https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 12:24:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-784504 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:26:12 +0000 Astrid 784504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would say it depends on environment (urban or not) and the parents. People aren't bemused when a girl or boy is dressed in neutral colors, but a boy in pink would look strange to most people. A girl in blue not so much, blue is more of a neutral color. So to sum it up, a boy needs to be dressed 'as a boy' and a girl is often dressed 'girly', but not necessarily. Hair length is not that big an issue for boys, you often see boys with longer hair, especially in the city. Older girls with short hair (shorter than a bob) are rare though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-783804 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:41:16 +0000 ManidipaM 783804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I had to laugh but your poor parents! Being surprised and having any plans upset twice over! </p> <p>I've heard from friends in the US that people can get pretty bemused at infants being dressed in neutral colours with no 'gender markers', forget 'opposite' markers (pink on a boy, blue on a girl, long hair on a boy, etc). Is it the same in Europe, or at least, your corner of it? Or are people more laidback about gender markers in infancy there? </p> <p>The only big problem with the gender disclosure ban is when there are markers for genetic abnormalities that vary in weightage with the fetus' sex. Makes the conversation quite difficult and hairy for both the medical team and the parents, I imagine---though of course they find ways to communicate. And bending the law does happen, with not quite enough reporting or prosecuting... Though I worry we'll end up with 'gender-entrenched baby fashion' quickly at some point, I'll be rather glad when we can deem the ban unnecessary or unhelpful again---it will have been a small but rather crucial victory for females around here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-783607 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 07:14:43 +0000 Astrid 783607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, I didn't know that gender disclosure was a criminal act in India. I of course have heard of the female infanticide and female foeticide problematic (in school and television), but I didn't know that learning your baby's gender isn't allowed. Although it makes sense as a precaution. In a sense I like the idea of not knowing (although the reason for implementing this is horrible), especially if it results in more neutral baby fashion. I don't like standardisation of gender types in general and with babies and children even less. And of course technology is more advanced now, but my parents were told I was a boy and obviously I'm not. Although that was a good thing, because they had agreed on a name for a girl early on and had no idea what to name their baby boy, they just couldn't find a name they both liked enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-783593 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:12:14 +0000 ManidipaM 783593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, I'm RIGHT behind you! Just gone 25 weeks today And ::touchwood::, pretty smooth sailing bar the first-tri fatigue so far.</p> <p>We actually won't know if it's a boy or a girl till it arrives --- gender disclosure is a criminal act here, since India still has terrible statistics of female infanticide in many parts and it extends to female foeticide ever since ultrasounds and amnio became available. There are people who still fly off to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur or wherever, just to learn the baby's sex and, um, take appropriate action. Makes me shudder and growl all at once x-( </p> <p>It does mean extra guesswork during baby shopping for many parents, though traditionally, the babies just get put into simple smocks and wraparound shirts, both sexes, to start with. The blue/pink dichotomy is pretty new and urban-only in India. Also, many people here are also superstitious about not shopping for the baby till it has safely arrived. Personally, I'm not bothered---we're going down the 'gender neutral' road anyway. </p> <p>Are you doing any baby fashion prep? All I've bought so far is dipes, in every colour except pale pink and yellow, since neither parent is keen on those two colours (hey, the baby can't even see itself for a good while!). We both like blue, so the kidlet will likely end up in lots of blue too---no matter what's between its legs :-p </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-783579 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 05:32:35 +0000 goldenpig 783579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, I don't remember if I ever said so earlier, but congrats on your pregnancy! I've missed having you around. So glad you are starting to feel better and more rested! How many weeks are you? I'm 26 right now, so nearing the end of 2nd tri as well. Do you know if you're having a boy or girl? I would so love to see some of your maternity pics! Now that Scarlet had her baby, I don't want to be the only one posting huge belly shots now! I love Indian textiles with the rich colors and patterns. Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly and quickly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-782255 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:41:59 +0000 ManidipaM 782255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ceit, you made me laugh out loud---and feel rather relieved and admiring too! </p> <p>I keep wondering if I shouldn't be a more adoring/absorbed mom-to-be and if it's freakish of me to think the ultrasound looks like a bunch of props from the Geiger Bar... Good, if you know what I mean, to know other parents sometimes feel less than 'aww adorable...!' too, especially as all the ladies in my birth club are inveterate coochie-coo'ers and gushers to the belly! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-782175 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:31:41 +0000 Astrid 782175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course we're changing constantly, but I wouldn't say you will get to see a 'new' me. Although I think I'm more sure about my style goals now than I've been before... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-782119 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:22:52 +0000 Anonymous 782119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have missed you too! I am so glad things are going well. And once the baby is here, it will be confusing and wonderful in a whole new way I have two kids, and people keep asking us if we want a third...not right now I don't think, but maybe in a couple years I will feel a tug. My 17 month old son is a wild man though, so that is kind of dampening the "aww adorable baby" feelings! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-782073 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 09:24:16 +0000 ManidipaM 782073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ali, Suz, Freckles, Una, Ramya---You ladies are all so lovely. And I'm so touched and a little overwhelmed... ::sniff::</p> <p>Ramya, thanks so much for the sweet offer! Actually, all I really need are jeans and bras---the two things one just can't buy without trying them on, or I'd have shopped online before now. But I am ever so touched that you thought of carting clothes over for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-782047 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:04:00 +0000 ramya 782047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa :)...<br /> Awwww we missed you so much around here...</p> <p>Do let me know if you need any maternity clothes from europe, i will be coming down to India in a month or so </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781887 Mon, 26 Nov 2012 01:36:51 +0000 catgirl 781887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, I have missed you! And wondered how you were doing! Please do check in even if it's not fashion related, just so we can keep up on your doings. Sounds like pregnancy has been a smooth ride so far for you, which is great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781756 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 21:47:29 +0000 Freckles 781756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So lovely to hear from you Mandipa. I'm glad that the pregnancy is progressing well, it is such a time of change.<br /> So sorry to hear that clothes are even more difficult now. Hope you find some maternity jeans that you like soon.<br /> Soon you will have a beautiful bundle of joy, take care. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781646 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 16:50:00 +0000 Suz 781646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So good to hear from you and I'm glad you are doing well! I fully understand the immersive experience of prospective parenthood; you really *do* have lots to learn and do. Enjoy this preparatory phase, and we will look forward to pictures of your beautiful baby soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781591 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:53:16 +0000 Anonymous 781591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hooray, it's so lovely to see you, what a treat on a Sunday morning! Glad you are well, just busy. Your baby will have lots of YLF aunties doting from afar! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781539 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:51:25 +0000 ManidipaM 781539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello, ladies! It's so nice to have you guys to chat to again, even outside of fashion :-)</p> <p>Astrid --- I've been looking at your posts on weight reduction and the extra earrings--are we expecting to see a New Astrid in the New Year? (BTW, I'm 36, got double piercings in each year in my teens and one of them got badly infected right away, so I've had the asymmetry by default and keep a small silver hoop or stud in the third piercing. I guess it's young in that it is a generational thing --- the half-generation before me would find it pretty 'edgy', to put it mildly; but now it's almost normative here to have two sets of piercings.)</p> <p>Shannon --- read about your MIL's health issues and so on too. Hope things are going better with her, in terms of her health as well as domestic peace generally. My 'busy days' pretty much pale in comparison. Wish I could give you a big hug...</p> <p>Angie --- yes! I saw Scarlet's post and have been staring at Natalie's all evening with avid admiration. She's just a couple of weeks ahead of me, I think. You can bet I've been taking notes, though I don't have her fabulous wardrobe to start with! But it was her posts that made me think of getting skirts a size larger while I struggled with finding pants...::waving gratefully to Goldenpig::</p> <p>DonnaF --- funny thing is, being banned from travel and public conveyance (if you meet the 'taxis' here, you'll know why!) has actually made dressing for work a great deal easier, and since I don't go out as often, I don't dress up as often. Though I'll confess I have taken to living in lounging gear at least half the time these days--pajama-style pants, leggings, etc with a tunic or longer T-shirt!</p> <p>Hey, Dianthus! --- It's so great to see you too! And I still can't get over your awesome new (to me!) hairstyle! Loved your purple-pink-orange capsule too --- very apt for your moniker, even, especially the skirt and top set. (Where I live, it is only just getting to be Dianthus season --- we get pinks in winter, not spring!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781485 Sun, 25 Nov 2012 03:46:54 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 781485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey you!! It is nice to hear from you. I am glad to know you are well and just busy.</p> <p>I think we all take little breaks now and then and that's okay. Life gets in the way sometimes. </p> <p>Take care. I am looking forward to you being back with us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781380 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:28:52 +0000 DonnaF 781380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad to hear from you! Sounds like you're healthy. I figured you maternity clothing challenges would remain even greater and more frustrating than your significant regular clothing challenges. . .Sounds like you are not running around nekkid at least! Keep us updated when you can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781232 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:07:12 +0000 Angie 781232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely that you chimed in and I'm glad that all is well, Manidipa. Scarlet had her baby a week and Natalie is due quite soon too. You are in great company </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781228 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:01:18 +0000 Transcona Shannon 781228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, so glad to hear from you Manidipa! We have indeed been wondering how you've been doing. I wish it were less busy for you and SO - it does sound a bit crazy. But I'm glad you're feeling well. Has it really been six months already??? My, my.</p> <p>I can't offer any help with maternity clothes being that I last wore them 17 years ago! Will let Natalie and others chime in.</p> <p>Please take care and remember to look after yourself and your wee one.</p> <p>Shannon </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781164 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:32:18 +0000 Astrid 781164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa! I'm so glad to hear you are well, if busy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/news-or-not--mostly-what-hibernation-is-like#post-781144 Sat, 24 Nov 2012 10:15:45 +0000 ManidipaM 781144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella wrote me a couple of days ago, wondering where I'd got to. And I just found this thread: <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/missing-clearly-claire" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rly-claire</a> but didn't want to hijack. (And delighted Claire's been found doing nothing more dangerous than painting --- I still remember her airport trip-up with an 'ouch!')</p> <p>Heavens, I miss you wonderful ladies too! Thank you so much for remembering me --- I miss all of you too, even if I hadn't realized so many of you were sharing off-forum time with me! Meredith, for one, was missing even the last time I checked in... anyone know if all's well with her?</p> <p>Angie, I've been lurking and trying to keep up with your blog, though I confess I've pretty much not logged on for a fortnight, maybe more now. The forums, I confess I haven't visited in over a month. Hope your wrists are back in fine fetter (from another, older thread.)</p> <p>As for my own disappearing act, no biggie---just been busy with work (festive season in full swing in India since October means magazine and newspaper offices are pretty much in hyperactive, unpaid-overtime-essential tailspin mode) and the pregnancy. I can't believe how much actual reading up, learning, checking up even a smooth pregnancy seems to occasion---not to mention the extra naps and snacks! My hat is off to Natalie for doing this thrice. I feel like I'm studying for another minor degree, though it's possibly just the result of anxious first-time parenthood.</p> <p>Another reason I haven't been 'visible' is that I can no longer take photos of myself---no full-length mirror here and my 'style' has been Mostly Make-do of late. Maternity shopping has not been any more of a success since I last posted. I've just managed to use regular clothes in bigger sizes and different shapes to work out---and I'm not always happy with the results in terms of appearance, even if I'm achieved comfort and coverage. I'd have loved some ideas and feedback along the way, but with the SO also in a manic busy phase, there have been few photos taken.</p> <p>On the fashion/clothing front: Currently, I'm nearly six months along and desperately seeking maternity jeans that are not pull-ons--- which are all I can find! why? is this normal where you live? And WHAT is with integrated belly bands that are a whole other colour from the pants themselves?! </p> <p>Meanwhile, I'm making do with leggings and tunics (or salwar kameez, which are mostly a variation on the same theme), and a pair of oversized skirts. It's getting a bit too chilly to continue this without alterations though Grr... I need to remedy this fast or I'll soon freeze into a giant cramp this winter. But it's not yet cold enough for tights etc in synthetic fabrications (still pretty warm in the middle of the day). Transition weather added to transition sizes/shapes in professional 'high season'=quite the challenge just now!</p> <p>Wish me luck, ladies, and as I head towards the last trimester, I hope to shift into a slower, hopefully more social gear again! </p>