https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 11:24:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135685 Mon, 27 Jul 2020 14:26:38 +0000 Anonymous 2135685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all for your thoughts on this subject. There is a lot more I can say about how mall /chain stores are useful for trend stories ....vs what local boutiques are presenting , but I'll leave it at that . &nbsp;I've run out of gas for thinking and writing . &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135655 Mon, 27 Jul 2020 09:34:48 +0000 lyn67 2135655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <i><b>Lisap:</b></i></p> <p><i>"I do learn something from many posts about proportion and styling tricks <b>(including forum members' posts!!)</b> , but I’m also interested in the bigger picture and seeing different / trickier / more artistic expressions of style as well as how <b>“real“ women</b> in creative fields dress . I also still enjoy high- end / designer looks as “ bigger picture “ inspiration,"</i></p> <p><i></i>and <b>Gri</b><b>ffin</b> said<i></i></p> <p><i>"I've actually returned right back where I started. My style was always mine, but I didn't embrace it. I thought something was wrong with it because it was different - not on trend, certainly not mainstream and often, quite frankly, not available."</i></p> <p><i></i>And <b>Sal</b>, I loved <b><i>"The Sartorialis"</i></b> at that time, too-and was bookmarking that first white dress, too!:-))<i></i></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135187 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:29:59 +0000 kkards 2135187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisap, i too am mourning the end of strolling thru malls browsing, looking for what is new and trendy. For me, keeping up with fashion is another way of keeping up with the ideas, thoughts and current state of the world. For me, not understanding where fashion is is like saying i no longer care where current cultural is... as you say, magazines used to help to provide that, but IMO they have nothing left to say. I’m not an Instragram person, i just don’t get it, same as Pinterest. I read blogs (and I’m always looking for new interesting ones), and the Zoe Report and Who What Wear which i think of as more than blogs/less than magazines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135172 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:32:38 +0000 elpgal 2135172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Sal and Carla. Off to check these out. I could use some inspiration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135171 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:19:30 +0000 Carla 2135171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@elpgal - besides YLF, I routinely follow ‘hostess of the humble bungalow’ and ‘une femme d’un certain age’&nbsp;- both 60yo+ and good at elevated classic casual style. &nbsp;I’ll occasionally check in on ‘accidental icon’ and ‘bag and a beret’ - &nbsp;both women with white hair and very avant-guard fashion ideas. &nbsp;Recently I’ve been going down a vintage rabbit hole with Youtubers Rachel Makesy, Bernadette Banner, and Morgan Donner. &nbsp;All,fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135169 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:50:20 +0000 Sal 2135169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first blogs I started reading were a couple of more crafty and food related blogs.&nbsp; I am a foodie but I am not really a crafty person.&nbsp; But I then moved into a few fashion related ones and for a while was always looking at "The Sartorialist" and "Garance Dore".&nbsp; Plus a couple of English bloggers - one is more on instagram now "Does my bum look 40" and "Not dressed as lamb" which I think led to me to YLF.</p> <p>I used to look forward to Scott Schuman's early street style photos and they really inspired me, a Mum living in a provincial city.&nbsp; It really is fun to get a window on what people in different lives are wearing - at the time I loved the fashionistas outside the fashion shows, the New York girls with bikes, and the sharp dressing Italian men......&nbsp; I still have some street style images from that time saved on my Pinterest page.&nbsp; They still speak to me - probably 8-10 years later.&nbsp; Here are three that I still love that I would wear today (why am I drawn to images of women with long dark hair?)</p> <p></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135168 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:45:58 +0000 elpgal 2135168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am curious to know what blogs you all like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135167 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:45:24 +0000 elpgal 2135167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went to a mall a few weeks ago and was saddened by what I saw at my favorite stores. Everything just felt so pointless. I too am in the camp of hoping things go back to how they were once people need to be *other places* and not home. Dressing for a role was the major driver for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135166 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:34:50 +0000 Suz 2135166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting....when I was talking about window shopping I wasn't talking malls. It's funny how our mindsets are so determined by our geographical location. I was thinking city streets...not that I live in a big city any more! Funny, that. Anyway...I've never derived inspiration from malls, per se, but from B&amp;M <b>stores</b>, and their windows, and all the people milling about...for sure!! &nbsp;</p> <p>And I miss it. Screen is not the same.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135145 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 01:12:11 +0000 DonnaF 2135145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa; you made me realize I go to a mall maybe once a year -- with my daughter at Christmas. I guess it's kind of a tradition. I'm not skilled enough to figure out trends by checking out windows.&nbsp;</p> <p>I rely on Angie to let me know what's what and for ideas on how to put together outfits. Then, I mostly shop online at Nordstrom.com because I mostly need Petite sizes. I look to Topshop and a few other brands to figure out what's current. Other blogs/fashion sites I regard as eye candy that I don't really relate to personally.</p> <p>And of course, I enjoy the Forum here for a variety of reasons. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135092 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 21:41:19 +0000 cindysmith 2135092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Between the pandemic, the job change, and my wardrobe needs for my current job, I just don't see me needing to go shopping. My work schedule now allows for so few days off, or even hours off-duty, that I don't need a lot of stuff. I could see myself not needing to buy anything for a long time, TBH.<br /> I am grateful for YLf, because Angie presents trends but doesn't PUSH trends. The way she presents trends makes it easy to see how one might work for me if I wanted it to; and the way she does sale item roundups is pretty cool, too.</p> <p>For the next year or two, I need to focus on getting my finances under control. Having very little in the way of time off work will make that easier; and having Angie's expertise will help me by sifting through all the noise to find the few things that appeal to me enough to actually buy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2135044 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:47:45 +0000 Laura 2135044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Intriguing thread, LisaP! I've enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with LisaP that blogs are invaluable. Angie's blog is invaluable to me because she fits clothing on a myriad of bodies and thus her recommendations are spot on and not focused on herself -- far from it! Instagram influencers, unless they have my body type, are not very helpful to me except as something fun to check out now and again.</p> <p>I'm an outlier in terms of my thoughts on brick and mortar retail. After coronavirus, people are going to crave a real-world experience. I think a lot of us are suffering from screen fatigue! There will be plenty of empty storefronts to rent and incentives for small business. No better time to grab some space and start a retail store, that's what I think! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2134963 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:58:58 +0000 RobinF 2134963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never found our malls to be very inspirational. It's all the same stuff and mostly geared to teenagers. I like to shop but much more at discount stores like TJ Maxx than at regular malls. I recently went to our local outlet mall which is outdoors. There were short lines to get in most stores and masks and hand sanitizer, but other than that it felt pretty normal. </p> <p>I do like blogs and Instagram, just so I know what is new out there. I like visuals.&nbsp; And of course YLF is great for information on trends. I agree that I get most ideas from seeing what others are wearing and enjoy the outfit posts here.</p> <p>It will be interesting to see how things change in the future. I have been doing more online shopping lately but I like to see and feel things in person, so always prefer b&amp;m when possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2134958 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:41:49 +0000 Helena 2134958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenni</b>, I certainly won't be voting you off the forum, that's for sure! The reason why I love YLF is because of all the different voices, perspectives, and different styles. Far from adding to the confusion, it's a reminder that there is no "one" right way to do things, and that the journey is personal! I definitely don't need to be in a space where everyone's the same as me; what's the point of that? xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2134955 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:26:39 +0000 The Cat 2134955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni, we want to keep you here! You are an inspiration and deserve our respect and admiration for having overwon a previous "desperate feeling of needing something new." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2134954 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:22:48 +0000 Liesbeth 2134954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting coversation, thanks for starting it lisa!<br /> I am not much of a mall shopper - most of what I like about shopping is the breaks, having a drink on a terrace and watching the people go by. Of course, Antwerp city high street is pretty good for that, you see both excentric fashion academy students, tiny sixteen year olds dressed in primark, 'regular folk' and a satisfying amount of inspirational stylish people. I went shopping for an hour or two last week when it was drizzling and not uncomfortably busy. With my mask. I loved watching the people and reminding myself once more that style isn't about budget or heaps of clothes. That's why a hope the high street won't suffer further in these already trying times. Also, I find unexpected things shopping b&amp;m and that's so satisfying.<br /> But I never did get my inspiration from shopping windows really. Perfectly styled mannequins don't speak to me like a beautiful fashion edit, or street style does. So on that front things won't change as much for me. I love that YLF not only gives my the visual information and inspiration, but that Angie breaks it down too for my analytical mind to understand. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites/page/2#post-2134953 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 12:13:20 +0000 gryffin 2134953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa - I think the pandemic was the ultimate "sea change."&nbsp; For me, when I started visiting fashion blogs it was because I wanted to up my game sartorially.&nbsp; Fast forward many years later, after following, exploring and going down the rabbit hole, I've actually returned right back where I started.&nbsp; My style was always mine, but I didn't embrace it.&nbsp; I thought something was wrong with it because it was different - not on trend, certainly not mainstream and often, quite frankly, not available.&nbsp; So after many mistakes, prior to covid, I simply returned to me roots.&nbsp; But now I choose to embrace the essence of my style, it's not there by default.&nbsp; I was already withdrawing from most blogs - YLF is the only one I stop in on and that more for the chat!&nbsp; I have not been to a b&amp;m store, well in I don't know when.&nbsp; Other than work, I am home.&nbsp; I got no where and that's the plan until this is over.&nbsp; I check in on online retailers that resonate - mostly Veronica Beard, Theory, EF, Stuart Weitzman, Aquatalia, Nordstrom and COH and Madewell for jeans. But just as I'm letting my "little silver highlights" grow in, the pandemic made me contemplate what's important to me.&nbsp; That's focusing on family, health, authenticity, and realizing I don't need to "follow" trends.&nbsp; What is available will dictate what I have to chooose from when I shop online. From that place I will organically shift my focus when I need to or want to replace items.&nbsp; Otherwise, I want to focus on the best version of me, if I walk alone so be it.&nbsp; At least it's my path and my path alone.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134946 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 11:19:09 +0000 Anonymous 2134946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@JenniNZ "full life reflections" is Debby from recovering shopaholic's newer blog. She still writes wardrobe management posts, and is one of the few blogs I read too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134941 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 10:17:37 +0000 The Cat 2134941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I very much agree, lisa p. And I always enjoy Angie's seasonal fashion forecasts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134939 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 09:44:25 +0000 Jenni NZ 2134939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t really understand most of you. This is the only fashion blog I follow, and previously I followed Recovering Shopaholic for the wardrobe management ideas. And while I have learned enormous amounts from Angie I am really still here because of the forum.<br /> I do miss fashion magazines for inspiration. My 2 favourite local ones were closed down by the publisher in early April so I hadn’t bought one since my new season 2 in late February. Last week I cracked and bought an Elle but that was a mistake, it was useless.<br /> I would never look at outfit bloggers and Instagrammers. I think I possibly detest such! What an old grump I sound!<br /> I don’t think I need Style 101 either.<br /> We are lucky in NZ that our malls are pretty much back to normal so wandering through for a feel of colours and patterns is still a thing.<br /> I no longer have that desperate feeling of needing something new though. Have purchased precisely 3 items in 2020 and received one gift. My pleasure now is in wearing what I have.<br /> As you sometimes say, Lisap, now you may all vote me off the forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134938 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 09:39:03 +0000 Anonymous 2134938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep Lisa, I used to love going into shops to browse and see what's new, but now it's just depressing and stressful. I just want to stay home, where I don't have to wear a mask and life feels normal. Online isn't much better- just a chaotic mix of summer and last winter's things. Many things are sold out in all but XS or XL. </p> <p>YLF is my main fashion fix- thank you Angie! A lot of the other blogs I used to read have either stopped posting or gone to podcast/video format, which I have no patience for. I can read for hours, but video I can tolerate about 3 minutes. So many are just outfit blogs too, 15 pics of the same outfit with maybe a paragraph. "Look at my perfect life." It just feels egotistical and not relatable at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134934 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 06:25:07 +0000 Brooklyn 2134934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I forgot about TV and movies! I most recently enjoyed Killing Eve for fashion inspiration. I even got some ideas from Game of Thrones. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134930 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 05:59:32 +0000 Sal 2134930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hashtag on instagram that I follow</p> <p>#2020wehaveplenty</p> <p>This brings up a range of outfits mostly in the remixing category.&nbsp; I have gone on to follow some of the instagrammers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not a mall or department store person (partly because the department stores here are not that great) - but I am a boutique person.&nbsp; I find following two local boutiques on instagram interesting - sometimes the prices are too high but it provides some ideas for me.</p> <p>YLF is pretty special in the advice that Angie gives and her genuine enthusiasm to help others find their own style.&nbsp; Some of the other bloggers I used to follow have changed their format for the reasons Roxanna discussed.</p> <p>I think many of us are missing the street style too - being out and about you see what people are wearing in the street.&nbsp; Not much of that in a pandemic.</p> <p>TV and movies can be inspiring - well to me anyway.&nbsp; I can really get hooked on a character's style and haircuts.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134915 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 03:27:05 +0000 Jaime 2134915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of random thoughts from reading this great conversation.<br />Not to brag :), but I have been dissing malls since I was 7. I have absolutely traumatic memories of going to Macy's and seeing rows and rows of the same thing. I like a treasure hunt.</p> <p>That said, living in a nation that has suffered more trauma than many others, you would be surprised how quickly people recover and long to return to their routine (this is a very important value in Israel and after anything happens that is what everyone talks about). I do think shopping is going to change, because the pandemic has catalyzed many trends that were already forming. But I also think once the pandemic is under control there will be a tendency to try to return to the before.&nbsp;</p> <p>I follow a variety of people on Instagram but find it harder to take inspiration from these images than a blogger that I "know". For me style is about expressing a personality. It needs some depth as well as visuals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134914 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 03:07:56 +0000 Brooklyn 2134914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I understand what you are saying about the type of blog you prefer. </p> <p>I’ve never been into style influencers or outfit bloggers because I find their posts fake - too perfect, generally sponsored or using gifted clothing. No real theme other than isn’t this new trend cute? (I realise I’m generalising.)</p> <p>One of the great things about YLF is that real people who aren’t doing it for money post real outfits. Like Janet, I mourn the fact that fewer are doing it here. </p> <p>I think Angie’s approach as a blogger is exceptional in that she is not an “outfit blogger” - even though she does sometimes post outfits. Although she does express her preferences - as we know - her emphasis is very much on supporting each of us on our style journeys. I think that’s pretty rare - that it’s not about emulating her style. I hope that is one of the differentiating features of her business that she will be able to utilise to get through these tough times.</p> <p>I use runway photos a lot for inspiration. The number of designers can be a bit overwhelming so I tend to focus on a few favourite designers. But every now and then I stumble on a new source of inspiration. This year I looked at Paco Rabanne and I was amazed at how many ideas it gave me for remixing things in my current wardrobe in a fresh way. That’s gold to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134913 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 02:58:32 +0000 SarahD8 2134913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla, the funny thing about that street style pic you posted is that a few days ago there was that comment from one of the moms on the first night they were down there that was like: “I am a mom in a literal Ann Taylor Loft blouse and they tear gassed me.” (She also said she was going back for more but I just find that name-check of a clothing brand fascinating, sociologically speaking.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134912 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 02:52:37 +0000 rachylou 2134912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t been to a mall since last December I don’t think. I’m not sure how I’ll take the fashion temp of the world not being able to go out. On the other hand, there’s so much stuff out there it overwhelms me and I’ve already been relying on Angie and Fabbers to tell me what’s what for years.</p> <p>... I wonder if there won’t be a deglobalisation of style now that y’all really make me think... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134911 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 01:38:52 +0000 Carla 2134911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Bijou - I noticed the mall and stores have been stripped of all decor, likely because it makes it easier to clean. &nbsp;Displays are spaced out as well, and stock is sparse due to cancelled orders and shipping delays.</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>Whilst in a men’s store DH tried on a shirt in a size he thought would fit. &nbsp;It didn’t, so he tried the next size - which did. &nbsp;He saw a second shirt he wanted and the clerk didn’t want him to try it on, saying it was the same size as the one he was planning to buy. &nbsp;He pointed out that the fabric was different as was the collar, and she capitulated. &nbsp;He did buy both shirts, but the experience was soured by the ‘fight’ with the SA. &nbsp;She told us items that were tried on went into a back room for 48 hours and then were steamed, before being put back on the floor.</p> <p>Sadly,&nbsp;<i>real&nbsp;</i>street style is a protest T shirt, a mask, and shoes you can run in. &nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134908 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 01:00:06 +0000 Roxanna 2134908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Janet - just popping in to say I totally agree. IG Doesn’t allow for meaningful or deep conversations, it’s harder to build a community, And the overriding aesthetic and Drive towards ‘perfectness’ is disheartening and not very useful. But as blogs abs website get harder and harder to monetize, I fear that influencers will rule the future. </p> <p>Lisa - also agree that stores are so disheartening lately. And nodding along with Helena’s feeling lost in a fragmented world of DYOT... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-value-of-blogsfashion-sites#post-2134906 Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:53:06 +0000 Bijou 2134906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can so relate to this. I went to what was once a beautiful department store in my city centre on the weekend and was shocked. It felt shabby and the whole experience was one of buy what I need and get out as quickly as possible. </p>