https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:51:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374601 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:41:39 +0000 Aida 374601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh man... That's great ^^ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374518 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:13:56 +0000 catgirl 374518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, I can't tell you how much I appreciate having an engineer along on this trip. It's good to know that even some of my role models here (and you're one of them) are in transition too!</p> <p>So my dad is the ultimate stereotypical engineer and my mom just sent us a bunch of jokes about engineers, of which this was my favorite:</p> <p>Two engineering students were walking across a university campus when one said, "Where did you get such a great bike?"<br /> The second engineer replied, "Well, I was walking along yesterday, minding my own business, when a beautiful woman rode up on this bike, threw it to the ground, took off all her clothes and said, "Take what you want."<br /> The first engineer nodded approvingly and said, "Good choice; the clothes probably wouldn't have fit you anyway." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374506 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:56:20 +0000 Aida 374506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I'm in that transitional phase with you! After deciding my direction I haven't been able to shop much so I'm making do with what I already have, much of which I'd rather toss and replace (hello wardrobe of nearly all tees, and clothes that are too big). I also need to evaluate and decide what I want/need for my "core." And then go buy those things, making sure they are all perfect. No more almosts. We're not too far off from each other on our wardrobe overhauls :)</p> <p>EDIT: Another thanks for starting this thread, it has been AMAZING to read. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374310 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:23:06 +0000 catgirl 374310@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornela, thanks for taking the time to write out all of those thoughts. Everything you've said struck a chord with me, especially the keeping some things in the hope that I'll figure out how to style them once I'm more knowledgeable. </p> <p>I do have one or two fallback outfits for court or other "must look intimidating" situations, which means those days are no-brainers. It's the rest of the time that I struggle... and that's 80% of my days! </p> <p>So glad this thread has taken off in all sorts of brilliant and unexpected ways. Cut and paste is a great idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374300 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:56:13 +0000 znip 374300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this thread! I haven't posted since my initial attempt to figure out my body type, but have been reading along, doing a little bit of shopping, and lots of virtual window-browsing... So many good resources mentioned just in this one thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374258 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:15:37 +0000 MNsara 374258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no wisdom to share, but want to express my gratitude for all the wisdom and insights and ideas shared in this thread! </p> <p>Thank you, Una, for asking and getting this *incredible* conversation started.</p> <p>Thank you to vix and jean for lending their expertise and their astute contributions. </p> <p>Thank you to each and every one who is lending their experiences, observations, ideas, etc. </p> <p>I'm with Ornela on this -- cutting &amp; pasting to create a reference guide -- I need to digest and absorb all this wonderful, wonderful stuff slowly. I really hope it'll be a major turning point in my style journey. . .</p> <p>Thank you!!!!!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/3#post-374199 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:18:49 +0000 Ornella 374199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I knew this would be one of those fabulous, informative, fun reads that I was saving the thread to come back to it when I have significant chunk of time to digest it all. I cannot believe just how fantastic this thread turned out to be - and I haven't even read all the responses yet! </p> <p>Una, you are a star for asking this in the first place and thank you for that. As someone who needs to verbalize things to really take them in, this thread is of massive significance to me too - all the ladies who are in the happy style zone speak up and share their journeys! YLF does not get much better than this.</p> <p>Before I say anything else I think the key thing to take on is that developing style - takes time. A lot of time. </p> <p>I am at the place where I feel confident enough to trust myself - whether I'll succeed or fail does not matter as much, I know I won't feel underwhelmed when I don't. That, to me, is a major confidence booster. I don't care if I get it wrong because I know I care enough to try to fix it.</p> <p>If nothing else, at least I know what I don't like or don't want. And I know the answers to many whys. One of the turning points for me was when I asked forum members if they dress intuitively or logically, meaning do they "just know" or they need to figure it out by following some rules and actually learning what suits them and why. The number of ladies who saw themselves in the second group was like a wind in my sails - so, I was not odd after all. Before asking openly, I somehow felt less of a woman because I wasn't born knowing all the answers, but had to *understand* my wardrobe.</p> <p>Then there are - the colors. I can see myself saying for a long time that was the essential and probably the first point of truly getting closer to the wardrobe that works for me. Not only that it's impossible that every color looks good on everyone (unless you're MaryK, of course), but I find it terribly impractical for me personally. And daunting. I still look at the piles of my clothes that are awaiting to go in different directions and wonder how on Earth was I ever going to style some of them. The truth is - I was not, they were impulse buys.</p> <p>Once things were narrowed down in the color front, there was less mess in my wardrobe, less time wasted figuring out what to wear, more piece of mind. Things match a lot easier AND I simply stay away from those racks at the shops where unflattering colors are. That is a massive time and energy saver.</p> <p>The phase I'm at currently is searching for the right fits. I am removing what does not work (style, size) and getting only what does. Again, it helps me to know how my body type should be dressed - in theory, but I still often can't see if it really does work or not, so I ask for help. </p> <p>I feel good about shopping less and returning more. I also want to purge a lot more clothes from my wardrobe, but there's a tiny little voice that's telling me "you've found this place where you can learn how to style this or that, how about giving it a go". That slows me down on my own path to what I want - functional and minimalist wardrobe filled with quality, flattering and stylish pieces. But, I make no apologies for that - I have to go through this phase to make up for the years of feeling very out of the whole game.</p> <p>One thing that came to mind is to suggest to you the following - how about keeping one or two outfits in your office that are dead lawyerish, predictable and *reliable* solutions for those occasions you need to present yourself in a certain way. Then, you might have room to be more playful, knowing that any time you can pull one of those out if needed. I think you don't need to feel left out in terms of business style because you live in a different climate than Mary.</p> <p>I also think it's crucial to know your lifestyle and how many categories (and subcategories) of clothes you really need. Work (formal and casual), home (lounge, BBQs, meeting friends), going out (dressy and/or casual places), outdoors, you get the idea.</p> <p>Then, you can build up outfits for each of them - and stick to those until you feel you're in calm waters. Hide the dubious items from yourself and revisit them only when you feel you can start incorporating them in the wardrobe that works.</p> <p>For example - where is that fabulous sheath dress of yours? I only saw it when you found it and then it disappeared from my radar. You can wear that one alone for a whole week and look fab and very different every day. </p> <p>Idea no. 2. You scored some breathtakingly awesome jeans recently. You have at least a week of smart casual out of them as well.</p> <p>Or, I remember the color of the top you wore when you had your hair done recently - that was spot on. Do you have anything else in such color... etc, etc.</p> <p>I hope this is of some help to you.</p> <p>Now I’m off to copy-paste some of the wisdom from here on a separate document for my own quick reference quide to style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-374188 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:51:01 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 374188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fascinating thread!</p> <p>Just thought I'd share where I am on the journey... I've overhauled my closet and altered/donated quite a bit as well as buying a few key pieces in the last 18 months.</p> <p>What I have now is basically good, ie they suit my lifestyle and body shape and I am enjoying new trends in moderation. I have hit a frustration point where my outfits are not as fab as I would love them to be, although once in a while I seem to hit my stride!</p> <p>I've been wondering why recently and have come up with 2 reasons, as talked about above.<br /> 1. Not all of my clothes are exactly right - I realise that the cut isn't perfect or the fabric or the colour etc. I think that this part may be impossible to perfect without a certain amount of trial and error (without help!).</p> <p>2. I don't know enough how my clothes look together and don't spend enough time on this. I spent a few hours a couple of months ago trying to style some summer dresses. It was the most frustrating and time consuming experience and at the time I felt it was not getting me anywhere. In the end, though, I learnt a *lot* about why things weren't working - I posted the pics and suddenly understood a lot of things in practice that I'd read about in theory. Again, part of getting it right seems to be getting it wrong first!</p> <p>Interesting, since that little play in my closet I've started to think more about how my clothes work together and, at last! when I'm shopping I am starting to look at items in the context of my closet and how I would wear them. I can now imagine my way to only buying the perfect item to fill a gap, and perhaps after that imagine buying things without trying to fill a gap but just because I know subconsciously they will be good.</p> <p>I can also at last *get* how Angie spends time trying out new things with everything in her closet as soon as she gets anything (that's right isn't it?).</p> <p>Love reading this thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-374138 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:51:54 +0000 catgirl 374138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, too funny! I was hoping you'd write me a note, actually. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-374101 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 03:48:19 +0000 rae 374101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome home - glad you got to have a nice fashion time out. :)</p> <p>Stopped in again to say that I didn't mean to condone any skipping of homework with my idea... might be a nice topper once the looking/considering/purging is done is all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-374070 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:56:38 +0000 catgirl 374070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and a question for Angie - what do you mean by "take a good long look at your career-wear"? Post it here for consideration? Or were you suggesting some other strategy? I am stretching out in preparation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-374060 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 02:20:35 +0000 catgirl 374060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I went off to our cabin for the entire weekend, where I'm sorry to say I wore gear and did not change (skivvies aside) from Friday night through this evening. And I was quite happy about it! I needed a tiny break. </p> <p>And now I've come back to some even MORE incredible and insightful advice to ponder. What a gift. I will have to post a complete reply to everyone, especially Vix with some mildly stinging but truly spot-on points! </p> <p>For now, off to shower...<br /> Rae, by transition, I meant hopefully moving on to the next step in my journey (from knowing what I don't like to only wearing what I DO). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373419 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 23:10:28 +0000 celia 373419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep coming back to this thread to read the great advice/considerations going on in here.<br /> I'm learning so much.<br /> Thank you for starting this Una. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373244 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:20:04 +0000 Scarlet 373244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is so much smart advice here--this has been a wonderful read.<br /> I am still getting my own wardrobe sorted out, but a couple of thoughts on the subject: one, sometimes it can be good to have limitations. For example open-toed shoes aren't practical for me because I can't wear them to work, and I spend most of my time at work. I sigh at all the pretty open-toed shoes, but passing them up also gives me more direction. Having no limits can also mean having no cohesion or form. I also find it helpful to have a kind of guiding totem, similar to what Vix is saying. But mine isn't as funny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373241 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:12:46 +0000 Suz 373241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vix, can I just say...I want your closet? </p> <p>Aida, thank you SO much for those links; I am following them, reading, tracing the history of this conversation and the associated ideas. VERY helpful. </p> <p>Una, thank you again for raising this! </p> <p>Everyone: thank you for chiming in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373227 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:21:21 +0000 Vix 373227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not that I really NEED to add to the above, but:</p> <p>There's a reason a fair number of my blog posts are tagged "Closet analysis" -- it's part of my attempt to muddle through figuring out my style preferences AND have a wardrobe that works FOR me. </p> <p>And as I couldn't be any less of a spreadsheet kind of person, snapping photos of items on hangers en masse helps me understand what's going on. </p> <p>Which is how I saw in fall of '09 <strong>[Pic 1]</strong> that I had a very small number of color-color items that were remotely wearable in fall/winter...</p> <p>and how I saw in early spring of '11 that 373 days of shopping <strong>[Pic 2]</strong> had been fairly balanced between neutrals and color-color...and incorporated lots more prints and patterns!</p> <p>I really think you could do something similar by pulling out ALL your possible work clothes and snapping them by category and/or color range and/or "this feels like me-ness."</p> <p>YES IT IS WORK, ha! But you can do it.</p> <p>xpost with Mo -- Mo, I agree completely about the color palette thing. I actually started trying to buy/get custom clothes in a limited color range each season to maximize flexibility. [Also discussed ad nauseum on my blog.] </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373226 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:19:46 +0000 Mo 373226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, great thoughts, Vix! I share some of Una's dilemma's as we've both mentioned. I think I have a large closet but that's relative for everyone I guess. I have 158 items from every layer tank to the last overcoat (not counting shoes or belts, just clothing). This is less than I used to have a year or two ago! But I did start honing in on a basic color palette. I thought it would be limiting but it's not. It's more limiting to have so many colors that half of them don't work with each other! So, the colors and then the situation specificity of clothing next was a biggie for me. I'm not saying I have things figured out by a long shot! But those 2 were biggies in getting things under control and more manageable. Trying really hard to not pad the 'fantasy closet' and instead buy for who I am, what I do, and where I go regularly. Anyway, I'm loving this thread. Keep it coming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373223 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 16:05:21 +0000 Vix 373223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nancylee --</p> <p>You are a Style Statement trouper! I have a total avoidance thing about blank workbooks/journals. Did I miss what your 2-word phrase is? [Feel free to start another thread about it hint hint....]</p> <p>Alaskagirl --</p> <p>I completely agree with Angie that you have a lot of "homework" to do around work clothing, and also with Jonesy/others that you can absolutely find ways to bring your style into your professional life as a lawyer. </p> <p>[I have seen a lot of what you are wearing to work, and let's face it: you ain't in Boston big law, Dorothy! You have a lot of flexibility.]</p> <p>I'm going to say something, though: </p> <p>THE SIZE OF YOUR CLOSET SCARES ME AND YOU KEEP ADDING MORE TO IT!!!! </p> <p>Since you did make the mistake of asking how I got to where I am, I'm going to try to articulate something here. Please bear with me. ;)</p> <p>As an analytical but lazy/non-organizationally-inclined person, it is was -- and is -- VERY hard for me to deal with "The Closet." </p> <p>However, even if one is a magical creature who knows exactly what one's style range is (no matter how narrow or deep) I think ya gotta know:</p> <p>1. What's in there -- in terms of color palette, seasonal appropriateness, proportion, lifestyle need, "on-trendness" etc</p> <p>2. How what's in there works with other closet pals, which means lots and lots of trying things you own on with the distinct goal of finding out how or if Item A can be part of a [Professional] outfit</p> <p>3. Approximately where and how anything new will play with other closet pals</p> <p>I know you have been "communicating" with your closet, ha, but I kind of have the feeling you do a little bit of #1- 3 and then back away, dig back in, then back away, etc. </p> <p>Understandable, because I find the whole closet thing takes lots of time, stamina, and emotional energy.</p> <p>However, in the midst of this off/on analysis you seem -- and I could be wrong -- to be bringing in batches of thrifted clothes as well as bigger-ticket "statement items." </p> <p>So I don't really know HOW you can get a grip on what's in there, and what works perfectly with what in your eyes, and how what's in there can express what you want to express with that going on. </p> <p>Can you stop, breathe, and put shopping thoughts on hold for a bit? Because if I may be so bold I don't think an All Saints suit is going to be the brass ring...yet, anyway!</p> <p>Instead, can you try to create 2 to 3 weeks of seasonally-appropriate work outfits you love from what's in there right now? </p> <p>And if you get close but think, "oh, this would be better with X vs Y" write it down for later and keep trying to create from what you have until you reach whatever: ONE great outfit, or 5, or 25. </p> <p>To me it seems like the folks who have a large number of items in their closets do best when they have their core silhouettes and colors (many of which they seem to repeat with new purchases, IMHO) that they use to create "go-to" items/ensembles. Then the rest is just icing for experimentation, boundary-pushing, etc.</p> <p>My .02, worth price charged! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373037 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:33:16 +0000 yellowgirl 373037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, what a fascinating read! </p> <p>Thank you, Una, for starting this conversation, and everybody else for joining in. I feel like I'm in the *exact* same boat as Una. I'm starting from scratch with my wardrobe and my head is spinning.</p> <p>Right now, the things I'm clinging to are: </p> <p>1) my colors. I have warm coloring and look best in "Autumn" colors (to reference the old Color Me Beautiful book). The good thing is I LOVE these colors and they would be my first choice anyways. I've always found it more difficult to shop in the Spring/Summer and I'm in heaven come fall when all 'my' colors are in all the stores. Can I just say I can't wait to shop the fall collections this year?</p> <p>2) my body shape. I'm a rectangle/IT like you, Una. This was a huge discovery for me, as I always thought I was more of an hourglass or pear (how on earth could I have been so off?).</p> <p>So, not only am I trying to figure out my 'style', I feel like I'm learning a whole new language by trying to shop for a new body type. I must say, I really like having these 'rules' right now. I'm sure a time will come when I'm so comfortable dressing myself that I can bend or even *gasp* break the rules, but they are my crutch and compass right now.</p> <p>So, Una, I totally get where you're coming from and I think your list is brilliant! I'm going to work on my own. I'll be watching your journey with much interest b/c I have so much to learn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373028 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:59:08 +0000 rae 373028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I wear an AllSaints 10 on top. 34-inch bust. Found their "body measurements" section of the size chart to be spot on, even though the size conversions are terrible. </p> <p>What do you mean by "transition"? Professional-izing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373015 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:32:38 +0000 catgirl 373015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uh-oh, homework... I am onto it! I have very few true career pieces in my wardrobe right now. But you have absolutely pinpointed my current problem and I see my work cut out for me! Anyone else want to make this transition with me? </p> <p>Rae. that is a BRILLIANT idea. With all the returns I've made, I think I could justify an Allsaints suit. It's just figuring out the sizing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-373007 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:17:57 +0000 sarah 373007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am enjoying this thread so much, as it epitomizes much of the style journey that I've been on myself the past year since joining YLF. It's been all about trying to figure out how to feel myself while developing a style that fits with my body, work, climate, and lifestyle. I love Jean's style so much, but I know that as a science professor, my students/colleagues would think I was over the top if I showed up to class in a leather jacket, whereas leather jackets fit so perfectly with Jean's artist life. Similarly, those high-waisted wide-leg pants that she sports so well would look ridiculous on my small short-waisted frame. So much of YLF for me has been about coming to terms with what sort of style works for ME, given MY life (and I am certainly still working on that). I think that is what Angie is pushing you towards doing for YOU, Una. I'm excited to watch you on this next phase of the journey... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372993 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 01:06:19 +0000 rae 372993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should look into AllSaints suiting... I feel kinda bad thinking of a solution that is basically "buy more stuff," but a killer edgy suit that can be mixed and matched might be the ticket. And no, I am not *just* trying to live vicariously through you, although I can't say that doesn't factor in. If I ever get hired, I plan to reward myself with one of them crazy suits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372981 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:56:10 +0000 Angie 372981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five, Jonesy, Aida, Sveta, Kyle AND UNA!</p> <p>Una, you are constantly looking at all sorts of spunky and edgy blogger outfits hoping to emulate at least part of their style. Inspiration is one thing, but "the comparison aspect" can be harmful. Plus, most of their outfits do not fit your climate or lifestyle. This is NOT a disadvantage. It's an opportunity. An opportunity to make Una's style the one that counts. </p> <p>And this is where the discipline comes in that I was talking about earlier. You have to marry your climate and lifestyle with your style sensibilities. It can be done. You are on the right track for sure - but I am going to be strict with you! From now on I will pull you back. </p> <p>Your first homework assignment is to take a good long look at your career wear. We will help you every step of the way </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372954 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:37:48 +0000 Kyle 372954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I finally feel I am connecting more consistently with my true style. This has come after finding YLF and doing lots of experimenting, which is what you may be doing. I now limit the blogs I look at, as they can be inspiring, and sometimes overwhelming, and the looks mostly just do not work for me. Looking at photos has been a big eye opener to see what works and does not work. If you photograph an outfit you love, what are the defining characteristics? What outfits are the most complimented? You may start to see common threads. My closet is not yet filled with 10s, but it's not an overnight process. When I go shopping I ask myself, "Is this really me?" "Is it a killer piece that will elevate my wardrobe?" "Is there anything about it that makes me feel as though I am settling?" I am super, super picky and focused on what I know works for me. Simple, clean, and bold with an occasional fashion forward twist. I found all the experimentation awkward and confusing...but ultimately it has helped move me closer to a defining my style. I hope you are feeling inspired and heartened by all the wise ladies who have shared. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372927 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:08:38 +0000 Sveta 372927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doesn' it mean that your style is evolving if you are not satisfied with what you have so far? I think it is a good thing and after all - what fun is it in knowing everything before hand and not making mistakes? Style is a journey, not a destination, so embrace it and have fun...even with mistakes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372923 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:03:58 +0000 catgirl 372923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Sveta! It's hard to believe you ever struggle to look put-together from your photos! </p> <p>Aida's list was hugely helpful for me. It was one of a few obvious learning moments I've had when it felt like an anvil dropping on my head.</p> <p>As far as being hard on myself, I think it goes in spurts with me, just like with cleaning the house. I go a while feeling just fine, and then suddenly I'll have this urge to dismantle the toaster oven to get every LAST crumb. I'm just in one of those spurts. Hopefully it's a growth spurt! I do feel I've learned so much here, and I want to make fewer mistakes now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372919 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:54:44 +0000 Sveta 372919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fascinating thread and so thought provoking! I feel like neanderthal here comparing to you all. I don't even always know what I like- even though I have a better idea what I don't like. I guess I am pretty good on knowing what suits my body and coloring but beyond that it is a complete fishing trip every time. I guess my main criteria for dressing is to avoid boredom and have something new or unexpected.<br /> I try not to expand my wardrobe too much because I want to update it every season. I did a major overhaul last year replacing around 85% of it but now I am trying to restrain myself. On the other hand having a smaller wardrobe leads to a game of remixing on a regular basis. That was the most enjoyable part of last season dressing for me: coming up with new combinations and making old clothes feel new and unexpected.<br /> I guess I am lucky to work in a environment where almost everything goes - from super casual to business casual so I have some freedom in expressing myself.<br /> And honestly Una, I think you are too hard on yourself and over-analyzing things. You like to try new things and you make some mistakes in trying - and this is much better IMO than being stuck in some safe and tried outfits! I live seeing your posts and get a lot of inspiration from you!<br /> Una, I tried to get to do Aida's list but it did not happen yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372901 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:35:25 +0000 Jonesy 372901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You can still express yourself stylistically in your work life!! Think about your favorite work outfits: they all combine these elements of your style and somehow look like you, while still looking professional. I have to say that I think you oftentimes look better/more chic than you think you do...Your confidence in your style choices (or something along those lines) doesn't seem to have caught up with the evolution of your style skillz :). Sometimes you post a look from a fashion blog and seem to compare yourself negatively, not realizing that plenty of YOUR looks can go head to head with these fashion blog looks! Srsly. Put you outside with some fancy camera work, and you are ready to go!</p> <p>How's that for a pep talk :)? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/question-for-vix-and-jeangreenglove/page/2#post-372889 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:18:47 +0000 Aida 372889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una this has been an amazing thread, I have LOVED reading everyone's responses! I think Angie is right about what the key issue for you is (I know, hard to believe ).</p> <p>This thread has made me think a lot about what comprises one's wardrobe. I think it's safe to say most of us want to fill ours with items we love, and there is a lot of desire to have small wardrobes. The latter doesn't interest me at all. I am fine with having, and indeed want to have, a larger wardrobe which I want to fill with both pieces I love AND pieces that play well together. Variety is the spice of life and all that :)</p> <p>To use your buffet example from way back, I am one of those who DOES get different things when I eat at buffets; while I may have staples, I do always try new things. But to get to this point in my wardrobe, I need to have those staples defined and set in place; I don't have this right now, and I think this is where my personal frustration has been. I can see clearly that this is the part I need to focus on, so thank you for helping me realize this :)</p> <p>The reason I share this, I think you may be similar to me on this; except that you have the constraint that you need to get your professional wardrobe core sorted out (primary objective!) AND have a separate casual core as well. You seem to be much more energized to experiment with your casual outfits than your professional ones, which leads me to believe that the core of your professional wardrobe may need tweaking.</p> <p>(Suz, a couple other links to those "Aida's lists" other member's posted:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-would-you-call-my-style-on-this-leg-of-my-fashion-journey" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....on-journey</a> (the post where I initially posted about my list strategy)<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-via-aidas-list" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....aidas-list</a><br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-my-style-direction-long" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ction-long</a> (my own list, as revised after being on YLF for several months)</p> <p>I swear I'm not THAT engineery -_- ) </p>