https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:33:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835655 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 19:02:07 +0000 Laura G 1835655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I'm going to be very direct here. You don't seem to mind when people are direct (even rudely so), so I hope you will be open to my entirely-friendly feedback.</div><div><br /></div><div>You set out to find your style by posting photos of everything in your closet. You said, essentially, these things must be my style, because I liked them well enough to buy them. But few of us start this journey with a closet that already represents our own style. Even less so when we buy things <i>because they're on sale</i>. In a year or two, hopefully you will be able to look in your closet and see your style reflected. But not yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think you went looking for your style in that huge agglomeration because you truly have no clue what your style is. And I think I see why. In this thread, </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-favorite-mistakes-1-this-shirt">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....this-shirt</a></div><div><br /></div><div>you posted two photos that had nothing in common except being sleeveless tops and asked, "Why did I buy this shirt twice?" That tells me that making sense of what you see is an issue for you. Those two tops looked like one to you because all the things that distinguished them (fabric, cut, neckline, straps, detailing) didn't register somehow.</div><div><br /></div><div>You were confused and frustrated by the Pinterest suggestions, and your response to Jenn's board was telling. Where most of us can look at a photo of an outfit and come up with a dozen descriptors (ripped black skinnies, oversized sweater layered over cami, lace, bateau neck, high heeled mules, shoes match sweater color, relaxed, unconstructed...) you just saw..."black". If you don't "get" all those other details, then even if an outfit appeals to you, you won't be able to say why, which means you can't incorporate whatever-that-is into your own look.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the standard (visual) advice for finding your style (look at photos, analyze outfits...) doesn't work for you. But there's another route: feelings. By which I mean, who you feel yourself to be on the inside. What do you care most about? What kind of people do you admire? What are the things you hope others will see in you? Your answers, whatever they are, can be translated into the visual details that make up a style. And professional help with that translation might be money well spent for you.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835543 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 11:31:05 +0000 Suz 1835543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Gigi,</b> what a lovely description. Smiling at your process. It really was similar to mine, yes. And you are so right that we need to give it time and let ourselves follow our hearts while asking ourselves smart questions.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835524 Sat, 12 Aug 2017 08:10:06 +0000 Gigi 1835524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My style journey is similar to Suz's. It wasn't something that I could just figure out. I started by shopping at cheaper retailers and checking the sales/clearance racks, buying things that I felt attracted to in my heart; I didn't use my mind so much other than to assess fit.</p> <p>As I shopped, I became more and more aware of what proper fit was. Different retailers cut their clothing differently, and when you find clothing that really works on your body shape, you will start to get an idea of what is possible for fit off the rack. So your idea of what constitutes good fit will be honed over time.</p> <p>I liked Vix's idea of finding out what your flattering colors are. At the beginning of my style journey, I started with only colors that I knew looked good on me. After a while I became bored with those colors and began adding in others that were less flattering. But by then, I had a closet with lots of flattering colors, so I could pair a more-flattering item with a less-flattering one, making the overall effect more pleasing than just wearing all unflattering colors.</p> <p>The most important thing I would like to give you for advice is that as you go along and try things out, your style will likely change. My style has taken many twists and turns over the six (?) years that I have been doing this. I started being able to see certain patterns recur as I explored different styles, and I now have a pretty good sense of my overall styles (I would say that I have two main styles). So it's important to be patient with yourself as you try different things and see what works and doesn't work. It really is a journey rather than a project that can be completed in several months. A style is something that grows and develops over time, like a plant grows.</p> <p>Buying cheaper items early on can help give yourself permission to mess up. I ended up donating almost all of my early purchases because of either poor fit or changing style. As I started feeling more confident about my style, I started purchasing more expensive items.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's a lot of trial and error and listening to your heart: How do I feel when I wear this item? What do I like about this item? What don't I like about this item? Don't be afraid to try new things and have fun! I know that I have been very surprised to see where my style was taking me. I can say that out of my pre-YLF wardrobe, there are only a couple of items that I would buy again. And anyone who saw me before YLF and could see me now would probably wonder if this is the same person. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835441 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:32:41 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn NZ, "sometimes the stylist is right". Well, yes! I'm clearing out way more than I would have without the forum. And I'm changing my approach, to give myself more time to grow &amp; learn, and to give all of you less aggrevation in exchange for your sound advice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835439 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:20:56 +0000 Jenni NZ 1835439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The stylist, of course, may well be right. When I saw the stylist in 2010 and she said a particular matching top and skirt outfit was frumpy, I accepted her advice because in my gut I could feel that was right. I loved the colours of that outfit and it had been inexpensive which was helpful at the time when there had been weight gain( not loss as in your case) and I was trying to build a wardrobe. But I think it has taken until this year, 7 years later, to begin to really understand WHY it looked wrong. It is all the learning I have done by reading mags, books and this forum. Probably good I did go with a gut reaction at that time or I would still have that outfit! But I do get emotionally attached to the things I have bought- I liked them at the time or I wouldn't have bought them. I think you have said the same, and you've never done a closet clear- out. If you do have a gut reaction that something is wrong, I would try to go with that to help clear the decks a bit, as Suz says. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835438 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 23:05:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn NZ, you get me! I had to let it roll around in my skull for a while, but did eventually realize that there are some of these I am unlikely to ever wear. There are 1 or2 that are winners, and a vast in-between that a hoarder who's trying to save money for a move might want to spend time--months--deciding about, and that a stylist could say to clear out because it's not a sure hit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835431 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 22:17:11 +0000 Traci 1835431@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hesitate to comment, because this thread got really long and I only read half, and what I have to say is probably simple and shallow by comparison, but I need to say it anyway...</p> <p>#6 stands head and shoulders above the rest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835430 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 22:09:57 +0000 Suz 1835430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b>, I hear you -- it can hurt to hear our favourite things reduced to the word "frumpy." To be fair to <b>Angie</b>, I am sure she's be far more diplomatic than I was! She'd be decisive and determined in such an upbeat way that her hypothetical client would probably feel blessed -- and she would make a place for some sentimental favourites, or suggest a holding zone for items that could potentially be workable. I'll bet she'd find uses for certain unexpected items, too! But I do know her overall impulse would be to simplify a bit by clearing the decks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835428 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 21:49:02 +0000 Jenni NZ 1835428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm back, since this is still going. That was me, Suz, up thread, who said I didn't think Angie's advice would work well for hoarders with a resistance to culling. I was talking about myself there, let me be honest, and I see some similarities in how Fashiontern has been posting. I know for me, it just wouldn't help to be told that most of my stuff was frumpy or tired or didn't fit, or to have someone going "Out out out!". All the same , Fashiontern, over the thread which I've just re-read it did seem like in the end maybe you've decided 5 out of 11 instead of one out of 11 could go, and sound like you are happy with that decision. I think that is better, because you did seem to be drowning in a pile of old clothes. I find when I do let some go, when I realise they don't fit or flatter very well, then I hardly ever miss them and can move on. It is an emotional wrench so be kind to yourself. Suz's advice, and Vix's, is very helpful because they have been there. Cheers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835419 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 21:12:39 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, that sounds like great advice. The way an item feels is indeed very important to me. I've never been able to understand how people wear things that are itchy, tight, floppy, or otherwise irritating. The timetable you laid out sounds much smarter than jumping right in--I'm clearly not ready to do this yet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/4#post-1835413 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 20:38:39 +0000 Suz 1835413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm very late to this interesting and somewhat confusing thread. I am not sure I have much to add to what others have suggested. I thought <b>LisaP</b>'s advice was clear and extremely practical. (In fact, I think I gave you similar advice in an earlier thread, and it's certainly consistent with&nbsp;<b>Angie</b>'s suggestions).&nbsp;</p> <p>Someone upthread mused that <b>Angie'</b>s suggestions re closet cleanouts being a day long process don't work well for hoarders. Maybe. It's true that most of her clients probably edit their closets regularly. (At least if they work with her regularly, they do!) But there is a first time for everyone and knowing <b>Angie</b>, I know what she would do. She's highly decisive and would not dither. OUT out OUT would be what she'd say to most anything that had been there longer than 3 years or anything that didn't fit, wasn't being worn, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, as someone who, like you, came to the forum following weight loss and in the midst of a lifestyle change, what I did -- practically speaking -- is what <b>Vix</b> advises.</p> </p> <p><i>"I'm advising you pull together 10 or so wear-right-now outfits you like so you have something to wear as you ponder and ideally shop for core wardrobe items.</i></p> <p><i>Then I'd encourage you to pack up the remaining items. If I were your friend I'd try to get you to donate them -- a fresh start given your large weight loss and life changes! But put them out of sight at the least."</i></p> </p> <p>In my own case, I did exactly that, and got rid of almost <b>all</b> my old clothes except the bare necessities for a few outfits. I then built from the ground up, focusing on my new weight/ shape and my new needs.&nbsp;</p> <p>I did try to alter a few favourites, but without much luck.&nbsp;</p> <p>How did I begin? First, a friend or two donated a few items in my new size. (A little black dress, a top or two. I even got donations from generous forum members!)</p> <p>I then shopped mainly at consignment and thrift and discount stores for my first year (when my income was very low). I ended up ditching most of those items eventually when my weight stabilized and my income increased, but shopping this way helped me experiment with different styles and cuts and colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>After my first year, I had developed a slightly more secure sense of what worked for me and I began to stock my closet with new clothes. It took time. I joined the forum in 2011 and it was really not until 2013 until I felt like I was starting to get a handle on my personal style (which I still consider a work-in-progress) or until 2014 or 2015 when I started to feel that my closet was the right size and highly workable for my 4 season climate. That is, until then, I was often caught without an appropriate outfit for regular or semi-regular activities and had to improvise in a way that felt awkward. Developing a personal style and a wardrobe that works is a marathon, not a sprint.&nbsp;</p> <p>You mention that you are not visual and this, as <b>Rachy</b> said, is going to make defining your style much more difficult. But if you are not visual, perhaps you can base your style on <b>how things feel vs. how they look.</b></p> <p><b></b>Several long-time forum members here are blind or low-vision. For them, the feel of a garment on their body is especially important and they have refined this to a fine art. Together with friends, forum members, or stylists, they determined a <b>very defined</b> colour palette to work with (since they can't see what colours flatter them). They then figured out a few key silhouettes that work for their figure type/ body type. And from that point in, it's a question of how it feels.&nbsp;</p> <p>I wonder if focusing on feel might work better for you than collecting images, if you find imagery confusing?&nbsp;</p> </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1835402 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 19:01:16 +0000 Anonymous 1835402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very beautiful blouses they go you to delight I love a lot </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1835374 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 16:24:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1835374@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krishnadoux, thank you for this! What a nice surprise to find such a lovely reflection on a post I buried in ignomy. </p> <p>I feel like you really get me, both in the image I'd like to project ("hard work and sophistication, yet don't want to come across as 'in your face'") and in why I was such an uncharacteristically indecisive and disagreeable mess (ugh! I'd delete it all, but that doesn't delete people's memories, &amp; just looks childish) when people got right to the business of choosing shirts to toss. </p> <p>I am sure you are right in saying I need to take some time to figure out where I am going. Your comments about the general direction feel right to me. I like my clothes to be fun, but in more of a "come closer and you'll like what you see" way than in a make-you-grin-from-across-the-room way. I don't want to be about the clothes, want to draw you in with other charms before you notice them. </p> <p>In terms of material features, you are on the mark: more structure is one thing I've realized I like since starting here. I also welcome the return of higher waists. Even as a much younger 36-26-36 hourglass, I felt I had an apple belly, so the scooping front of low-waisted garments can make me feel uneasy.</p> <p>The Hilfiger shirt (embroidered front, red tag along placket) could have either a 70s feel or Western vibe. I'm thinking of wearing it with boot cut jeans, the blush booties in my finds, my wide black and white belt with flowers on it, and maybe a statement turquoise necklace. Those things all keep the ambiguity going, and I think it's a much better fit for that shirt than trying to do a prim &amp; proper office look with it. The wide-collared one with darts under the bust might be fun with my schoolgirl skirt if I can find the right topper. </p> <p>I'm not sure if either of those outfits are exactly what I'll do, but I think I've got the your idea of wearing the shirts in different ways. You're correct that I don't have to do it now, because we aren't moving anywhere for a while. </p> <p>Thanks for digging up the positive in my knee-jerk responses in this post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1835210 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 02:18:48 +0000 krishnidoux 1835210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok I'm late to this dicussion that took many turns, however, fecund in ideas and cogitations.&nbsp;</p> <p>I just want to say: Fashiontern, you wear a button down very well! You have such a good figure for it. Not everybody can wear a button down successfully. You say you lost some weight in order to find yourself again: well then good for you because you look awesome here. Wherever your new style direction i going, make sure it includes a button down or two.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like best 2-5-8-9-10 on you out of the bunch. (2 may need slight alteration because it looks a bit big).</p> <p>You'll notice I favor more open collars, structure at the shoulders and along the waist. It's just personal view, but &nbsp;find that visually, it looks very good on you. The more open collars convey ease and approachability while remaining professional. With a button down, the frontier between girly and potent can be blurry. Strangely, I find that in the pics where collars are smaller, (like on 4 -6- 11), while still attractive, your image conveys more of a girlish feel. Isn't that strange? Thanks to your lining up your pics as you did, I was able to see this (but maybe it's a subjective view).&nbsp;</p> <p>You mention feeling happy in 6 and 7 and this is an important indicator to consider. In 6 I see someone who rolled up her sleeves, ready to confront hard work, in full possession of herself. In 7, I see understated, quiet style: no-nonsense shirt with interest along the front panels. So you like to convey hard work and sophistication, yet you don't want to come by as ’’in your face’’.</p> <p>I have one more idea: have you tried altering <i>how</i> you wear the shirt? For example, you must try the shirts both tucked, then untucked and see what you prefer, what serves you better. It will be a good indicator of your style. Also, some shirts are shorter, which mean they will look good on higher waist bottoms, but less so on lower waist ones. In the past years, fashion has favored lower or mid-waist for slacks, but high waists are now coming back, and you need to decide what waist height is more comfortable and flattering for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Give yourself some time before a clearer picture of your style appears in your mind. What you did is awesome - and helpful as a start.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1834032 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:59:34 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1834032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, that's where I think I should go with it too. A different and easier starting point. <br />&nbsp;<br />Let this thread end peacefully, and try something simpler. I do appreciate all the comments I've gotten here. That you've cared enough not to shrug and walk away says a lot. On my end, I tend to try to say something about a comment rather than just accept quietly, because in my mind, grappling with it shows I'm taking it seriously. I see now that this forum doesn't work that way. Thanks again for your comments and suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1834010 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:31:35 +0000 Jenn 1834010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Vix is right that we have to see outfits. Maybe, put on your three favorite outfits for <i>right now*</i> and we can tell you the similarities, if there are any. </p> <p></p> <p>*Suggesting you dress for right now is not the same as saying you should give up on your goals. It's a starting point that will lead you to those goals.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833999 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:25:07 +0000 rachylou 1833999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I hope you will keep posting, fashionintern! You are doing a whole-wardrobe eval, a project of scale that we haven't tackled here on YLF in awhile. It's so illuminating when people do this. I always personally grow a lot.</p> <p>I also think I'm starting to get a handle on what you mean when you say you aren't visual. And if you aren't visual, this is a hard mountain to climb. Even painful. Like when you commented on my NAS thread about my new purple pants and the purple cap I wore to shop in ... well, ahem, the cap is purple and the pants are burgundy ... lol ... Took me back to this time when I called a sweater *green* and my ex corrected me and said, 'THAT is *Aqua*.' (Which was hysterically funny at the time, because he was Mr. Does It Come In Brown?)</p> <p>So maybe we *should* be describing your clothes to you... what do y'all think? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833990 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:17:19 +0000 Anonymous 1833990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I made no comment on your life /career goals ; in fact , I have no idea what they are . Perhaps it was someone else you are thinking about . I also don't believe in " settling " unless it's your own time to do so , and did not suggest that at all. Understanding written conversation can be difficult between people who don't know each other . I'm sorry that communication on this lengthy thread has been so fraught with error and frustration all the way around - and I sincerely hope you can find what you need somewhere . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833986 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 23:13:43 +0000 Vix 1833986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cross-post</b></p> <p>Hi again, Fashiontern --</p> <p>I have to say it's kind of surprising to me how this thread has twisted and turned. </p> <p>Of course there's lots of great advice, but there are also inaccuracies -- over the years there have been many "what's my style persona?" "help with style descriptor" threads and IIRC most have met with enthusiastic response.* [The YLF search isn't bringing them up for some reason but The Google does...just include the forum URL.]</p> <p>Change is a process which involves resistance and relapse. I sure know I am not the only moniker whose posts will demonstrate that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually popped back to link to this thread -- you may have already seen it -- but it's one of my favs:&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/style-statement-i-tell-you-mine-if-you-tell-me-yours">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....l-me-yours</a></p> <p><i>* outfit photos vs item photos do make this easier. an item worn by 5 different members can skew 5 different ways!</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833975 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 22:54:11 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1833975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can see that my responses have been confusing, and I apologize for that. As I mentioned earlier, the switchbacks are because I am stumbling through figuring out the process while I try to do it. Please do not take the constant new positions as in indicator of ingratitude. The feedback I've gotten here is challenging, which I appreciate even while I grapple with it. </p> <p>On the notion of finding style icons in media: we all have different skills, and I'm sure it is difficult for those who are highly visual to grasp that I don't "see" things in masses of images the way they do. For me to figure out someone else's style would be a very long, laborious process, and doing it over and over until I found something I thought I wanted to be mine would take until the end of my days. Many people choose tv shows and movies based on the actors who are in them; I rarely recognize an actor from one project to the next. </p> <p>I apologize again for overtaxing people here. I do hope that commenters recognize that I do appreciate the feedback I've gotten. Even though I'm slow to process it, I did, for example, come back to JennNZ's advise and post that I've decided to do away with several of these tops. I've done that with many other suggestions and have slowly absorbed other advice as well. I've also heard your advise on how this process works, and decided not to continue in the way I have been going.</p> <p>Lisap, as I explained earlier, I think the fact that I've lost 40 lbs so far shows that I understand how the weight-loss/body reshaping process goes, and that I will be successful to the end of that process. As for your comments on my life/career goals, you might be right that I won't make it, but settling is simply not something I'm ready to do yet. </p> <p>Vix, thanks for the clarification. </p> <p>Muffin, thanks for the tip about keeping photos of things that don't fit<br /> if there's something about the item I like--don't know why I didn't<br /> think of that! Again, this is all very, very new to me. </p> <p> Thanks again for the comments, everyone. This is a very supportive community that I would like to be a part of. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833838 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:28:57 +0000 Anonymous 1833838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No less exhausting than what you are doing now.  It takes time and energy to work through these processes, and it appeared to many of us that you were interested in that.  You've had many offers of help, suggestions and ideas - and it's a shame to see that most of them have either been misunderstood or rejected outright.  I think we must have misunderstood your goals and needs too. You'll find us a caring and polite bunch (for the most part)  and everyone who has written on this thread (and all of your other posts) spent thoughtful time and energy  doing so.  I am not sure why I persevered, but I found it a challenge I was interested in - this explaining of the process of coming into your own with your wardrobe and personal style.  I hope you  will think back about previous comments you have made and realize 1) the suggestion of a defeatist attitude was out of line and inaccurate, and 2) that we actually know what we're talking about.  When you put yourself out here in the big way you have - with many posts a day and lots and lots of pictures of your wardrobe - well, you'll get the expert and experienced advice we thought you were looking for . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833835 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:21:43 +0000 Anonymous 1833835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Exhausting research project"??&nbsp; I thought lisap's plan was a thoughtful, concise, very doable, step-by-step plan.&nbsp; It would probably get you on on track in very short order if you actually did it.</p> <p>I hope you'll get the one-on-one help suggested above to deal with all your issues.&nbsp; Best of luck to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833827 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 15:00:57 +0000 Muffin 1833827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow this has made for some interesting reading on Sunday morning! Lisap's advice (as was many others) above was thoughtful and concise, in fact I will use it as I head into the fall. Also just get rid of anything that doesn't fit. There is no point in keeping it at all. If there was something about an item you liked just save the picture for review later. Not being visual does set you up for a harder time at this and I think people here are happy to help but we also need guidance (where West are you headed?). Truly and I mean this in a kind helpful way, you should look for a personal stylist who can work one on one with you and be your eyes in your closet and shopping. Because while I can like or dislike a photograph, a real live person can see the whole picture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833822 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:53:33 +0000 Vix 1833822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again Fashiontern --</p> <p>Just to clarify, I don't really think a broad "shopping your closet" is a good idea for you. That's more an exercise to keep from shopping out of boredom and/or do a light closet edit.</p> <p>I'm advising you pull together 10 or so wear-right-now outfits you like so you have something to wear as you ponder and ideally shop for core wardrobe items.</p> <p>Then I'd encourage you to pack up the remaining items. If I were your friend I'd try to get you to donate them -- a fresh start given your large weight loss and life changes! But put them out of sight at the least.</p> <p>And hey, as someone who's been actively participating in YLF for a very long time now -- </p> <p>there are always periods when new folks come in and post a ton of threads because they're in the process of trying to figure this out!</p> <p>Maybe they're not posting pics from their closet but they're posting huge "keep or return" photo threads. My feeling is that people can scroll, or people can engage, for whatever reason. </p> <p>But of course it's true that the tighter your focus, the easier it tends to be for others to respond.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833806 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:13:01 +0000 The Cat 1833806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well said, Jenn.</p> <p>Fashiontern, your project (whatever it is about), posts and comments (with ever changing views, and in some cases rather inpolite answers to kind people who are doing their best to help you) are pretty confusing.<br /> You seem to have a large need for attention. Apart from that, it is unclear what you actually want from other forum members. Maybe personal help from professionals would be the best option for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833804 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:00:46 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1833804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I think people are getting upset with me, and it's taking more energy than I have for this task.</p> <p>I think if I do what Vix said--back off the idea of this as one huge monumental task and just work on shopping my closet, paying attention to the colors that work for me--I can be happy with the results, without delving into the exhausting research project LisaP proposes or putting every item on in one big push. </p> <p>If I do get a job in my career, I might do a blazers/toppers post. I have some that I think are losers, some good ones, and a bunch in the middle that I'm not sure about.</p> <p>But in the meantime, if you guys help me out with outfits, that will help me figure out what works and what doesn't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833802 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:38:56 +0000 Jenn 1833802@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wait, why wouldn't you want to talk about finding your style? That's what this whole thing is about, isn't it? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833789 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 12:08:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1833789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking back over the comments, I plan to ditch one of the dark blues, the yellow one (always feel I should keep it because of the monogram, but in truth never wear it, and if I had really liked it, i probably would've gotten more oxfords), #10. The green one and the one with the peplum will probably go also. They apparently show up well in photos here, but irl, I don't see myself wearing them. The green is too short to stay tucked in, and the peplum just looks like it's shouting, and that's no fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833783 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 11:06:18 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1833783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Uncle! Uncle! I promise never to mention "finding my style" in here again.<br /> But still would like comments on outfits and things like pattern mixing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/taking-the-plunge/page/3#post-1833723 Sun, 06 Aug 2017 02:58:13 +0000 rachylou 1833723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the blogger Annette in Germany that was featured on YLF whom I really love. You can google her pics back to 2013: <a href="http://www.ladyofstyle.com/?m=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.ladyofstyle.com/?m=1</a> </p>