https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 17:59:02 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life/page/2#post-1021434 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:59:31 +0000 Pawprints 1021434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Deb that's so true. And a milestone - being able to let something be beautiful and not be ours. I'm glad you said that, and Shevdev too about enjoying a trend on others instead of needing to have it on ourselves. That's one thing that grows on you at YLF-appreciating how great a look is on someone else when it's so right for them, even knowing how wrong it would be on you. And being glad both for appreciating it and for recognizing you don't need to go there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life/page/2#post-1021429 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:56:38 +0000 Caro in Oz 1021429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah I think it was a combination of aging, weight gain &amp; the move to SA all at once that just threw me - I didn't know how to dress the new body in the new climate. I also had to face the fact that black was no longer flattering on me. &nbsp;Pretty big issues for a Melbourne girl :)</p> <p>I forgot to mention the jacket before &amp; agree with Suz this jacket is YOU. I would wear it too - it's one of the areas where our styles overlap I think. </p> <p>The day coat - you made me laugh out loud -&nbsp;&nbsp;I had one too. It was beautiful (Trelise Cooper) &amp; not very me. I did get a season out of it by wearing it with jeans &amp; tees before selling it. When I start looking at all the lovely spring florals I just remember that coat &amp; walk away. Just because they are beautiful doesn't mean they belong on my back.</p> <p>I've really &nbsp;enjoyed this post - thanks How is your new baby going?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life/page/2#post-1021400 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 00:37:35 +0000 shedev 1021400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've kinda come full circle too. My biggest problem was buying into trends that really didn't suit me. like mint, or pastels in general. Now instead of buying pieces that sit unworn in my closet, I just enjoy the trends on others while I wear the colors and styles&nbsp;that suit me. <br />I think the jacket really suits your style Deb. You carry off a style that is both arty and sophisticated, but never age inappropriate. Banish the thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021352 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 23:44:16 +0000 Deborah 1021352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Reading everyone's thoughts really consolidates the community aspect of YLF.&nbsp; We are such a diverse group of women, from all over the world sharing very similar journeys:)&nbsp; I was reading and thinking more about it all this morning and it seems that bringing in discipline without loosing our sense of fun about fashion is recurring theme for many of us.&nbsp; I recalled a stunning large floral "Day" coat that I bought a few years back that was not really reflective of my style at all.&nbsp; I wore it once over a black dress to attend a wedding and then it sat in my wardrobe for maybe 5 years where I would gaze lovingly at it, appreciating its gorgeousness but never wearing it! (I sold it on Ebay earlier this year).&nbsp; One of my discipline's has been to stop buying things just because they are beautiful. lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021320 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 23:18:43 +0000 Fruitful 1021320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz hit the nail on the head. I sincerely thought this jacket is perfect for Deborah, Suz, you articulated what I was seeing.</p> <p>And it is learning to see these little differences and details that separate what is right for ourselves from the rest, that is exciting and rewarding on this wardrobe journey, and allows us to have a smaller, better wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021201 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:20:18 +0000 Peri 1021201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with you so much! I am finding I really don't need tons of variety and if love an outfit I don't mind wearing it over and over again. Especially in pants, I want one pair of perfect black pants, not many pairs of okay ones. I do find I need more variety in tops than in pants.</p> <p>I'm not anywhere the sweet spot in my wardrobe...really just started this process this past winter...but I have made definite progress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021194 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 21:06:17 +0000 Pawprints 1021194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brilliant post and meaty conversation. Also, that jacket is incredibly you, just beautiful. </p> <p>As a newcomer, I am learning a lot from reading through some of your older posts, like Lisa's, on this subject. I've culled my closet in the past couple of years. I want to cut it in half again, and maybe then some. I want to grow up to be Claire with her wonderfully minimalist approach. I may even be sprouting my inner minimalist, though with my varied event and travel needs I think I'll always need more than a tiny closet. I'm shooting for small, tight, everything well used and loved. That means lots of the pickiness you talk about, both in editing what's there and all new additions. It is an education c </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021142 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:48:26 +0000 Anonymous 1021142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting post. Thanks so much for sharing. It sounds like you are in a great place with your wardrobe and I love the jacket and the boots. Gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021134 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:36:32 +0000 Suz 1021134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. I respectfully disagree with you, VenusCow, about the jacket.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is not like every other black jacket, but has specific design details that make it an ideal choice for Deborah in particular. I mean assuming that fit and quality are good.&nbsp;</p> <p>1. The "collarless" neckline (I know it is not truly collarless, but the collar is a flat shawl style&nbsp;so the&nbsp;effect is similar to a&nbsp;collarless jacket and this is really good for Deb's shape).&nbsp;<br />2. The low stance, which is modern and also figure flattering for Deborah.<br />3. The draping, which softens the otherwise tailored look and gives the jacket a whiff of the avant guard.<br />4. The point-front hem, which does something similar.&nbsp;</p> <p>This jacket (which I love, by the way) would in no way look as good on me as it would on Deborah. It combines just the right amount of modern classic with something a bit more arty.&nbsp;</p> <p>For me, one of the huge benefits of my time here on YLF is how I have learned to be much more specific in my searches for items. That's what being patient, picky, and practical is all about. Being able to see and understand the effects of <b>specific</b> design details and know at a glance whether: A). they will be figure flattering, and B). they will move me forward in my style goals, has made a huge difference to me.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021112 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:49:11 +0000 jayne 1021112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb, I feel you say what I am thinking....exactly, every sentence is a 'yeah', 'I do agree', 'Me too'.&nbsp; I love YLF and what a gorgeeeeous jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1021040 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 16:12:44 +0000 VenusCow 1021040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you are beginning to recognise your compulsive search for the perfect black jacket is all about finding one good quality fabulous black jacket you cannot take off your back.<br />I looked at the picture of the one you say is reduced and in all honesty it looks like any other black jacket. How you feel in all these clothes you buy is the problem and that comes from lack of confidence. Every time you buy something from now on, once you have reorganised your wardrobe, ask yourself when you look in the mirror, Do I look fabulous in this jacket? Eventually when you say yes that will be the jacket you want. Styling for anybody is about buying staple pieces that are good quality, stylish, feel comfortable, affordable and then building around that through the season with good accessories. You are on your way, so well done and remember it is not who you wear but how you wear it, always with confidence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020972 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:38:53 +0000 Angie 1020972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*</p> <p>Well done. Debs. What a great place to be with your wardrobe and style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020955 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:01:18 +0000 Susie 1020955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading your thoughts, Deborah. And I LOVE that jacket for you. Good for you for being patient enough to find THE black jacket.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've been on YLF for a year now. I have to admit that I got caught up in seeing things that looked good on others and feeling like I needed to try them too&nbsp;(hello cream silk blouse).&nbsp;Some worked, some did not. I've come to realize that I do know what is ME. If I love something, chances are that it will work because it is likely to be similar in style or color to the rest of my wardrobe. And I want to wear pieces that I love, not ones that are just ok or good enough.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am doing better with not buying something just because it is a good price or gives me another option. I definitely like some variety but I would rather have less pieces that I feel fab wearing than a closetful of ok stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's a good feeling to be able to appreciate a great look&nbsp;on someone else while recognizing that it's not for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020952 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:56:23 +0000 Suz 1020952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That jacket looks meant for you! And at 50% off -- perhaps it is a sign.&nbsp;</p> <p>Such important reflections. I find it interesting the way so many of us arrive here in some kind of&nbsp;confusion about our wardrobes. This group is so supportive of all of us finding our own best look. Somehow that makes it so much easier to be PPP and really to know and identify the pieces that are right for us and have high happiness factor. I agree with what you say -- that the faster we identify the great pieces and get rid of the chaff, the happier and better we will feel, and the fewer items we'll need overall.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020937 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:42:12 +0000 Lisa 1020937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great discussion here.&nbsp; I have also learned over time to cull my "ok" items for "just right" pieces and as I have done so, the momentum has continued. I see how I reach for items more often and complain about "nothing to wear" less because I am wearing items I truly do enjoy to wear, instead of wearing "ok" items and then searching for something better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020879 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:16:48 +0000 Janet 1020879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, I totally understand! Thank you for sharing these thoughts. It's helping me articulate my style issues as well.</p> <p>My Great Labor Day Weekend Shoe Project helped me realize some of these same things more deeply. I've been experimenting a lot over the last few years, after falling into a rut (bootcuts and buttondowns) for some years prior. I also had money to spend on clothes as I wished for pretty much the first time in my life. Many mistakes have been made. </p> <p>I looked at my shoes and saw a number of style personas. I don't want to be one-note, but I also see how I can (somewhat) edit some of these extraneous styles from my wardrobe. I looked at some of my stompier clompier shoes and craved more refinement. On the other hand, I don't want to go *too* ladylike! And then I realized this is starting to sound awfully precise. Am I boxing myself in too much? </p> <p>But last night I started poking around online to see if any newer colorful sandals jumped out at me after my red sandal experiment yesterday, and most sandals out there just leave me cold at this point. So I suppose I'm getting pickier. And that is a good thing. :-)</p> <p>I totally hear you on the one perfect black jacket thing! I'm hoping that Helmut Lang is it for me, and the one you posted is your magical jacket. It looks very you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020874 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:05:20 +0000 Fruitful 1020874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They're lovely. I love very sleek, minimal footwear like this, for the way it does not disrupt the line and allows the gaze to move up. Thankyou </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020873 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 12:04:38 +0000 amiable 1020873@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh - great post! &nbsp;I'm seeing something similar here. &nbsp;When I joined YLF, I had 150-200 clothing items per season, and nothing to wear. &nbsp;I currently have 160 items for all four seasons combined, and haven't yet tried on to purge my fall/winter items. &nbsp;But I'm much pickier about what I'm keeping. &nbsp;Knowing WHY something doesn't work for me makes it so much easier to free it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020869 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 11:58:03 +0000 Deborah 1020869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful, here are the booties...for your viewing pleasure xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020849 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 11:27:24 +0000 Fruitful 1020849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah I reread your whole post and love that you are in this place of grace with your wardrobe. I aspire to this. I'd like to see the booties, perhaps I can find your WIW with them on... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020824 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 10:24:50 +0000 Lantana 1020824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading about your revelations Deborah and observing your style development. The discipline of PPP is something I am still struggling with but I am definitely making progress. Or was. This past winter I have been more content with my wardrobe than I can remember ever being. I had a mix and match capsule, minute but big enough for my needs, and it took me right through winter. I felt confident and comfortable and stylish.<br /> Now, with spring here and summer on the horizon I am feeling a bit rattled. I need to knuckle down and do the capsule building exercises. For some odd reason I keep on procrastinating.<br /> Hmm. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020791 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 08:18:55 +0000 Anonymous 1020791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved reading your post Deb. What a lovely position to find yourself in. Well done for persevering and understanding your needs and wants with more clarity. I haven't reached that point myself quite&nbsp;yet. I think I still need to do some sowing of wild oats yet as AG put it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020790 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 08:13:52 +0000 Fruitful 1020790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm good Deborah. I am trying to figure out my spring clothes too. </p> <p>I had a crazy experience this year where I found the perfect winter coat and wore it a lot for a couple of months, then the drycleaner ruined it, then Cue took it back for a full refund because they said the fabric wasn't finished properly! Amazing. Very odd. I lost something I was very attached to; but I got to wear it most of winter for free. Unlike many times where I've wasted money on something that turns out to be a poor decision, and get nothing for it! This year I've been "broken in" to having the confidence to buy a nice coat, finally. I'll be ready next year :)</p> <p>Sorry if that's random; it's just that every time something clothes-related happens to me I want to post about it here, and yet I haven't, so it's all waiting to be released from me at any opportunity :)</p> <p>I hope you and the boy and DH are well! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020784 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 07:46:58 +0000 Debra 1020784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS......lovely jacket </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020783 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 07:46:12 +0000 Debra 1020783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can soooooo relate to this post .<br /> I have slowly been culling my wardrobe and replacing favorites with similar of a better quality and know exactly what I want.<br /> I have to say finding them is part of the fun and if I really 'need' to buy something.........I get my nails done </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020780 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:55:51 +0000 Deborah 1020780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fruitful, I miss you around here!&nbsp; Are you doing well? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020779 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:55:15 +0000 Deborah 1020779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, actually having a plan when shopping has been life changing.&nbsp; Once upon a time I would just think "oh I like this , i like that" and would buy with no thought for if it worked with my style, my wardrobe, etc.</p> <p>Caro, I wonder why you thought you had to give up your pants, jeans &amp; jackets?&nbsp;I think they are very much "your look".&nbsp; Do you think you were questioning age appropriateness?&nbsp; Yesterday i was wearing all black, skinny jeans, flowing black topper (for a Fashion Week meeting) and feeling quite Rick Owens without actually wearing or owning any Rick Owens and a guy passed me in the street and (I thought) looked at me funny... I immeditely went into an internal conversation about perhaps I was too old to wear my favoured look!&nbsp; Dismissed that thought immediately </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020777 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:45:02 +0000 Fruitful 1020777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your reflections Deborah, and would like to comment thoroughly, but all I have to say right now is, that jacket is amazing and perfect for you&nbsp;and I applaud your choice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020775 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:40:59 +0000 Caro in Oz 1020775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My YLF journey so far has been like AGs - I feel I've come full circle too. Back to my pants, jeans &amp; jackets - why I thought I had to give them up I'll never know (call it a senior moment).</p> <p>I have always &nbsp;bought the best quality I could so that wasn't my problem but I realise now I was never PPP enough, I'd be picky or patient or practical but never all three together. Apart from everyone here Angie's PPP is the best thing ever imo.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/variety-the-spice-of-life#post-1020774 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 06:37:36 +0000 Lyn D. 1020774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can relate to this too Deborah!<br />It is not the first time I have read such comments on this forum.<br />&nbsp;It seems we often go crazy when we first see the options out there, &nbsp;and give ourselves permission to embrace our fashion passion!<br />Then we often realise that we were kind-of on-track pre YLF with style preferences and colours etc. But we now know so much more about outfit re-mixing, the right shapes for our own bodies and the practicalities (or not ) of certain categories.&nbsp;<br />Actually having a clothes shopping list has been a helpful revelation for me, and of course the hard part is sticking to it. When we do we end up with fewer clothes but more outfits, better quality and a much higher happiness factor! </p>