https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 21:12:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans/page/2#post-901895 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:27:41 +0000 Lisa 901895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Very clever to take a week and create outfits out of orphans.&nbsp; I find when I purge my closet I try to ask myself why an item did not work for me.&nbsp; Then when I grab a similar item in the store (which I often do as I am always attracted to the same items) I remind myself why the old item did not work out and I refocus my shopping to finding a new item that's a better fit for my needs and style preferences. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-901726 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:05:10 +0000 Anonymous 901726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All these orphans look amazing on you in these photos. &nbsp;I need you to take a look at my closet and whisper to the orphans.<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-901715 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 02:19:47 +0000 Sveta 901715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mia and Runcarla, you are right about a comfort factor and this is one of my goals for this exercise.<br />&nbsp;Denise, BF jeans were taken for alterations yesterday! I was right, the culprit was an extra inch of length in the back. We will see how they turn out.<br />Vicki, I like it - "Orphan Whisperer'! <br />Kyle, actually I really liked this belt with the white jacket, I think "echoing" effect here helps to tame this "wild" belt.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-901465 Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:39:57 +0000 Kyle 901465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wish I had your keen powers of analysis. Even though I've done a pretty big purge and edit, I still have things I never reach for and just don't know why. You inspire me in this regard. I don't think there is ever an outfit of yours that I do not like, but that red dress and white jacket is one of many that I love. The berry color is beautiful on you, Sveta. Try it with another belt if that feels better to you, though this one creates a nice effect under the jacket. I think 2 and 5 are my least favorites of the group because they are slightly more hectic than the others. I think I am in my "less is more" phase, so I'm drawn to the simpler ensembles. You have really honed in on some fantastic trouser looks, and 4 is one of the best. I love the polka dots under that particular jacket. Very neutral, but interesting. And the high necklines are so pretty and flattering on you. Orphan whisperer, indeed!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900835 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:15:28 +0000 Vicki 900835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First off, Sveta, you are now designated the "Orphan Whisperer" and what an amazing job you've done. &nbsp;I do not see any of these as orphans, especially with the way you look and the way you've styled them. &nbsp;btw, you look radiant and I really like how you've styled your hair in all these beautifully-posed photos.<br /><br />That red dress in #1 with your Danier (yes, I love it more and more, as I see it on you, Inge and Suz) is gorgeous. &nbsp;The blazer, and both tops look so workable here and I'm sure in countless ways you'll think of, although I know what you mean about polyester and how that can tend to&nbsp;leave an orphan in the closet. &nbsp;#6 is magnificent and you make me want to step up my game with friends more, seeing you like this! &nbsp;Yep. &nbsp;I've cheated sometimes with a clutch here and there for a good shot! &nbsp;:) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900798 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:05:48 +0000 CocoLion 900798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love #6, the subtle pattern mixing is very chic!<br /><br />I also like your bf jeans outfit -- go ahead and alter them so you will love them more, I say. &nbsp;It's good to have outfits on hand like this (including cardi) as you say for comfort-craving days. &nbsp;This is the kind of outfit I live in.<br /><br />And the red dress in #1 is something you must keep. &nbsp;You look like a model in it, it is very flattering to your face and not too low-cut for your bust line at all.<br /><br />If you're not happy with the boots, I would plan to wear them once more come next fall then purge them. &nbsp;Or do it now.<br /><br />I think you can wear the black jacket with dresses, it might be the perfect length for those.<br /><br />The animal print shirt looks fab on you, I would keep it for looks. &nbsp;But if the fabric drives you crazy, purge it and find another animal print shirt with different fabric. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900796 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:04:10 +0000 Carla 900796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #1 is my fav, with # 2 ( cobalt) right behind. &nbsp;Loving the leapord print top as well. &nbsp;Great analysis on your part, and winners all when it comes to looks...but, physical comfort can be a deal breaker.<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900785 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:47:03 +0000 Mia 900785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a stellar job on analyzing what does and does not work for you. &nbsp;I agree that is can be very frustrating to have items hanging unworn but I agree with Angie that sometimes it is just waiting for them to come into their own again.<br /><br />I did notice quite a few comments from you re physical comfort in these items and I think that is trickier isn't it as there is often little or nothing one can do to change the situation. &nbsp;Sometimes I find these are the clothing items&nbsp;I have to pass on. Someone else might like being warm in polyester https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900779 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:38:50 +0000 Sveta 900779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for taking time to read my novel!<br />Adelfa, you nailed it: this is exactly why I am doing this exercise! <br />Ingunn, thanks for the detailed comments on each outfit! :-)<br />Rae, I am going to explore the concept of "column of color" for this jacket in depth.<br />Jayne, this is a good question about a happiness factor! I think #1,3 and 5 were pretty high on that scale. <br />Lyn, wearing scarf with this red dress was a trick I employed a lot last year but this year I don't feel like wearing scarves too much.<br />Kiwichick, Marianna, Diane, Colette&nbsp; - thanks!<br />missvee, it was below zero that day so boots worked better for me but I will repeat this outfit with booties I think.<br />Krish and Peri, I am happy you find my experiment useful!<br />Karie, of course Kingston has Danier - this is where Suz and Mona live. I hope you can find a great jacket there this summer!<br />Vildy, this is an interesting comment about the skirt, I have never noticed that - maybe this is because of how I stand?<br />Suz, I am OK with these BF in the front - but in the back they bunch under the belt and it drives me nuts. I was wearing cardigan yesterday so nobody could see this but I knew and it bothered me to the point of feeling frumpy. I had another look comparing them with my Kut jeans and I think I know what the problem is. True, Gap jeans are about 1" wider in the waist but I think the main problem is that they have 1" longer rise in the back. I think this extra inch in the length adds that bunching. I will definitely try to alter them using Kuts as a template for fit I prefer.<br />Claire, for some reason I don't like this jacket with the red dress - it does not feel modern and "me" to me.<br />Angie, I hear you and thank you for the endorsement of my closet. The issue is it really bugs me when I have items hanging there and not being used much: I feel they don't earn place in my closet. This exercise was to understand why does it happen. For example I leaned my closet from all shorter than just above the knee dresses. I liked to wear them so much for the first 2 years&nbsp; - something I thought I can never do because of my body. However now I feel they don't suit me anymore and I don't feel fab and comfortable wearing them. Another goal is to get your "one in - one out" rule ingrained into my life so by doing this exercise I am going to determine what can go out when I want to get something in!:-)<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900775 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:24:21 +0000 Sheila 900775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well done, makes me wonder why these items were orphans. I love every one but the only thing that popped out to me was the cognac boots with the pinkish-red dress in #1. I would prefer a different color -- grey, wine, black, tan -- maybe I am too old-fashioned, or maybe it looks nicer IRL, but as I said, everything else looks fantastic. Thanks for taking the time to document your thought process. It was inspirational, as I need to do this same exercise. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900772 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:22:02 +0000 Jonesy 900772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These look great! I especially love the red dress with the zebra belt. I think that dress is wonderful on you in terms of color, fit, and silhouette. Don't let it be an orphan!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900768 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:19:09 +0000 Transcona Shannon 900768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Sveta - outfit #1 is taking my breath away. What a gorgeous combination! I like all of these outfits and I like Ingunn and Suz's suggestions for tweaking.<br /><br />I also like what Angie has to say - I'm realizing we go through different phases with our style and we just need to roll with them. If you're not feeling something, tuck it away - you'll want to wear it again one day.<br /><br />And in the meantime - YLF! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900762 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:14:56 +0000 Nicole D 900762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ All those outfits are great. &nbsp;You look stunning in that red dress - try the orphan blazer with it. &nbsp;But I think my faves are 4 and 5, they just look so chic. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900649 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:44:26 +0000 Angie 900649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You styled your orphans beautifully, Sveta! I LOVE #1!!!!&nbsp;It's hard to believe these items&nbsp;are orphans.<br /><br />I wouldn't worry about your orphans&nbsp;too much - and that's a big thing for me to say because we try to eliminate orphans. But you OF ALL PEOPLE have a very tight and fully functional wardrobe. We all prefer to wear certain looks for a while, while others run out of favour. And that's okay!&nbsp;I have been on an absolute trouser kick for 2 years. But this year I started to miss my skirts and dresses. It took new ways to wear these orphans&nbsp;to make me enjoy wearing them&nbsp;again (bombers, relaxed tops, neon, clutches&nbsp;and sneakers). I think this may be what is happening to you too. So, high five!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900600 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:18:18 +0000 Anonymous 900600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You do great work Sveta! I think you successfully de-orphaned all of these, at least for style purposes. I love the red dress with the white jacket. Can you wear a scarf with the dress, Ornella-style? What about the cropped black jacket with it like Ingunn suggested? That dress is too pretty to languish in the back of your closet, and you look fantastic in red. I hope your mum can help you with the BF jeans and lace skirt, because they are stellar. I love the leopard shirt too, but I get you on the polyester. Not my fave either. The jacket in #4 is so cool, and I'm sure your dotted top will get a ton of wear this summer.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900580 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:46:56 +0000 Peri 900580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ In my shopping post one suggestion was to review my orphans and analyze why they were wrong. So, it was really helpful to see this...thanks! &nbsp;I love the outfits on you, especially the white jacket, but the helpful thing was the way you sorted out what was keeping you from enjoying the outfit.<br /><br />also, I just bought a similar polka dot shell. Please post lots of outfits with it so I can get ideas! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900575 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:21:58 +0000 Colette 900575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Orphans. &nbsp;Really? &nbsp;You look fantastic in all.&nbsp; Thank you for the inspiration.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900574 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 13:18:13 +0000 Anonymous 900574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post Sveta! I think you have made some fabulous outfits with the orphans as they certainly don't look like orphans now. <br />I think #1 is my favorite, the jacket and belt with the column of colour is lovely.<br />Your evening out outfit in #6 is fab, I hope you had a good time. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900558 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:46:19 +0000 Suz 900558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sveta, what a great week -- and what an inspiration. I should challenge myself to wear some of my closet orphans, too.&nbsp;<br /><br />You nailed it with #1, and I definitely think you should hold onto the belt because it may come in handy especially with the jacket for good company.&nbsp;<br /><br />#2, I really like your new sweater -- the silk/cotton blend can be so comfortable. You are tempting me to go for yet another striped sweater, too! I agree that maybe you could find out if the lining could be changed on the skirt.&nbsp;<br /><br />#4 I just love the way the belt's texture echoes the dots of the top. Glad it could come out to play.&nbsp;<br /><br />#5 I understand what you mean; it seems we each have our out bagginess threshold and too much does not feel right. These <b>look</b> really good but they have to feel good, too.&nbsp;<br /><br />#6 so much retro, yet so 2013 fun!!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900557 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:44:55 +0000 marianna 900557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This was a fun read and a great little challenge! Well done. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900548 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:18:39 +0000 Vildy 900548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I thought I hated the very idea of loose over full but in your #6 outfit you've forced me to change my mind. At least when<i> <b>you're</b></i> wearing it, looks amazing.<br /><br />The print placement on the lace print straight skirt looks odd to me. <br />If your mother hadn't made it, I would have wondered if it was cut off <br />the straight of grain. That would make it want to twist in itself and perhaps <br />against the lining. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900546 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 12:04:59 +0000 Karie 900546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ok, so Suz, Inge, and now you, Sveta, are tempting me with this Danier leather jacket! It's so beautiful! I have the same issues with necklines and I think you did a great job fixing that with the jacket. I hope you decide to keep the skirt in #2 - since your mom made it, maybe she can fix the bunching problem with the lining. While she's doing that, have her take in the waistband on the BF jeans - I liked mine much better after I took in the waist and I suspect you will too. My fav outfits are #1, #4, and #5.<br /><br />And now to see if Danier has a store in Kingston, ON - I just might have to take a hop over the Thousand Islands Bridge this summer and go visit that store! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900544 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:57:53 +0000 krishnidoux 900544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis. Love your verdicts. I think we should all do the same with our orphans. It is eye opening, and I enjoy reading your thoughts on the pieces.&nbsp;&nbsp;And I adore your last outfit! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900535 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 11:44:07 +0000 missvee 900535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are all great outfits. I think 3 is my favourite though. By choosing the black and white striped top you have visually lengthened the blazer and the whole effect is so flattering. Number 1 is a close second - the white jacket and patterned belt are very good with the dress. &nbsp;I'm not sure about the tall cognac boots with it, but maybe I'm just sick of boots right now. :-)<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900509 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 07:28:37 +0000 Kiwichik 900509@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have enjoyed reading this post and your analysis of how to reclaim all those orphans. My personal favourite is the red&nbsp;dress it is pectacular with the white moto &amp; zebra belt. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900485 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:26:59 +0000 Lyn D. 900485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Absolutely love the red dress in #1, and &nbsp;the white jacket and belt are perfect with it! A scarf might also help with the neckline problem too.<br />At first I agreed re. the blazer length, but I think Ingunn has a great suggestion with trying &nbsp;dresses/skirts.<br />Now, I must do this exercise with my orphans too!! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900482 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:21:51 +0000 jayne 900482@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great effort on those orphans. &nbsp;I find I develop a unhappy feeling about some items and it doesn't really matter if I find a way to style them, they are still orphans. &nbsp;But happily that is rare and finding an outfit that just works can make an orphan into a favorite. &nbsp;Did you find that any of these made you hit a high in happiness? &nbsp;As to my thoughts, I loved the fuschia dress with white jacket and wild zebra belt and the last one with the leopard top. &nbsp;I might try those myself. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900476 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 06:00:11 +0000 rae 900476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you have tamed the dress and the black jacket for sure! I see what you mean about the neckline of the dress, but it looks fab with the high neck of the moto! And a column of color or dress is pretty much the only way I can get cropped jackets to work for me, too.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900473 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:55:18 +0000 Ingunn 900473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ #1: Check. You nailed it, and look absolutely beautiful. Please repeat this!&nbsp;<br />#2: Is it possible to change the lining in the skirt? it is very pretty, but I agree that bouncing skirts are not good. I like the outfit, particularly with the coat.<br />#3: Nice blazer! It looks good to me. Maybe this is a great jacket with flared skirts and dresses?<br />#4: Perfect! I think you are right, it is a warm weather piece. I love it.<br />#5: You have all the solutions you need, obviously. I like the pattern of the blouse, but if the fabric is bugging you, then this might be it. I have a very difficult relationship with polyester, but it work sometimes.<br />6#: This is stunning. I love everything about this outfit.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---trying-to-redeem-my-orphans#post-900470 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 05:48:55 +0000 Adelfa 900470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow, that is a group of fantastic outfits whether or not I consider that they're based on orphans! I'll be interested to see what happens with these items. Sometimes you can restyle a piece of clothing and rediscover it. Other times it just has to go no matter how good you can make it look.