https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:26:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1339845 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 23:59:38 +0000 MsLuna 1339845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, I apologize for taking long to reply. I've been very busy and having such a rough week so far. I'll do my best to get back to you all. Thank you SO MUCH, by the way for the kind words and advice. This really help a lot. </p> <p>@Aubergine: I totally empathize. One of the main reasons why I wore exclusively dresses for years is the belly squish factor. The squish gets me pretty bad, actually. When I feel like the jeans are forming a muffin top, I have issues breathing and often feel dehydrated. Same effect f goes with stretchy waist belts and shapewear. </p> <p>Do give Zara jeans a try. I highly recommend the pro-modal straight legs (the ones I have). They don't squish at all.</p> <p>@Angie: thanks for the advice! You mentioned getting a hair/specs update. Part of my issue, I think is that I feel a bit ragged with my overgrown fringe and much longer hair. I'm planning to grow my hair further, but the fringe will be fixed and the hair will likely have an edgier look. </p> <p>As for your first point: would it be a good idea, then to build my wardrobe starting from the shoes first? Intuitively, I feel that this might be a good place to start. I started my fall wardrobe thinking my 1.75 inch heel Campers and booties would be staples, but my feet just started hurting in them. I plan to see a podiatrist soon to talk about shoe options. All my mistakes are getting so expensive! </p> <p>I believe I'll need to revisit my style persona AGAIN. I think I am totally missing the mark on "dressing for comfort" because I keep forgetting my style persona!</p> <p>@Shiny: I'm going to look into PowerStep insoles. I hope that would be available in Canada! </p> <p>Funny you mentioned cowboy boots I used to live in Texas so I had access to them! I'd consider cowboy boots if they were in my colours and aesthetics. I had no idea they were actually comfy though! </p> <p>I think you are unable to see the home page because it's linked to the Canadian Zara! The jeans are straight legs and made of ProModal.</p> <p>You know, when I think about it, jeans and denim jackets are as casual as I get. Maybe slouchy sweaters too but footwear is my key to "dressing up" my look. If there was a pair of ballet flats that didn't make me feel so twee or a pair of loafers that actually look refined on me (not dumpy) OR a flat boot that's streamlined and makes me look more feminine (the broader shoulders and apple tendencies don't help me here and I don't have an androgynous style). </p> <p>@Gigi: I'm going to search for pedorthists this week and see if I can get an appointment next week. Thanks for the suggestion! </p> <p>There is also a local store that has a pedorthist, but I had a negative experience with that store. I dont know if I should return.</p> <p>@amiable: Amy, let me know if the boots work out for you! I figured because they're "flatter" than most Danskos, they might work. Hopefully it still has that Dansko arch! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338945 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 03:50:20 +0000 amiable 1338945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katie - those are gorgeous boots - thanks for pointing them out to me. &nbsp;Danskos do work for my feet (at least, my clogs did last year). &nbsp;I'll try them out this week to make sure, and may have to start stalking these. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338901 Sun, 24 Aug 2014 02:24:05 +0000 Gigi 1338901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>KatieKat, I sure hope you can find a pedorthist. Like you say, shoe mistakes are expensive! And once you find out exactly what works for you, that will be so much of the battle won. Then you'll know what features you need to have in a shoe for it to be workable, and you won't have to constantly feel like you're starting over from scratch.</p> <p>If there are no pedorthists in the yellow pages (or wherever you look to find them), know that some of the larger shoe stores sometimes call in these experts to give people free help at their store. One of the local shoe stores here (privately owned) has free pedorthist appointments. Presumably, the store makes money on it because you will end up purchasing some of their shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338662 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 17:53:58 +0000 shiny 1338662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fashion is often all about therapy, lisap, but I echo Katie's frustrations with current fashion trends. The high-waisted trend is one I welcome with open arms, but everything else falls flat for me, as like Katie, I am just not comfortable in casual either. Then add to it the footwear frustrations - which I also share but not anywhere near as bad as Katie's situation.&nbsp;</p> <p>It took me years to finally be okay with the fact I just don't feel right in overly casual /sporty/gear-like wear, and to embrace more structured/polished/tailored/dressed up looks instead, which I adore and feel like a million bucks in. And now here we are in a fashion climate where it's hard to find anything but casual &amp; gear like looks. Argh. </p> <p>For some of us, this is Frustrating. With capital F.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338652 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 17:36:14 +0000 shiny 1338652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried PowerStep insoles yet? I think they may also make them for heels and dressier shoes now too.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another idea - cowboy boots. Along same lines as the PowerStep insoles, real western cowboy boots have a very rigid sole, which conforms and molds to your foot over time. It is constructed in a way that it throws your weight back rather than forward, to more easily distribute your weight. I wish cowboy boots were a fashion trend here in Boston, because I'd live in them. They are that comfortable, even with a higher heel -- not to mention&nbsp;way easier to fit me and my short legs. If I had a resurgence of foot issues, I think I'd just go for it and create my own fashion, wearing nothing but cowboy boots, with anything and everything! Or maybe I'd just have to move to Texas. :-)</p> <p>Can you provide a pic of the Zara jeans? The link takes me to the home page. Not sure which ones you bought, but I'm very intrigued because Joe Jean's are my "nearly perfect"&nbsp;favorite as well. More details please!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338649 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 17:29:12 +0000 Anonymous 1338649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338639 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 16:59:35 +0000 Angie 1338639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Don't worry, Katie. You<i><b> can </b></i>have excellent style with more casual and comfortable&nbsp;shoes. (Especially in 2014, more than ever before).&nbsp;I have clients with mega foot problems&nbsp;and they manage beautifully, and look very stylish.&nbsp;Dressy heeled shoes are&nbsp;NOT the beginning and end of a killer look. NOT AT ALL. Please rest assured. I mean that with every fibre of my being.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you were my client, these would be my suggestions:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Accept that it's best that you wear a particular type of shoe, and build a style that is suited to that particular footwear <i>without</i> compromising your sartorial preferences.&nbsp;</li> <li>You need to create excitement and drama&nbsp;elsewhere in your wardrobe. Do not opt for the "minimal simple thing" just because you think it's suited to your footwear needs.&nbsp;</li> <li>You have the power to create ANY style within your budget from the ankles up. Take the bull by the horns and begin picking pieces more carefully. Think about your style persona and how you FEEL in an outfit. &nbsp;Collect photos of the type of aesthetic that you like. And lets make it work with the footwear you CAN wear.&nbsp;</li> <li>Re-assess your hair style&nbsp;and specs.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>We are here to help you every step of the way. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338627 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 16:38:13 +0000 Anonymous 1338627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup, Katie, the squish is definitely the big&nbsp;issue. I <i>hate</i> that feeling.&nbsp;It sounds silly, but I almost wonder if, because I'm so short and so short-waisted that I've got maybe two inches of actual torso, my internal organs are somehow more bunched up right above the waist than most people's&nbsp;and&nbsp;what I feel when something's constricting there is partly them getting squeezed. And I always feel like I'd have to really work to make tucking flattering with my proportions&nbsp;anyway, so I have even less incentive to try.</p> <p>I may have to give the Zara jeans a try, though. Would never have thought of them for comfy jeans!</p> <p>BTW, Deb just posted some really pretty and unusual-looking&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dark-red-sneakers">dark red sneakers</a>. Not sure if those would be your taste?</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338590 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 15:14:21 +0000 MsLuna 1338590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Gigi: I think I need to see a pedorthist. A sports medicine doc diagnosed me with arthritis, heel spurs and bunions and simply said, "Give up the high heels!" My mom also has a whole slew of foot issues and had custom orthotics and her condition (she has bunions and plantar fasciitis) and she told me her condition worsened. I'm hoping there's a good pedorthist nearby and that I can finally stop making expensive shoe mistakes :(</p> <p>I have no problems dressing in sneakers a few times a week but even my taste in sneakers are unusual. But yes... Team dressy ALL THE WAY!</p> <p>@Adelfa: I'll ask my mom sometime if she's willing to be my "third party shipper". I could cut so much cost, especially since the states has so much free shipping options. I've been looking specifically at greatly reduced shoe prices at 6PM. </p> <p>@LACeleste: I'll check out the Cole Haan's! I heard so many good things about the brand but never tried them on. Carter recommended me the Anne Klein shoes (she has similar foot issues as I do), and they felt good, but styl is limited up here in Canada. </p> <p>@lyn: belly love is exactly why Zara jeans work on me! I never feel like I am suffocating and those things DO NOT bag anywhere! The knee bagging problem I get on most jeans does not exist here and I'm NUTS over the shape of the leg! I realized that sizing up is key for me with Zara jeans. I hope they keep making the straight legs forever!</p> <p>Wait, lyn.... You wear jeans????</p> <p>@Aubergine: hmmm if semi-tucking makes you uncomfortable, I understand. Is it because of the waist/belly squish issue? I had a discomfort problem initially too (every jean gave me muffin tops except Zara and Joe's), so that was actually an issue too.</p> <p>And yeah - being busty and semi-tucking CAN look very imbalanced, which is why I pay attention to arm holes and lower volume under arms (if kimono or dolman styled)</p> <p>@amiable: have you tried Dansko boots? In my shoe search I've come across rave reviews about them. I kind of have my eye on these at the moment:</p> <p><a href="http://dansko.com/Womens/Footwear/Collections/Marseille/Odessa/Brown%20Nappa/" rel="nofollow">http://dansko.com/Womens/Footw.....n%20Nappa/</a></p> <p>I know that Danskos sort of work for me (they've been relatively comfy but I have a sizing issue), but I've never tried any of their flatter, more refined options. </p> <p>@rachylou: I actually developed a "weird sneaker" interest. My Fitflops are patent teal sneakers and for some reason, I never feel dumpy in them unless I roll my pants (I know Fabbers love this but it don't feel fab in this look). I aim to add to the collection with more unusual fabrications. I'm like that with loafers too.</p> <p>@Kim: I'll need to find a pedorthist, and that will be next on my to-do list. Shoe mistakes are expensive! </p> <p>I tried pointy flats, low heels... ANYTHING comfy one can think of. Flats are actually a lot worse for me than heels. My low heeled Camper Booties and low heeled OTBT sandal-booties cause me pain too. Fitflop sneakers and my Crocs sandals are the only things that work :(</p> <p>Thanks for The suggestions though!</p> <p>@Suz: I recently just starting following YLF again so I haven been following Shannon's journey. I will look into her posts though! It's too bad she has some new foot problems too! </p> <p>Boot weather is good because I do have more options (and boots look a lot more refined). </p> <p>I'll be posting semi-tuck WIW's when I get the chance!</p> <p>@texstyle: the sneaker trend works for me to a certain degree. I don't wear or choose conventional sneaker styles. The styles I get somehow work with my cut of non-cuffed straight leg jeans and my more refined tops. But I don't like wearing them daily I need more refined/dressy footwear. I'm looking into loafers as well </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338539 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:53:32 +0000 texstyle 1338539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just thinking about the shoe part and wondered, what about the sneaker trend or maybe sneaker like oxfords? I know you prefer heels but if the tradeoff is pain, maybe you can go for some of the sporty luxe looks with a focus on the luxe everywhere else in the outfit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338534 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:31:37 +0000 Suz 1338534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Awwww, Ms. KK I am so sorry you are feeling less than fab about the footwear. It is frustrating! Have you been able to keep up with Shannon at all? She has also had some footwear battles and is looking exclusively at low heels. Now, she is fortunate in that she does not need the rigid sole requirement (I believe) but she now has plantar fascitis on top of her other issues so good shoes have become a HEWI.&nbsp;</p> <p>I completely agree with Sveta on the ordering to Niagara option and I also think Adelfa is probably right -- your mother would not mind if you ask her to be your "receiver" for a few shoes from Zappos or elsewhere. I know if I were your mom I would love to do it. Now, granted, lots of moms do not "get" the whole style thing, but she will certainly understand that you are facing a health issue.&nbsp;</p> <p>Really glad you are enjoying your new jeans and the semi-tuck! To me that sounds like great progress.&nbsp;</p> <p>And I'm also hopeful that in boot weather you may have some more options?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338518 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:48:01 +0000 Kim 1338518@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you had your feet evaluated, to see what is causing the pain?&nbsp; (I've had PF twice, and also an injured heel fat pad) and was very limited in my shoe choices for 1.5 years each time. Crocs worked, but man are they...well, you know.</p> <p>Can you wear flats?&nbsp; Perhaps some polished pointy toe flats would work for you.&nbsp; They mimic the pointy toe trend, but are easier on the ball of the foot.&nbsp; I have had the same problem with heels for all of my life, anything over 2 inches and I'm crying in pain after 2 hours of walking.&nbsp; So I don't do it. Ever.</p> <p>I'm not sporty at all so the sneaker trend doesn't speak to me, (except for my Converse, but that's rocker chic to me...)</p> <p>Here's a link to Elle Magaizine in Canada, and a slideshow of 15 pointy toe flats (available in Canada) that might give you a bit more of the sleek style you're craving.</p> <p>And I know how you feel.&nbsp; When I could only wear my black athletic sneakers with orthotic inserts from the time I got up in the morning, (literally when I got out of bed I had to put them on, with my pj's! LOL) until I went back to bed at night, for a YEAR, I felt very UN-fab.</p> <p>I had to decide that I would be kind to my feet and do what was required to make them happy, but that I would only judge my outfit from the ankles up as to whether I felt FAB.&nbsp; It worked, cause FAB is all in your attitude, I believe.</p> <p>Enjoy the slideshow!</p> <p><a href="http://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/trends/15-pointy-toe-flats-for-spring/s/5258/" rel="nofollow">http://www.ellecanada.com/fash.....ng/s/5258/</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338440 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 04:10:27 +0000 rachylou 1338440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cybil Shepard only wears sneakers to save herself pain. You could just go for it too. Sneakers with suits, dresses, evening gowns. I think her secret most of the time is showing knee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338434 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:56:49 +0000 amiable 1338434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So Sad Katie! &nbsp;I was just thinking of writing a post about my feet too. &nbsp;They're so happy in Birkenstocks that I can't wear anything else. &nbsp;And I was at least hoping to step up the polished-ness of my style this fall... And what do I do during winter?<br />I empathize.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338426 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:44:43 +0000 Anonymous 1338426@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katie, thanks for the semi-tuck advice! I can see where a top that's not super-oversized and pants that aren't one extreme or the other&nbsp;can make it feel less overwhelming. Although, for me, the issue is probably more that any kind of&nbsp;tucking into pants just seems viscerally uncomfortable. Especially with a belt.&nbsp;But stranger things have happened….</p> <p>And I'm not sure if they'd work for you, but I second the Cole Haan wedge pumps LA Celeste recommends. They're ridiculously comfortable and pretty refined-looking. I think the style is called Air Tali. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338414 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:27:03 +0000 lyn* 1338414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Zara jeans too! I find they're so lovely for my belly </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338410 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:24:16 +0000 LACeleste 1338410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi again. Your style seems very similar to mine. I was remembering 3 years ago when I broke my ankle in 2 places and had to give up heels for months. I had good luck w ballet wedge pumps like the Cole Haan rose gold pumps in the ylf finds. They didn't look too bad w wrap dresses IMO and they let me enjoy my dressy work wardrobe. The ones I found were Anne Klein shevanie style. Lots of luck. I'm sure you'll get this figured out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338401 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:12:24 +0000 Adelfa 1338401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mkk, your mom might be willing to take a small break in her retirement to save you pain and distress? I don't know her but I think there's a chance! </p> <p>In any case I really feel for you and I feel so sure that you can figure this out, with help! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338400 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:12:06 +0000 Gigi 1338400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh KatieKat, I'm so sorry you're having more difficulty with the shoes. I don't bat for Team Casual either...too-casual dressing makes me feel sloppy too. It doesn't feel fab to have to wear something that isn't "you."&nbsp;</p> <p>Are there any pedorthists near you that you can consult for help? I think that pedorthists might deal with this kind of thing, but I'm not sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338399 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:10:26 +0000 MsLuna 1338399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@aubergine: I ALWAYS felt frumpy in semi-tucks. I didn't get the rage. I know Fabbers go crazy with BF jeans and slouchy skinnies. Tried it with that... Nope. Tried them with skinnies.... Nope... Then these straight legs became available and they worked because they were not skin-tight and not loose either! </p> <p>I'm not sure how the rest of the Fabbers work with their semi-tucks, or what their process is. I know for me. I tuck quite a bit of the front of the shirt in and make sure the shirt makes a crescent shape in the front. Also - my tops cannot be too voluminous. A loose boyfriend top (fluid or not) with arm holes on my shoulder point is best. I find that's my formula for looking more polished. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338398 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:08:53 +0000 Sveta 1338398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katie, here you go! This sounds like a plan.<br />Fingers crossed you can find comfortable shoes which meet your style needs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338394 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:05:38 +0000 MsLuna 1338394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sveta that sounds like an excellent idea! I'm actually staying at Niagara this October to meet with my parents. I'm going to see how this works out!</p> <p>Another option may be to get that third party shipper. I remember Nicole telling us of a service she's used before in our meetup! </p> <p>Or I can have my mom (she lives in the states) ship stuff to me, but I don't want to inconvenience her (I want her to enjoy her retirement days!)</p> <p>I also plan a huge shoe shopping spree when I visit my parents thus Xmas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338393 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:04:31 +0000 Anonymous 1338393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear about the shoe issues. And it especially sucks when it means you're stuck wearing more casual clothes than you want. I hope you find comfortable, dress-friendly shoes soon!</p> <p>The jeans sound wonderful, though. And I wouldn't even know where to begin with semi-tucks, so good for you for finding a version that works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338390 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 03:02:27 +0000 MsLuna 1338390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura: I'm checking Barking Dog Shoes all the time now. I just wish these orthopaedic shoes pass my "elevated style" standards, but I will have to find a workaround. Though I'm feeling somewhat defeated in my style journey, in the back of my mind I still feel like I can "style" these orthopaedic shoes according to my dressy/edgy/romantic style. It's just been hard lately due to my really high standards :(</p> <p>And yes - part of my casualization is the environment too! I have an ultra casual workplace. Although I LOVE jeans, I still normally dressed up compared to others as I'd wear a nice tailored blazer, a blouse and heeled booties/boots. Hopefully we can figure this out together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338387 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:58:54 +0000 Sveta 1338387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Katie, hugs! It is so sad when our body betrays us!&nbsp;<br />Is it possible for you to order orthopedic shoes from US as there is a much bigger selection there. I know you live further from the border than I do but Niagara is not too far. I am sure you can get a shipping there and order there. How about this: have mini-vacations to Niagara several times a year, stay one night and get your orders. Try on and ship back what does not work right away.<br />I really hope for a happy ending here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338383 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:51:41 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1338383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm sorry that your feet are giving you such issues! Do you know the blog Barking Dog Shoes? She gives some great recommendations for shoes for those with various foot problems.</p> <p>I know what you mean about casual being frustrating when you don't really choose it. I'm getting a bit of that myself because the environmental norms in the town that we moved to are less dressy and there have been outfits I've worn and then felt reaaaaaly out of place. I have confidence that both of us can figure out how to mix what we like and what works, if we stick with it, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338381 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:47:49 +0000 MsLuna 1338381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks LACeleste! Sadly, I had to "stow away" the wrap dresses for dome reason I wasn't feeling them anymore though I missed how fabulous I felt in them. I tried them out with ballet flats and they just don't work on me. Orthotic shoes made me look extremely frumpy in them too. </p> <p>So yeah - it's a fail </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338373 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:42:11 +0000 LACeleste 1338373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohh. I'm sorry you are feeling less than fab. I found the story of your style journey interesting and I'm still optimistic about a happy ending for you! Off the top of my head I do recall you looking amazing in wrap dresses but I guess that counts as a dressed up look ....I bet you look great in your casual looks but that doesn't matter if you're not feeling it. Sorry you hit this bump in the road and wishing you better days ahead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-update-hitting-the-wall#post-1338366 Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:31:45 +0000 MsLuna 1338366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good evening lovely Fabbers!</p> <p>It's been a long while since I posted! The last month or so has been killer on my workload which explains my lack of participation in the forums. I still lurk about in Angie's blog, but had to take a forum hiatus for a bit.</p> <p>While on Fab Hiatus, I've been working on my fall wardrobe. As some of you may remember, I'm attempting to create a minimalistic wardrobe with fewer pieces. I looked into different capsule wardrobe building methodologies and I've decided to follow The a Vivienne File's wardrobe from scratch series - minus the shoe/accessory portion. Some of you already follow her blog, but you may view the series here, if you're curious.</p> <p><a href="http://www.theviviennefiles.com/search/label/Starting%20from%20Scratch" rel="nofollow">http://www.theviviennefiles.co.....%20Scratch</a></p> <p>I also went through a style evolution of some kind during the summer. I started preferring comfort over style, and trying... REALLY TRYING to add a bit of edge and romance in my wardrobe.</p> <p>It's seriously failing right now.</p> <p>So for the curious, here are some interesting points:</p> <p>The good stuff:<br /> - I found my perfect pair of jeans. FINALLY. These straight-leg Zara jeans are amazing. I got them in black and red. I tried other jeans too and I find Zara jeans to be forgiving on my SuperMuffin. It doesn't squish the belly and the straight legs are EXACTLY how I want it: straight slim leg all the way. Long, unbroken line. They fit oddly better than my new Joe's Jeans skinnies - which fit great too (also a new find), but the legs bag out very slightly.<br /> <a href="http://www.zara.com/ca/en/woman/trousers/skinny/five-pocket-trousers-c498025p1984753.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.zara.com/ca/en/woma.....84753.html</a></p> <p>- I can work the semi-tuck. FINALLY! At first I thought only fluid shirts work until I tried on a a Gap denim shirt yesterday. The semi-tuck works BEAUTIFULLY with the Zara jeans. In the end, it was all about the cut of jeans and bottoms (on me) to make me feel less messy.</p> <p>- Silk: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. Silk tops are now a staple for me. And I've been able to machine wash the tops inside mesh bags and gentle detergent. Easy peasy..</p> <p>The irritating stuff:<br /> - "Casualizing" my wardrobe did not increase my happiness factor. In fact, I felt a lot less happy with a casual wardrobe. I'm happiest in tailored toppers, structured bottoms and heels... Which brings me to....</p> <p>- none of my dressy shoes work. Ever. I purchased a few pairs of low heeled sandals. They were fine for a few days then suddenly I would have intense metatarsal/ball-of-foot pain. These heels are all UNDER 1.75 INCHES!!! Even my nearly flat shoes cause me to cry out in pain! And so - those pretty low heeled shoes I got this summer? They are a no-go. I can only wear two pairs of shoes now: my Fitflop Sneakers and my Crocs Sandals....</p> <p>- that said, it's hard to find cute orthopaedic shoes. Fitflops work on me beautifully but none of the latest styles are available in Canada - online or not. I'm considering Danskos as well, but same thing - the marginally good-looking shoes are not available in Canada. I can keep trying other non-orthopaedic comfort brands but I'm just too scared to spend money. I have too many reject shoes now. I feel burned.</p> <p>- and I'm really sad that I'm forced to bat for Team Casual due to pain. Many of you Fabbers are absolutely gorgeous in Casual but it's just NOT a look I feel fabulous in. I've shared many of my casual outfits and received positive responses from you all bug I reported feeling extremely frumpy and sad in them. That's what I've been feeling lately. Due to my very limited shoe choices, I've hit a wall.</p> <p>I miss my heels. I miss them with my tailored jackets (I now look weirdly dumpy in tailored jackets with sneakers and my crocs). I miss my funky frocks.</p> <p>And now I'm back to square one. A girl with a terribly confused/frumpy style.</p> <p>If you've gone this far, thanks. For hearing me out. Hopefully I will one day find the thing called "Fabulous" in my personal style. </p>