https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 02:55:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-743412 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:07:09 +0000 catgirl 743412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, that's actually the outfit of yours that really stands out in my mind... I loved it when you posted it and still do. I see lots of overlap in our pinned styles - andryogyny, fluid shapes mixed with structure, strong simple statement pieces, etc... Will be following along with you now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-743400 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:12:39 +0000 Caro in Oz 743400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi alaskagirl - You're right I think I do have (or did have) a fairly established style but I'm also always ready to improve on what I'm doing. The other thing I am trying to do is refine my wardrobe I have too many things that don't get worn very often - I guess I'm trying to find a non-restrictive uniform - that probably only makes sense to me. </p> <p>Anyway I was just playing around in the archives (like you do) &amp; found Angie's post. It made me remember doing the Style Statement questions a couple of years ago &amp; I found them helpful. I am very visual &amp; usually have gut-reactions to clothing. This would be fine if all I bought was stuff I loved BUT I have also settled &amp; bought more than I need by using all kinds of justification - it's on sale; it would go with......etc. So having to actually define my style with five adjectives wasn't at all easy. </p> <p>I've added a photo of a winter outfit that is closest to what I'm aiming for but it's lacking something.......have a look at my style inspiration board here these are the clothes I would love to wear.....</p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/icon49/clothing-inspiration/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/icon49/clothing-inspiration/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-743247 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 01:41:24 +0000 catgirl 743247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, this is a great list. I have loved your WIWs and thought you had a clear, established style that you embraced - so interesting to find that you're still pinning down definitions. At least know you look fab while making the jounrey. </p> <p>Can you post a pic of an outfit you feel is in line with your current style aspirations (either of you or an inspiration)? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-743183 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:11:30 +0000 Caro in Oz 743183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mochi The Haider Ackerman shoes make me want to cry too - they really combine everything I look for in style - comfort, edge &amp; beauty.</p> <p>I think the value of Pinterest, especially to visual people is it allows you to see the overall picture - the repetition of cuts or colours or just details that you find most appealing. Before Pinterest I always tore pictures from magazines or copied images from books. </p> <p>Thank you for your thoughtful comments, I think we share a love of controlled theatricality.</p> <p>Mama Suzie, I'm really glad you are going to do the exercise - I found it very, very helpful. All the comments add another dimension too - it is great to see my words/images through fresh eyes. Can't wait to see the words you come up with. </p> <p>I love the fact that we can appreciate other styles here I get to see people wearing clothes I love but could never wear &amp; it's nice.</p> <p>Rachylou Your phrase, "nature's geometry is curvilinear, complex." really resonated with me as did your comments on the powerful aspects of elemental. I need time to digest these ideas. </p> <p>I understand what you are saying about being a technician but it's my belief we are all creative - in our lives, ours clothes &amp; our thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742805 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:38:42 +0000 rachylou 742805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have the best style, Caro. The best!</p> <p>Your rubric word "urban" - meaning a more refined route than the whole goth studs bit - I feel great, great sympathy for. </p> <p>You mentioned the word "elemental" here in a follow up comment, and I must say I'd be tempted to replace "organic" with "elemental." I feel like there's a certain power, sophistication, and, dare I say, spirituality in your style. There's no laziness. You're not done with a bit of unbleached hemp. Jenava mentioned wabi sabi. Your style is like that for me, both in terms of direct reference and shared sentiment. </p> <p>On the other hand, there's an aspect of "organic" that I think is important - nature's geometry is curvilinear, complex. That's kind of technical, but I also see it as a noticeable feature in what you're drawn to. In a way your style is severe (urban androgyny), but it's not harsh.</p> <p>...Funny about "creative." People will ask me if I'm an artist because of my style, or tell me I must be creative, but I most certainly am not. I am a technician. I'll give over that I'm demonstrative... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742801 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:31:53 +0000 Mama Susie 742801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m skimming as well until I can read it thoroughly later tonight (post and replies) but wanted to add a quick note. </p> <p>1. I love this exercise that you did. I think it will be helpful to me as well and will try to make the time to work on it this week.<br /> 2. I LOVE your pinterest board. Although quite different from my own style I really love this type of elegant artsy style (those were the first words that came to my mind when viewing your pinterest but not necessarily the correct ones) and really admire women (and men!) who can pull it off.<br /> 3. I am very much looking forward to your style journey and seeing how you implement your adjectives, wants, and desires into your wardrobe.<br /> 4. I just love posts like these because they give me ideas. I think I have also been here a few months now and am going much slower on my style journey for various reasons but these posts just make me want to get on it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742492 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:15:16 +0000 Mochi 742492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Caroline. Just glimpsed your Pinterest board and it's breathtaking. Those red Haider Ackerman shoes make me want to cry :)</p> <p>Yes to the theatricality of it, but it's all in the subtle details. It's not minimalist but there's that influence. There's a strong Japanese flavor to it as well. You have the most amazing taste in jackets. </p> <p>I've been intentionally avoiding the Pinterest craze (do I need another online diversion?), but this is making me reconsider. I'll also be following your thoughtful style journey, and your real-world interpretations of this aesthetic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742487 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:06:32 +0000 Caro in Oz 742487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kiwichic - I love Yamamoto, so I'm glad you are getting that vibe.<br /> April - good points, practical is very important. It's how to achieve it without loosing the other components - I really need both.<br /> Deborah - thanks so much. Alternate is very interesting too. Lots to think about.</p> <p>I just want to thank you all again. I'm so glad I found YLF &amp; particularly this forum, it is really encouraging me to be the best I can be. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742478 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:51:24 +0000 Deborah 742478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro I just took a peek at your Pinterest inspiration board and I'll have one of everything:)</p> <p>I like your new set of descriptors, and from what I have seen of your style I think these are all very apt.</p> <p>Creative to me is the ability to put an outfit together with your own twists, as a opposed to just wearing it is styled in the catalogue or on the store mannequin. So for me creative is not always "arty" but I do see an arty element.. I love how you layer and that speaks to me of creativity and individuality.</p> <p>What also comes to mind is "alternate". Perhaps here on the forum we use "edgy" more and I don't know how interchangeable these words are but I see this as a dominant aspect of your style also.</p> <p>I will be watching your journey with keen interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742476 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:40:48 +0000 April 742476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow -- Jenava had the exact thought I had, that your "urban" might be better expressed as "practical." Such a good trait to keep in mind, given the unlikely shoes and clothing combinations we so often see in stores. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742449 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:44:31 +0000 Kiwichik 742449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro very impressed with your style definitions. I'm getting a Yohji Yamamoto vibe from your pinboard.</p> <p><a href="http://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/sp/ys/look/view_all.php" rel="nofollow">http://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp.....ew_all.php</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742394 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 05:28:00 +0000 Caro in Oz 742394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>pil - I'm glad my attempt at articulating this process worked. It wasn't easy but so worthwhile. I loved that green velvet &amp; belt too - at first I thought no not me, then I thought why not?<br /> Deborah - thanks for your fast response. I'll look forward to your thoughts. It's a very interesting exercise (clever Angie) &amp; well worth the effort imo.<br /> Mochi - thank you so much. I really appreciate &amp; your kind words. It's a good feeling when we "make sense" to others &amp; not just ourselves.<br /> shevia - love your observations about tailoring (I think you are spot on). Yes I will be posting outfits - just have to sort out the quality of the photos, everyone here just points &amp; clicks we need a photographer.<br /> Liz - wow you gave me the goosebumps, in a good way. Elemental was the word I thought of when reading your response - love it. It feels important - thank you!<br /> nancylee - Yes, you are right! Architectural shape/cut is there in so many of the pieces isn't it? It also fits well with shevia's idea of tailoring. Thank you!<br /> sarah - thank you. It wasn't something I had thought of until you &amp; nancylee replied. Yet now I can't see how I missed it - thanks again for your clear eyes.<br /> Jenava - I loved how you've used something you don't like as a style cue. I can see this being really powerful, especially for someone who likes many different looks. I had a look at your outfit photos on your blog, you have a wonderfully coherent style &amp; a clear vision of what works for you. Your comments about humour resonated with me too - not sure how I can incorporate puns into my look though.<br /> Suz - I just looked at your style board - we have so many pins in common. You have more colour &amp; a few heavy weight coats but that may be to do with season &amp; climate. Isn't it funny from the few exchanges we've had I felt we "get" each other &amp; what we are trying to achieve. Yes I do have pieces that will work - that's my next job......also it's coming into the warmer weather here &amp; it is hard to maintain this look when it's 100F. Linen, linen &amp; linen. I laughed out loud at your arty lady description - oh my. Still points for trying - better than track pants &amp; trainers.<br /> shiny - I cried when I read your post, you touched my heart. You are a gorgeous woman with great style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742342 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 03:14:08 +0000 shiny 742342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to be Caro when I grow up - how is that for aspirational? </p> <p>I know you've only posted a few WiW's but I love them all. I love your pinterest and where you are headed here, and can't wait to see how you translate it for yourself. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742336 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:54:15 +0000 Suz 742336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, I looked at your style board the other night when Ariadne asked us to link to our pinterest pages, and I was struck by how similar our aspirational styles are. In fact, we have pinned some of the very same items, quite independently! </p> <p>On my board I haven't posted a lot of the more drapey outfits that I adore, simply because I've recently acknowledged that I can't really wear them terribly well (or to do so would require more..ahem...creativity...than I can currently muster, and probably more financial resources as well...). But the point is, your style really resonates with me on a deep level. </p> <p>I am very interested to hear you wanting to move away from "creative" as a descriptor. I understand why (I think). "Creative" can conjure images of that crazy lady in the fringed shawl (as someone said to me here) or the one who is ALWAYS wearing purple tie-dyed something or other, brought back from somewhere or other. </p> <p>At the same time, you DO have a "creative" aesthetic. So I think you will also find inspiration from Diana's outfits. </p> <p>I think it would be a wonderful idea to look in your closet and try to figure out what pieces you currently have that could create some of your aspirational outfits. And what you need to make those outfits. Someone suggested this to me not long ago. Well, I haven't yet done it, but that is my plan over the fall/ winter. To see if I have ANY outfits that come close to my aspirational style and if not, what pieces I would need to create them. And also, to see what is in my closet that I might currently wear that might be pulling me away from my style goals. </p> <p>Maybe a similar exercise would be useful for you? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742324 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:33:49 +0000 Jenava 742324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your thoughts on this! I'm glad you're ditching eclectic as that is too meaningless in this context and doesn't really describe anything. I LOVE the idea of "organic" that, to me, is very descriptive. I would suggest melding "urban" and "andgrogynous" to something like "practical"?</p> <p>Your style ideas have inspired me to write down the ones that have been floating around in my head about mine:</p> <p>I used to struggle with this a lot, but over time it kind of came natrually. My body shape is curvy and soft, so shaped and draped garments are my friend...so into the mix that went first.</p> <p>Second, my humor tends to the dark side, so the next thing was "not whimsical". While this is a negative style cue you'd be surprised at how meaningful it becomes in fashion context. Nothing girly, young, funny or silly for me!</p> <p>Next, I like a Japanese, wabi sabi asthetic, so I like to keep things in harmony; this is one of those things where I "know it when I see it". And it's the reason I like destroyed denim!</p> <p>Lastly, I guess glamour; pure and simple. This means somewhat influenced by 1940's styles, or even 1980's styles - contrast, bold jewelry, and sultry if I can manage it!</p> <p>I also love a super modern, architectural, crazy look, but find myself constantly swayed away from this; this style is a modifier for me but not something I can really sustain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742305 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:18:06 +0000 sarah 742305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great exercise, and what an interesting pinterest board. And *high five* Nancy, because the word that came to mind immediately was "architectural". Is that what you mean by "creative"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742260 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:11:17 +0000 nancylee 742260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you've done a great job of identifying your adjectives, Caro. It can be difficult to put words to something as emotional and personal as your style, but it is an extremely helpful exercise...especially when it's time to stretch yourself. You have to know where you are--and where you want to go--if there is to be any change. :)</p> <p>I hear you on the changeable nature of the word "creative." It can mean different things to different people, but I think you've identified it in a way that really works for you. </p> <p>One adjective that came to my mind as I looked at your Pinterest page was "architectural." Many of the pieces had a definite architectural/structured shape. You might want to look in your closet for pieces like this....or maybe buy one fantastic architectural piece and let it lead the way to a new style direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742258 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:04:44 +0000 Liz 742258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your pinterest board was really enjoyable for me -- thanks for sharing that. By the time I got 3/4 way through it, I'd forgotten your key words . . . and the word Fearless was the word that really came to mind. What I saw there felt like Fearless Organic to me -- shapes and colors that were stripped of extras and freely displayed something essential. (Yikes...that sounds really vague!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742240 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:44:50 +0000 Jaime 742240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a great pinterest board that really reflects both your description here and what I have seen of you style. I think you might be going in the direction of more tailoring (of the Helmut Lang variety) as opposed to some of the more out there, deconstructed, Yohji Yamamoto shapes (whom I love don't get me wrong!). You do have a great sense of style and maybe the next step is to post some of your outfits that seem more in line with your new direction in contrast to ones that seem to be closer to the place you are leaving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742223 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:35:49 +0000 Mochi 742223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm also skimming quickly but had to express my admiration for the clarity of your vision and how elegantly you express it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742213 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:24:26 +0000 Deborah 742213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Caro, skimmed quickly as Im at work but will come back. Like pil i admire your ability to aticulate your aspirations, particularly as I struggle to do this. Looking forward to catching on this post properly tonight. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742208 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:16:51 +0000 pil 742208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How I admire those of you who can articulate your aspirations. You certainly are on the right track, Caro. I LOVE the picture with the green velvet and leather belt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-journey-or-the-long-winding-road-wordy#post-742199 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:09:20 +0000 Caro in Oz 742199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve been here for a couple of months now &amp; have been thinking a lot about taking my style to the next level. While looking through the archives I found this thread:</p> <p> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/06/27/five-adjectives-to-define-your-style/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/06/.....our-style/</a></p> <p>The idea is to find 5 adjectives (they have to be adjectives) to define your style; both current &amp; the style you aspire to....</p> <p>I found it difficult to pin down my current style(s) so the first adjective is:</p> <p>1. Eclectic – lots of different styles of not only clothes but jewellery, shoes, bags etc.<br /> 2. Classic – lots of classic pieces which don’t fill me with love but do enable me to dress everyday<br /> 3. Comfortable – I can’t wear it if it itches or pulls at me or doesn’t fit.<br /> 4. Creative – people are always telling me they wouldn’t have thought to do what I do with clothing (in a good way I think).<br /> 5. Androgynous – nothing too frilly or girly. Although I do love a mix – e.g. drapey blouse with jeans &amp; a jacket. I usually prefer pants/jeans to dresses &amp; skirts too.</p> <p>Where would I like to go from here?</p> <p>The main thing I want is to either ditch the eclectic or refine it to within an inch of its life. The fun has gone out of my relationship with it &amp; now it just causes confusion &amp; the need for extra storage! I’m not sure if this will work but I want to try it. </p> <p>I bought the Style Statement book &amp; did the exercises a couple of years ago – I chose “Organic Creative” as my statement which I think is good but not enough on its own. The aspects of organic that appeal to me most are being in tune with the natural world &amp; growth &amp; synergy as part of my life. The creative part means making new connections among seemingly disparate ideas &amp; seeking harmony in all that I do.</p> <p>So my new words are:<br /> 1. Comfortable – as above<br /> 2. Androgynous – but in a womanly way. Shapely pant-suits or dandy-ish male clothing, i.e. menwear styles in feminine fabrics.<br /> 3.Organic - I love natural fibres – linen, leather etc. I love drape &amp; folds &amp; shaped cuts on garments. I would also prefer to buy “green” clothing where possible.<br /> 4. Creative – I must admit I feel the same way about this word as Angie feels about cool. However I can’t come up with anything better so... Creative is the eclectic, playful, fearless part of me which has at times in my life taken over. This is the part I now want to use to my advantage – but not have it run my life. Without this element I would not have had the life I have had; it is an essential part of me.<br /> 5. Urban – not the goth, black, studs route (I love this look but want a more refined version at my age) but the messenger bags, flat shoes darker colours (not black). I see this as different from my other words (there is some overlap though – with comfortable, creative, androgynous). Without this as an extra element things never feel 100% right.<br /> This is my Pinterest board for my clothing inspiration:</p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/icon49/clothing-inspiration/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/icon49/clothing-inspiration/</a></p> <p>I would love to hear your thoughts/comments on any or all of this – thanks for getting this far....</p> <p>Lots of hugs to you all. </p>