YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mini confession

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Mini confession https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 13 May 2026 02:27:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379991 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 09:01:21 +0000 Anonymous 1379991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really humbled by all the helpful and caring replies. Thank you! Rachy, the slippery slope eh? Sarah, Keep up the good work, and I wish some interest in style would rub off a little on my pals as well. You're very kind Cerinda, thanks! Style fan, I would so got out with you for coffee/tea and a chat if we lived in the same country and we could dress up together. I'm flattered you chose a haircut like mine! AviaMariah, I'll have a look through UnFancy's posts and check that out. I think the result will probably hark back to Angie's point of acceptance of lifestyle and where the main focus should be for one's wardrobe. Tulle, thank you. "The important thing is to consult yourself, to ask "What would make me feel better right now?" and then give yourself permission to do just that. It's a small thing that we women-at-home may overlook, and it can make all the difference". I'm going to pin that on my wall! Thank you Neel, you're very sweet. I always admire you fab style! Neel on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379964 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 06:15:55 +0000 Neel 1379964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are not alone ... SAHM reporting :). Hugs to you! I do not have too many occasions to dress up either .... But when I do go out, I go all out :). To my benefit, people here in general are always dressed up ... Even in supermarkets! So, I try to dress well too. The friends I regularly meet, are mostly in shorts and tees for every gathering! So my social crowd is just boring fashion wise! You know ... I have to agree with Una .. Create a structure for your day where you can dress up :). Honestly , I go to church more often just because I get an opportunity to dress up in my pretty clothes :D. Sewing classes would be a fun idea to start with ... I am sure I would be signing up with you if I were in UK tulle on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379933 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 04:18:24 +0000 tulle 1379933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane, I think you can see from the response here that many of us have been in your shoes--and stained t-shirt!  I think Una makes an interesting point:  it may be that your work is providing a lot of the creative satisfaction that you might otherwise seek from putting together a killer outfit.  And I agree with those who suggest outings you can dress up for a little, even it's it's just to the local library.  But mostly, I would encourage you to dress for YOU--for your mood, to get what you need from your day.  It need not be a matter of fashion; there might be a color that appeals to you on a gray morning, a splash of perfume and a soft cashmere hoodie that wraps you up when you need a touch of luxury, or some tough-girl boots that make you feel that you can get any job done.  The important thing is to consult yourself, to ask "What would make me feel better right now?"  and then give yourself permission to do just that. It's a small thing that we women-at-home may overlook, and it can make all the difference. AviaMariah on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379761 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 22:56:21 +0000 AviaMariah 1379761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I work in an office but I usually see the same six people every day and I don't think any of them would notice if I wore the same thing every day!!  So sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my time caring about how I look but I try to keep it fun for myself.  Also, posting WIW's always helps in that I get feedback from people who actually notice. Ha!!   The other thing I was going to add is I recently did an exercise (I think it's on unfancy's website) where I actually sat down with pen & paper and figured out how many hours each week went into 4 separate dressing categories.  Business casual for work was #1 which I expected but "lounging" was pretty close behind at #2 which I was not expecting.  I tend to be home most evening and many times the whole weekend with DD.  So what I decided is that I should probably have a better lounge capsule than the 3 pairs of sweats and sweatshirts that I rotate!!   Style Fan on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379747 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 22:32:25 +0000 Style Fan 1379747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate to this.  I retired from working full time and I lived in a larger city.  Now I am at home in a small town.  I walk my dog, go to yoga and write.  I do still teach a tiny bit.  I wear yoga clothes too often.  When we travel I dress up more.  I miss dressing up.  Lately I have been forcing myself to wear my jeans and sweaters.  It is hard. I will also make more of an effort.  You have inspired me.  You also inspired me to change my hair.  I was looking for a new haircut and I loved yours.  So now I have something similar. :) Cerinda on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379622 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:43:54 +0000 Cerinda 1379622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane, I'm ever so sorry to hear you're feeling down and drab.  Lots of us are in that space now and again.  This forum has really helped keep me interested in things beyond my WAH life.  Great advice, support, laughs.  I'm sad and sorry that i really have to writewritewrite these next few months:  please know I'm thinking of you even if I'm not checking in.  And just between us, in another couple of weeks I'm likely to be exactly where you are. Meow on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379621 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:42:51 +0000 Meow 1379621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm so thrilled to be reading this thread and learning that I'm not alone with this issue!  It's so hard when you're interested in clothes and fashion but have no where to wear them!  I meet friends for coffee once a week and pull out all the stops with all my cute outfits, makeup, hair - the works.  My friends are NOT interested in fashion.  In fact, they wear jeans, tennis shoes, and their old college sweatshirts (mind you we're all about 50 so college was a LONG time ago).  But I'm starting to notice a strange thing....they're now wearing makeup, sometimes shoes other than tennis shoes and nicer T shirts!  Maybe I'm rubbing off!  rachylou on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379605 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:10:33 +0000 rachylou 1379605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not stay-at-home, but I totally feel you. I work Sunday afternoons, and it's a great temptation with those few morning hours to just wear the same thing as Saturday and throw a coat over it before having to change for the bakery. Anonymous on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379603 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 18:07:02 +0000 Anonymous 1379603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Lynne! Texstyle, I'm afraid there's nothing like that in my area, and I'm not aware of any local sewing clubs at all. There is an adult education college where I believe there may be some kind of sewing taught. We also have an Art College which I actually attended for a year over 30 years ago, but they specialise more in Fine Art and Graphics. Yes, possibly Una! I see what you mean. Rabbit, your comments link to Texstyle and it is food for thought. Perhaps I could just volunteer to help at sewing classes.... hmmm food for thought. Or maybe after school sewing classes at my son's school... Thanks for the helpful responses. You know I only really do mostly alterations in my business these days with just the occasional making from scratch. I'm not exactly the next DVF :)  I actually decided to take on less work this year and I don't even advertise anymore so I can't really justify renting any workspace even if the option should ever arise, but you really have certainly provided me with some ideas and for that I'm extremely grateful. There are some possible ideas germinating in my head now. Isn't it great how we can all brainstorm and help each other here? rabbit on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379561 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 17:02:26 +0000 rabbit 1379561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just adding on to what texstyle said, another option is to see if you can have someone to work with visit you at your home.   I'm not sure how apprenticing and interning work in the UK, but in the US I've often had interns from the local art schools who will come and work with me for various periods of time (ranging from full-time for a week or two, to 2-3 times a month for much longer).   I contacted the department heads at the art schools and let them know what I was looking for (and that it was unpaid), and they suggested students and invited them to email me, so there was a bit of a screening process. I don't know if there is any kind of university near you where fashion design/textile work is taught, or simply another place to inquire where interested sewers might gather.  I trade modelling/demonstrating specific craft skills to the intern for their assistance with specific projects, and we set up the schedule in a way that works for us both (for example so they don't overlap with evening and weekend family time).  Sometimes they just come and work on their own work if I don't need help with something and assuming there is space and equipment for them.   That way we can both bounce ideas off of each-other and problem solve, or just happily natter away while we work. catgirl on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379554 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 16:57:44 +0000 catgirl 1379554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Not quite your situation, but I've noticed to my surprise that designers at their own fashion shows are rarely dressed in a big statement - they are often not in heels or suits or even any of their runway creations, but in something plain and black (Vera Wang) or jeans and a tee shirt. So maybe they're experiencing some of the same... ? texstyle on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession/page/2#post-1379510 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 16:09:41 +0000 texstyle 1379510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane, I wonder, this is sort of taking the topic to another level, but would it be possible for you to lease space with another dressmaker/tailor (or group of them) in your area once in a while? There are co-op sort of arrangements here in the states where people share common space for things like that. Often sewing clubs or quilting clubs have spaces where they can meet. Yes, you'd likely have to transport a portable sewing machine - or choose to just work on patterns and such on those days - but then you'd have a *destination* for at least maybe a few times a month and maybe a group of like minded people. Just wondering if it's an option. I have started doing office work out of my house once in a while and plan to do it more in the future. It's kind of nice having a different place to "be" even if it's only a couple times a month or once a week or so. Lynne on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379349 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:27:25 +0000 Lynne 1379349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ :) what Carter said.  Hugs xo.  And if your work uniform is jeans and t-shirt, make sure they're ones that you like to wear, with shoes that you like to wear.  Avec ou sans stains, up to you ;).  Una, I am with you!  Anonymous on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379302 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 08:30:42 +0000 Anonymous 1379302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was thinking the exact same thing Denise, as I read through the replies. Thank you so much everyone, for the kind words, encouragement and good advice. Suz, You're right. I do feel the need for something more in my social circle or just my everyday life. Am I having a midlife crisis? Yikes! Una, there is definitely less of a transition when working from home and I think the lines get very blurred. It can be a slippery slope of beginning to not care for me. I'm guessing this is just a blip and the words of encouragement here are helping me focus. Gosh, Carter! I think the 'past' me needs to give the 'present' me a good shaking and I think I need to follow my own advice Hope your foot is still healing nicely x That's a good idea Adelfa. A sort of in-between capsule for staying in and working. Thank you Denise. I agree a bit o a change up is what's needed. As you say even a skinny jean instead of a BF jeans creates a different vibe. And I should try to photograph more of what I wear and share on here. Jackie, thanks for the words of encouragement, I like the phrase "catch myself before I fall". And I promise I will try to dress for you all here. Kiwigal, You're so right. I don't think my clothes are even getting worn out at all and I could easily get fed up of the style meaning I'd be giving away pristine stuff... food for thought. Thanks for the encouragement KL! Rabbit, many wise words as usual, thank you. Hmm, the communal workspace idea, probably isn't do-able in my area and funds are tight anyway, but it is a great idea nonetheless. Though changing to nicer things to pick up cat food is definitely something I could do straight away and, you're right, just getting out of the house is good for mental health. Unfrumped, I like the idea of back to back pre-made outfits to take the hassle out of deciding what to wear each day and knowing it will work. Thanks for the kind words Laura. You know I am prone to bouts of mild depression and perhaps this is a little part of this setback, though I'm not feeling to bad at the moment, but it could be the start of something so I need to nip it in the bud. Sound words Caro, thanks. Perhaps I should remove all my meh and so, so clothes and place them in a holding zone to see what I end up wearing... hmmm. Thanks for the encouragement Deb. You're right, writing this post on here is, I guess the first step to sorting myself out Kim, I do feel good in quite a few of my better clothes, but you know, I'm wondering if there are some which don't feel so great and why. Which kind of loops back round to Caro's words and my response. I need to wear stuff and see how I feel about it and to understand if the reason for wearing the old stuff is because it's comfier. Wise words Nicola, thanks! Thanks Gigi, I should try a similar idea. Thanks Shevia. Thanks JJ Thanks Denise, I know right? CocoLion on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379289 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 06:15:29 +0000 CocoLion 1379289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Many of these responses are really moving me.  YLF is such an amazing community! Jjsloane on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379167 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 01:13:42 +0000 Jjsloane 1379167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree 100% with what Kim said. I dress for myself to feel good and except for resorting to ponytails a lot on weekends I always put on a full outfit with belt, shoes and jewelry and makeup. When I work from home (usually due to a sick kid or snowstorm) I make sure to get dressed as if I was going to work on a casual Friday (but might keep on slippers until I leave the house).  Jaime on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379156 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:51:33 +0000 Jaime 1379156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have received some great advice, especially from your past self! My regular excuse for getting dressed is an excursion to a thrift store. Most of the ladies there are not exactly fashionable dressers (although some definitely have style), but it still gives me a reason to come up with an outfit. I also get dressed to take my kids to activities (less so as they are getting older and more independent). I don't like to wear nice clothes when I am sitting in front of the computer because at any moment there will be a mess to clean, a meal to prepare  and so on. So these little outings keep me sartorially sane. Gigi on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379155 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:49:43 +0000 Gigi 1379155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I haven't read all of the responses, but I am like Rabbit. I live alone and work from home, and I find that I have to get out of my apartment almost every day just to stay sane. So I purposely schedule my appointments to be evenly spread out during the week. I have some recurring health appointments, recreational/social things, and errands (like grocery shopping). That makes it easier to wear a nice outfit every day, because I know that I will be interacting with the public. Nicola on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379148 Mon, 20 Oct 2014 00:33:45 +0000 Nicola 1379148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much encouragement. I remember meeting a couple of very stylish mums who completely inspired me when I'd got a bit lost in post baby loss of everyday style(not saying you're there, but that's when I lost my way a bit, style wise). It made such a difference being around them. And blogs, especially this one, continually foster my love of looking nice (I feel terribly vain for even admitting to that, but it's true and I'm allowed, right?). I've realised I've become used to putting everyday outfits together that make me happy and I enjoy finding the finishing touch, even if I'm home all day. I think it just became a habit over time and something I do because it gives me pleasure. Which is not an attempt to brag, but more to say 'Oh my, I have made progress' and ' I know how you feel!' Kim on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379120 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 23:32:50 +0000 Kim 1379120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just jumping in quickly to say (as another one who works from home, and deals with very little kids all day who spit up, cry and slobber on me...LOL) that I finally decided that how I FEEL when I'm dressed properly is a worth while investment in my time. How do you feel when you are dressed in clean, co-ordinating clothing that you could pop out to the market in, and not be ashamed?  Does it feel good? It does for me.  Feeling like a slob is not a feeling I like, and so wearing sweatpants or Pj's during the day just doesn't happen for me anymore.  I get up, work out, shower, dress appropriately for my day,  do my hair and makeup, before I do anything else.  Then breakfast.The reward?  I feel great all. day. long.   And I feel ready for anything that comes my way! (Well, except vomit, I'm never really ready for that, but it does occasionally happen to me! Hence, dressing appropriately, which means jeans from Monday to Friday. LOL) I used to stay in my pj's when my kids were young, not wear makeup and maybe change to wear sweats  I remember very well that I didn't feel good.  I felt frumpy and unkempt, and well, just not nice.  Not prepared to meet my day.  I probably felt like you do now. So my advice (if you've read this far!) Is that if you get up and do it, right away, and don't wait for a REASON to get dressed, you'll feel far better than you do right now.  It's amazing actually.  Just give it a try, for a week,and see if I'm right.  What have you got to lose, but that frumpy feeling? LOL. Deborah on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379099 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:54:37 +0000 Deborah 1379099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane you have been given very good advice, and after reading Carter's comment it looks like you kind of know what you would work for you.  Also a working at home capsule sounds like a good idea and would be fun to develop.  I note that many of us share a similar challenge at times.  I was considering putting this in a post (and I may still do so) but even thought I work out of the home, it is fraught with fashion frustration.  I suppose I have a dressy aesthetic but I work in an environment that is very casual and no body cares what one wears (no dress code). I am always over dressed and struggle with the "why bother" question many work mornings. This has challenged me to really think about who I am dressing for and why.  Obviously it is important to you or you wouldn't mention it, so that's a step forward.  I really think that an at home capsule would be a brilliant idea, and it doesn't have to be a lot of clothing and in my mind repeats are fine:) You go girl!! Caro in Oz on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379095 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:48:35 +0000 Caro in Oz 1379095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agreeing with all the other fab comments here. Please don't be too hard on yourself, you are very stylish It would hard not to feel a little flat after your great YLF adventure :) I used to change into fairly pedestrian outfits for "round the house" & never felt really fab. I found that while I had them, it was always those sub-par or unloved pieces that got worn. So my advice is to remove them & see where you go from there. I took the plunge & worked out how much I really needed in this capsule (thanks Angie & Mo) & let go of everything else.  It was really scary for me but has made such a difference. I feel good in all my clothes now. I have a few really nice outfits that are good enough to run errands in but still very comfy for days at home & for evenings. It has made a big difference to how I dress but more importantly how I feel on a day to day basis.  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379083 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:26:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1379083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Diane, you're not the only one, if that's any comfort. I will confess that sometimes I do stay in my PJs longer than I should when I don't have to be anywhere first thing in the morning. I'm a bit paranoid about it because when I was struggling with depression, one of the signs I was having a bad day was that I never bothered to take a shower or get dressed. So any time I feel myself slipping back into that habit (unless I'm sick or something) I try to nip it in the bud. It's tricky when you WFM because building time into your day to get out, run errands, etc., can be another way to procrastinate and not get work done (or at least it is for me). Along the lines of rabbit's suggestion, for a while my DH and I rented a small office (basically a room) in a office building a few minutes away from our house, and it was really nice not only to have someplace to go, but to have that division between work and home. But of course that costs money and may not be practical for everyone depending on what kind of area they live in. I'm trying to be more conscientious about finding comfy work-from-home clothes - things that look more current and fashionable but are pretty comfortable and practical nonetheless - as Suz suggests. I think Aida and I talked about this when we met - sometimes the only people who see my outfit are you guys when I post an WIW; sometimes I can add the clerk at the grocery store or the waitress at lunch. Sometimes my husband doesn't even see me dressed, if he works late and I'm already back in my PJs by the time he gets home. I don't particularly like those days. It is one of the appeals of taking outfit pics, though - when I started recovery from my worst bout of depression, one of the ways I got myself going was to make myself get up and dressed and take a picture. unfrumped on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379067 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 22:03:19 +0000 unfrumped 1379067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha. It works all ways. I may have a really long stretch at work and then if finally I get to go to church, or theater, or movie date when I could wear something different, either smart casual or more dressy or with coordinated topper and maybe a fun handbag, create some new look, I'm too brain- fried to do more than grab something at random. May even miss the one chance to wear this or that item for a month. So I hear you on motivation. Plus I think having a planned outfit corraled on a hanger can help in some cases. And it helps me to wear something back to back-- take the energy to get it together for going out for supper, and save it on a hook or on the blanket chest and then wear to church. Sure, I can say i should have made 2 different outfits for my rare outings, or I can feel for-sure fab twice in the same one. ( this is why I'm focusing more on really liking a given outfit than having endless options. ) rabbit on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379064 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:59:36 +0000 rabbit 1379064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I work from home  and have for years although I'm trying to transition to a group studio which has been a good approach at times in the past.  Would you consider looking for a communal workspace?  Some towns have flex creative space where you are sharing a room with other craftspeople or have conjoining studios.  It can really help if you find you need to be out of the house and talking to other people occasionally to be happiest.   I find that when I'm working at home I NEED to get out of the house every day, and get dressed to run a little errand just for mental health.  I also track my outfits and wears, so getting dressed is sort of a project or game.  There are days when I'm really not looking forward to waking up to work away in the basement by myself in my beat up studio clothes, but am looking forward to the fab outfit I'm going to wear to drop my husband off in the morning and pick up milk and cat food on the way home.  :) Like jackiec mentions, these little breaks and treats (and a nice outfit is a treat), can really help keep my mind active, engaged and more positive.   I too find it hard to coordinate with friends frequently but I make an effort to go on 'dates' with my husband.   I'll leave the house and wear a skirt to meet him for coffee or occasionally lunch near his office.  We go out to the second-run movie theaters and eat pizza some weeknights.   If the weather is very nice we will take a lunch to a nearby park and have a picnic during his lunch break.   He often works late or  is away on weekends, so I find these little slices of getting out and getting some sunlight together are so rewarding. Kristin L on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379058 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:46:39 +0000 Kristin L 1379058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I remember feeling like you do when I was working in the lab. It didn't feel like there was any point and putting on anything other than jeans and tee because it could easily get ruined. I think everyone has given you some great ideas, so I'm just going to stand on the sidelines saying "You can do it, Diane!!!" Sal on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379042 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:17:03 +0000 Sal 1379042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can be like this too.....I also work from home although mostly go out at least once a day either for work, children's activities or maybe a social thing.  I don't get it right always or feel stylish 100% of the time, but I don't save clothes for good anymore.  If it is weather appropriate and day wear I will wear it whether at home or going out.  I decided I was tiring of clothes (more from a fashion sense than a repetition sense) more than wearing them out so it was better to wear them out!!   jackiec on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379039 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:11:07 +0000 jackiec 1379039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Diane, I missed Suz's post on this, and have missed much of the discussion on essentials/basics. My head has been in another place this week. But I had to jump in and respond to your post. As a SAHM/MOTG I really feel what you are saying. It sure is easy to fall into a little "slump" so to speak. I usually have one or two days of strictly "gear" or "bottom end" wardrobe pieces (volunteer days spent cooking in a soup kitchen, or just days with no planned outside activities). But I have quite a wide assortment of decent casual clothes and am having fun trying to put them together in a more fashion-forward way. I fully credit YLF for inspiration. I actually admit to sometimes dressing for YLF, but you know what? It gets me dressed in a different outfit and makes me feel great. Sounds corny but it gets me out the door. I don't necessarily post the WIW, but I do ruminate on what others are wearing, what combinations might work for me, and what Angie posts in her ensembles. So, I may not have a packed social schedule, but after I work out and shower in the AM, I will put something decent on to do my Costco run, or to pick up the car from servicing, or take the dog to the vet, etc etc. Those "mundane" things are MY mundane things, and I try to make more of an effort to be put together. Honestly, my outfits are usually just a combination of denim and knitwear, but I find it fun to figure out what booties to pair with what bag, and try to "up" it from there. It is very easy for me to slide emotionally downhill if I feel frumpy or off or whatever. Even when my boys were babies I had to make a point to dress each day and put on a wee bit of makeup. As long as the jeans were clean and I could look at myself in the mirror without blanching at least I was a step ahead of myself. Catch myself before I fall. Hmm. Not sure I've even made a point here. I'm not nearly the writer as others are here. But know that you are not alone. Dress for you, to make you feel good. Ride that burst of confidence that you got from SSIF. You are a fab  & stylish lady, and I definitely get inspiration from your WIWs (memorable case in point for me - your green with white ensemble early summer or even spring). Heck, dress for US. I do it. Let's share and build our confidence together CocoLion on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379036 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 21:03:30 +0000 CocoLion 1379036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There are many of us who feel this way Diane.  (Hugs)  I think it helps to change up your formula now and then. I always reach for my baggy boyfriend jeans.  They other day, I put on my skinnies instead, and although they weren't quite as cuddly, it felt good to change things up.  I also recommend taking pictures, maybe the forum will have ideas as to how to make things more exciting. Adelfa on "Mini confession" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/mini-confession#post-1379029 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 20:40:37 +0000 Adelfa 1379029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Diane, I am wondering if your more dressed clothes feel comfy and appropriate for staying in/sewing. In other words I'm suggesting that you may need a capsule that's between same-old-all-the-time and out-with-friends. I have one for evenings at home/walking the dog. It is cute and intentional but super casual and comfy.