https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:51:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977862 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 10:28:45 +0000 em 1977862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TBH I always sparkle from within after a glass or two of champagne. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977836 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 04:02:57 +0000 jussie 1977836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cindysmith: Thank you for your response. It is brilliant that you are able to live your life and wear what YOU want to wear, and focus your energy on what's important. &nbsp;Also... you make a good point, if you're feeling crappy then you're feeling crappy, why chameleon yourself into something else? Don't we all have the right to feel crappy sometimes?&nbsp;<br />One thing about this though... I don't like to feel outwardly crappy too much though, because I think this can have a negative effect on people around me. So in a sense, especially because I have little kids, I have to try to "put on some sparkle" sometimes. Hmm so much to think about.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977834 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 03:55:53 +0000 jussie 1977834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taylor: What a beautiful sentiment. It is so important to give to others isn't it? The most sparkling people I know do that ALL THE TIME! And guess what? They don't seem to worry at all about how they look.... But man do they sparkle....<br />I feel like when I am painting or teaching I have almost no awareness of my appearance. What I mean is, I barely think of it during the time i'm doing those activities, which is a good sign probably. The hours fly by and then I look down and think.. oh yeah... I'm wearing that today.&nbsp;</p> <p>Peri: Thanks for your excellent response. YEs... I think your advice is very wise. &nbsp;Seek out the wonderful people and spent time with them! This is what I need to focus on more..... And TELLING those people why they're so great to be around would be the icing on the cake wouldn't it?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977737 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 13:39:22 +0000 Cee 1977737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's what good people do without much effort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977732 Wed, 28 Nov 2018 11:48:37 +0000 jussie 1977732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardiff girl: you are absolutely right.... people tend to sparkle in their totally unselfconscious moments... when they are just doing what they do.... just being them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within/page/2#post-1977635 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:17:20 +0000 LaPed 1977635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely thread, I'm really enjoying reading through it. I don't feel I have time to craft a proper response right now, but what I keep coming back to is the way truly self-confident people come across as very humble. I always find people who achieve this balance of confidence and humility quite striking and interesting to be around.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977624 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:54:56 +0000 jussie 1977624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi all,<br />Thank you so much guys for your enlightening responses! It gave me a lot to think about....&nbsp;</p> <p>Jessikams: I totally agree that music can be very powerful, I like to listen to music while I work on the computer or paint... it helps me to stay relaxed. &nbsp;I don't know if I would have achieved the things I have over the last couple of years without Nahko and Medicine for the People's "Manifesto"! Here it is:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtE10YN1kDU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtE10YN1kDU</a><br />I also love your idea of noticing other people more; what are they wearing, why did they choose that? Their facial expressions etc. &nbsp;Just admiring the beauty around us... what a sweet idea, I must try this.</p> <p>Janet: I'm pretty sure you do sparkle ;). I completely agree.... NOT focusing on oneself is probably the best way... just let ourselves be actually swept up in the moment and live life rather than thinking about it. Except maybe for meditation or yoga which is totally self focussed, but in a healthy way. &nbsp;I am not meditating at the moment but when was doing it regularly I think I had some sparkle...</p> <p>ChrisM: Thank you for your excellent points. NATURE! Why don't I get out into nature more often?? There's something vey soothing about getting away from it all for a little while... and so many beautiful spots to do it. Just a matter of getting organised....</p> <p>Bijou: What a beautiful soul you are. Your words are so wise and comforting. YES... almost impossible to get to middle age without some "battle scars" lol. &nbsp;It's a matter of making a choice to live the hell out of every day regardless that gives a person that spark of determination and deliberate joyfulness.&nbsp;<br />It's about saying.... not everything is how I want it to be.... but darn i'm gonna enjoy what IS good right now.....&nbsp;</p> <p>Suntiger: Hooray for Magpie-ing! I absolutely love making art, and sewing... they do give me a sparkle... when they are going well lol. When they are going badly I get stressed! Something I need to work on. Just letting go and enjoying the journey.&nbsp;<br />I think most of us on ylf are natural Magpies.... so we need to Magpie to keep our sparkle right?</p> <p>I plan to reply to each person, so I will do that later when I gat a moment. Thanks fabbers!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977500 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 14:44:56 +0000 The Cat 1977500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautifully said, Mainelady. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977454 Tue, 27 Nov 2018 11:03:19 +0000 Mainelady 1977454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie, yours is a great question. I have enjoyed reading the responses. I’ve been nodding my head in agreement to so much of what had alread been said. Sparkle may be identified in different ways. When I think of sparkle, what I notice first is a bright smile and shining eyes. I think of Kindness, warm and genuine interactions, laughter, a general sense of appreciation for the moment and as others have said, getting the feeling that the sparkler is truly present.<br /> A well put together outfit, pretty clothes, attention to grooming can all add to a sparkle factor, of course. I do think happiness is a huge sparkle factor. Each of us has our share of riding life’s highs and lows. Sometimes happiness does not come easily. When happiness is harder to find, there is always gratitude. Taking time to appreciate the blessings we have generates sparkle, too.<br /> I am not an expert. Not a guru. Not a life coach. What I am is a product of some pretty significant life struggles and a learner of what worked and works for me. For myself, I have learned that happiness is often a mindset. It is a choice I practice every day, along with gratitude. As with most things, the more practice we get, the more skilled we become. I am generally a happy and cheerful person. That does not mean that bad or sad things don’t happen. What it means is that I remind myself that whatever struggles land at my feet, they are temporary. They are not my forever. Knowing I have the strength to step forward and move through challenges goes a long way towards helping me through the rough spots. The sun is always shining somewhere and I will find it. When I do, I think I may find my sparkle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977243 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 15:12:53 +0000 Angie 1977243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NICE,&nbsp;<b>The Cat</b>&nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977211 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:57:10 +0000 The Cat 1977211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Usually, being in love helps a lot ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977206 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 10:34:56 +0000 Janet 1977206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, agreed! Some of the people I know who have the most “stage presence” (unsurprisingly many actual performers) are deeply insecure and lack self-confidence. Many people are quite adept at putting on the “happy” or “having it all together” facade. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977194 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:44:22 +0000 rachylou 1977194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. So true Janet. Sparkle has a lot to do with ‘forgetting’ yourself.</p> <p>Am also reminded: Presence, as in stage presence, is yet another animal. You don’t have to be very comfortable or confident to have it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977193 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:37:36 +0000 Janet 1977193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, I hear you. Although I certainly have seen people who “sparkle” even when they are in comfort clothes. I’ve seen it in people who wear no makeup and only get their hair cut twice a year, who wear gear all the time, etc. It’s got nothing to do with what we wear but how confident and comfortable-in-their-own-skin someone is. </p> <p>Even from childhood, I’ve never been the most “comfortable in my own skin” type of person. I’ve always been self-conscious (mainly about matters of appearance) to some degree or another, but it’s slowly dissipating as I get older. I’m venturing a guess that I probably come closest to “sparkling” (a term I have great difficulty ascribing to myself!) when I’m simply happy and in my zone of creativity or activity or intimacy, and am not thinking of my appearance at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977192 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 07:29:54 +0000 rachylou 1977192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Interesting question. Sparkle, I’m thinking, comes from being Comfortable. Which is not the same as being in ‘comfort clothes.’</p> <p>Also this: I’m reminded that style and fashion aren’t synonyms. Style can set the fashion, but the reverse isn’t true. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977186 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 06:16:19 +0000 Anonymous 1977186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How to sparkle from within? A girl that is engaged has that sparkle knowing that she is loved and desired. It is a combination of happiness and confidence. If you are doing something well and passionate about something you get that inner glow. It might be being a great mom or fighting global warming. Being in good health is important too as it allows you to get out of yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977176 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 04:49:29 +0000 Suz 1977176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow. Loving what<b> Jessikams</b> said, and Janet's comments about being outdoors, and what others have said about exercise, and Katerina's note that sometimes we just can't sparkle, and that's ok.&nbsp;<div><br />I don't think I have anything especially useful to add...except that for me, age has been an incredible gift in this regard. In my 20s and early 30s I think I was always trying to measure up to some ridiculous ideal and always falling short (despite being blonde, relatively slim, etc, i.e. easily fulfilling some of those artificial ideals). For whatever reason I was focussed on how I was falling short.&nbsp;</p> <p>I just don't feel that way any more. Fashion is a place of fun and &nbsp;refining my style feels like an absorbing hobby, and I suspect that the pleasure I take in figuring out my own style probably translates to confidence that expresses itself in interest in others and the world -- which in turn translates to "sparkle."&nbsp;</p> <p>Having said that, a good night's sleep is also crucial! ;)&nbsp;</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977175 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 04:40:37 +0000 Suz 1977175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jussie,</b> I haven't read all the responses yet. But before I do, I just have to say that starting this thread is an example of your own special sparkle. You are beautiful inside and out.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now going back to read and comment.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977172 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 03:28:37 +0000 Jaime 1977172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading threads like these. And yoga . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977151 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 01:26:09 +0000 Sal 1977151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me the most important things I can do are<br />- get decent amounts of sleep<br />- not eat too much sugar (some is fine, but extra is not good for me emotionally or physically)<br />- spend time with people who energise me<br />- make progress in my life (work or personal)</p> <p>People tend to complement me on how I look when<br />- I wear the right colours (spring tones in particular like coral or turquoise or tomato red)<br />- wear fitted or tailored clothing rather than oversized<br />- I am relaxed and feeling confident</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977117 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 17:47:16 +0000 Alicewonderland 1977117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On a more concrete note-regular exercise (preferably outdoors), eating healthy, and otherwise taking care of your health will go a long way. It’s not easy or quick to do, but will make you feel much better mentally and physically. It will help you appreciate all the things your body can do. I really need to remember to do these things more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977113 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 17:34:54 +0000 Angie 1977113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jussie,</b> personally, when I meet people who sparkle from within, they are: </p> <p>engaged, confident, humble, good listeners, positive, self aware, make excellent eye contact, are smiley and warm. It helps when they have a good sense of humour because the shortest distance between two people is laughter. They don't necessarily need to be exuberant or extraverted people. I know a slew of introverts who sparkle from within. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977107 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 16:50:12 +0000 Katerina 1977107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with what you guys say. Just want to add another aspect I am trying to work with myself. How I feel about my appearance is often influenced by other things in my life. It is impossible to sparkle when something else makes you low. But we don’t have to sparkle all the time. Sometimes we just don’t and that’s fine. The important thing is to know that the sparkle will come again, that this too shall pass. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977102 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 16:09:55 +0000 kkards 1977102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Janet, I don’t think I’ve ever sparked..I aim for contentment...and like Peri I try to spend time with those who built themselves &amp; me up. That’s what I find so lovely about this forum..it’s all about finding and encouraging the positive.<br /> In more direct fashion/style way, I try to wear colors, textures and fabrics that make me happy.<br /> And I wear a fabulous pair of shoes! Because for me, shoes are the icing on the cake- it’s not the whole dessert but it’s an important layer and it can go along way to making a dry cake better and makes a good cake just so much better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977099 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 15:59:07 +0000 cindysmith 1977099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know that, before I got clean (sober), I was a master chameleon. I could be miserable inside yet make my eyes seem to smile. People never knew how I really felt because I covered it up so well.</p> <p>These days, I don't know if I sparkle from within or not. I do know that 12-step recovery has helped me find some measure of comfort inside my own skin. If I'm feeling crappy, I can just be okay with that or roll with it or whatever. I've reached an age (and state of health) where I just don't have the energy to expend on trying to conform to what mass media wants me to conform to; I just wear what I like and that makes me happy inside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977094 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 15:28:02 +0000 Peri 1977094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to add something not mentioned yet, because I love all these suggestions. Spend time around people who build you up. As much as possible avoid people who tear you down. If you have to be around one of those, immediately call or text one of your build you up people for an antidote. Even tell them why. It's good to help others...it's also good to allow them to help you. We don't have to go it alone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977092 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 14:53:57 +0000 taylor 1977092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m agreeing with Bijou and Janet here . Those things work for me as well.</p> <p>I have a few chosen favorite outfits that I will go to for just that reason . If I’m not feeling great I turn to those. I will pay special attention to my hair and makeup, it gives me confidence if I’m not feeling great about myself.</p> <p>I also like to help others . It’s when I am helping the elderly woman across the street bring in her groceries, or help our 84 yr. old neighbor paint the front of his house ....or being what I call a “cheerleader “ for my (adult) children as they navigate this often cruel and harsh life. Offering what I can to others often soothes my inner turmoil. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977087 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 14:31:29 +0000 Cardiff girl 1977087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How to sparkle from with in-edible glitter?<br /> Seriously though l think that comes when we forget ourselves and are truly present in the moment then the inner self shines through.Normally we are putting on our social face ,thinking about what to say ,how to look ,what others think etc..it’s only when we are elevated beyond this that we can sparkle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977075 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 13:02:51 +0000 Anonymous 1977075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with music (dancing too) and spending time outside, though thats much less pleasant in cold weather! This time of year i rely on magpieing a lot-which could take the form of taking up some new craft or decorating the house too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-to-sparkle-from-within#post-1977074 Sun, 25 Nov 2018 12:55:56 +0000 Bijou 1977074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jussie, I don't really have any real wisdom on this because it&nbsp;can be hard to feel great when bad stuff happens or our lives just don't work out quite like how we planned.</p> <p>I really like a line from a John Lennon song "Life is what happens to you whilst you are busy making other plans".&nbsp;</p> <p>In my life there have been highs and lows, I guess you don't get to middle age without scars. I do believe in kindness and forgiveness, most especially to oneself. Self-doubt is an insidious thing. Paradoxically, the more we take on often the less accomplished we feel because the sense of being overwhelmed and not measuring up happens more.&nbsp;</p> <p>Life is full of wonderful people and adventures and for me that is the essence of sparkling. Enjoy and seizing the moment and opportunity. It is being brave and having a go. </p> <p>When my Aunty (an amazing spirit) turned 80 I found a great card that said "Adventure Awaits" I love the idea that even at 80 there are still adventures to be had and of course great fashion to be worn.</p> <p>My daily routine of exercising, dressing and wearing make-up is something that gives me comfort. If I know I have a very tough day ahead, then I will be more particular with my appearance because at least that is one thing that I can control in this rather uncontrollable world. </p>