https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:30:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1802018 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:12:06 +0000 Anonymous 1802018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading your personal style notes. The pictures and words match up nicely, and I can see the value in noting it in specifics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801965 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 10:09:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 1801965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you to everyone. It has been a good day, relaxing, on the forum, a walk to the beach, grocery shopping, and fish for dinner! He caught 8!<br /> Thanks Style Fan, I did look Kibbe up briefly before, may do again. Carla, I'll try building some more outfits from shoes up. Also thanks to all who like the pixie brushed forward not back. It takes a little more work to do it like that and the time to keep going to get it cut! But it got so much love I might try that more. I do prefer it super short although DH likes it a little longer so I compromise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801962 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 10:03:19 +0000 Staysfit 1801962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eclectic Matriarch! Well stated. I love all the fun and funky elements of your wardrobe (boho?)! You carry them well, and they show your warmth as a person. I agree that Suz has some very helpful posts, which I have also read as I wondered how to define and describe my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801952 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 09:14:48 +0000 Style Fan 1801952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy reading posts about style journeys and yours was very interesting.&nbsp; I am sorry to hear that you experienced some bullying Jenni.&nbsp; <br />Your pixie in #2 is lovely and is certainly a statement.&nbsp; It is a great look for you.&nbsp; I love your red shoes.&nbsp; How incredible are they!&nbsp; I remember that skirt when you first showed it.&nbsp; Gorgeous.&nbsp; You certainly have an eclectic style and look like you love to have fun with your wardrobe.<br />I agree with Suz that going through this process is so worth it.&nbsp; It took me awhile before I could write anything on YLF but it has made my wardrobe so much happier.<br />I don't want to send you down a rabbit hole but have you looked at Kibbe?&nbsp; I am not an expert at all.&nbsp; We discussed Kibbe at one point on the forum.&nbsp; I found it helpful.&nbsp; You strike me as Gamine.&nbsp; Someone more knowledgeable can jump in.&nbsp; (I am a Natural) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801931 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 06:05:46 +0000 Bijou 1801931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing that I love most about your style is that you have fun with fashion. You wear statement clothes so well. Eclectic is the perfect description. Your hair in photo 2 is fantastic - and who would not smile when having a cocktail! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801927 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 05:51:22 +0000 Ledonna N. 1801927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a fun eclectic style you javr. I just enjoy reading the break down. I sould not change a thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801923 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:46:36 +0000 Greyscale 1801923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your style comes through loud and clear in the set of photos you chose!&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the 'dressed up casual' description -- I might also call that concept 'intentional casual' or something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801918 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:13:38 +0000 Anonymous 1801918@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You nailed Eclectic Matriarch and your grey pixie is fabulous. I loved reading your thoughts and appreciate all the thought and work that you put into it. As Suz says, this will help you going forward, especially when shopping, which can be overwhelming, especially as an eclectic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801886 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:51:38 +0000 rachylou 1801886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz's threads are the best! Suz really broke it down, articulating the building blocks and process. When I arrived, I devoured her threads.</p> <p>I think Eclectic Matriarch is on the money (note that I gravitate toward the style persona tool, hehe). I find that evocative and it brought the right look to my mind - one that matches your WIWs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801885 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:51:34 +0000 Jaime 1801885@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni your description and especially pictures are delightful. I really appreciate your quirky, individual sense of style and signature grey hair. (Coming from someone else who sees herself likewise.) I love all the information Suz threw you - if my family went fishing that is what I would do too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801880 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:42:23 +0000 Jenni NZ 1801880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Suz! A rabbit hole is fine today. Husband has gone fishing. Though I do also need to finish a GST ( type of tax like VAT) return which is no fun </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801878 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:39:12 +0000 Suz 1801878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, warning, this may take you down a crazy rabbit hole of silliness and navel gazing!! However...FWIW. &nbsp;</p> <p>First, and probably most useful, Aida's list. Just fill in the blanks.&nbsp;</p> <p>PRIMARY NEUTRALS: <br />SECONDARY NEUTRALS: <br />MAIN COLORS: <br />ACCENT COLORS: <br />DON'T WEAR COLORS: <br />ELEMENTS OF LOVE:<br />ASPIRATION ADJECTIVES:</p> <p>You might also add:&nbsp;</p> <p>FASHION NOTS: (or something similar, e.g. not hard-edge, not bombshell..or whatever your personal "nots" are -- looks you prefer to avoid most of the time.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Some of my ancient navel-gazing threads, and there are dozens more where those came from, too...</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dear-mrs-eccentric-can-i-be-your-case-study-help-me-refine-my-style">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-refine-my</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/help-me-edge-towards-my-aspirational-style-long">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....style-long</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-planning---what-am-i-doing-wrong">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....oing-wrong</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/reflections-on-my-style-2015">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....style-2015</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-is-character-discuss-long">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....scuss-long</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/2016-my-year-in-style">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....r-in-style</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801830 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 23:49:49 +0000 Suz 1801830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've done some incredibly hard thinking here and it is going to pay off in a big way down the line. I can say this with confidence because it is much like the work I did when I arrived here, and while, at the time, I wasn't sure it was leading anywhere and still felt frustrated about my wardrobe not completely matching my aspirations, writing all this down and analyzing favourite items and outfits proved extremely valuable over the long term. If you are interested I can track down some early posts to illustrate for you. There is also the amazing Aida's "elements of love" idea (which you have pretty much covered here intuitively, but might like to look at anyway as a further tool for analysis).&nbsp;</p> <p>Like the others, I <b>love </b>your hair in #2. You have beautiful fine features that are complemented by the very short pixie. I like your hair best like this (super short) as it looks most intentional and highlights your eyes and smile.&nbsp;</p> <p>"Eclectic" is a great word to describe your style. I see boho elements also, but agree that 20s is another era of influence. Love those red shoes! I love the fur vest on you, too.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801825 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 23:21:36 +0000 Anonymous 1801825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isn't it nice to put words in print that sum up everything floating around in your head? It helps gel things, at least for me .</p> <p>You do have a unique and colourful style, and have worked out what works well for you. Way to go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801817 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 23:00:31 +0000 Anonymous 1801817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved this statement:</p> <p><i>Dressed up casual, I'm not super casual. I prefer to look as though I planned an outfit since I always do. Even a casual one.<br /></i><br />What a great statement. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801802 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:21:09 +0000 Sal 1801802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting, I also see boho and maximalism with a bit of retro thrown in.</p> <p>I love your haircut and agree that an open neck suits you (I am the same, I do wear scarves but open-ness is more flattering). &nbsp;I love eclectic matriarch for you - it is embracing your age, status and wisdom which is fabulous.</p> <p>I think that balance is a key thing - in a petite small framed person you can be overwhelmed by too much fabric or pattern, so agree with plain bottoms and patterned tops, or vice versa. &nbsp;The fur vests and waistcoats are a great look on you.</p> <p>I think you are on the right track - adding a little structure could also be interesting ie a more tailored jacket over a floatier blouse. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801801 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:17:06 +0000 Sheila 1801801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this is a wonderful summary of your 'style essence'. I was drawn to your hairstyle in #2. The cut is perfection and I love the angle of the hair that falls over your forehead. 'Gamine', I would say. Very savvy of you to note all the specific elements that make fashion fun for you. I also like the more angular necklines, such as 2 &amp; 6. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801798 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 22:00:46 +0000 Carla 1801798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just love your pixie brushed forward as in pic #2. You look elfin. You actually describe (and show) a strong boho element. I would like to see that skirt styled. Also, I would like to see more of your shoe collection.</p> <p>Here's a challenge: pick a different pair of shoes each day and style an outfit 'from the ground up.' </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-style-essence-warning-long#post-1801793 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:41:34 +0000 Jenni NZ 1801793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking of how to write this post for a while, for my own future reference. Style Essence was the business of the stylist I saw in 2010 when about to apply for a seminar presenter's job. I was petrified by the dress code for the joint interview day,<br /> "Professional dress". I had recently gained all the weight and been bullied such that I lost my sense of self, and at that point had not done an interview for 6 years. The stylist did help, although not a patch on Angie!<br /> So, I think my signature style involves the following:<br /> Hints of vintage or retro style ( pic 1 1920s fringing, pic 2 1970s waistcoat, pics 3 and 4 my nod to the 70s)<br /> Bright colours since an 80s girl ( pics 5, 6, 8, 9).<br /> Pretty flowers, or butterflies, or peacocks, soft draping not too tailored, long over lean or tunics over trousers (pics 1 and 3)<br /> Black and white/ monochrome/ geometric/ Art Deco- all triangle and diamond shapes loved. Houndstooth. Tartan.<br /> Quirky additions. Fringing, minis, tights, studs, straps, zips. Boho. Sparkly.<br /> Comfort is really important. I don't want to be fussing with my clothing.<br /> Figure flattery: as pear/apple, camouflage the bottom half, so darker pants, or if white then a longer top( pics 1, 4, 5). Draw the eye to the neckline and/or the shoes, not the middle part. Have some details like patterns, buttons, edging near the neckline if possible. If dresses, then empire line or fit and flare are more flattering as they minimise or skim over the waist.<br /> I'm petite, 5 foot 2, small feet ( euro 36, US 5.5, UK 4), short legs, short neck which needs space. So nothing too oversized that drowns me. Most shoes must look dainty and refined except for occasional deliberately clumpy boots which must be statements.<br /> Dressed up casual, I'm not super casual. I prefer to look as though I planned an outfit since I always do. Even a casual one.<br /> Jewellery: always my plain narrow gold band wedding ring. Sometimes my dainty diamond cluster engagement ring which looks like a flower. Occasionally other small rings ( tiny hands). Gold watch usually, sometimes vintage watch ( have several) or silver/ turquoise Pierre Cardin watch.<br /> Occasional wide bracelet or cuff.<br /> Always earrings, usually matching colours in my outfit, generally fine, may be dangly but not oversized.<br /> Often a gold chain, occasional fine necklace, not usually a statement necklace.<br /> Spectacles, every day. Previously gold( pics 2, 6 and 8) now rose gold with a dainty flower on the side ( pic 10).<br /> Prescription sunglasses are Oroton, tortoiseshell ( no pic).<br /> Statement items are tunics and shoes mainly. Shoes may be bright or vintage ( pics 8,9). Sometimes vests or jackets are statements eg faux fur vest ( pic 8). Occasionally a skirt is a statement, more so before my weight gain( pic 7).<br /> Essentials are mainly layering tops and trousers and sometimes jackets. Many of these are black.<br /> Handbags are not a love. They mostly tone but occasionally are changed up to match. I do have a collection of vintage clutches for evenings.<br /> The occasional hat is vintage inspired eg cloches. Not a scarf lover as feel they overwhelm my short neck.<br /> My grey pixie cut is a statement. Not much makeup, just blusher and lipstick and sometimes toenail or fingernail polish to match shoes or outfits. Yes, a matchy- matchy person!<br /> Outfits rather than capsules. Everything doesn't have to go with everything else. So my wardrobe needs to be a little bigger so I don't get bored.<br /> Style persona: "eclectic matriarch". I feel like a matriarch both personally ( older daughter of 2, mother died when I was 38, have 3 adult children) and professionally ( 32 years experience and still going strong).<br /> Wow that's long. It's mainly for my use... Cheers to all. </p>