https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 11:03:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003789 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 22:40:38 +0000 mrseccentric 1003789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>heehee! i'm glad you got the 'towel' reference, it just seemed too perfect for a time(less) traveller! </p> <p>Speaking of touchstones and inspiration, i have two style icons, one of whom is Amelia Earhardt. I get the feeling she might be a helpful touchstone for you as well - i especially love her ruggedness, her practicality and 'ready for anything' feel, her self-sufficiency, and her easy natural hair and makeup. Combined with Isak Dinesen and my Yokut heritage, i've got my touchstones covered!</p> <p>Happy Day All! steph</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003645 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 16:09:09 +0000 Vix 1003645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Manidipa --</p> <p>I know the internal vision matters most, but FWIW I can really "see" this G(E)TT in action with your outfits. </p> <p>Hope you enjoy the stars (and clothing) aligning as you move forward! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003540 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 12:05:50 +0000 Beth Ann 1003540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting to learn about the approach of the tailors in India!&nbsp; I think I've had some hairstylists like that, taught to do a set number of cuts and flummoxed when you ask for something else.</p> <p>Wooden bangles for teething?&nbsp; Well, you know babies only eat the things they love!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003523 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 11:05:42 +0000 Mona 1003523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post. Thanks for sharing with us. You are wise beyond words. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003493 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 08:25:42 +0000 Jaime 1003493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating to read and more a personal manifesto than simply a style moniker - without meaning to devalue style monikers! I feel I got to know Manidipa reading it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003490 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 07:53:26 +0000 Nicola 1003490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! I'm so pleased all your thinking and fashion percolating has resulted in this breakthrough. I love your moniker and its going to be fun watching how you move forward with it. And I had to laugh halfway through your post where you asked if we were still here You write well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003484 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 06:36:07 +0000 mrseccentric 1003484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't Panic!</p> <p>and always carry a good towel ;)&nbsp; with apologies to Douglas Adams, steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1003457 Sun, 11 Aug 2013 05:17:10 +0000 ManidipaM 1003457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, acknowledging the wisdom of the traditional weather calender here freed me up so much too! Glad my mention of it helped you--I honestly hadn't thought it might apply in more temperate latitudes and felt a bit sheepish talking about it originally, but there you go! </p> <p>I ticked five off your list of changeful times. And travelling still, if less often, for reasons I mentioned in my off-topic thread recently.</p> <p>Day Vies, yes! So helpful to be able to articulate *why*--now I can 'permit' and allow for seemingly contradictory futuristic and folksy elements... because it is who I am... as Adelfa notes.</p> <p>Tracey, Lantana, Firecracker, thank you!</p> <p>Beth Ann, now there's a role I could aspire to! Love Dr Who. </p> <p>I do limited quantities of arm candy. I find metals mostly irritate my skin while I easily warp precious metals. Plus the silly baby will only chomp on one inanimate object--my wooden bangle in lieu of a teether! However, I do always wear one these days.</p> <p>seamstresses, no---unlike the European and hence also New World norm, tailoring is a thoroughly male-dominate profession here. So tailors aplenty and most very affordable in India. But their skill typically derives from a traditional apprenticeship system and getting them to do a different pattern from their accustomed set is very hard work. They often think you are being an especially contrary customer or else an outright idiot. I have tried in the past and ruined many a length of good fabric...and then got so frustrated that I decided to let the option rest until I had more leisure and patience in store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002778 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:43:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1002778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your thoughts are so interesting and inspired! I like your moniker; it's so well thought-out. I agree with Suz, you are a wonderful writer, and I always enjoy your posts and comments, not just this one, although perhaps especially this one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002774 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:38:59 +0000 Beth Ann 1002774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW -- Would it be possible to find an affordable seamstress to make some items for you?&nbsp; Is that cost effective in your area?&nbsp; </p> <p>In the U.S., professional sewing services are quite expensive, and fabrics hard to find.&nbsp; However, I realize that many of the textiles that would suit your bohemian side are made locally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002773 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:37:01 +0000 Beth Ann 1002773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hip Hip Hooooooraaaay!</p> <p>Wondeful musings, Mandipa.&nbsp; Love the moniker.&nbsp; I think it sounds rather like a Doctor Who companion, and I hear their casting!</p> <p>Seriously, I think you've broken through a barrier here, and I believe your silhouette formulas will be helpful, too, particularly with the realities of traveling between cities and living with an infant.</p> <p>Do you do arm candy?&nbsp; I know that many babies pull on earrings and necklaces, but bangles, particularly sturdy ones, watches, etc, could let your magpie loose! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002770 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:20:17 +0000 Lantana 1002770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mani, this is wonderful. I hope you are able to celebrate this lightbulb moment is some way that reflects your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002766 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:02:13 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1002766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow you've made progress in leaps and bounds. Love your explanations and silhouette variations. Now for the fun if living it. Congrats! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002679 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:44:35 +0000 Adelfa 1002679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So in awe of how articulately you address the topic of dressing like yourself in the real world! I'm reading with special interest because I'm in the fledgling stages of defining my own style. I especially am entranced with how well you tackled those difficult opposites that can temporarily defeat one's efforts to define a style approach--being traditional yet future oriented, dressing for where you are but with the ability to travel. Very inspiring and I can't wait to see how this unfolds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002668 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:36:18 +0000 Day Vies 1002668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a beautiful thing when you finally get your descriptor together. Suz is exactly right about the frustration before a breakthrough. When I discovered my descriptor my whole wardrobe came into focus and my varied/disparate preferences became cohesive and unified (eureka!). I used my descriptor to help me edit what I had and what I bought. </p> <p>You'll actually be able to explain to yourself why something is "you". Congratulations on discovering the real you on your style journey. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002664 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:34:09 +0000 Suz 1002664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Rachy -- thank you for that reminder. I remember that outfit now, and how fab it is!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Moni, even though our situations differ in some ways, I have already learned <b>SO MUCH </b>from you. Your insight that climate and season is not necessarily simply spring/ summer/ fall/ winter was <b>HUGE</b> for me. It has guided every one of my purchases and thoughts ever since you made that observation. It is so very relevant to where I live and what I do.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, I had not realized it until recently, but I, too, am itinerant. It's not "official" and thus, I never thought of myself as such. But anyone who travels once or twice a month to a place 200 miles away is a traveller. Learning to see oneself as such is very important to how one constructs a wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the same time, as mother of a wee one, you may be staying put more than is typical for you. And that is as is should be (unless you are carrying the wee one with you, gypsy style). In that case, you may feel a brief disjunction between your old style and your new MOTG style (which will be subtly different in some ways.) I definitely underwent significant style shifts when:&nbsp;</p> <p>I had a small baby.&nbsp;</p> <p>I moved to a different climate.&nbsp;</p> <p>I took on a different (new) job.&nbsp;</p> <p>I moved back to the old climate.&nbsp;</p> <p>I changed weight/ body shape/ size.&nbsp;</p> <p>I started travelling for work.&nbsp;</p> <p>I started travelling to help with caring for older family members.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is normal to have a crisis moment when your life is in crisis. &nbsp;You are doing brilliantly in working out how to manage that.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002657 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:25:17 +0000 ManidipaM 1002657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, so awfully sweet of you to go find that! Yes, I absolutely loved both those outfits (same post)... and had forgotten how much! This was in the latter part of my pregnancy, which actually really helped my style journey by forcing me to let go of the conventional figure flattery goals I hadn't realised I was hanging on to.</p> <p>Becky, I perked right up when you mentioned your climates. I have monsoonal tropics for Homebase #1; dry tropical for Homebase #2, which is close enough to a major desert and the Himalayas to have extremes of summer and winter; plus I am a professional traveller. After all Angie's admonitions to dress for one's real life, I have no idea how I managed to overlook this crucial detail: my wardrobe can be split into capsules for either home but *still needs to travel*. I am on the edge of my seat, ready to take notes from you.</p> <p>Suz, I am so honoured. And *of course* you were right! </p> <p>Shedev, excellent point that I have lost sight of in all my handwringing! Fashion comes around eventually. I will wait patiently.</p> <p>Marcy, Natalie, Sveta, Kate---thank you! I have my fingers crossed.</p> <p>ETA: Cross-posted with you, Caro. Am so, so touched. Thank you ever so much! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002654 Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:24:23 +0000 Caro in Oz 1002654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how you've translated your descriptors into outfits - I love the idea of texture &amp; print done to repeat the colours you choose.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://pinterest.com/49caro/for-manidipam/">http://pinterest.com/49caro/for-manidipam/</a></p> <p>These are not to be taken literally - just for inspiration </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002638 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 23:52:20 +0000 rachylou 1002638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Soo interesting, Manidipa. You know what I think of as epitomising this monikker? It's this outfit of <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-working-weekend-in-jan-featuring-2-out-of-12" rel="nofollow">yours</a>. My gypsy gyspy neighbor would love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002623 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 23:27:59 +0000 froggiebecky 1002623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, this is brilliant! I'm so glad all this thought has led to such a breakthrough! I love the description, and can see how it would fit you. Reading through your descriptions and&nbsp;constraints, I think we have a lot we could learn from each other about wardrobe flexibility and incorporating elements from different climates.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really look forward to seeing where you take this, and I love your moniker!&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002610 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 23:10:24 +0000 Suz 1002610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my goodness -- this brought tears to my eyes!! And that was <b>before</b> I read the dedication!!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I am <b>so</b> honoured. And so pleased.&nbsp;</p> <p>And <b>so</b> confirmed in my rightness, LOL!! ;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>Mani, you are a brilliant writer. Thank you for sharing this with us. And I think you have done yourself justice here. It's a wonderful moniker. One of a kind.&nbsp;</p> <p>Like you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002557 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 21:29:50 +0000 shedev 1002557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like it. Don't worry too much about the lack of things that speak to you in stores at the moment. We all have dry spells and fab things will come in time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002524 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:31:49 +0000 Parsley 1002524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love it, Mani!<br />I think the description sounds great, and reading through your different&nbsp;silhouettes and variations I can imagine them looking fab and being&nbsp;"you". Now we'll see if this helps you dress the way you want and guides you well in shopping! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002521 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:25:12 +0000 goldenpig 1002521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the name and the thoughtful explanation. So excited for your breakthrough and can't wait to see what you do with it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002501 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 20:02:40 +0000 Sveta 1002501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is such a great and thoughtful analysis,&nbsp;Mani! Well done! It is going to be a smooth sailing from now on! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002496 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:56:02 +0000 Anonymous 1002496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thumbs up! This sounds great, and I hope it helps you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/i-finally-gett-it-i-think-spl-thanks-to-froggiebecky-and-rae#post-1002494 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:52:38 +0000 ManidipaM 1002494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have manufactured my shopping/dressing touchstone. At long last! (WARNING: *very* long)</p> <p>I have mused about style descriptors and rubrics last year. That helped but I felt I needed something more. A stricter or more vivid mnemonic perhaps. Thus, I belong to the Arty Eclectic tribe, but how do I rule out the huge variety of styles that encompasses. Angie called me 'folksy', which rang a resounding bell, but how did I integrate that practically, visually?</p> <p>Today, Becky's post switched a lightbulb on. Like her, my closet needs to function across a range of climates and environments. Because I am itinerant by profession as well as preference. This had been missing from my old checklist.</p> <p>Also missing had been a shadow persona that I would prefer to bring out into action from time to time---a futuristic side. Even though I adore some very traditional or nostalgic outfits and details.</p> <p>I identify also as a bohemian... but not necessarily the popular icons of boho fashion.</p> <p>I need to feel grounded but also to step lightly on the earth.</p> <p>And in a weirdly contrarian way, this wallflower is at a point in her style journey where she wants to stand apart and be counted on for non-conformity of a sort. Like breaking figure flattery rules. Without looking clueless. And this in a way more drastic than whimsy at times.</p> <p>Underline my fascination with cross-cultural pollination on the runway, and also my rootedness in my own ethnic heritage...and it gets a bit more ambitious. </p> <p>So I have chosen to articulate my fashion interests through the persona of the Gypsy (Eccentric) Time(less)Traveller. </p> <p>Gypsy = my bohemian leanings (NB: this is the gypsy archetype of fantasy and intended as any disrespect to the actual peoples); cultural rootedness and cultural magpie tendencies (reference to the integration and adaptations as the Romani travelled beyond India while retaining Romanipen as a core identity); choices to own less and leave a lighter footprint on the earth. </p> <p>Eccentric = the whimsical and the unexpected element, the defeat of expectations about figure flattery, environmental norms, contemporary trends by the desire to go my own way; an important but not everyday aspect of my current style, its hide-and-seek presence articulated in the parentheses.</p> <p>Time(less) = the seesawing between uber-traditional motifs and silhouettes, nostalgia and retro elements and futuristic ones (fabrications that recycle or upcycle, 'technological' textures) that seek to preserve the earth perhaps or hope for its continuance in time; also articulates the non-trendiness of a style neither classic nor modern but avant-garde enough to resist dating and to conversely be at home in any decade</p> <p>Traveller = a key consideration missing from my past attempts, this is to remind me of my itinerant reality as a professional and in my personal life; to explain the coexistence of disparate cultural influences as well as to reference a certain degree of ruggedness and rumple and resistance to the elements; to emphasise the need to bridge or cross seasons and climes with durability and comfort </p> <p>Now, that was the sum of the parts. But like Una said in talking about the UWP and how she didn't resonate at all to princess...until it was a warrior princess, so also the time-travelling gypsy encapsulates ideas that modify or exceed its separate elements. Thus, it suggests an attempt to fit in across a multiplicity of contexts and a tension due to the unlikelihood of really fitting in. It represents to me a readiness to repeat and revisit as many do when travelling and forced to dress out of a suitcase; a trimming away of excess baggage towards a certain minimalism... but not too spare, with the bringing of my whole life in my caravan. There is colour and texture there. But also a restriction of the palette (I am reminded of certain nomadic tribes with their signature colours of black or white or red as the basis of all garments). The bags are big and bottomless...but every item in it must work hard to earn a place.</p> <p>Thinking of this also helped me recognise that I not only repeat favourite outfits but have certain favourite silhouettes and proportions I repeat often. It seems I might be an uniform dresser (waving to Vix) under all the barnacles I have collected!<br /> Silhouette 1: the long/loose tunic and leggings<br /> Variation A: tunic and long skirt<br /> Variation B: the dress with length and flow (A line, empire line, semi-fitted rather than strict fit &amp; flare or sheath)<br /> Variation C: tunic or other voluminous top (kaftan, banded etc) with straight or skinny bottoms (jeans, pencil skirt etc)<br /> Silhouette 2: voluminous pants/skirt with more reined-in top (sleeveless or shorter length, very tailored or body skimming)<br /> Variation D: volume on volume</p> <p>Huh. You guys still here? ::blinks owlishly:: Thought I was talking to myself there!</p> <p>Well, this novel needs a dedication: To Suz, who reminded me very recently that frustration often precedes a breakthrough. Plus acknowledgements of indebtedness to whole rafts of folks who commented on Becky's and Rae's threads as well as mine.</p> <p>It really is as though the brain must work up a lather to switch gears or push through. Now to see if I can actually shop and dress to this image.</p> <p>*Time* will tell.</p> <p>I still have the problem of a picture in my head I can't seem to find in the shops. </p>