmed, and a snap added to the placket, but&nbsp;the shoulder fit seems ok to me as a slightly oversized look. Usually when&nbsp;\this type of top fits me around the hips the shoulders are way too big,&nbsp;but I think this one is more balanced in the shoulders…what do you think? </li> <li>Same blouse under the sleeveless&nbsp;sweater. Not loving this look, just ok. The pattern mixing has good proportions&nbsp;but overall seems boring or maybe just too preppy/conservative.</li> <li>Draped jacket with sleeveless&nbsp;blouse. I really like this jacket, it’s not too voluminous like this style often is,&nbsp;and the fabric is nice. it's a little pinker than shown in the find.&nbsp;I grabbed the blouse because the colors worked, but not so sure about the&nbsp;blouse.</li> <li>The patterned blouse by&nbsp;itself. Way too big, even with the shoulders pinned up as shown. Print&nbsp;not very interesting. Just ok.&nbsp;&nbsp; </li> <li>Same jacket with my&nbsp;pineapple print graphic&nbsp;T. The jacket looks much better with this&nbsp;slimmer top&nbsp;under it and some color contrast. </li> <li>F21 blush blouse. &nbsp;This is that PJ style that I once said&nbsp;was not for me :-).&nbsp;I like the color and it fits well, but not sure about the style. The&nbsp;piping seems to take it back into classic/preppy land.&nbsp;</li> <li>Same blouse worn under&nbsp;a cashmere sweater that&nbsp;I just love but never seem to wear.&nbsp;Ok, but just ok. </li> <li>F21 Coat with faux fur&nbsp;collar. I just LOVE this. So PRETTY and so glam. Way out of my comfort&nbsp;zone! It’s a little snug so I need to move the buttons and the sleeves&nbsp;need shortening (I've folded them up). &nbsp;The collar is a deeper version of the blue/grey<br /> of the coat, not at all a warmer brownish color as it seems in the photos.&nbsp;My&nbsp;black cat &nbsp;likes to drape himself around my neck; this would be like&nbsp;wearing him as an accessory but without the purring and the claws </li> <li>Same coat without the&nbsp;collar. I’m a little skeptical about a coat from F21 but it’s seems reasonable warm, fits pretty well, and the fabric seems pretty good. &nbsp;I’d been wanting a light colored coat but<br /> was thinking camel…but this has changed my mind I think. </li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;I’m leaning toward keeping the leopard blouse, mauve jacket,&nbsp;&nbsp;and grey coat, and returning the sleeveless&nbsp;sweater, sleeveless blouse , and blush piped blouse. </p> </p>