https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:40:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1273977 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 23:01:01 +0000 pastrygirl 1273977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, I love this! I saw Neel's thread over the weekend but didn't get a chance to post about it. That thread and this one give me hope that I will be where I really want to be style-wise in another year or two! It also makes me excited to know that I might actually be able to ditch my blah tendencies&nbsp;once and for all, once I figure it all out.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1273967 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 22:52:13 +0000 rachylou 1273967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That first pic always freaks me out a little, Suz. It's really a very pretty, nice look. I guess maybe it just seems a little timid on you, to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272868 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:59:37 +0000 Mona 1272868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions, Suz. I am not going to order any bottoms from J.Crew as I figured from reading other threads on YLF that those are not made for curvy bodies but I am willing to give their tops a try this year. I will see if I can make a trip to Toronto and visit the store. (It will have to be without hubs and kids as they are never eager to go to the malls). I have to try on the tops before ordering because if I am spending a lot on an item, it should fit me well and hopefully lasts a long time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272857 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:44:08 +0000 CocoLion 1272857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these kinds of looking-back threads. &nbsp;You look great in all of these, beautiful Suz. &nbsp;The styles are just different. &nbsp;The first is more mainstream, and also&nbsp;feminine.&nbsp; In years 2 and 3&nbsp;your style becomes more tailored and&nbsp;classic, which is a look that will always suit you. &nbsp;The final outfit's emphasis is on the modern which gets my top vote because it seems the most you.&nbsp; However I think the classic is good too. &nbsp;Most of my days feature classic attire as well, I just don't show those looks to you (dark wash jeans -- shorts today -- neat pony tail, crisp white shirt = my work look).I think classic will always have a place for me because it's quick, affordable (you can find well-made, sturdy pieces from brands like LL Bean, Lands End and Costco), and neutral so an excellent choice when dealing with the public.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272852 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:33:41 +0000 fathenry 1272852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're a style inspiration! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272849 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 17:22:20 +0000 Anonymous 1272849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Seriously, wow! And so encouraging to know you've gotten this far in just three short years.</p> <p>Like other people have said, #1 is pretty and flattering, but just doesn't look like "you." (And it's hard to even wrap my mind around you with long hair because your current cut is so incredibly perfect for you.) So it's fascinating first to see you go from there to a&nbsp;recognizably Suz outfit the next year, then to watch how you've refined your signature look to take it from good to amazing.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272836 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:59:13 +0000 Anonymous 1272836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How fun to see the "garden party" snapshot of your style evolution! I also loved your first look, but that's because it's more "me" than you. Now I understand how important it is to wear clothing that feels true to oneself, instead of merely looking okay or presentable. And you have accomplished that, even with all of the obstacles you faced along the way. Just look at how radiant you are in outfit number four. Everything comes together there.&nbsp;Kudos! I'm off to read Neel's thread, thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272820 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:25:33 +0000 Anonymous 1272820@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your and Neel's style journeys give hope to the rest of us. Success stories like this started my posting outfits and it has helped in that I am learning from the comments as well as what is working on others. Today you have given hope to many more.<br /> I remember when you had longer hair and what a difference that haircut made. The white linen outfit is to die for. I can hardly wait until next year's party. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272815 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:18:13 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1272815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So fantastic Suz - the white linen outfit is positively spectacular on you! You never looked bad you know but cutting your hair really seemed to be the turning point in defining your style and adding a missing element somehow. You have never looked better </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272814 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:17:38 +0000 Vix 1272814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz --</p> <p>Always fun to see progressions!&nbsp;</p> <p>I still love #1* and think you look gorgeous in it and the rest&nbsp;-- but yes, of course -- #1 is&nbsp;Suz in Costume, not Suz. </p> <p>That's what's so annoying and intriguing about developing our&nbsp;personal style, isn't it? <i><b>How do I convey who I am&nbsp;through what I wear?</b></i></p> <p>It's been so fun seeing all your&nbsp;analysis and gut instincts merge into the choices you're making today. Thanks for sharing your challenges and triumphs!</p> <p><i>* Funny how at least a few of us&nbsp;love that skirt and would take it off your hands if you still had it! ;)</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272788 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 15:19:10 +0000 jackiec 1272788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh wow, Suz! I wasn't planning to log on this AM but so glad I did! You look lovely in all photos but the last absolutely blew me away. The part that strikes me the most is your face - it really glows. You look so relaxed and comfortable in your style. What a great place to be! You are such a role model to me - I really appreciate how well you articulate your style journey (and all of your well-written posts). I learn so much from you. Seeing those pants again and that tee is making me want to check them out! Perhaps I need to take a "scouting" trip to the local JCrew. I have lots of catching up to do around here and will check out Neel's challenge (and all challenges for that matter). Thanks for making my Sunday morning. You look way more than FAB!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272777 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:58:04 +0000 Janet 1272777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, thanks for sharing this! I remember your pre-haircut style, and it was perfectly lovely, but you really have elevated your personal style into something that transcends mere attractiveness. It now seems so much more YOU. You can see it in how you hold yourself in photos and in your smile. I don't think you give yourself enough credit -- slow learner or not, you have skyrocketed in your style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272776 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:55:46 +0000 Joyce B 1272776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing the process, Suz. I think your hairstyle is like a match made in heaven for you, plus with a recommendation from Angie nothing can go wrong.<br /> I have always had long hair except when I was a little girl so for me it would be very difficult to go short plus I don't think it would be a good match for my features.<br /> I will do some homework and then start a thread to see what suggestions I get. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272770 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:42:57 +0000 Suz 1272770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much, Joyce. You are very kind.&nbsp;</p> <p>Cutting my hair short was really an easy decision: Angie told me to do it!! And when Angie speaks, I listen. &nbsp;(Note - we had not met in person at that point -- it was all from forum pictures.)&nbsp;</p> <p>There <b>is</b> a backstory. I actually had worn my hair short for most of my life (with occasional short periods of shoulder length) and Angie was aware of this. So she knew that I was already prepared mentally and emotionally for short -- and I guess she saw that it would suit me better. I had always felt more "myself" with short hair (since the age of 6 or so). There was no emotional angst in letting it go. Short = freedom, to me. It's just the easiest way to wear my hair, among other things -- it's basically wash and wear.</p> <p>I just looked at photos and picked through them and brought them to my stylist. I knew a pixie of some kind was the way to go, and I knew a fringe or bang would suit me because of my high forehead. I also knew I couldn't have certain styles because of my low hairline in back, and I wanted to work with my hair's natural texture, not against it, so that also ruled some styles in and others out. I love the look of a good bob, for example, but because of my rectangular jaw line and low back hair line it looks awful on me -- too blocky. I need to get the hair up above my jaw area to emphasize the eyes.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you start a thread about your hairstyle musings you are sure to get some great suggestions. So if you are up for a change, I say, begin!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272765 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:34:46 +0000 Joyce B 1272765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Suz, you always looked fabulous and you managed a transformation to more than fabulous!<br /> I never thought short hair could look better than long hair but you proved me wrong here. What was your thought process when you decided to go for the new hairstyle and how did you make sure it was the right one for you? I would like something a bit different from what I have but with no fuss and I don't know where to start.<br /> Thank you for sharing your style journey, you are always an inspiration to me.<br /> Also, thanks for pointing out Neel's fabulous challenge. That is an inspiration, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272761 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:31:23 +0000 Suz 1272761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much, everyone. And wow, K to the power of K - I am floored, Angie!!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have collected that top, yes. It's just one of their linen tees -- and I have it in my finds. I can add to the post.) :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272749 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:19:01 +0000 Angie 1272749@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Each year is better than the year before, DARLING Suz. I <b>LOVE</b> the last linen outfits. This is what I think:</p> <p>Killer to the power of Killer</p> <p>You are beautiful inside and out. xo</p> <p>(Have you collected the linen top? I want to collect it too).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272741 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:09:22 +0000 Mo 1272741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this step by step progression! &nbsp;I will come back and read the replies later when I have time to ingest it all. &nbsp;<br />Funny how the first round of improvements look so much more like the 'you' style we are used to, but aren't quite there. &nbsp;Still, 100% turnaround from the long hair and boho skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272740 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 14:08:24 +0000 Carla 1272740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating how a great hairstyle can tip the balance of a style transformation.&nbsp; Your pixie, Sarah the White's colour, Deborah's evolving A-line,&nbsp;Elizabeth's&nbsp;contemporary wedge and striking natural colour,&nbsp;Ceit's signature fringe and there are others.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>Love the 'wear white' party theme!&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition/page/2#post-1272726 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 13:45:57 +0000 MuseumGal 1272726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting this Suz.&nbsp; Interesting to see how, while you look fabulous in #1, you just don't feel you.&nbsp; Seems like you pretty quickly figured out the basics of your look (years 2 and 3) but it took you until this year to get all the details just right.&nbsp; I feel like I'm still in stage 1 - wearing stuff that looks fine, but it doesn't all feel ME.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272708 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 13:18:06 +0000 kkards 1272708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>thanks for sharing your evolution with us, sometimes the journey is better than the&nbsp;destination.<br />looking&nbsp;forward&nbsp;&nbsp;to the next 4 years.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272698 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 12:49:49 +0000 Suz 1272698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, <b>Elizabeth.</b> Your own style has skyrocketed this year, so whatever you are doing, it's working! Same for you, Mona!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Mona,</b> J. Crew is a bit high end for me, too. Not beyond my budget (although many of the Collection items are, unless on sale) but at the price point where I have to feel really confident before I order. I've had to send a few things back, too, which was disappointing and costly. That is because it is hard to try things on with no local store.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you're thinking of ordering from them, I would highly recommend a "scouting" shopping trip in Toronto. There are stores in the Eaton Centre and at Yorkdale. Trying things on to determine your size will be key. You might have to do some guestimating because they won't have all sizes in stock in the store (esp. petites) but you can get a clearer idea of fit this way.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their clothes are typically cut for a rectangular body. That doesn't mean they can't work on anyone else -- it just means you may have to pay special attention to cuts and might face alteration in some items at the waist in pants. Tops should be a pretty good fit for you, and also knits. Quality is typically excellent and there are often some nice design details. But not all items are created equal, as with any maker.&nbsp;</p> <p>These linen pants are amazingly <b>not </b>terribly see through. True, I was wearing nude undies. There is a tiny bit of pocket show through in the front, but very minor. I think it is to do with the cut -- there is some pleating in front and this helps to disguise -- the pants are very loose.&nbsp;Anyway, I did not find them too sheer for casual wear and I didn't catch anybody staring at me in an inappropriate way at the party. &nbsp; :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Would I wear them to an office? I'm not sure I would do that -- although I do intend to take them with me on a work trip next week. &nbsp;I think I'd freeze if I wore them in the air conditioned meeting rooms, but&nbsp;I might wear them to an evening or late afternoon social event with colleagues.&nbsp;</p> <p>The linen tee in white is &nbsp;a bit&nbsp;too sheer for someone to wear alone to work, I would think. The flash does emphasize the sheerness, though, and it is way less obvious in person. In the photos,&nbsp;I have a cami on for modesty. I might wear it at home with a nude bra, assuming that I would put a topper on if going out (or put a cami under).&nbsp;</p> <p>In the other colours, this linen tee would not necessarily need a cami underneath assuming you wore nude underwear. And especially not if you were wearing a topper (in an air conditioned office). Then again, in an air conditioned office you could wear a cami or tank underneath without overheating. So it would work.&nbsp;</p> <p>This outfit would have felt good with BFs also, but a little less in tune with the garden party vibe of relaxed elegance. I have already worn a similar outfit with my Kut skinnies rolled BF style and it was great.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272683 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:52:19 +0000 Elizabeth P 1272683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for sharing this Suz, it really is quite illuminating.&nbsp; As are many of the comments that have followed.&nbsp; </p> <p>I've been doing a LOT of thinking recently about my style, and what is working/not working and this has added yet more food for thought.&nbsp; I just wish I could sit down and start a post and be as eloquent as you are! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272680 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:48:00 +0000 Mona 1272680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ahhh! 4 wonderful years of style transformation. Seeing this thread Sunday morning just made my day. Although, I have to say half of it was Neel's thread that you forwarded us to.&nbsp;<br />Goodness, gracious. Every passing year you are becoming more confident and at ease with your clothes and style. Thanks so much for taking us along your style journey.&nbsp;<br />I have a few quetions also, Are the J.Crew linen pants not see through? What about the tee? I have never ordered anything from J.Crew as I find their prices a bit out of my range but this year I am thinking about taking the plunge. Also, how would this outfit have felt with white bf's instead of linen pants?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272671 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:19:23 +0000 Sveta 1272671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These retrospective posts are so informative and educational. Your style refinement is so clear from this pictures, Suz. No wonder you feel the happiest in the latest version - it also feels the most you.&nbsp;<br />These 4 years on YLF were very productive for you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272670 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:14:47 +0000 Suz 1272670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your kind words. And <b>AJ</b>, thank you for joining in with your own posts!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Deborah and Lyn D</b>, I love what you said:&nbsp;<span><i><b>it's so easy to look at fashion and not consider what actually suits us, reflects our personality and makes us feel good and like ourselves.</p> <p></b></i>I think the forum is such a great place to learn this because in taking photos we can examine them later at leisure (not like a quick glance in the mirror as we are rushing out the door) and ask ourselves why something felt "right" or not right to us.&nbsp;<br /><i><b><br /></b></i><b></b><b>Denise</b> pointed out in another&nbsp;thread that somehow, the very trendy Zara tops I tried last week&nbsp;didn't look "modern" on me. She is absolutely right. I have to get <b>my</b> modern from cut and from simplicity. Who knows why? Someone else the same size and colouring as me might look and feel sensational in some of those items, just as someone else would have worn a boho skirt with more confidence and higher happiness factor that would have showed, or another person, like <b>Deborah</b>, would feel happiest in all black. It's only by&nbsp;experimenting that we can find this out, which is why your experiments, <b>Neel</b>, are never failures, even when you think they are! I am flattered you went back and looked at my blog, by the way -- although I shudder at what you found there! Oh well...all part of the process, right? :)<br /></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272663 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 10:08:17 +0000 Deborah 1272663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, this years event outfit took my breath away!&nbsp; I love seeing how you have honed your style.&nbsp; It's as Lyn D said, it's so easy to look at fashion and not consider what actually suits us, reflects our personality and makes us feel good and like ourselves.&nbsp; This is where your journey has taken you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272648 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 07:24:54 +0000 carter 1272648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great journey! Have to say, I would never have recognized #1 as you. "That woman" looks just as lovely but so totally different from "you". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272639 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 06:56:29 +0000 Lyn D. 1272639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How fantastic to see these pics again Suz!<br />I remember all but #1. You nailed it then, and I think I was a bit like you in years gone by- &nbsp;attracted to fashion but didn't yet 'get' what I was aiming for or what suited me best.<br />Consequently/ some outfits were accidentally 9/10, but all the hard/fun work in putting together a great ensemble was yet to come.</p> <p>May there be MANY Encores in your future :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-garden-party-a-drama-in-4-acts-and-a-ylf-tradition#post-1272634 Sun, 08 Jun 2014 06:24:08 +0000 AJ 1272634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I remember when you cut your hair and how the new style just suited you perfectly!&nbsp; How fun to go to a white theme party each year.&nbsp; I just adore this year's version.&nbsp; The quality of fabrics and the beautiful drape just makes it so FAB!&nbsp; Thanks for sharing this and your post has inspired me to go dig up some old outfit pics! </p>