https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 08:26:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037663 Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:26:47 +0000 Anonymous 2037663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love you Gaylene . ❤️ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037647 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 23:41:49 +0000 Gaylene 2037647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, my “aha” moment was recognizing that, for me, fashion and YLF are inspirational while developing my personal style is better thought of as aspirational. </p> <p>Trends, designers’ collections, fashion blogs, and Angie’s YLF website are the external motivators which inspire me to think more creatively about how I dress. They kickstart me out of my habits of always pairing X with Y or thinking “oh, no, I could never wear that”. They expand my world. </p> <p>My personal style, though, is much more complex notion since it involves my lifestyle and values, my ideas of how I’d like others to think of me, and a whole host of personal issues and thoughts about my body and sense of self. Figuring out a personal style is bloody hard work because it requires my body, my ideas, my perceptions, and my judgements to work in some sort of harmony so the end result feels like “me”. BUT, once I think I’ve found something that works, along comes inspiration to upset my hard-won victory. </p> <p>Aspiration is often defined as “the hope, or ambition, to achieve something” and thinking of my personal style as an ambition as opposed to a static thing was my “aha” moment. When a new trend, or inspiration, hits, I try to decide if it’s worth breaking up my current state to aspire to a new condition. Is the payoff worth the psychological and monetary demands? Angie’s recent dress challenge is a good example. On the surface, wearing a dress instead of my habitual pants seems like an interesting idea. BUT, I don’t own a dress which would work with my casual lifestyle, my past history with dresses has been less than stellar, my current style functions quite well with being “dress-less”, and, most importantly, I’m not really invested in the thought of spending time, money, and energy to figure out how to make this particular inspiration work for me...in short, adopting Angie’s challenge is likely to end up with me feeling frustrated and unhappy with a body (and mind) which is resisting this particular trend. The inspiration might be there but my aspiration—or motivation to achieve—certainly seems lacking. </p> <p>As Gryffin so wisely put it, style ought to serve our personal vision and my responsibility to is to pick my aspirations wisely instead of letting my inspirations run amuck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037623 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 22:53:06 +0000 Jaime 2037623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do I have anything to add to this fantastic thread? Umm, well you can get Equipment blouses pretty cheap on TheRealReal among other places. My high waisted version of life are slim boyfriend jeans. Boyfriend jeans that are meant to go to the hips and slouch but in my case work on my waist with the legs being relatively slim. I do keep trying actual high waists, but my experiments cost a few dollars a pop. More significantly you have made me aware of Scruples 2. Scruples the original was a strangely formative book in my younger days and I have reread it many times as a dying-to-transform teen. Never heard of the sequal but just downloaded it from the library. Thanks for starting this topic Lisa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037555 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 17:45:25 +0000 Anonymous 2037555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>With all very-much-due respect to this forum and to Angie, it's not YLF that makes me feel I need to try out all the trends...that was a poor choice of words. I LET myself get swayed that way. &nbsp;No one "makes us" do anything here. My problem is thinking that if I try hard enough , I too can wear x, y and z. &nbsp;Well - I don't want to have to work that hard &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037533 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 16:03:42 +0000 Gail 2037533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, Thank you for this post!<br />You put things into words in a way I never can. I hear you loud and clear as what you posted really resonated with the way I feel in many ways. I have learnt so much from this, once again thank you.&nbsp;<br />I'm off now to re-read all the responses.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037490 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 14:49:59 +0000 kkards 2037490@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>and i may have downloaded&nbsp;Scruples and&nbsp;Scruples 2 onto my iPad last night....it's like revisiting old friends LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037451 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 12:17:40 +0000 Anonymous 2037451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was a very valuable post. &nbsp;I personally learned a lot from reading all the replies. &nbsp;Once again I thank you for bringing up a very provocative subject. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037392 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 02:20:19 +0000 Bijou 2037392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa you have once again started one of the most interesting discussions on the forum. I can visualise you in that outfit, it sounds perfect in every way. Finding our own style is a journey, but I love Gryffin’s advice that when we find it, it feels like home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037382 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 01:32:03 +0000 Anonymous 2037382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>gryff - you're the best. OF COURSE I read that book! &nbsp;I need to revisit it asap. &nbsp;When I was in "my" boutique, one rail of clothes made me feel like I had come home: &nbsp;a gorgeous , pretty silk blouse from Equipment (loose and easy cut, not the usual shirt cut), skinny pale blue frayed hem jeans, a stunning black leather moto jacket, and a grey RM satchel (ok , I may or may not have bought that bag) . &nbsp;I wanted to chuck all of my clothes and just wear those 3 pieces. Yes, a leather jacket is ridiculous in summer, but whatever &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037376 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 01:22:09 +0000 gryffin 2037376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - that’s exactly it - the feeling of calm, serenity, a rightness - that’s the feeling the right clothes give. There’s fashion and there’s style. There’s no heart or soul or passion or comfort or succor in fashion because it’s someone else’s dream - hollow and unfulfilling. Beautiful and addictive like a pastry shop binge that leaves you unfulfilled and unnourished. Style where fashion’s offerings serve our personal vision is what sustains, comforts, supports and elevates us. I’m currently trying to tap into this for myself. Im trying not to look at what everyone is wearing. I decided to focus on blazers because everything else is a support act. VB has done some great ones but I can only afford them on sale. So I’ve been stalking. I personally see the most unique and entrancing part of your style hair/make up, your McQ scarves, shoes and accessories. You know I pulled Scruples 2 out of the basement after writing my post. Did you ever read it? They start a catalogue of elevated basics, accessories it’s actually one of the best fashion reads on the concept of wardrobe creation and I always think back on it. Well worth a read. But I’m so glad you went to your boutique. Even if it’s to browse or see if you can stalk on sale it sounds like the essence of how you want to dress. Hang in there. You can’t solve a problem until you know it exists. You’re well on your way to sorting things out. More hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037375 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 01:20:30 +0000 Anonymous 2037375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Style fan </b>- your style is right on trend this season, you're right . It's about being thoughtful and selective - something I am not. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cardiff Girl</b> - yes, age does funny things to one's body and mind. &nbsp;I don't know if I'm reacting to something other than what's in my closet. &nbsp;Good question and food for thought tonight. &nbsp;And , I cut myself ZERO slack - I don't believe in that &nbsp;</p> <p><b>texstyle </b>- I have always related to your style, and now that you mention it...where have you been indeed?? &nbsp;It's also why I don't post many WIW's these days - I don't wear what is currently in favour here on the forum. &nbsp; &nbsp;I love the finds you posted - too tiny and short and cropped for my body in it's current stage, but cute !</p> <p><b>Sally </b>- I am setting aside time this weekend to sort through my closet once again and start figuring out where the holes really are. &nbsp;I'd be happy in a wardrobe of skinny jeans and tunics - lol. &nbsp;But I totally understand how it didn't work for you.</p> <p><b>missvee</b>- good point about the best fashion pros not following the trends at the cost of their own personal style. &nbsp;A perfect example was the owner of the boutique I went into today (ugh, more shopping) - I don't shop there anymore as the prices of the lines have become prohibitive, but here she was in a 2-year old Smythe blazer , great cropped flares from Mother, a basic tank , and high wedge espadrilles. Nothing overtly trendy here, but she looked fantastic. &nbsp;I on the other hand.....ugh. Died of embarrassment at my own outfit fail, as we talked and talked and talked........lol.</p> <p><b>Classically Cas</b> - authenticity is the key word here. What I am buying/ordering/thinking I need is NOT authentic to who I am and my ideas of what looks good. I need to stop letting other people influence me. Thank you!</p> <p><b>Christina , Suntiger-</b> thanks for the commiseration .I appreciate your thoughts.</p> <p><b>Suz </b>- ha. Mr P was off-side, but &nbsp;I simmered in embarrassment over my too-short hair for a few days, feeling like an aging, chunky woman with too short spiky hair. &nbsp;It's not like I didn't realize it was getting too short, but when you are already feeling less than fab about yourself, that kind of comment can do me in. &nbsp;We have since made up &nbsp;Thanks , also, for the support. I appreciate your thoughts, even though it's you who I try to unsuccessfully emulate. And why? We have completely opposite bodies. &nbsp;For someone so smart, I can be so dumb at times. &nbsp;</p> <p><b>Anchie</b> - &nbsp;thanks for the kind words. I am far chubbier than you, and high waisted pants just highlight where I carry all of my current weight - my midsection. &nbsp;I'm also seriously short waisted and heavy-breasted, making those looks really difficult. I AM going in for a breast-reduction consultation soon - and am really curious about what the surgeon will recommend. &nbsp; As to your K/R post - I did see it , and couldn't figure out how to comment. &nbsp;I don't find pants like that great on anyone - not just you, ANYONE. It's a personal poison eye thing I have . Also - the entire look didn't strike me as quite "you". &nbsp;You know?</p> <p><b>BluejAy </b>- YES to stop shopping. &nbsp;I'm exhausted and unsatisfied. &nbsp;Instead of forging ahead, I am going to hide and read a couple of books . &nbsp;And keep myself off of the internet. &nbsp;I used to use lists - and somehow fell off the wagon. Same with a list of goals. &nbsp;Back on it! &nbsp;</p> <p><b>carla </b>- I have never determined a moniker or style theme - and maybe I &nbsp;should. &nbsp;I think I am going to follow one of your leads and create a comprehensive Pinterest style inspo board. &nbsp;</p> <p>Now , off to find this earring post....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037374 Sat, 22 Jun 2019 00:47:14 +0000 Anonymous 2037374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know my friends, even though my post was a bit of a whine, I appreciate every.single.word.written here. &nbsp;Some of you know me a little too well, which makes me smile, but you are all so smart and say just what needs to be said.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Gryffin</b> - THANK YOU for adding your thoughts here. It's funny, I thought of you today when I hit up my old fav boutique (yes, I was still shopping after writing this post) where I bought my Smythe jackets, my Minkoff bags, Rag &amp; Bone boots, and CE t-shirts.......and honestly breathed a sigh of relief and felt a calm coming over me. &nbsp;I haven't shopped there in a good year as the prices of those lines has skyrocketed here in Canada (Smythe blazers are $800 now, Equipment blouses $375 etc) but the classic, modern, fashion-driven brands and colours looked so fantastic and reminded me how far off base I am right now with trying to wear these new trends. I never used to be so trend driven , and now it's nuts! &nbsp;A tied-front Zara blouse I wore today was great from the front, but in profile made me look 9 months pregnant. I was almost embarrassed to be back in that store, dressed the way I was. &nbsp;You are dead right in suggesting selecting the best of the best and ignoring the crap that is in stores right now. &nbsp;And yes, I hate to say it, but YLF has often made me think I should have these new trends in order to keep my look fresh. I look at members who have completely different bodies than me, and somehow think I should be able to look like that too if I too bought such and such a new thing. &nbsp;UGH .</p> <p><b>bj1111</b>- me too with the billable hours. I'd be loaded &nbsp;</p> <p><b>kkards </b>- I follow your lead a lot here. You are a retail professional too, and yet dress in a very interesting, yet not silly/trendy way. &nbsp;I need to dial it back , return my latest box from Zara, and get a grip.</p> <p><b>Kate</b> - you are so kind, and so smart. Thank you. Why do we forget to take charge of our own fashion destiny and think we need every new look? &nbsp;I should know better.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Roxanna</b> - you are absolutely right . And I thought of your last post where you are wearing that gorgeous BCBG jacket, classic trousers, and pumps. You looked like a million bucks. I , today, on the other hand, looked like $150 from Zara, and felt like it. &nbsp;Cheap pieces that will not last a year, which goes totally against the goals I set for myself earlier this year. I would rather have had the $375 Equipment blouse instead, had I not spent so much money already this month. &nbsp;Dumb, dumb, dumb.</p> <p><b>Sterling </b>- YES . These replies have been fantastic and really hit the mark. &nbsp;I lose focus when I start on a shopping bender. I forget who I am and what I really look like, and what I really want from a wardrobe.</p> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037351 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 23:24:55 +0000 kkards 2037351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>when the trends are not for me, i tend to go basic...simple, yes dare i say it, boring, pants or jeans, and a simple top...and usually a column of color....and then let the accessories and/or the shoes do the heavy lifting....and you are the queen of accessories! so i know that you can do this...</p> <p>And for what its worth, i think you have great style and also look put together and current.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037334 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 22:52:54 +0000 Kate 2037334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisap, I'm not even going to read the comments, just reply.</p> <p>I think you are beautiful. You have an innate style that is apparent from every image I have ever seen of you. Even though we have completely different body types, hair styles, the works, I have so often admired your style, and adapted it so I could wear it. I have even lemming'd you on a few things—a super casual sleeveless asymmetrical gray cotton dress&nbsp; and&nbsp; a beautiful black &amp; white windowpane check wool dress from Anthropologie spring to mind. You looked smashing in both.</p> <p>I've always loved your hair style and thought it was perfect for you. Husbands can make offhand comments that they have no idea can resonate with us for weeks or longer and make us feel pretty crappy.&nbsp; My husband knows better now, but I had to teach him.&nbsp;</p> <p>Screw trends. You get to boss the trends around, don't let them boss you around. You write the script, and you do Lisa. That's authentic, and that's beautiful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037322 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 22:05:05 +0000 Roxanna 2037322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"I know a lot of it is about relaxing into <b>JFE territory </b>- <b>but I don't feel I can "afford" JFE,</b>&nbsp;if you know what I mean. I don't have enough to work with that I can let half of it go ."</p> <p>AMEN, sister.&nbsp;</p> <p>As I get older and my body spreads out a bit, I am realizing that some trends - even the ones that I really love - just don't work for me. Add to that my HIGH need for comfort, to ALWAYS be warm, and EXCELLENT quality - and, well, it doesn't leave much out there.</p> <p>I know that giving up trends is not an option for someone like you, because you like to have fun with fashion and want to project a modern image (as do I.) Can you pick a few areas to stay with the classics with - (well tailored mid rise pants, say, or tucked out longer tops) and then areas you do want to play with? (Maybe shoes, jewelry, makeup, as&nbsp;<i></i>I know that these are areas where you experiment?)</p> <p>Maybe figure out a few outfit formulas that work, then just populate them and milk them until the tides turn?<i></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place/page/2#post-2037309 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:31:18 +0000 Anonymous 2037309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Classically Casual</b> states it very well. &nbsp;</p> <p>It is challenging to dress when one is working and in the public eye. There is a certain pressure to <u>look current</u> and <u>whatever else the situation requires</u>. It can affect salary. &nbsp;It definitely affects how you are judged by your peers and those younger than you. &nbsp;Thus, presentation is far more important than many people appreciate. &nbsp;</p> <p><b></b>I feel your pain because you do work in an segment&nbsp;<b></b>that&nbsp;demands a lot. &nbsp;You do need to<b></b>&nbsp;look current, even fashion-forward. <b></b>&nbsp;Paying attention to trends is very important on multiple different levels. &nbsp;</p> <p>I am acutely aware of these factors when I get dressed for work in the morning. &nbsp;I strive to hit certain marks to present the image I want people to notice, acknowledge, and respect. &nbsp;You are probably no different than me, but your marks may be different than mine. &nbsp;</p> <p>Are you getting what you need from this post? &nbsp;Have we responded in a way that is helpful to you at this time? &nbsp;I personally found <b>gryffins</b> advice to be fascinating. &nbsp;I'm going back to her post to think about it some more. <b>&nbsp;Sal </b>also had some very helpful thoughts imho. &nbsp;</p> <p>Then there is the fact that you were injured and moved recently. &nbsp;I can't imagine how either of those factor into this mess, but you know they have some effect on some level. &nbsp;Perhaps your stress level is higher than you imagined and you are in a reactionary stance? &nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037304 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:19:03 +0000 Style Fan 2037304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You always look great to me, Lisap.&nbsp; I think of you as very fashion forward.&nbsp; You do wear the long blazers so well.&nbsp; Aren't they trendy?&nbsp; Did I miss something?<br />I agree with what Gryffin said.&nbsp; All of it. &nbsp;<br />Anchie, I need to check your post.&nbsp; Certain looks work for certain people.&nbsp; High rise wide legged pants work for me.&nbsp; I think we are in the minority.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037303 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:19:00 +0000 Cardiff girl 2037303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Poor you,it’s tough being our age isn’t it?Is there a deeper emotional reason for the way you are feeling than an aversion to high rise jeans?Anyways can I suggest stepping away from the credit card and practicing some self care?Maybe seeing a sympathetic friend or indulging in a bit of well deserved R and R?Moving and having an injury are all major life stressors and it’s important to take care of yourself at this time.Be kind to yourself Lisa and give your abit of slack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037292 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 20:22:51 +0000 gryffin 2037292@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - I’m so sorry you are in such a frustrating and unhappy place. We make our own personal hell sometimes. Blake’s “mind forged manacles.” I agree w all above. When I’m unhappy with clothes it’s usualky because there is a disconnect between what I’ve bought and who I am. I find YFL can in many ways exacerbate this because what is stunning and lovely on someone, that I might emulate, is not authentic to me. I’ve bought and donated way to much until I really understood this mistake. When I need to find my center I use the “Five Minute Fire Drill Wardrobe” technique. It’s not my idea - it was in Judith Krantz’s “Scruples 2”. The gist is there’s a fire and you have 5 min and 1 paper shopping bag to pack. I allow myself unlimited planning but only amount I could pack in that time. It’s the blazer that looks good with everything, the dress that makes you look 10 lb thinner, the stuff you’d fight to the death over. Lisa that’s the core of who you are sartorially. Trends are the stuff you pick up to add interest but it’s these pieces that will never fail you. I don’t know if that helps, but it always works for me when I lose my way. When I buy I ask why is that piece so special and so perfect then I try and find riffs that broaden my options but become just as beloved. Hope that helps. Hugs! BTW when I think of you and your style words like edgy, arresting, stunning, unique, playful are what comes to mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037291 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 20:21:12 +0000 texstyle 2037291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm SO on the other side of any current trend - well unless the occasional graphic tee counts - I'm not even sure where to begin. I've opted lately to focus on my music and put most fashion mostly to the back burner. I did make an effort today and wore a soft linen blazer over my basic heather gray tank and rolled jean shorts - and I wore sandals instead of sneaks and a necklace and belt (earth shattering, right?) Ha! I think I even got a positive look from a stranger for the first time in about six months -- or well, I guess maybe he was looking at the waitress behind me. lol.&nbsp; <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I also despise high rise pants - and crop tops don't exactly work when you're closer to 60 than 30. I haven't been buying much. I did order these shorts and (likely too cropped) top to try - at least I can "play dress up" for five minutes before sending them back.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037286 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 20:02:19 +0000 Sal 2037286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear you are in a bit of a fashion funk. Moving and transition can be hard - and I wonder if this is behind some of your emotions - plus recovery from your injury. </p> <p>I felt like this a few years back with the long tunics, endless skinny jeans, a choice of high heels or ballet flats and grey everywhere!!! Looks that were not right on me - I could make them work but it was an effort..... and I didn’t feel great. I felt off!</p> <p>A while ago you developed a rail of pieces that you liked and a capsule of sorts. Could you try this again with 80% pieces you know that work and s few more experimental ones? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037273 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 19:39:34 +0000 missvee 2037273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know it does no good to say that your WIWs always look fab, but I’ve said it anyway haha. Working in a fashion business must be extra stressful if you feel the need to be current. But not all fashion folk follow trends do they? I’m thinking of Emanuelle Alt with her mostly black plus mostly slim jeans uniform. Or Anna Wintour with her signature sheath dresses and classic bob. Their ‘uniforms’ are perfect for them and they rarely deviate from them. So what has this got to do with us mere mortals ? Well I suppose I’m saying if we can identify a couple of silhouettes and colours that never fail to flatter us then maybe that’s where our wardrobes should stay (until something better comes along lol). I think of your blazers that always look great, and your fab McQueen scarf and to me they say “sharp tailoring with edgy accessories”. To translate that to summer maybe a sleeveless trench dress? Shirt dress, sleeveless or not? Slim ankle length trousers? Interesting shoes also make a huge difference, but you know that already!<br /> I sympathize about the wide leg pants though. There’s a pair in my closet giving me the side eye, but I just can’t style them. It doesn’t help that DH refers to them as “ the big pants “. Like that’s an incentive to wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037267 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 19:14:23 +0000 Classically Casual 2037267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it’s challenging when one is working and in the public eye. There often is a certain pressure to look current and whatever else the situation requires. That’s real in many cases. It can effect salary and all kinds of things.</p> <p>But speaking from the land of the happily retired, my view is now totally different. I look for women who dress authentically. That can be any style whatsoever. I view it as a shortcut to getting to know them. It’s women who are happy in their own skin, whether they’re in flares or crops. I also scan for personal, often statement jewelry. It often has a story to tell, just like the woman.</p> <p>Sorry I don’t have any actionable advice, other than it will get better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037255 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:53:10 +0000 Christina F. 2037255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with others it's okay to tell the trends to take a hike where and when you need to. I realize that makes it more difficult to find the things you DO like, though. Not a fun situation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037244 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:20:00 +0000 Suz 2037244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, PFFFFFF on your husband. Honestly!! Mr. P, where were your manners this a.m.?&nbsp;</p> <p>(Said by the woman whose husband just walked in with 2 J. Crew boxes, saying, DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES?"</p> <p>I smiled sweetly and answered: "I know you are just teasing me so I am going to take it in that spirit and smile and not get upset. Because, after all, when you asked my opinion about two new shirts that arrived for you yesterday, I did not say, MORE SHIRTS? I said, "That looks very nice on you."&nbsp;</p> <p>My view on trends is take what you like and leave the rest! Play with the ones that give you pleasure and ignore all others.&nbsp;</p> <p>Extravagant sleeve detail, cold shoulder, etc. left me literally and figuratively cold. I tried ONE sleeve detail shirt that was very inexpensive in a colour I liked -- but even the beautiful colour could not save it. 3 wears and it was out the door. That's okay. Sometimes you need a learning opportunity like that to figure out something isn't right. If you can get some money back on returns, go for it. Or on consignment? Get rid of what's not working. Stick to beloved formulas with your fab updated footwear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037239 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 17:08:51 +0000 anchie 2037239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - you are hard on your self. You always look great. And hair will grow back if you don’t like your current style. You know what you like and just keep wearing it. Nothing wrong with that. It seems that I am odd one here - I like high waist crops not because they are trendy but because they are very practical - high waist is comfortable, wide legs are breezy and cropped length allows for all kinds of footwear. I just posted K/R for a pair and not getting lot of feedback. I now understand why - it seems that it is not favored on the forum and people will rather say nothing then give negative feedback. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037232 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 16:47:11 +0000 Anonymous 2037232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are not alone at all-remember my similar rant a few months ago (hence the very "safe" shopping) I'm totally with you re: exposed high rises and don't want to draw attention to that area either! </p> <p>It's ok to skip trends that make you unhappy-and invest in the things that you do love (fashion and otherwise).<br /> And it's ok to stop and reset at any time, and return anything that makes you feel self conscious, sad, or otherwise inauthentic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037229 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 16:38:55 +0000 BlueJay 2037229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Hi Lisa,</div><div><br /></div><div>FWIW, from your posts, I think that you look fab! It's not you, it's the trends!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm feeling empathetic, as I, too, have felt and shopped to the point of feeling like I'm out of control and dissatisfied with trends too. When I feel this way, that's when I know I have to <i>stop</i> shopping. I write a note to myself on a post-it and stick it to my credit card to remind myself about not buying something that I probably won't like and will end up returning anyways. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another strategy I use is to do the 10 x 10 challenge with clothes I like (and have) and are current/trendy because it helps me to be more creative and it makes me really take a good look at what I <i>do</i> have. If there is a particular skirt or pants I own and I feel blah about how to style it, I'll go to Pinterest or Google images to see if I can sort of "copy" the outfit. After this process I can sometimes identify "holes" in my wardrobe. I also use lists to shop which helps me stay on track. Accessories can help make me feel like an outfit is more current too, rather than buying more clothes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, hair can grow back (what do husbands know about hair anyways)?? :)<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037221 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 16:20:19 +0000 Carla 2037221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving what Angie said about investing in classics when retail of the moment isn't your jam! I spent a day in the Big City - mostly to window shop and get inspo. A few shop windows were white-out outfits, but the rest looked like a hectic (though stylish) mish-mash that just isn't me, and frankly probably isn't a lot of folks! I did enjoy people watching, though, and the best looking folks did seem to have a formula of: classics + 1 TREND + the best grooming, and they weren't all that young. </p> <p>Do you have a style moniker, theme, or word, or even an image that represents your aspirational aesthetic? Would you share with us so that we can 'workshop' some ideas for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mid-year-review-im-all-over-the-place#post-2037220 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 16:18:13 +0000 bj1111 2037220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hah!&nbsp; just revisited the frumpy earring discussion.</p> <p>lisa, you've talked about how "classic" can veer into frumpy as one ages.&nbsp; i love the classic chanel jacket and i used to own a st. john (which my sister refers to as the rich old lady brand) tweed jacket about 15 years ago.&nbsp; now that i'm their target market, i'm concerned that it reads dated and frumpy rather than timeless.&nbsp; one more thing that is at odds with staying "classic" when trends don't agree.</p> <p>honestly, if i think about the time i've spent on this as billable minutes, i'd have a much larger shopping budget. </p>