https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:30:18 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342785 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:19:38 +0000 Alana in Canada 1342785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I apologise for not responding to each and every person on this thread--please know that I deeply appreciate each and every one of you and your thought, even if I don't have the time to respond properly.&nbsp;</p> <p>Inge, red+blue+white/lt. grey = American is probably something <b>only</b> a hyper-sensitive Canadian would see. I need to get over it, because it is lovely.&nbsp;</p> <p>I called the Bay and I&nbsp;have put the grey NYDJ on hold until I can get in to pick them up. I feel so much better now that is done. Pricey--but worth it, I think. I'll do a fashion show for you as soon as I can. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342395 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:41:02 +0000 Inge 1342395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just had a look at the cardi and top you posted too, and agree with your assessment: they both feel a little too Summery, and I think you prefer a more fluid fit in tops too.</p> <p>Re: the denim + grey + red colour combo: I don't see "American" at all, and absolutely think this would be great on you. Perhaps you just need some time for your eye to adjust? Give it a shot:-)</p> <p>Re: light grey pants + white top + grey sleeveless cardigan. I hear you on these items being pricey, but sometimes it's worth investing in a piece that truly makes you feel fab (as you yourself pointed out about the NYDJ white ankle jeans), especially if you think it could turn into a wardrobe workhorse, like say a pair of light grey jeans/pants for Winter. Just thinking out loud here...</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342394 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:36:33 +0000 Inge 1342394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also: thanks for posting pics of the Jessica sweater. I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. There really does seem to be a big difference between the two sizes, strange. But no worries, now we know that this wasn't a good fit, we can move on to the next fab item;-)</p> <p>ETA: It's a terrific colour on you though, so definitely worth considering adding a different top in that colour to your wardrobe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342393 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 10:32:57 +0000 Inge 1342393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alana,</p> <p>I started a new thread with white/off-white/cream tops that might appeal to you:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/for-alana---white-tops-etc#post-1342385">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....st-1342385</a></p> <p>And I also wanted to say that I think you are already making a tremendous effort, so please don't beat yourself up about this. (I echo every word Suz wrote above).</p> <p>Plus, you are doing a terrific job. Each time you post, it's clear that you are further homing in on your style preferences (e.g. you now know that you prefer high-contrast looks, that you like your tops a little longer etc. etc.). And even if you come home from a shopping expedition without having bought anything, it wasn't in vain: you try on tons of stuff and then know that certain items aren't working for you, that you don't like a certain silhouette, didn't feel comfy in a certain fabric etc.). That is huge progress too, even though it might not feel like it at the time.</p> <p>You've already found some very good stuff for Fall/Winter, and you will find more fab pieces over the next few months too.&nbsp;</p> <p>P.S. If you think the eggplant asymmetric cardigan you bought yesterday (I hear you on shopping out of frustration)&nbsp;isn't going to work for you, then I vote take it back and use that money towards something that truly makes you feel fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342326 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 04:53:06 +0000 Alana in Canada 1342326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Suz.<br />Alaskagirl--that is a beautiful EF top. I hope to see you in it soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342319 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 04:27:27 +0000 Suz 1342319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Alana. Hugs!&nbsp;</p> <p>Shopping can be really frustrating when you haven't done it for a long time. You don't know the retail cycles. Or can't wait for them because you need stuff FAST due to huge wardrobe crevasses (that go way beyond the ordinary "holes.")&nbsp;On that Into Mind blog she has a nifty chart about that you might want to take a look at.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342312 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 04:13:20 +0000 Alana in Canada 1342312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh--and I also looked for a light rain resistant coat.<br />Wrong season. There's nothing. I found only one coat between the Bay and Sears in my size--and all the new stuff is for winter. Remind me to look again come spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342311 Fri, 29 Aug 2014 04:10:38 +0000 Alana in Canada 1342311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such good thoughts and information here. When I went out to pick up my booties, tonight,&nbsp;I tried on every single white top I could find (well, except two or three&nbsp;and now I don't know why I didn't) at The Bay. Not One fit properly. Either they were not long enough, or they were long enough but too tight in the arms. Sometimes they were too clingy or the neckline wouldn't sit still. I went to Sears and did the same thing. I even popped into Olsen's at the encouragement of the saleslady and tried on multiple tops. I told the saleswoman they wouldn't fit, but she promised I'd be "surprised." "It is a German company," she said, "Germans are big." My apologies to any Germans, here. And, as I proved to her,&nbsp;I'm bigger.</p> <p>&nbsp;I need to make more of an effort.</p> <p>Inge, I need help.<br />Blouses, button downs, sweaters, --the white just can't have too much yellow in it.&nbsp;<br />Thanks.<br />I am reading that link on colours from Into Mind. I love the idea of branching out to white/off-white/light cream, black, ink/navy, light grey, grape (or eggplant)&nbsp;and deep wine.</p> <p>I did buy a discounted "eggplant" assymetrical cardigan. But I may return it. It is definitely more of a summer weight than winter and&nbsp;I bought it out of frustration.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342073 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:33:09 +0000 Aida 1342073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alana as a gal who feels best in white I hear you on feeling down in the dark charcoal/black combo. I wear both dark and very light gray, and use the charcoal (dark) gray in place of black when I want a softer look and the light grays paired with white for a richer tonally light look. Very rarely will I pair my dark gray with black, and not add something more cheerful into the mix. It just makes me glum!</p> <p>The rich red top is amazing on you! I much prefer how it looks with the white bottoms than with the black bottoms. #2 may just need some brightening up (like a cream coat/jacket or purse); if I personally were wearing #2, I'd pair with my light colored tall boots to add a light element, otherwise I'd feel far too dark.</p> <p>I do really like how you look in all black as in #4, though! It seems to really highlight your face and hair, whereas the all gray in #1 makes you all kind of... blend together. I rather like that gray cardigan though, it would look fabulous paired with dark red and white/cream or with plum shades. Also with very light gray or with sand/tan.</p> <p>One other thought, is that if denim is something you can wear to work you could try a very light wash denim which would hide some of the sand/slush better than white. This would also allow you to wear something similar to this pin that Inge linked:</p> <p>Light wash blue jeans + fluid fit white top + fluid fit grey cardigan.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180988478747968282/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180988478747968282/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342072 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:31:47 +0000 Gigi 1342072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good advice from everyone here! I will also say that with regard to white bottoms, if you have a pair of knee-high boots, you can tuck the white jeans into them so that they don't get spattered by the slush (we have this problem too). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long/page/2#post-1342068 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:28:13 +0000 catgirl 1342068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to grey for a sec: here is an Eileen Fisher item I have been coveting that I would find immensely useful.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1342055 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:13:34 +0000 Alana in Canada 1342055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny--I love the specifics. </p> <p>I went back and had a look at my <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/alana99/cool-weather-wardrobe-capsule/">cool weather wardrobe inspiration pin board</a> and found that out of 26 outfits (including some of Inge's above) there were five colours of bottoms:<br />black (6), white (9), denim, (I did not distinguish between shades of blue) (9), eggplant (1), and red wine, (1) <br />Note: no grey--dark, medium or dark. Is that ecause it is relatively new and not likely on pinterest bords, yet?</p> <p>There were 10! white/off-white/light cream tops! Given all the bottoms,&nbsp;40% of the first layer was white. For the top, outermost&nbsp;layer (cardigan, sweater or, in a few cases, the scarf) the biggest contender was light grey with 7 appearances. The next contenders were light grey and white/off white/light cream at three each.&nbsp;</p> <p>Outliers of any layer&nbsp;that make me particularly happy are deep red and chambray and a black and white stripe (of course.)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341941 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:28:41 +0000 L'Abeille 1341941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with most of what others have said already. Except I have grave reservations about white, winter or otherwise, as one of the neutrals in our Canadian winters!</p> <p>Looking at your pictures and hearing your reactions to the colours on you, your colouring and contrast preferences seem very similar to mine. So, let me tell&nbsp; you what I have found works for me, and you can see if any of it applies.</p> <p>(By the way, for many years I have had black, with white and red as accents, for my fall/winter capsule, and added navy and taupe/beige in the spring and summer. Now that navy and black together are a thing, my seasonal capsules are less neatly divided, but as Suz has commented, I crave wearing different colours and intensities at different times of year.)</p> <p>Last fall, inspired by a few of Angie's ensemble posts, I added a lot more grey&nbsp; (or grey and black printed) pieces, so it is now my second winter neutral. But I can never get away with wearing an all-grey outfit, or even with wearing unrelieved grey on the top half. Yet if I add the contrast of a white collar or a red scarf, or choose a top that combines black with the grey, it pops and suits me so much more. So, before you send your grey pieces back, I'd suggest you try wearing each piece mixed in with your black or white or red items. You may get a very different feel for it that way. The contrast really does make you glow--just the way your new glasses have brightened up your face (either that, or you just can't stop smiling since you got them...)</p> <p>As an example: I do a lot of thrifting for the fun/nonessential wardrobe items, which means that I don't always find the colour I would have preferred. Last fall I found a pea jacket that was perfect in every way, except that it was grey instead of the black or navy I wanted. And I got so much wear out of it! In a long dark winter, of many mostly-black or mostly-navy outfits, that one lighter-coloured piece really added some brightness, because of the contrast, and went with everything. So don't look at any piece in isolation.</p> <p>The other difficult thing about grey has to do with how the pigments or whatever are mixed to get the colour. Not just light vs dark, but also warm vs cool, so some greys will never match each other (worse than navy even).</p> <p>I am having so much fun following your discoveries and watching your enthusiasm! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341936 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:26:17 +0000 Sal 1341936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you are honing in on what you like.</p> <p>I am not in love with grey as a colour on me, yet I do have a bit in the wardrobe. Partly it has been very common here over recent seasons, and partly I find it a useful neutral. I prefer lower contrast in my colours, so if I wear black I like it with grey or dark blues....if I wear coral, I like it with mid blue denims...etc. Grey is a useful bridge for me as it can go with so many colours, in my mind more so than black.</p> <p>I think grey could have a place in your wardrobe but if white, cream, red really appeal then grey should only be a minor player. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341780 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:29:13 +0000 catgirl 1341780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I am completely biased because I love grey and black. LOVE. It's just a question of finding the right grey. But it has to suit your personality as well as your style, and sounds like it doesn't for you. At the same time, grey pieces can be brightened up easily so don't throw the whole concept out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341777 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:24:19 +0000 shiny 1341777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look amazing in white. Whenever an outfit is falling short, I too just add white. For winter that includes</p> <p>- white top: a simple tee shirt, a white blouse, a cream pullover<br />- white toppers: white&nbsp;pleather jacket, white denim jacket,&nbsp;cream cardigan (I have several winter-weight cardigans)<br />- white bag: cream for winter<br />- white coat: I have a car-length pea&nbsp;coat with black buttons, and also a white puffer</p> <p>No white bottoms or shoes, because weather is typically too messy here for that, though I did wear my white denim is the early spring. I might do a VC tube skirt in white/cream if they offered one!</p> <p>Otherwise, I think you'd look loveliest in a lighter gray. Grays can be difficult. Whenever I wear medium or darker&nbsp;gray, I tend to want to add a scarf to brighten up my face. That said, in deepest darkest part of winter, darker colors just feel "right" to me. So I wouldn't return your purchases just yet -&nbsp;I'd wait until the weather cools.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341776 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:21:00 +0000 Diana 1341776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just joining the chorus that it seems like you like higher contrast looks.&nbsp; So if the grey isn't working for you, then send it back!&nbsp; You can always use your blacks and your whites as neutrals.&nbsp; </p> <p>I think you are gorgeous in jewel tones.&nbsp; I know the whole minimalist wardrobe thing says to focus on neutrals, but I don't think it's a bad idea to add some pops of color.&nbsp; As we like to say around here, red is a neutral anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341753 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 16:31:43 +0000 Angie 1341753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Woohoooo. Go Team White. I have the same feelings about wearing&nbsp;grey. You have to wear what makes you feel happy, Alana.&nbsp;</p> <p>That shade of red is killer on you - especially with the new specs.&nbsp;</p> <p>Add shades on Winter white to your wardrobe - think off-white, cream and tan.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I think you look a billion times better in ink blue and navy than grey. But keeping a textured grey as a bottom is not a bad idea. You can liven it up with shades of white, red, pink and blue.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I LOVE you in black and white. You feel alive in high contrast it seems.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341735 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 15:35:07 +0000 Anonymous 1341735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Alana - Deborah and Inge have gone into such thoughtful and helpful detail here, there is nothing left to add! &nbsp;I just wanted to let you know I've read your post - always look forward to them - and feel ya, as the saying goes. &nbsp;My two cents: &nbsp;one has to take into consideration their hair and skin tone, and what makeup they use too in order to make some of these winter colours work.&nbsp;</p> <p>Have fun with the process! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341701 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:14:59 +0000 jackiec 1341701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of helpful advice here so far, Alana! Just want to add that I really like you in the column of black! Seems better for your colouring than the all-grey. I'd love to see the grey cardi paired with white bottoms :)<br />Also noting that I do like the blues on you as well, ie. that Jessica sweater. Too bad it wasn't working but I do like those shades on you.<br />I'm getting a little depressed thinking about the upcoming winter...my brother lives in Calgary and I so know what you mean about all that sand, gravel, and muck plowed to the edge of the roads </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341667 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:57:26 +0000 Alana in Canada 1341667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz--thanks for your reply! I would never wear white bottoms to work--and that is where I do most of my messy commutting. Otherwise, I am in a car.That said, I am a bit trepidatious about wearing white in our slush and snow and salt and sand. (For those who don't know, the city puts down a mixture of sand and salt to help with traction on the roads in winter--then they plow it all up on the sidewalks to clear the roads. Crazy.)</p> <p>Ceit--thanks. That's reassuring.</p> <p>Stylefan--oooh yes, absolutely. This following of the 4x4 formula is strictly seasonal. In fact, I am beginning to think I really ought to have one set of neutrals for fall--and one set for winter. (Black can overlap both.) Maybe. I don't know but you comment helps me think it through. Must give it more thought. Hmmm, instead of four pieces for the second neutral, maybe two would be enough. So a grey pair of pants and a cardigan, and a white top and a pair of pants for the second. .....thinking.....</p> <p>Stays fit--thanks.</p> <p>Gryffin--how are you doing in your process of picking colours? Your instincts are spot on for me!</p> <p>JamC--too funny, I picked my "accent" colours to be "grape" (or deep purple) and deep red. I am waiting on an order from Old Navy which will have more tops in these colours. I now wish I'd included some winter white! (But white is really hard to pick out on-line, I'd say, unless it is that bright optic white--which I do not want for winter!</p> <p>Mush rush and put on my orange apron now. Thanks again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341651 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:02:51 +0000 Suz 1341651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alana, I, too, am rushing to work, but I just wanted to add another wrinkle to all the excellent suggestions here. (Isn't Inge amazing, by the way??? And the whole forum is a wealth of information and help...)</p> <p>Your "happiness factor" with specific colours and colour combinations may be partly affected by the seasonal quality of light.&nbsp;</p> <p>I know that mine is. I absolutely crave white and brighter colours in the summer light -- and can wear them better, too, as my skin warms up in tone.&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, in winter, I <b>STILL</b> long for brights (but deeper, richer&nbsp;brights -- more like softened jewel tones) and I long for&nbsp;white (but optic white is often too harsh, so winter white is better) -- yet at the same time I tend to tolerate and enjoy tonal looks more, and I can wear an all dark outfit in my best dark neutral (navy for me) as long as I pep it up with texture, shine, or a bright coat!&nbsp;</p> <p>That's actually one of my winter secrets -- my red coat. It makes me happy every time I put it on. Seriously -- I don't think the power of a bright coat can possibly be overestimated in our climate!&nbsp;</p> <p>White is great and I am always on a mission to "lighten up" for winter. I even manage (occasionally) to wear white jeans in winter. But I warn you, it is tricky with our slush and spattering. I, too, commute by foot, and I can really only wear white on the driest days in winter. So you might want to start with white or light up top vs. on the bottom -- until you get your basics covered.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341647 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:46:20 +0000 Alana in Canada 1341647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh--and Inge, while I hv you here,&nbsp;&nbsp;I found the Jessica sweater you picked out for me. It has been made very oddly. The 2x was HUGE--and the 1x too small. There is a slit in the back, too. Odd. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341645 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:41:17 +0000 Alana in Canada 1341645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, first, hugs.&nbsp;<br />So pretty, some of these combos.</p> <p>Many, many of the looks look good to me, but a few really stood out: those with the highest amount of contrast. SO:</p> <p>- Burgundy jeans/pants + light grey top + burgundy scarf + white or cream longer length topper.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180777372514837616/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180777372514837616/</a></p> <p>- Blue jeans + grey sweater + purple/burgundy/plum scarf and footwear.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160440805444676367/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160440805444676367/</a></p> <p>This won't be that hard to do as I have already picked this colour as my secondary accent colour. (The land's end top is close to plum.)</p> <p>- White or cream pants + light grey boots + light grey long jacket/cardigan.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/314266880217068110/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/314266880217068110/</a></p> <p>I think this works for me, not so much for the colours as for the contrast in shapes.&nbsp;</p> <p>- Grey top, white jeans and black jacket, cardigan or blazer.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/446700856762511836/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/446700856762511836/</a></p> <p>Great contrasts--oh and that shearling jacket! Oh well. It would not look good on me, but something mixed media might (and thinner!)</p> <p>&nbsp;Black jeans or trousers + white top + light grey cardigan + cognac bag.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/397724210813298006/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/397724210813298006/</a></p> <p>Bag is too light--maybe deep red! Love the cardigan.</p> <p>&nbsp;Light wash blue jeans + fluid fit white top + fluid fit grey cardigan.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180988478747968282/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/180988478747968282/</a></p> <p>Love this. Don't know why.</p> <p>- Mid-blue jeans + red or burgundy top + grey cardigan + red or burgundy bag and a scarf that has some white in it.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/109704940898598350/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/109704940898598350/</a></p> <p>I adore this to pieces. The cardigan itself is fabulous, too. Red white and blue always makes me start to feel like an American, though. Must get over that.</p> <p>- Cream or white jeans + light grey top + darker grey cardigan or jacket<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/570127634049619706/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/570127634049619706/</a></p> <p>As an all-neutral look, this one is stellar. Is it the proportions? Or the contrast of black and white? Love the texture in the grey sweater.</p> <p>- Grey jeans or trousers + cream top or sweater + eggplant or purple scarf.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175077504238477447/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175077504238477447/</a></p> <p>Very pretty. This is as pale a purple as I'd want to go, though. The next one is even better:<br />- Eggplant + white/cream and light grey.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/69031806761407383/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/69031806761407383/</a></p> <p>- White or cream jeans (or ponte knit trousers) and a light grey sweater.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/116601077826857751/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/116601077826857751/</a><br />Not high contrast. But lovely.</p> <p>And so there we have it. I'm not sure, what, exactly, just yet. I had to do this quickly as I need to get redy for work. However, you have given me great hope I can figure a way out of this, somehow!</p> <p>No, I never posted the light grey pants, white top and grey sleeveless cardy. I was in the Toni Boutique at the Bay and didn't have my camera with me. I even had them out the items on hold while I thought about it--but the pants and cardy together cost far, far&nbsp;too much. (Though it is the place--and I paid about the same for the NYDJ white ankle denim and the EF white linen top and they were my happy pieces this summer, for sure. A good investment.)</p> <p>Yes, please, I would LOVE some help finding white/cream coloured pieces. I tried on these yesterday. Did not bring them home. (Too summery? for the cardi nd too clingy for the white top.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341642 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:34:33 +0000 Anonymous 1341642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your first outfit, but I love dressing tonally. I like how the different shades match with your hair a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341637 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:18:40 +0000 Style Fan 1341637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alana,&nbsp; So many great suggestions have been given to you and I will just share with you my experience with Vivienne Files.&nbsp; I love the Vivienne Files because I love putting colours together and I love trying to have a small wardrobe.&nbsp; I love having a form to fill out.&nbsp; However, I would never wear all one colour the way she suggests.&nbsp; One of my neutrals is dark brown and I can not imagine wearing all dark brown.&nbsp; I would look like a reindeer.&nbsp; She does suggest evaluating your preferences and this is what you are doing.&nbsp; Some people wear all black and look great (my DH) but their colouring is different than mine.</p> <p>It took me awhile and much agony to decide on my 2 neutrals and accent colours.&nbsp; I did a wardrobe review and then realized in Canada we have more seasons than dear Vivienne.&nbsp; My summer (hot) wardrobe might have different colours than my fall (coolish) wardrobe.&nbsp;&nbsp; How could the same wardrobe work for temps of -37 and +30!&nbsp; Not possible.</p> <p>In terms of the outfits you have posted I prefer the ones with more than one colour.&nbsp; I am not a big fan of all one colour.&nbsp; That is me.&nbsp; Unless it is a long evening gown (or you are Johnny Cash/DH)&nbsp;one column of colour is not my personal preference.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341634 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:11:03 +0000 Alana in Canada 1341634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neel, everyone, thank you. What seemed like insurmountable frustration last night, seems like a simple problem this morning: swap out the grey for winter white.</p> <p>Thanks for sharing your story,&nbsp;Gigi. The impulse to get rid of the grey items I have already purchased comes from wanting to keep this wardrobe fairly small and manageable. I found I was almost overwhelmed by having five bottoms this summer,&nbsp;(though I have wished for white shorts more than once!) but I may be able to adjust. :)</p> <p>RB--thanks for the encouragement. It's very easy for me to get caught up in theory and what I <i>should</i> do. Listening to my gut is harder than it should be, sometimes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Deborah--love the idea of the beads. Must keep my eyes open! In fact, I saw a lovely stand a couple of days ago and actually thought, "I have nothing to wear that with." Short memory! I think, when I get time, I just might put these little thumbnails onto a sheet of paper I can tuck into my purse to remnd me what I have.</p> <p>San--how nice of you to say that to me. Thank you.</p> <p>Rachylou--before YLF it hadn't even occurred to me there were different shades of grey. (I know, I know.) much less that I would react strongly to one shade over another. Lighter, I think is the key. Yes, the top is rather shapeless, isn't it--and it is very thin. I was just so exited to find it so I could make myself a column of colour--which I quite like.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh Inge. I am going to reply to you separately. Such good stuff.</p> <p>Runcarla--cream or winter white--yes. I can't do as much yellow in my white&nbsp;as you can. Looking forward to seeing those cords--and good luck with the skirt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341633 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 11:10:12 +0000 Staysfit 1341633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alana, everyone else has already given you great advice on your color choices, and I don't have any better suggestions to add. I did want to say that I love how you are smiling in your photo's! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341626 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:36:05 +0000 gryffin 1341626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alana - Sorry, I don't have time to read all the posts, but I've struggled with colors too so just leaving a couple of quick thoughts.&nbsp; Love all your silhouettes, your outfit ideas are stellar.&nbsp; I think the gray outfit lacks the contrast/compliment with your skin tone.&nbsp; You become all one color and it does not showcase you.&nbsp; I do think it imperative, if you want to do the 4x4, and btw I love the vivienne files but I have not done this yet and want to, the two base neutrals must be tone/value flattering to your coloring.&nbsp; I love you in black, the high contrast pops your gorgeous hair and face.&nbsp; The deep red, well it loves you, and look how the apples of your cheeks and skin glows!!&nbsp; I think you might be able to wear gray but it would have to be a cool very dark charcoal.&nbsp; Counter thought, white in winter weights, or navy if you like the black/navy mix, or burgundy/wine (at least as a main accent color).&nbsp; But the colors should make you glow!!&nbsp; Alana - almost there, you really have it - so jealous- you just need to refine this color choice and it will all fall into place!!&nbsp; Hang in there!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/should-i-take-it-all-back-sorry-long#post-1341625 Thu, 28 Aug 2014 10:34:36 +0000 JamC 1341625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the items you have are good basic neutrals but you need some accents. Inge's numerous visuals point out how you can mix and match with a few accents. I love her suggestions of white and eggplant or dark red. The column of color only works for me if I add something else over it! </p>