https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:35:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893692 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:39:42 +0000 Sarah A 893692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your musings! Thanks for sharing. <br /><br />#3, I am in agreement that no lovely shoe is worth your mobility down the road. Highest heels be gone (maybe one or two favorites relegated for sitting events)...&nbsp; <br /><br />#6 I am taking a strong lesson on as well. I'm so guilty as charged.<br /><br />The refined color palette sounds really fresh as well.&nbsp; <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893682 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:27:49 +0000 Gaylene 893682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm another *ahem* older woman with wonky knees that I blame on my love affair with 3" heels that I always wore when I was younger. The standing, and the running up and down stairs carrying an armful of papers and books, though, finally took their toil when I also tore an ACL a few years ago. I recovered, to an extent, by faithfully doing my exercises but, if you are older, that knee never really goes back to the way it was before the accident. I'm also starting to feel the twinges of arthritis if I overdo the running or skiing.<br /><br />Being able to stay active means more to me these days than wearing 3" heels, so I've resolved to stay with lower heels. I wish I had been a bit smarter when I was younger and realized that even a "comfortable" high heel can result in knee and foot issues when you get older. Mobility is something that you take for granted until you don't have it, so I think you are wise to transfer your affections to lower heels. As you say, Shannon, no matter how pretty the shoe, it's just not worth compromising the healing process.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893681 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:26:41 +0000 Angie 893681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a great place to start, Shannon. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893668 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:12:31 +0000 catgirl 893668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Totally hear you on 4, 5 and 6.&nbsp; The only thing I would add is that you might not want to just dump all your higher heels if you love them - you have been in flux and who knows whether you'll return to them occasionally.&nbsp; I have noticed that not all 3" heels are equal - some are more comfortable than lower heels for me, others feel like torture. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893624 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:39:18 +0000 Transcona Shannon 893624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Claire - absolutely fantastic comment about an item making "me look cheap". I hadn't thought of it that way but it is true. A really poor quality item or poorly fitting item can indeed make the wearer look cheap. Not the look I'm after!<br /><br />Harmonica - I really appreciate your supportive comments and it is hard to comment on the threads these days. Pretty much impossible to keep up now, isn't it?&nbsp;<br /><br />Glory - I didn't know you had a knee injury too? I dislocated my knee and tore my ACL about two years ago in a running accident and it has been a difficult injury to overcome. Physiotherapy has been my saving grace and you are right, pretty heeled shoes are not worth the pain or the slowing down of my healing process.<br /><br />Isabel - wow! Great thoughts here. We have indeed at our age worked hard to get to where we are and we absolutely deserve to be wrapped in quality. I really like that way of thinking. As to your question about why am I going minimal? I honestly don't know - lol! I started out wanting to try it as it seemed on trend&nbsp;and for the most part,&nbsp;have enjoyed it. But I have been missing some of my retro elements and some of my jewelry so now need to figure out a way to marry these styles. You always have such great insight Isabel and I really appreciate it when you chime in :)<br /><br />Thank you all. I have much to think about. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893559 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:31:04 +0000 Isabel 893559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always enjoy your musings. And I appreciate that you post them.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;I just want to say that I am sorry about your knee. I love how proactive you are being about it. I agree that you should keep one or two pairs of shoes ( as sitting shoes ) for dressier or just fun occassions. &nbsp;Thankfully, we now live in a world where we can go to a party and dance with our shoes OFF.&nbsp;<br /><br />I completely agree with your conclusion on thrifting or just cheap items in general. &nbsp;Unless it is OK to buy something fun that you know will be disposable at the end of the Season. &nbsp;I think that when one is younger, it is ok to look "experimental" and that means the fabrics and cuts lack quality sometimes because people want fast fashion. &nbsp;But at a certain age ( ours ) it is nice to feel "wrapped" in quality. Because we&nbsp;<i><b>are&nbsp;</b></i>quality women who have "arrived" in a way. &nbsp; Even if that means fewer things. &nbsp;It used to be that way in the days that I was growing up. I don't know if that makes any sense, LOL.<br /><br />Getting used to a new body is tough. Getting used to a &nbsp;new body without any judgement is tougher. &nbsp;Being utterly neutral in accessing your body and how things will fit takes practice. Don't be hard on yourself.&nbsp;<br /><br />Why are you going minimalist ? &nbsp;You don't stike me as a sartorial minimalist. You have so much energy and fun.....and I can see that expressed through accessories as you wardrobe stabilizes with fewer items but better quality.&nbsp;<i></i> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings/page/2#post-893541 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:17:24 +0000 Glory 893541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your colours for the spring. I have the same ones but included Turquose as well. I have been there with the knee injury for several years and it just kept coming back. I agree that you will likely need to get rid of the heels and go 2 inches or less - perhaps even 1.5. I have 2 pairs of heels for special occasion. &nbsp;I had a few more but purged them in the mighty purge marathon this weekend. It will be hard because you have lovely things but the knee health is worth it. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893401 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:25:26 +0000 harmonica 893401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love reading your musings, Shannon! Although you are in some sort of transition you don't seem lost at all. Great to read your positive take on the shoes and also how you know your direction for this spring. I wish your knee all the best - it seems like a well working body is often first noticed and appreciated when something is wrong. Your thoughts on shopping and SYC are also wise and inspirational. You have a great bag collection, so maybe that's a fun place to start? Love following your WIW's, though not always commenting (all these exhausting days...) ;-)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893357 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:29:47 +0000 TraceyLiz65 893357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading others self insights which cause us all to pause and reflect on ourselves.. Great decision about keeping the heels down and accepting the new reality, it just isn't worth it... Good luck refining and trying to get the style that feels just right... https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893304 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:46:48 +0000 anne 893304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is always worthwhile to read your ramblings, dear Shannon!&nbsp; Thanks!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893297 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 06:55:54 +0000 Anonymous 893297@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Random musings? Why, that's my very favorite kind! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Congrats on shrinking out of your sweaters, first of all! You will have to get to know the body that you're sculpting under all those winter clothes!&nbsp;<br /><br />I think your "old" style can be friends with modern minimalism. Angie loves retro and minimalism and ladylike too, after all. I don't think they're mutually exclusive.&nbsp;<br /><br />I hear you on the shoes. You know I mostly wear flats, but I had two pairs of pointy toe flats that were really bothering my feet. They were so low cut (exposing a lot of my foot) that I had to make a crimping motion with my toes to keep them on when walking fast. The tendons in my feet started to get really sore after wearing them all day. *whining* But one pair was leopard and the other was color blocked and pointy toes are so on trend right now! Boo-hoo. As soon as I found the AGL flats to replace them, out they went. Nothing is worth ruining our feet over!<br /><br />As for the quality, I get you girl! I love to score on something high quality at a thrift store that I could never have afforded new, but no more cheap and cheerful for my closet. I am going to lump (new) cheap juniors clothes in with that statement. Sometimes I am so tempted because the items are always so fresh and on-trend, but when I ask myself if I want to still be wearing that item in 5 years, or if the item makes *me* look cheap, I usually wind up putting it back. Someone said recently on the forum that poor quality clothing is not age appropriate and I couldn't agree more. Rock on, dear Shannon and have fun shopping that fabulous closet of yours. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893219 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 04:31:19 +0000 Tanya 893219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love your musings Shannon, they seem to resonate with so many of us. &nbsp;I especially hear you on #6. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893214 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 04:29:28 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 893214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I need to post #6 somewhere prominent.<br />I feel for you on the heels. I'm wearing flats right now because I injured my back a couple of weeks ago, and I want to be kind to it till I fully recuperate. I do hope to return to heels at some point, though 3 inches seems to be my absolute max. Hope your knee is better soon!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893211 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 04:24:37 +0000 Transcona Shannon 893211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for chiming in Angie. I'm not sure how to infuse my retro elements with this new style direction I seem to be taking. Maybe I need to circle back to my style of frocks with retro-inspired handbags and footwear?&nbsp;<br /><br />Lantana - how nice to hear from you! I've missed you around here. I love the idea of white and ecru and calming is definitely something I can use - lol!<br /><br />Thanks Carolbee! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893124 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 03:08:03 +0000 Lantana 893124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hello Shannon. As a fellow silver haired one I relish white on white. Sometimes I like to wear ecru with white, have you ever thought of that? It's very calming, I find.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893091 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 02:44:34 +0000 carolbee 893091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is always interesting to read peoples reflections on their style journey, it often articulates something I might be going through but haven't been able to grasp the essence of what I was feeling.<br /><br />The other reason I love your posts are that we are quite similar in age, build, colouring and haircut so I always look forward to seeing what you wear. &nbsp;You are much further along in the style journay than I am and much more aventurous than me, so this gives me much needed inspiration to push my own boundaries. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-893031 Sat, 30 Mar 2013 01:56:52 +0000 Angie 893031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just like I'm missing my skirts and dresses - you're missing your retro elements. So lets bring it on, Shannon! <br /><br />Hope your knee is feeling better. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892855 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:02:27 +0000 Transcona Shannon 892855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Missvee - I am indeed hoping the Gap sweaters shrink a wee bit with a wash. In fact, I'm washing them both this weekend even though I've only worn the cream one once. No harm in trying right?<br /><br />textstyle - I'll let you know if and when I get a cream belt. I'm willing to buy a silver one in the interim but definitely want cream/white.<br /><br />Mo - yep, no room in the closet for "almosts" although it still makes me sad to think of waste.<br /><br />Sveta - I haven't found 2 inches to bother my knee so I think that will be my top height. You know, I do believe that getting older has something to do with realizing the importance of quality. I think when we're younger we look at clothes as more "disposable" than we do when we're older.<br /><br />Marley - I've noticed the loss of foot padding too! I thought I was the only one. So weird, isn't it?<br /><br />Dianthus - you should definitely keep wearing coral. It is such a gorgeous color on you. And when I look back, I think retro has always been part of my style in some way or another. It is indeed like an old friend.<br /><br />Anna - that #6 is a tough one isn't it?<br /><br />Thanks for your comments everyone. Sounds like many of us are doing some thinking, honing and culling these days. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892846 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:57:30 +0000 Anonymous 892846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such great insights and they help us all on our journey. &nbsp;I'm finding that if I practice Angie's PPPs, I tend to shop less because what I have satisfies.<br />your idea of limiting spring colors is one I needed to read. &nbsp;I need to be more disciplined when it comes to color.<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892824 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:35:17 +0000 Caro in Oz 892824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It feels to me like you have been circling these issues for some time &amp; have now clearly articulated where you are going. &nbsp;Love these musings Shannon. Yeah for retro - you do it so well:)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892778 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:31:24 +0000 Ingunn 892778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading your thoughts, too. Your style flux is inspiring, and I guess you easily could add some retro frome time to time and still be moving on, if you understand. I love your color palette for Spring/Summer.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892764 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:15:43 +0000 Deborah 892764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing Shannon. &nbsp;I can relate to much of your thoughts her. &nbsp;In particular buying because you want something new:). I have been a serial shopper because buying something new makes me feel good. &nbsp;It still does but not in the same way. &nbsp;YLF has taught me how to feel the same good feeling shopping my closet:) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892756 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 21:11:06 +0000 rachylou 892756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A refreshing read, Shannon. Some take-homes for me too there.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892732 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:45:00 +0000 annagybe 892732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #6 really resonates with me right now. Especially since I'm SYC'ing. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892715 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:20:50 +0000 Kristin L 892715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great insight Shannon. I hope your knee gets feeling better! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892712 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:17:37 +0000 Sara L. 892712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I enjoy reading other people's style musings because I have such a hard time putting anything about style in words.&nbsp; I enjoy how you are able to be so concise in your style goals and insights. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892681 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:43:00 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 892681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing Shannon.&nbsp; I find I need to fight the urge to buy new stuff all the time too.&nbsp; Perhaps we have low boredom thresholds and need a little pretty shiny once in a while.&nbsp; <br /><br />I love your color palette for spring.&nbsp; I am still feeling the coral color this spring but also love the lavender and after no buying much white for some time, the whites are calling to me too.&nbsp; I love a nicely draping white shirt and it works with everything.&nbsp; A pair of white jeans would be great too.&nbsp; <br /><br />One thing I have noticed over the years is that I am not comfortable in clothes that I consider too tailored.&nbsp; I like my clothes on the looser side and when I buy them more fitted, I rarely wear them.&nbsp; I think we all go back to our basics after playing with other looks.&nbsp; You do the ladylike, retro look beautifully so it makes perfect sense that you keep going back to it.&nbsp; It is like a dear friend that comforts you and makes you feel good.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892618 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:31:00 +0000 Marley 892618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great insight Shannon - and thank you for sharing!&nbsp; I think whenever someone posts a thread about their own revelations and process, that it is so helpful to the rest of us - whether it gets us to thinking about the same issues with our own wardrobe, or challenges our belief systems about our own style or direction!&nbsp; <br /><br />I can completely relate to you about the 2" heel thing - although I don't have a bad knee, I have a bad lower back - also, it seems that, as I've aged (sob!) that I've "lost" the padding on the bottom of my feet!&nbsp; (what is that all about???) - and my feet just HURT whenever I wear higher heels!&nbsp; However, I have not actually had the courage to go through my closet and get rid of all of those shoes - your statement that you're going to do that, is making me feel a little braver about doing it myself.<br /><br />I also totally "get" you about quality.&nbsp; I used to buy quality - and then several years ago when my financial situation drastically changed, I SYC'd - and when I would buy (with gift cards) I tended to buy cheap, so that I could get more.&nbsp; What a mistake!&nbsp; Those items have long since worn out, stretched out, snagged and bagged - and I've gotten rid of them - but the quality items, that I had invested in years ago are still standing strong in my closet - not as trendy or modern as they used to be - but still in good shape and the backbone of my current style.&nbsp; I'm so thankful that I was smart enough back in the days when I was "rich" (LOL) to buy quality items!<br /><br />I love your spring colors!&nbsp; They will look great on you - and really fresh and modern.&nbsp; My colors are almost the same as yours:&nbsp; lots of light gray, silver, all shades of blue, white, and medium to pastel pink.&nbsp; Yep, pink!&nbsp; I'm hoping that I can still pull off pink and not look ridiculous in it - cuz I LOVE it!&nbsp; (I'm also using some pops of emerald and medium (blueish) green.)<br /><br />OK - enought about me!&nbsp; This is your thread, afterall. :-)&nbsp; Thanks again for sharing!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892613 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:26:58 +0000 Thistle 892613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great insights, Shannon.<br /><br />And, you can still find fun pretty shoes under 2 inches. It is harder, but doable.&nbsp; You can come join the Low Heels Only club! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/random-musings#post-892605 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:22:38 +0000 kellygirl 892605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a thoughtful post, Shannon. 5 and 6 resonate with me especially. Such an interesting read. Thanks!