https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:53:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703695 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:31:18 +0000 Anonymous 703695@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please don't feel the need to respond, as you've put this thread to bed, but I wanted to throw out *asymmetry* and see if that would satisfy the *arty* category at all. I'll never forget what you said in one of your early threads here about not wanting to look like the stereotypical arty writer in jangling silver bracelets and paisley shawls--that cracked me up! There are so many different ways to do arty that are non-black and not too voluminous or fussy.</p> <p>MNSara hit the nail on the head talking about your dressy Banff outfit. It was not really arty but strongly chic. *Sharply chic" looks really well on you, when there is no hint of daintiness or twee. I also love that you added "novel" to your rubric. Love the play on words, it's perfect for you. </p> <p>If it makes you feel any better, the change of seasons is enough to make me want to rip my hair out. I feel a stirring in my closet....in my style....and I'll read someone's post, or a book, and want to go throw out half of my closet. Then the next day I'll read something completely different and want to keep all that stuff, but throw out the *other* half of my closet. I'm SO confused. And sometimes that make me happy are not good for me or my style. *le sigh* Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. We all benefit from them. Now. Onwards and upwards! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703440 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:56:42 +0000 Suz 703440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad if my personal style musings have resonated with others. Thank you, again, for all your input and thoughts. I am taking it all in stock. </p> <p>Tara, you're right - I absolutely don't want to throw out the entire contents of my closet! I'm very happy with many items in there. Many work well as items, in outfits, and in capsules, as per Angie's suggestions. And even if I want to start moving in another direction, it doesn't mean I want to leave my current style preferences behind. On the contrary! I want to take them with me somehow...if I can. My dilemma is how to meld or marry these varying personas. I know I'm not all one and not all the other. And yet they seem almost opposed. </p> <p>But I think you're right. Maybe assembling even ONE outfit of the type I am admiring (or simply trying it on in a store, for that matter!) would give me needed information. </p> <p>More and more I am wondering if it is not just a kind of minimalism that deeply appeals. Weird, because my house decor is not minimalist. And I suspect my wardrobe will never be TRULY minimalist, either. I am too attracted to humour, whimsy, and well...colour...for that. Hmmm. Off to ponder some more. And to "pin." </p> <p>Okay. Putting this thread to sleep to allow room for more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703351 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 07:16:12 +0000 tarzy 703351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How are you feeling about all of this now? </p> <p>I like what Vix said, because sometimes I feel with our style journeys we're a bit like Dorothy wanting to run away and then learning that everything she needed was in her own back yard. On the other hand, perhaps you really do need to leave your current look behind - have you thought about what's the cause of your dissatisfaction? I think the emotional part of all of this is just as important as the style part. (Why yes, I have been catching up on old episodes of "What Not to Wear.") Shopping for an imaginary life, shopping for an imaginary personality, stuffing our closets with junk clothes ... sometimes it's not just about the shopping part. </p> <p>Instead of trying to change your entire wardrobe, how about coming up with one outfit in this new look you'd like to try. Put your energy into finding one outfit, and then wear it. Maybe you'll have an transcendental moment and you'll never be able to go back to jeans and a button-down. Or maybe you'll think, "Um, what was I thinking?" I think paying attention to the details and recreating an outfit is also a good way to learn what makes the style you're coveting work. </p> <p>I do understand the desire to take stock. I'm going through that as well, and I know it's not easy. It really is a journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703312 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 04:17:15 +0000 Debbie 703312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just saw this and I am so glad I did. There is so much useful information here. Thank you for bring up this issue. Pinerest has helped me narrow things Down a bit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703307 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 04:08:39 +0000 Anonymous 703307@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, your post also resonates with me. After thinking about my closet with Angie's editing and review tips, I've decided that I need to up my game and spend more for a few really wonderful pieces. After weight loss and replacing everything with thrift store stuff, it's time to edit. San has been so wonderfully kind to send me some gorgeous quality pieces from her closet. Wearing them has made me realize how much different I feel in better clothing.<br /> What has worked well in the past for me is to build a few columns of color with fitted basics to which I can add an interesting or arty jacket or other third piece and now would also be aware of footwear and bag, and maybe scarf or jewelry.<br /> You have fabulous style that always inspires me, especially as we are nearly body twins. I have trouble getting the scale right is difficult with those architectural pieces but love them. I'll be following your journey with great interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703278 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:11:49 +0000 MNsara 703278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is riveting! Thank you, Suz, for asking these questions! The collective wisdom, insight, and advice is SO awesome!</p> <p>Your journey really resonates with me, and I'll stay closely tuned to this thread and closely watch your 'progress' (Hope that doesn't sound stalkerish!) I'm gleaning what I can . . .</p> <p>I'm finding I really agree with what Vix had to say about avant garde maybe not necessarily being the real goal. I LOVED your Banff outfit you put together with the booties, jeans, black(!) jacket, etc No avant garde pieces, but one strongly chic outfit.</p> <p>You just asked, "What is it about ONE jeans and jacket outfit that feels perfect while another one does not? This is the question I need to answer for myself." Once again, you've articulated it beautifully :-)</p> <p>Anyway, carry on! I'll be watching and learning! and cheering you on ;-)</p> <p>P.S. What part of last year's coat purchases do you consider a 'mistake'? I thought you looked totally fab in them! You might just want to add in another more architecural coat this year to round out the choices . . . ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-703236 Sun, 26 Aug 2012 01:51:28 +0000 Jaime 703236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread! I know I am late but I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread and am very excited to see where you go with this Suz. My suggestion is to comb the consignment stores in your area and wherever else you go. I also am very drawn to interesting items and/or avant garde shapes and/or pricey brands and I satisfy myself by doing this or eventually breaking down and buying on ebay. </p> <p>My other suggestion is focus on shoes, bags and jackets for your splurges (even if they aren't financial splurges). I am in camp shoes transform everything, but a great bag and amazing jacket is way up there too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-702690 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 14:36:27 +0000 Suz 702690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous coat, Mochi! And I'm about to take a look at Yoox. Nancy, I'm definitely going for the ink blue but I am also wondering about another colour. I am pretty confident I will love the style. I wore these tube-like midi skirts many years ago with great joy. I love the stretch, the comfort, combined with the modesty, yet the hint of sexiness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/3#post-702653 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:13:03 +0000 nancylee 702653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I've found my ink blue VC midi skirt to be a really useful neutral this summer. I'd say go for that color for starters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702650 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:09:13 +0000 Mochi 702650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm glad Inge mentioned yoox. I was just about to recommend you spend some time perusing that site. Here's just one coat I saw on there that I fell in love with...it would look GREAT on you! (Or something like it--it's been a long time since it was listed for sale and I added the pic to my style file)</p> <p>Keep updating us on this. I find it very relatable. It's maybe not so hard to improve to a level of general acceptability, but to fine-tune to attain toward a vague ideal is the challenge.</p> <p>(ETA the designer is Balmain) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702635 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:37:51 +0000 Suz 702635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are all so amazing! Thank you so much for your encouragement and your thoughts. I am checking out the links like mad...thanks to all for suggestions!! </p> <p>Sheila, a special shout-out to you because I do LOVE Kaliyana...at least some of it....but alas. I shopped there and even when I weighed more, there was almost nothing in the store that fit. I am too small for the clothes. ;-( Still, the next time I am in Ottawa I will check it out again. There is always a small chance that something will work. </p> <p>Fern, I will continue to check Lilith. I really like your word "lagenlook." I am not completely sure what it means but I think I get the gist! I saw some Lilith pieces on a different site and they weren't at all like the beautiful skirt you linked to...more hippie-ish, boho. </p> <p>Inge, I will definitely check out Theory. I am sure it is available in Toronto at Holt's and probably elsewhere, too. </p> <p>Vix....I think you are offering real wisdom here. I have been considering exactly what you suggest. I have been thinking...what if, out of my own closet, what is currently there...I tried to put together one small capsule that made outfits that all feel "right." I could then extrapolate from there. What IS it that makes these outfits feel right? </p> <p>It's not ALWAYS a dramatic, avant-garde kind of cut. You are absolutely right that some of my jeans outfits, very simple - jeans, a good (but fairly classic) jacket, a simple top, even a T - and boots or booties - are my absolute faves. I will feel perfectly perfectly happy in such an outift. What is it about ONE jeans and jacket outfit that feels perfect while another one does not? This is the question I need to answer for myself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702600 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 11:24:04 +0000 April 702600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I'm going to suggest keeping an eye on Neiman Marcus Last Call for things like Helmut Lang pieces. They deeply discount, and then they often take an additional percentage off during sales.</p> <p>A word of caution, however: go in with a strong idea of what you're looking for. Otherwise, it's too easy to get swayed by the discounts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702580 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 08:15:04 +0000 Inge 702580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz,</p> <p>I'm quickly logging in to second (third) Angie and Una's comments about Theory. It's a terrific brand with very good quality fabrics, sleek cuts and strong, simple lines. Once you have tried on one of their blazers you immediately feel and see the difference in fit (and in how you feel wearing their stuff:-) I was amazed by that.</p> <p>Also: I think I forgot to mention yoox.com.<br /> They sell Theory and many other higher end brands at reduced prices. Some are still expensive, but check the website regularly, there are good deals to be found there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702578 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 07:59:20 +0000 CocoLion 702578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I believe the Helmut Lang/Rick Owens/Alexander Wang style you see yourself gravitating towards is actually trending and will trickle down (hopefully quickly) to lower retail price points soon. Just look at how asymmetrical clothing has taken off. Keep an eye out at Zara and H&amp;M if you just want to experiment. Or, as Angie suggests, invest in a few pieces if you know you are ready to go there. There is a ton of stuff at Zara following the embellishment and ladylike direction but there are also pieces in the aforementioned style.</p> <p><a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269189/919515/FAUX%20LEATHER%20DRAPED%20TOP" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....APED%20TOP</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269189/899053/BASIC%20LINEN%20CARDIGAN" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....20CARDIGAN</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269184/899144/FAUX%20LEATHER%20POINTED%20HEM%20JACKET" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....M%20JACKET</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-us-W2012/269183/919516/BOUCLE%20WOOL%20STUDIO%20COAT" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs.....DIO%20COAT</a></p> <p>Eek everything's black that I've linked to. I think black can work if worn with white, cream, &amp; other colors. I love black, it might not love me but I am going to try to make it work this a/w even if I fail.</p> <p>Another thought -- I don't feel it's necessary, for myself at least, to stick to a definitive style or to even develop a style rubric. I want to remain constantly open to change and to evolve my style or to devolve it if I need a break from fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702559 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 05:34:36 +0000 rae 702559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I'm soooo late to the party, and I think most of what I might have suggested has been covered- Helmut Lang did a smattering of color recently. Bordeaux (sold at Antrho) as well as Heather by Bordeaux. Ooh, I was also entranced by a lot a saw from Max Studio the other day not ALL of it, but some pieces struck me as a little Helmut Lang-ish: <a href="http://www.maxstudio.com/women/dresses" rel="nofollow">http://www.maxstudio.com/women/dresses</a>. </p> <p>Hm, maybe also Karen Millen? Modern cuts and uses a good amt. of color:<br /> <a href="http://us.karenmillen.com/Sale-Outerwear-Sale/b/2285282011?ie=UTF8&#038;title=Sale+Outerwear" rel="nofollow">http://us.karenmillen.com/Sale.....+Outerwear</a></p> <p>Or Ted Baker?<br /> <a href="http://www.tedbaker-london.com/store/womens/new_arrivals/?int_cmpid=homepage_womens_newarrivals" rel="nofollow">http://www.tedbaker-london.com.....ewarrivals</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702557 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 05:13:23 +0000 Sheila 702557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, don't know if you have ever browsed through this site for inspiration...some pretty interesting stuff!</p> <p><a href="http://www.shonmodern.com/shop/" rel="nofollow">http://www.shonmodern.com/shop/</a></p> <p>Enjoy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702520 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:54:55 +0000 Vix 702520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz --</p> <p>You said:</p> <p><strong>&gt;My next problem would be how on earth could I create a cohesive look together with the retro elements I also enjoy, if I am drawn to this kind of style? I'm feeling sartorially confused! How do I mix my retro funky whimsical Fluevogs or Docs with something like this?</p> <p>[snip]</p> <p>&gt;Any other ideas you might have about this. Including the idea that I am nuts and should just leave well enough alone.</strong></p> <p>Woman, I am going with "you are nuts and should just leave well enough alone" because I think your current style is very close to where you say you want to be! </p> <p>Now of course I don't mean stop everything etc. </p> <p>In fact I think you are just having trouble *finding* what you want -- wish I could help more with that -- and maybe you just need to play around with current items and see which ones combine into outfits that feel "right" and which ones are missing something (but your task is to ID the something).</p> <p>Does that make sense? </p> <p>I think about the fancy Banff outfit you wore with the borrowed jacket, which was very sleek and feminine and dramatic because it was sophisticated. You felt good in that, yes? And then I have vaguer recollections of more casual (but not "sporty" styles) involving jeans and jackets and boots and booties -- anything missing there?</p> <p>When you have your 90-100% outfits identified you'll be able to see where there's overlap in the rubric and where things clump. Maybe you'll see you like A + B or B + D, but never A + D. And you may have a core style with minor styles as satellites around that core. </p> <p>BTW, I admit in reading your OP I thought of Nancylee's new pieces...seems like they would integrate nicely into your current wardrobe. Hang in there and as others have said, look look look. And don't settle for black. It's tedious, but you will get there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702519 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:54:48 +0000 Suz 702519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April, those prices really did give ma a moment's pause! Yikes. I am willing to invest..but not able to invest on quite THAT level. But inspiration is inspiration! Thank you! </p> <p>And thanks again to everyone else who has chimed in here. I hope I have not forgotten too many people in the shuffle. </p> <p>Sveta, that is a great strategy. I actually took back a bat sleeve top that Angie gave the nod on last year precisely for that reason. I felt it wouldn't play nicely with the other things because I couldn't easily layer over or under it. I think perhaps in summer more dramatic tops are easier to work with because you don't need to or even want to layer (at least I don't, with no air conditioning in my life). Perhaps that is something I am missing this summer, for that reason. My tops are very simple and that is good, but in fall/winter I have interesting jackets to layer over them.....<br /> hmmmm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702518 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:54:26 +0000 Mama Susie 702518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow Suz... I love your thread. I'm not in the same position as you because I am just restarting from scratch on my style journey but I have the same type of style questions that you've asked here. Mainly how to add more of a avant garde edge to my wardrobe without staying all black... or not feeling like myself. I love avant garde/urban pieces (Angie's post on mixing fashion forward pieces with classics was fantastic and both outfits were amazing in my eyes) but I also really love vintage (specifically 70s). How to marry all the style looks I love? Wow I will definitely be following your style journey closely. I can't wait to see how you incorporate these types of pieces into your wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702509 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 02:39:35 +0000 Sveta 702509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I can relate too because I feel that I am constantly going through a style evolution for the last 2 years. I think you are doing much better than me though because I cannot even articulate what I like and what my rubric or style is :-(<br /> I cannot help you on the designer angle as I am pretty illiterate on that topic. As for the edgier and more architectural pieces I can tell you what I do. I am drawn to more interesting coats, jackets and footwear. I usually keep my bottoms and tops more or less simple so they are easier to layer. I found this works for me. It does not mean I don't make exceptions (jumbo polka dot skirt anyone?) but this is what happens 80% of the time. This way I can keep my wardrobe relatively small and be able to mix and match almost everything in it.<br /> Thank you for sharing your style musings with us: i is very educational and thought provoking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702401 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 23:48:33 +0000 fern 702401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lilith? No idea where to buy in US or Canada, but the stuff I see on Ebay is so striking.<br /> I think certain pieces would bridge with the retro part of your style (although some are way too lagenlook, and it may run large?)<br /> <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lilith-Satin-Origami-Skirt-/221112234998?pt=US_CSA_WC_Skirts&#038;hash=item337b50f3f6" rel="nofollow">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lilith.....337b50f3f6</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702326 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:20:40 +0000 Anonymous 702326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I love this soul-searching thread of yours! You are such an articulate and thoughtful writer. Can't wait to see where your style journey takes you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702316 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 22:09:32 +0000 sarah 702316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, once I have a better internet connection, I am DEFINITELY coming back to this thread for further reading. It's a gold mine. Thanks for starting it! I don't have any wisdom to add, but am so inspired by your earnest and optimistic introspection!</p> <p>more later... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702274 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:30:24 +0000 Tina 702274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No advice, just a fellow Canadian commiserating with the troubles associated with ordering from the US:( Some other stores to try, the Bay sometimes has a variety of brands and they have good sales. The Laura store is also worth checking, it is hit and miss I find but they do have good quality clothing. Small boutiques and upscale consignment stores often have clothing not found in larger shops. Good luck!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702265 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 21:22:41 +0000 Parsley 702265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz,<br /> You've done a great job articulating what you're trying to accomplish, and I think that's half the battle. I don't have much to add to the excellent advice here, but I will be following closely, because I, too, would like to inject some drama and bold touches into my wardrobe while avoiding the all-black trap.<br /> Thanks for blazing the trail! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702246 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:53:38 +0000 April 702246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, scroll through some of these Helmut Lang items and see if they appeal: <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/helmut-lang/br/v=1/2534374302046323.htm?all" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/helmut-.....23.htm?all</a></p> <p>I can imagine them being paired with funky shoes and classic basics.</p> <p>ETA: I forgot to mention that these items are priced in the nosebleed range, so use the photos inspirationally. I'm pretty sure things with the same vibe can be found at lower price points. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702241 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:51:22 +0000 Vicki 702241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, you really did your introspective soul-searching and I think you are so in touch with yourself, whether you feel you are or not! I love your rubric and while I can't offer any websites or designers at the moment, I just want to say that I so admire your style and have copied you in the past. So, I am going to observe from the corner and hope I learn through you! ETA: I am so saving this thread for all its useful and wise information. Did Una say what color her Theory jacket is? The links provided by everyone look so promising. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702236 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:48:42 +0000 Janet 702236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I'm only popping in briefly, but wanted to chime in as I'm feeling some similar pulls. Some of my clothing is feeling too fussy to me these days, and I find myself refining things more. I totally understand some of your remarks about "arty" (I want to look creative but not with that stereotypical crazy poncho art teacher style), and the disappointment you had with that skirt. I made some similar missteps, where items were *different* and that appealed to me, but a more streamlined version of *different* is appealing to me now. And I don't want to dress in black every day, as much as I admire Stephanie/Style Odyssey (the pic you posted). I'm weighing all these things with my "rock and roll sophisticate" style I'm working on cultivating, and i'm not sure where it will all end up, but I know it's changing and I'm actually kind of excited about it.</p> <p>I'm wearing fewer accessories at a time and gravitating toward cleaner looks but with some edge. Maybe part of it is seasonal, and I'll layer with abandon as the weather cools, but I'm definitely feeling like my style evolution is still very much on the move. </p> <p>I'm laughing at all the mentions of Theory -- my first Theory jacket was like a gateway drug! I now have a couple of tops, a pair of skinnies, and four Theory jackets! </p> <p>I'll be looking forward to following your journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702231 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:43:09 +0000 Mona 702231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I can't help you here as you know I am just starting very slowly to take the first steps towards fashion. But this thread is going to be a big inspiration for me in future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long/page/2#post-702230 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:42:35 +0000 annagybe 702230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For cheaper than Helmut Lang and Theory try Kenneth Cole</p> <p><a href="http://www.kennethcole.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=13337253&#038;cp=13183332" rel="nofollow">http://www.kennethcole.com/fam.....p=13183332</a> </p>