YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The style I can't achieve

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The style I can't achieve https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:42:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1001449 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:33:39 +0000 Suz 1001449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mani - big hugs! I just want to pipe in and say that the times when I have felt most lost and desperate in my style journey (or have made the stupidest shopping mistakes) have also been the times right before a significant (and positive shift). It's like any creative work. You feel stuck before enlightenment.  Oh. And after enlightenment, the laundry.   ;-)  ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1001438 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:11:57 +0000 ManidipaM 1001438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for taking the time to look and advise again, Puffenstuff. Actually, the older pins are still there after the purge because they still speak to me... and sadly my wardrobe never actually included much of that, not enough to be satisfactory. But I hear you on the shift and also the wisdom of setting aside figure flattery goals for individual comfort. I think I need to figure out the middle zone between the more modern shapes and the earlier hectic stuff. I have already got rid of the 'workable and possibly flattering but not me' set of pins as well as plain impractical for me (well except I left in brands I don't meet here and can't afford off international sites...or there would hardly be a board). And that is where panic wells. What's left seems hugely ambitious. It also feels like me. Not sure where to go from here. Hence, as others have suggested, might just need to start afresh with a new agenda. Hope I can reach a happy medium soon. puffenstuff on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1001074 Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:09:54 +0000 puffenstuff 1001074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I see a definite shift in images on your board Mandipa. You've started out with some very arty eclectic looks (big flowy dresses, tunics and bold jewel colors) and your more recent pins reflect a more refined modern classic vibe (neutrals, skinny pants with fluid tops, geometric lines). I'm taking a wild guess here but maybe you're having a style shift anyway and that's why you're feeling a bit out of sorts with yourself. If even a small percentage of your wardrobe reflected your older pins, if you're now favouring a different aesthetic you will feel like you have nothing to wear. If I have a look back on my older pins (my board is <a href="http://pinterest.com/puffenstuff/style-inspiration/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/puffenstu.....spiration/</a>), I see a different vibe going on than I favour now. Many more bold colors and preppy type silhouettes, I tried to emulate these looks by going on advice of buying what I thought I should buy only because I liked the look of the outfit. I don't have many recent WIW's but if you want to have a look back on my past ones you'll see the relation between my older pins and compare them to the more recent pins with a recent outfit. I was busy slavishly following what I thought I should wear because of what I read or what I saw. For instance, being an hourglass you get told alot that you should accentuate your curves and wrap dresses are your friend. I went buying a few of them and paraded around but never really felt good in them. Same thing with pencil skirts and fitted shirts, figure flattering yes but just not me. I have just recently learned that I can admire those things from afar on other people while I will wear what makes me happy. I would start by having a good look through your Pinterest board, maybe allocate a new board for Wish List items only which are just individual pieces. Fill up your style board with outfits you would wear, I can see you've got a few on there so start building on that and see if you can find a theme. From there I think it's trial and error, if you can dedicate a good chunk of time to go to the shops and try on items that fit in with your ideas from your pin board. Easier said than done with a little bubba in tow so be easy on yourself in the meantime. Sorry for the long rambly post I hope you're not asleep with boredom by now! ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1000513 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 11:41:19 +0000 ManidipaM 1000513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Puffenstuff, thanks for the very well-considered reply. I do like that blog and it has been useful studying her and a few others to make the most of my existing wardrobe and the few things I have bought recently. I was hoping though to use pinterest to finally find the individual style I would feel most like 'me' in, if you see what I mean. I hope I don't end up having to 'make do' for the rest of my life but maybe that IS what is necessary...a psychological realignment. Websites and lookbooks are pretty limited to non-existent in India, even for many global brands. But to an extent I do pin from some of my favourites. This is my board: <a href="http://m.pinterest.com/manidipa_m/my-style/" rel="nofollow">http://m.pinterest.com/manidipa_m/my-style/</a> puffenstuff on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1000427 Wed, 07 Aug 2013 05:01:31 +0000 puffenstuff 1000427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you've got some really great insightful advice here. At the risk of flooding you I wanted to add some more food for thought as I have recently been transitioning into a more attainable style that is the right fit for me. Even though I am probably on the other side of the world to you and I have not been through the baby stage I had a few ideas that I have tried to implement to help myself. I am of the opinion that the "fantasy" board may be setting you back more than helping, it's like looking at Vogue magazine but shopping at discount department stores. I found myself looking for more realistic ideas that I could acheive, even if it was with something I already had in the wardrobe. Sometimes you may just need a new idea for how to wear something, rather than just new items themselves. A good read and starting point is this blog post from Into Mind <a href="http://into-mind.com/2013/01/06/10-step-wardrobe-revamp/" rel="nofollow">http://into-mind.com/2013/01/0.....be-revamp/</a> Has some really great ideas on there, even if her outfits or style do not particularly appeal to you. Also I would suggest finding some blogs or images with more every day style. Maybe you have also some favourite stores that you would like to shop at, most of them have good websites and sometimes even have lookbooks to put their outfits together. I have also come to the conclusion that no matter how much advice you get, blogs you read or pictures you see, sometimes the only thing that works is you in your wardrobe trying things out. For me the big struggle is finding that balance of being casual, comfortable and still stylish and it's not something that I pretend to have even half way conquered. Perhaps you could share your pinterest board to get some further feeback as well? ramya on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-1000068 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 20:30:18 +0000 ramya 1000068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Moni I understand you. I am not very active on pinterest . But in my case I used to get frustrated whenever I had to wear salwar kameez while staying at home for extended period of time. Read at in laws:). I am not the susheel bahu types (the docile dil ) and acting the part got on my nerves. Just mixing it up makes me feel better. Isabel on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-999816 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 15:44:13 +0000 Isabel 999816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have I ever painted myself into a fantasy corner ?  Sweetie, I have dug myself into a fantasy ditch !   The two times in my life where it was really, really hard to grapple with was when I had my first child and when I quit my job to be a SAHM.  I was really torn between the clothes I loved and the life I led. Two very different things. I was also brainwashed by Vogue. Women in ball gowns  and rubber boots gardening and riding the horses while picking blueberries in  Chanel.  Then I read about a billionaire in Texas, a woman, who takes her furs to the theatre and rolls them up in a ball and puts them under her seat. She said, " Dahling, if something is too precious to wear, you shouldn't own it."   I took her advice. One day my husband came home and found me scrubbing the bathroom in a lovely dress that he had given me. He said, "What are you doing ? "    I said , " Dahling, I am scrubbing the tub !"  This is a true story.  It will get better. But why not do as you say, pin wonderful, beautiful things. Then have an Outfit idea board. A reality one.  Hang in there sweetie.  ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve/page/2#post-999764 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:33:31 +0000 ManidipaM 999764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Joy, ha! Thanks very much. I have been looking for a safe necklace now that my son has taken to yanking on my neckline as though leading a reluctant cow from pasture! Knotted scarf is a fab idea. Ornella, I take your point. I am actually trying to be practical in my choices already but will add accessibility to my rubric. And try your method of reverse assessment to see what is more workable in what I have. ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999756 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:25:30 +0000 ManidipaM 999756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Cobaltblue, commiserations! You would think someone would have figured out moms come in at all budgets and there is a huge untapped market, yes? Thistle, wholehearted agreement with you. Only this was not with respect to maternity style. It is an overall issue for me. Nursing adds extra frustration like cobaltblue says but that is really just a separate issue at this point. I long ago made up my mind to manage with what fits and functions for the next couple of years. Pinterest is only to remind myself of my preferences to pick up the threads later, since I have a history of role playing instead of seeking personal authenticity of style...it is sheer coincidence that some of the things I like would be very practical for maternity too. Anonymous on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999755 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:24:13 +0000 Anonymous 999755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Manidipa. It's been many many years since I had babies and toddlers but I remember feeling that my body and time were not my own. Even the dog made demands. This too shall pass. I think I resorted to ordering knit tops from places like Lands End in my best colors and wore lots of twisted cotton bandanas as necklaces because baby grabby hands pulled chains and beads apart. I also wore knit pants, skirts and shorts, I'm sorry to say, but they were easy and forgiving. One just does the best they can. Panic times were when I needed to find something to wear for an event for DH's work. Department store personal shoppers saved me several times. They are free and know what is stylish and will work with your budget. I wish I'd used them more. Thistle on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999744 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:10:00 +0000 Thistle 999744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am replying before reading all of the other comments, so forgive me if this is a repeat. having a baby is the one of the single biggest life changing events most women go through. And, we are held to unrealistic standards about it. Simply because celebrities with paid chefs, personal trainers, and nannies can get back into their pre-pregnancy shape quickly (much less at all!) does not mean this is the norm for the rest of us. Nor should it be. Same with clothing choices. Sure, we see celebrities in silk and lace after having a baby. But they are celebrities. Their whole livlihood is based on how they look. Once, maybe, suede was a luxe and fabulous choice. Now it is not. I am okay with that. It is part of becoming a mom, and I say embrace it!  I know the fab ladies here would frown on my "park style" of yoga pants and a tee, but I can run and chase my daughter without care. And frankly, that is priceless to me. Those toddler giggles and when she runs up and throws her arms around my knees . . . that make me far happier than just about anything I have ever known. Your little one will only be little once. Soak up every moment. And while you can still be stylish, don't beat yourself up over an unrealistic ideal. cobaltblue on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999728 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 13:58:40 +0000 cobaltblue 999728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Manidipa, I am right there with you! The hardest part for me is finding clothing that easily accomodates nursing without showing acres of cleavage. Well, severely restricted time for shopping doesn't help things at all, either! But it does seem that the things I'm looking for either aren't available or are way out of my budget (by several digits!). Just keep your fantasy pins, I say, and enjoy them as art. Ornella on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999668 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 10:57:36 +0000 Ornella 999668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As far as I'm concerned, you're way ahead of me at the time when I was a new mum - style wasn't part of the equation at all. A lot of factors were to blame, but framed by two main ones: my height - of course - which made shopping difficult in general, especially for the transitional body, nursing, need for comfortable clothes, and a lack of sense of style because of height difficulties if nothing else. Not to mention that I had no support in the form of YLF who will hold your hand. I think Pinterest can easily turn into counterproductive tool, that was at least a case with me, I got overwhelmed very quickly just looking at other people's boards. And partly because I've learnt my lesson from bookmarking (good, old-fashioned bookmark for keeping URLs) zillion links for all the recipes I will NEVER make, but can only feel frustrated because of it (but really, how many meals will I realistically need to make in my lifetime? So, how will I filter through all that food… how much TIME alone it will cost me to rummage through all that.) I have not used the Pinterest to hone my style. At least not yet. But I can also see how it can be very helpful - it did help me a lot to see the trends I like in making some decisions about our future house, but for now I leave it at that. I occasionally pin the look which really, really speaks to me, but I have detached myself from analysing my style through it yet. I like it and I leave it at that. Instead, I am working through my own, existing wardrobe. A few weeks ago I wrote about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/too-much-inspiration---full-circle---daring-to-go-simple">my need to go simple</a> in terms of clothing and I've had a blast since then. I literally tune into every piece I wear and have in the process started becoming aware of what I like and dislike, what feels most like me and why, down to the seam and cut. I still wear imperfect things, but I learn from them, and there is a reason why some survive in my wardrobe. Some I ditch without thinking twice. The things I love come from all price points, the more expensive ones from sales - but can you tell? I don't care, all I know is I LOVE those pieces and WHY I love them. It's a journey. And it's fun. That's what it's all about for me. I hope it makes some sense to you :-) ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999631 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 08:58:00 +0000 ManidipaM 999631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, I seem to have shocking amounts in common with Rachy and Astrid! Real pity I don't live remotely in the vicinity Deborah on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999616 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 07:39:28 +0000 Deborah 999616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have become quite intentional when I 'pin'. I simply follow Caro's boards and pin what she pins lol... but true:) She has my style preference nailed ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999604 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 06:20:45 +0000 ManidipaM 999604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rae, I had to laugh! Thanks for that! It's like Jack Sprat and his wife. We're keeping the retail universe in balance. And I do remember Ye Queste of the Trench! rae on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999569 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 03:59:22 +0000 rae 999569@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been watching this thread but did not know what to say... usually my problem is the opposite, and I find too much stuff! lol But then I remembered trying to find a waterproof trench that was packable, lightweight, breathable, etc. So now I'm grimmacing thinking of your plight. I hope you can find at least a few things that are suitable stop-gaps until The Ones present themselves.  ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999560 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 03:43:57 +0000 ManidipaM 999560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Steph, that is exactly the sort of clothes I would like to wear but have been unable to find in the right fits and fabrics with the right details (front openings being paramount for instance). Completely understand turning to sewing. Not that I could just now even if I had the skill. And real closet is small and what it is at the moment. No time to do very much with or for it. Pinterest is easier to sort while stuck to a baby! :-) Lisa, sadly, l had been doing the opposite. Lots of inspiration photos built out of common attainable blocks...which I just purged because they feel even less like me now than they did a year ago when I felt like experimenting. What feels right and like I could wear it in a heartbeat seems hardest to find and fit. Maybe I just have eccentric and expensive taste! mrseccentric on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999456 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:46:13 +0000 mrseccentric 999456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ good grief!  i have no time whatsover to keep up my pinterest board, and i barely manage keeping up with my meagre (by choice) closet - never mind i have no children at all! whew! oof, i say check out how the real closet is going before cleaning out an online inspiration board, unless you have free time to burn ;)  you're in a situation where it's very difficult to stay stylish generally, as well as true to your own personal style. I've dealt with this numerous times thru health problems (including big body changes). My workarounds: get some cheerful or basic dresses that work at numerous body sizes, such as wrap, flowy crinkly, ones slightly fitted around the shoulders that flow out from there with little ties at the back for shaping, etc. Tunics along the same style worn with leggings work great too. Little shrugs, cardis, shawls, scarves can add interest and a third layer. You can go wild with any accessory (barring possibly shoes and belts) as they will fit no matter what. Within this strategy you can go boho wild with lots of fabric, textures, color, details or more minimalist with quieter textures and closer shapes (ie. wrap pieces) in tonal looks of neutrals and blacks.  And of course (as pointed out above) how you do your hair and makeup makes a big impact style wise.  Anyways, this is a strategy that got me thru a pretty hectic, crazy time looking put together without constant freakouts use at your own peril!!  Having a 'fun' board and a 'i really think this could work' board could be a good idea.  OTOH, i have been sewing most of my own clothing for the past couple of years because of the issues you talk about here.... something to think about anyways. Best of luck and have fun!!! steph Lisa on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999445 Tue, 06 Aug 2013 00:16:44 +0000 Lisa 999445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, when I first started an inspiration folder for "favorite looks" I realized that I was pinning outfits I liked, but I would never wear.  Particularly skirts and dresses, two items I'm not a fan of for myself, I'm a jeans girl through and through.  Then my light bulb went off, I was collecting the outfits I liked, on the PERSON wearing them, and not with myself in mind.  I was collecting favorite outfits, but just not for me.  Now I am more subjective with my choices. ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999393 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 22:57:14 +0000 ManidipaM 999393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rachy, can I come be undisciplined with you? Lyn, yes, I clearly need to do this. Just scared it will be rather a 'white' board! Nicola, thank you for perfectly identifying my problem: superior taste, literally I am looking for those elements in common and that is a great way to convert: dilute until achievable. Needs to go on my bathroom mirror! Nicola on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999280 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 20:40:20 +0000 Nicola 999280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mr nznicola and I are serial offenders in this department. We are always hankering for things that either don't exist in the shops or are completely outside of our budget. We blame it on our good taste because it makes us feel better! But it is kind of fun figuring out what it is about those things that makes them appeal to us and trying to translate it into reality. Is there any theme coming through your pins which you can latch on to and dilute down until its doable? A colour? Vibe? Fantasy shopping isn't all bad :-). lyn* on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999265 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 20:21:57 +0000 lyn* 999265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a separate "To Try" pinboard that I put more realistic outfits (some even with the exact same piece I have!) so that I can try them out when I have time :) I have an "inspirations" board for various things and colour combinations I want to try out. I know someone who keeps on pinning things that are very unrealistic to her "try" board and she's very frustrated, poor thing.  rachylou on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999185 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 18:11:18 +0000 rachylou 999185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a mad pinner. Then every now and then it reoccurs to me my pinboard is a tip. So then I create a new board to siphon "select" pins off to. I tried for awhile to categorise and label within my hodge-podge board, but the labels multiplied and became overwhelming... If only I had some editorial discipline... ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999096 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:51:05 +0000 ManidipaM 999096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Runcarla---ah yes, I hadn't even gotten as far as the wash and wear aspect of misfit aspirations! Thanks for the reminder. Beth Ann, be warned it is the Aegean stables over there sadly my dad is no longer able to help. Chewy, am trying... Carla on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999088 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:36:40 +0000 Carla 999088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ ManidipaM, thanks for this post! I'm actually going to add a new board to my Pinterest collection...just for fantasy outfits, inspired by this thread. Then, when I pin an outfit, I can choose between the following boards...Style Inispiration....Copy This....and, Fantasy. After all, even the Duchess of Cambridge, who does wear Alexander McQueen, doesn't wear the wonderful, but crazy stuff that goes down the runway. I think there is a lot of wisdom posted above, especially Stacy. It's been over 20 years since I was in your shoes. At the time, my dressing was inspired by what could be washed and dried easily, and didn't need to be ironed. I never wanted to push a child away for fear that they might sully an outfit. Sometimes I'd have to change a top before I went out the door to work or wear a jacket or sweater, just to cover a stain acquired from a good-bye hug. ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999069 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:22:06 +0000 ManidipaM 999069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Texstyle, I agree. And used to think that at least shapes/silhouettes/elements would shake loose given a large enough sample size. Well, I guess they have...but they are no easier to work with because often it is the unusual that is the common denominator for me. Will have to look at them with fresh eyes and confirm though. chewyspaghetti on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999064 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:19:02 +0000 chewyspaghetti 999064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yep! Just look at it as an opportunity. Beth Ann on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999063 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:18:04 +0000 Beth Ann 999063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'll go take a look at your board later today, but I finally decided to create a "Fantasy Fashion" board for inspirational, but impractical pins.  This board is meant to give my creativity a chance to run free.   I like to quickly browse through this board every so often, looking for trends, color choices, etc.  I've learned that I have a stronger attraction to texture than I thought, and it sharply reinforces the importance of movement, flow and structure in my clothing.  My "My Style" board is meant to be, at least theoretically attainable. Also, would your Father be willing and able to make you a couple of items that you think would be flattering, but hard to find?  I'm still looking for some time to sew --- starting with simple skirts, because I'd love to try out fuller, longer skirts. I second the comment that now is a time to keep it simple and be generous with yourself.  Enjoying a lipstick, a new bangle (the kind baby can play with and not break) or pretty, smaller earrings that baby can't pull, can give you a little pick me up. ManidipaM on "The style I can't achieve" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-style-i-cant-achieve#post-999062 Mon, 05 Aug 2013 15:17:46 +0000 ManidipaM 999062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Shevia! I am in good company indeed :-) Suz, yes, I think I recall Astrid talking about that. Part of the problem, I fear, is my own reluctance to let go of the aspirations because they would often be so practical just about now...if only I could have them! Gaylene, I hear you and will try to do that---start a strictly wearable board. I just hope it doesn't translate to 'bored'. Diane, thanks for being on my team! thing is I am not so much in flux as digging my heels into a certain psychological comfort zone...but it's not possible to translate into reality and I am being stubborn or too chicken to go find the workable alternative. Because I am thinking of 'alternative' as second best or settling. Need to give myself a right talking to. Stacey, thank you so much. I'm not actually trying to transform pins to reality in the everyday just yet. No way to get much shopping done these days. In real life I am making do. And doing not terribly. Not great but not quite godawful. Pinning is more a way of keeping up with the new and also keep reminding myself of my standards so I don't slip into pre-pregnancy bad habits that originally led me to YLF. I have been working on the hair though I don't wear makeup these days. Still to be satisfied with the hair but getting closer. Deb, thanks for some very clever advice there. I already decided to adapt the restricted colour palette but will look for other common elements (patterns, waist surrender, volume on volume, texture etc).