https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:08:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia/page/2#post-1147389 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:52:24 +0000 In My Joi 1147389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cute skirt!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia/page/2#post-1147289 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:20:28 +0000 fuzzylogic 1147289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another beautifully put together outfit, E!</p> <p>As Neel has said, we all have our own personal style which is constantly evolving. It is good to be challenged by things we see and read and hear; that is how we change and shift in all sorts of ways! But don't let the opinions of others get you down! It's a delicate balance.</p> <p>I would pair this outfit with something unexpected. Maybe sleek riding boots or biker boots, and a light leather jacket. Keep the sweet but add something tough!</p> <p>And definitely keep the Peter Pan collar with the crew necks....... Unless Chippendale is the vibe you are striving for.....???!!! (Insert cheeky giggle here.....) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia/page/2#post-1146680 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:24:48 +0000 E 1146680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks Carambola!</div><div><br /></div><div>That you Asingh! The embroidery reminds me of European folklore too, which is why I couldn't resist it. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ramya, I haven't actually seen the movies, but thank you!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Neel, thanks for the pep talk. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you AviaMariah; that is very reassuring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you JulieJohn for taking the time to let me know! And yep, I've taken quite a few outfit pics in stocking feet. In fact, I've decided to knit a few pairs of colour socks so I have more bookending options, as I spend most of my time in socks anyway. hehe</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia/page/2#post-1146626 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:30:18 +0000 JulieJohn 1146626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Super! I have no time to read the lengthy and probably delightful comments, so I will return. I just quickly wanted to make sure you know that I love this outfit on you. And I have personally been wanting to post outfits in stocking feet, since that is my usual mode, so thanks for helping me decide it is totally ok.</p> <p>You look very pretty, youthful, and confident. Like Lucy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146575 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:36:31 +0000 AviaMariah 1146575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me at Narnia! &nbsp;I for sure don't see twee in your outfit. &nbsp;I see someone who is sure about and comfortable in her style. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146561 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:18:03 +0000 Neel 1146561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some beautiful poetry there :)</p> <p>E - your clothes suit your style. And style is personal and ever evolving. So ... I am sure you would find a way to incorporate your style wherever you go! I personally dislike bows and frills but nobody rocks them like you do! So rock on </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146410 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 13:57:17 +0000 ramya 1146410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E you do look like Lucy from the movies, who btw is my favorite. I would have worn all this if I could carry it off </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146389 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 13:20:57 +0000 Asingh 1146389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely outfit, E! That skirt has such an old-world charm to it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146271 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 05:19:32 +0000 carambola 1146271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What beautiful poems. Thanks, E and Suz for sharing those. You look lovely, E. It's fun to read about the thought that goes into your outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146255 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 04:56:08 +0000 E 1146255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Aubergine, you make me laugh! I'm glad you came back and told me you have similar thoughts though. My loved ones have a habit of telling me I'm overthinking things, but I can't help it. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, I just read her recent memoir that talks a lot about her writing group work!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you LACeleste.</div><div><br /></div><div>Windchime, oh I wanted to go to Narnia too. Didn't we all? *sigh* Thanks so much for leaving a comment, it means a lot. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sarah, thank you for the compliment &amp; for the book recommendations! I picked a few at random to put on hold at the library, but now I'll check and see if these are available too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Karie, I'm glad I posted my thoughts, because it's so lovely to be reminded that lots of other adult women share my preferences! Rereading them several hours later, they sound a bit dramatic, but oh well. hehe I'll be playing with different sash securing techniques in future: I'm not giving up my bows but I'd like to have other options too!</div><div><br /></div><div>PMC, wasn't the poem Suz shared beautiful? It stopped me in my tracks.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146227 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 04:24:58 +0000 Anonymous 1146227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Enjoyable and soothing poetry post/thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146104 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:28:14 +0000 Karie 1146104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've loved reading all the responses and the poetry!&nbsp;<br />I think the skirt is beautiful - I love full skirts, and I also love Peter Pan collars. The sash looks great from the front (and not childish at all), from the back I'm not so sure. Either way, your style is uniquely you, and it is gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146095 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:08:29 +0000 Sarah A 1146095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, i love the inspiration for each of your outfits. The skirt is lovely. Jan Brett is one of my girls favorites currently. I can really see you enjoying these with your neice. We esp. Like Who Is That Knocking on Christmas eve, Christmas Trolls and Trouble With Trolls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146084 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:55:49 +0000 Windchime 1146084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me at "Narnia"! I must have read the entire series at least a dozen times and remember as a child intensely wishing I could find a way there. I don't have anything new to add to the comments you've already received, but I want to let you know that I love the thought you put into your outfit creation and the beautiful way you write about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146079 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:51:34 +0000 LACeleste 1146079@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi E,</p> <p>You are looking charming and lovely as usual! I enjoy hearing your thought processes about outfit creation.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146058 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:26:43 +0000 Suz 1146058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a lovely poem by Pat Schneider - I know her work on writing groups!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146055 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:24:04 +0000 Anonymous 1146055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After the lovely poetry here, I feel bad coming back to&nbsp;be all prosaic, but I definitely go through similar lines of thought sometimes, E, only maybe not quite as articulately. It certainly sounds like you have a good balance going, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146050 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:08:10 +0000 E 1146050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, I hope you find your perfect full skirt! I do see how&nbsp;it's easier for me to do poofy, but it's easier for you to do pencil skirts and wrap dresses and slinky. That is quite the challenge! I just ran over &amp; checked my Narnia books to see if there are any descriptions of her clothing, and the only one is of her in chain mail with bow &amp; arrows for the battle in Horse and His Boy. So I'll have to mull this over, but I'll try to come up with something. :)</p> <p>Thnx Ladell! And Jan Brett sounds fabulous: I just requested a few of her books to read with my niece.</p> <p>Suz, thank you so much for sharing that poem. It brought tears to my eyes. I will treasure it, especially since I've decided to stop being intimidated by poetry by making it a part of my daily life. I'm going to read it again when I'm done replying.</p> <p>I came across this poem last month and now think of it when I'm tidying or when I enter a room that's been empty for a bit and everything's in order, just waiting:<br /><span> <p><strong><em>The Patience of Ordinary Things</em></strong><br />by<br />Pat Schneider</p> <span> </p> <p><span>It is a kind of love, is it not?<br />How the cup holds the tea,<br />How the chair stands sturdy and foursquare,<br />How the floor receives the bottoms of shoes<br />Or toes. How soles of feet know<br />Where they’re supposed to be.<br />I’ve been thinking about the patience<br />Of ordinary things, how clothes<br />Wait respectfully in closets<br />And soap dries quietly in the dish,<br />And towels drink the wet<br />From the skin of the back.<br />And the lovely repetition of stairs.<br />And what is more generous than a window?</span></p> </span></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1146039 Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:56:05 +0000 Suz 1146039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your love of the details of your clothing makes me think of a poem. It's called "Planet Earth."&nbsp;</p> <p><span><i>It has to be spread out, the skin of this planet,</i>&nbsp;<br /><i>has to be ironed, the sea in its whiteness;&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;<br /><i>and the hands keep on moving,&nbsp;</i>&nbsp;<br /><i>smoothing the holy surfaces.&nbsp;</i></span><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ----- In Praise of Ironing&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</i>by<i>&nbsp; Pablo Neruda</i> <p>&nbsp;It has to be loved the way a laundress loves her linens,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;the way she moves her hands caressing the fine muslins&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;knowing their warp and woof,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;like a lover coaxing, or a mother praising.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;It has to be loved as if it were embroidered&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;with flowers and birds and two joined hearts upon it.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;It has to be stretched and stroked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;It has to be celebrated.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;O this great beloved world and all the creatures in it.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<i>It has to be spread out, the skin of this planet.&nbsp;</i></p> <p>&nbsp;The trees must be washed, and the grasses and mosses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;They have to be polished as if made of green brass.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;The rivers and little streams with their hidden cresses&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and pale-coloured pebbles&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and their fool's gold&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;must be washed and starched or shined into brightness,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;the sheets of lake water&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;smoothed with the hand&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and the foam of the oceans pressed into neatness.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><i>&nbsp;It has to be ironed, the sea in its whiteness.</i></p> <p>&nbsp;and pleated and goffered, the flower-blue sea&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;the protean, wine-dark, grey, green, sea&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;with its metres of satin and bolts of brocade.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;And sky - such an 0! overhead - night and day&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;must be burnished and rubbed&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;by hands that are loving&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;so the blue blazons forth&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and the stars keep on shining&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;within and above&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<i>and the hands keep on moving.</i></p> <p>&nbsp;It has to be made bright, the skin of this planet&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;till it shines in the sun like gold leaf.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Archangels then will attend to its metals&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and polish the rods of its rain.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Seraphim will stop singing hosannas&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;to shower it with blessings and blisses and praises&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;and, newly in love,&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;we must draw it and paint it&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;our pencils and brushes and loving caresses&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<i>smoothing the holy surfaces.</i></p> <p>© 1994 P.K. Page</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145967 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:21:49 +0000 ladell 1145967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Serious love for the peter pan collar!! &nbsp;Red and grey too me keep this for reading childish. &nbsp;I actually like the sash-especially the effect from the front. The pattern on the skirt reminds me of Jan Brett books. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145955 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:13:24 +0000 Beth Ann 1145955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, if it makes you feel any better, I've been trolling for websites looking for fuller skirts that I think will work for me, Madame Pencil Skirt.&nbsp; It's definitely a benefit to be slight of build for the silhouette you're sporting here.&nbsp; Sigh.&nbsp; </p> <p>I'm going to second the vote for keeping the sash, but tying it differently. For footwear, lace up booties would be amazing.&nbsp; </p> <p>The color palette is feminine, but sophisticated, which keeps this look modern and more grownup.</p> <p>Now, I have a fairy tale challenge for you:&nbsp; Queen Lucy!&nbsp; I'd love to see you dress as grown-up Lucy.&nbsp; Of course, you'd need a crown!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145948 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:09:59 +0000 E 1145948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Liz, that's very true! Thanks for all of the sash suggestions. Some days I'm definitely feeling more like juxtaposition, and you're right it will make things more modern.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aquamarine, thank you! I remember Angie doing a post on peter pan collars; good to know they're still going strong. Maybe I'll start seeing them while thrifting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tina, thanks so much for your reply. It was very reassuring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, thank you! Actually, I don't feel the bow at all: I think because my lower back is quite curved, and this is floppy silk, so the bow isn't too bulky. I spend most of the day sitting, so if it was annoying, I would definitely just get rid of it. :)&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Deb!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Aubergine! And yes, feeling like the birthday kid is always nice. Sometimes I think people who call others too twee are just being spoil sports, but then I read the more philosophical feminist arguments, and I can see where they're coming from. Murgh. I obviously don't want to infantalise myself or objectify myself as a manic pixie dream girl. But at the same time, one could argue that wearing serious, neutral 'power suits' all the time is just perpetuating patriarchal beliefs that anything masculine is better/more serious/etc. than anything feminine. It's all so complicated, like the rest of life, so at the end of the day I figure as long as I don't act like a child or become a guy's manic pixie dream girl, it'll sort itself out. And I feel so comfortable and *me* in my style, not as if it's a costume or an act, which shouldn't be overlooked. If I wouldn't alter my appearance to cater to the male gaze, I shouldn't alter it to cater to the anti-girly gaze either (unless I need to play by society's rules for some reason, be it work or anything else)! And that's where I currently am in my philosophising about dress.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145924 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:43:07 +0000 Anonymous 1145924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this! It actually reminds me of a grown-up version of a kid's birthday party dress, which seems like&nbsp;a good thing to me&nbsp;because, really,&nbsp;everyone needs to feel like a kid on their birthday sometimes. I think the gray and red color scheme also cuts any potential&nbsp;sweetness.</p> <p>I share your frustration at how hard it can be when the things that look best on you aren't necessarily the ones synonymous with "serious, responsible, in-control-of-everything adult" in most people's minds. I'm frankly lucky that my office culture doesn't tend particularly tailored or&nbsp;conservative. And the types of&nbsp;things people refer to as "twee" always seem like they're so much fun to wear&nbsp;-- I can't pull them off myself, but sometimes look wistfully at those who can! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145915 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:30:13 +0000 deb 1145915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, I do not find this childish at all, It suits your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145894 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:01:31 +0000 Diana 1145894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is lovely, very you and not childish at all.&nbsp; For one thing, the color combo is very sophisticated.&nbsp; I like the sash quite a bit, but do you find the bow annoying when you sit down?</p> <p>If you would like to try something different with a sash, I could totally see you rocking an obi-style belt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145892 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:58:49 +0000 Tina 1145892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the suggestions that have been given for the sash. I really like this outfit on you. I honestly think it's quite vital to our personal happiness level to dress in a style that you feel is you. From what I've seen you post and from reading your thoughts on the process, you know exactly what you want to portray and I think you do it so well. You have a unique style and I say that in a completely positive sense. It takes talent to pull it together and you own your style. Well done! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145883 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:46:18 +0000 Aquamarine 1145883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are adorable and I say enjoy dressing however you please as long as you can. However, just the other day I saw an article about Peter Pan collars, and embellished colors in general. They are trending for spring, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145880 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:43:31 +0000 Liz 1145880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just noting that a sash doesn't require a bow. You can finish it with a knot and tuck in the ends or let them dangle.</p> <p>Or don't knot at all&nbsp;but&nbsp;simply wind the ends around and tuck them (or use pins to help them stay in place).&nbsp;</p> <p>You can also use juxtaposition and tension if you ever&nbsp;want to&nbsp;bring in a more adult presence: a peter pan collar with skinnies and modern shoes, a full skirt with a modern fluid&nbsp;sweatshirt, etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>The fun is, you get to decide your style. Wear what you're most comfortable with! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145874 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:34:55 +0000 E 1145874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, thank you for the kind reply and suggestion! The bow on the back is definitely more child-like, which I think is a shame, because sashes as so comfortable (compared to leather belts), and bows are quite practical re: no permanent damage/adjustable/etc.</p> <p>Alasse, with peter pan collars so popular right now, I hope you find the right one for you!</p> <p>MG, thanks for your wonderful reply (and for retyping it!). I agree the collar has a bit of puritan in it, which is probably part of why I like it. I think I've read several articles/comments calling my favourite clothing styles twee (quite a mean word in certain contexts),&nbsp;and it's put me a little on the defensive, so your common sense thoughts reminded me that most people don't feel like that. That's a good point about fit making a difference too!</p> <p>Alexandra, oh: that's a good idea! Basting wouldn't be too much extra&nbsp;work. Those clever women. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-a-bit-of-narnia#post-1145866 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:28:38 +0000 Alexandra 1145866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this look. It doesn't seem childish to me. Maybe if the bow in the back gives it a bit of a childish vibe, then tying it at the side could help.</p> <p>This would be extra work, but with a removable collar, basting it to the neckline of the top might help the bunching bit. That's how they did it back in the old days, from what I read. One dress with a simple neckline and multiple interchangeable collars (and sometimes also cuffs) - baste your choice for the day to the neckline and off you go. Basting thread is easy to remove. </p>