https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 30 May 2026 13:08:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran/page/2#post-687417 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:15:48 +0000 DonnaF 687417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie; I'm sorry about your health and associated bloating issues, so an extra thank you for taking the time to post your Before and After pics. I get intimidated by your fab styling and tend to forget you didn't just hatch fully formed. Your Befores weren't bad at all, just ordinary and what at least I see all around me. The Afters, on the other hand, are YOWZA! I love the vibrancy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran/page/2#post-687346 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:07:34 +0000 harmonica 687346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you crack me up: "Survival mode trumps fashion mode" . I need to remember this </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686884 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:53:40 +0000 April 686884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GP -- I just learned that your name is Natalie! It's funny how thrilling it is to see "Veteran" beneath your name, isn't it?</p> <p>The features where members appreciate posts, the "Veteran" and "Active Member" designations, the ability to post photos directly in messages rather than linking to a site like Photobucket, even the ability to see our Profile photos in thumbnail before opening the thread -- all of these are features that didn't exist when I first got here, and they have all enriched the YLF experience. </p> <p>The greatest thing about being here, however, is being able to see journeys like yours take place. Congratulations on your new status, and please continue to let us see your evolution! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686872 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 12:19:34 +0000 Anonymous 686872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good to hear that your condition is temporary. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686808 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:45:40 +0000 goldenpig 686808@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much everyone! Your support feels like a giant hug! Don't worry, my medical condition is only temporary and not life-threatening or anything, it just causes a lot of pesky hormonal side effects. I just have to be patient and let it run its course, it will all be worth it in the end and hopefully I'll be back to my old self soon! It's definitely keeping me on my fashion toes!</p> <p>Thanks, Ramya, Kathy, Deborah, Ann-Marie, Lina, Diana, Debbie, Fern, Jem, and Amy for the boost!</p> <p>Julie, I'm hoping to fit back into all my clothes someday, but that's a great idea about altering if it becomes a permanent weight gain.</p> <p>Kim, I'm so glad you guys convinced me to keep the polka dot dress! So far I've worn it out to work, to date night at the opera, and even to a kiddie birthday party (with DD in a matching white dress with black polka dots!). Hoping to wear it more!</p> <p>Jamie, that's so sweet of you to say! I'm looking forward to seeing your style renewal as well!</p> <p>Ruthe, lots of hugs right back!</p> <p>Gaylene, you're so sweet! Yes, the plastic bag would definitely have to be belted, to maintain my fitted demure bombshell persona! LOL!</p> <p>Angie, XOXO to my fashion fairy godmother!</p> <p>Suz and Isis, I agree, it is remarkable how dressing well and feeling like an outfit is "you" really elevates your mood.</p> <p>Shannon, sorry that you are dealing with a similar health issue and I hope things get better for you soon! </p> <p>Harmonica, high five to a fellow MOTG! Your term "ignorante fashion/style disaster haze" is hilarious but oh so accurate. I don't think I could have done this any earlier than I did, because I was still in that post-baby with toddler sleep-deprived fog. Survival mode trumps fashion mode for sure!</p> <p>Rae and Cathy, I really hope we can get a NorCal swap party going! I definitely could use some more stretchy clothes!</p> <p>Marcy, thanks, although I don't know if I intentionally post bad K/R's, sometimes I just can't tell...I guess that's the point of posting them, LOL! At least hopefully the scales are tipping more in the good direction now. I'm still learning a lot from my own and other's K/R's. And I love it when people post style musings...some of my favorite topics!</p> <p>MaryK, my first IRL YLF dress-up friend! So glad to have found you and all the other fab sisters!</p> <p>Thanks Sylvie and Anne, I do love all the thought-provoking threads that everyone posts around here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686791 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 04:31:45 +0000 anne 686791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, it has been a wonderful year with you on the forum. In particular, I appreciated the interesting questions you have asked that have really promoted discussion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686485 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 22:52:49 +0000 cciele 686485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats Natalie! How lucky we are to follow you in your style journey, transforming in front of our eyes. I love your style and can't wait to see how it evolves. Sorry to hear about your medical issue... hope it works out soon.</p> <p> We need to get a bay area swap going! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686219 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:11:15 +0000 Parsley 686219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Natalie!<br /> You have shown tremendous determination in finding your style, and I have to say, you've nailed it- you're always an inspiration!<br /> I always love seeing your posts, the WIWs, the K/Rs, and musings on style. I appreciate that you show both the good and the bad on your K/Rs so that we can all learn from them.</p> <p>I hope you won't feel too discouraged over temporary body issues- you are always just as fab as can be! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686215 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:08:38 +0000 Amy 686215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Natalie! Your journey is inspiring!</p> <p>I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope you're getting lots of TLC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686212 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:06:15 +0000 MsMary 686212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy Veteran's Day, Natalie! It was a happy, happy day when you found our little group!! I'm so pleased to have gotten to spend time with you in person, and look forward to more chances to do the same in the future! xxx ooo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686211 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:04:54 +0000 Jem 686211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations Natalie! You have been a good student. I always love to read your posts. Sorry about your health issues! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686204 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:56:36 +0000 fern 686204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your Veteran status!<br /> I admire your enthusiasm and I love your great style retrospective here.<br /> I hope you are feeling better soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686200 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:54:26 +0000 harmonica 686200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Natalie! You are such an inspiration and I love your posts. You have come a loooong way, so hold on to the good stuff and keep having fun. Your first part about getting kids, new body shape, shopping for the kids and being in a ignorante fashion/style disaster haze is so similar to my story. Looking forward to your coming style steps </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686179 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:17:49 +0000 rae 686179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Natalie! I have enjoyed every minute of your time here, and I loved your retrospective. From the pictures you chose, I can totally see how you carried your personal style through and simply updated and focused it to suit. </p> <p>I think you mentioned your condition at the last swap party, and your strategy seems perfect. Enjoy your favorite stretchy garments and don't worry about a whole new wardrobe of larger 10s. As you said, it is temporary. Maybe you can finally have that Bay Area swap party, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686152 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:55:25 +0000 Debbie 686152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have come a long way and I have enjoyed watching you style journey. Can't wait to see where it takes you next. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686148 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:51:31 +0000 Transcona Shannon 686148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on becoming a veteran Natalie! You have been such an inspiration on this forum and have charged full speed ahead into developing your signature style. </p> <p>I for one completely relate to the health problem weight gain and hope you find some relief soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686125 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:24:48 +0000 Isis 686125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie--happy veteran's day! It's been a blast to see your style unfold! Hope you get to the root of your health problems soon. In the meantime, I echo what Suz said: dressing beautifully will help your mood! And last week is an amazing example of your style prowess! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686116 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:18:43 +0000 Suz 686116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, congratulations! You are the fastest learner in the class, and one of the classiest dressers, too! What a year of learning and growth. You look so wonderful in your new outfits. </p> <p>I am so sorry to hear of the health concerns and I hope you can get to the bottom of them soon so you will be feeling as fab as ever. In the meantime, I think you will dress beautifully and that will help your mood. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686108 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:08:35 +0000 Angie 686108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats, Natalie! </p> <p>It has been a pleasure seeing you blossom on your style journey. Love to see you having fun. Thanks for the kind words too:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686077 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:29:10 +0000 Gaylene 686077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Natalie. You look absolutely lovely in the pictures. Ever since I've seen you on the forum, you've shown an innate style sense that has just been honed more and more as the year progressed. But, really, your best fashion accessory has always been your lovely smile. With that smile, you could throw on a plastic bag, belt it, and you'd look fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686076 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:25:33 +0000 ruthe 686076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, I'm sending many warm, gentle hugs to such a lovely, warm and gentle young lady. xoxo, Ruthe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686074 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:18:43 +0000 Diana 686074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on becoming a veteran, Natalie! Your style has really developed so quickly in the past year, and I'm sure you'll be able to handle any future fashion challenges with style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686069 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:13:28 +0000 Sylvie 686069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your veteran status! It's been fun following along with your dressing threads and I've always enjoyed your fun, thoughtful "question threads". I hope your health problem settles down soon and allows you to enjoy your wonderful closet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686063 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:07:54 +0000 Anonymous 686063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, you are such a quick study.<br /> Congratulations on becoming a veteran and thank you for contributing so much. I have enjoyed your style evolution. I hope your health issues stabilize. We don't need to tell you that you have great style, 'cause you know it baby! LOL.<br /> Hopefully we get to meet soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686061 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:06:39 +0000 Jamie 686061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie -- many congratulations to you! I have not been a YLF member for all that long, but I recognized immediately when I joined that I wanted to follow your posts closely because I, too, was going through a style renewal. I admire your focus, tenacity, and energy! And of course, I love your fab wardrobe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686059 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 14:05:16 +0000 Queen Mum 686059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've come a long way baby! I remember when we convinced you to keep that polka dot dress.. I hope you wore it lots!<br /> Sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope you get them worked through and are back to your energetic self soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686036 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:25:20 +0000 Anonymous 686036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Natalie!! I TOLD YOU in my PM yesterday you had some fab looks: now you've given us yet more evidence to back up what I said!! So STOP being so hard on yourself. You are a very worthy YLF veteran!! Hugs, Anne-Marie, x </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686027 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:34:24 +0000 Deborah 686027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie congratulations! You are a gorgeous girl and it has been such a treat to be able to share your style journey. Sorry to hear of your health challenges but know that you look fab no matter what. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686024 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:25:54 +0000 KathyL 686024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on becoming a veteran! This was a great post about your style journey. You have done a great job revamping your closet and honing in on your style persona. I am sorry to hear about your health issues. I hope you feel better soon. Even if you dont feel well, i hope you know that You look fab in all these recent WIWs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-becoming-a-ylf-veteran#post-686012 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:45:21 +0000 RoseandJoan 686012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Natalie, it has been wonderful to see your style unfold over the last year but I have enjoyed getting to know you even more. Congratulations on becoming a veteran.</p> <p>With regards to the weight gain, is there a possibility of letting out seams on some of your clothing? May your health problems be short lived. </p>