https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:34:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135561 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 17:21:22 +0000 Minaminu 2135561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great jumpsuit and fab bookcases!<br /> This is my compromise item, 100% wool cream coat. I always wanted one but was always afraid it would get dirty very easily and ruin it. Then I found this one and loved the material and drape but was not sure on the lapel... I decided to give it a go and it worked so well during the spring that I am now trying to think if I could add a small downjacket underneath and wear in the autumn and winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135542 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 14:20:08 +0000 Jenn 2135542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern&nbsp;</b>and&nbsp;<b>JenniNZ</b>, if you think an off-topic jaunt into the topic of books and bookshelves is going to bother me, you're sorely mistaken. &nbsp;;) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135521 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 09:27:07 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2135521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Jenni NZ, that made me laugh, ruefully, because one of the things I miss/want is my books. We didn't have fancy bookcases, just a couple of simple ones from Ikea, but I miss the warmth that a wall of bookshelves brings. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jenn, I'm trying to learn where to be a satisficer. I've realized recently that I far too often delve deeper and deeper into big decisions that the time to decide passes us by. I agree with you on the untucked "tucked-in" look. I think what makes it work in this case is that the top is long enough not to expose my belly when I twist around, and the elastic is loose enough that it can fall back into place easily.<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135509 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 05:01:24 +0000 Jenni NZ 2135509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes we did stop on the things we bought. But I still don’t have a bookshelf in the main living area, all the books I carefully chose to save after culling 27 years of books are still in the storage room upstairs because I have a certain area of wall and don’t want it to look cluttered. I will try to display the books in a pleasing way and leave the less pleasing looking ones upstairs. I cannot find the perfect black bookshelf I am after even with 1.5 years of looking both in store and online. But I guess eventually it will turn up :)<br /> Sorry to go off-topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135508 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 04:07:45 +0000 Jenn 2135508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>JenniNZ</b>, we have gone though something similar furnishing our new house. Our old house was a faux Victorian and this one is a modern, industrial townhouse.Luckily, my decorating style is eclectic, so many of the things we owned still work, but there were definitely pieces that just didn't translate! Have you stopped searching once the decisions were made, though? I think that's where the issues come in, when you're still second-guessing your decisions after they've been made! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises/page/2#post-2135505 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 04:01:32 +0000 Jenni NZ 2135505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Certainly furnishing our whole new house in 2018 and since brought this up! The style of the home is very modern whereas our previous home was 1957 with a lot of wood- mostly native NZ woods, one called tawa on the floor, a fairly light wood, and rimu which is also called “red pine”. So all my mid-century type furniture looked wrong.<br /> Ended up mostly a maximiser with that within budget. Heaps of searching! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135501 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 03:51:03 +0000 Jenn 2135501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>shevia,&nbsp;</b>do you satisfice or maximize in other areas? I realized I was a maximizer (and it was a problem) when we went camping and, after we set up at our site and walked around the campground, I found I had a running list in my head of all the other, <i>better&nbsp;</i>sites we could have gotten. It actually comes up <i>a lot</i> for me when planning travel, but I'm trying to break the habit in as many places as I find it.<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135474 Sun, 26 Jul 2020 02:16:52 +0000 Jaime 2135474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think quite a lot of my wardrobe is a compromise since I go with what I find most of the time. But I do find a lot and only take/keep a certain amount for myself, so within that compromise I am a maximizer? No specific examples come to mind right now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135454 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 23:51:50 +0000 Jenn 2135454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>cindysmith,&nbsp;</b>I feel that. Sometimes it's just figuring out how to wear something in a way that feels authentic.</p> <p><b>Gigi</b>,&nbsp;<b></b>those sound like the kind of compromises I would make--where &nbsp;the "perfect" item might not exist, but one does that checks almost every box. I'm glad they worked out for you, especially the boots!</p> <p>That's a great example, <b>Fashintern</b>! I've actually really liked the tops like that I've had...it's like tucking, but without having to futz with the tuck.</p> <p><b>nemosmom,&nbsp;</b>interesting! Those jeans would probably be trend at the shorter length now!</p> <p><b>Joy,&nbsp;</b>despite their weirdness, I'm always glad the EF bottoms have pockets. &nbsp;They're more handy than they are annoying.</p> <p><b>kkards,&nbsp;</b>yay! I've had that happen with a few trendier pieces I didn't want to spend on, too.</p> <p><b>Jenni,&nbsp;</b>you are an inspiration for enjoying what you have and the making the most of those pieces for what they are.</p> <p><b>ophelia,&nbsp;</b>good luck with the hair!<br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135425 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 21:54:31 +0000 ophelia 2135425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni that top looks fantastic on you. I'm letting my gray hair grow out (nightmare! The rest is warm brown). I had sworn off dark colors but am now inspired to rethink that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135412 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 21:01:57 +0000 Jenni NZ 2135412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know what, Jenn, I think I am making compromises a huge amount. As you know I am trying to wear my items #30 wears, and this winter have been trying to wear tops especially that have not yet reached that number. There is nothing wrong with these tops and I like them. I don’t buy tops I don’t like. I think they just hadn’t been totally effortless to wear whereas some others were, and previously I would overlook the ones that felt like they needed more effort and just keep wearing the others.<br /> So there has been quite a lot of “forcing myself” to wear the tops in question. But I am doing well, for example the pretty purple 2010 top has had 16 wears this year whereas only 14 from 2010-2019. I think maybe it felt a little short before but longer tops are not as fashionable as they were maybe so somehow I feel happier in it now? I always loved the colour and pattern.<br /> And there are other similar examples. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135360 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 14:29:05 +0000 kkards 2135360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember when i bought these boots, thinking that they’re not prefect but that they were a great price...and thinking that it was a compromise but for since I wasn’t sure about white boots, i was willing to compromise instead of continuing to search for something “perfect”...and then these became total workhorses for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135356 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 14:17:52 +0000 Anonymous 2135356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I compromised on a tank top both on the color ( black after I’d sworn off black) and fabric ( woven polyester). But this top has had zillions of wears as a basic piece. The fabric is thick and not clingy anywhere..<br /> Jenn, I also understand the EF pockets. I also compromised when I bought some EF silk pants at a consignment store. They are a lantern shape with those floppy front pockets, but have become summer workhorses. They feel cool and I would wear them every day. I wash them in a lingerie bag in cool water and hang to dry. They do not wrinkle or stretch out. They serve as pull on for me with a tiny bit of elastic in back but also have an invisible side zipper. The pockets are soft and do not stand out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135354 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 13:29:40 +0000 nemosmom 2135354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One pair of jeans comes to mind - a boyfriend fit pair of rigid denim. The length was awkward - WAY too short, but too long to be cropped, and the leg not wide enough for me to hack them, but I kept them anyway to wear around the house. </p> <p><div>Fast forward about half a year when released hems hit my radar - I took a seam ripper to them and let the hem out and wore the heck out of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>That's a great jumpsuit for you! And, thanks for the article! I suspect I am a maximizer, but long to be a satisficer ;)<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135343 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 10:46:57 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2135343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got one! </p> <p>Walking back from shopping just now, I was thinking how very useful this blouse is for me. I’m wearing it with dark jeans today, but it can also go dressy with a navy skirt or boho with my red flares. Works with those pink skinnies and my grey shorts too. When I first took it out of the box, I saw it has an elastic waistband I hadn’t noticed online. I nearly sent it back, was slow to start wearing it because it was “weird” but now I’m happy I have it. </p> <p>Your posts often make me think about my clothes in ways I normally don’t. Thanks for this one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135328 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 06:01:14 +0000 Gigi 2135328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agonized over the purchase of a pair of Aquatalia booties last fall. They checked all the boxes in what I was looking for in a bootie--I'd been looking for just such an animal for a few years. The problem was the fit was a little roomier than I would have liked, and the size down was just too small. So I gambled (they were full price, argh) and hoped that I would just get used to the different fit. And I did! I wore them many times last fall and winter (they are weatherproof so can handle the elements, within reason) and got lots of compliments.</p> <p>I also compromised on the purchase of a fabric moto from Anthro a couple of years ago. I liked the style but did not care for the fabric, which is a bit of a washed-out black. However, I found that it made an excellent casual topper and wore it many, many times simply because it was easy and went with almost anything. It is also washable, so very practical.</p> <p>I'm glad your jumpsuit turned out to work well in your wardrobe! I always love it when a gamble pays off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135313 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 02:05:02 +0000 cindysmith 2135313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ankle length jeans. I've found so many pairs of great jeans at consignment and thrift shops. I've bought several ankle length jeans but never figured out how to properly style them: like, what shoes go with an ankle length jean? I gave up trying to figure it out and just started wearing them tucked into my boots. They get worn a lot that way, so they wound up being great investments (especially at the prices I paid for them). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135308 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:38:47 +0000 Angie 2135308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz,</b> we need to swap buttons on our jackets ;)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenn,</b>&nbsp;odd, right? I don't know why the buttons didn't bother me - bothered me - and then didn't bother me. So moody!! Or just not sweating the small stuff at this point ...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135303 Sat, 25 Jul 2020 00:10:55 +0000 Jenn 2135303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was hoping you'd chime in,&nbsp;<b>Sal.&nbsp;</b>I find it inspiring how you add pieces, and then enjoy them for what they are. I hope to make it more of a habit to still be careful with what I choose, but also to not split every hair (splitting infinitives is fine, apparently) when making decisions.</p> <p>You've reminded me of another piece that fits this category for me. This dress isn't the most conventionally flattering, and has limited seasonality for me, but I love its print and really enjoy styling and wearing it, despite its flaws. I've gotten compliments from strangers while wearing it, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135302 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:24:43 +0000 Sal 2135302@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a satisficer - which has good and bad aspects of course. I am prepared to accept that many things in life are not perfect and to do the best I can. </p> <p>The following finds are some wardrobe compromises.</p> <p>The shirt dress was bought with a credit and I could have returned- but I wore it the day I got it. I then wondered if it was too much and overwhelming. I now just have to style it carefully ( rolled sleeves, open neck) and it is currently being altered to be a little shorter in length.</p> <p>The white floral sheath was an item I bought under duress at a charity store. I viewed it as a $20 hospice donation. But ylf feedback and friends feedback convinced me that it really is a good piece on me and I like it a lot now styled with flats and a summer hat. It feels dated with heels.</p> <p>The blue embroidered blouse was an impulse buy - it is thicker than it looks and a bit too hot for our summers. I don’t like it with blue jeans either. But on a spring day with white jeans it actually is fantastic. I try to wear this look once a week for about six weeks each spring. </p> <p>I love your jumpsuit Jenn and it inspired me to get mine. Which has had good wear - probably 15-20 in a year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135293 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 21:23:14 +0000 Jenn 2135293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b></b>T<b></b>he reason I asked about this was that I've been thinking a lot about that whole "<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201506/satisficing-vs-maximizing">satisficers vs. maximizers</a>" thing. I think&nbsp;<b>Sal&nbsp;</b>was the one who originally brought it up on the forum, maybe years ago. I want to be more of a satisficer, making the best decision I can with the time and energy I'm willing to put in, and then standing by that decision without second-guessing.</p> <p><b>Suz,&nbsp;</b>those are great examples of using what you have in the way those things work best for you!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>JAileen,&nbsp;</b>way to make it your own!</p> <p><b>Fashintern,&nbsp;</b>I'm less interested in making things work that clearly don't, than in deciding what's an okay trade-off and then REALLY being okay with it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135288 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:53:14 +0000 Suz 2135288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That jumpsuit is such a great piece for you. Glad the pockets relaxed!</p> <p>Like <b>Angie</b>, I have a denim jacket with buttons in the "wrong" tone for me (a sort of coppery rose brass) . They worked great when my hair was blonde, but with silver hair, I like my hardware silver, and I wish those buttons played better with my hair. I still wear the jacket all the time, though. I have found I like it best with patterns that help the buttons blend into the overall outfit.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another example would be the Comrags "tech" fabric dress I inherited second hand from my friend. The neckline is wider than I'd like but other features of the dress are so excellent that I wear it anyway. It's a real workhorse. And I either disguise or fill in the neckline (scarves, necklaces) or let it be and use it as an excuse to wear some big statement earrings.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135284 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:26:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2135284@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>True enough, it was a plan. Funny thing is, I have clear recollections of the <u>feeling</u> of something not being right--twitching in itchy fabric or twisting because of a poor fit or feeling conspicuous in a print--but when I try to pull the lens back to see what's causing that feeling, I just can't zoom out to see it. I guess it's been a long time since I got something I didn't feel happy in, or maybe if I do get something where one part is off, I just refuse to wear it. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I remember your concern about the jumpsuit, am glad you're comfortable with it now. I think it's really great on you.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135276 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 20:02:42 +0000 JAileen 2135276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Several years ago I bought a navy leather jacket with an in-your-face gold zipper. &nbsp;It did not grow on me. &nbsp;Instead I took a Sharpie to the zipper and pull and made it kind of disappear. &nbsp;The jacket was much more wearable afterwards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135274 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:55:54 +0000 Jenn 2135274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern,&nbsp;</b>that sounds more like a plan than a compromise?</p> <p><b>Angie,&nbsp;</b>how interesting that it didn't feel like a compromise when you bought it, but you were able to move past the "second thoughts." I do know that sometimes, once we make the decision to accept something into our wardrobes and do it wholeheartedly, those niggling doubts can disappear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135270 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:40:59 +0000 Jenn 2135270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>April </b>and<b> slim cat,&nbsp;</b>I love when tailoring works out! It can be a gamechanger, but I've also learned that it's not always a success. Have to really think about what's going to work vs. what's just throwing good money after bad.</p> <p><b>Star,&nbsp;</b>something in it must have appealed to you! Sometimes, it's just finding the right combination.</p> <p><b>ChristeIJ,&nbsp;</b>I have made peace that there are some things in my wardrobe that I'll only wear one way and in one combination. It's not my favorite way to operate, but sometimes it's enough.</p> <p><b>suntiger,&nbsp;</b>I have images in my head sometimes of the way an item should be (ie: this exact color of olive). Sometimes that perfection doesn't exist, though, so we either "satisfice" or do without.</p> <p><b>rachylou,&nbsp;</b>this is why I hate buying jeans. I can never tell whether that "bit too tight" is the right amount too tight that's going to loosen up and be perfect or the wrong amount too tight that's going to be uncomfortable forever. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135259 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:46:16 +0000 Angie 2135259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(.....or shoes weren't as comfortable as you thought they would be after you bought them....)</p> <p>So fab that the pockets relaxed over time, <b>Jenn</b>! Such a yummy and fun piece.</p> <p>This white denim jacket has silver buttons that bothered me a lot more AFTER I bought it. Fit and quality are 100%. I really wanted the buttons to be brass or gold the whole of last year, so I didn't wear it as much. This year I wear it a lot! I guess the silver grew on me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135251 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:23:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2135251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have lots of things that didn't fit when I bought them--they were "aspirational" for my body, lol. For the most part, they did eventually fit, and wearing them is all the sweeter after the wait/weight. It took me a year to get into my red flares, but I hope to be able to enjoy them much longer than that now that they fit. I'm looking forward to wearing my suede jacket this fall. It did fit when I got it 20 years ago, but didn't fit my lifestyle, and then the sleeves were too tight. We finally seem to be in a sweet spot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135248 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:14:34 +0000 rachylou 2135248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I bought some pants a couple of months ago that has a matching topper/utility jacket sort of thing. I went with the smaller size even tho they were a bit tight - the size up just swam on me. I don’t usually do that because it never works out. I wet the waist band and tried stretching it over a chair... and it worked!! I’m so happy! Gets me out of leggings while still being able to withstand the rough and tumble At Home life </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/successful-compromises#post-2135235 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:38:41 +0000 Anonymous 2135235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My olive skort is greyer than I would've preferred, but it gets worn every week right now! </p>