https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:09:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1224069 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 22:28:43 +0000 unfrumped 1224069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And really, I am all about matching my clothes to my shoes.<br />I seriously will usually have to say, what kind of (dress, skirt) can you wear with these flats? Rather than vice-versa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223997 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:38:45 +0000 sinead 1223997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, you're living my dream. I would love to be within walking distance of fun and food, and I think having to focus on the practicalities would be more than worth it. Lucky you! I know you'll make practical style look gorgeous- looking forward to seeing how it's done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223755 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:21:18 +0000 MsMary 1223755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow!&nbsp; I am loving this discussion!&nbsp; It seems that really, here in L.A. with my car and my air conditioned home/car/office, I have been living in a style bubble and I am very late to the practicality party!&nbsp; LOL</p> <p>Elle, I ordered a pair of silver Birks last night!&nbsp; And I have decided that henceforth I am not going to buy any new shoes that aren't walkable (at least for a while).&nbsp; I have enough high heels and am going to try to branch out so that ultimately I have a complete wardrobe of walkable shoes for every occasion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223748 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:17:40 +0000 citygirldc 1223748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As an urban city dweller myself, I've relied on cute comfy wedges for both work and play. I couldn't&nbsp;don the&nbsp;3-4" killer heels anyway since the DC streets will chew them up and spit them out&nbsp;and&nbsp;&nbsp;have to be practical considering I ride my bike to work. Most of my heels fit in my bag or in basket and have some stashed away at work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223637 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:52:34 +0000 Jenny H 1223637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so happy for this post. It is so great to have found a style community that understands that not everyone is willing to put up with pain in order to look fab. I'm a city-dweller with foot problems galore&nbsp;and I don't own a car. It is a necessity that&nbsp;my shoes&nbsp;are comfortable&nbsp;for walking or biking miles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223634 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:47:21 +0000 Anonymous 1223634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds very familiar. I think my carless urban-ish lifestyle is one of the biggest influences on why I wear what I do. </p> <p>My shoes aren't always the most sensible ever, but they're usually a compromise between cuteness and walkability rather than pure cuteness. My bags are generally large enough to toss random stuff in, and have long straps. I like the look of daytime clutches and the kind of ladylike satchel that rests in the crook of your elbow, but they're so not happening for me. Another thing is that, a lot of times, I'll try to pick an outfit that will be comfortable and look appropriate the way it is&nbsp;all day long or for day-into-night, since it's more of a pain for me to go back and change or to bring something to&nbsp;switch out. And my clothes also seem more weather-sensitive than they might otherwise be. For instance, bare feet or&nbsp;legs in the winter, even if it's just wearing jeans and flats without socks, aren't usually an option, nor are summer outfits with a topper that's too bulky or delicate to just stash in my bag when I get hot.</p> <p>Even things like returns and alterations are harder to get around to, since I don't have a car I can just leave something in until I have time to take care of it, so I can go out of my way to avoid needing to do&nbsp;them. Although that might be my laziness too.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223532 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 06:16:11 +0000 ElleH 1223532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK I loved reading about your "date night". I'm sure you looked fab because you always do and I completely understand. Whenever I travel to cities where walking is more common (everywhere except here) I have major foot &amp; temperature issues. It is a big reason I live here. I don't have to wear heels to have foot pain. I just have to wear shoes to have it. I am embracing the Birkenstock trend. Have barely worn anything else since I got them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223526 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:57:02 +0000 rabbit 1223526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, that's why I only have two pairs&nbsp;of heels (kitten and a wedge sandal) that aren't the kind of shoe I could theoretically grocery shop for an hour in, haul the bags out to my car, and then up the stairs into the house. &nbsp; &nbsp;I have a couple of&nbsp;heeled boots and wedge sandals, but they have all passed the mega grocery shop test.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223452 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 02:55:52 +0000 Kat 1223452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, I bike to work, run for buses, and take a brisk walk at lunch. &nbsp;Shoes that I can move in have become beautiful to my eye. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;I enjoy a nice arty and&nbsp;walkable 2"&nbsp;heel with my bf jeans, though, if I'm just busing and briefly walking. &nbsp;I hope you had a lovely time out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223418 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:58:35 +0000 Aziraphale 1223418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, my high heels certainly don't fit in my handbag! I carry a small backpack when need be. My desire to wear awesome shoes outweighs my disinclination to schlep a backpack around town. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223409 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:47:04 +0000 Echo 1223409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I resisted practicality in my wardrobe for YEARS. I had a closet stuffed full of clothing that I couldn't wear. It has taken a long time, but with the help of YLF, I am realizing that a person can dress for her lifestyle and still be fashionable.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love shoes, but I used to buy a lot of really, really impractical shoes. I am a sahm and I substitute teach at the elementary school and the high school. It goes without saying that body-con dresses and crazy-high shoes just weren't practical. Sure, DH and I go out sometimes, but not enough to justify multiple purchases of impractical dresses and shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I recently bought some inexpensive studded smoking slippers/loafers just to try the trend and to see if I would wear them often enough to justify a "real" pair. And guess what? I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. Why? Because they are one of the few fashionable flat shoes I own. And that settles it. I need to buy more items that are practical for my lifestyle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223403 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:39:14 +0000 Aida 1223403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know something interesting Mary... I don't walk <i>that much</i>, as I'm a programmer and sit most of the day but I do make an effort to walk as often as I can throughout the day. You know me, shoe sister, I had lots of 4" pumps. Last year I made the decision to drop them down to 2-3". I had other "casual walking shoes", but what if I wanted to wear my pumps more casually (even though I'd already been doing that)?&nbsp;Well it turns out after doing that I am walking more than before. Lifestyle hasn't changed, but apparently having more walkable footwear makes me <i>even more</i> inclined to walk than I already had been before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion/page/2#post-1223396 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:31:44 +0000 MsMary 1223396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally considered putting a spare of shoes in my bag, but unfortunately any bag big enough for my high-heeled sandal booties would be too big for walking relatively long distances, and the shoes would make it too heavy, and, and...</p> <p>If it's not one thing, it's another!&nbsp; LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1223346 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:05:03 +0000 Aziraphale 1223346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amen, sister. Sometimes the fantasy and the reality don't match up.</p> <p>I don't know if this is weird, but I have been known to stash a pair of what Angie calls "sitting shoes" in my bag, and I switch my footwear when I get to my destination. I do drive a car a lot in the day, but for evenings out, I often take the train into the city (I live in the suburbs, and my husband and I&nbsp;have a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, so that means no driving when we have dinner out -- because what's dinner without a glass of wine?). It's a fifteen-minute walk to the train station. I ain't doing that in 4" heels. What's a girl to do? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1223237 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 21:18:02 +0000 rachylou 1223237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Walking eats shoes alive. And I loathe even the most mildly fashionable shoe for walking over 30 minutes, which happens a lot. It's not that it's so uncomfortable, but it's not that comfortable either. Pavement is hard; you feel it in the knees. It's a dilemma. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1223189 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:54:57 +0000 Lisa 1223189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great point!&nbsp; Like Anna, I have learned to be very particular about tops.&nbsp; I am constantly layering so I try to remember that the majority of my tops need to layer with my jackets and blazers.&nbsp; And I have learned that I can not own a true 'sitting' shoe.&nbsp; Even at times when I think I will be sitting, I seem to end up walking more than I expected.&nbsp; This weekend was a perfect example.&nbsp; DH and I went out for dinner, so I wore a dress and sitting shoes (a ballet flat with a 1 1/2 inch wedge heel).&nbsp; And we ended up walking 25 minutes on a boardwalk to the restaurant!&nbsp; Thank goodness my sitting shoes are also ok for walking.&nbsp; In the past, I would have been hobbling with blisters forming on my toes before I even got to dinner! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222686 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 02:13:20 +0000 ironkurtin 1222686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely. We are creatures of our environments. Whenever I return to NYC I am horrified to learn that my feet hurt. I used to walk for miles and miles in my boots. The last time I was there, I had the same boots but a different me, I guess. At the end of the day I was limping on both feet (which I didn't know was possible) and had to buy emergency sneakers. Thank goodness for the Puma store in Soho is all I can say. I was so embarrassed and baffled. I thought I could stride right back into my old life. Whoops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222666 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:53:32 +0000 Suz 1222666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your evening sounds fantabulous, and I am sure you looked shockingly great, as always. But you are so right that lifestyle influences our clothing choices -- or if it doesn't, there's probably a fair amount of discomfort to pay. I think it only feels like compromise until you accept the situation for what it is. As in,"Oh! I guess if I'm going to be doing all this walking I can't wear those fab heels...I wonder if there are any shoes around that will feel just as killer, and look just as killer, without LITERALLY killing my toes!!" And then the search begins!! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Although, having said that, I definitely give up on skirts and dresses to a much larger extent than I would like in the winter. If it's not the hose situation (needing opaque tights for the cold), it is the footwear situation. It's just a lot harder to put together fab looking outfits, esp. being fair haired (because this limits bookending).&nbsp;</p> <p>In all seriousness, my goal as a work at home, MOTG, living in a small, wintery urban centre with frequent trips to larger urban centre (most by public transport)&nbsp;who walks&nbsp;almost everywhere else I go, is to wear clothing as comfortable as loungewear (or as close to that as I can get) that also looks like real, fashionable clothing. I don't know that I always succeed. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222662 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:39:29 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1222662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely. There have been eras in my life when I walked a lot (like a couple miles each way to work, plus more for errands) and that made me dress not only in comfortable shoes, but with breathable layers that could be adjusted and were easy-care. There have been years when I'm using transit more (train and/or bus) and didn't have a car that made me a lot more conscious about my bag, and what all I was carrying around - optimizing for that is quite a project. I work at home right now and I do enjoy the luxury of being able to change outfits in the middle of the day if need be, which is quite handy at times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222648 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:14:33 +0000 Gigi 1222648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too have a car-heavy life, MaryK. I &nbsp;used to always be practical to a fault, especially with my shoes,&nbsp;but when I started having more fun with fashion, that changed. :^)&nbsp;I realized that there was no need for me to hold back from buying heels, since I wasn't going to have to hike a mile to work from the bus stop or something. I work at home, so really, my only outings are to appointments, errands, and church.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have thought about buying some additional pairs of comfy walking shoes (I have one pair of mary jane&nbsp;"comfort shoes," one pair of walking sandals, a pair of tennis shoes, and a pair of flat boots), but then I figured, why? I don't often run a multitude of errands such that I am on my feet for hours, and when I want to go out and take a walk, one of my current pairs work just fine; they're not anywhere near wearing out. So if I want another pair of shoes, I generally go for what is fashionable, which increases the happiness factor of my outfits from an artistic view. However,&nbsp;I do try to be practical within the realm of heels, so I will&nbsp;not choose a sky-high heel or something that is obviously uncomfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222643 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:09:21 +0000 Helena 1222643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely! When I lived in the city and was doing a corporate gig, I could get away with high heels and dressy everything and stylish coats because I was in and out of the subway, never outside for long in the cold, and sat at a desk for large portions of the day. Now I shlep groceries, run the walking program at my kids school, clean and do the mom-on-the-go gig. No more heels for me! Hello flats and jeans and tees!</p> <p>The trick for you will be <b>adapting</b> your current style, not <b>abandoning </b>it for something altogether new&nbsp;... took a while for me to work that one out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222637 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:02:29 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1222637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! I have my Mom on the Go , hanging with the girls, boho summer music festival, and Date night personnas and shoes are the biggest category of distinction for each of these. A new bachelorette apartment life is a grand adventure and deserves a shoe capsule to support it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222590 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 23:40:54 +0000 abc 1222590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MK - you just described the transition I went through when I went from a typical American suburban heavily car-reliant lifestyle to my current city dwelling, walking and public transport taking daily life. The shoes are the biggest change for me. The more temperate climate I don't mind! I hate seeing my closet full of heels going mostly unworn but after having kids and getting used to flats they're more sitting shoes now that don't get much wear. To me the trade off is worth it though. I love the lifestyle and find excuses not to drive! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222585 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 23:31:39 +0000 Anonymous 1222585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Mary, welcome to my world. Dressing in NYC is quite challenging: I dress from the shoes up, based on how much I am walking. I love wedge heels, they give the height and foot pitch, yet are very comfortable, but honestly, I trained my feet to endure heels and long walks. The key is to find a confortable pitch. Same applies for outerwear, whether it is raining, snowing... It's an art form </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222579 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 23:25:23 +0000 Anonymous 1222579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have 3 pairs of shoes in my locker at work (we have mobile desks, have to book it each day ) in 3 shades: black nude and brown pumps to be worn with pants and the occasional skirt. I probably have 30 pairs of winter shoes that didn't get worn this past winter. In summer I will leave something similar in silver, nude, and black.</p> <p>I commute 1.5 hrs by train with a back pack of 10+lbs containing laptop, files, lunch, umbrella, wallet etc as I work a couple days home then in office. I have to walk through the train station, then several blocks to the office, in a large office complex.</p> <p>My long answer to the comment is that I have to adjust my shoes all the time for work and it's disappointing. I would have to pack my nice shoes every time and after 5 yrs of this arrangement I have given up. Lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222565 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:59:24 +0000 Elly 1222565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I here you . . . in my profession I am either in combat boots or practical, sturdy flat or low heeled shoes that strap or tie on or are higher vamped-- secure. On the weekends my man friend and I take walks, we hike, we walk around town to the shops or to dinner or the weather is just plain bad. I climb 4 flights of stairs 30 or 40 times a day and climb ladders daily, kneel on the ground, etc. There aren't even that many indoor places to wear "sitting shoes" around here. I work in a frigid building and deal with dirty stuff all day. I need washable, but my biggest complaint is not being able to wear the colors I want because I look grubby part of the way through the day and wear clothing out quickly because things I would normally wash after several wears (toppers) need washed after 1. </p> <p>But you still have to have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222546 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:50:12 +0000 Lyn D. 1222546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At least I am sure that you didn't change into sneakers and torn track-suit pants :)<br />Part of looking Fabulous is feeling Fabulous- and that entails practicality and comfort to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222541 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:40:32 +0000 Sharon 1222541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaryK, you make me laugh. You lifestyle sounds completely fabulous, and I'm sure you matched it with your clothes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222524 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:12:29 +0000 Nebraskim 1222524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think style that fits/compliments/works with and not against your lifestyle is true fab style. I understand shooting for an aspirational lifestyle, but the chats here about "seasonally confused" clothing, or the sideways glance at the poor fashion victim who wears her six-inch stilettos on cobblestones, or in mud or slush makes one wonder about her sanity, or values. I can totally apprecite high fashion but IRL, most of us don't live that lifestyle. And we'd look silly trying. Today, it's snowing where I live. It was 80 yesterday. I'm not going to yesterdress just cuz it's April 12. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/lifestyle-and-fashion#post-1222523 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 21:12:29 +0000 unfrumped 1222523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post! And what good trade offs!<br /> Walking( good for us) and meandering to and fro interesting places, maybe smelling the roses.<br /> Such a good reminder to dress for real life and not for posing . And it's not necessarily either- or wardrobes-- just need to apportion certain %. Maybe you will shift some business % to urban walker % but still have lots of good options for your different roles and occasions. </p>