https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:13:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1221928 Sun, 13 Apr 2014 02:24:26 +0000 Marlene 1221928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So now I am even more bound and determined to attend the next meetup that happens in Seattle. &nbsp;:-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217966 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 02:35:24 +0000 unfrumped 1217966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this thread is great. Not only for the community feeling, but it gives yet another insight as to how use a " happy discipline" that will pay off in better choices. Wish I could have been there, but these stories do give even more "life" to PPP, to Angie's blog advice, to enjoying the journey and not just buying something. More inspiration ( says one who seems to need lots of reinforcement!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217848 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:29:20 +0000 Anonymous 1217848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, thank you for starting this thread. I'm picking up a thought that started gnawing with The "What's your canary" thread...that when shopping, to go with the first impression in the mirror. It's so easy to try to make something work when one should say "next" and move on.<br /> So much wisdom here.<br /> ETA: just a thought. Maybe those of us who live in areas where it's doubtful that Angie will ever venture ( we don't even have the stores) should save our pennies and aim to make a YLF meetup in the 10th birthday year in 2 years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217819 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:12:57 +0000 Angie 1217819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good grief.<div><br /></div><div><b>I am absolutely speechless</b>. How do I reply to this level of praise? Stating that I am undeserving of it is a start. And thanking you ALL for your awfully gracious and generous words is another. I am<i><u> </u></i><i><u>completely </u></i>overwhelmed and flattered. Thank you so, so much.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>*BLUSHING BIG TIME WITH MY HEAD DOWN*</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217151 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 14:08:24 +0000 Jewell 1217151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, wonderful comments by all! I'm glad you started this thread, Ornella. I was so curious about what everyone learned from the experience. Now I, too, have learned some things from reading the replies.&nbsp;</p> <p>And rachylou, you crack me up!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217135 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:37:51 +0000 Isabel 1217135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Windchime, YOUR comment really took me aback. &nbsp;You are so right. &nbsp;It should be a life mantra in general. &nbsp;Oh , the lessons we learn here are not just sartorial ones. &nbsp; : &nbsp;)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217131 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:25:36 +0000 pastrygirl 1217131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, you're so right about this:&nbsp;<span>&nbsp;<i>I absolutely love all the stories not only about interactions with Angie, <b>but between other ladies from the group.<br /></b></i><b><br /></b>Like I said above, I wasn't able to stay for long, and reading this thread I keep wondering if I should've flipped my plans around so that instead of arriving on Friday and leaving before lunch&nbsp;on Saturday, I could've arrived Saturday for the luncheon and stay all afternoon/evening.</p> <p>BUT, that means I wouldn't have spent time with Suz, pil, and Karie on Friday afternoon, and I wouldn't have been part of the group of 10 that went out for dinner. It was still a big group, but Saturday's group was even bigger! And it was on the move; I imagine&nbsp;it was&nbsp;harder to chat that way.</p> <p>My goals were to meet Angie and glean some wisdom from her and everyone else. I wasn't on a shopping mission for anything in particular, so I was glad to forgo that part just to hang out with some new friends. :)</span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1217017 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 10:25:55 +0000 lyn67 1217017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Claps her hands, thanx for the thread Ornella!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216970 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 06:05:00 +0000 Caro in Oz 1216970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone - what an amazing read :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216964 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 05:39:37 +0000 Ornella 1216964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz ::</b>&nbsp;do it You can just link to this thread and continue, or whatever you find best. I'll add a link to your thread&nbsp;here too so there's no information lost.&nbsp;&nbsp;But,&nbsp;I'm glad we're finally having this discussion and there's certainly room for&nbsp;more. Much MUCH more with your writing talent and thread moderating skills.&nbsp;</p> <p>There never was one-stop meet-up round-up of this sort&nbsp;before and I'm happy we're (hopefully) creating a new tradition: wrap-up post. What we normally see and 'participate in' are packed-and-ready-to-go posts, meeting/lunch posts, shopping updates... but not that fully&nbsp;what happens&nbsp;<b><u><i>after</i></u></b> everyone goes home with their impressions. YouknowwhatImean And we obviously all want and need this, both the participants and the audience.</p> <p>Reading this thread leads to&nbsp;so many new questions for you all. I absolutely love all the stories not only about interactions with Angie, but between other ladies from the group. I&nbsp;can easily picture the on-line personalities I got to know and it all fits. And I keep learning from everyone.</p> <p><b>JulieJohn ::</b>&nbsp;I'm homesick for both Angie and the group and I've never met anyone yet. I have a quiet hope that once she finally lands somewhere in Europe she'll be close enough that I can make the trip.&nbsp;I'm just trying to imagine what it feels like when a very special energy that's created in virtual place is actually experienced - lived -&nbsp;in reality. &nbsp;</p> </p> <p>Btw, do we have&nbsp;everyone's new mantra or even YLF rule? Could&nbsp;<b>"Next"</b>&nbsp;be it&nbsp;:-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216913 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 03:11:59 +0000 JulieJohn 1216913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a super thread, Ornella! But one downside: now I am homesick for Angie! You ladies have all described her special magic really well. I have a great memory of Vicki squealing with excitement knowing she was actually shopping with Angie. Utterly adorable. This is the effect she has on people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216893 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:49:16 +0000 Jaime 1216893@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is a treasure. Suz, I think you could start a new thread, and personally I will be happy to read this again (and again). Your descriptions of Angie in action are wonderful - I feel like flying to Seattle! Among the many things that has always amazed and impressed me about Angie is how she&nbsp;is so sensitive to&nbsp;everyone's preferences and personality. Wow. (And that she is probably blushing when she read this :-)) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216859 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:17:00 +0000 Jjsloane 1216859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It truly is an experience to spend time (especially shopping time) with Angie. Those who were experiencing it for the first time were nervous at the thought, but she is so gracious and fun that those were quickly realized to be unfounded fears. She makes a point to visit individually with each person in some way. She is quick to spot items of interest, hone in on things to try and can size up a tryon in a nanosecond. I recall "If it doesn't work you know what to do, put it back on the Racks ladies..." On to the next store.&nbsp;There is something for everyone and not everything will work. She squeals with delight at items that make her happy (Club Monaco colors, Ted Baker florals, great quality workmanship for a few) and while many of us were starting to tire&nbsp;at the point of hitting All Saints she remained positive with a simple "These are not my happy colors (all black and grey). They are Greg's happy colors."&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally I was enjoying the experience and not shopping for much in particular. I tried on a few tshirts and she helped me pick one that was a little shiny (she knows my magpie tendencies) but casual and worked with a semituck. Of course she innocently asked if I'd wear something under it (it was a bit sheer) and once reassured I would it was deemed a keeper.&nbsp;Another was immediately dismissed for its clinginess.<br />I am not as good as Suz at expressing it, but It is infectious and a veritable treat to experience and I hope you all will get an opportunity to someday.&nbsp;All meetups offer fun, fashion and good advice, but Angie meetups are unequaled in these.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216851 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:10:46 +0000 Suz 1216851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay - I am wondering if I should just leave this thread as it is, or start a new one and copy some of these responses there so others can see? What think you, Ornella? I am unsure if some people may miss the point of this one or if those who are curious have already found it.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Karie, you did earn an A+. Maybe even an A++. The teacher even said so!!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216841 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 01:55:16 +0000 Karie 1216841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All day long I listened and took mental notes. I figured I had one day to learn, and I'd better learn fast!&nbsp;At the very first store we were at (Nordstrom Rack) Angie asked me what I was shopping for. "Premium denim jeans" was my answer. She asked me a few questions to determine exactly what type/style I wanted, and then said, "None of these will work for you. What will probably work for you is BR and J.Crew." And guess what? Those just happen to be two of my favorite stores! <i><b>Get to know&nbsp;</b></i><b><i>what works&nbsp;for you. It is out there, keep looking and don't settle.&nbsp;</i></b></p> <p>I also noted what Angie was wearing. Among other gorgeous items, she had on a white button-down. The quality of it was impeccable. The collar stayed in place all day! (I always have to fuss with mine.) Now, I would gladly give up all of my button-downs for just one of that quality. So why do I have many multiples of OK quality when I would trade it all for one of impeccable quality? She also had on a beautiful coat that she told me was several years old. <i><b>A good quality item is worth it! It will last for many years. Buy the best quality you can afford, for it is better to have one item of excellent quality than 5 of OK quality.</b></i></p> <p><i><b><br /> </b></i></p> <p><i><b></b></i><b></b>By the end of the day, all I had found was a pair of shoes. I did find a gorgeous Kate Spade purse but it had a flaw so I didn't get it. We were in one of the last stores (BCBG Max Azria) and, truth be told, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Then I just kind of said to myself, <b>"I can do this. I can find something. Think of what you've learned today and DO IT!" </b>I was looking for a blazer, and fortunately for me, I finally found a designer that fits me well (I love you Max!). I have a real sugar eye for lace, and I found a perfect fitting, impeccable quality blazer with lace insets. Angie approved, and&nbsp;I felt like a student who had just earned an A+!<i><b><br /></b></i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees/page/2#post-1216744 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:28:11 +0000 Peri 1216744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love reading about it...it must have been great! I so hope I can join one someday. </p> <p>But...it's making me wonder what the verdict on some recent purchases would be. No, next store?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216739 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:24:57 +0000 E 1216739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating and inspiring! I'm terrible for falling in love with certain aspects of a piece of clothing and deciding to buy/keep it even though the fit is off. The next time I'm in that situation I'll try to think 'Next!' instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216727 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 00:17:40 +0000 catgirl 1216727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't hear enough about all of this! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216589 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:56:46 +0000 Lyn D. 1216589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is giving us a look beyond the pics (which were so real and warm) to the nitty-gritty stuff I personally crave- Thanks Ornella! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216568 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:26:53 +0000 Sharon 1216568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting thread. I am keen to hear what lessons people think they will take with them into the change room next time they go shopping on their own? Other than "take Angie with you!" of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216566 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:23:55 +0000 Windchime 1216566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such a great question and responses. Ornella, I'm glad you posted it.</p> <p>Isabel, I was really struck by your response, especially these words: "There is something out there for me. Standing still won't help me find it. NEXT!" I'm thinking that there is a life lesson here which extends far beyond shopping. Instead of trying crazy hard to make something work, just let go immediately and move right on to the next one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216564 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:22:35 +0000 Ginkgo 1216564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, this is a terrific post! I appreciate everyone's tidbits of Angie's advice, and look forward to Suz's post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216491 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:50:06 +0000 Echo 1216491@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This sounds like it was SUCH a good time, and a learning experience, too. I love the way people here have described Angie being so focused and good at what she does; I'm imagining someone in a "flow state" where everything comes naturally. And I am envious of the good time and the advice people got. This is a great thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216442 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:43:58 +0000 abc 1216442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved this thread, looking forward to Suz's with more insight and lessons learned. &nbsp;And of course, rachy made me LOL...I can just imagine Angie popping out from behind a rack!! &nbsp;I'm cracking up here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216433 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:36:01 +0000 JenA 1216433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie is effervescent. Also gracious and inclusive....</p> <p>Viva, you are stunning and have a very sophisticated&nbsp;style. &nbsp;Thank you for taking my comment as it was meant. &nbsp;I know that when we make a big purchase it's so nice for people to notice it, but sometimes they don't and&nbsp;that's&nbsp;ok. I&nbsp;thought your "blue blazer" looked looked custom made for you.&nbsp;I think people will definitely notice how beautiful and put together&nbsp;you look. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As for me, when we hit Ted Baker, I was in heaven.&nbsp;I tried on a top which I didn't show Angie&nbsp;and then decided to try it on in a smaller size. When she saw me in the top she quickly said&nbsp;to size up. In a glance she knows what works.</p> <p>She moved the group quickly. She could tell when we were really looking/trying on and when we were&nbsp;just yaking/browsing and time to move on.</p> <p>Her enthusiasm encourages you to look around a store even if it's not your thing.&nbsp;</p> <p>My most memorable moment was when she bought some things for herself and it felt like she was one of the girls shopping together with us. &nbsp;</p> <p>Jen </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216431 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:34:16 +0000 rachylou 1216431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah the no-nonsense <i>next</i>. I'm definitely guilty of trying to wish-think things into working.</p> <p>Ok. I also want to know how 15, 16 (?) people shop together...And does Angie pop out at you from behind racks and say, <i>Yes! No! You better have some juice!</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216374 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:50:55 +0000 Anonymous 1216374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow.&nbsp; Thanks Ornella for asking this question and thank you all for responding.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216237 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:17:42 +0000 Diana 1216237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. &nbsp;Both in the sense of her amazing fashion skills but also just as a person. &nbsp;Like Viva said, everywhere we went people just gravitated toward her. &nbsp;Even non fashion people - there was this one older guy in the bakery at breakfast who actually found YLF on his phone and went over to ask if that was Angie. &nbsp;And then he was showing some other guy at a neighboring table as well! &nbsp;</p> <p>My husband met her for all of five minutes and I think he was totally entranced too. &nbsp;He kept gushing about how pretty, unique, and gracious she was afterwards. &nbsp;(And I seriously think that now he "gets" YLF and why I like it so much.) &nbsp;</p> <p>As for fashion lessons, well the one that stood out to me was when Janet was trying on a flared dress at Reiss that was a little bit too short. &nbsp;We all agreed it would be better a couple of inches longer, but we weren't sure why. &nbsp;Angie immediately pinpointed that it was because short, flared dresses look childish because that's what little girls wear, whereas an equally short dress with a straighter skirt still looks sophisticated because that is inherently an adult style. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216233 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:14:01 +0000 Suz 1216233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Isabel, you are so right. Angie is terrifically no-nonsense about it. If the fit isn't perfect, you move on, and that is all there is to it. What I learned was that if you hit enough stores, eventually you will find a fit for <b>EVERY BODY</b>. The Ted Baker jackets that collapsed on my chest&nbsp;must look fantastic on someone.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is very, very important to try stuff on across all price points. This is something I am often nervous to do. I go into high end stores but won't put things on out of some kind of fear. Well, that is just craziness, because if you don't try, you won't know. We hit so many stores on our trip!! &nbsp;(Or at least it felt like a lot to me). The Rack (with many brands represented). Club Monaco. Ted Baker. Intermix. All Saints. Reiss. Zara. A fun consignment shop. BCBG. LK Bennett. Tahari (though Angie was gone by then, alas....)</p> <p>And I&nbsp;put on clothes <b>everywhere,&nbsp;</b>from the Zara to Intermix. (Mosty just jackets, in my case -- so this did not involve a lot of undressing and dressing.)&nbsp;Doing so gave me a clear sense of fit differences across different brands and helped me get a clearer sense of where and when and to what degree I personally feel okay about compromising on quality -- and where I&nbsp;really do want to wait and&nbsp;pay for that fourth P -- "perfection."</p> <p>Angie did point out a few items to me. One was a Helmut Lang jacket. She didn't tell me to try it on...she just pointed it out and showed me the workmanship (which was lovely). So of course I did try it on. It was gorgeous...and beautiful....but very pricey. I put it back. The strange thing is, I didn't feel any regret when I put it back. I felt <b>MORE</b> regret about the classic Club Monaco blazers that I left on the rack simply because I can get them cheaper here in Canada.&nbsp;</p> <p>She also pointed out a fun piece in BCBG Generation and in that case she&nbsp;<b>DID&nbsp;</b>ask me to try.&nbsp;</p> <p>What I learned? Angie was gently helping me probe my style aspirations. I have several times said that I'd like to move in a more "avant-garde" direction. The pieces she suggested fell into that category. And guess what? Trying them confirmed what I have lately come to decide for myself -- they're just not "me." What I am after is more a <b>minimalism</b> and <b>crispness</b> vs. a drapey, arty&nbsp;look. These try-ons (at radically different price points) made that perfectly clear.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also asked Angie her opinion about a few things. As others have said, her eye for fit is quick, accurate, and impeccable. In the case of a Club Monaco blazer,&nbsp;she confirmed what I already believed -- I had found a good fit there and this was worth pursuing.&nbsp;</p> <p>She also gave her blessing to my major purchase of the day (my major purchase of my <b>LIFE</b>, if you want to know the truth ...I have never spent so much on an article of clothing!!) and confirmed that it was a real keeper.&nbsp;</p> <p>Angie is a warmly enthusiastic person. She lights up a room with her presence and her joy. The sales associates fall all over themselves in awe when she is around. Several of the smart ones were taking notes, let me tell you!!&nbsp;</p> <p>She's fully capable of getting (momentarily) bowled over by a fun detail, a bright colour, an interesting cut, or fine workmanship. She appreciates the details and exclaims over them with joy!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>But if the fit is off, she will tell you to put it aside.&nbsp;</p> <p></b>Watching her, I learned to go first with my feeling, my intuition...to follow my bliss. And then to add the power of discrimination. And to keep trying.&nbsp;<b></p> <p></b><b><br /></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-boston-ylf-conference-attendees#post-1216226 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:07:21 +0000 viva 1216226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was noticed by others as well .... when we entered a store, we tended to take it over, and the staff would inevitably ask one of us what was going on, and we would explain the situation. By then, they already would typically have picked out Angie as the "leader" -- not only because of her tomato red coat and white pointy boots, nor the Pied Piper vibe of the crowd of us, but because of her charisma. When Suz and I were paying for our jackets at Reiss, the young male SA was gushing. "You guys, she is AMAZING."&nbsp; Angie exudes an intoxicating combination of authoritativeness, style, warmth, and sincerity. Plus, I must add that she is just a wee thing! </p>