https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:03:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings/page/2#post-1618694 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 19:24:34 +0000 Anonymous 1618694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been mostly shopping my closet except if finding a replacement piece that is a HEWI, wanting to cut back on a too big wardrobe before moving and waiting to see if I gain weight on new meds. If I do, that may call for some major challenges.<br /> I am moving away from low rise jeans as too fussy to hold up and also like longer lengths than before on my tops and toppers. I want a more fluid fit than tailored but not so much that it is overwhelming. I'm also not buying any dresses or skirts right now as the ones I have and love don't get enough wear. Summer heat may change that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings/page/2#post-1618657 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 16:42:37 +0000 Susie 1618657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been doing lots of musing lately and a lot of what you've said really resonated with me. But YES on the ring. The shape reminds me of a sailboat- perfect for you in Annapolis </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings/page/2#post-1618656 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 16:33:21 +0000 annagybe 1618656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ring is awesome.<br /> You seem to be in a good place.</p> <p>I've already alluded to my current sartorial woes. So no need to rehash/pity party. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings/page/2#post-1618645 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:42:55 +0000 citygirldc 1618645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey there!&nbsp; I'm in the same boat. I really haven't bought anything except a pair of heels from a consignment shop a few weeks ago and I'm trying to SYC too.&nbsp; </p> <p>It's a weird time for me as I'm going through some kind of existential phase (you know "where is my life going?" 'is this it?", and a possible mid-life crisis). I just don't know what my fashion sense is any more as I get older so I'm holding off on buying things for now.&nbsp; So I SYC until Spring and hope that I get inspired by something soon.</p> <p>That ring is to die for and so you! I say go for it. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings/page/2#post-1618644 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:38:09 +0000 celia 1618644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that the reason this forum is so successful ( besides Angie, Greg and Inge marvellous work) is because we get to see stylish people like you sharing this kind of post. It makes me feel that it is OK to take a break from shopping, that I should really think about what I want, and still look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618636 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 15:25:37 +0000 Jenn 1618636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh my gosh, GET THAT RING. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618631 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 14:56:11 +0000 Suz 1618631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That ring is sensational! Just gorgeous. You must get it for all the reasons already stated.&nbsp;</p> <p>So glad you are finding joy in shopping your (absolutely amazing) closet. It's a great place to be.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have not been shopping either, but this is not &nbsp;unusual for me at this time of year. I generally take a break in the winter until about the middle of April when a few new needs will pop up as our weather begins to change.&nbsp;</p> <p>I seem to fall squarely into Angie's category of twice or four times a year shoppers; I don't have the professional lifestyle of her clients who do that, but it is my natural preference.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618615 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 14:23:28 +0000 Sveta 1618615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, you have to get that ring! It is so perfect for you - not only because of the stunning colors but because of your art connection. It is a perfect piece for you and daydreams should count for something!<br />Thank you for sharing your "shop you closet" success story. Honestly - you have such spectacular closet that shopping it must be a real pleasure (I would like to do it too )<br />I have been off shopping for the last 3 months, not even browsing in the stores. Somehow I do not feel a need for it at this stage of my life. Your thoughts really resonate with me...<br />...but if you find something awesome in those shades of purple let me know as this is my best color as well :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618564 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 04:03:06 +0000 Brooklyn 1618564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the ring and the story behind it. I told my husband (who is a big revhead) and he was so excited about it he immediately starting trawling the Internet for Detroit agate. I suspect I may be getting something in that department for our upcoming wedding anniversary I do hope you get that ring.<br /> And I am pleased to hear that you are enjoying your wardrobe. I agree that sometimes you have to make time for outfit creation or things can fall into disuse. Please post any great berry colour finds. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618514 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 01:24:00 +0000 Caro in Oz 1618514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"<i>I don't do absolutes or "no ___" rules very well, and if I can allow myself to walk into a store with an open but not greedy mindset, it's also much easier to shrug and pass on things that are nice even once I try them on, unless they are either 1) truly unique (I.e., the ring) or particularly useful for where I am now in my style evolution (I.e., the BR jeans)."<br /></i><i></i><br />I couldn't agree more Janet, especially about the open but not greedy mindset. The other thing I notice is the more I appreciate the clothing I have the less I want &amp; the easier it is to know the direction I want my style to take. It is the same feeling as enjoying every morsel on my plate rather than trying to eat the whole buffet.<div><br />The ring that inspired a capsule is fantastic :)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618495 Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:40:20 +0000 Sal 1618495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The ring is amazing - good call!</p> <p>I think there is a way to look great, shop consciously and have fun!! Sounds like there a few of us who feel this way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618349 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:45:41 +0000 Janet 1618349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that is an incredible run. And getting better all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618330 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:15:29 +0000 Angie 1618330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank YOU for being a stylish inspiration, Janet! Can you believe that YLF turns 10 in April????&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618323 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:56:09 +0000 Janet 1618323@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Angie! </p> <p>This morning, Facebook reminded me that it was this day five years ago that I started running. That happened right around the time I discovered YLF, so I'm right around my five year anniversary here too. Wow, what fun it has been, and how time flies! Thank you for everything! XO </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618319 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:52:24 +0000 Angie 1618319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See how fun and rewarding it is t shop your closet! LOVE that you are doing that. </p> <p>It's always good to put these thoughts down on paper, Janet. You also have a good set of ears on YLF. You are looking better than ever so WELL DONE for reaching this stage of style contentment. It's the gift that keeps on giving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618299 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:19:23 +0000 Janet 1618299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachy, I really recommend it. Once you get into it and start seeing things in a new way, it's actually fun! It is really helping me appreciate what I have, which helps keep me from craving more.</p> <p>Unfrumped, I tend to wait too long for the spring/summer season purchases too. On the contrary, I'm more of a fall/winter style shopper. It will be interesting to see how I feel when NAS rolls around this year. </p> <p>Rabbit, I can relate. I want to focus more of my energy and money on other things, so getting clarity on what I've acquired over the last few years is hugely helpful in that effort.</p> <p>Oh, and I pulled the trigger on the ring. Thanks for enabling me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618291 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:06:22 +0000 rachylou 1618291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is so interesting about Detroit agate.</p> <p>I feel like I should go your way. Take stock of what I have in a very thorough way to find inspiration. I feel like freshening things up, but not flying off the handle, which would probably make a mess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618290 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 17:03:39 +0000 rabbit 1618290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd seen pictures of big chunks of Fordite before and the layers of colors are amazing. &nbsp;Love the ring.</p> <p>For most of last year (I bought one pair of boots after April), I was on a shopping break. &nbsp;Partly because I had a big project to finish, &nbsp;but also because I felt set with what I had, and was enjoying it after a lot of wardrobe building in 2014. &nbsp;Plus I wanted to cut in half my clothes expenses. &nbsp;Discovering and reincorporating old favorites and just feeling like your existing wardrobe is running smoothly is a lot of fun.</p> <p>I think like Angie spring is my favorite shopping/discovery time so I'm not sure how this year will unfold, I've already bought a handful of items in February, but I want to hold on to the positive experience of last year and what made those fewer purchases work, hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618279 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:28:23 +0000 unfrumped 1618279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great musings, Janet!<br />This is one reason why I keep going round and round about having a more "all-in" closet, with the exception of some woolens that need special storage. (See long noodle post on Angie's closet blog this week.)</p> <p>When I get too seasonal and keep pieces in another closet, I don't do as well with re-mixing. <br />As lisap says, I need to know what's still good before adding, and theoretically I can do a big spring closet shift, but since I run cold and work in A/C environment, I will miss out on options for layering (over and under) or wearing some nice sweaters across seasons.<br />So I'm thinking, I'm not&nbsp;as worried about getting tired of looking at items that are a bit off-season (temperature-wise)--I have closet rods organized so some can be in "prime visual" space vs lower tier. Instead I need to see, if I'm&nbsp; not wearing it now is it solely because it's the wrong color/temp or is it because it's missing a partner (top or bottom) or because it's actually off regarding fit or style and it needs to go in the true Holding Zone, not the off-season zone.</p> <p>viva's post was really good today because it reminded me how items are not always good or bad <u>in isolation</u>. A blazer might look frumpy with classic trousers but great with ankle pants. A jacket might be too short for certain pants but work well layered over a longer top I just bought. My plain straight work cotton-blend pants might be revived by my new loafers and I need to know that<u> sooner</u>, so I can plan that those will be a wardrobe essential and see what outfits I&nbsp; have.</p> <p>My usual problem is that I create outfits <u>too late </u>in the season--I add pieces&nbsp;instead of knowing exactly what goes with what, &nbsp;and then finally do some outfit creation and then go, whoa, I could have been wearing this combo for a month already and now it's about out of its season! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618267 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:02:16 +0000 Anonymous 1618267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I'm another one who thinks the ring is completely, completely fab, and would suit you so well.</p> <p>The 'no shop' is what I've been doing, sort-of, since October.<br />The only thing I've bought are necessities (glaring wardrobe holes).</p> <p>When I shop for necessities, the shopping is definitely not much fun. Like buying bulky winter boots? Not fun! A basic grey sweater? Not fun!</p> <p>It's NOT what Angie recommends. It feels like maintenance, in the same way that you get the oil changed in your car. Feels good to get it done, like you're being a responsible adult, but not exciting.</p> <p>Spring shopping though? It is so inspiring and fun! I hope to do a lot more shopping in the spring that's more emotionally driven. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618264 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:56:08 +0000 catgirl 1618264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for this post, to which I completely relate.&nbsp; I'm just not finding all that much I like out there!&nbsp; I'm&nbsp;a bit tired of my winter routine, but the fact that it's still more appealing than anything new is a good sign.&nbsp; </p> <p>Can I tell you how much I love that ring - not just the item itself, but the history?&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<i>One ring to rule them all... </i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618249 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:19:59 +0000 Janet 1618249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yay! I'm really glad this resonates with so many of you. Sarah, it DOES feel freeing -- you're absolutely right. It's weird how NOT spending money can make me feel lighter. I think it suits me well to not be too restrictive with myself. I don't do absolutes or "no ___" rules very well, and if I can allow myself to walk into a store with an open but not greedy mindset, it's also much easier to shrug and pass on things that are nice even once I try them on, unless they are either 1) truly unique (I.e., the ring) or particularly useful for where I am now in my style evolution (I.e., the BR jeans). </p> <p>Lisa, yes, I am being careful about spring buying too. Our spring is short before we get into summer weather. Plus, when sorting through my closet, I realized I have an embarrassing abundance of summer tops, some of which probably need to go for lack of wear. I am going to look at what I have carefully before I do any spring/summer shopping. </p> <p>Carla, that is a really smart strategy when you foresee a lifestyle change in just a couple of years. Sounds like a great plan, and I want to see those shoes! </p> <p>Peri, you totally nailed it. Turning scrap, trash, junk into beauty. This is one of the things I do with my art, as I poke around junkyards with my camera, and part of why the whole Fordite thing speaks to me so much. It's funny how some of my wardrobe plays off my art, like the crazy patina vest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618245 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:08:40 +0000 Anonymous 1618245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>THE RING! The story. Get it- it looks great on your hand, the colours are amazing, and the thought process behind a signature piece of jewellery that you choose yourself......this seems perfect for you. &nbsp;</p> <p>As for the rest of the shopping/playing/analyzing you've been doing - yes, I am inspired and intrigued by it too. &nbsp;The shopping hiatus and the notion not having to "buy ALL the clothes" really resonates. &nbsp;One mistake I don't want to make again this spring is to start buying stuff before I've pulled out what I have and tried it all on again. &nbsp;I have no idea where I want to head in terms of a specific look &nbsp;this spring either and would like to be far more discriminating. &nbsp;You and your jacket adventure has definitely renewed my interest in my own collection. &nbsp;Thank you ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618244 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:08:06 +0000 Peri 1618244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>oh please buy the ring! That is so cool. Beyond it being striking and beautiful, it's just amazing that someone thought of turning trash into beauty. That is the most incredible statement of life is art! Love it!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618242 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:06:24 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1618242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was very helpful to me! I think I am in a very similar phase - trying to shop my closet and buy less. I have also found that when I shop, I am feeling less desperate - like I need to have every think I like. It is quite freeing, I think.</p> <p>Another vote here for buying and enjoying that gorgeous ring! So unusual and stunning! Wow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618241 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 15:06:16 +0000 abc 1618241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apoligies for this being short but I identify with your SYC phase and being more discerning on what comes in. </p> <p>LOVE the concept of that jewelry. If you're still thinking about the ring and can pay for it I say splurge! Don't make it be a regret. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618237 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:58:19 +0000 MsMary 1618237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for this very thought-provoking post, Janet! </p> <p>The ring is truly a special piece and I hope you will snatch it up! It looks like it was made for you!</p> <p>I, too, have been on a shopping break after several years of pretty heavy-duty shopping, and it's nice to be off the "have to have it" merry-go-round for a while. I can relate to seeing old pieces with fresh eyes and enjoying the things I already have.</p> <p>It's really all an ongoing process, isn't it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618235 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:49:35 +0000 Carla 1618235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I've been on a shopping break since around Christmas while I try to figure out where my style is going.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the past 3 years&nbsp;I have solved the problem of my non-existant non-work wardrobe - and I'm very happy with my off duty clothes.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I haven't been&nbsp;happy with&nbsp;my work-wear.&nbsp; My malaise relates in part to the different 'environmental norm' of my new work environment&nbsp;(H/O in Big City) and the fact that&nbsp;&nbsp;I will be done working by 2018 and don't want to invest in items that will serve no purpose in my closet after 2 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I've also been frustrated&nbsp;because it is hard to approximate my aspirational style with clothes from my closet - and I don't feel entirely successful.</p> <p>The past 3 months have been one of reflection and study (helped by reading&nbsp;musings like yours) &nbsp;and I&nbsp;believe I may have figured out the solution.&nbsp; In a nutshell, I'm&nbsp;gravitating towards&nbsp;'tom boy' &nbsp;for casual, and 'gentlewoman' &nbsp;for work.&nbsp;&nbsp;I've analysed my Pinterest aspirational board and made a list of the elements of the&nbsp;similar styles, and started a wardrobe sort.&nbsp; I'm also making a list of the elements that are missing and by their absence are keeping me from achieving something closer to my aspirational style.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've just made my first purchase of 2016&nbsp;- a pair of Johnston and Murphy monkstrap brogues in cognac! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618233 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:49:17 +0000 Anonymous 1618233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your realization that you don't really have to buy everything you like resonates with me! I'm still learning </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/miscellaneous-musings#post-1618232 Fri, 19 Feb 2016 14:46:55 +0000 Rambling Ann 1618232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the Fordite story and I hope you get it. </p>