YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style BVP

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Style BVP https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:35:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173617 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 18:08:55 +0000 Jenn 2173617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, you are absolutely right that I'm the -A subtype, the Advocate (and I'm stronger on that A/T axis than on anything else except for the E/I). JenniNZ, sustainability isn't a competition! I like the concept that we don't need a couple of people doing 100% better...it'd make a bigger difference having every person doing 10% better. Minaminu, you are so organized and clear in your goals.  I'd love to see your stab at this exercise! Liesbeth, so true! There's a balance to be found between planning and analyzing and listening for that little voice of truth when you're shopping. Lynn, I thought about writing more about my balancing act between novelty-seeking and familiarity, but things were getting long.  I've been known to burst into tears at a new restaurant because the menu was too big and unfamiliar, but I also know that I "recharge" through novelty.  in clothing, that ends up meaning that I'm happy wearing the same things every week, but couldn't wear the same things every day. Lynn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173603 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 17:10:45 +0000 Lynn 2173603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, Now I know why your posts and wardrobe approach resonates so much with me. You articulated my beliefs much more articulately than I could have. We are also much alike in personality but I am more analytic than poetic and am not so novelty seeking. I am strongly introverted and intuitive but like Fashintern I border between thinking and feeling and judging and perceiving.  That's probably why I like the structure of uniform dressing as long as I love the clothing items and I like returning to places I enjoyed to explore them more deeply. I am another one who loves 'curating a wardrobe or putting together a capsule than creating individual outfits.' Stagiaire Fash on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173526 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:55:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2173526@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Liesbeth, high 5, fellow INTJ! I hear you on the checkboxes. I try to hold off on the purchase of even very logical things until I have that *and* the gut feeling. How long have I been searching for winter slip-ons? It started at least last winter. I knew just the feel I wanted. Can’t tell you how many pairs I ordered, always by the rules, but then I tossed in a couple pairs that weren’t brown; when I pulled the navy patent kilties out of the box, I just knew. Maybe that’s because I’m on the borders of Thinking and Feeling, Judging and Perceiving. Liesbeth on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173524 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:48:11 +0000 Liesbeth 2173524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another great read! 'I have a lot more fun curating a wardrobe or putting together a capsule than creating individual outfits.' Hear hear. It's why I love your posts. I'm an INTJ so big-picture too. I have to remind myself that the end goal is not the perfect wardrobe but to be able to dress well every day. And that an item that perfectly fits a theoretical hole can be less of a workhorse than an unexpected addition. I love Angies perspective for that, and that of other more intuitive dressers on the forum. Minaminu on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173519 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 10:11:07 +0000 Minaminu 2173519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great post! Very well written and made me think on a few points. I think you described your style very well, I hope I'll be able to reach such clarity as well! Jenni NZ on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173483 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 01:27:16 +0000 Jenni NZ 2173483@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for this, it is making me think, which your posts often do. I feel unable to be as sustainable as you and my main way of late is trying to make sure I wear the stuff enough. I did consider about buying from companies that flood the market with cheap clothing but to some extent find that hard to avoid. Example was my new summer white cropped pants bought late last year. I did try several smaller companies but in the end the thickness of the fabric was insufficient except for a pair from Ezibuy, a NZ/Aus company which makes a lot of clothes all in China. So IDK. But always appreciate your thoughts! Suz on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173482 Sat, 20 Feb 2021 01:04:55 +0000 Suz 2173482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, this was such a pleasure to read. Your clarity here doesn't surprise me a bit, because you've got such a secure handle on your closet -- what you need from your clothing, what you want to express, and how you want to live more generally, that of course it all fits together and reflects you like....well, like your perfectly curated wardrobe!  Fellow INFJ (as you know) and oh, how I resonated with that comment about developmental editing vs. assistant editing.....that is SO me.  Also, you might be the INFJ-A (advocate) that Staysfit says she is...there's a greater assertiveness than in the other subtype. (I'm supposedly an A, too, and yes, sometimes people find me a bit intimidating even though I scratch my head about it, feeling like the least intimidating person in the world!)  Oh, laughing because I'm also an Upholder. With a questioning side.  Why the heck are there so many INFJs on this forum if we are so scarce in the world, I wonder?  Jenn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173476 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 23:42:09 +0000 Jenn 2173476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ runcarla, suntiger, Janet, thank you so much! Especially for reading this novel of a post! Sal, you've been a big influence on me, too! I think a lot about the fun and personality, pattern, and texture you bring to a wardrobe that's not all that much larger than mine. As far as the novelty-seeking, I really have to balance planning with my exploration. I want to experience new things, but in a manner I have some control over.  :) rachylou, the overproduction problem is one that we're only just now, as a civilization, starting to understand. The kind of scale we're looking at now wasn't even conceivable a generation ago! Bijou, thank you, that's a lovely compliment! Joy, I feel similarly about working for other people. I really am so much happier when I can control my own time.  Star, that's so interesting! Fashintern, can I confess...the real reason I used the acronym is just that I find my eye starts to glaze over multiple posts with the same titles? Many of your parenting ideals resonate with me, as well. Not least because we're both raising sons in the same generation...mine's just a couple years older than yours. nemosmom, INFJ is supposedly a fairly rare combination, but it does seem people of similar personality types congregate in the same online spaces! And yes, yes, yes...curation definitely isn't just about acquisition! Helena, I might not even have written this if it hadn't been for your original, and thoughtful post earlier this week, so thank you! cat2, I think the needle is moving, due to people like you contacting companies directly, along with others speaking out online, and the general outcry of folks making it clear that these are values worth having...so thank goodness for that! LisaP, do you mean personality characteristics? I'm not surprised by that...thought it's interesting how similar traits can manifest differently style-wise! Some of that, I'd guess, is other background influences. LaPed, honestly I sometimes wish I were a person who liked doing the same things over and over. Especially this past year. Angie, are you kidding? I typo constantly, a side effect of typing quickly and, you know, that "big picture" thing. I suspect we'd get on just fine in person, despite being as different as could be! Values go a long way. Angie on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173398 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:08:38 +0000 Angie 2173398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ *APPLAUSE* Really fun read! Loved every word of it! And getting to know you better, Jenn.  You nailed it, and I expected nothing less! You are REALLY good at this type of thing. I could have guessed you were an English major. So very eloquent! Thank you for being forgiving of my millions of typos..... Our personalities and styles are very different, but our values and beliefs align quite strongly. There is a reason for the mutual respect between us :) LaPed on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173376 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 16:34:20 +0000 LaPed 2173376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, wow, nodding along with so much of what you've written. I love your illustration of the poetic/analytic balance you've struck. I fully identify with "I would go crazy hiking the same trail every day." My DH is the opposite, perfectly happy going back to the same place over and over, just because it's close and familiar (and yes, he's a uniform dresser too). It baffles me!  You do such a good job cultivating novelty in your wardrobe while also keeping it small. I'm always impressed by the range and versatility of the pieces you choose.  Anonymous on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173362 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:54:23 +0000 Anonymous 2173362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ " I don't think Jennie's a child."  I love this.  Why can I see this so clearly ?  It surprised me that we share so many of the characteristics you've outlined above.   You continue to be my inspiration for all things cerebral and real  here on the forum, and I love your very "you" style. cat2 on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173359 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:46:53 +0000 cat2 2173359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn, I really appreciate your comments about quality, sustainability and size inclusivity. It’s something I am focused on as well in picking brands and pieces to wear. I have taken to emailing brands feedback when I have time, and every year sent an email to one of my favorite UK brands about not cutting pieces for the average American woman. Others must have been doing the same thing, as they now cut to a 16. If we all provided feedback on quality, on on-shoring production, etc., maybe we could move the needle. Helena on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173343 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:49:24 +0000 Helena 2173343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenn - you're another one where, even though I couldn't have articulated any of this, I was nodding along thinking, yep, this makes perfect sense given your style and self-presentation. Integrity inside and out - amazing; well done! nemosmom on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173327 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 13:42:41 +0000 nemosmom 2173327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi-fiving a fellow INFJ!  What a great read, Jenn! I found it incredibly interesting and I see all the traits you listed represented in how you style yourself.  I am another who is grateful to you for sharing your thoughts on sustainability and your processes around closet curation. Thank you for reminding us of the "Joy" that can be found in curating but in a sustainable way.  Joy doesn't have to come from constant acquisition. Stagiaire Fash on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173312 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 11:46:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2173312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In your statement, I see quite a few things we agree on—quality, sustainability, low wardrobe “churn rate”, and “life before clothes” (which is a great way of stating that value), introversion and novelty-seeking (a combo that for some can be hard to imagine). In your big-picture thinking and analytic side, I see a similarity to myself too, as I want the details to follow the big picture principles; details that are not related to the whole are clutter. I appreciate your “no rules” but principled approach, and you are indeed supportive, even in your critiques. I also appreciate that your suggestions are generally adjustments to/refinements of the path one is already on. I’m glad to see the word “yet” in your intro—your comments have always been so helpful, you’re one of the people I was looking forward to hearing from when I wrote my statement. Your comment on not following rules if they don’t make sense reminds me of a thought from my grandma: we must teach our children to hew good paths, for they go forward into a world we do not know. That’s a Leitfaden for me as a parent, but I think it also works here—we can’t just (teach our kids to) stick to the path that’s already laid out; as times and trends change, stiff rules are useless and can get in the way, but having sound principles to rely on enables (them and) us to respond well to the unforeseen. One thing I’d add is that you are good at picking up things that are just emerging and making them your own. I, otoh, needed a minute to realize what the abbreviation in your title stood for, and didn’t realize when I wrote my post (the first forum post on this topic after Angie’s blog post) that there was a universal title for everyone to use. But I’ve learned so much in this exercise—reading everyone else’s posts and the responses to my original one— that I might go back and rewrite mine, and give the new one the cool acronym title. Star (Lise) on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173303 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 08:52:49 +0000 Star (Lise) 2173303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gosh I could have been reading a well-written analysis of myself, minus the poetic - and the clothes at that mostly go with that.  I am an ENTJ fwiw.  We have very similar beliefs, traits and thinking.  Oh, and I do love your wardrobe and would be super comfortable in many of your clothes.  A little bizarre, but Cheers!  Anonymous on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173285 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:44:21 +0000 Anonymous 2173285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well said and lived. I was agreeing with most of what you said. A test we took in eighth grade said that I should never do repetitive work. To torture me, put me on an assembly line (or ask me to stuff envelopes). Novelty is so important sometimes. You do an amazing job with a small wardrobe. Bijou on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173284 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:32:19 +0000 Bijou 2173284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your wardrobe definitely projects all of this. I am another who has been influenced by your views on consumption, ethics and sustainability. Jenn you lead by example which is always the most authentic and inspiring form of leadership. rachylou on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173282 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 03:03:41 +0000 rachylou 2173282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really unique and individual and clear, and I completely see these shaping the development of your whole wardrobe. (And I have to say, I have finally clued into the problem of overproduction, the notion of ceaseless growth, as such and wish I had much sooner in life.) Sal on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173278 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:42:52 +0000 Sal 2173278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A very interesting read and lovely to get to know you a bit better.  You write beautifully and I always admire the way you dress with signature style but with flair and some drama.  And I love that you are a novelty seeker - I am too but most of my friends are a bit more structured in life than I am which can be interesting at times. You have been influential in some of my wardrobe curation and sustainability strategies.  We do it slightly differently but I do think "what would Jenn do?" Janet on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173276 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:37:31 +0000 Janet 2173276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great analysis. I relate very much with a lot of what you wrote! And I can definitely see all of it in your style. Jenn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173275 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:37:15 +0000 Jenn 2173275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shevia, yeah, that's probably true. And I probably was more of a questioner when I was younger, before I decided who was worth listening to! Jaime on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173273 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:31:37 +0000 Jaime 2173273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, sorry that's what I meant. But an upholder with strong questioning tendencies I submit. Jenn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173271 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:29:39 +0000 Jenn 2173271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ shevia, I'm an Upholder! Probably comes from being the oldest child of a single mom. I have an outsized sense of responsibility, which is also probably why I'll take on leadership roles when necessary, but am not eager to volunteer for them. Jaime on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173270 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:27:35 +0000 Jaime 2173270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great self analysis. I nodded along with your every line thinking that seems right to me. Amazing how much we do reveal of ourselves through our style (and style posts). I especially like your poetic/analytic and your detail/big picture spectrums. The only thing that took me slightly for surprise was you as an obliger. I see you more as a questioner but maybe I am projecting . Anonymous on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173269 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:25:52 +0000 Anonymous 2173269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yaaas! Carla on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173268 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:22:43 +0000 Carla 2173268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Insightful and profound.   Jenn on "Style BVP" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-bvp#post-2173266 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 02:18:11 +0000 Jenn 2173266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BVP...the style equivalent of DNA? I'm a little late on this, but I've enjoyed all the posts so far (even those I haven’t yet responded to!) and am just getting time to sit down and write mine all out. I have some of the same characteristics as in Angie's list, but I put some of them in different categories, just because that's how my mind works. BELIEFS <ul> <li>No rules: I believe anyone can wear anything they want, regardless of size, age, color, social status, gender, etc.</li> <li>Quality shows: I mean quality of garments--not quality of people, which isn't a thing. Quality shows up not just in longevity, but in the way fabric feels on the skin and the way clothing hangs on the body. I really believe that seeking out quality (which isn't always apparent by price) makes a difference in the relationship I have with my wardrobe.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Joy in curation: Building a wardrobe can be fun experience that helps us illuminate the traits we want to show the world.</li> </ul> VALUES <ul> <li>Sustainability: I value all the pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, economic, and human) and try to balance these with all my purchases. I'm especially sensitive to overproduction and won't shop from manufacturers who flood the market with massive amounts of cheaply-produced clothing.</li> <li>Style for all: I don't think style should be limited to one body type, and prioritize shopping from companies that make an effort to clothe real people of all sizes.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Life before clothes: I hate the feeling of having to be precious about my clothing. I want my clothes to support my lifestyle, rather than the other way around. it's possible to make silk and lace that stand up fine to everyday life, and I don't have a lot of patience for garments that don't.</li> <li>Mindfulness: I want to be cognizant of my consumption and aware of my possessions. It's important to me not to consume thoughtlessly or to have so much I'm not longer even aware of what I own.</li> </ul> <div> </div><div>PERSONALITY <ul> <li>Introverted and take-charge: I'm an introvert (INFJ), but I will always step up to the plate when I see a leadership vacuum. I'm good in a crisis, but also happy to step back if someone else capable wants to be in charge. Sometimes, I come across as a bossy, know-it-all because I'm not naturally warm and gregarious, even though I'm incredibly supportive of those close to me. Many of my current friends have told me they found me intimidating when they first met me. I don't try to soften this image with my clothing, because that would be misleading. I'm confident in my leadership abilities and would just as soon not take on that sort of responsibility. Maybe this is why I tend to feel most comfortable in a lot of black, but with bold and simple shapes.</li> <li>Upholder: In Gretchen Rubin's "4 Tendencies," I'm an Upholder. I'm good at meeting both external and internal expectations. That means even though I really believe in "no rules" as I said above, I usually follow the rules, dressing appropriately for any given occasion. I also heed my inner voice that says if a "fashion rule" doesn't make sense to me, I'm not going to heed it.</li> <li>Poetic and analytical: I think I'm a pretty equal mix of poetic (English major) and analytical. I like swishy skirts and dark florals and straw bags. I know exactly how many of those I have and keep the number in check.</li> <li>Novelty-seeking: I rejuvenate by seeking out new places. I don't like going on vacation to the same place over and over again. I like trying new foods. I would go crazy hiking the same trail every day. I'm not a uniform dresser.</li> <li>Big picture thinking. Just out of college, I was an editorial assistant. When it came time to move to the next phase of my career, my boss was honest with me that she thought I'd make a bad assistant editor (who did a lot of detail-oriented, sentence-level work) and a much better developmental editor (who tended to focus on the larger structure of book projects). I ended up switching careers entirely, but that assessment has always stuck with me. I have a lot more fun curating a wardrobe or putting together a capsule than creating individual outfits.</li> <li>Grown-up. My mom used to tell the story that, on my first day of kindergarten, the bus pulled up in the afternoon and she asked the driver how I'd done. He said, "I don't think Jennie's a child. She's a little adult." Growing up, I always took on more responsibility than my age would indicate and, while I think my inner child is pretty okay, she's not really squealing for novelty prints or Peter Pan collars, and I'm okay with that.</li> </ul> Wow. That was a LOT. I hope it's been as interesting to you as all yours have been to me! </div>