YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping with Angie: What we learned

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Shopping with Angie: What we learned https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:53:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elizabeth P on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218484 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:19:24 +0000 Elizabeth P 1218484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks so much for compiling this Suz.  Although it's an expensive thread, because now I know I'm going to make every effort to get to Toronto if a meet up WITH Angie materializes! AnnieMouse on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218460 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:58:38 +0000 AnnieMouse 1218460@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have so very enjoyed reading everyone's experiences. Thank you, Suz, for the umpteenth time, for compiling this - it's truly inspiring and helpful info! I'm loving the insights of "the problem isn't YOU, it's the garment isn't right" in its myriad forms.  Freckles on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218452 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:49:29 +0000 Freckles 1218452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Brilliant threads Suz and Ornella.  I'd really love to see fit concerns in action as I don't even have a vague idea what fit means anymore... Alassë on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218445 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:42:28 +0000 Alassë 1218445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you so much, Suz & Ornella! I'm really enjoying reading this. Janet on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218328 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:31:49 +0000 Janet 1218328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much wisdom in this thread! Thank you for collecting all this in one handy place, Suz. I am hearting this to refer to whenever I feel like my shopping is going off-track. Jewell on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218326 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 14:24:33 +0000 Jewell 1218326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences! I replied on Ornella's thread regarding how much I've learned from these posts. Just wanted to add that I woke up this morning thinking about some of my more recent spring/summer purchases and haunted by the question, "What would Angie say?" LOL I have two items in particular that I keep looking at and wondering if they would get a thumbs up or "Next!" in real life. Oh and now I can't get the chorus of Jay-Z's "On to the Next One" out of my head even though I hadn't heard the song in years. Suz on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218239 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 13:09:48 +0000 Suz 1218239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carolbee - that is exactly it. In my experience, other customers or shoppers and even the sales associates are often blinded by the positive aspects of an item. They see that the style is generally flattering, the colours good on us, etc. And so they are all for saying YAY in the face of small problems that could in fact lead to closet orphans.  We need to cultivate an unwillingness to "settle." Even in the face of cheers from others.  Now, there are times when it IS important to settle. If you need a winter coat, for example, and simply can't find that absolute ideal one -- if it fits and serves your purpose, it may be required.  But if we are talking about a top (among other tops) or a pair of jeans (when you own other pants) or a new jacket (when you won't go naked without it) there is no reason at all to settle for something that does not tick every one of your boxes. And there is DEFINITELY no reason to compromise on fit.   carolbee on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218222 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:44:51 +0000 carolbee 1218222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is so fascinating to read. When is Angie coming to Oz? Don't care where in Oz, I'll go wherever she goes! Passing on Angie's' tips has already helped me. Yesterday I bought a black and grey long sleeve cross over top. This style suits me and colours are perfect for my winter palette. One size fits in the bust but is too tight across the stomach. The next size fits across the stomach but is a bit big in the bust. I really loved it, and as a couple of other customers gave me the thumbs up I bought it. After reading this and Ornella's thread I realised that Angie would have said NEXT because neither size is quite right. Also as its a lowish V neck, still decent but low, and I run cold in winter this style for me, for winter, is pointless. It is going back. Thank you so much to everyone for your comments so that even those of us that haven't had the wonderful experience of shopping with Angie can still learn. Suz on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218200 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:12:56 +0000 Suz 1218200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, some great insights accumulating here. Thank you everyone for adding your voices to this.  fathenry, that woulds like an amazing experience -- counting up the lessons learned in ONE shopping trip alone -- that's just remarkable! Especially love this: "Ignore your fears because people will complement you all day when you wear your new outfit, smiling!"  Beth Ann, that was also my experience. When you have something on that is under serious consideration, she quickly examines the garment for any flaws and makes sure it is in great shape.  And Debbie -- you hit on a great point that I had almost forgotten! So true. In Reiss I also tried on a gorgeous, stunning powder blue jacket. Angie said she liked it even better than the navy on me! Then, after a second, she added that she was probably being influenced by the season and her love of lighter tones for spring. I deliberated for a moment and then said, "You know...I love this colour, too, and think the jacket is very special. But in my climate..." "I JUST thought of that," she agreed. (I only get about 2 to 4 weeks of true spring weather most years, whereas, in comparison, I get at least 38 weeks a year in which a wool ink blue blazer could be a good choice.) NEXT!  And if I'm really craving that hit of pale blue, I'd be much better to buy the linen jacket at Club Monaco -- which I could wear throughout our late spring (4 weeks) and summer (another 8 weeks).  Or forget the jacket altogether and buy that colour in a top.  Buy for your dominant season.  C!, thank you for your insights. You are so right about all of this. I still loved the Zara jacket on you -- it was really, really pretty. Secretly hoping you will reconsider it! :) harmonica on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218107 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:07:46 +0000 harmonica 1218107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz and Ornella for this thread! So much to learn! For me it seems to boil down to remember that fit is everything. Would love to shop with Angie - and a round in my closet to declutter and get new inspiration. fathenry on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218093 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 06:48:55 +0000 fathenry 1218093@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie deserves more praise than my words could ever say! She is a truly generous and caring person and made me feel so comfortable. She created a whole wardrobe for me (in a couple of hours) so I could go to a new job feeling fearless and confident. Plus she made it special and fun! I learned to make sure that you sit down, not just stand, when you try things on and look in the mirror while you sit to make sure it looks ok. I learned to wear high quality nude hosiery so as not to be cold, pair navy blue pants and black jackets together, wear clothes looser as opposed to tighter, roll up baggy skinny jeans and wear with booties. Lay out all your items in the dressing room to make sure they all go together. Bring the clothes with you that you want to coordinate with the new ones. Get boyfriend jeans and wear loafers. Ignore your fears because people will complement you all day when you wear your new outfit, smiling! Spend a morning with Angie having fun then relax because your wardrobe is covered and you don't have to worry! crazyone on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218015 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:56:35 +0000 crazyone 1218015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ oops, posted in wrong thread.   Sveta on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218012 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:53:29 +0000 Sveta 1218012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am late to this thread (darn this work) and don't want to repeat what others already said - it it has been already said so much (an all perfectly true). I did not get much that Saturday (just a pair of flat sandals from the Rack which quite miraculously were sitting there in my size - and were approved by Angie). Beth Ann on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218008 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:49:01 +0000 Beth Ann 1218008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I so enjoyed the meetup in Chicago two years ago.  I remember most the lilting quality of her voice -- gentle and encouraging, and quick to laugh.  I tried on a red trench at the Rack, and I remember Angie going to work on it -- prodding the colors and plackets into place, carefully examining the fit.  She doesn't let a garment boss her around! Debbie on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218007 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:49:01 +0000 Debbie 1218007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have shopped with Angie in person once. It was an amazing experience. She made me feel like a queen. She pulls things in the colors that flatter you. In my case I was in Seattle but she was very conscious that I live in Texas and helped me pick things that would work in my climate. Angie has an amazing personality and presence about her. I am hoping that it is in the cards for me to shop with her again this year. AJ on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1218002 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:42:35 +0000 AJ 1218002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Favoriting this post!!! Such great accounts of Angie in action. Makes me appreciate and admire her all the more! Her personality on YLF is magnetic already, I can't even imagine how much more so IRL! Thanks everyone for all your first hand stories! Please keep them coming! crazyone on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217999 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 03:35:05 +0000 crazyone 1217999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Boston meetup was a fantastic day from start to finish.  Angie is a star wherever she goes, and attracted attention even in the cafe where we had breakfast--this older gentleman came by and talked to her, and then ended up looking up the YLF website and showing it to another guy at the table next door!  And the sales associates in several stores were quite taken by her, and often asked us who she was and wanted to know about YLF.   Her energy levels are amazing, and I really appreciated that she took time to talk to every single person individually, and help us out with our purchasing decisions.  As for lessons learned, Diana already mentioned Angie's insight on why flared dresses look juvenile after Janet tried on a dress that looked a bit too flared and short--they're usually worn by children who need room to stretch and play:  "You never see a child wearing a pencil skirt."   I tried on a floral bomber jacket at Zara that Angie recommended for me, and I tried both the XS and S <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/outerwear/jackets/printed-blazer-with-faux-leather-piping-c401038p1843010.html">http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....c401038p18</a>.  The XS had fairly fitted sleeves and looked great open, but barely closed; the S had a roomier fit overall, but zipped up easily.  She pointed out that she preferred the S because the fit was more modern; the XS was more of a "2008" look.   I ended up not getting the jacket, since I have too many jackets already and wasn't sure whether I would tire of the floral pattern.  But the advice on fit was still very useful. Finally, I wanted to add that the day was wonderful not just because of Angie but because of all the other wonderful ladies who participated.  Everyone was so friendly and so accommodating, and full of insights of their own. Lyn D. on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217975 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 02:57:20 +0000 Lyn D. 1217975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hearted for future reading Angie on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217860 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:35:36 +0000 Angie 1217860@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All I can do at this stage is repeat what I said on Ornella's thread: <div>I am absolutely speechless. 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 completely overwhelmed and flattered. Thank you so, so much. </div><div> </div><div>*BLUSHING BIG TIME WITH MY HEAD DOWN* </div><div> </div> Caro in Oz on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217854 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:31:58 +0000 Caro in Oz 1217854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous insights - thank you so much Suz & everyone. Loved Kari's comments about having to learn quickly :) KP brought tears to my eyes in a good way - I think Angie's voice is the only one I want in my head when it comes to fashion (& maybe tea & cake oh & doggies).  MRL on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217778 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:40:18 +0000 MRL 1217778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for sharing this Suz,! Suz on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217664 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:10:35 +0000 Suz 1217664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, don't give up hope -- some of the other styles might work, K.P. But in general I think the cut is more for a slim hourglass/ rectangle. Angie can set me right, of course..... It was laughable to see how those Ted Baker jackets collapsed over my non-boobage.  :)  K. Period. on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned/page/2#post-1217660 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:08:16 +0000 K. Period. 1217660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, Suz, thanks for that reminder. I was soooo tempted to go ogle Reiss after seeing your beautiful new jacket.  But Ted and I are old friends.  So now I know to ogle Reiss with caution!  Carla on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217657 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 22:04:34 +0000 Carla 1217657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an education! Thanks so much for sharing. goldenpig on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217655 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:57:59 +0000 goldenpig 1217655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So much wisdom in one thread! Thanks Suz and Ornella for the idea! Great to see all the principles discussed on the forum in action. I hope to be so lucky to shop with Angie one day. Angie, please come to the Bay Area anytime! Suz on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217653 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:54:56 +0000 Suz 1217653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Amy, it's true that sometimes trying on an item that is outside your budget can contribute to sadness that you can't afford it. But it can also save you from regret. You try on that super-expensive item and realize: It doesn't fit me right anyway. And stop thinking about it. That happened to me with a different Helmut Lang jacket. It was a black mixed media one -- super cool. In my size. Sveta asked me to try it on. It fit nicely in the shoulder. But the stance was way too long for my body. It would never work, no matter what. I put it back on the hanger with no regret.  Or you try it and you think, "Darn it -- this is worth more to me than any number of pale imitations -- I would rather buy this as my only item for the season than buy anything else." Or, at minimum, you know what you're looking for when you are thrifting, and how far a garment misses the mark.  K. Period, I completely agree about Angie's attitude. There is something so crisp and no-nonsense about it and so objective -- it really helps you forget about any body image issues.  And shopping with a big group does that also. I confess I was a bit terrified. First of all, you've got to remember -- when I joined YLF I hated shopping!! I easily got overwhelmed in stores. Add to that the fact that I'm an introvert and I'm going to go shopping with 15 other women?? In an unfamiliar city??? ARGH!!! I just couldn't imagine how it would really work.  What I found was that as many of us would reach for the same garment, we'd all get to observe how that garment fit different body types. And how different styles looked on different body types. And again, it just took the emotion out of it (for me, anyway). Yes, I was a tiny bit sad to learn that those pretty floral linings in the Ted Baker jackets would never grace my closet, but...you know. Onwards! (To Reiss....) amiable on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217644 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:44:24 +0000 amiable 1217644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your comment on trying things on at all price points.  I have never thought of that - I've always thought "If I'm not willing to pay for it, I shouldn't even tempt myself by trying it on".  This idea might change my life by teaching me to appreciate and notice the difference in the higher quality.  (And making me start stalking ebay when I find the perfect item at way more than I can stomach paying...) Thistle on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217612 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:13:15 +0000 Thistle 1217612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fabulous thread, Suz. Thank you so much for accumulating such wisdom in one place. Anonymous on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217572 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 20:37:32 +0000 Anonymous 1217572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Suz, for the excellent read! I had missed Ornella's thread. Eliza on "Shopping with Angie: What we learned" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-with-angie-what-we-learned#post-1217496 Tue, 08 Apr 2014 19:26:11 +0000 Eliza 1217496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Next best thing to being there is reading about everyone's experiences a nod impressions. I really appreciate having the vicarious experience of the meet up. Thank you everyone!