https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 04 May 2026 09:37:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-233262 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:36:39 +0000 Queen Mum 233262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>shop like a man? my husband would describe this as, "Spot it, shoot it, bag it and bring it home" and the idea of returning is foreign to him. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-233225 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:34:26 +0000 Laura 233225@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, Kristen, I can so relate! </p> <p>I haven't been in a position where I needed one specific item, in a tight timeframe, under pressure in a while and it is NO fun! I haven't dressed business formal in 15 years!</p> <p>This is where having Angie here in person would come in handy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-233223 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:29:21 +0000 Kristen 233223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the third round of interviews! I knew you'd ace the big one. :)</p> <p>Hunting for blouses when you need a specific type is THE WORST. Worse than any other kind of shopping hunt. I never, ever, ever, EVER find the one I want when I need it most. That is why I buy a blouse as soon as I see it, and I try to vary it up so I am buying different styles, colors, etc -- and I always try to see if it will go with an existing suit or jacket. I got stuck like that this summer, when I needed a suit outfit but I hadn't bought anything in my new size yet. Never again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-233219 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:13:35 +0000 Laura 233219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awww, thanks Theresa. Maybe "mindful" will be the word for the week. Can't remember what last week's word was but sure it was just as meaningful!</p> <p>Yesterday I found out I had made it into the THIRD round of interviews for that same job that I keep interviewing for ... yes, they are nothing if not thorough at this institution! Anyway, it sent me to the mall for yet another top to wear with my black skirt suit. Interesting experience. Honestly, I realized why some people hate to shop. I started at Nordstrom, found nothing, asked two salespeople for help (even very specific help, such as: I want a woven blouse, preferably in a silk fabric, with a tie at the neck) and they didn't find a thing. Next, to Ann Taylor, where I found a shirt that would work, but they were out of my size. Two calls to other stores also came up empty. They sent me home to try the website. No size there. Called the 800#, which offered up "style finder" which at some random time in the future might produce the shirt. Not good enough, since I need it for Wednesday. Gave up, ordered the same shirt in a different fabric that I didn't like as much, paid $25 to express ship it. Then went on Nordstrom's website, found a Classiques blouse exactly as I had described to the unhelpful salesperson, ordered it online and it's ready to pick up in store. </p> <p>Too. Much. Work. ARGH!</p> <p>Thanks for listening! But can you see how shopping is a pain when it's not a recreational sport? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-233197 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:03:39 +0000 Theresa 233197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You ladies are such a wealth of wisdom!!</p> <p>Thank you for easing my guilt! It has really amazed me how much clearer things have become... especially as I added up what I spent on the clothing since July, and its a staggering amount... (for my budget anyway!), and then to realise I had such basic wardrobe holes... it was really quite the eye opener.</p> <p>I went shopping today to specifically look for tops, and whilst I didn't get a whole lot of time (my brother asked me to go house hunting with him!), I did find 1 top that I'm going to post soon to see if it really is worthy of a spot in my newly thought out wardrobe.</p> <p>I did also break out and buy a $5 scarf in a gorgeous print that will work very well with my new top, as well as several of my existing dresses so for such a versatile accessory I was happy to pay!</p> <p>So Laura, I just want to say thanks for starting this movement here on YLF - I know I for one will never shop the same again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232769 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:13:20 +0000 Anonymous 232769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I like your comment. SYC has had me analyze what I have and make better use of it. However, this week I've been thinking that there are some of the new trends that would fit nicely into my lifestyle or body type and that it might be wise to be an early adopter to get the most use for my money. Despite SYC I'm going to try to get oxfords to work in my wardrobe, if I can find the right ones. My feet would be very happy. If I wait until January, much of the closed shoe season will already be past when I could be wearing them and be fashion forward too. It may be that it won't happen, we'll see. I have problems styling with the menswear look but YLF members have inspired me with their outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232748 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:21:56 +0000 Mo 232748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My man will put in the time to find the 'right' thing but not like we ladies do. I'm proud of him being a decent dresser when so many guys these days are not or do not care to try!</p> <p>But I do love the idea of shop like a man challenge What would we do with all that spare time . . . . ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232746 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:17:20 +0000 Jonesy 232746@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL. Yes, my man wants to shop no more than a few hours every six months, but yet miraculously have lots of options in his closet that are current, not boring, and versatile for multiple occasions. I try to explain to him that he may need to invest a tad more time! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232745 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:14:35 +0000 MNsara 232745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha, Laura - "shop like a man"! Does that mean going to ONE store and trying to get out of there as quickly as possible by not trying anything on, and then complaining about fit, quality, etc.? Because that's what my "man" does </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232708 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:39:12 +0000 Laura 232708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea, Mo. Let's start a "Shop Like a Man" challenge </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232676 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:36:41 +0000 Mo 232676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, I really like comment [forget the guilt, buy something really special that you will wear to death, do it in a limited way.]<br /> I might have to paste this in my wallet. I have been one of those who will buy the under $20 items every week all year long but can't fathom spending $75 or $100 at one time. My BF shops maybe twice a year, sometimes not for a whole year, but will spend $200 on nice work slacks. I could learn from that man . . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232672 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:32:16 +0000 Laura 232672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just love how thoughtful everyone is becoming in what they are buying. This to me is the best part of SYC. Forget the guilt, buy something really special that you will wear to death, do it in a limited way that doesn't turn into a huge shopping spree, and I consider that to be fully in the spirit of SYC. (Can you tell I am turning into a real softie in week 11??) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing/page/2#post-232653 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:57:41 +0000 Mo 232653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa, I know exactly what you mean about discovering big holes in the wardrobe. I think I kind of cheated by grabbing a dozen must have's over the last couple months before joining in SYC. And they were BIG holes - like a plain white button down, yeah. But Queen Mum is totally on target about you being able to figure it out through doing the SYC. For my part, I never really analyzed my wardrobe much - I just bought what I liked with a vague idea of a few things it might go with. Or tried to rescue an orphan with the perfect new item.<br /> Anyway, you certainly need to be wearing more than just one shirt all week!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-232619 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:45:25 +0000 Queen Mum 232619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Theresa- isn't it amazing what we are able to discern when we take a step back from bombarding ourselves with what is out there? I agree that a few casual tops are a necessity. Don't feel bad at all. set yourself a number and be on the lookout for those items only. You will probably be amazed at how many other things want to distract you from your casual shirt mission... I think that is why we end up with unbalanced wardrobes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-232555 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 07:17:11 +0000 Theresa 232555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK girls... I think that I may be going to have to make a couple of purchases outside my exceptions...</p> <p>During the past 7ish weeks, I have been really able to focus on what I have and don't have. And sadly, some of the "don't have's" are actually a fairly significant problem!</p> <p>I have realised that I'm happy with my dresses, and once I purchase some fabric to make some more, I'm confident I'll be set.</p> <p>But, I have only 1 top that I actually enjoy wearing with my jeans/skirts/shorts in this warm weather. The rest that are suitable to be worn are really unattractive hang overs from my pre-ylf days.</p> <p>I'm finding it too hot to wear leggings, but on the days I help out at school/kindy etc, I am wearing the same shirt with a variety of my bottoms and I am sick of it as this one top is showing signs of the frequent wear, but I do need to wear practical clothes!</p> <p>So, I am most likely going to try and find some nice tops to wear - I think 3 would be absolutely plenty. </p> <p>You know what though, without SYC, I wouldn't have worked this out and probably kept trying to find *something* to solve the problem but not have been able to pinpoint the issue!</p> <p>Oh and I do still need to replace my laptop, but its behaving for short periods at the moment, so I am prepared to put up with that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231784 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:35:21 +0000 PalmFronds 231784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I fell off the wagon in a big way last weekend, as you will see from a shoe-post I just put in.Congrats to everyone else hanging in! I have decided to still try to stick with the no-buying plan overall, BUT if I do then I will be using Angie's one-in one-out method for closet control.I love most of the things left in my closet right now so I think this will give me pause and stop me from flying off the handle again.I have a trip to NY coming up, so I will need all of your collective strength not to buy too much!</p> <p>As for the diet and exercise changes, yes it is true. I spent much of my teens and twenties distractingly eating whatever I wanted without showing a pound.Now, I have to be vigilant otherwise pounds creep in like a thief in the night...My sister started complaining about it recently, to which i said, welcome to your 30's little sis. Bye bye fast metabolism,Start watching what you eat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231755 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:19:13 +0000 Mo 231755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol about stalking the potato chips - but they're easy prey ha ha. </p> <p>I am definitely a fan of doing more so I can eat more Rather run a few times a week and hit the weights/yoga so I can have that 2nd (or 3rd) glass of wine and a full rather than petite steak whenever we go treat ourselves out to dinner! I admit to averaging 1800 - 2000 calories eaten daily. </p> <p>Back to the closet topic . . . as I went upstairs to put away the new brown cardigan, that was a long 'missing piece' finally found, I realized I truly have way more clothes than I could ever need and than I usually wear. Got me to thinking how this SYC experience will be good in getting me to pair things up differently rather than thinking that if I just found {insert random clothing article here} it would make a perfect outfit. Now I need to think how to make the outfit instead of going the lazy route and shopping it. Again, when I say I have more than I need, I mean the same color duplicated in a short, capri, pant, and then skirt. Brown, blue, black, white, khaki, green, you get the idea. I need the patience and creativity to work with the abundance that I already have. I hope to find just that doing this challenge. I'm excited right now, remind me of that in 8 or 9 weeks' time, will ya? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231722 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:42:21 +0000 Kim 231722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Strength training will do more for you than just help with your weight. I do some *every* day. It rebuilds muscle and bones! Helps to fight osteoperosis (sp) and many other things. Aside from that, (along with cardio) you get to eat more. It also reshapes your body, (tightens things back up and helps fight gravity...LOL) so that although you may weigh 130 pounds you look more like 120. Can't beat that!</p> <p>I'm nearly 49 and I do about 30 minutes of cardio 5 days a week (evenings mostly), and 20 minutes of strength (in the morning before my brain wakes up) and I can easily consume about 1800 calories a day, up to 2200 once in a while.</p> <p>I'm 5'6 and about 129 lbs. (Well, more like 132 since I hurt my foot and had to decrease the running. That's back on track now so I should see those pounds drop off in the next few weeks.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231641 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:35:26 +0000 bj1111 231641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i'm stalking a bag of uncle rays hot potato chips...be veeewwwwy qwiet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231546 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:44:18 +0000 Mo 231546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Alas, the right color cardigan found me this afternoon while I was returning last week's impulse purchased, muted muti toned flyaway. And the shoes were delivered at 11 am. So, I guess I'm officially in. I will confess a black open front cardi come home with the brown, too. Half price, and I'd looked at it before and gave it the 'I'm not ready for a tunic length' treatment before coming here and realizing a couple tunics would be very versatile afterall. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Ha ha! I'm In!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231429 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:56:03 +0000 Laura 231429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Mo, Welcome aboard! Christmas Day is great - let's call that "close enough."</p> <p>Funny you should mention strength training - that was part of my doc's talk too (can you tell I was there for a while??). She said that now that I am no longer carrying young children, I need to start lifting weights. And here I sit, typing while someone is cleaning my house ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231403 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:03:12 +0000 Mo 231403@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am going to join you ladies with the caveat of my two Items I have been hunting for weeks upon weeks. Is it until the end of the year or is Christmas day okay lol? Does it count that I have 2 closets to shop from - because I will be heading home to Tahoe next month for a visit and have winter clothes there I plan to pick up?</p> <p>As for the ageing and spreading waistlines - strength training is your friend. Yoga is my fave because it feels so good as well. I eat all the cheese and sip the wine, too. Moderation I guess - sigh. That's no fun! I think the doc had a really good point about the processed carbs. More and more I'm reading about how they wreak havoc on our bodies - but they're so convenient and yummy. Luckily, fall seems to be a weight loss time of year for me - perhaps having weather I can go outside and 'play' in is the reason. </p> <p>Well, my zipper ballet flats come UPS today and then I guess I'm on the wagon with you gals. Hope it's not too bumpy a ride!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231355 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:23:32 +0000 Jonesy 231355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura, after you've scouted out the forest of Dilly Bars, can you please point me in the right direction? Sounds wonderful.</p> <p>I absolutely agree about the cooler weather = adding more weight. In the summer I happily eat salads and lots of fruits and veg; in the fall I just want carbs, cheese, and carbs with cheese! So I just try to at least add some fruit and veg to the carbs and cheese, and keep my activity level up (helps so much having a dog that we walk 3x/day).</p> <p>Queen Mum, your birthday shopping looks like it was very fruitful! I loved your shopping tale--no need to apologize for its length :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231352 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:17:01 +0000 Queen Mum 231352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sara- yes, I notice that. I think it has to do with our bodies wanting to fatten up for winter.</p> <p>Theresa- I cycle through all three of those emotions (scared, excited and cranky) during this challenge. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231283 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:23:42 +0000 MNsara 231283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't mean to hijack SYC- week-11, but I'm back with a 5-lbs.question: do you guys also notice more appetite or hunger during the fall? I often feel like my body demands "Feed Me" this time of year, and isn't happy until I have gained a couple of pounds. . . . it is wreaking minor havoc with my skinnies and leans as I am a comfort hound too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231179 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 01:07:53 +0000 Theresa 231179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have loved reading about your shopping day Kim!! And I'm going to check out your loot now!</p> <p>Laura your house sounds like its going to be fabulous by NYE!!</p> <p>You girls are a great inspiration for me as I enter Week 7 - I'm loving seeing that our group is growing!!!</p> <p>One of my exceptions was the Aussie YLF meet. Well, it took place on Saturday and I certainly shopped! But nothing that wasn't on my list and I was quite discerning. (I can't share until after the write up though!!)</p> <p>I've found in this past 7 weeks that I have actually tossed quite a lot of clothing - realising that I can't add to my wardrobe has made me more aware of what does and doesn't work and so pretty much anything that I can't get to work now is going. I've also made some realisations of the things I really do need to round out my wardrobe.</p> <p>I still do need to replace my laptop though - but it seems to be behaving reasonably at the moment! My brother wants one too though so we are going to go shopping together and see if we can get a multi-purchase discount!</p> <p>So, the 3 exceptions I had were:<br /> *shoes for the races - well I'm not actually going now so this one isn't going to happen YAY<br /> *The Aussie YLF meet - done!<br /> * Fabric for sewing - I'm going to buy a couple of pieces this weekend, and then I think my shopping is completely done until the new year...</p> <p>I'm not sure if I'm scared or excited or cranky LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231150 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:24:48 +0000 Laura 231150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine hasn't either. </p> <p>I've been trying to think like a hunter/gatherer. I was wondering if they ever came across a field of Cheetos? A forest of Dilly Bars? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231144 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:19:58 +0000 Queen Mum 231144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, my stomach hasn't gotten the memo that it needs less calories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231141 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:18:35 +0000 Laura 231141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Munching would be a teensy weensy factor - I believe you might be on to something there :)</p> <p>Basically the doc said to me:<br /> Your calorie needs are dropping<br /> Your caloric intake has remained the same<br /> Your activity level is lower than 10 years ago<br /> Processed carbs + you = not a good combo<br /> Behave like a hunter/gatherer and you will be fine - meaning, fruits, veggies, nuts, legumes, the occasional bit of meat, and move a lot.</p> <p>To lose weight I need to eat 1200 calories a day while also exercising daily 30 mins. (I am 5' 3 1/2"). To maintain I might need as little as 1500 cals/day. I was definitely overestimating my caloric needs and those mysterious 5 lbs are no longer a mystery. In comparison, when I was in my 20s I could eat 100 cals more a day - which doesn't sound like much, but if I keep eating that extra 100 cals, it adds up to almost a pound a month. </p> <p>And they wonder why women gain weight as we age! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/syc-week-11-how-are-we-all-doing#post-231121 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:43:49 +0000 Queen Mum 231121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura- do share how to rid ones self of these extra 5 pounds (although I have a sneaking suspicion that wine, cheese and afternoon munching might be a teensy weensy factor for me) </p>