https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 07:08:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out/page/2#post-1378678 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 01:03:21 +0000 Peri 1378678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Angie, that's probably it. Both my fashion needs and my understanding of fashion are still pretty rudimentary at this point!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out/page/2#post-1378605 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:37:46 +0000 bj1111 1378605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ann, only if I can fight you for that ooolala shockmonkey (?) dress! And your MaxMara coat! And and... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out/page/2#post-1378602 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:35:36 +0000 Angie 1378602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, FWIW and&nbsp;from what I've seen (do correct me if I'm wrong), your style consists of a daily uniform of&nbsp;black pants, black sneakers - both E's - and a statement top or scarf. Easy, and the items have been&nbsp;identified into categories. (Fun for those who enjoy the analysis).&nbsp;You add a cardigan when you're cold, or possibly a jacket - some are E's &nbsp;and some are S's.&nbsp;You don't have the need to create a wardobe with many moving parts&nbsp;and lots of variety&nbsp;at this point. If you did, you'll probably find it helpful to define your Essentials so that you can pull together outfits more easily. Hope that makes some sense.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out/page/2#post-1378598 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:30:35 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1378598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for building out what has been a very interesting thread Una and all. Ruth, Angie may not want to rob you of your Manolos, but I do </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378596 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:26:04 +0000 Peri 1378596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking this is all interesting, and makes sense, and yet I'm missing the real importance of it. I don't see the reason to identify something as a statement vs an essential. I mean, I know what I need, I look for it, and I try to fill that need with something that I like. </p> <p>I can't live without black pants, but just because they are essential doesn't mean I don't also want to love the pairs I end up with, and to consider them special and exactly right for me. And a gorgeous sweater or scarf or necklace may obviously be a statement piece that I choose with my heart, but that doesn't mean I don't care if it is useful or not. It seems to me as if the lines are blurry, so why do I need to debate what category something falls in?&nbsp;</p> <p>I didn't join in the other discussions because of this doubt. What am I missing?Why do I care which label something gets? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378592 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 21:13:21 +0000 Angie 1378592@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That makes complete sense, bj1111. I strongly advocate that we MUST listen to how we <i>feel</i> in wardrobe items - especially once we road test them in our day to day settings. You are 100% right to listen to those feelings.&nbsp;Please don't think that I want to rob you of your Manolos. My suggestion is to fork out the money for the Aquatalias, and change into your Manalos when you're back in a heated and dry hospital setting - preparing for war. A bash at the best of both worlds perhaps.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378585 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 20:38:42 +0000 bj1111 1378585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Angie, respectfully, I disagree about the utility I would get re aquatalias vs my manolo pumps. Here is my reasoning...work clothing is armor and serves to frame what I want to accomplish. Those manolos make me feel powerful and invincible when I go to war...I mean work. I got the same feeling from a pair of $50 hooker boots that I got in Vegas in 2002.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the same visceral reaction to that coat that happens to be a Burberry. I just don't have the same "I can conquer all" feeling with those aquatalias (which I would get for work), no matter how appropriate for my weather. It just a different definition of utility and value.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378551 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 19:16:29 +0000 Suz 1378551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find this so interesting....I had no trouble splurging on La Canadienne boots last winter. But would find it really tough to splurge like that on heels (which, admittedly, I would rarely wear)&nbsp;or even on a Burberry coat (which I'm sure I would also wear and adore.)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378540 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:59:47 +0000 Angie 1378540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha. These feelings are not uncommon, bj1111. You've attached emotion and status to the high-end purchase. Yet ironically, the value you'll get in terms of comfort, style and quality from a pair of Aquatalais or La Canadiennes far outweighs that of&nbsp;the Burberry coat (and Manalos)&nbsp;for your climate and lifestyle. Food for thought.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378525 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:37:30 +0000 Sveta 1378525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Then start with Blondo boots if the fit is good for you. They are really good for the price and handle our snowy winter extremely well.<br />I find it easier to splurge on footwear than on any other piece of clothing - maybe because finding footwear in my size is a pain? Honestly I would rather buy a perfectly fitting Aquatalia boots than a Burberry coat&nbsp;&nbsp;(if I had to choose). Alas, Aquatalias were too narrow for my feet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378523 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:34:56 +0000 catgirl 1378523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ruth, I totally get it. Wants vs needs. That's why even my essentials (black sweaters) need some statement-ish quality - zipper, asymmetry, leather elbow patches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378511 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:25:13 +0000 bj1111 1378511@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Frankly, Angie, I have no idea other than I am emotionally attached to that coat and perceive its value consistent with its price.</p> <p>I see the aquatalias and think "boy, I can get a new pair of manolos instead!" Trust me, my priorities are not quite aligned and need some work.</p> <p>@Sveta, I have a pair of fryes that I use. I dash to the car (3meters) dash to the office door (3meters) then reverse. I just don't walk outside in the dead of winter. I need to rethink this tho, because fryes with my office armor is RIDIC! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378510 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 18:24:22 +0000 Isabel 1378510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AWESOME !</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378452 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:20:45 +0000 Angie 1378452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bj1111, purchasing a high-end&nbsp;Burberry coat is okay with you.&nbsp;Why is buying a pair of&nbsp;Aquatalias - which is hundreds of dollars cheaper, just as well made&nbsp;and super stylish&nbsp;- harder for you&nbsp;?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378447 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:07:20 +0000 Angie 1378447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a pleasure, Una. Thanks for working at your wardrobe to make it&nbsp;function better for YOU.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378445 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 17:05:06 +0000 catgirl 1378445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for playing, y'all.&nbsp; :)&nbsp; And I'm also noticing that my Finds are mostly Statements, again confirming that for me, needs tend to be Essentials, while wants tend to be Statements. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378341 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:33:11 +0000 Neel 1378341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! This is your brain child ... Should have guessed! Brilliant idea and I am in too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378338 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:18:12 +0000 Style Fan 1378338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will try this.&nbsp; I missed the thread where Angie said all Ankle booties are statement!&nbsp; I actually have statement pieces.&nbsp; bj1111 I feel your pain.&nbsp; I live in mid Ontario where the winters are very harsh.&nbsp; My Sorels are falling apart.&nbsp; I need new ones.&nbsp; I want to buy something else.&nbsp; Sigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378238 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 03:33:16 +0000 Sveta 1378238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am in!<br />Ruth, I cannot imagine you do not have winter boots in Michigan! How do you survive?!!!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378212 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 02:13:17 +0000 Meow 1378212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You inspired me to post a WIW with what I think are all essentials. I was really happy to read Angie's comment that an outfit of all essentials can make a statement. I wasn't going to post that outfit but with both of your comments I thought it was good timing. I would love your feedback! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378198 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:53:30 +0000 Debbie 1378198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure I always get the difference but I am going to try it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378192 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:45:42 +0000 Suz 1378192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fab idea, Una!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378183 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:31:32 +0000 Windchime 1378183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I analyzed my outfit this morning; it was fun. I've already changed into gear so won't post it, but the elements were:</p> <p>Black pencil skirt (essential)<br /> Dressy blouse (I decided it functioned as an essential AND statement piece<br /> in the outfit.)<br /> Black ankle boots (I would have said essential, but I think Angie wrote that<br /> she sees all ankle boots as statement.)</p> <p>Then I did a bit of post-work shopping at the Rack. I tried on:</p> <p>Grey wool trousers (essential)<br /> Black replacement ballet flats (essential)<br /> The same grey knit pullover vest Angie recently wore from NAS (statement;<br /> very sadly, the only available size was too small for me.)<br /> Navy blue pencil skirt (essential)</p> <p>And I came home with the same amount of money and clothing as I started with. But it's interesting to classify items as statements, essentials, and basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378178 Sat, 18 Oct 2014 01:17:23 +0000 bj1111 1378178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>my difficulty isn't being able to differentiate between essentials and statements. &nbsp;my difficulty is choosing to buy essentials in sufficient quality. &nbsp;i really need warm winter boots which i do not have--ideally something like sorels. &nbsp;</p> <p>i need a pair of dressy knee high flat boots preferably waterproof&nbsp;but am too cheap buy the aquatalias or even the blondos<br />instead i have ridiculous apron 100mm stiletto pumps and my most recent purchase was a suede (!) 80mm stiletto bootie.</p> <p>i need an angie bossy-ms-bossy intervention.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378136 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 23:51:13 +0000 carter 1378136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378106 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 23:22:59 +0000 Carole 1378106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea! That would really help me figure out the differences! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378104 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 23:21:25 +0000 Michelle 1378104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We share a brain today, Una: I just put up a WIW post and flagged my statement shoes right in the subject *before* I saw your thread. I like this practice and will adopt it. Thanks for the suggestion! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378022 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 22:03:45 +0000 catgirl 1378022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie you are such a sweetheart for sticking it out with me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378006 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:44:09 +0000 Angie 1378006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>YES. </b>That's sweet music to my ears, Una. I like the way you've divided up your work wardrobe because it sounds like a method that you can put into practice&nbsp;effectively. <b>Hallelujah.</b> xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/statements-essentials-and-sorting-it-all-out#post-1378000 Fri, 17 Oct 2014 21:37:37 +0000 Tanya 1378000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea Una!&nbsp; I will do that in my next WIW post. </p>