https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:28:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2055300 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:23:06 +0000 Jenni NZ 2055300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is that FOMO and wanting to have every single piece in the outfit a thing that you North American Fabbers can tend to do with each other’s outfits that can trip you up? For the Australian and NZ Fabbers, and even the UK and European and tiny number of South African Fabbers, we don’t have easy access to the same brands as you, so we can’t so much go “Look, there’s that J Crew skirt that looks so great on whoever, I need that too?” We have to look more critically at the SORT of style it is and think of brands in our own areas that may scratch that itch for us? I was intermittently looking at the NAS posts, not every post or every day as I got so tired of it and was pleased I could hide that section, but when I did look, it’s so obvious that various top picks etc would suit some of you and the fit would be all wrong on others of you. And you would be sending the items back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2055173 Fri, 23 Aug 2019 12:32:43 +0000 nemosmom 2055173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>TG&nbsp; </b>- I am nodding along with you on how social media feeds the frustration. Too simple or strict and you lose the <i>FUN</i> then, what's the point?!&nbsp; I would look at IG pics and have major FOMO - if I loved an outfit, I wanted <u>every piece <b>in</b> the outfit</u>, when a piece that was similar in feeling or silhouette would have been just as fab. Angie says it in her outfit formula posts all the time, to do it <i>YOUR WAY</i>, and I'm a bit miffed at myself for not listening and paying attention to what that meant. Maybe I didn't KNOW what <u>my way</u> was... that requires more navel-gazing, I suppose....<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Angie</b> - thanks! Harrison was my favorite part, too! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>FI</b> - It's great how we are all different! How boring life would be if we were all the exact same!<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2055067 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 21:21:36 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2055067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG, love your comment &amp; that Einstein quote. <i>how stifling to try to re-create for dynamic, messy, ever-changing real life </i> Yes! That said, for my mom, and probably others of her generation/station in life, I can see the utility of having a unified style, as the various parts of her life did all run through a central theme of being the doctor's wife. We lived in a small town, and people recognized me as his daughter on site and recognized our last name. Her activities were very much what you'd expect--active church member, board member of the classical music concert association, medical auxiliary, hospice volunteer, occasional Girl Scout leader, came to our games and plays, lunch with her friends who were mostly also doctors' wives, authors' club.... She kept busy, but all of it has that same flavor, so having one thought-out style would've made sense. That isn't my life. My sister's life is similar (without the MD spouse, natch), but most people I know enjoy juxtaposing different groups and vibes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2055059 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 20:51:53 +0000 Barbara Diane 2055059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved this post. Will be mulling it over. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054889 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 12:05:17 +0000 Helena 2054889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me at "analytical, navel-gazing post" ... my favourite kind :D</p> <p>Seriously - I love this so much. I think there have been a few posts recently that I need to catch up on (Shevia had one I think too) about this notion that we are complex beings, hard to distill down to a catchy moniker (not that it's not a worthwhile exercise to do so, but just that if you feel the need to expand beyond it, why not?). I think it was Einstein who said something like, make things as simple as possible, but not simpler. </p> <p>I know I fall prey to trying to make things simpler than they are (e.g. over-purging, making colour schemes too tight, etc.). I noticed recently how social media feeds this - for example, one Instagrammer I like not only has an extremely tight style and colour palette, but I recently realized uses the same filter on every photo, giving even the background of everything the self-same cast. This looks beautiful on an Instagram feed, but God, how stifling to try to re-create for dynamic, messy, ever-changing real life - I could kick myself for not copping to this sooner!</p> <p>I love the current vibe on the forum of widening the embrace a little. This post is so inspiring, so thanks for sharing your journey and insights!</p> <p>The styles you've represented visually look cohesive, even though they reflect different roles and occasions. I can't wait to see how these play out in your personal style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054775 Wed, 21 Aug 2019 19:39:02 +0000 Angie 2054775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve come back to read this properly. Impressive, entertaining and accurate. You managed to maintain focus and create fun realistically - and with heart. Good soul searching! Fun visuals too. WELL DONE. </p> <p>Now try not to stray....</p> <p>Harrison’s influence is my favourite part </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054585 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 23:41:15 +0000 notsaf 2054585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much to add except to thank you for your post, which definitely got my juices following! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054538 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 19:13:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2054538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Love this! I may have come across as grumpy on another person's thread earlier today, so will try to be more positive here, but this business of finding our one true love, style wise, just doesn't work for me. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the different occasions, as you lay out so well, I often have different MOODS. If I'm going to express myself in my attire, then I certainly need more than one style. In winter I like cozy, warm berry colors. In summer they generally feel cloying to me, so I generally set them aside in favor of patterns with starker contrast, whether color or b/w. I don't have a summer style that's nearly as well worked out as what I came up with for chilly seasons this past winter. Maybe one day I'll have all my various permutations of me nailed down to be able to come up with a style for each, but for now I'm just keeping it flowing.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've generally had a pretty decent sense of what doesn't look like me--not everything I buy is winner winner chicken dinner, but overall I can't relate to having a closet full of trendy stuff that "isn't me". It seems to me that you have a strong sense of who you are as well; this post clarifies and sets up guidelines different strands in the braid that is you. I think that's brilliant and likely to be helpful in deciding which things to pull from your varied closet each day.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Rock on with your bad selves!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054330 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 19:30:59 +0000 Anonymous 2054330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this! Theres definitely cohesiveness between the styles, at least in color scheme and simple lines, so many of your pieces should work for multiple "personas". You're helping me get my thoughts together in my impending winter overhaul! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054295 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:55:03 +0000 nemosmom 2054295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div><b>ChristieIJ</b> - A fun, happy closet sounds amazing! I feel determined to get there.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Janet</b> - I see masculine, tough, and rugged, too. I am hoping to throw some fun in there, too - I don't want to come off as unapproachable. Hmm...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Suz</b> - I will check out Vix's posts. And the hat is a total gamechanger. I bought it to wear at the ball fields for my boys' games and one day DH jokingly said I looked like Indiana Jones (I was wearing olive joggers, a white tank, a beige linen shirt, aviators, and a cognac crossbody bag with the hat) and by golly, I DID! And, I LOVED it! It sent me down a rabbit hole of adventurous looks and that's where I came up with my urban adventurer persona! <br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long/page/2#post-2054290 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 17:41:39 +0000 nemosmom 2054290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am glad you all found my rambling entertaining, and I am excited that you see some cohesiveness (and that I am not crazy for thinking it is there). </p> <p><b>Jenni</b> - It's funny, I have about 40-50 pics for each persona, and I just grabbed a few to show as examples. It could be that I <i>feel</i> powerful in heels (for my professional/Posh persona), but I imagine any smart, refined shoe (e.g., metallic pointy toe loafer or tailored ankle boot) could sub for pumps. <br />I used to pin looks and then hunt for exact items shown, but now that I am looking at the VIBE of the whole outfit <i>first, </i>I think I can avoid feeling like I must have a <u>very specific item</u> in order to make a look work. E.g., I don't have to run out and buy leopard print pumps when I could easily wear a pewter loafer and look just as neat. This will hopefully curb my impulsive buying and slow my churn... hopefully...<br />And goodness no, I wouldn't <i>really</i> punch you! The "elevator pitch" of my work outfit needs to say that I am confident and knowledgeable, and I can hold my own in a room full of founders, investors, or "bro"grammers. Anything TOO feminine could be perceived as weak or inferior. I see that kind of tough-yet-feminine vibe in a lot of Victoria Beckham's looks. Maybe it's because she never smiles...</p> <p><b>Shevia</b> - I am sure you are on to something with the idea of secret sauce that ties us all together! </p> <p><div><b>Roxanna</b> - using your style moniker as a filter is smart! It helps now that I have riffed on the moniker a bit more. I am excited to follow your journey as well!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MsMaven</b> - I do hope you will post favorite photos! I am glad <i>Refined Californian</i> is showing up!</p> <p><b>Jessikams</b> - I could *see* it in my head, but I couldn't articulate it into my outfits for some reason. Femme androgyny is a good descriptor, too, as long as I can keep a strong balance of both. Too masculine and I veer preppy, too feminine gets too precious/pretty and I feel off.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bijou</b> - I am glad the consistency is apparent! I am ready for the fun part...</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rachylou</b> - I hope with a few tweaks I can easily morph one persona to another. I hope you will share the result of your pondering!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>StyleFan</b> - I laughed at Jenni's comment, too! <br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sterling</b> - I take on many roles in a given week, too and I am thrilled this was helpful! Please copy AND let us know how it goes! I can't wait to see what you come up with!<br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>LaPed</b> - I am glad it comes through in my visuals! You articulated my goal WAY better than I did! This exactly: <i>"tweaking pragmatic outfits to add just a little allure or sass in ways that don't get in the way of everyday life."</i> As for the pumps, I will stick with tailored/refined/smart shoes. In other words, no sneakers, sandals, or sloppy boots (which I usually reach for)</p> <p><b></b><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054228 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 13:17:55 +0000 Suz 2054228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So: Have you "met" forum member Vix yet? She has three distinct but interrelated style personae and they work beautifully for her. You might want to look up her past posts. I can't remember her names for these styles but I know one is boho-ish. She curates carefully by colour and that is part of the secret. It works cohesively if you can pull everything together with your key neutrals or colours.&nbsp;</p> <p>I see all these visuals as very "you" in feel and I applaud the work it has taken to figure all of this out! It seems like the hat might be a game changer in a way. It helps you define something -- it's a more "grown up" version of the ball cap and takes you into new territory (so to speak). Adventure on!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054218 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:24:43 +0000 Janet 2054218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Contrary to what Kathie saw, I see your categories as quite analogous. I relate to each one of them as well to a degree. They each have some sort of masculine, tough, or rugged element that seem very much like they would be worn by the same person, depending on the occasion and mood. It was fun to see this analysis. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054217 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:23:55 +0000 RobinF 2054217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is great! The photos helped a lot and I think the three are very cohesive. Good idea to split them up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054214 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:13:06 +0000 ChristelJ 2054214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much fun to read this, thanks! The idea of mixing one's clothing ingredients into various recipes to get specific vibes is very appealing.</p> <p>My own overarching wardrobe goal is to make it my happy place, where I go to play. I am always looking for ideas from forum members for enhancing the joy in dressing. To me, your approach presents a fantastic way to play. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054209 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 10:38:13 +0000 LaPed 2054209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this. Between your intro and the inspo photos I get a very clear sense of your style direction. Sort of "Utility Yin" -- a combo of fluid fits and sturdy fabrics (very Californian), cinched waists, earthy colours, long and wavy hair with that styled-unstyled look (so Californian), understated makeup, and a sense of tweaking pragmatic outfits to add just a little allure or sass in ways that don't get in the way of everyday life. </p> <p>Like Jenni NZ mentions, I am curious about the heels. They make so much sense in Insta photos, yet I see so few of them IRL these days... Maybe it's a matter of having a "consultant capsule" and a "MOTG" capsule that are built around the same themes but for different scenarios. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054203 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:32:17 +0000 Anonymous 2054203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As always, you put in so much work and will certainly reap the benefits. I think this is a brilliant post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p> <p>It explains why I could never come up with a single moniker <i>for my life</i>. &nbsp;Because I assume so many different roles in a single day or a single week! &nbsp;Of course, no single phase could capture my day!!!!!! &nbsp;</p> <p>I stand in awe of all of the work you have done!! &nbsp;Naming women that emulate that moniker and adding pictures is icing on the cake for me. &nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you don't mind if I copy you outright. &nbsp;In fact, I'll be doing this exercise for my own life this week. &nbsp;Thank you. &nbsp;Thank you. &nbsp;Thank you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054195 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:43:55 +0000 Style Fan 2054195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That was a fun read.&nbsp; Interesting to look at the inspiration pictures.&nbsp; I laughed at Jenni NZ's comment.&nbsp; I never noticed the shoes but I have an eye out for the jeans.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054182 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 06:01:53 +0000 rachylou 2054182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love this sort of thing! I think the three clarifications speak to the original moniker and give a very clear picture of how it works in different situations. I shall have to ponder this for myself. I have always suffered from a disparity between my process and the visual result. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054176 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 05:22:42 +0000 Bijou 2054176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now you have defined your different roles and style for each, I don’t think you can go wrong. It is interesting at how there is consistency even between themes. Cindy Crawford looks the urban sophisticate and Californian girl in her jeans and cashmere. It will be fun to see how you put this into action.</p> <p>Love the Harrison Ford photo❤️ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054170 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 04:43:56 +0000 Jessikams 2054170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohmigosh, I love all your inspiration photos (especially young Indiana Jones). There IS a common thread but I can’t think of a way to articulate it. It’s femme androgyny, maybe? Like Steven Tyler with his long hair and scarves— or SJP with her curls but her slightly manly face.....hmmmmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054162 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 03:23:28 +0000 MsMaven 2054162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What great fun! When I read your initial post I wasn't sure I understood Refined Californian--I've only lived here in CA half my life, which is um, well, more than 35 years.</p> <p>Then those fabulous photos: YES! Posh Sophisticate--in my photo library I have many of these same looks. The same for Refined Boho Rocker. Not so much for Urban Adventurer, but I'm certain I can find some rural/mountain adventurer photos. And yes, even though my body has changed and I'm a lot older now, I would still wear some of these looks.</p> <p>And I recognize and identify with a certain theme running through the photos. Yep--I do get Refined Californian after all.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you for taking the time and effort to post your thoughts and descriptive photos. I've been pondering Lisa's post and all the responses and it has me thinking about posting a few of my favorite photos of myself and family through the decades.&nbsp;</p> <p>Keep at it, Nemosmom. You are on the right track here.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054156 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 02:57:41 +0000 Roxanna 2054156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NM: I love this! And I'm so glad some of my persona posts helped! Funny enough, i just cross-posted my Fall 2019 post and i have "Sophisticate' as one of my personas too!</p> <p>I love the idea of personas for different occasions to delineate where and how you might embody the look. I use my moniker, Urban Luxe, more as a style filter than an overall persona. Every item I buy must fit into my definition of urban, and my definition of luxe. I then must be able to use it in one (or all three!) of my personas. And as Brooklyn said, it's often the way I put the items together than brings the look to life. I like contrast in my looks&nbsp; (edgy/polished, meanswear/pretty, contrasting textures etc) so I make sure that juxtaposition is always present in my outfits to make it fel 'me.'</p> <p>Fun read and I can't wait to follow along on your Fall journey!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054138 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 02:08:03 +0000 Anonymous 2054138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was fun to read and valuable to think about. I need to consider your ideas but can see that one wardrobe piece can play multiple roles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054134 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:47:47 +0000 Jaime 2054134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How can I not love a post that is self-reflective, philosophical even, and comes with so many fabulous illustrations? :)&nbsp;<br />I am not sure this is specific to you but with the thoughtful posts floating around right now, I am thinking about what is the secret sauce that ties us all together. We may all have different roles and styles we are drawn toward, but we are still recognizable as a single identity. Not sure of the answer but I think it relates to the *me factor* in the outfit - how our clothes lend themselves to forming us, in creating our vibe. Umm, not exactly sure where I am going with this, need to give it more thought.&nbsp;<br />Thank you for your post! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054132 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:35:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2054132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Enjoyed this. Trust me to notice the shoes first- every pic in the first 2 categories has high heels, and even some of the last, with the rest being sneakers. Is that what you want?<br /> And would your professional persona really deck me one if I called you pretty?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054128 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:28:26 +0000 nemosmom 2054128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div><b>Kathie</b> - agreed; written out they are ALL over the place, but I think they work together. I *think* the inspiration meshes with lifestyle - I am a full time MOTG and a part-time consultant in technology and software. As for climate, I am a San Francisco transplant living in the Chicago area; winter will be my true test!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, <b>Sal</b>!! I think a lot of the pieces can easily crossover, which will help me maintain a small-med sized wardrobe - this definitely adds to my excitement. I added flares and a waxed cotton sunhat this summer. I normally (lazily) wear ball caps, but seeing SJP in her wide brim hats gives me hope that there may be more options for me (my face is long/narrow like hers). <br /> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054121 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:05:55 +0000 Kathie 2054121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun read! I will admit, that until I saw your inspiration pictures, the style personalities seemed very different, as if you’d need three completely different sets of clothing. But, having seen the pictures, I can understand how the different looks all work together- the breeziness, especially, is apparent in all of the groups. How does the inspiration mesh with your current climate and lifestyle? (London-bound-New Yorker on safari gave me a smile- maybe in my next life, that will be my lifestyle.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054120 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:04:33 +0000 Brooklyn 2054120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/themes-avatars-and-monikers-oh-my-long#post-2054119 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:04:23 +0000 Sal 2054119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great read. I can see you in all these looks - and they are not that far apart.&nbsp; For example a long pleated or full skirt can cross between them as can a blazer or turtleneck.</p> <p>One way to achieve this would be a tight footwear and bag capsule for work,and one for casual.&nbsp; Eg a structured satchel for work in black with matching or complementary pointy boots, flats and heels.&nbsp; A slouchy shoulder bag for weekends in cognac with complementary sandals and more casual boots......</p> <p>And you should add flares and a hat if you have not done so as yet... </p>