https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:21:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846892 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:10:14 +0000 Jenn 1846892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was such a lovely post, Emily. It's great to hear more of your story and I adore your insights on the characteristics of wonderful wardrobes. Congrats on becoming a Veteran! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846853 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:56:38 +0000 Elizabeth P 1846853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great story Emily, thank you for sharing.&nbsp; I would never have guessed you struggled (I'm going to put that in the past) with weight.&nbsp; Your sense of style and knowledge of what looks good on you always struck me as something you were curating, not learning about.&nbsp; Does that make sense?&nbsp; You are a valuable member here, and I look forward to your posts and contributions.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846508 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 04:49:35 +0000 Emily K 1846508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your warm responses then and now!</p> <p>Firecracker -- Now that my son is back in school, I hope to call on you for lunch one day?!</p> <p>rachylou -- I always appreciate your eclecticism and humor.</p> <p>gryffin -- I as I was typing, I was thinking of the gorgeous snaffle belt you posted recently. &nbsp;You can't just head over to J Crew to collect something like that. &nbsp;Beautiful!</p> <p>cindysmith — You’ve got a YLF anniversary coming up in just a couple of weeks, I think :-)</p> <p>Sterling -- I've always appreciated your thoughtful comments. &nbsp;I often think of your rule (paraphrased), "If I buy this, am I going to keep shopping for the same item?" &nbsp;That thought has been useful for me on a number of occasions. &nbsp;And, many thanks for organizing the 30X30 challenge. As a result of the challenge, I realized that I learned a lot by taking a daily outfit photo and I think that, maybe, I should get back into that habit.</p> <p>Angie -- My ears are always open to your advice. &nbsp;I hope to meet in person next time a Seattle-area meet-up is calendared.</p> <p>texstyle -- Your moniker is so clever! &nbsp;And your down-to-earth comments resonate with me and yield useful shopping strategies. &nbsp;I think you’ve introduced me to quite a few new-to-me online retailers.</p> <p>JAileen — Jacket twin!--Thank you for your kind critiques.</p> <div><br /></div><div>Dianna — Thank you! &nbsp;I feel like I’m slowly getting to know your elegant and ladylike style.</div><div><br /></div><div>Laura G — The yo-yoing was excruciating. &nbsp;I hope I've seen the last of that. &nbsp;Fingers crossed. </p> <p>Style Fan — Yes. &nbsp;I it seems to me that you are one who has made a few splurge-y purchases but who also cares for and treasures these items from year to year. &nbsp;It’s something to aspire to.</p> </div><div><br /></div><div>La Pedestrienne — Your style really speaks to me and I have followed your lead to SO MANY excellent shopping resources including (but not limited to, I am sure) &nbsp;Everlane, Grana, Cuyana... &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Anchie — I know that you can empathize as I've been following your posts about sizing out of your current wardrobe. &nbsp;I expect to see a number of inspiring capsule-rebuilding posts from you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Smittie — I really like your style and always appreciate your WIW’s! &nbsp;Your recent posts (including those about your fabulous handbag and coat purchases) have inched me closer to making some wardrobe-defining splurgy purchases. (Still not quite there yet..but closer!) </div><div><br /></div><div>bridgie — Yes, that’s Memphis. &nbsp;Good eye and good memory! &nbsp; :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>shevia — Thank you! For a while there, we were hairstyle twins although I could only envy your fabulous curls! &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>mtnsofthemoon — Thank you! &nbsp;I see us “finding” a lot of the same items and I wonder if we are style twins :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Karen13 — Thank you! I’m glad that I took the leap and began participating. &nbsp;Of course, the blog posts were always interesting and informative, but the camaraderie of the forum is equally important. &nbsp; </p> <p>Jenni NZ -- Thank you! &nbsp;Yes, you would have focused on the shoe issue! &nbsp;;-) &nbsp;I haven't got the collection you have, but I feel like it's always possible for me to make (and win) an argument with myself for adding an additional pair.</p> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846506 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 04:22:12 +0000 Jenni NZ 1846506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is an incredible story. I just went back and re-read all your posts. I remember some of your posts including the one I loved about making room in your 30x30 for your shoes. And how lovely you look, and I would never have guessed you had had such weight issues. Congrats on becoming a veteran, I look forward to hopefully becoming one next January. Jenni x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846498 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 03:14:35 +0000 karen13 1846498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so glad you stopped lurking! You are a valuable contributor to YFL with very thoughtful posts - I always enjoy reading them. And your story is inspiring.Good for you for recognizing that you deserve to feel good about the way you present yourself, and for taking such positive steps. We can all lean from that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846482 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 01:59:32 +0000 mtnsofthemoon 1846482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on your Veteran status!&nbsp; And thank you for sharing your story.&nbsp; Very uplifting and so insightful.&nbsp; Your observations stimulate my own reflection and self awareness.&nbsp; Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846470 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 01:24:39 +0000 Jaime 1846470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an inspiring story! Congratulations on everything you have achieved! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846469 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 01:06:36 +0000 bridgie 1846469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming a veteran!&nbsp; Thanks for sharing your story.&nbsp; It is very touching.</p> <p>That is beautiful Memphis in your new avatar isn't it? Great to see.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846466 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 00:56:58 +0000 Anonymous 1846466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming a Veteran Emily! I really appreciate your thoughts and helpful suggestions (I'm still thinking about those sandals, though don't want to buy right now. Will have to solicit some ideas from you in the spring.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846354 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 18:03:04 +0000 anchie 1846354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily, I can so relate with your story. My daughter will be 10 in November. Since she was born I had struggled with my weight, going up and down many times. Just recently I thought that I finally completed my wardrobe and wanted to start improving it piece by piece when my clothing size changed again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846348 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 17:45:01 +0000 LaPed 1846348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy Fab-versary! And what a lovely story. I'm totally with you on the idea of a slow wardrobe and patient curation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846327 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:53:18 +0000 Style Fan 1846327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your story Emily.&nbsp; I am so glad you decided to join YLF.&nbsp; I also agree that fashion is far from frivolous.&nbsp; Fashion is about many things.<br />Curating a wardrobe takes time. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846313 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:30:34 +0000 Laura G 1846313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your long struggle with weight must have been heartbreaking. I'm &nbsp;happy to see you not just on the other side of that struggle, but here, where there's so much wisdom and encouragement to be had.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been slowly coming to the same conclusion you have--that you can't just buy a wardrobe and be done with it. You can buy a good start, but then you have months and years of wearing, tinkering, thinking, culling and replacing to mold it into <i>your&nbsp;</i>best wardrobe. And you can't hurry it along by just buying more stuff, as I've been trying to do lately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846300 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 16:01:35 +0000 Dianna 1846300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your story is so inspiring!&nbsp; Thanks for sharing, Emily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846278 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:20:57 +0000 JAileen 1846278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Emily, having seen some of your WIWs, it's hard to believe how far you've come. I love your casual style and think you look fab. Congrats on becoming a veteran. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846277 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:20:14 +0000 texstyle 1846277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing your story - and so glad you've stayed around here. I agree with&nbsp; your thoughts about curating a wardrobe slowly over time. This is the only way it seems to me to truly develop a style that is "you." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846259 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 14:31:17 +0000 Angie 1846259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Thanks for the kind words, and I'm thrilled you de-lurked. You are wise, gracious and eloquent).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846257 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 14:30:13 +0000 Angie 1846257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. What a great read. A touching story that made my heart happy. Thank <i>YOU,&nbsp;</i>and well&nbsp;done.&nbsp;<i></i></p> <p>CONGRATS. Our community is enriched with you in it, <b>Emily.&nbsp;</b>I am with you on the "slow-fix" approach to your style. And will blog about it. The tortoise won the race....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846207 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:35:14 +0000 Anonymous 1846207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YAY Emily.&nbsp; AND I agree Cindy.&nbsp; Fashion is not frivolous.&nbsp; It is an important part of&nbsp;my personal well being.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846199 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:03:50 +0000 cindysmith 1846199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>YLF is a pretty neat place. Too many people poo-poo fashion as frivolous. There isn't much frivolity in some of the serious self-examination I've seen from members here. It's definitely a new way to look at clothing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846197 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 11:00:49 +0000 gryffin 1846197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Emily you are soooo articulate!! " lovingly curated..reflects accurate soul searching, knowledgeable selection and tenacity in the hunt". Yes, yes, YES!! You are so right. First you just need enough to make you wardrobe work, but the trick is, then no to necessarily expand, but to refine!! Smart girl!! You have such insight I know you will curate a beautiful, functional and joyous wardrobe!! Kudos!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846148 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 05:10:27 +0000 rachylou 1846148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay! And what a lovely post. Like fine wine, no? Time to develop, time to savour... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846142 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 04:45:57 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1846142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Emily, what a story. It's great to hear about your journey and how YLF has helped you. It truly is a unique place. I enjoy seeing your posts and comments. Congratulations on your YLF veteran status! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/im-a-veteran-3#post-1846137 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 04:24:59 +0000 Emily K 1846137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was just about a year ago that I stopped lurking and began participating in the YLF community--participation has given me much to be thankful for! &nbsp;</p> <p>First and foremost, I'd like to thank Angie for continuing to generate&nbsp;daily content that remains interesting and relevant—I have no idea how you do it! &nbsp;In your position, I would have collapsed long ago! &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;</p> <p>I'd also like to thank the entire YLF community for bravely posting WIW's, sharing tips and fashion finds, and offering tactful advice. &nbsp;I have no other friends or family with whom I can talk about clothes, so the opportunity to peek into your wardrobes has been both fascinating and instructive.</p> <p>I came to YLF having spent the ten years since my son's birth gaining and losing 100 lbs, four times. &nbsp;All my life, I'd never felt entitled to make fashion a priority and that, combined with the weight issue, meant that my wardrobe consisted of 3-4 pairs of my husband's old, worn out jeans, some of his old tee shirts, and a bunch of worn-out fleece. &nbsp;It was pretty dire. &nbsp;During the last year or so, I've worked hard to build a functional wardrobe and have been keenly interested in any post in which numbers are discussed. &nbsp;I have literally NEVER known how many outfits, or shirts, or shoes an average woman might have in her closet. &nbsp;Capsules, 30-piece wardrobes, 30 wears, 12 pair of shoes or 50 pairs...it is all new to me.</p> <p>But there is one thing that has made more of an impression than all the others and it is this--the more closely I observe fashion, the more I realize that the best wardrobe is one that has been lovingly curated for a long time! &nbsp;The items in it reflect accurate soulsearching, knowledgeable selection, and tenacity in the hunt. I've spent the past year accumulating enough clothes to get my wardrobe up and running--just checking the wardrobe boxes. &nbsp;Now, having gotten pieces in place, I want to continue to improve by assessing the beauty and functionality of each piece and by replacing items with the best new pieces that each season has to offer. &nbsp;</p> <p>That's what I've seen when I've peeked into your closets--wardrobes rich with the best of many seasons! &nbsp;Thank you! </p>