https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 11:24:43 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411348 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 15:47:15 +0000 texstyle 1411348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post TG!&nbsp; I don't think I really have a style descriptor per se, but I guess I do have some adjectives I try to remember when I'm looking at potential wardrobe acquisitions. Funny, but I've been focusing on shoes for quite some time, so most of my adjectives are related to shoe shopping. Easy, comfortable, casual, soft, modern, neutral - all come to mind.&nbsp; I don't like a "bold" color shoe so much (I've tried several in red, yellow, shiny metallic) and those aren't really my personal style I've learned. But I do want shoes that are at least considered "current" in style.&nbsp; And yes, maybe my idea of aging has something to do with that. I actually got rid of some shoes after seeing someone who I do not admire in a fashion way (or in a personality way) wearing the same shoes because from that point on I associated those darn shoes with that person! Not sure what lesson that taught me, other than the fact that we do associate certain styles with certain feelings and one of those feelings may be "age."</p> <p>Regarding your desire to become an entrepreneur, that is a topic near and dear to my heart. I hope you will not limit yourself in that endeavor. Embrace your inner sales person. Sales, or the more appropriate and descriptive term "business development" is the key to success in any business. People often give "sales" or "salespeople" a bad rap in their mind. Don't fall into that trap. Be your own best sales person and you are halfway to success.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411231 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 04:24:27 +0000 Deborah 1411231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG just wanted to pop back and say thank you for your kind words:)&nbsp; And you comment about finding your own way is so very true.&nbsp; Others can inspire but ultimately we have to work out what actually works for us.&nbsp; And as with all aspects of life, the journey is were we learn, so no, we don't want to rush it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411225 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 04:11:33 +0000 Anonymous 1411225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Torontogirl, your thoughts sound familiar to me as well! I wonder if part of the reason I haven't been able to figure out a style descriptor is because, once I have one, I'm afraid I'd kind of get fixated on it and use it to narrow things down <i>too</i> much. Even without one, I think I can go a little overboard on applying what I've figured out about my style preferences. For example, just because I love warm, rich, dark reds and purples and they flatter me, does that mean they have to be my default choice in <i>everything</i>? Probably not, but seeing them as "my" colors sometimes makes it hard for me to see other colors that may work on me just as well.</p> <p>I also do this with non-fashion things, kind of like you describe. Things like oral communication and organization have never been my strong points. But that doesn't mean they're skills I can't hold my own in when I really need to, and it's kind of selling myself short to just avoid circumstances where I might need to draw on them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411207 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 03:29:14 +0000 Suz 1411207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late to this thread but I have found it fascinating reading and much food for thought.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've found a style descriptor&nbsp;helpful and not restricting in any negative sense. It was especially helpful to me earlier on, as I tried to focus beyond simple body type guidelines.&nbsp;</p> <p>In my case the descriptor was actually more of a style persona, and for some reason this felt more dynamic and flexible&nbsp;to me&nbsp;than a set of adjectives.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411102 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 23:41:52 +0000 frannieb 1411102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post - lots of things to think about. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411095 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 23:29:25 +0000 Helena 1411095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gwennie, thanks for your insights and the small business info - I will do some research around that in Canada!<br />Gigi - yes - I could have written that myself - it is absolutely a control issue for me, as well as the fear of making a mistake. It results in bad purchases and bad purging and frustration. Glad I am starting to see it for what it is, and to know I'm not alone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1411025 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:42:56 +0000 Gigi 1411025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been overly strict like this&nbsp;in the past too. I think it's part of liking to have control: if we have some style monikers, then we think we&nbsp;can make buying clothes more of a cut-and-dried process that doesn't involve the possibility of error. Or maybe we feel inside that our style is changing, and we are afraid to experiment with new styles&nbsp;in front of others. I know sometimes I limit my "fashion evolution" because I am afraid of what people around me will think.</p> <p>I go through periods where I am drawn to different styles.&nbsp;I was extremely drawn to boho clothing when I started my style journey, and I bought quite a few pieces of it, but then I switched to a crisper style (although I still had my "boho days"). But now I find myself being drawn to that kind of clothing again, after I had decided that it was probably just a past "fling" and that I was basically done with it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have to really respect myself and listen carefully to what my innermost self is saying to me so that I can follow it with my style choices. I do believe that at least for me, fashion is a way of working out some internal&nbsp;issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1410926 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 18:15:17 +0000 Anonymous 1410926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that to the extent and degree that something works for you, than it's helpful, but when it becomes limiting, I think it helps to rethink and possibly adjust.&nbsp;But it has to be self originating and what serves you. For me, it's been helpful to think in overall wardrobe goals, what I need in what numbers and what degree of casualness or dress. Where I have found myself in a situation similar to&nbsp;yours is working to apply what I've been learning in terms of body type, color and cohesion. It's been really helpful to define what is most likely to work for me in terms of silhouette and colors. However, in applying it to purchasing choices, I'm finding that I want to use that as a guideline to make it easier to know what is more likely to work as items together and on me, but if something also works but doesn't fit that criteria I don't want to discount it.&nbsp;<br />As a side note, in regard to what you mentioned in starting a small business. I am in a similar process now. In the U.S., the Small Business Administration has classes that explore what it entails to start a small business and can hook you up with mentors in your specific field. Not sure if they have something similar in Canada but perhaps you can check out resources that exist about starting a small business to help you in researching your choices. Best of luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1410893 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:44:36 +0000 Angie 1410893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope that these thoughts have helped you, TG. They were very interesting to read.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW,&nbsp;I think you <b>can </b>have a set of style descriptors that convey your style authentically&nbsp;all year round - and for a while.&nbsp;Modern, Simple, Clean, Bold and Dressy has worked&nbsp;well for me for&nbsp;three years and I see no need to change them unless they begin to feel off somehow. Having these adjectives in the back of my head as a frame of reference,&nbsp;has REALLY helped me focus when I purchase and put together my outfits. So personally, I've has success with the strategy. (High five, Astrid).&nbsp;</p> <p>I echo what Janet said by a billion percent. For some, the analysis is fun up to a point. For others, the analysis is as fun as sporting their sense of style. People are different, and as long as we keep on having fun with fashion and style, finding the strategy that works for you is key. Setting yourself free after some restrictions makes is a great way of putting it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Becoming more self-aware in all aspects of life is a beautiful thing - it benefits you and those you engage with. The older I get, the more self-aware I want to become. (I SHUDDER at how un-self-aware I was even as recently as&nbsp;back in my 30's).&nbsp;This is a journey that is interwoven with your personal style. The two feed off each other, which is why style is from the inside out.&nbsp;</p> <p>So TG, that's my long ramble. But in short, you are on a deep journey to self-awareness in all aspects of your life - and it's a GREAT journey. xo</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life/page/2#post-1410887 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:36:23 +0000 Anonymous 1410887@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is one of the most thought provoking threads I have read in a long time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410872 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:04:53 +0000 Helena 1410872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments; I have read and re-read this thread, it is very rich indeed.</p> <p><b>Gryffin and Deborah</b>, I have to say a big "yes" to what you are saying - that is my end-game here, you've articulated it perfectly. The great good that comes from defining your style is the freedom to pursue your style free of the pressure of trends, opinions, etc. When you are grounded in a defined style, it frees you to take what works and leave the rest. You are both style role-models to me (Gryffin, even having not seen you!) so it's important to me that you know - you represent the goal! I see no rigidity in what you guys do - I see freedom. I just wonder if maybe I'm not quite there yet ...</p> <p>This week I just was alerted in my mind to the possibility that I may have tried to get there too soon, cutting out things that actually hold a genuine appeal to me - perhaps trying to appropriate successes like yours rather than figuring out my own path?? (not sure on that one, thinking "out loud" here ...)</p> <p><b>Liz</b>, I think you nailed it for me!<br />Thx one and all!! xx</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410807 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 11:04:48 +0000 Deborah 1410807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post and thank you for sharing this. May I just "ditto" Gryffin:). Her first comment absolutely communicates how I feel. I find having a defined style incredibly liberating because I am dressing as I want. I also feel totally at liberty to go "off brand" with a garment IF I like how I look and how I feel in it, and it does help if it works in with other pieces in my wardrobe. As Gryffin stated "the essence of what I like remains constant" and has for many years now but it's only been recently that I have fully embraced this. We are multi faceted human beings, we are not one dimensional and I would assume that this would be reflected in our individual style and what makes out style "individual". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410769 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:46:36 +0000 Jaime 1410769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Please chat away TG, this thread is wonderful. I do think labels can be helpful but, generally,&nbsp;they should come from what you choose to wear rather than determine it in the first place. Everyone has interesting thoughts I am going to reread later.&nbsp;I love what Approprio had to say about limitations and freedom. I agree. Also am intrigued by Gryffin's association with fear of feminine aging and need to be current. And style is refusal. Of course, that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410766 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 03:32:36 +0000 gryffin 1410766@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Approprio - that's an interesting take on things. Am I out of step or literally out of time. Kind of a "Moonstruck " moment but in the movie it was men fearing death. Insightful that with women it could be fear of aging and aging oneself. I must ponder this. But kind of nice to know that clearly does not have power over me at least sartorially. Also I gravitate to menswear styles - is that striving to be timeless or to place myself outside of time. Fascinating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410684 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 23:33:20 +0000 approprio 1410684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin says:<br /><i></i><i>Developing a personal style is all about refusal. The tough thing is everyone lauds picking signature outfits and a personal uniform, right up until the time it conflicts with what is deemed "current" Then you face the potential for negative feedback from people who place value or find comfort in being "on trend."&nbsp;<br /></i><br />This.&nbsp;<br />It's very hard to break out of the cycle of seeking approval and&nbsp;this judgement of currency always&nbsp;seems to me&nbsp;to be the most harsh and arbitrary. I've long&nbsp;suspected&nbsp;that it's connected to&nbsp;our insecurity about ageing. Once we hit 40 we're not supposed to let on how old we are, and any indication that we might be&nbsp;out of date gives the game away. I don't think its a coincidence that menswear is far more timeless and much harder to link to a specific year or fashion cycle.</p> <p><b>ETA&nbsp;</b>Astrid, that's a nice approach to style descriptors. Works the same way as my 3-ways-to-style rule.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410681 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 23:29:23 +0000 Helena 1410681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom and food for thought in this thread ... thanks everyone! lisap, you're final sentence in particular put a smile on my face as that is how I feel most days!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410671 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 23:14:42 +0000 E 1410671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use my style descriptors the same way Astrid does. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410668 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 23:09:26 +0000 Liz 1410668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG, was it here or another thread where you mentioned "getting it right"? I think that's the crux. If our personal&nbsp;style guidelines define a narrow slot that is "right" and everything else is "wrong," I think that's where we can get ourselves into trouble.&nbsp;</p> <p>If style guidelines help rule out some possibilities so that we are free not to have to deal with them, then that's freeing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410666 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 23:07:03 +0000 Astrid 1410666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to say that of course I'm not picking pieces starting out with my style descriptors in mind. When I shop I have a look and see whether something grabs my attention. I <i>then</i> apply the style descriptors and try to see how it might work in my wardrobe and if it would be a helpful acquisition to get a step further towards the style I have in mind. Because I like many things it isn't very helpful to me to just buy what I'm drawn to. I would end up with a mess and nothing would work together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410652 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:51:51 +0000 jackiec 1410652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey I love your chattiness, TG! Your thoughts and analysis are well put. I haven't given myself any sort of style descriptor, and I don't enjoy becoming too analytical about my closet. As is the case with food for me, as soon as I slap on a restriction or a name, I bust out and binge or go the other way. I am learning more and more what works for me, and what tends&nbsp;<i>not&nbsp;</i>to work. This makes it easier when shopping and rules out a lot of things. Not that I won't try, but I can understand better why things do and do not work. I am more of an emotional dresser, and to Suz' point (which I didn't get a chance to comment on - food is a funny animal for me), I am an emotional eater as well. I digress, but I do enjoy reading everyone's take and following the thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>Coming back to add - I've always been a type A and sometimes to my detriment. Chasing perfection can be a dangerous road for me. I enjoy my closet and enjoy adding to/subtracting from it. As soon as I get too analytical, I enjoy it less. I don't like to feel like I'm failing or the fun is lost. Hmm. Maybe I'm rambling.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410649 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:44:28 +0000 gryffin 1410649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG - I can so relate to what you say.&nbsp; Developing a personal style is all about refusal.&nbsp; The tough thing is everyone lauds picking signature outfits and a personal uniform, right up until the time it conflicts with what is deemed "current"&nbsp; Then you face the potential for negative feedback from people who place value or find comfort in being "on trend."&nbsp; Suz made a comment on her food thread that "I'm not afraid to go my own way" which is completely true.&nbsp; Personal style is all about being willing to go your own way - it's not a rut it's a definition that will change, morph, evolve as&nbsp;we do in a continuous organic way.&nbsp; I'm not sure, how you feel, when you use the word rigid.&nbsp; I like what I like, my tastes evolve but the essense of what I like is relatively constant.&nbsp; I only see "rigid" as refusal to be open to evolution, having a defined outlook is to me, at least, freeing.&nbsp; It lets me choose to wear what I like despite what is in style - it allows me to be happy going my own way.&nbsp; Speaking of which, good for you quieting those negative voices in your head.&nbsp; As Blake said, the worse chains are our own "mind forged manacles."&nbsp; No one defines you but you, only you set limits on your ability!!&nbsp; You go girl!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410648 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:44:22 +0000 Anonymous 1410648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A big part of me rebels at the notion of assigning myself&nbsp;2 or 3 or 4 style monikers and then buying accordingly. &nbsp;I don't think I can identify the way I dress in words, nor is being able to do that really interesting or helpful to me. &nbsp;I know what I like, know what works by now, and can figure out by looking at clothes in a store or on a website which ones I want to consider. &nbsp;</p> <p>It's quite possible I'm missing the point, but I don't personally see the value in names. &nbsp;It's not as if the clothes in a &nbsp;store are labelled as such either. &nbsp;I prefer to let the process happen organically, rather than by identifying which pieces I should consider based on my look. &nbsp;</p> <p>With having just gone through a major closet purge, my goal is to buy carefully, making sure the pieces fill a role or a need and that nothing is extraneous. &nbsp;I have been feeling a little like exploring a more feminine way of dressing lately and want to be able to do that without feeling that because it's not one of my predictable style descriptors that I'm making a mistake. &nbsp;And I think even using a descriptor like "&nbsp;feminine" is going to mean different things to different people. To me it has to do with new&nbsp;colours and fabrications and less to do with &nbsp;a &nbsp;new&nbsp;silhouette or detail preferences. &nbsp;Astrid and I are never going to reach for the same clothes, but we both may choose the word "feminine" in our thinking . &nbsp;Anyways - this is all very interesting, and I now have no idea what I'm talking about &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410643 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:26:33 +0000 E 1410643@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading your thoughts &amp; found them very coherent. (Thnx for the shout out too!)</p> <p>Honestly, I feel like my 'storybook gamine' guideline is loose enough to allow a lot of latitude. I frequently dress quirkily, but then sometimes I'm in a more quiet/restrained mood and then I'll thrown on simpler neutral combinations. Full skirts are more vintage looking than skinnies, but I wear both. If I come across something I can't resist in a thrift store, I'll bring it home &amp; see if there's a way I can work it into my wardrobe. This has led me to begin to realise that I quite like fuller trousers too, although I'm not sure yet what that means long-term in terms of my wardrobe! As another example, I've learned over the past couple of years that sometimes I want a lower neckline, particularly a square or scoop&nbsp;one, instead of my usual crew/higher round necklines that I thought I *always* needed to be wearing to feel comfortable. That was a false self-imposed rule for sure.</p> <p>I am strictest when it comes to my colour palette, because I'm easily overwhelmed or jaundiced by the wrong colours, and I'm fussy about wanting to look my best colour-wise,&nbsp;but even with that I still have a lot of colours and neutrals in my closet. That's why I have an extensive closet, so that I can make at least one outfit to reflect pretty much any mood I might be in. ;)</p> <p>You already have your core essentials in place, so letting yourself more space to play should work really well&nbsp;for you! A few fluid fit items will combine beautifully with your tailored ones, some colourful items would work well with your neutrals, etc. As long as you feel comfortable in them!</p> <p>I've blathered on for far too long, and I'm not sure if this is even helpful to you. But it sounds like you've come to a great realisation &amp; I hope it lets you enjoy dressing more in the future! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410631 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:14:25 +0000 Helena 1410631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, you nailed it - if I love something, but it's "not me", well maybe I need to consider whether an expanded understanding of "me" is in order ... Staysfit, in no way to I mean to imply that definition is not useful, even invaluable, for many of us - I certainly need and benefit from them. I just think I was so caught up with it that I was strangling the joy out of it ... over-analysis, as Janet and thimbelina allude to.<br />Thanks everyone for your thoughts; this is a great thread! I must re-visit the Style Statement book - it might provide a good balance between structure and space ...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410628 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:12:49 +0000 Astrid 1410628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Staysfit, I felt more free after setting myself some restrictions, if broad ones. It suddenly felt very easy to pass on those pieces I would have bought before and never worn. Also I don't feel like I'm lacking variety. I have enough variety in my wardrobe to change it up as much as I want to. But then I'm not an eclectic dresser. </p> <p>ETA @approprio</p> <p>You're right, I disagree with you - were it <i>me</i> in your shoes. But this is me and my personal opinion and you're not me. ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410627 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:12:06 +0000 approprio 1410627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Limits are essential to successful living. In my work as a designer, I've found that setting boundaries in one area will almost invariably free my up in another. </p> <p>I've followed no such restrictions in populating my closet, but there are definite&nbsp;rules of engagement. For instance, I need to *immediately* think of at least&nbsp;three ways to style something before I'm allowed to drop the cash. I have particular&nbsp;standards of quality and fit that a new piece has to meet. I limit where I shop and&nbsp;the number of things I'm allowed to buy, so every purchase has an opportunity cost.</p> <p>But like Sterling,&nbsp;I'm somewhat resistant to style descriptors, because I find it enjoyable and useful to vary my presentation according to the situation and my wardrobe is very seasonal.&nbsp;Nonetheless, when I started analysing things earlier this year, I did discover a few distinct styles and&nbsp;personae at work in my presentation.&nbsp;I'm currently working on defining all&nbsp;these looks a bit more clearly, around silhouettes and colour schemes as well as the specific&nbsp;personae.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've also found it helpful to separate out fashion personae from stylistic objectives. Am I meeting clients or suppliers,&nbsp;supervisors or students today? Do I want to be scary or approachable? Masculine or feminine? Or just plain casual or formal? What gets me respect in the&nbsp;business meeting is not necessarily going to get me served quickly at the bar.</p> <p>What Torontogirl&nbsp;says about variable capsules makes a lot of sense to me. When I'm packing for a trip I always do a streamlined capsule edit that&nbsp;covers as many&nbsp;bases as possible, and I always find it a very satisfying exercise to build a flexible wardrobe around as few pieces as possible. But these capsules can vary widely from trip to trip.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know Astrid would disagree with me, as is her admirable prerogative, but I really need more than one look to do all this, and sometimes you can get great results&nbsp;setting the simplest of ground rules&nbsp;and&nbsp;letting things evolve naturally from there.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410618 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:02:19 +0000 Staysfit 1410618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting. I found that by really thinking carefully about my style, and coming up with some style descriptors, I have actually felt more free. I have more variety, and more play amongst the items within my closet. I no longer have that tendency to purchase multiples (ie. Repeatedly buying Ivory blouses) I also feel better with much less. </p> <p>I originally came up with five descriptor words which interestingly fit my personality fairly well. When I consolidate my style down to two words it is Composed Creative. I already know that Composed Creative applies to all aspects of my life because I developed it using the book Style Statement, recommended to me by Suz, some time ago. CC that's me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410615 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 22:00:59 +0000 Peri 1410615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I for one have never understood the thinking that we only have one style. I think if you like something and it makes you happy, it is your style. I get closet cohesiveness for sure, but what is the fun of only being strictly one thing? Like a signature perfume. I want to smell the same thing everyday forever? Or, because I love Chopin best I can't love Bach? Or all of my friends have to have the same interests? Variety is the spice of life! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410611 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:56:38 +0000 unfrumped 1410611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, good thoughts, and both ways. First, have fun with fashion (not too many rules and limits) and second, have fun with fashion, don't feel forced to do so much experimentation that it is overwhelming and takes too much time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/on-limits-and-balance---in-clothes-and-in-life#post-1410604 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:49:56 +0000 thimblelina 1410604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's the 'always/never' way of thinking that creeps in &amp; robs our wardrobe of joy. There are plenty of things that I know in advance I often or usually like; but I love to be surprised and delighted by the occasional unimagined one-off that comes flying at me from left field and somehow just works with everything else!<br /> Another observation: I like for my finishing pieces (like toppers, or shoes &amp; boots) to be very different from one another. My jackets right now are a classic black pleather moto, a tailored Nehru collar army jacket, a chocolate suede car coat that looks very '70s, and a traditional jean jacket in gray pin cord. The colors are dull enough for them to mix &amp; match but I would get very bored if they were all cut alike. </p>