https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 13:08:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1585081 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:45:09 +0000 Lisa 1585081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things I could list, but one that helps a lot is to leave no retail store unturned. &nbsp;You just never know where you will find something. &nbsp;I haven't shopped at Express in years, yet just picked up my holiday top for the season from them after my current go to stores fell flat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1584717 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 00:29:17 +0000 unfrumped 1584717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Brooklyn said. Of course things need to look good, but they can look good and still not help me "get out the door" in the morning. In fact sometimes it's a more ordinary item that works better than something that looks great but doesn't perform IRL.</p> <p>Trying new brands and sources has been good. Trying things on, even if it's disappointing--nothing ventured ,&nbsp; nothing gained.</p> <p>Trying things on with <u>lots</u> of other things at home. This is why adding too much new stuff in too short a time, I learned, gets me into trouble. It takes time to do the try-ons, to integrate something and to get feedback on whether that's the right direction. </p> <p>Sort of the result of&nbsp;following the&nbsp;&nbsp;lessons is, <u><i>just take it b</i></u><i><u>ack</u></i>. When something I thought would work, doesn't. I am trying to also, <u><i>just leave it on the rack<b></b></i><b>, </b></u>which is even better, but I am very hard-headed and sometimes I need to use my own mirrors and outfit partners and prove, yep, it's too (big, short, not quality, not worth the money, not worth the space, imaginary lifestyle, not me, whatever)-- this is a mistake but still remediable before cutting tags. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1584709 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 00:11:59 +0000 Caro in Oz 1584709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SO. MANY. THINGS. :)<br />Just off the top of my head:</p> <p>PPP<br />Tracking - shows what I actually wear not what I thought I wore.<br />Taking outfit shots - another game changer :)</p> <p>The best thing though is that there are so many kind &amp; generous women, all over the world, &amp; they all love taking about style/fashion &amp; their wardrobes :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1584630 Tue, 17 Nov 2015 18:47:52 +0000 Colette 1584630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great conversation! The first thing I learned on YLF is to shop for my current lifestyle. Seems so obvious and simple now but that was a game changer for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1584480 Tue, 17 Nov 2015 07:14:27 +0000 Greyscale 1584480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another late addition! I love this thread.</p> <p>I think my biggest realization is that photos help so much when I'm trying to decide if something fits right. My mental image and my mirror never quite match reality (and not in a consistent way, either!). I had a very bad track record with fit.</p> <p>I've also become much better at identifying things that I'll wear again and again. Far fewer missteps. (Except with shoes. Still haven't learned which will be comfortable and which will be duds.)</p> <p>And, finally, I learned that my phone has a timer for the camera and I can take totally reasonable photos of myself without pestering my guy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1584019 Sun, 15 Nov 2015 22:26:32 +0000 Gigi 1584019@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the most important thing I have learned here is to insist on proper fit! That might mean that I have to wait a very long time to find just the right thing, but that's OK. I've been so much happier with my closet ever since I quit buying ill-fitting clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583995 Sun, 15 Nov 2015 20:37:39 +0000 kerlyn 1583995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little late to the party...but I just wanted to add my own. &nbsp;I think the biggest revelation for me was the concept of JFE. &nbsp;I don't think I had ever considered wearing something that might not flatter my shape, but in the last year or so of reading YLF I've found that I feel so much more current and maybe even a bit edgy! &nbsp;</p> <p>I've also learned that sometimes less if more (gasp!). &nbsp;</p> <p>And although I don't post photos, I've learned the value of snapping a pic of my outfit once in a while if I'm struggling with it. &nbsp;It's really helped me figure out why an outfit might work or not.</p> <p>Anyway, I'm still learning so much here and am having fun working on my style. &nbsp;I really find a lot of inspiration here!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583626 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 14:57:07 +0000 Angie 1583626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*very happy sigh* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583587 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 11:48:51 +0000 Helen11 1583587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loving reading all these replies. Like Brooklyn, I lurked for a long time, too. Angie's articles really articulate why certain looks work or not.<br /> My first lesson learned was to shop for the life I lead, not a fantasy life. And I found a community of wise, kind, and funny women who always brighten my day. Thanks for having me here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583565 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 08:57:03 +0000 Brooklyn 1583565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think Angie's advice that if you shop too much with your heart and not enough with your head you can end up with a wardrobe full of clothes that you love, love, love but that don't work together. That is my big problem. I am much more considered in my purchasing now. I try to identify wardrobe holes and missing links and fill them rather than just buy what I like (and end up with duplicates or orphans). Work in progress of course!<br /> Also, I must mention that I lurked for a LONG time on the blog and forum before posting anything, on account of being very shy. And I still remember getting my first responses from Angie and others on the forum who I had watched for a long time. It was so thrilling - like being spoken to by rock stars! It is a great community here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583548 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 05:36:40 +0000 always trying 1583548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To purge and not feel guilty, because if it isn't flattering, comfortable, or whatever the reason just let it go.&nbsp; But more importantly, I have learned to purchase more wisely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583543 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 05:10:47 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1583543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Found: friends! (echoing Suz)<br />Learned: capsule how-tos (I'm soooo much better at travel packing now, because of it)</p> <p>So much more of course, but limiting myself to one in each category, that's what I'll say. I've been nodding along with so many of the responses here. What fun!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583451 Sat, 14 Nov 2015 00:16:18 +0000 Anonymous 1583451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many great responses!<br /> I think the thing that's really amped up my style this winter are my structured jackets plus scarf plus pearl earrings combo. I find I can just wear a pony tail and jeans and still feel really put together if I'm wearing those additional things.<br /> I think also really good quality knitwear amps things up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583442 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 23:35:00 +0000 Cococat 1583442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have so much more to learn, but so far I've learned </p> <p>I can wear white, particularly white with black<br /> Less can be more (still struggling with this but getting there)<br /> JFE and relaxing my self imposed rules</p> <p>....and I've loved seeing the fabulous style of women of different ages from all over the world. It's been very inspiring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583316 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 16:35:03 +0000 Janet 1583316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, so many things that it's hard to pinpoint just one or two. Most of all, I really value the friendships here -- it's been such a joy to get to know such a fab group of people, both online and in many cases IRL too. </p> <p>But a few things that stand out for me: </p> <p>1) Never say never. Just try something if it appeals to you, even if you think it will look ridiculous. Sometimes it works better than you think, and it ends up opening new directions for you. </p> <p>2) Taking photographs of an outfit or of an item in the fitting room can really help pinpoint things you don't see in the mirror. </p> <p>3) The concepts of PPP and a healthy balance between wardrobe basics and statement pieces. I still tend to be an impulsive shopper, but I'm more mindful now of how a piece may integrate into my wardrobe, and I think more critically about things before I buy them or cut the tags. </p> <p>4) Thinking in terms of structure and unstructured when it comes to choosing pieces and putting outfits together. I always knew instinctively that too little structure in an outfit made me feel frumpy and unfab, I just never thought of it in those terms. Being able to articulate these kinds of concepts has led to me being able to put outfits together with less guesswork, and to choose things while shopping that work with my wardrobe and feel like "me." </p> <p>5) And along the same lines, being able to articulate "my style" even though I've never fully embraced a single moniker or rubric to the exclusion of all others (Sophisticated Rock'n'Roll?). It allows me to stop wasting my time with looks that are too romantic, too RATE, too classic, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583286 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 15:35:30 +0000 Carole 1583286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great read everyone...it's so enlightening to hear about each discovery. We obviously all appreciate and value what you do here for us at YLF. Thanks, Angie , Greg and Inge for the best platform to explore and have fun with fashion:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583285 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 15:34:39 +0000 KikiG 1583285@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things.&nbsp; But the big one:&nbsp; the value of the photograph, in a dressing room or while getting dressed.&nbsp; It magically takes all the emotion out, and the blinders come off, and there you are.&nbsp; It lets me make better decisions.&nbsp; </p> <p>Not to mention, some things photograph one way, but look very&nbsp;pretty IRL.&nbsp; For instance, evening wear with shine looks very pretty on, but, to my eye, in a picture, sometimes focuses attention on bits I'd rather not focus attention on.&nbsp; For an event where photos are important to me, I'm going to avoid shine and go with a matte fabric.&nbsp; </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583279 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 15:16:25 +0000 Angie 1583279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. Thanks for sharing, ladies. How wonderful to read what you have learned.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/3#post-1583201 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 09:35:55 +0000 Adela 1583201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay, only the most important things... As there are so many. I learned that being plump, short waisted and over 40 doesn't mean that I can't incorporate (almost) any trend into my wardrobe (not all skinny jeans are created the same). I learned that there are many women all over the world, no matter that their age, weight or body shape, who can all look stylish and wonderful. I learned that it's ok to follow rules, but it's also ok to sacrifice them for different reasons- like sacrificing your waist if you're a hourglass, which I am. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583197 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 08:58:02 +0000 Anonymous 1583197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Bijou said...also, learning about and having the confidence to try new trends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583195 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 08:31:36 +0000 Bijou 1583195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Having access to a wonderful group of inspiring women of style! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583164 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 04:40:45 +0000 Carla 1583164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto everything...and still learning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583163 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 04:39:03 +0000 Nebraskim 1583163@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've learned that my own personal style sense is much sharper than I thought it was. I never thought of myself as a stylish person, but I guess my friends have always thought of me that way. I picked up ideas and hints through YLF and have incorporated trends that worked with my real life and I feel much more put together. I have a huge and deep closet but I have purged a lot of stuff the past couple of years as my needs have changed. I no longer work outside the home; I've lost weight. My wardrobe needed updating to reflect changes and also be more current. YLF gave me the confidence to do this. My friends ask me for advice, ask me help them purge closets etc. That's been a revelation to me to think that people think I am a style leader. Thanks for giving me the confidence to explore this side of my personality.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583162 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 04:36:34 +0000 Beth Ann 1583162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things come to mind, but let me just share this one for now:<br />I now appreciate a far wider range of fashion, and have learned to thoroughly enjoy watching others uncover their personal style -- so much more important than being <i>in style.</i></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583142 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 03:36:34 +0000 Sveta 1583142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned tons of useful and eye opening things in these 5 years but the most important was that it is <b>never too late to have fun with fashion</b> even if you "missed the boat" in your youth (as I did). It was really a feeling like a cage door was open and was suddenly free!&nbsp;<br />And of course finding new friends and a supporting community has enriched my life &nbsp;immensely! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583127 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 03:00:44 +0000 Sal 1583127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread!</p> <p><i>What have I learned?</i><br />- How to better plan my wardrobe so that my pieces work together. &nbsp;I used to have lots of "star" pieces that were difficult to wear. &nbsp; I have focussed on getting some "chorus" type pieces that let the stars shine.</p> <p><i>What have I found?</i><br />- A rare wonderful corner of the internet where people are kind and constructive. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583124 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 02:40:35 +0000 anne 1583124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much from what Angie has written that I could write a post on it alone but instead I'll concentrate on&nbsp; something about the forum.</p> <p>This forum has opened to me the lives of people who are so different and I've really gained in empathy as a consequence. To give just one example; I used to look at the social pages of the newspapers and see people attending events like gallery openings and think of them as almost a race apart&nbsp; and above - social butterflies not bothered with the contraints of everyday life. It was an illogical, inconsistent and unexamined thought process on my part!&nbsp; </p> <p>Now through YLF I know people like Shiny, Elly and Anna who do go to these type of events and realise that they do indeed have to deal with everday life! And they, at least, are a lot more approachable and friendly to people like me&nbsp;than I would have ever have imagined.</p> <p>Thanks to all for breaking down my stereotypes and to Angie and Greg for making the forum possible and setting such a great example yourselves.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583098 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 01:32:12 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1583098@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, too hard to choose (note to self- make a table of all these comments so I can remember what I've learned)! I"m with Suz, new friends is the coolest and most surprising 'find'. I stumbled into YLF (backwards, untucked and unmatched socks) after seeing a blog post from Angie somewhere about our friend, the semi-tuck. Then a tornado came through my life and I ended up a) feeling better about myself/my look, b) learning a vocabulary that was foreign to me, and c) hopefully, using a. and b. to help others/share the wealth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583087 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:50:42 +0000 Sara L. 1583087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One big lesson (that I should have already figured out) is NOT to buy for a fantasy lifestyle. &nbsp;Also using capsules (even if I don't actually organize my closet that way) to wear work clothes in a more casual way for the weekend has really helped me be happier with my wardrobe and has reduced unnecessary buying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-one-thing-you-found-or-learned-here/page/2#post-1583065 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:02:16 +0000 krishnidoux 1583065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I learned to dress for my real life, not an imaginary one.&nbsp; </p>