https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:28:46 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561826 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 14:15:16 +0000 Jenn 1561826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Astrid -&nbsp;</b>Yup, they have those things in common. I agree with you on the librarian/professor thing. I understand they're useful archetypes that everyone seems to grok, but it also feels a tiny bit like appropriation, in the sense that lots of real individuals with their own unique styles are doing those jobs. My BFF is a librarian, and she dresses a lot like&nbsp;<b>WordLily</b>, in relaxed jeans, t-shirts, and hand-knits.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p><b>BethAnn -&nbsp;</b>Thanks, I'm already finding it easier to look at Pinterest images and pick out things that might work for me.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561805 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 13:45:58 +0000 Beth Ann 1561805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your new descriptor, Jenn!&nbsp; I think the power of the descriptor is that is is evocative, more than definitive.&nbsp; It guides outfit formation and purchases so that your wardrobe has more cohesion, but shouldn't be overly restrictive.&nbsp; I think it reflects your style direction beautifully -- now you get to have fun with it, and, if you feel like tweaking or overhauling it completely later, that's great, too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561698 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 06:27:15 +0000 Astrid 1561698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, but I think that same can be true for bohemian, don't you think? Also laughing that the Professor/Librarian thing was mentioned again... In my own discussions librarian was suggested more than once. Which is rather funny because the other librarians I've come in contact with either have a rather arty eclectic style, are dressed in very unimaginative casual but modern clothes or they are just looking like they couldn't care less about the way they dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561622 Wed, 23 Sep 2015 02:36:27 +0000 Jenn 1561622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La Boheme de la Terre so, roughly, "earthy Bohemian"? I do like "La Boheme," of course, because Puccini. On the other hand, given my rusty French, the whole phrase reminds me somewhat of potatoes. &nbsp;:)</p> <p>I think I might change my "boho" to "bohemian" to further crystalize the associations, but I was thinking this evening that that both bookish and boho do have some things in common - both rely mostly on natural fibers, both lean towards more natural hair and makeup styles, both are fairly low-maintence and RATE, and both seem to feature more muted, low-contrast color schemes. So not all that different after all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561471 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 21:34:49 +0000 Style Fan 1561471@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting discussion.&nbsp; I have to laugh at the description of the classics professor.&nbsp; My sister is a classics professor.&nbsp; She does not have a traditional style.&nbsp; More artistic boho euro.&nbsp; Not the crunchy type.&nbsp; I do like kerlyn's suggestion.&nbsp; La Boheme de La Terre. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561438 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:44:46 +0000 kerlyn 1561438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, back sooner than I thought! &nbsp;I was just thinking that maybe the English language is limiting the possibilities for your moniker. &nbsp;How about La Boheme de La Terre? &nbsp;Boheme would perhaps fit your idea of the artsy, intellectual, cafe culture a bit more precisely than "boho". &nbsp;And La Terre, the earth, having solid roots in nature. &nbsp;Just a thought!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561437 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:43:51 +0000 Jenn 1561437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>rachylou -&nbsp;</b>Believe it or not, I think I know exactly what you're talking about, that "folk" look, handmade and rustic, not quite farm, but not quite urban, either. My husband tells me I have "hipsterish tendencies" even though I'm pretty solidly GenX and not a millennial. I'm not gonna lie. I do like me some Refinery29.</p> <p><b>kerlyn</b> - I remember the term "granola" being used quite a lot when I lived in the Midwest. Less so here in Colorado, I think, maybe because everyone's sort of that way? There's a craft brewery within walking distance of my house, and probably 25 more within 15 miles or so. I'd never heard "crunchy" vs "chewy" before, though. Who knew?!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561426 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:17:33 +0000 kerlyn 1561426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does anyone use the term "granola" where you live? &nbsp;I've been called it by a few people, but I have friends who definitely fit the definition much more than I do. &nbsp;Outdoorsy, nature-loving, Keen or Teva wearing, probably hiking on the weekend followed by some craft beer! &nbsp;We also have degrees of granola. &nbsp;If you pretty much only wear gear you are a "crunchy" granola! &nbsp;I would be more the "chewy" type. &nbsp;Love my gear, but I also love to change into something pretty!</p> <p>I like "Bookish Boho" for you (definitely better than "granola!"), but I have a feeling I'll be pondering this for awhile. &nbsp;Thanks for the interesting discussion. &nbsp;It's very helpful to my own style journey!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561416 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 19:01:53 +0000 rachylou 1561416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I keep thinking about this, Jenn. I see your style as having a Refinery29 aura. Hipster New Drab Boho of the more glamorous kind yet still with rustic qualities, if you will - modern rustic. A magazine right now is featuring the most dressy farm business women I've ever seen (with some excellent skincare). Not spit polished, more spit and polish... However, I don't know that's the prettiest of terms...</p> <p>Btw, your towering wall of books is awesome! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561392 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:46:29 +0000 Jenn 1561392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>L'Abeille&nbsp;</b>- I live in a liminal place--prairie for miles if I look east, mountains dominating the west. The nouns vs. adjectives thing is intriguing, although I think boho/bohemian can really be either?</p> <p><b>Adelfa</b> - "Boho" does carry a lot of connotations, especially in the current retail environment. I guess that's true of almost any descriptor, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561359 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:39:28 +0000 Adelfa 1561359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like your moniker but had trouble understanding it at first, hence my (inadvertently redundant) attempt to translate it Of course all that matters is that *you* understand it! I think you're right that we are alike in trying to marry the classic with the offbeat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561324 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:43:22 +0000 L'Abeille 1561324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Prairie Librarian? Oh wait, you're in the mountains aren't you. Frontier Librarian?<br /> What you have works fine. I just find a style moniker with nouns more useful than adjectives, personally. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors/page/2#post-1561317 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 14:31:56 +0000 Jenn 1561317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks,&nbsp;<b>Maneera!<br /></b><br /><b>Gigi - </b>R<b></b>estrained/freed, I like it!</p> <p><b>Adelfa -&nbsp;</b>Funny you should say that... I mentioned "artsy intellectual" a few comments above. I struggle with the connotations of &nbsp;academic/intellectual, because I'm not a part of that world (although I live directly between two college towns and love it). I thought boho might work better than artsy for me because it seems to capture a more natural, outdoorsy feel. I didn't grow up in the western US, but it's definitely where my soul is and I feel that open, casual, nature-embracing style. Based on your profile, I'm guessing you get that, too. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1561176 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 05:45:55 +0000 Adelfa 1561176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another way to put it might be Artsy Academic. Does that seem somewhat like what you mean by Bookish Boho? (To me you seem more artsy than boho but I too am struggling with acknowledging a "boho" element to my style that isn't exactly that.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1561163 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 04:33:43 +0000 Gigi 1561163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for posting the pics of yourself with some representative outfits. I do think that "bookish boho" really matches what the pics show. It seems like the two styles temper each other: the boho is restrained by the bookish aspect, while the bookish aspect is freed up by the boho part.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1561096 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 02:02:48 +0000 Maneera 1561096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Bookish Boho is a great moniker for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1561061 Tue, 22 Sep 2015 01:27:03 +0000 Jenn 1561061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks,<b> Sally.&nbsp;</b>I like the concept of having a continuum along which to play. You're right in that "everyday elegance" has its own tension. That concept really does make the moniker more versatile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560899 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 21:09:15 +0000 Sal 1560899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see this as a good fit for you Jenn. I think the tension between the two helps- because it will be a continuum with some looks tn ending to the more eclectic and others to more quiet.</p> <p>My phrase is Everyday Elegance, because I do live a casual life and practicality and comfort are important, but I want to sit at the elegant end of this. I see there is a bit a of a tension too in this phrase and some looks are much more everyday, and some much more elegant. There may be another moniker that works better but I am yet to think of it! I also would like to include bold in it because my favourite looks on me have one bold theme- either colour, shape, fabric or accessory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560869 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:01:17 +0000 Jenn 1560869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, <b>Diane</b>! I'm glad you see it too.</p> <p><b>kerlyn</b>, totally not a hijack. I love talking about this stuff, and it's kind of a relief to know it benefits someone else and isn't just me selfishly harnessing the forum's wisdom for only my benefit. &nbsp;I hear you on the Victorian and steampunk, too. I also like the term "cafe culture," which seems far removed from the "festival culture" so often associated with boho fashion. I was thinking the term "artsy intellectual" could probably apply as well, but that sounds kind of pretentious. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560835 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:52:20 +0000 kerlyn 1560835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes! &nbsp;Approprio managed to say very eloquently what I've been trying to put into words for a while now. &nbsp;So much of the boho style in stores right now just feels a bit costumey to me. &nbsp;Though I've always leaned boho, I just can't do hippie-headbands, tons of fringe (a little is good!), voluminous peasant skirts, etc. &nbsp;I've always tried to balance my bohemian tendencies with a little modern, a little edge, a little sporty. &nbsp;I think you do this especially well, and I've followed your style journey with interest. &nbsp;I feel like I share some similarities to you in the love of earthy colors, global inspiration, the appreciation for a simple, but bold piece of jewelry. &nbsp;I think I tend toward more flowy, and sometimes more feminine pieces but I've gleaned a lot from your process!</p> <p>Gosh, hope I didn't just hijack your thread with my overflow of thoughts!<br />This just all struck me...that's where a lot of my bohemian inspiration comes from as well...dark, moody, perhaps european, art and music, books, absinthe (yes!), even a bit of victorian and steampunk. &nbsp;Woodstock not so much!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560822 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:36:50 +0000 Anonymous 1560822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I love it! It suits you to a 'T'. It fits with what I've seen of your outfits lately and the ones you posted above, plus your Pinterest images are echoing the Bookish Boho too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560803 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 18:10:29 +0000 Astrid 1560803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn, I agree - there are still some aspects of this coming through in my own style. I wouldn't pick the same inspirations pics or clothes I did back then now, but there is still that certain kind of feel I'm looking for. I actually never managed to pin it down in words though. But it doesn't matter, I know it when I see it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560700 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:15:06 +0000 Jenn 1560700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Word Lily -&nbsp;</b>For sure! I tried the word "geek" as part of my descriptor for a while, too, but my social group is made up of so many people who are so much geekier than me that it didn't quite fit. I have always been considered "artsy" amongst the geeks and "geeky" amongst the artists. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560680 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:55:12 +0000 Word Lily 1560680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the <i>bookish</i> part makes sense. I understood that you were including your <i>geek</i> aspects in that, among other things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560676 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:47:52 +0000 Jenn 1560676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Ryce&nbsp;</b>- Yes! Librarian/classics professor is exactly what I'm thinking. So glad that came through! &nbsp;You're right about the tension/contrast. I guess it's just a matter of balancing so the elements are in harmony. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560672 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:41:26 +0000 Jenn 1560672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rio -&nbsp;</b>I totally get what you're saying about "true" boho. I realized while reading your response (and<b> Astrid's&nbsp;</b>great thread, too) that, in my head, I differentiate between <i>boho</i>, the modern style associated with California and summer music festivals, and&nbsp;<i>bohemian<b></b></i><b></b>, the deep-rooted artistic lifestyle movement I associate with Montmartre, absinthe, and Toulouse-Lautrec. In reality, my proclivities lean more towards&nbsp;<i>bohemian</i>, but I acknowledge I live a comfortably middle-class lifestyle in a small, Colorado town (I've quite literally done time as a "soccer mom"), so my&nbsp;<i>bohemian</i> certainly has all the artifice of the modern&nbsp;<i>boho.</i></p> <p><b>unfrumped&nbsp;</b>and&nbsp;<b>Brooklyn -&nbsp;</b>What you're saying about "bookish" as more of a personality- than style-descriptor is another part of why I wanted to move away from the "bookworm" in my description. When I say "bookish," I'm talking about the style sometimes referred to as "librarian chic," or even &nbsp;towards "granny chic." Think floral shirt dresses, midi skirts, long cardigans, tweed, plaid, glasses, muted colors. I've attached a few Pinterest images to illustrate.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, and&nbsp;<b>Brooklyn</b>, the blouse is from Anthropologie. Find attached.&nbsp;<b>unfrumped</b>, what would you do with the v-neck?</p> <p><b>Style Fan -&nbsp;</b>Thanks!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Astrid -&nbsp;</b>Thank you for the thread link! It definitely clarified some things in my head! I see a lot of these same elements in your style, expressed in a different way. It's interesting that&nbsp;Manidipa used the word "flaneur" in her description, given that&nbsp;<b>E&nbsp;</b>brought up "flaneuse" when I was first trying to put words to my style.</p> <p><b>Alassë&nbsp;</b>- True. I guess it really only has to make sense to me. It does help, though, to check your gut against other peoples' impressions, because sometimes you might not be conveying what you think you are.</p> <p><b>Belladogga&nbsp;</b>- If you have suggestions on ways to adapt a similar style for warm/hot weather, I would love to hear your thoughts! Summer is difficult for me.</p> <p><b>Word Lily</b> - I can see how those descriptors match your style. A sort of "working boho." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560671 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:39:57 +0000 Anonymous 1560671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>By Jove, I think she's got it!</p> <p>That descriptor seems excellent for you. &nbsp;Love the wordplay aspect of if - the "bookish" obviously ties in with the non-style parts of your life. &nbsp;And yet the style connotation of the word - sort of buttoned up and traditional, the way we tend to imagine a librarian or a classics professor might dress - s the perfect modifier for your unique version of boho.</p> <p>I tend to think that the tension between the two words - what someone else referred to as "conflict" - is exactly what makes it work. &nbsp;Isn't tension integral to good writing and other forms of art - and maybe to good style, too?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560637 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:06:13 +0000 Word Lily 1560637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's definitely OK that your two descriptors might be seen to conflict. Bohemian is such a broad, nebulous term.&nbsp;</p> <p>I myself have been thinking along the lines of refined / streamlined / practical boho, for me. I haven't found quite the right word, but the idea is solid. Still, there's at least a bit of contradiction between the two terms.</p> <p>(Also, I love that old thread about boho, Astrid, thanks!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560634 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:47:55 +0000 Belladogga 1560634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think bookish boho is perfect for you. &nbsp;I love Shevia's interpretation of bookish and Approprio's explanation of boho too. &nbsp;</p> <p>I've been really enjoying your posts. &nbsp;The analysis and insights from your style journey have been very helpful to me as I try to sort my closet. I think if I lived in a colder climate I would dress a lot like you. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/tweaking-style-descriptors#post-1560629 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:30:02 +0000 Alassë 1560629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it fits, especially if the moniker conveys to <i>you </i>what you mean. Like Suz's urban prince, where she couldn't define it precisely but knew instantly whether an article of clothing fit her mental image of what an urban prince would wear. </p>