https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:02:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece/page/2#post-2052147 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:16:12 +0000 Roxanna 2052147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do love reading all these stories!</p> <p>Bj111 - I love how that wrap dress saw you through so many seasons of your life!</p> <p>Cindy- that is hands down the BEST thrifting story I have EVER heard! In fact it inspired me to do thrifting yesterday and I got a treasure of my own! Please share pics of the bag! </p> <p>Cjh I love how you've managed to update the supporting act and keep that top going! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece/page/2#post-2051904 Fri, 09 Aug 2019 21:42:54 +0000 cindysmith 2051904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Celine Edge bag.<br /> It's a relatively new addition to my closet, yet it is already proving its worth. My lifestyle chews up clothes and accessories at an alarming rate. I got tired of buying "nice" bags and having them look like they got dragged through all seven circles of hell within a month. It didn't matter what the price point was, my life chewed it up quick fast and in a hurry. I have had handles/straps detach within two weeks, mysterious stains appear that will not clean off the leather, you name it I have done it to a bag. I'm almost ashamed of myself for being so awful to bags.</p> <p>This bag is already a few months old and it is handling my abuse like a champion prize fighter. I have a funny feeling that I will be saying the same thing years from now. I love this bag, and it goes with everything. It can handle me on my casual days, it can make me feel like a superstar on my rare dressy days, it is understated enough for my highly restrictive dress code at work and the right size to escape notice when I don't stash it in my locker (which is every day I work because it doesn't fit in a locker)... it holds everything I need with a bit of room to spare. </p> <p>The best part? I was in the local goodwill shop, checking out, and glanced up at the top of the display case next to the register. There it was, New with Tags, for $40. I call that the smartest forty dollars I have ever spent in my entire life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece/page/2#post-2051625 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 22:12:40 +0000 cjh 2051625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sleeveless top I’m wearing today has impressed me. Navy, rayon blend knit with an embroidered yoke in dark gray, olive, gold, white and purple threads. I’ve had and worn it regularly for over 6 years. For awhile I wore it as casual summer wear with khaki-gold shorts. Then I had a navy herringbone, pleated, summer skirt that needed a companion, so I wore it for work with that skirt for three summers. Since retiring, I’ve worn it often with olive shorts, or jeans and an olive jacket.</p> <p>It has served me well. Always looks like new. When I got it, navy wasn’t one of my wardrobe colors but I simply needed summer clothes. I might have paid $15. I was afraid the embroidery would soon look worn or dated but it does not. It’s very comfortable, fits perfectly and non-revealing around the armholes. No pilling or fading or stretching out. I hang it to dry, of course.</p> <p>This goes to show that it’s very hard to predict which items will become favorites or workhorses, no matter the cost, function or if it ticks all your usual boxes or not. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece/page/2#post-2051587 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:40:03 +0000 bj1111 2051587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My most impressive piece is a wrap dress with dropped shoulders from 1991 that cost $50 and another $50 to alter. It was graduate school and I scrimped to afford the alterations. I wore that dress for the next 20 years with a skinny belt and black pumps. Every job interview, every professional meeting. I even have a professional photo in that dress. The belt got upgraded to hermes, the pumps, Manola’s. But that dress was always my go-to when I needed to bring my a-game. I finally outgrew it for the last time three years ago and now it is impressing my niece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece/page/2#post-2051584 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 18:27:20 +0000 Barbara Diane 2051584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My black and white print wrap dress. I wear it more some years than others and am sort of off it right now. I’m not sure exactly when I purchased it, but it was a long time ago. I like loved it so much that I bought an exact duplicate but the original still looks brand new. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051525 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 15:59:06 +0000 nemosmom 2051525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My most-impressive piece that has gone the distance is my waxed cotton Barbour jacket (similar find below). Not the dressiest item, to be sure, but I have put it through the ringer and it still looks great after 14 years. It goes on every trip with me; DH jokingly calls it my security blanket. </p> <p>I love that it has an interior pocket to hold my phone and tiny wallet so I don't have to carry a bag. The waxed cotton keeps out wind and light drizzle, yet it is super breathable. I can wear a hoodie, pullover sweater, or puffer vest under it for warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051498 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 14:09:17 +0000 nuancedream 2051498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;Hmm, perhaps my summer topper from the brand Skirtin Around...kind of reminds me of Lily Pulitzer or the joke wall on Laugh-In!&nbsp; OK, I just seriously dated myself with the reference to Laugh-In but I love the topper, which I have had since 2007. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051480 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 13:20:15 +0000 anne 2051480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a grey sleeveless sheath that's still in great condition - I bought it in around 2000 and it's still a FFBO. </p> <p>Worn alone or with cropped cardi in summer, or over tights and long sleeve tees or thins sweaters in winter.</p> <p>I took have had to repair the seams, but the fabric is fine.</p> <p>I was $60 from Portmans. Australians, I have to say, everything I have from Portmans that is woven has lasted  - now I think about it I have another, black, dress from around 2000 from there that is only now slightly faded and otherwise fine.</p> <p>Off to my phone to see if I can find a pic, although I know both of these have been on YLF before multiple times! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051455 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 10:54:03 +0000 Staysfit 2051455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I have two, or maybe three. One is a dark chocolate brown wool and alpaca blend Cole Han coat. It’s at least 15 years old, and I still love it. I wear it every winter when the temperatures are mild. It has no creases, or signs of wear. It’s one of my highest quality purchases ever.</p> <p>The second is a dark chocolate colored midi length dress with lighter colored polka dots, maybe they are ivory? It’s silk, sleeveless, has a swishy skirt, a long wide sash tie belt that wraps twice around my waist and then still hangs long down the skirt. It’s from Adrianna Papell, which may not be the best designer, but it seems well made. It is lined, and has withstood the dry cleaners, etc. It’s the first item of clothing I purchased for my professional wardrobe in 1995 when I finished my training. (You do the math). I still love it. It always gets complements. I remember the salesman who helped me choose it. He told me he had the perfect dress that would last forever in my closet. He was correct. I have become picky about when I wear it. I don’t want to snag it on furniture, or ruin it at work. I usually wear it for casual parties, or when I give talks. </p> <p>The third item is an Eddie Bauer Jean jacket. This may be the oldest item in my wardrobe that I purchased for myself. I have mixed feelings about jean jackets, but not this one. Whenever I put it on, the fit is so good that I feel wonderful. I honestly cannot remember when I purchased it, but I know I had it when I was in college because I am wearing it in the apartment with my college roommates. I don’t wear it often anymore, but I do wear it, and it has held up well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051430 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 05:43:18 +0000 Kari 2051430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As for the item that is the biggest compliment magnet, these velvet emerald and royal blue pumps that I had made from Shoes of Prey before they went out of business. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051429 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 05:35:51 +0000 Kari 2051429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My specs. Because I wear glasses almost daily (except for rare contacts days), I definitely invest the most $ compared to other clothing items, they are statement glasses that add interesting contrast shades from different angles, and my oldest pair is 8+ years old and still holding up. From oldest to newest: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051262 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 16:04:13 +0000 Karie 2051262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a gorgeous dress! Mine is a BCBG blazer I bought at the Boston meetup back in 2014. It is one of the most expensive blazers I own, it’s beautiful, it works dressed up or down (my fav way to wear it is with distressed jeans), and I have wonderful memories of meeting fab YLFers at that meetup! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051257 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 15:33:40 +0000 Roxanna 2051257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love reading all these stories and seeing all your magical pieces!</p> <p>Shevia - with your thrifting skills, you probably have too many to count :)</p> <p>@Carla - don't you LOVE it when a reasonable piece turns out to be a well-made one that lasts for the long haul?!</p> <p>@JenniNZ - I an see the quality of that knit! And i htink what we hold onto and why is intensely personal, and not for others to judge. I too have put some items away for years, and then brought them out to a renewed life.</p> <p>@Style Fan, @Bijou, @Xtabay - Looks like&nbsp; trenches are popular items that go the distance!</p> <p>@Suntiger - My Lauren Ralph Lauren dresses go the distance too. I love how flattering they are. @Helena same goes for the Gemma wraps!</p> <p>@ClaraT - now I want a Theory blazer too :)</p> <p>keep 'em coming! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051226 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:27:34 +0000 Bijou 2051226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For my 21st birthday my parents bought me a diamond ring. I have worn it every day since receiving it on my right hand. At 24 I got engaged, so I have a nice ring on that hand to balance things up. My hands feel weird not wearing them. Since losing both parents in the last 2 years, I like having my daily reminder of them with me.</p> <p>In terms of clothes purchases with longevity, I have a black Burberry trench that I bought in 2006 - still great quality and a cropped red leather jacket that I bought in 2000. I will find these items hard to let go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051219 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 12:06:05 +0000 Helena 2051219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I don't have anything quite so impressive! But I will say that my Roots hoodies are THE best from a holding-up standpoint - I'm sure one is 10 years old and looks like I just bought it, and as you can imagine, I am not precious with my hoodies :D</p> <p>My BR Gemma wrap dresses are still going strong; one I'm sure is almost 10 years old, and the other well over 5. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051197 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 10:04:06 +0000 Anonymous 2051197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Lauren Ralph Lauren lbd. It's my go to for business formal, doesn't crease, and is forgiving of weight changes. </p> <p>And my peacock laptop bag, Etsy find (Janine King). It has a little wear now on the bottom corners, but is really well made. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051153 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:56:31 +0000 SarahD8 2051153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenni actually that sweater looks really fresh to me right now. I mean....fuchsia and orange!!! I say milk it while the 80s trend continues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051151 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:48:52 +0000 Cee 2051151@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You lot... so cool </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051150 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:44:39 +0000 Jenni NZ 2051150@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I looked at my lists. I’m not sure that you all agree that mine looks the best of my clothes, but for longevity in my wardrobe the Mondi jumper( sweater) is the best. The most expensive item I had ever bought at the time- $300 in 1986- it was only exceeded in cost by my $900 wedding dress later that same year. I was 25 then and loved the item with a passion. I wore it for about 10 years, put it in holding for another 10, and in about 2008 pulled it out and have worn each winter since a number of times. I still have part of the “feeling 25” feeling every time I wear it even now I am 58. And although it is very 80s looking, and some of you think dated, that’s still a good feeling and worth it to me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051142 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 02:16:59 +0000 Carla 2051142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My short black trench coat. Though not a high end brand, it looks like it could be. It is 98%cotton/2% Lycra brocade with a floral motif. It is so beautifully finished inside, I could wear it inside out. It fits beautifully and I feel fab every time I wear it. I've had it for 4 years now. It is from Suzy Shier and cost &lt; $50. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051139 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 01:52:53 +0000 ClaraT 2051139@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a favorite blazer that (so far?) seems timeless. Like Angie’s, it’s by Theory. It is crisp but comfy, maintains its shape, and adds a little business vibe to less structured clothes. I love the cut, which is like-custom for me, and the buttons! The coat closes with button pairs that are attached with a chain (?!) and to me, this elevates it beyond the ordinary. It’s grey—the color is better represented in the second pic. It’s my favorite sort of item—ordinary but also special, when you take a closer look. PS really enjoy seeing everyone else’s favorites! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051124 Wed, 07 Aug 2019 01:21:16 +0000 Jaime 2051124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun seeing your magical pieces. That dress is amazing Roxanna! I am wracking my mind but I think I am stuck. Too much churn in my wardrobe to have any such piece, although I do have some pieces that have been in my closet for years they are more of the statement and rarely worn variety.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051100 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 23:19:32 +0000 Sal 2051100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The Underarmour hoodie worn in these photos.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Purchased in 2012 for $150 with $50 off loyalty voucher.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Worn 2-3 times a week 80% of the weeks since.&nbsp; It still looks immaculate.&nbsp; I wear it walking, biking, lounging and to and from the gym.</p> <p>I still really like it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051027 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 17:22:59 +0000 Angie 2051027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A 21 year old dress that is still going strong.....</p> <p>KILLER to the POWER of KILLER</p> <p>Extremely impressed!&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051018 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 17:12:46 +0000 rachylou 2051018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Perhaps my black A-line Marc Jacobs skirt or these knit bodycon dresses I got at Ross (I duplicated in every pattern an colour)(sleeveless with a bit of ruching at the waist, work for going up AND the bakery), or my old old black and white gingham sundress from Neiman’s. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051016 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 17:10:42 +0000 Anonymous 2051016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My black trench coat, purchased 30+ years ago, on sale. &nbsp;It's been all over the world, used and sometimes abused countless times, but maintains its elegant style and shows no signs of wear. &nbsp;Due to climate change, I don't wear it now, but Mr. Xtabay won't let me pass it on because he likes how I look in it. &nbsp;Sincere admiration to the designer and constructor of that coat! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051011 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 17:02:04 +0000 Style Fan 2051011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eaton's!!!&nbsp; What a great store!&nbsp; That is a beautiful dress. &nbsp;<br />My impressive purchase would have to be my Burberry Trench coat.&nbsp; It never lets me down.&nbsp; I feel like it doesn't really matter what else I have on when I wear the Trench.&nbsp; I bought it almost 14 years ago. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051008 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:49:03 +0000 kkards 2051008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>these Manolo Blahnik pumps...bought in 2008(ish)....soooo comfortable and resoled 2 or 3 times...they are starting to show wear and tear, and i almost get rid of them in last years closet clean up...but since i only wear heels now a couple of time a year, i decided to keep them....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2051000 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:06:43 +0000 The Cat 2051000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My midi winter coats from the '90s, one bottle green, one black. Excellent quality, and I still get compliments about every time I wear them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-your-impressive-piece#post-2050996 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 15:45:50 +0000 Dana 2050996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Roxanna, great dress and I love the way you styled it!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have had a lot of my clothes for a long time, but my most impressive piece would be a black, knit skirt by Drama. I bought it in '04 I think. It's a cross between an a-line and a trumpet. And it can be worn year round . I often wear it with a black top tucked in with a belt, so it mimics a dress. There's not a lot I can't do with it! Admittedly, I haven't worn it straight for all those years. Sometimes it was a little big or small, but it's still impressive!&nbsp; </p>