https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:59:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1551022 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:41:17 +0000 MsMary 1551022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I hope you are still reading this thread so you will see that I totally get where you're coming from! When I came to YLF five (five!) years ago I had just lost 50 pounds and was building a wardrobe for a new body, from the shoes up and the undies out. The learning curve was steep and everything was super exciting, and because everything was new I felt excited to be participating in all the of-the-moment trends. Plus I was (unhappily) married to somebody who was out of town a lot and I had a ton of free time to play in my closet and post outfits.</p> <p>Fast forward to now, and my financial circumstances are somewhat reduced, I've got a wardrobe I'm happy with that just needs a bit of refreshing from time to time, and I'm divorced, in a new home that I remodeled top to bottom, with a lovely new gentleman friend and lots of other lovely friends and activities that are keeping me busier than I can believe, plus I'm in the throes of caring for aging parents! And I'm wondering the same things as you are -- where is my place on YLF if it's not what it was back in the day? </p> <p>I've decided I'm going to keep posting WIW posts because it makes me happy and I like having the record of my outfits. And if they're repeats, they're repeats and that's going to be okay. And if they're several years old, that's going to be okay, too. And if I'm often able to only read and not post for days at a time, that's okay, too. I love this place and these women and I don't want to give it up completely.&nbsp; That's just me, of course, but I hope you will consider something similar.</p> <p>Oh, and I have spent a fortune over the past years but I don't have any regrets and I hope you will let your regrets go, too. It happened, it's in the past, it was fun and entertaining and educational, and... now it's in the past and let's move forward and be happy!</p> <p>Big hugs, Shannon!!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1551012 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 19:22:33 +0000 shiny 1551012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do what you need to do. In the past I've taken breaks, sometimes long breaks. Helps to keep budget in line. I come back whenever I need a refresh. This community is great for that.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are ALSO moving! Listing the house next week. Have been in major declutter mode all summer too -- one of the reasons I've also been scarce here. We're hoping to move downtown to a smaller condo, hopefully something with a view -- and a walk-in closet.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550939 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 16:53:54 +0000 approprio 1550939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Gaylene said. There's so much scope to explore style on this forum without feeling like you have to shop to keep up. If anything, I've bought less stuff since contributing to YLF because reading and talking here has led me to a much deeper understanding of my own style. And you don't need to post every day to make a valuable contribution.</p> <p>But your mileage may vary. I can understand it after everything you've been through this year. Sometimes we all need to take a break.</p> <p>I hope you'll be back soon to share your insights on your newly simplified closet. And don't you dare ditch all that wonderful Eileen Fisher!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550919 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 16:09:10 +0000 Sara L. 1550919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We'll miss you if you leave the forum so I hope you will still occasionally check in and comment!&nbsp; Everyone's participation varies depending on what's going on in their lives.&nbsp; </p> <p>I regularly shop thrift stores, Target, Payless, and Old Navy.&nbsp; I don't find the forum that much of a temptation to shop just because I don't have the budget for expensive clothes and shoes (and Banana Republic is expensive to me).&nbsp; I look at it as inspiration.&nbsp; As in, drapey blouses are in so I'll look for something similar to Angie's picks but within my budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> I don't think you have to worry about whether your WIW posts are always new and different&nbsp;because not everyone sees every outfit you post.&nbsp; There will be members that didn't see the original outfit post and so the outfit will be new to them.&nbsp; But just posting the occasional outfit is fine also if you no longer have the time or need for daily WIW posts.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550913 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 16:01:00 +0000 Karie 1550913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally support you. The first rule here is "Have fun with fashion." If you're not having fun with fashion, then it's time to reevaluate.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said, I hope you don't stop posting, I love to see your outfits and I don't care if I've seen them 100 times already. I think it's the mark of a good, functional wardrobe when you can wear the same outfits over and over, and different combinations thereof. </p> <p>As far as where anyone shops, I couldn't care less if it came from the most expensive department store or the least expensive dime store. You have to be happy with, and happy in, what you're wearing - that's what counts.</p> <p>Best wishes to you on this next phase of your journey.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550893 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 15:09:32 +0000 shedev 1550893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, you are an inspiration as always. Perfectionism can be the enemy of happy. I choose not to get too wrapped up in fretting over an inch of fabric here and there. I hope this leg of your life's journey brings you bliss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550859 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:14:41 +0000 Beth Ann 1550859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a year you have had!&nbsp; You have had to prove your strength and resilience over and over again.&nbsp; I'm so pleased to hear that your vacation was marvelous and restorative.&nbsp; Having been to Victoria long ago, I was even a bit envious!</p> <p>For me, YLF actually focuses my wardrobe and shopping, although I did spend more in the first couple of years of the forum.&nbsp; Presenting myself well is a part of my work, and makes me a touch more confident. &nbsp; As you know, I still regularly shop Kohls -- and I'm sure there are some on the forum who question that decision.&nbsp; The truth is, I'm not fooling when I say I have a budget!&nbsp; </p> <p>I understand how easy it easy for fashion to become a burden, and an end in itself.&nbsp; I fully support your decision to dress and live with simplicity, so there is more room for people and memorable experiences in your life.&nbsp; You are always welcome, whenever you choose to show up, Shannon!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/3#post-1550851 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:58:50 +0000 lyn67 1550851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you don't leave us, Shannon, whatever you'll wear and anywhere you'll shop in the future from now! Being located in the EU I was (and am still) NOT familiar with any of the &nbsp;brands Angie picks her recommendations from, other than perhaps the &nbsp;Zara, Esprit, M&amp;S and H&amp;M:-). Still, looking at all &nbsp;her recomms and the the wiw's in the forum, I &nbsp; had always gotten plenty of ideas of what I want to search &nbsp;for myself, in MY OWN SHOPS &nbsp;in my neck of the woods, which cannot be called high end, either:-).&nbsp;</p> <p>YLF is very fashion forward, indeed, but this is why we are comming here, I guess:-). Over the years I learned that it takes almost 1-or even 2 (!) seasons to have quasi the same(alike) items in our shops to those I can see here, on a daily basis.</p> <p>It's a pain, so I will be never called a trendy one for sure when posting my wiw's, but &nbsp;that wasn't my aim to dress like it anyway, just sayin':-).&nbsp;</p> <p>I trully appreciated your daily wiw posts, and learnt a lot from them, &nbsp;but know &nbsp;so well it takes precious time to do them, &nbsp;follow &nbsp;and honor the comments, and &nbsp;all that ...guess you know why am posting that rarely, for me it's always easier to comment, only!&nbsp;</p> <p>Please stay with us, &nbsp;your &nbsp;presence and opinions will be always greatly appreciated-at any random intervals:-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550836 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:29:36 +0000 Angie 1550836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This forum is so much more than a place to talk about fashion and style. It's a community of intelligent, engaged and compassionate women who share their wisdom about life. You are one of those women, Shannon. Understandably, life takes a turn and we move on to the next chapter. Know that I adore you and that I will miss you. Also know that there is always a place for you here. Much love to you always. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550832 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:20:51 +0000 Colette 1550832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really admire what you&nbsp;are doing and totally get it. The last couple of years I have been vocalizing&nbsp;my desire to simplify my life and made some small steps in that direction. Some&nbsp;major life changes had left me feeling that every area of my life had just&nbsp;gotten completely out of control. I decided I needed to get myself together and&nbsp;that's when I found YLF.</p> <p>Ironically, YLF is&nbsp;helping me simplify my life. One thing that has changed for me is that I am&nbsp;making shopping lists and (mostly) sticking to them, which also is saving my&nbsp;budget. I’m not there yet, I’m still learning and figuring myself out. But it&nbsp;does take a fair amount of time. I just feel that the time I’m spending is an&nbsp;investment in myself so it’s worth it for me right now.</p> <p>I’ve really enjoyed your&nbsp;posts and even made a home run eBay purchase from your inspiration. Your&nbsp;presence will be missed.</p> <p>Sending my best wishes to&nbsp;you!</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550758 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 09:18:25 +0000 jenanded 1550758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Will miss you... but how cool to be on this exciting journey... have a fantastic time x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550750 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 08:45:58 +0000 Deborah 1550750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon I am so excited and I get where you are coming from:) &nbsp;I just want to say that there is definitely a place here for you. &nbsp;Your contribution is not just what you wear, but also your thoughts, opinions, encouragements etc. &nbsp;Many conversations here go deeper than our outfits:) &nbsp;I hope you will still pop in for chat when you can, and I &nbsp;for one would love to hear more of your journey to minimalism if you so choose to share:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550746 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 07:40:06 +0000 Astrid 1550746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I understand what you're saying, but I'm going to miss you, Shannon! I hope one day you might come back with a slightly different role, as Gaylene mentioned. I can understand your reasons for not wanting to post WIWs and K/R posts anymore, but I think there's a place here for people beyond that. It doesn't need to be about "keeping up". I think like you I'm at a place where I don't feel the need for so much input as I once did for what to buy and wear. But I think that's a great thing. I mean that's what I came here to learn to start with, all those years ago! I'm also on a simplicity journey myself, so I understand that having all these posts about shopping and buying and consumption seem to be contradictory to what I want for myself. But then I just look at other threads instead and it's fine. I hope you'll find what's right for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550742 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 06:17:00 +0000 Marley 1550742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon - I pretty much don't shop at all - don't look at fashion blogs, don't check to see what Angie's recent "finds" are, don't take WIW pics, don't ask advice on K/R, etc. etc. - and I'm usually in shorts or jeans everyday - but I still enjoy YLF as a place to go to where I know it's going to be positive, inspiring, fun, etc. etc. &nbsp;I think there is a way to live the life you want to live and still feel like you have a place at/with YLF. &nbsp;I do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550710 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 04:16:34 +0000 jackiec 1550710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am glad to hear you're well and enjoying&nbsp;<i>living&nbsp;</i>your life. I 100% get where you're coming from and respect your decision. It would be great to "see" you now and again. Don't be a stranger.</p> <p>...and FWIW, I've picked up some pretty cool things at Reitmans over the years </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550624 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:43:04 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1550624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your warm thoughts and best wishes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550622 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:36:15 +0000 Dee 1550622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your presence will definitely be missed! I've always felt that a big part of this forum was to let women develop their own style, in a way that suits their daily needs and lifestyle, and to have fun doing so. You clearly have an amazing style and if it's time for you to focus on other things, I hope you enjoy them too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550603 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:06:33 +0000 Jaime 1550603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon add me to the chorus of already missing yous, but your feelings are completely understandable. For me YLF is mostly therapeutic - an island of civility and mutual support that makes me feel good. And fashion is my creative outlet as Aliona describes. Neither of these particularly require posting new things or even posting at all. But I enjoy that too! Dial in and out as needed. I for one will always be happy to hear and see you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550598 Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:56:36 +0000 Anonymous 1550598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I'm glad to hear you're well--I have been thinking of you because since I joined a year ago you've been such an inspiring and loving presence here. You were so welcoming when I first joined, one of the wonderful women who made me feel accepted and included. Thank you for that. </p> <p>I know where you are coming from in terms of the feelings of vanity and over abundance. Yet to me, fashion is my creative outlet. I can't draw, paint, sculpt, write, dance, sing, bake, play music or cook (just ask my poor DH about that last one). I have no creative talents to speak of. But fashion lets me experiment with someone else's art. And I love that.</p> <p>Like others, this is the only fashion blog I read. I thought I'd feel guilty about the time spent here, but I've learned so much about topics like line, drape, perspective and balance. I thought I'd feel guilty about consumption and frivolous consumer goods, but I've actually spent less since joining YLF. This is a great place for me, right now, and it's thanks to people like you. You will be missed. But the great thing about YLF (as all the comments show) is you are understood: if you ever feel like popping back in to show us how you've styled a Winners or other item, well I for one would love it. You have great talent for this style thing, and IMO it's a lot more of a style thrill to craft outfits with less expensive items than it is to put together an all Eileen Fisher look. Personally I would love to know how to do the former and only spend money on the latter coz I'm stumped. Well, I'm also trying to be a more conscious consumer and i do worry about where some clothing items are made. I justify my EF (all outlet) purchases because at least she is trying in that regard. </p> <p>Isn't Angie's #1 rule that fashion should be fun? I hope you find a time when it feels that way again. All the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550544 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 22:54:40 +0000 Anonymous 1550544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, I joined a few years ago and became active again over the summer. &nbsp;I hear what you are saying and support the intentional living you are doing, simplfying and paying attention to what matters to you. &nbsp;I can see how YLF could become 'a habit' and perhaps an obsession. &nbsp;For me, I learn a great deal on here from Angie and readers who post and have learned to apply in principle what supports how I want to dress. &nbsp;I've ordered some items that have been suggested or highlighted, like for the NAS sales, and have sent back more items than I kept. &nbsp;What I've learned is that I need to drive the two hours to Nordstroms and not order online as it's a waste of time. &nbsp;Go and try on and see for myself what looks good or not. &nbsp;</p> <p>I compare the YLF site and my consulting it with how I consulted decor blogs when we first bought our house. &nbsp; The latter helped immensely in discovering products and styles I did not know about. &nbsp;Huge learning curve. &nbsp;They served that purpose and now I visit irregularly just to see new designs but I no longer need to buy anything. &nbsp;In fashion I do need to replenish more often and I do like to see what's possible with different outfits and styles. &nbsp;That doesn't urge me to buy said items. &nbsp;But I learn a great deal from others, more than I give back, which makes me feel guilty, of course.</p> <p>I allow just so much time for online whatever as I privilege living, actively, face to face, way more and being outside. &nbsp;</p> <p>In one word, balance. &nbsp;hard to achieve and different for each of us. &nbsp;I haven't been active enough for long enough to know you. &nbsp;But I sure do like your honesty and self-reflection. &nbsp;What you said helps me to reconsider the why behind the what. &nbsp;I also think taking a month off from online sleuthing of all kinds could be an eye-opener. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550536 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 22:46:57 +0000 Style Fan 1550536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for writing such a thoughtful post.&nbsp; I will miss your posts.&nbsp; All the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550515 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:50:00 +0000 kellygirl 1550515@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally get this, Shannon. Good luck and do drop in and say "hi" every once in awhile!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550513 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:44:07 +0000 Lyn D. 1550513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shannon, I have missed you lately too!<br />You are such a thoughtful person, and &nbsp;you will never not be a part of YLF because of this </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550498 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:15:26 +0000 Anonymous 1550498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you're all good Shannon. &nbsp;There are times in everyone's life when simplicity is desirable. &nbsp;I am reaching that same plateau in life. &nbsp;It is a good and comfortable place to be. &nbsp;I congratulate you on reaching this stage. &nbsp;That doesn't mean you won't change your mind in years to come. &nbsp;If so, then you adjust. &nbsp;Best wishes now and forever. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550495 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 21:09:07 +0000 Elle 1550495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will miss your posts too but completely understand. &nbsp;Fashion can be fun at at times and a burden at times. &nbsp;So your focus on experiences rather than things seems very wise to me.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm totally inspired by your cleaning out clutter. &nbsp;I'm going to spend time in the basement this Labor Day weekend and be ruthless. &nbsp;Those ancient blenders and popcorn makers need to go.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550484 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 20:52:27 +0000 RoseandJoan 1550484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, life is not static, it is chaotic and we can only hope to evolve quickly enough to cope with the changes. Do what feels right for you and your family but please&nbsp;know Angie and Greg's&nbsp;door is always open. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550478 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 20:41:35 +0000 Carla 1550478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your voice will be missed, Shannon.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550462 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 20:26:00 +0000 Dee 1550462@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon - I have been on YLF for a much briefer period than you and at a much lower level of activity.&nbsp; I read far more than post and have yet to post a photo of any kind -&nbsp; WIW or otherwise.&nbsp; I do not have a large shopping budget and buy most of my clothes at stores like Target, JCP, and Kohl's.&nbsp;I try to use the advice and ideas here to help me stay current and to make the most of my limited budget instead of as a license to spend more.&nbsp; &nbsp;I enjoy reading the forums and Angie's blog, but some weeks, I read them often while I also stop reading for a few weeks at a time.&nbsp; I have enjoyed your posts and missed your active participation on the boards.&nbsp; If you feel that you need to step away from YLF, at least for a while, I respect your decision.&nbsp; If you feel that you want to continue to participate, but perhaps to a lesser degree or in different ways, then I welcome your continued participation and look forward to seeing you here in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550449 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:56:57 +0000 celia 1550449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene put it beautifully. Of course different people use tools in different ways but I do feel that clothes is just a subject that we build a community around.<br /> I have been missing your posts, because I like to see the outfits but also because your posts are like meeting a friend at the coffee shop and just chat.<br /> I think the importance thing is that you feel in control of your life, and if not participating is part of what you need to achieve it I am happy for you. However I would like to stress that your presence is valued for much more than the clothes.</p> <p>ETA, I love Reitmans, Winners and Old Navy :0) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/introspection-my-ylf-future/page/2#post-1550446 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 19:49:16 +0000 Sal 1550446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love what clever Gaylene wrote. I am pleased you are in a good place.</p> <p>In many ways I think being remote makes the YLF temptations easier to resist, because it is so hard to partake. </p> <p>I have enjoyed your posts and hope to see you from time to time. </p>