https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:36:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2084120 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 21:52:13 +0000 Synne 2084120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, you look great! Love the idea of size inclusive second-hand. I am a size 16 UK myself (I am a big and tall girl), and count my self lucky when coming across vintage pieces that can fit me (I often also alter with my modest sewing skills). It can be frustrating to feel excluded from certain styles and clothes becouse of the lack of size options. Refreshing how frank and matter of fact you are about the topic. I love seeing your WIWs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2084115 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:52:11 +0000 Roxanna 2084115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not at all, Kari. I always appreciate when my mindset is widened </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2084113 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:47:42 +0000 Kari 2084113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you!</p> <p>And Roxanna, I hope I didn’t come off as calling anyone out in particular - it’s just that way all over the place, not just here! It is heartening to see that some folks who wear straight sizes care enough to put a little extra thought (into the types of media they are consuming, the diversity of models or sizes of items they feature, thinking about the language they use when discussing fat or large bodies, etc.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2083685 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:55:03 +0000 Roxanna 2083685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kari. Honestly your comments are so helpful. Hopefully I have never had poison eye for such things (being the owner of a magnificent rear end myself) but I can see that at certain times in my life I have..your posts will remind me to be more careful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2083671 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:26:01 +0000 Anonymous 2083671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love those colors on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress/page/2#post-2083668 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:17:46 +0000 Bijou 2083668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari you look gorgeous in these items, I also like the shirt! I must say thanks for your body positive messages too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083618 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 03:01:38 +0000 Kari 2083618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rebekah: “ I really have noticed over the last few years the influx and fast fashion at the thrift store, the poor quality of so many items-- and it just reinforces for me my desire to have quality items, even if that means less.”</p> <p>YES. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083616 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 02:58:59 +0000 Kari 2083616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s More like suggesting brands or items or stores without checking to see if they ARE size inclusive. If they only go up to a 16, for example, that’s not size inclusive. (And a 14-16 straight size is usually much smaller and sometimes cut differently than 14-16 plus size/W!)<br /> Or suggesting styling to mask parts of my body, or having a poison eye for things like a visible belly or rolls, when for many of us that is just the way our bodies are made.<br /> Or making really negative comments about larger bodies or weight gain implying that larger bodies are a BAD thing. It is not fun to be the biggest person in a room when others are talking and realize that your body represents their worst case scenario.<br /> (I don’t pursue weight loss and I opt out of such discussions but they still sometimes happen around me.)</p> <p>Nodding with you a lot to your second paragraph. </p> <p>Inclusivity and intersectionality in beauty and style *is* changing, a little bit at a time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083615 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 02:58:50 +0000 rebekahphoto 2083615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress and the vest are both lovely on you! the color especially is fab with your hair and complexion</p> <p>I love to thrift &amp; enjoy looking for unique vintage pieces and for both economical and ecological reasons. I also have a tough time finding clothing in larger sizes---I often find great designer pieces in smaller sizes, and sometimes if they are really *amazing* those end up as gifts for friends, or on ebay--Ive found many of the larger thrift shops will have a larger plus size section--but it really is a crap shoot</p> <p>I really have noticed over the last few years the influx and fast fashion at the thrift store, the poor quality of so many items-- and it just reinforces for me my desire to have quality items, even if that means less. Just the plethora of "fake" leather handbags is amazing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083614 Tue, 10 Dec 2019 02:50:51 +0000 Roxanna 2083614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kari. I confess that I had not thought about how suggesting brands or styling tips might not be inclusive, but now I can see how that would make others on the forum feel. Thank you for opening my eyes - that is such an important point. </p> <p>I'm with you - I follow a broad range of body types across the gender spectrum for both fashion and fitness because I want to be exposed to all different kinds of bodies and styles. I especially focus on people of different ethnicities because I find the beauty standard is still sliced into very specific stereotypes and I want myself (and my children!) To be exposed to people who look like us - and who don't look like us. I am tired about a lot of things on social media, but the democratization of fashion, beauty and fitness is Something I welcome with open arms.</p> <p>Interestingly, I have more challenges finding #ownvoices books than I do finding influencers on IG. But I'm still working on it... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083528 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 19:12:59 +0000 Kari 2083528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I confess I’m not awesome at finding things on Instagram either. My exploration tends to be pretty organic. “I like that! I will follow. Ooh, I like that too!”</p> <p>And yeah, Barbara Diane, it’s frustrating. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083374 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 08:35:41 +0000 rachylou 2083374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083372 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 07:57:50 +0000 Barbara Diane 2083372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I share your frustration with second hand sizes as yes, most stores don’t carry my size or if they do it’s 10 items or less. I found a good tunic once while waiting for a friend to come out of a dressing room and another top once.<br /> And a great jacket in another city (which sadly doesn’t fit anymore.). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083353 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 05:22:53 +0000 Kari 2083353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I did, and I think it was like following Instagram’s recommendations down a rabbit hole. Once I started following certain folks Instagram suggested more similar folks and she came up in my recommendations (before I knew she was local.) Sometimes social media algorithms are annoying but sometimes they help us find folks I’d NEVER know about otherwise. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083352 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 04:45:20 +0000 rachylou 2083352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari - did you find this seller *on* IG? And if you did, can I ask how? Because, I have decided I’m terrible at navigating Instagram... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083350 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 04:19:45 +0000 Kari 2083350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much. That means a lot.<br /> To be honest - not out of unkindness or anything - sometimes it’s hard to be one of few plus sized folks on a mostly straight sized forum where problems like suggesting things that are not available or extremely hard to find in my size, like styling or tailoring that looks quite different on a fatter body (or isn’t possible), happen frequently. It’s not that anyone is doing it deliberately, and when I wore straight sizes I know I probably made similar suggestions (brands, stores to look at, styling ideas) that make me face palm with what I have experienced in a differently sized body. And I’m currently on the smaller end of plus size AND a size that most plus size brands/retailers stock. There are really stylish folks who wear above a 3X or have more tricky body modifiers or disabilities that make finding clothes an incredible challenge. (Let alone gender and sexual identity and its impact on style and available options!)<br /> I would suggest all folks, not just those shaped more like me, seek out many types of diversity in bloggers, instagrammers, style inspirations that you seek out - both to boost their visibility and your awareness, but also because having visibility of many different types, shapes, colors, etc. of bodies on feeds/media on a regular basis really can create that mind shift around what is beautiful and stylish.<br /> I do the same with fitness/athletic activity, and try to seek out &amp; follow runners/hikers/yoga practitioners/etc. who are amazing and are in bodies that aren’t commonly featured in fitness media. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083343 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:20:35 +0000 Roxanna 2083343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are beautiful, Kari - you look fab! Also I meant to tell you - I loved your thoughtful and articulate reply on the post asking about finding size-inclusive clothing last week. I found it so thoughtful and inspiring and really loved your practice of browsing photos that are not conventionally flattering to get your eyes used to other kinds of beautiful. Thank you for sharing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083335 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:02:38 +0000 Kari 2083335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, neat, Shevia! I’ll check that out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083334 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:00:56 +0000 Jaime 2083334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I love this and love the seller's concept. There are a few Israeli designers that are more size inclusive and that I find regularly, but it makes so much more sense to let someone else do the hunting for you.&nbsp;<br />For the curious the about page for one of my favorites:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://alembika.com/about/">http://alembika.com/about/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083333 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 03:00:28 +0000 Kari 2083333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! Yes, definitely planning to try with jeans, leggings, etc. too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083324 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:44:53 +0000 slim cat 2083324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look great - the color goes well with your hair color as well!&nbsp;<br />I have no luck in second hand stores - nothing good in my size. I used to do Rack for shoes especially ones that worn and re-soled ( you don't need to stretch anything anymore ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083313 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 02:05:12 +0000 Carla 2083313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much better to see an item on a real person model! I bet you’ll,find lots of uses for the gilet. I would love to see it layered over a red top and cropped jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083312 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:34:28 +0000 Kari 2083312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sales goggles is right! When there is only one thing that fits, it’s so easy for me to shrug and go “eh, good enough.” If not for YLF and knowing there are better things that do fit, I’d have a lot more duds </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083306 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 01:10:40 +0000 karen13 2083306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look amazing in this. And what a great way to shop second hand. I struggle with consignment and second hand shopping too. Wide feet and petite-length arms and torso mean slim pickings for mePlus it is too easy to get sales goggles and wind up with orphans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083282 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 23:05:14 +0000 nemosmom 2083282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How fun to be able to go through her pieces! You are a gorgeous model (and look great in the gilet!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083276 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:41:42 +0000 Kari 2083276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, it’s helpful if there are at least brands you can target that sometimes come in your size! Or if they have the store sorted by size vs. by like items. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083275 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:41:32 +0000 rachylou 2083275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! The gilet and sheath are sooo good looking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083261 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 22:09:54 +0000 lisaflex 2083261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>agreed kari. i am a size 10-12-14 large or xl.&nbsp;</p> <p>but i do second hand shop alot. there are two stores i frequent and usually come out with at least one thing if not three at a time. lol.&nbsp;</p> <p>i go to one that has a seperate rack for each designer....i target eileen fisher and anthropologie and a few others.&nbsp;</p> <p>if i find no clothing, i do look for nicer jewelery (usually necklaces) by silpada, brighton or higher end costume names and have quite a collection of nice stuff that i got this way.&nbsp;</p> <p>i sometimes go to salvation army/good will stores. not as much anymore as they are so darn disorganized. but as i sit here typing this, i have on a fave pair of levi long and lean(i had them hemmed as i am only 5'3..lol) jeans that i love and wear often. but i find if i go to a thrift, i need to really spend some time digging and have to be in the right frame of mind.&nbsp;</p> <p>i have found stuart wetzman booties for $29.99 (unworn) in the past! i still wear them..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083259 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:58:37 +0000 Kari 2083259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thrill of the hunt wears off fast when there’s exactly 0 items in the store other than footwear and accessories that are large enough for your body. I have had that happen a lot (in high and low end store alike) and it does not make me feel happy about my body. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/secondhand-gems-plaid-gilet-velvet-dress#post-2083256 Sun, 08 Dec 2019 21:46:50 +0000 AJ 2083256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both pieces are lovely and I look forward to seeing how you will mix and match them in the future.&nbsp; I also liked the other plaid item that you modeled, but this gilet looks more fun.&nbsp; :)</p> <p>I actually like the thrill of the hunt when thrift store shopping.&nbsp; I often find fabulous items that do not fit me and I wonder if I should set up an online shop, but for me that's more work than I'm willing to do.&nbsp; </p>