YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style.

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:42:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php MsMary on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-897237 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:45:49 +0000 MsMary 897237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scarlet, I don't know if I will be of much help since I am in the U.S. and you are in Europe, I think.  But here goes:<br /><br />I stock up on pajamas at Macy's after Thanksgiving.  They have lovely flannel pajama sets on sale every year and I bought four sets, which I love.  I also bought four of their Alfani brand pajama cotton knit pajama bottoms, which I wear in the summer with oversized tees (or just the oversized tees alone when it's hot).  Unfortunately these seem to be seasonal items because I don't see them on the web site right now.<br /><br />Workout gear is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Womens-Absolute-Workout-Capri/dp/B006O94CWI" rel="nofollow">Champion brand capris</a> with various tees, of which I seem to have a million.<br /><br />Socks are also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Womens-6-Pack-Performance-Ankle/dp/B0015PKB1M/ref=sr_1_8?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1364996632&sr=1-8&keywords=ladies+champion+socks" rel="nofollow">Champion brand</a> for the gym.  For everyday I get plain black socks from Target.<br /><br />Panties are <a href="http://www.soma.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=15&pageId=1&productId=560000793&viewAll=&prd=Vanishing+Edge+Microfiber+Bikini&subCatId=&color=001&fromSearch=true&inSeam=&posId=8&catId=&cat=&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=" rel="nofollow">Soma Vanishing Edge</a>.  I heard about them on here and I love them -- no panty lines at all, even with the tightest skirts and pants!  When I want cotton panties I wear <a href="http://www.hanes.com/clothing/women/panties---shapewear/bikinis/hanes-womens-cotton-bikini-panties-with-comfortsoft-waistband" rel="nofollow">Hanes </a>from Target.<br /><br />Bras are the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009EOG9PI/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1" rel="nofollow">Madison style from Prima Donna</a>.  I went to a fancy bra store and got fitted, and this one was the clear winner.  (The lady in the store told me it was their best-seller.)  For sports bras I love the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moving-Comfort-Womens-Maia-Bra/dp/B001B1RQ8G" rel="nofollow">Moving Comfort Maia</a>.<br /> Scarlet on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-897166 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:40:35 +0000 Scarlet 897166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well darn, I responded here, but somehow lost it. As I was saying to the best of my memory...<br /><br />Rachy and Jules, I will have to keep repeating my mantra (sleeker, chicer, cheaper) before it manages to take root in my brain, but your support for the notion helps :)<br /><br />KCS, the bit about plastic really hits home with me, ha! I guess I know now to lower my expectations for the future too.<br /><br />Sammi, so nice to see you here, girl. I love your style.<br /><br />unfrumped, have you seen the advice here that shorter tops go better with skirts and longer tops with trousers? I don't think it has come up on the blog in awhile but it really sorted me out. Otherwise I think universality is pretty hard unless you really restrict what kind of silhouettes you wear, which I am not ready for yet. I was actually considering posting pictures inside of my wardrobe to remind me what I can reach for in a pinch though. Isabel on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-896627 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:56:03 +0000 Isabel 896627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scarlet, like the others, I also think that it makes good sense. Many new moms feel things get chaotic and you don't need to feel that way about dressing. Something straightforward, stylistically, that always looks great without much thought is really a holy grail.  unfrumped on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-896609 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 21:45:18 +0000 unfrumped 896609@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not just that the size of the wardrobe is an issue or wearing things one or 2 ways is wrong or right, but that your approach may bring more simplicity and speed to dressing. I have some leanings in this direction for this year, too, and it's because I have found  that I'll start to put some things together and then it's no, this top really doesn't go with these pants after all, back to the closet, or these boots only go with 2 pairs of pants--that sort of thing. You don't want your outfits to require such memory storage room of what WAS that combination that finally worked--at least, I have learned I need a bit more universality (if that's a word) in my wardrobe as well. That is akin to the FFBO concept. I still have problems with proportions, though--it is really hard to have the "universal top" that goes with all bottoms. </p> <p>But I think you are on the right track with more limited colors, solids and neutrals. I've noticed I've collected quite a few prints and though many are in neutral-ish colors, there is still a limitation there.</p> Anonymous on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895619 Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:44:44 +0000 Anonymous 895619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think this sounds boring at all!  I actually think it makes a lot of sense with your cool, casual euro chic style.  I'm looking forward to seeing how you apply this!<br /> rachylou on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895563 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:41:27 +0000 rachylou 895563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love your title "sleeker, chicer, cheaper." It's an awesome mantra.<br /><br />My co-worker at the bakery is leaving us at the end of summer to help his parents out in their new business in Oregon. He's going to <i>bike </i>to Oregon, and will not be sending a moving van ahead of him. Your mantra is that cool.<br /> K. Period. on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895132 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:13:02 +0000 K. Period. 895132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scarlet, oh how I know what you mean!  After each of my kids, I was shocked and overwhelmed by how much stuff and chaos they brought with them (most of it made of plastic, no matter how hard I tried, and how was it that it was as true with the second as with the first?!?). I was exhausted and too busy and slightly (totally) overwhelmed.  I simplified a lot then too.  Having one thing in order (my wardrobe) in my new world of chaos was such a relief. <br /><br />During pregnancy, I had a super condensed wardrobe, which was a revelation to me. It shocked my friends, who were used to my pretty extensive wardrobe, and almost couldn't understand how I could be as happy with a condensed wardrobe as a varied one.  I wore the heck out of my maternity things then and in the months that followed delivery and then I was done.done.done. with them.  I'd gotten a ton of value out of those pieces.  <br /><br />That experience taught me the value of a few carefully chosen pieces. A simplified color palette was a huge time and energy saver. So was identifying the "me" pieces that would still work for me with baby in tow. Knowing how important it was to keep things simple, I created a mini new mom capsule of FFBOs. I didn't invest a lot, money-wise, but the value of that new mom capsule was immeasurable. Keep your old wardrobe--store it away for when you have more time for you--but enjoy a simplified one for this period of your life.  <br /><br />  <br /> Scarlet on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895117 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:53:02 +0000 Scarlet 895117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thistle, good reminder to have my FFBO's sorted before I go back to work in another month! I do have to keep in mind at home that my clothes are liable to face an insult, so I haven't been wearing any of my leather or tailored jackets. I miss them.<br /><br />Suz, you are very perceptive.<br /><br />Beth Ann, I like that--curator vs. editor. I will never really give up pattern, I just need to round out all the pattern in my wardrobe a little better. I agree patterns can be surprisingly versatile, especially in black and white.<br /><br />Claire, that is how I am picturing sleek too. Really no-nonsense but in a fashionable way.<br /><br />I guess according to everyone the impulse to simplify is a really normal mom-of-young kids thing. Funny how I didn't see it coming. I thought my nesting mania where I sought to redo all storage, bin and index all of our possessions that are not in constant use would be over by now RoseandJoan on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895110 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:41:35 +0000 RoseandJoan 895110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love that you have paired sleeker and chicer with cheaper, I have little doubt in my mind that you can pull of sleek and chic without breaking the bank.<br /><br />It is amazing how having a baby touches and molds every area of ones life. Whilst I think it is hugely important to adapt to your new challenges and change what is necessary, I also believe it is equally important to not lose sight of the person you were before. It is amazing the lift you can get from blasting your favourite band on the mp3 or sharing your favourite meal with your hubby. <b>(Scarlet this is more a reflection of how I </b><b>and a few friends were in those early months of motherhood rather than anything you have posted).<br /><br /></b>BTW I am also on a huge greyscale kick so perhaps it is a fashion mood shift after the past few seasons of colour and print.<b><br /><br /></b><br /><br /> Anonymous on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895078 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:35:40 +0000 Anonymous 895078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm toying with "sleek" for one of my own style descriptors. In my mind it connotes a streamlined profile without a lot of movement in the clothing. It seems practical, businesslike and no-nonsense for the running around I have to do. My clothes, shoes and bags are all neutral right now (I consider denim and navy blues neutrals) and I am LOVING it. I still have a fair amount of pattern, but I've added a lot of solids so that I don't get caught in the pattern trap. New items this spring are two solid pencil skirts and two solid cardigans. I have to get over (and I sense you are hung up on this too) worrying that <i>others </i>will find my style boring and focus on what I love and works for me.<br /><br />This "middle of the night clarity" is often very inspired. As much as you can, I encourage you to run with it. That doesn't mean you have to get rid of all your clothes and start over, but you could pull out a small capsule that ticks all of your boxes and begin dressing from that as an experiment. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Beth Ann on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895067 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:07:48 +0000 Beth Ann 895067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good and productive thought process, Scarlet.  I'm trying to focus on being more of a "curator" than an "editor," since the focus is creating something beautiful and choosing items to bring in, rather than choosing things to keep out.  I plan to keep pattern for myself, however.  They're like very distinctive paintings, it's true, but they carry a lot of impact, too.  I find I can wear patterns in many different ways.  I have one HInge blouse (a YLF favorite) that I can easily put into 10 outfits.  I am also realizing how much interest and pleasure that texture, drape and structure bring to the clothing we wear!<br /><br />Oh, and yes, I have one type of black sock, one type of white exercise sock, one kind of tights ........  I need to do more of this simplifying, too!<br /> Suz on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-895060 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:52:55 +0000 Suz 895060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This sounds really sensible to me, Scarlet. Not sensible as in "boring and dull" but sensible as in workable, realistic. A new family member brings a degree of chaos into your life, and a feeling of not having as much control. So wanting to control small things is understandable. <br /><br />I prefer to have mostly the same kind of underwear, same kind of camis, same kinds of layering Ts, same workout clothes, too. There are exceptions, but I find it makes life easier.  Thistle on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894976 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:28:27 +0000 Thistle 894976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think simplification, as a new mom, is a must.  There are so many things vying for your attention, and clothing just isn't at the top.<br /><br />I am not very familiar with your style, but I have learned a few things with my DD.<br /><br /> - FFBO are a must. There are just too many things that go wrong in a morning.<br /> - Uniforms are totally okay. I am sporting my wrap top with trousers uniform today after an awful night with DD and her cold<br /> - Really, no one notices what you wear. They notice your style, not the pieces. Don't beleive me, ask yourself what everyone wore to the meeting (playdate) you went to last Wednesday. <br /> - Ease of care of fabrics.  I have become a walking napkin for DD . . . . <br /><br />Be gentle with yourself now. You are in transition. Your body has gone through a lot already, and I am sure Little Red is still very demanding on you. <br /> Scarlet on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894970 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:13:28 +0000 Scarlet 894970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ BJ, I have never found the V files very inspiring somehow. Maybe I should go check out why and it will give me a better idea of what I am going for.<br /><br />MaryK, now I have to ask what are your favorite socks, undies, PJs, and workout gear? Especially my PJs and workout gear needs attention.<br /><br />Una, I have thought about the chop, since little red hangs onto my hair like a monkey hanging from a tree, but every time I mention the idea in front of someone, they look at me sidelong and say, "I wouldn't do that." Reminds me of your post recently about pixies. I did have one once and with my face it is just terrible. Jaw length is okay though.<br /><br />Deborah, good to hear your experience.<br /><br />Glad in general if I am making sense to people, as no doubt there is nevertheless a lot of hormones and psychology underlying it all. And here's to an orderly underwear drawer as a great start to the day! <br /><br />:)<br /><br />ETA: There have got to be hormones involved when I, with my drawer full of beautiful colorful scarves, have suddenly decided what I really really need is a light grey scarf. Deborah on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894917 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:48:49 +0000 Deborah 894917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think this sounds brilliant Scarlet.  I am sorry I didn't get to comment on but did read your last post.  Motherhood definitely plays havoc with our style.  What you are suggesting here sounds fab.  Not boring, pedestrian or ho hum.  <br /><br />Just for the record I pretty much wear one kind of underwear etc as you mention... and I do feel very in control :)<br /><br />I am looking forward to seeing how this progresses for you.  Thinking back, this is exactly what I did after my son was born.  Being a working mum of a baby I really needed a workable, stylish wardrobe that I did not have to think much about.<br /><br /><br /> catgirl on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894868 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:29:10 +0000 catgirl 894868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This makes absolute sense to me.  It's the same reason a lot of new moms chop off their hair - streamline and simplify!  It is one way that function dictates form, which is really a very good approach. cinnamon fern on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894728 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:25:13 +0000 cinnamon fern 894728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm stealing MaryK's idea - simplicity with very little downside.   Sveta on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894716 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:05:39 +0000 Sveta 894716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Scarlet, I think this is a great insight! Having a baby is so all-absorbing that simplification of everything in your life just makes perfect sense. <br />I think it is a great idea to build a small wardrobe of classic items which can be easily remixed. The best thing is that if you ever feel like adding more color and pattern down the road in will be so easy to incorporate them with the classics!<br /> MsMary on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894709 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:55:48 +0000 MsMary 894709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That sounds great, Scarlet!  As a new mom you have a lot on your plate, and paring down your wardrobe sounds like a great way to streamline your life while still looking fab!<br /><br />BTW I have a super varied wardrobe of actual clothing, but I buy only one kind of socks, one kind of panties, one kind of bra (give or take a couple of specialty bras), and one kind of pajamas for winter and one kind for summer.  And one kind of workout gear.  I love it!  If that is an attractive idea to you, you can always implement it on a going-forward basis!<br /> bj1111 on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894689 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:32:28 +0000 bj1111 894689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You knwo, there is nothing wrong with wearing a piece only one or two ways then repeatedly wearing the heck out of these items, unless you bore yourself. Honestly, no one notices what you wear except how put together you always look.  And if someone notices, well i think how cool that she uses her good clothes over and over instead of saving them for a special occasion.<div><br /></div><div>But, i totally understand the desire for a versatile wardrobe that can mix and match.  Check out thevivienefiles for how she did it to her own wardrobe as well as examples of how to remix very singular pieces.  I will say, her "vrsatile" wardrobe is boring in a different way.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div> Scarlet on "The new me, a sleeker, chicer, cheaper style." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-new-me-a-sleeker-chicer-cheaper-style#post-894666 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:04:10 +0000 Scarlet 894666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div><span>I posted recently about feeling newly confused about my style:<br /></span><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-urge-to-get-rid-of-all-my-clothes">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....my-clothes</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think I see where I want to go now, whatever the underlying reasons may be. I am very attracted to texture and pattern and admire a complex, layered style. Maybe Giovanna Battista would be an example of someone who does this well (see Mochi's thread). </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-mad-style-crush-and-what-if-anything-it-means-for-me">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ans-for-me</a></div><div>However, I think that kind of style requires a big wardrobe, whereas I need to downsize and make more room for other things in our home, like baby toys and whatnots. I also want to cut back on my budget. I think the way forward is to simplify, a process I prefer to call sleekify. <br /><br />I think my style moniker, casual euro chic, is still right on for my lifestyle and preferences, but I think I need to adhere more ardently to the practical side of euro--that is to say a reduced color palette and great basics that can be elegant or casual with little tweaks. </div><div><br /></div><div>For me personally I think this means to buy more versatile pieces and less pattern and colors that can only be worn in a few ways. I used to shop in a way that I focused on something I loved and maybe only wore it one or two ways over and over. That worked for me, but it demanded a bigger wardrobe. Now I want to focus more on great modern classics (searching for the term Angie would use here) that can be combined in multiple ways. I know it sounds so ho-hum, cliched, pedestrian, but this, folks, is my insight for the night. (I can't sleep.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Two examples of this new direction are the taupe suede Sam Edelman Petty's (not distressed or cowboyesque like my other suede boots, just classic good looks) </div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/store/2013/02/25/sam-edelman-petty-bootie-2/">http://youlookfab.com/store/20.....-bootie-2/</a></div><div>and this fabulous simple sweater from Gap (in navy).</div><div><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/store/category/clothing/knitwear/">http://youlookfab.com/store/ca...../knitwear/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have bigger fantasies of having only one kind of sock, one kind of underwear, one kind of camisole, etc. and then imagine how orderly and in control my drawers would seem! But I am not going to throw away perfectly good things just for this illusion of control. It is a nice dream though.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would have been bored by this approach a year ago, but now it feels right. Anyway, maybe this won't last and is just my little bubble for now, but I thought I would share. Thanks if you managed to read all that. All thoughts are welcome.<br /></div>