https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:27:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1869103 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 15:56:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1869103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RA, that’s awesome on so many fronts, from your partner having to admit your past time is worthwhile ( ) to a real step forward for your plans. I hope you’ll update us occasionally on your company’s progress, (but understand, of course, that much of it will need to stay under wraps.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1869094 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 14:59:18 +0000 Rambling Ann 1869094@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies - a funny update. I stepped into the confessional with DH yesterday about the project. I usually just call you all "the fashion ladies" and that ends that conversation. But we are trying to start a new business (it's been on the back burner as we looked for a location, a long tale I may put in Off-Topic someday), that has a retail component. </p> <p>I realized that if we could find a single, aspirational image to guide stylistic decisions for our design and merchandise, it would be a huge help. Finding the right balance between refined and rustic for our brand, and STICKING with it, is going to be hard with a million options. Right now I'm researching Christmas decorations for 2018-talk about a rabbit hole. So I showed him my project. First he was annoyed because there were so many giftables he didn't know about. Anyway, after the shock wore off, he agreed to the idea of looking for that image to guide us. So we will really be challenging this method next year.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1869057 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 11:18:10 +0000 Staysfit 1869057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have followed each and every one of your posts. I truly admire your strategy. Your purchases throughout the year have been so focused and thoughtful. I had wondered which items you would end up wearing the most and how everything would interplay. Using one statement with a base of solid or simpler pieces makes sense. I find it hard to think about outfits prior to making a purchase. Having a tight color palette allows most of my clothes to coordinate despite my tendency to think in pieces rather than outfits. I look forward to seeing how your new twist on this project works for you in 2018! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1869048 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 08:21:45 +0000 Carla 1869048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for your dedication to your project, and this interesting summary. I have a card from a paint store in my wallet that matches the dusty lavender of my new specs (the tops are lavender the bottom a translucent lime green). I am looking for a scarf or an image with that colour so that I can do a similar project in 2018.</p> <p>Edit: colour of the year 2018 - ultraviolet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867947 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 22:16:19 +0000 Kaelyn 1867947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the ocean vibes and colors. The sea glass earrings, cable sweater, and blue shoes particularly caught my eye--I do hope you find a similar pair of those earrings because they're SO perfect for your vibe. I'm glad you enjoyed this project--the results are beautiful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867938 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 21:53:02 +0000 columbine(erin) 1867938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t kept up with YLF for several months but I’ve found your project very interesting. I don’t have a style statement and truthfully, my interest in YLF and style in general, is because I’m artistic and I’m interested in aesthetics. Anyway you’ve inspired me to do some thinking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867925 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 20:31:19 +0000 Style Fan 1867925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoyed reading your posts.&nbsp; I have learned something from you.&nbsp; I am also a visual person and have not come up with a style statement.</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing what is next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867869 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:07:45 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann, I meant to go grab the link for a suggestion for a painting for your next project, but I can't find it.<br /> It's a woman on a bike, has a lot of reds but also browns/taupe/neutrals. I thought it was by Alphonse Mucha, but maybe not, since I can't find it under that name.<br /> Looking forward to your choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867835 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:21:09 +0000 Suz 1867835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating idea and such a terrific way to create a cohesive and happy closet! I have done interiors this way (based on a painting or print) but never my closet -- but just look at how beautiful your selections are. Such restful colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think buying "outfits" is a really great way to go. Not that I often do it! But I have been thinking that I need to start.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867833 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:17:15 +0000 Rambling Ann 1867833@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>rachylou - yes! lucky me</p> <p>fashiontern - wait until January...</p> <p>Janet - cool site</p> <p>Angie - thanks, and thanks for all you do</p> <p>Sterling - I think monthly still, not sure how it's going to work. January is actually a hard month to start to shop. Definitely focused on outfits/capsules. Maybe like Janice does, start with a few, then expand for each season.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867829 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:55:29 +0000 Anonymous 1867829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second what <b>LaP</b> said about that sweater set.&nbsp; It was almost as if it was made for you and this project.&nbsp; It is gorgeous.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I cannot tell you how happy I am that you have chosen to continue this project.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I look forward to seeing what image you select as your 2018 inspiration.&nbsp; I am sure it will be breathtaking.&nbsp; I love the idea of having a set of core neutral items and then adding in five pieces.&nbsp; Will those five pieces be added seasonally (four times year)?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Best wishes for the New Year to you and your Family.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p><b>Janet </b>-- thanks for the interesting link.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867819 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:32:18 +0000 Angie 1867819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun read. Thanks for sharing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867803 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:43:48 +0000 Janet 1867803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find this project really interesting, and love Diebenkorn (I thoroughly enjoyed the Diebenkorn/Matisse exhibition I attended this year). I find your color palette very appealing! Interesting musings as well. I'd be curious to try something similar, but doubt I'd have the stamina to make it through a whole year. Curious to see how you follow this up!&nbsp;</p> <p>Have you ever checked out this blog:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.artfullyawear.com">http://www.artfullyawear.com</a>&nbsp;Her inspirations are more direct and her interpretations are more literal, but it is fun.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867792 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 14:05:20 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>New painting? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867786 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 13:54:52 +0000 rachylou 1867786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really truly can’t wait to see your new painting.</p> <p>Ok, so these are all in your closet IRL? I feel this subset is even better than the extended set. It’s tight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867670 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 00:32:37 +0000 Rambling Ann 1867670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LP - I thought the same thing, I was so glad it was my birthday month when I found it! It's bluer/grayer than it looks. I'm thinking about some medium charcoal jeans if I can find some, maybe trying a warm gray as a neutral while I dither on navy. Colored jeans are not in this year, it seems.</p> <p>Fashiontern - I can make lots of outfits with these items and clothes I already have, especially my collection of olive (one of my core neutrals now) and denim/chambray items. Price/value is a personal thing, the bracelet's around $25. Etsy is a marvelous resource and the money goes to real humans not big corporations (a personal priority).</p> <p>Caro - that's what I want, less that makes more. I learned a lot about discipline this year. Now if I can let go of some things that have fallen by the wayside, but are still "good."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867654 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:43:19 +0000 Caro in Oz 1867654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What beautiful colours! I loved reading this &amp; I hopped back to see your other posts IKWYM about the advantages of buying outfits. &nbsp;Buying in this way has really helped me reduce my wardrobe (even further). I never kept anything I didn't love (or things that didn't fit) but the difference is now they work together - no more having everything except the bag or the jewellery or the topper.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867634 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:09:48 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1867634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice combo of “hero” and support pieces here! I like those blue shoes, realized a few months ago that I wanted more inretesting footwear. </p> <p>Are you able to make outfits based on web pictures alone? I cannot. When I see finds next to each other, or even Angie’s ensembles where everything is in one box instead of each in its own little box, I still cannot see how it all looks together.</p> <p>I wish the custom finds included spaces for price and a web address to make it easier for people to look items up. Not your fault, I know, but I really like that glass bracelet. Bet it isn’t cheap! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867619 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:00:49 +0000 LaPed 1867619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, how cool that the thought project resulted in some material success! The plaid sweater set evokes the painting so well it just blows my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---wib-what-i-learned-long#post-1867577 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 18:00:02 +0000 Rambling Ann 1867577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My goal for the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ocean-park-project---last-shop">Ocean Park project</a> was to see if regular shopping with an inspirational visual aid would lead to a more cohesive wardrobe. Angie has long suggested personal style statements and the like, but I have failed repeatedly at the exercise of putting my aspirations into words. Would an image work better for me?</p> <p>I also wanted to explore the idea of shopping for outfits with all the supporting pieces as well as the hero pieces (usually toppers) that make me happy. Would that strategy work for me?&nbsp;</p> <p>I was worried when I started this project that I would either 1) get bored and abandon it because I dislike shopping, or 2) end up buying stuff I did not need because I was shopping more. I am happy to report that neither happened. I finished the 12 months, I still love the painting, and I am going to keep using it as my wardrobe inspiration for 2018.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is the entire sum of non-gear clothing I bought in 2017, barring the jewelry. I'm hoping Santa brings the bracelet; the earrings were sold out &nbsp;before I pulled the trigger; I'll keep looking for something similar.</p> <p>My lessons learned: 1) shopping for outfits might just work better for me. Almost every month in my virtual shopping excursions, I would add finds that I was sure would work, but in a temporary collection, did not work at all. I needed to actually try them all together.&nbsp;</p> <p>2) don't settle, which means start shopping earlier. Wait until I find the right piece, keep looking, put the project aside for a few days, come back with fresh eyes. Trust I will know when I find it. If I'm trying to convince myself, it's not right.&nbsp;</p> <p>3) Embrace the surprises. The three print garments were total surprises and I KNEW they were right when I saw them, but none were what I was looking for at the time. I tried to put the blue cabled sweater out of my mind, but it kept popping up, everywhere.</p> <p>4) I prefer one statement piece with a background of neutrals. Thus at least half of my wardrobe needs to be simple background pieces: jeans, pants, layering tops. Budget and buy accordingly, and it will be a lot easier to get dressed.</p> <p>5) There is no excuse for boring shoes. &nbsp;Who knew denim colored shoes could be so practical? I thought finding shoes in the right colors would be hard-it was the easiest part. I don't need more shoes or I would have really overspent this year.</p> <p>6) Not everything will fit the theme, especially occasion wear and that's ok (pants suit and silver shoes, worn twice this year). But I do want to be more mindful about gear, sleepwear, etc. Having these in "my colors" makes me happy.&nbsp;</p> <p>7) Having a robust set of Finds makes it easier for people to give me gifts :-)</p> <p>8) With better direction for my overall wardrobe goals, spending more on a per item basis and buying less makes me happier.</p> <p>9) Try on new ideas before rejecting (dress over pants)</p> <p>10) It was fun and rewarding to shop with my values as far as supporting individual artists for virtually all of my chosen accessories.&nbsp;</p> <p>11) Finding a single garment, like the scarf, that is in my colors and easy to carry around, makes it easier to to stay true to my vision. Ask myself the question out loud: does this reflect the things I love about my inspirational icon? I need to print the painting and save it to my phone.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been asked how much time I spent on this. The answer is a couple hours at the end of each month. I'd have an idea for an outfit (based on occasion or season) and find the hero piece, the shoes, then supporting pieces and Etsy for accessories over a few days of intermittent couch surfing. And a bit of time to write it up.&nbsp;My secret weapon is YOU: I shopped the YLF finds pretty regularly, especially for the support pieces. As for my own shopping, everything came by mail.&nbsp;</p> <p>Going forward, I need to wrap my mind around beige and navy neutrals to really make this work, neither of which are my "happy" colors, but are necessary to support the overall look. Navy is really hard-I'm dipping my toe in with more darker denim colors and shoes and the like. I'm not dumping my black clothes, but will slowly replace them as needed. My closet is in a good place overall for my life, and that's quite a blessing.</p> <p>As for 2018, I have an plan for a new project. I haven't settled on the inspirational image yet, but I know I want it to have a strong warm-cool color contrast and a 1920s theme. And I want to "buy" a set of core neutral items, then add French five piece selections to see if that shopping style works better for me than an outfit a month. So 2018 will be about fine tuning my strategy, and a new piece of art to look at. But I am sticking with the Diebenkorn for my personal shopping. Will doing a different project divert me IRL shopping? We'll find out. Who's in?</p> <p>(Thanks for reading if you made it this far) </p>