YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January 30 x 30 Challenge

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: January 30 x 30 Challenge https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:14:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Toban on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876678 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:47:27 +0000 Toban 1876678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Srah, I am so sorry for your loss. My kitties are also precious to me. Thank you for sharing the picture of your gorgeous little guy. LaPed on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876672 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:33:03 +0000 LaPed 1876672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Srah, my condolences. <3 Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876670 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:18:10 +0000 Anonymous 1876670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is still hard.  Some of neighbors think of their pet as their child.  If anything were to happen to one of those pets, we would have a crisis on our hands.  Best wishes.  Nomad on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876660 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:40:25 +0000 Nomad 1876660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, delurked and Sterling. We know it's part of the deal when we welcome them into our lives, but it's still so hard when the time comes. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876659 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:37:53 +0000 Anonymous 1876659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Srah -- I am so so sorry to hear about your loss.  Losing our dog was devastating.  It takes a lot of time and self care to regroup.  Please reach out to me if I can do anything at all for you.   delurked on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876656 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:31:31 +0000 delurked 1876656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So sorry to hear about your cat Srah. What a sweet picture. Nomad on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1876648 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:03:19 +0000 Nomad 1876648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm dropping out of the challenge... I had to say a very sad goodbye to my cat this weekend, so I'm going to focus on other things for a while. I'll be cheering you all on, though. And a picture of my gorgeous little guy, from a few weeks ago when he was feeling better (and happened to pose in lovely soft light). Angie on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1874832 Thu, 04 Jan 2018 14:58:03 +0000 Angie 1874832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, perhaps you can post your daily outfit and conclusions on a separate thread? Easier to follow-up on for your audience here. Like me!  Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1874809 Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:44:14 +0000 Anonymous 1874809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a sharp looking outfit, Sterling. I also do not like half zips either and have two that should be in this challenge but I use more for cold spring because they are mint green and a winter white.. Zipped up, I wear them more as tops than toppers. Today I am repeating the jeans from Day 1 with a black turtleneck and taupe topper and booties. I will add a scarf to brighten up the neutrals, but it may be a messy day so needed items that could possibly get ruined by cleaners or baby spit up. At some point today I will probably need to change all or part of the outfit. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge/page/2#post-1874794 Thu, 04 Jan 2018 12:00:35 +0000 Anonymous 1874794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is only Day 4 and I have already come to two conclusions.  First, Winter Challenges are a lot harder than Summer Challenges.  You just need more pieces to survive on a daily basis.  That third piece is essential.   Because the third piece is so rare in my climate, I made the decision yesterday to include every indoor third piece that I own.  They will all be counted in my 30 items.  As I add these in, I obviously will have fewer slots for bottoms and tops.  I decided I would limit my bottoms to a mere four or five.  I genuinely think I could get dressed using only four or five bottoms.  We shall see.   I also realized that since I telework every other day, I can literally repeat outfits twice in a row (once at home and a second time in the office).  I should note I have no meetings scheduled this entire month.  It is a very work casual month.   So I repeated Day 1 and Day 2 with ease.  I am going to repeat Day 3 today.  Only the topper will change today.   1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy) 2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (favorite, most comfortable tee) 3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite, might be slated for donation) 4. Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans (Best Buy) 5. Gap white short sleeved tee shirt (Best Buy) 6. NEW Landsend navy cardigan (purchased to make a "suit" just as Janice from the Vivienne Files has taught me to do). 7. Nordic Track Half Zip Fleece Top (would be a Best Buy but I have come to realize I hate Half Zip Tops).   Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874791 Thu, 04 Jan 2018 11:50:43 +0000 Anonymous 1874791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree, Style Fan!  I want a softer silhouette going into 2018.  The cardigans work perfectly for me.  I am very pleased.  YAY Old Navy for providing me reasonably priced cardigans with which to experiment.   Style Fan on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874614 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 23:18:33 +0000 Style Fan 1874614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling that is disappointing about the EF cropped tops.  EF is usually longer.  Matching the cardigan and pants give a nice streamlined look.  I did that when I was working.  It was a softer version of a suit. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874593 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 22:40:07 +0000 Anonymous 1874593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great suggestions for my trying to make my tops work, Sarah, Joy, and Toban.  I admit to not having thought of any of them.   I should of added a scarf this morning, Katerina, but I didn't think of it until I saw your post.  Some times I get points just for showing up at work in clothing.  This week was especially hard because I had just under two weeks of vacation and my sleep schedule got mucked up.   Fashintern -- a "Best Buy" is the award I give a garment that quite literally is one of my all time favorites.  Others might use the term Workhorse. I had noticed your absence, Elizabeth.  Thank you for your very kind words.  They mean a lot of me.   SarahD8 on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874537 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 20:40:13 +0000 SarahD8 1874537@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your outfit today sounds nice, Sterling. Great that you have identified the "suit-like" formula works for you. With the oxfords you are following through on your intention to wear navy and black! What a bummer about the Eileen Fisher sweaters. If the camisole suggestion above doesn't work, or for variety, you could also try layering with a longer, tunic-length blouse or knit underneath. I think that makes cropped (and sometimes boxy, but I don't know how boxy the sweaters you bought are) proportions look intentional. Just a thought on another solution to try. Elizabeth P on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874492 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 18:21:30 +0000 Elizabeth P 1874492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling... you may have noticed that I haven't posted a WIW in quite some time.  For some reason, the past few months have been SO busy for me, I've defaulted to grabbing outfits rather than thinking about them.  This is when the edge, or maybe it's just plain interest, sometimes disappears.  So you haven't seen the outfits I'm talking about... so it's really validating that you feel the way you do about my style.  What I need to do is get rid of the pieces that are too classic for me, so that when I'm in this "just get dressed already" mode in the mornings, I can't put them on!  Anyway, challenge accepted!  Today I'm triple pattern mixing, so feeling pretty good I have spent so many years buying for my work wardrobe, I have had a hard time re-adjusting. It really does become a habit, doesn't it! You are so good at observing, and articulating your comments... you really are such a value to this forum.  Thank you. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874490 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 18:09:16 +0000 Anonymous 1874490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Elizabeth -- I am so glad you are going to join in.  Jump in whenever it is convenient for you and your life.  I know you are happiest when you incorporate a bit of edge into your outfits.  In fact, I can't look at an asymmetric top and NOT think of you.  So it surprises me that you don't incorporate your signature in your work wardrobe and then I remember, work.  We all have special needs/requirements to dress for work.  Of course, sometimes we lose a bit of ourselves in the process.  I challenge you to see if you can't start introducing a few sly elements into your work wardrobe.  I also second your decision to reconsider your wardrobe buying priorities.  I am not near retirement, but I have started teleworking two days a week.  That has had a profound impact what what I need to buy and wear.  Unfortunately, I have spent so many years buying for my work wardrobe, I have had a hard time re-adjusting.   Elizabeth P on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874434 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:08:00 +0000 Elizabeth P 1874434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, because I enjoy your challenges so much, I'm going to try to participate.  I just got back from being away over the holidays, and had totally removed myslef from real life while I hung out with lots of family.  So I haven't really had time to give this much thought.  A couple of things have come to mind, so I will try to incorporate them somehow... and am open to any ideas you or others may have on exactly HOW I can use them! 1.  I CAN retire this year.  Gulp.  Hard to imagine for a 39 year old, huh ;-).  I am not going to, but it does make me think that maybe it's time to stop buying work clothes "just because" and either stop completely, or be very, very careful and strategic in what I do purchase. 2.  I am happiest when I incorporate a bit of edge, asymmetry, or something chunky (esp footwear) into my outfits.  I don't always do this.  Why?   I esp notice this when it comes to dressing for work, as I seem to wear more classic, conservative clothing for work.  I often feel well dressed, but not quite "me". Maybe this is an area to focus on.  So there we go.  I've put this in writing.  I'll try to articulate something this weekend, and see if I can turn my musing into a challenge. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874416 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:42:14 +0000 Anonymous 1874416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome, Mainelady! Winter must be your dominent season. You need lots of warm outfits, and clothes that allow sitting in little chairs in a reading circle. Plus really warm outdoor clothes for recess duty. Brrrr. JAileen, I second Toban on wearing a long cami or tank under those cropped tops. Matching the pants means that if the top rides up, it will not be obvious. This time of year you could even use a long sleeved under layer tee. It sounds like you like an outer column of color better than an inner one. I think Janice at the Vivienne Files does both in her 4X4s. ( often a pair of pants, top, topper (jacket and/or cardigan, and skirt or another different pair of pants). If it is not in the 4X4, it shows up in the expansion 4. Your outer layer matching your jeans or trousers could also be a gillet or vest. Katerina on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874397 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:13:03 +0000 Katerina 1874397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, it sound like a stylish, comfortable and practical outfit for you busy Day 3. I like your idea of a "suit" created by a cardigan and jeans/pants in the same colour - simple and chic way of dressing. As I love scarves of all kinds, I would probably add one to this outfit - but that is just me - the scarf addict I look so  much forward to your next post!   Stagiaire Fash on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874394 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:07:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1874394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mainelady, come on in, the water’s fine! Your description of your clothing requirements made me laugh, because I have the same “rules”, but no little people to explain them. I just like freedom to move. Sterling, what do you mean by “Best Buy”? Surely not the electronics store! The EF top surprises me—that’s exactly the sort of issue I thought her line was designed to avoid. I consider you a forum friend already, but would like to get to know you and others better. Toban on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874353 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:19:25 +0000 Toban 1874353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, have you tried wearing a cami in the same color as your pants under the cropped top? I was also in a cardigan and jeans yesterday for work because of the cold and so were nearly all my coworkers. It’s too cold for my skirts and dresses, though those are the majority of my bottoms! Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874347 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:51:58 +0000 Anonymous 1874347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Today is Day 3.  I actually had trouble getting dressed today.  I have multiple roles to play for a long day.  I knew that what I wore today would become part of the challenge going forward and I wanted my selection to be well thought out.   Here is what I finally decided upon:  Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans; Gap white short sleeved tee shirt; and Landsend navy cardigan.  I added black oxfords and the same outerwear/tote from yesterday.  No pictures because I am at work.   1. Grey ponte pants (Best Buy) 2. Navy blue long sleeved tee shirt (favorite, most comfortable tee) 3. Grey long line cardigan (not a favorite, might be slated for donation) 4. Kut from the Kloth dark blue jeans (Best Buy) 5. Gap white short sleeved tee shirt (Best Buy) 6. NEW Landsend navy cardigan (purchased to make a "suit" just as Janice from the Vivienne Files has taught me to do). Some thoughts and one buying mistake.   I bought two Eileen Fisher cropped tops to wear with high-waisted pants.  I anticipated that they would be instant workhorses, but when I stand with good posture, there is 1/2-1 inch sliver of flesh exposed.  This really bothers me.  I just can't wear them with more than 90 percent of my bottoms.  These two tops are on "probation."   I mentioned The Vivienne Files above.  I have commented how I am uncomfortable wearing a single color head to toe, but I find I really like matching my cardigan to my bottoms to form a "suit."  I feel it elevates my style quotient.  The white tee shirt brightens the outfit and my mood.  So another signature look for me:  forming a suit using a cardigan that matches my pants.    I have a long day.  I feel appropriately dressed and am cozy comfortable.   Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874342 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:40:17 +0000 Anonymous 1874342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome Mainelady!!!!  I am so glad you are joining us from the sidelines.  Few Challenge Participants are including outerwear or boots.  I live considerably south of you and I'm not including them!!   Hope you have fun with the Challenge and learn a lot about yourself! Mainelady on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874332 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:01:38 +0000 Mainelady 1874332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, thank you for the inspiration and for the fabulous information on what categories to consider for this challenge. I am going to join in tentatively from the sidelines. Mine is a Rookie challenge. I am starting small and focusing on my work wardrobe. I teach first grade, so all outfits need to be comfortable enough for sitting on th floor, frequent movement, durability and pretty fuss free. I seldom have time to adjust clothing during the day. Put it on and be gone for the day is standard for me. Winter is beautiful, but can be brutal here, so warmth is a key deciding factor for me. I will not be including outerwear or boots with this challenge. I have plenty of both, but choices of which to wear are directly related to the weather and temps and not necessarily to the outfits underneath. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874331 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:46:11 +0000 Anonymous 1874331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fashintern -- I try to comment on every single participant's post.  I learn my most valuable lessons from their experiences.  The problem is sometimes I miss one or two ... especially if I fail to look at page 2.   I am so glad you joined us.  My best Forum Friends were developed during challenges like this.   Stagiaire Fash on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874058 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:34:52 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1874058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling and SarahD8, my approach is right between yours. I do want to see what items of my closet I'm most likely to reach for, so will allow myself to pull things in as needed. This is probably a cheat way for me to track without committing to it all year. Otoh, I do have a specific color scheme in mind and there are some things I say I want to wear that I haven't actually worn in a very long time. If I can't get myself to wear them in the challenge, they may very well move on from the closet. Sterling, thanks for finding and commenting on my post, as you mention above--I really like the idea of all of us being in this together, and am keeping an eye out for others' posts. Anonymous on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1874030 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 17:43:19 +0000 Anonymous 1874030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Emily and Cardiff Girl!  It is a flurry of activity.  But really, really fun.   Thank you, Fashintern.  I'll go find your post right now.  Although having a section of the Forum all to ourselves sounds great, I'm not sure how it can be arranged.  I'll look into it later today.   LaP -- the scarf is energizing.  I love the feel of it against my neck.   Gorgeous outfit, Bonnie.  Sarah -- Your approach is the way I always started these challenges in the past.  That approach just makes sense to me.  I changed it a bit this time to make it more interesting for me.  I also don't have to guess every single work activity one hundred percent correctly.  I have some added flexibility.   Angie -- I need to migrate my pictures to the Finds Section.  I'll do that as the Challenge progresses.  Thank you for the reminder.   Emily K on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1873998 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:41:40 +0000 Emily K 1873998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I always enjoy the flurry of WIW's and outfit posts that accompany the challenge!  A benefit even for those of us who are not participating this time! Stagiaire Fash on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1873994 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:37:00 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1873994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, thanks for doing this! I wonder if the blog can set up a little corner for us, like for NAS. I really like your starter outfit, because it is simple and pulled together. The bright berry pop is great. I just posted my personal “rules”. I will post pictures weekly, or a little less often, depending on how long it takes me to pull together a handful of good outfits. In my Florida Fall challenge, I think I posted to many iffy outfits. Cardiff girl on "January 30 x 30 Challenge" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/january-30-x-30-challenge#post-1873980 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:00:20 +0000 Cardiff girl 1873980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gosh this will be interesting to see through.Well done for having the energy at this time of year to manage a post like this,contributions like this are a big part of what makes YLF such an interesting blog to follow.