YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Starting over

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Starting over https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:10:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Mamapicklejuice on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565818 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 16:11:25 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 1565818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carole, Joy, Anne, AG,  Beth, celia - Awww, all the feels, guys!  Thanks for the warm welcome back.  (And celia, no, same area of the country, but I've never managed to handle the transitional weather very well...I'm terrible at layering annabelle, I will definitely look at your suggested collections and links for miminalist inspiration, thanks! Rambling Ann, Jenn - Thanks for the compliments on the hair - I'm really loving the length! Angie - Wow - what a wealth of information, as usual!  :)  Thank you for chiming in, especially with your wrist issues!  Looove your list!  I am tackling jeans right now, since that is my biggest wardrobe hole.  How do you feel about duplicates?  (2 dark blue skinnies, 2 black skinnies, 2 straight leg, etc.)  Sometimes it's not possible to get the same fit but a different wash, and I guess I'm just anxious to have a working wardrobe.  Even with a black pair, I don't know if I should hold out for a pair with distressing, or fading, just to have variety or go for two pairs of pure black. I will try to post pix of current wardrobe items later today - if anyone has top/pullover suggestions, esp suitable for skinnies, please link!!!  :)  Also, looking for "tough" footwear for skinnies - are wedge sneakers still in? Carole on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565507 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 02:21:37 +0000 Carole 1565507@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have great advice already, just wanted to wave and say "hi"! Anonymous on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565505 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 02:10:40 +0000 Anonymous 1565505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MPJ! How great to see you and with a great new haircut. You have a wonderful wardrobe building opportunity and excellent advice from Angie. Have fun with it. anne on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565444 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:20:05 +0000 anne 1565444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wanting to say hi and welcome. I've missed you! catgirl on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565402 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:23:30 +0000 catgirl 1565402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just chiming in to say welcome back!  Aida on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565396 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:59:19 +0000 Aida 1565396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to see you again MPJ! Sounds like you've got lots of good advice, just wanted to say hi (Cute hair!) annabelle on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565375 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 20:54:07 +0000 annabelle 1565375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ +1 to Stephanie re simple shapes with detail. I encourage you to look at my or Stephanie or Jenn's Finds for minimalist inspiration. I like the brands of Everlane and Emerson Fry, lately, and I find a lot to love on totokaelo.com. Have fun! Angie on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565340 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:11:17 +0000 Angie 1565340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm off the forum for a while, MPJ (sore arm) - but wanted to chime in quickly to say how great it is to see you again. I've missed you.  For starters, have you looked at my Friday ensemble and capsule posts? There are MANY that will work for your lifestyle.  Off the top of my head: Step 1 = Update hair and specs. Check. I'm assuming your bras are in good shape since you're a YLF golden oldie. Step 2 = Update booties, jeans and knitwear. Check if your coats need updating too.  Step 3 = Choose a colour palette and start thinking of your wardrobe in capsules. That means thinking of your wardrobe pieces in terms of groups so that things work together.  You need something along the lines of: <ol> <li>6 to 10 pairs of jeans.</li> <li>A few jeans alternatives perhaps? </li> <li>Church Outfits and Date Night Outfits.</li> <li>At least 20 items of knitwear (it's very cold in New England)</li> <li>5 - 8 warm tops that aren't knitwear or layering tops.</li> <li>2 - 4 jackets. </li> <li>10 layering tops (styles depend on the knitwear).</li> <li>Get the right footwear for the jeans. </li> <li>A few accessories to jazz up the look and make you smile. </li> </ol> Okay. No more forum for me today.  Rambling Ann on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565333 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:51:33 +0000 Rambling Ann 1565333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>We had an <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-had-to-start-your-closet-over">interesting thread</a> on how to start over a while ago that might give you some ideas too. Love your haircut and specs.</div> celia on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565331 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:43:47 +0000 celia 1565331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It will be easy peasy because you look adorable. Jenn on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565329 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:38:40 +0000 Jenn 1565329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your hair is adorable! Alassë on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565327 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:38:08 +0000 Alassë 1565327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's a very flattering haircut! Mamapicklejuice on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565325 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:27:01 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 1565325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Picture 1: Short cut and new specs Picture 2: Today's outfit - gingham bf shirt and AG skinnies with snake print ballet flats. Will try to post a few other wardrobe items later, so you know what I'm working with.  celia on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565324 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:23:12 +0000 celia 1565324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Welcome back. Does your new location have different seasons/ weather than what you are used to? Do you feel you need to go more casual ?( It looks like it from your post) I know it can be overwhelming but I would take my time and enjoy each purchase. Beth on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565281 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:03:57 +0000 Beth 1565281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MPJ! Glad you're still around! I'm at work and do can't post much but I wanted to say hello:) Elly on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565260 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 16:01:57 +0000 Elly 1565260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see a lot of striped tees with cigarette pants and cardis, jeans with tees and nice jackets, chunky textured sweaters, sheath dresses or circle skirts paired with tees for church. You need some great comfortable flats, a heel you will wear casually, and a trench if your pinterest board is any indication. Belts and bags and shoes are more important when going minimal, as is any daily jewelry (mine are stud earrings and a watch).  Stephanie on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565254 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:54:07 +0000 Stephanie 1565254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You're welcome! Another forum member suggested that tee to me on one of my threads and I felt the same way about it...casual dressing doesn't have to be boring. I also like simple items with a little bit of special detailing to make them feel more unique and less boring. Good luck! Mamapicklejuice on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565250 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:49:39 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 1565250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alasse and Tina - Thanks for the warm welcome back!  :) Jenn - Wow - I love that site!!! I have only just opened it up but it looks amazing and just what I need.  Thanks! Word Lily - *embarrassed chuckle* whoops - should have edited my Pinterest before I posted the link.  I did actually order those dresses (or almost all and did not keep one.  Issues ranged from too short of a hem to too tight or too short sleeves.  I do like the idea of knit dresses in winter but I chicken out usually because I run so cold.  (I will add a comment to the dresses on my board because I like the idea still, but those specific ones did not work for me.)  Is this the solid gray French wardrobe you were thinking of?  <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/64246732160800012/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/64246732160800012/</a>  That is a good idea to start there.  Thanks. Stephanie - Thanks for the encouraging words, blog link and item suggestions.  I really like the high-low top.  It is easy (for me) to go boring when I go minimalist, and I like the subtle details on the tee that elevate it. Hope I didn't miss anyone! Stephanie on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565243 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:29:40 +0000 Stephanie 1565243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see a lot of trench coats - that may be a good item to include as part of your shopping list, especially if there is cooler weather coming soon to your climate. One of my favorite minimalist fashion blogs is un-fancy. Caroline isn't writing any longer, but she has a wealth of information in her archives: <a href="http://www.un-fancy.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.un-fancy.com/</a> Your pins reminded me of her simple, effortless yet comfortable and practical approach to style. I think outfits like hers would resonate with your lifestyle and wardrobe desires. I also noticed a lot of fun flats/shoes in your pins. What about trying a pointy toe ballet flat in a fun print? This is how I add interest to my solids and pointy toe flats help elongate the leg just a little. You could also try getting a few tshirts in varying styles. Caroline (un-fancy) recommends a rule of 3: if you want to wear a lot of tshirts, get 3. 1 super casual, 1 statement/dressier and 1 in-between. If you apply this to everything on your list, you can have a small yet HIGHLY functional wardrobe that meets all your various lifestyle needs. I'm starting from scratch for my casual wardrobe right now and can attest to the helpfulness of the forum members here! I'm excited to see your style journey. ETA: I forgot to include a few of my finds...your style approach sounds kind of similar to mine so maybe some of these items would interest you. Word Lily on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565238 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:18:07 +0000 Word Lily 1565238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well ... you pinned 7 dresses with the exact same silhouette and fabrication. Maybe pick one and buy it? Based on all the 5-piece French wardrobe links, and thoughts of capsule(s), I'd suggest the solid grey one, as it will be the easiest to change up, make look different (and thus easiest to wear again without it being quite as obvious). Tina on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565236 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:14:04 +0000 Tina 1565236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So glad you are back to posting! I always enjoyed your WIWs so much. It sounds like you have a plan in place to shop smart. I can't wait to see photos of your new 'do and your glasses! I'm no help with shopping, I live in Canada and shop mostly BR and Gap online. Jenn on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565234 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:06:29 +0000 Jenn 1565234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Starting from scratch is actually a great position to be in. Have you read any of the articles at Into Mind? Her minimalist approach seems to align with what I'm seeing on your Pinterest board. Start here: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://into-mind.com/2013/11/17/wardrobe-building-for-beginners-a-starter-kit/">http://into-mind.com/2013/11/1.....arter-kit/</a> Alassë on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565231 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:04:04 +0000 Alassë 1565231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice to see you back! I'll leave the specific advice to more trend-aware members. :) Mamapicklejuice on "Starting over" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/starting-over-1#post-1565230 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 15:00:20 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 1565230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have never seemed to get my act together and have a decent wardrobe that I enjoy that serves me well.  I am someone who gets easily overwhelmed by all the choices, and with a recent move, am reduced to ordering online for the most part, which makes it even harder. My goal: Minimalist wardrobe for casual lifestyle.  I still want to look chic and polished, even if I don't go to an office! My needs: A set shopping list that features up-to-date styles that are not overly trendy.  (i.e. 2 pairs of x-style jeans, 3 ls tops, 2 pullovers, etc - seriously, that spelled out!  I need to think in outfits, because I end up with orphans.)  Maybe specific item suggestions?  Outfits or capsule suggestions?  Images to pin or blogs to follow?  My lifestyle: Stay at home mom in rural New England, date nights with girlfriends/husband are to nice eateries in nearby big city - and do not require NYC-level glam (I'm thinking dark jeans, fancy top, unsure of footwear), non-frumpy (!) skirts/dresses only needed for church. My pinterest:  <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mamapicklejuice/40-is-the-new-29/" rel="nofollow">https://www.pinterest.com/mama.....he-new-29/</a>  Not sure if this helps, but these are the images that resonate with me.  I do not seem to be able to translate them into shopping lists, though, for some reason!  I recently upgraded my glasses and sunglasses and got a short sassy cut, so those things are crossed off my list.  I also purged more than I should have from my wardrobe, leaving me with literally almost nothing to wear.  I need help ASAP to get me started.  I have two pairs of AG Farrah skinnies with no suitable tops and only one pair of ballet flats (not crazy about flats with skinnies, but that might be another post).  HELP. I will try to post pix of whatever is needed!  Thank you if you have made it to the end of this post - I have been AWOL from posting, but following along from time to time, and enjoying everyone's fashion journey!  Now I think it's time I stop watching everyone pass me by and join you all in looking fabulous!