YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Tiny Epiphany

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Tiny Epiphany https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:55:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798806 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 20:00:04 +0000 Anonymous 1798806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wrong post.   Keix on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798780 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 18:38:26 +0000 Keix 1798780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This thread and the responses were so interesting to read! Thank you for bringing up the topic, Sterling. The part that resonated most with me was the difficulty of dressing for a "new" climate as a regional transplant. I moved from the Mid-Atlantic (humid 4 seasons) to northern California (dry and warm with rainy winters) a few years ago, and I miss "real" summer so much! I have stopped buying sundresses for the most part but I still rarely get to wear the ones that I already own and love. Unless I'm coming home by 6pm, even in August I've learned that I MUST bring a topper with me if wearing a sleeveless dress. I run cold very easily when the sun isn't shining, since the dry air here doesn't hold ambient heat. In contrast, I'm really looking forward to NAS because I can buy toppers and wear them immediately with my summer dresses. My office has arctic AC (to keep the computers and the men cold enough...) so even if it's too warm for outdoors wear, I'll need it for indoors. I haven't figured out the trick of shopping for warm but summer-appropriate dress toppers, though; a real HEWI for me. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798759 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 17:26:14 +0000 Anonymous 1798759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hang dry almost all my clothes indoors. They dry quickly by the next day, even jeans. Jenn on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798729 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 15:02:35 +0000 Jenn 1798729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, yes I'm on the Front Range (Ft. Collins area), and I do think the difference is climate change. My mother-in-law, who is a gardener, is even seeing a shift in zone that affects which plants thrive in the area.  Echoing Joy, I was pleased and surprised to find that my new EF linen dress came out of the wash with no need for ironing. I didn't expect that at all. Helen11 on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798668 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 11:58:24 +0000 Helen11 1798668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's so good to know I'm not the only one! I'm enjoying reading the suggestions for hot weather clothing. I'm interested though that people use tumble dryers. In my hot climate I find hanging items indoors is gentler on them and they dry quickly. Most things go on the outside line, and the dryer is only for use in extenuating circumstances. Elizabeth P on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798383 Sat, 15 Apr 2017 07:08:10 +0000 Elizabeth P 1798383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You are asking about linen tees. Have you looked at the BR ones? I got a black one a couple of years ago and I love it. Kicked myself for not duplicating. Last year the fit was off with them, but this year I like them again. Some of the colours are a bit transparent, but not all. This year I got a citron one. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798367 Sat, 15 Apr 2017 04:11:34 +0000 Anonymous 1798367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling, I try to stick to simple styles in linen and silk and wash it on delicate (linen) or hand wash (silk), hanging to dry. I hand stretch pieces a bit to take out wrinkles. As far as brands, I have white linen woven ujoggers from Old Navy, some linen and linen mix and silk woven EF woven tops ( bought on deep discount or second hand. I do not iron any of these. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798312 Sat, 15 Apr 2017 00:28:16 +0000 Anonymous 1798312@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Susie, I laughed out loud at your suggestion for a "sweaty south" ylf meet up! Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798186 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 20:18:17 +0000 Anonymous 1798186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, JAileen and Unfrumped.  I'll be checking out Landsend and Talbots.  I like Talbots because my bra straps never show even if a boatneck.   unfrumped on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798173 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 19:42:58 +0000 unfrumped 1798173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are from past seasons and came in other colors. JAileen on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany/page/2#post-1798167 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 18:46:43 +0000 JAileen 1798167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's what I was thinking of: <a href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-supima-cotton-sweater/id_308900?sku_0=" rel="nofollow">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....900?sku_0=</a>::BIR This would look nice under a jacket. Five colors. All cotton. Not too expensive. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798154 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 18:13:11 +0000 Anonymous 1798154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have to agree, JAileen.  The majority of Eileen Fisher pieces that I have purchased have been on sale.  When I am at Belks stalking the sales racks, I am acutely aware of the women that are not stalking the sales racks.  They always give me pause.   JAileen on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798148 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 18:00:19 +0000 JAileen 1798148@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't need work clothing anymore, but if I were looking for nice tops, I might look at EF, but size down, to minimize the boxiness. I think the natural materials would be comfortable. I stalk EF so I can get sale prices. Otherwise, ouch. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798132 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 17:39:27 +0000 Anonymous 1798132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Susie -- I am always jealous of YLF meet ups.  I came closest to meeting Carter.  I was in her city attending a conference and she suggested we meet for dinner.  Sadly, I was with my supervisor and I wasn't sure how to leave him behind.  I have since learned he is busy with his own social life at conferences and would never have noticed if I was out to dinner with a friend.  A missed opportunity.   Ryce -- Interesting about NAS!!!  I can have success at NAS if I very carefully shop my needs and climate.  But this is really, really hard.  My BF has come to hate NAS because I become crazy obsessive.  I order and buy everything I think has the slightest chance of working out for me because I am afraid it will sell out be gone forever.  I will definitely be shopping Neiman Marcus for Last Call this year.   At this point, I only own two linen blouses and neither of them are scratchy.  This was luck rather than skill.  But now that Susie pointed out that some linens can be scratchy, I will certainly keep that in mind.   JAileen -- I love the idea of soft cotton sleeveless tops.  I find them incredibly comfortable to wear during the summer months.  I have not seen a lot of the around this year, have you?   TexStyle -- I wear most of my jackets as coats now too.  I don't mind this.  They continue to be worn and I feel a bit dressier than if I were wearing a normal coat.  I do have problems translating things I love on YLF into hot climate alternatives.   Anchie -- I knew you and I lived in very different climates when I reviewed that post in which you presented counts/needs/projections.  Fabulous post, by the way.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.   It is always reassuring when someone from a colder climate has the same issues with buying certain categories.  I am so over transparent.  For a while, I thought I would never buy another top again for as long as I lived.   I obviously need to go back and read that other thread about clothing longevity, Gigi.  I may have missed some very valuable insights.   I only very recently learned about linen tee shirts, Unfrumped.  I love the idea, but I agree they look very casual and/or floppy.  The single one I bought was from Madewell and it felt great, but was cropped and very boxy.  I eventually decided it wasn't for me.  But I would love to explore the idea of thicker nubbier linen knits.  Do you have any finds that you can share with me?   Shevia -- I can't help but wonder if your climate isn't drier than ours.  Our is hot and humid (emphasis on humid).  Synthetic fabrics literally stick to my skin and I have to peel them away at the end of the day.  If it was less humid, I might be able to wear them.    I heard about women that don't wash their jeans, CindySmith.  Ick!!  Icky.  I launder or dry clean everything.  In fact, there was a time that I began to think I over laundered things.  I have backed off on that, but I will always have my wardrobe items cleaned regularly.  Like Shedev, I very much prefer that feeling of clean.  And that brings up another point.  Everyone seems to think that the South is all about Arctic Air Conditioning.  There is no such thing because there is always that one woman in the office that whines and bitches until the entire office is overheated and that single woman is still wearing a sweater!!!!  OMG.  I. Just. Do. Not. Get. It.   Author Linda -- I can still wear some silks.  Yes.  I do have them dry cleaned, but they are some of my most dressy tops and I always feel fabulous wearing them.  I do find washable silks every once in a while.  Those are true treasures.   The change in temperature that Jenn mentions is incredibly interesting to me.  Specifically, "because when I first moved to Colorado, summer temps in the 70s and low-80s were the norm. Our climate has shifted so much in the past twenty years that it requires entirely new strategies for longer stretches of 90s-low hundreds."  What is that about?  Climate change?  Is this in the front range?  That is desert-y, right?    Joy -- I have NEVER met a linen that I did not need to iron.  You say you wash summer tops, fluff in a no-heat dryer, and hang to dry. Seldom does anything require ironing. I avoid cotton and wear linen or silk or a rayon fabric.  The linen doesn't need ironing?  Tell me more about the brands of linen you shop because I am thinking that is the primary difference between you and I.   Delurked -- Read Ryce's post about NAS.  I will read her post to myself every single night when NAS re-asserts itself (and then I will head to Neiman Marcus).   Thanks for the positive reinforcement, Isabel.  It now makes so much sense to buy more of what works and expect that it will have a shorter life frame.  This information is quite freeing in its own way.   Waves at Angie!   Susie on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798118 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 16:47:42 +0000 Susie 1798118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think we need a ylf meet up for the ladies in the sweaty south! Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798116 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 16:43:00 +0000 Anonymous 1798116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ YEP!  Sterling, don't feel bad.  I have lived my entire 59 years in the South (assuming one considers Texas "the South", which it is from a climate standpoint, though open to debate philosophically) and I STILL struggle with this.  Fall and winter clothes are so cozy and I love those colors.  Spring tweeds like Angie showcased on the blog this morning are oh-so-pretty but genuinely pointless in our climate.   I pretty much avoid synthetics - with occasional exceptions for dresses which allow for more air circulation.  Susie, I like fine weave linen which tends to be soft and usually wash a few times before wearing to properly soften it up.  Also, good quality linen tees are fabulous, but hard to find.  Madewell did some brilliant ones a few years ago - mine still look and feel new.  I am seriously considering stalking preowned ones on sites like Poshmark, though I've never bought preowned before.  Cotton gauze is good - in fact I own a few of the same shirts as texstyle.  And, yes, the sheer quantity needed is pretty overwhelming. One lesson I have learned is to never, ever shop NAS.  I simply cannot make a rational decision about cold weather items when it is 105 degrees.  I will be 100% certain I really need this jacket or that pair of boots and then 3 months later when it finally cools down, I realize they really aren't quite the right shape or style for my existing fall and winter wardrobe.  Instead, in August I head over to Neiman Marcus for Last Call, and refresh my tired summer wardrobe at phenomenal discount.  Plus the store is cool and uncrowded and I can always get a table at the restaurant - much more civilized than the madhouse that is Nordstrom during that period.  Occasionally I find something on clearance at chain stores like Loft, Ann Taylor, etc, but they are typically picked clean of warm weather stuff by that time of the season. Susie on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798075 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:17:32 +0000 Susie 1798075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It IS hard to not shop for/buy more of the things you love to wear, even when you do accept your reality. I still struggle to not buy more sweaters, boots, coats, etc. because I just like them. For several years, many summer weekends were spent boating and that meant a very casual wardrobe. This year it was fun to shop for nicer casual tops and I was happy to find quite a few that I like. PS Am I the only one that doesn't love linen or at least most linen?  To me, a lot of it feels scratchy.   JAileen on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798054 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 14:26:49 +0000 JAileen 1798054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I used to live in Houston and had to dress in suits and blouses. I had some pima cotton shirts that felt good but needed to be ironed. I experimented with having them professionally laundered with my husband's shirts, but they came back with broken buttons. I had some poly blouses that were easy to care for but uncomfortable to wear. What worked the best were knitted shells that were sleeveless or cap sleeve sweaters, in cotton. They might need a light pressing, were comfortable in heat and humidity, and looked good with my suits. I was much happier once I figured this out. texstyle on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798049 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 13:57:11 +0000 texstyle 1798049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling - I have a weakness for jackets myself (the style I mean) but I've learned that I simply won't wear them enough to justify owning more than maybe just a few. And those serve as coats much more than jackets.  I often covet the items I see here - jackets, sweaters, lovely poly blouses - nice heavy ponte pants - but I know I have to look at them as inspiration and find a hot weather alternative. anchie on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798033 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 12:19:10 +0000 anchie 1798033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We obviously live in different climate but I stll understand your struggle with summer tops. Most difficult category for me. When I exclude all the polyester, dry clean only, transparent and wrinkly viscose tops there is not much left. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1798022 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 11:50:54 +0000 Anonymous 1798022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I AM SO GLAD I wrote this post.  This explains so much to me about my wardrobe.  I did realize I moved and that the climate was different.  But that realization did not translate to my shopping/buying habits.  Like Beth, my heart still sings for Fall/Winter clothing.  I have worked very hard here on the Forum to learn to dress for my reality.  But like Susie, it took a decade for my brain to catch up.  I wonder if I didn't want my brain to catch up?   Anyway, I think all the pieces are in place now.  For example, I looked at Angie's post this morning and I yearned for every single piece.  But I slowly reminded myself that I don't wear jackets anymore (too hot).  Those gorgeous sweaters were probably too hot for me too.   I am learning to buy more linen.  At first I hated it with a passion.  But it is amazingly cool on the body.  I'm not sure why that is.  My linen wrinkles!!!  I have kinda made peace with that.  And I have learned that my third piece are earrings/necklace/bright tote.  No scarf.  I find scarfs hot too.   I am going to come back later today and respond to the other posts because they have been so helpful to me.   Gigi on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797961 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 04:20:08 +0000 Gigi 1797961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great insight, Sterling! That makes so much sense. I have a hard time finding summer tops that I think are interesting, so I make do with just a handful. But then they wear out right away because I'm always washing them! The other thread about clothing longevity has me thinking about my summer wardrobe, which always wears out much sooner than my fall and winter stuff. unfrumped on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797957 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 03:57:44 +0000 unfrumped 1797957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes! Very hard to find stand-alone tops for work that are washable and NOT polyester. So I have some polyester. I have some thicker nubbier linen knits that work. I handwash though. Probably could do machine on delicate. For layering it's not as hard , but sometimes the thin rayon T's don't stand alone, some of the linen ones look too casual or floppy. For casual I have more options, but am thrilled when I find a good easily washable cotton knit that looks good and better than a super casual T shirt that I might wear for outdoor activities. Jaime on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797949 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 03:23:06 +0000 Jaime 1797949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This may sound crazy but that is why I often prefer polyester blends in the summer. They wash easily, don't wrinkle and I can layer them over a cotton tank. Up until about the mid 90s this works for me. Susie on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797944 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:36:03 +0000 Susie 1797944@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes! After living in the south for 10 years, I am finally shopping for my reality. Summer work wear is either dresses or pants with tops that have some interest, because layering isn't an option. A lightweight scarf or necklace must suffice as a third piece; I love jackets but not for summer. I don't mind dry cleaning some pieces but casual wear is all washable. And I avoid casual tops that are too sheer so no cami is needed. We have already had a few days in the 90's and pretty consistently in the low 80's now. cindysmith on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797937 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:20:33 +0000 cindysmith 1797937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OMG I live in Texas and the heat makes me sweat like a buffalo. I see people that don't wash their jeans not ever just stick them in a Ziploc in the freezer and I know that there's no way they live in the American south. I wish I lived somewhere that allowed me to do that with jeans. I wash so much more frequently in summer, which is a PITA. It's definitely a factor in my decision making process when I shop for tops. No colors that bleed, no synthetic fabrics because they make me sweat even worse, no tight sleeves, nothing that I have to dry clean... Ugh. And I could use some summer tops this year but I am just not up to the challenge right now. I don't NEED them, so it will just have to wait. shedev on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797933 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 02:14:52 +0000 shedev 1797933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wash all clothes that touch my skin every wear. I also wear tanks and tees year round because my coworkers crank up the thermostat. I'm also having a hard time with summer tops. Summer things do have a lot less longevity for me also. Beth on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797924 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 01:29:57 +0000 Beth 1797924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes! This is one of the reasons I find summer dressing such a challenge, and I grew up in the south. Add in the fact that my heart sings for fall/winter clothes and it's clear why my summer closet is so much smaller than my winter closet. Summer wardrobe shopping just isn't very satisfying for me. Author Linda on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797920 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 01:08:49 +0000 Author Linda 1797920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How interesting. You've nailed why I nix silks and other dry clean only fabrics and opt for cotton and linen for summer. Easy to wash! I'd never really thought that all the way through, but there it is. Anonymous on "Tiny Epiphany" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tiny-epiphany#post-1797917 Fri, 14 Apr 2017 00:50:27 +0000 Anonymous 1797917@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is an important epiphany when planning for the summer season. Thank you, Jenn, for your take on Colorado summers. That is helpful to me. I wash summer tops, fluff in a no-heat dryer, and hang to dry. Seldom does anything require ironing. I avoid cotton and wear linen or silk or a rayon fabric. ( The EF cotton/silk blend is not bad). The JCrew button-down checked shirts are slightly textured and don't seem to need to be pressed. For dry cleaning, Dryell used in the dryer dies a good job of freshening.