YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW & Change in Direction

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW & Change in Direction https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 25 May 2026 12:10:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sheril on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1844904 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 15:08:44 +0000 Sheril 1844904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look great in these images. Things are chosen fantastically harmoniously. And most importantly, everything goes very well and sets you apart from the crowd. Deborah on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1835241 Fri, 11 Aug 2017 06:21:20 +0000 Deborah 1835241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lyn you are too kind.  The top in 5 is just a square.  I didn't use a pattern, but I am sure there would something available as it is so simple.  Check out sustainablefashionchat.com as Karen often has patterns and shares about making your own clothing. The dress in 4 is made from japanese suiting material.  It is solid but has movement and is a dream to wear.  I can put a coat or jacket over it. But it's such a great item on it's own I only layer if its so cold I have to. lyn67 on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1835056 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 17:06:51 +0000 lyn67 1835056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OhohoOO! I cannot wrap my head around all these fab items and most cohesive artsy avant garde style all over! 6xWow!!! & I want a sleeveles top like your DIY in nr 5!!! What kind of fabric did you choose for, can you advise on a pattern for it, pls! K2K!!!! ETA: the dress in nr 4 is also a K2K-fab  cut, just wonder how it feels and looks when moving and what ca you layer it over with. Elizabeth P on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834958 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 11:50:05 +0000 Elizabeth P 1834958@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Waving at skirted legging triplets!  :) Actually quadruplets, LisaP has them as well. Deborah on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834883 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 02:36:46 +0000 Deborah 1834883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Skylurker, thank you xx DakotaCheryl, I have always loved your style and your wardrobe.  I am besotted with Elizabeth Suzann but have not yet purchased anything but I know there will come a time.   It feels so good to be wearing clothing that you know the story of and also where your money goes.  I no longer baulk at hefty price tags on clothing that is made locally. Bijou, I agree, if we buy fast fashion, let's buy with the intent of wearing it into the ground. Liz.A we have some truly amazing designers here, creating some very unique and wearable designs :) Elizabeth P so good to see you Sustainability has become more important to me and not just fashion.  I have been reviewing how I live in general.  Next step is we are planning on growing our own vegetables!! Destri, thank you!  How good are the skirted leggings!  I am actually wearing mine today as I type.  I'm going to have to beg the designer to revisit them when these wear out.  Im sorry I didn't buy two pairs.  But they are well made and I think this is my third year wearing them so they are doing well. Destri on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834869 Thu, 10 Aug 2017 01:51:52 +0000 Destri 1834869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, thanks for this post. I'm intrigued and interested in watching the movies you noted. Also, had to chime in to say that I have the skirted legging that I'm pretty sure you are wearing in #3. In fact when I was getting ready to order it I think you advised me on the size. It has been such a good purchase as I wear it almost year 'round. Soooo comfortable, travels great, and I love the angled hem. I could go on about it but as Angie would say "waving at my skirted legging twin"! Your outfits look great!!! Elizabeth P on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834762 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 18:13:05 +0000 Elizabeth P 1834762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, it is SO good to see you again!  I've been following you on instagram, but it's different to get the text behind the thoughts behind the outfits, kwim? I love the direction your style is going, even more now that I know sustainability is part of the equation.  I hope you'll have time to continue to share your journey.  Liz A. on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834720 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:43:20 +0000 Liz A. 1834720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just wanted to mention that I have recently started watching Australia's Next Top Model on Hulu.  I started at Season 1, which is really old, but it's fun to learn more about Australian designers and fashions. Bijou on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834705 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:53:53 +0000 Bijou 1834705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have enjoyed reading your post and also the thoughtful responses. Your style is beautiful. I never buy for just one season except for underwear, sleepwear and gear that gets worn out. If I buy a jacket from Zara, I want it to last as long as a more expensive alternative. dakotacheryl on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1834699 Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:32:11 +0000 dakotacheryl 1834699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah...so nice to read this thread. Impossible for me to pick a favorite photo as I LOVE them all !! We are on similar journeys for fewer purchases, more ethical choices etc. I have probably halved the number of items purchased this year over last with the majority coming from Elizabeth Suzann. Yes they are expensive, but I bought less items and support a wonderful company who uses great fabrics and pays her team in Nashville a living wage. I think I have saved close to $100 a month by not needing to use the dry cleaners all spring/summer. Off to follow you on Instagram LOL... skylurker on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1830112 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 11:30:17 +0000 skylurker 1830112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have beautiful items, I can see they were chosen carefully. You also have an avant garde style that bypasses trends, so you don't need fast fashion trendy fixes. I love #1 and #4 esp. Deborah on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1830083 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 06:44:32 +0000 Deborah 1830083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni I use the Baptist World Aid guide a lot but they don't seem to include some of the smaller more independent design groups.  But it has great information.  And I agree finance has to be a consideration, however I am discovering that some ethical producers are no more expensive than some of the less transparent labels. Juniper Green, thank you so much :) Shevia, it's so good to see you!  Like all things, its a journey, but a fun one with lots of self discovery :) Karie that all sounds so good.  I have also addressed the other areas in my life and it has made a big difference. Gryffin, I miss you too.  And yes we are in the same stage of life.  We just farewelled my amazing mother in law.    And you are very right in that how we feel about what we are wearing has a big impact.  I must admit it's my fast fashion purchases that never last or satisfy me for long, so really I just need to walk right past them. Fashiontern such good thoughts.  And you highlight that here are so many issues associated with ethical production.   Sounds like you are mastering responsible shopping.  The trouble with a lot of fast fashion is that's its only being worn a couple of times and thrown out.    I like how you have found such a good option in the animal shelter for unwearable clothing. Amiable good to see you too.  Buying preloved is becoming more and more popular and with the amount of things people throw away after only a few wears mean the quality available is definitely better than it used to be. Texstyle, I think if we all just do what we can then that is a step in the right direction.  I try not to put too much pressure on myself. It's a work in progress. Lisa, I love that we get to interact on Insta too.  Thanks for the encouragement. I do feel like I have kind of settled into my style.  And on the work / family balance I don't know how you do it, thankfully travel is not part of my work xx AviaMariah good point re the variety that's available on line.  I do tend to limit where I look now and I just don't look at fast fashion outlets.  It does help. TraceyLiz65 on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1830065 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 04:23:53 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1830065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb, what a wonderful journey you have been on. As always each outfit is very artistic and perfection in my eyes.  You truly have so many what I would call statement pieces and such a wonderful sense of style.   Suz on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1830023 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 02:38:59 +0000 Suz 1830023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah, you look amazing, as always, and it is so interesting to hear about your fashion journey. I admire your thoughtfulness and ability to reflect and find a way to express your values at the same time as you remain your ever-stylish self. It's an inspiration. My favourites here are 3, 4, and 5. Wow, wow, and WOW again! I also love #6.  I have been thinking about ethical purchasing also, but I fear that am much slower at enacting it than you. Yet, I think the turn may be coming. I think it is because I am now past the wardrobe building stage. It is much harder to be selective and careful if you don't know what your core needs are. Like you, over time, I have discovered that I do crave some variety and change so a truly minimalist wardrobe is not for me. At the same time, I don't care for a very large wardrobe as I like to wear everything in my closet. I am also much clearer on my style.  Now, the question is, can I sustain that in an ethical way?  And what will count as ethical for me?  This year, I've purchased less overall, and more of what I've bought comes from companies that try to be transparent and from local Canadian designers. But...here it is NAS time, and as usual, I'm ordering up a storm, much of it "fast fashion"  or at least mass produced.  :)  Having said that, several of us have been discussion the 30 wears idea. I believe forum member Jenn initiated this conversation and we had a very interesting thread about it. As I looked over my clothing I noted that apart from rare mistakes or items that fall apart, almost all my purchases, including fast fashion purchases, do see 30+ wears. Not in one season, necessarily -- but certainly over the 3 to 5 years (on average) that I keep them.  So do my jeans (all of them, even though I have an awful lot of jeans!) and so do most of my shoes, bags, belts, coats, etc. It's not that hard for me to wear my items that often since my closet for each season is not huge.  The items that see fewer than 30 wears are typically special occasion items (of any kind) and dressier footwear. And yet...I do need those also! So, it's a dilemma.  I think my next step is doing some more wardrobe tracking, with joy per wear factored along with wears themselves. And to consider available sources of more ethically made clothing that fits my aesthetic. Thank you for the impetus!  shiny on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1830001 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 02:00:15 +0000 shiny 1830001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great to see you! I hadn't known you were gone, because I've also been MIA ... enforced minimalism due to renovation / change of life / busy work stuff / etc..  over here. Back because... it's NAS! LOVE LOVE LOVE all your outfits, so true to you. I can see the evolution but still true to you. If I had just a pinky's worth of your style I'd be happy.  Sal on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1829956 Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:20:42 +0000 Sal 1829956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always love your style Deborah both here and on Instagram.  I am pleased that you have found a way to combine your love of beautiful elegant clothing and a more minimal approach.  It is certainly working - you look terrific!! I have also adopted the 30 wears as a bench mark when adding clothing.  It does put things into perspective and has stopped me adding in a new top just for variety.  A few of us did a 30x30 challenge which also made me realise that while not a total minimalist, I am happy with a smallish sized wardrobe.  For me this means adding in about 25 items a year across all footwear, bags, glasses and clothing.    Lyn D. on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1829926 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 22:49:49 +0000 Lyn D. 1829926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Deborah, I must watch those videos you mentioned ASAP. We need constant reminders whilst being bombarded by consumerism at every turn! You are looking as Fab as always, and now very individual with your sourced pieces x Elle on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1829897 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 21:58:28 +0000 Elle 1829897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What an interesting post! I really admire your commitment to ethically sourced clothing.  It's been on my mind for a while but  I haven't done as much as I want to about checking where my clothes are made.  I've been trying to buy less overall and to buy from Everlane and Patagonia rather than from mass marketers.  You've inspired to do more research before I buy.  I love your sense of style as well as your ethics.  All the outfits posted are wonderful, but the poncho in #1 and the dress in #4 are super fabulous.  frannieb on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1829763 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 16:43:04 +0000 frannieb 1829763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deb, Great to see you posting. You are always an inspiration with how you stay true to your aesthetic. I like your honesty of realizing that a minimal wardrobe is not for you. It is the same process I have gone through myself, while I love the concept and thought of a minimal wardrobe that is not me.   I like the idea of 30 wears, as a base to think about. I don't do to much fast fashion but I do have some fast fashion pieces that have well over 30 wears, and at the same time I have some pieces ethically made that have well under 30 wears. It is all about finding the balance within our closets and making smart purchases. JuniperGreen on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction/page/2#post-1829730 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 15:36:00 +0000 JuniperGreen 1829730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beautiful looks - I love them all (and loving your hair, too!) AviaMariah on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829715 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 14:48:57 +0000 AviaMariah 1829715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look fab as always.  Interesting that I should read this this morning as I just saved yet another article listing ethical clothing companies.  I have been rolling this around in my mind for a while but haven't completely decided how to implement it.  The main reason I'm interested is of course to make sure my dollars are supporting ethical businesses.  But I also like the idea of forcing myself to be more mindful of what I purchase.  I also really like learning about new things so reading about how these different companies came about, what causes they are supporting etc is really interesting. Lastly, I mostly shop online and there are just so many choices, so many places to shop.  I like the idea of limiting myself to where I look at clothing to avoid decision fatigue.  I hope you post more WIW's as you continue on your journey. Anonymous on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829707 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 14:25:52 +0000 Anonymous 1829707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Deb - hmm. I wrote here last night but see it either didn't submit properly, or I was already asleep and dreaming  I see you everyday on other social media, so I'm right up to date with what you are doing, and am one of your biggest fans. I'm right there with you in terms of creating and living with a more minimal wardrobe (I don't need nor want a lot of clothes) and with not participating in the fast-fashion business   of gluttony. What I appreciate so much about you is that you've figured out and achieved a very identifiable look for yourself that is unique, organic (in the metaphorical sense of the word) and fashion-forward.  You anchor it all with  signature hair and makeup ......a concept I love.  Keep doing what you're doing !  (and I have empathy for your busy family and professional life - it's a challenging stage in life, but it can also be personally rewarding too).  xo, L. texstyle on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829680 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 13:40:38 +0000 texstyle 1829680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Loved reading about your new direction and seeing your lovely Aussie items!  I find that any time I pack for a trip it reels in my shopping impulses a bit as I realize my true favorites for a season can all fit into one carry on. I can't say I'm buying Made in the USA always but I do try when I can. amiable on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829646 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:19:07 +0000 amiable 1829646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wonderful to see you, as always!  Thanks for sharing your journey.  I, at this point, mostly buy used clothes, though I aspire to make my own.  And I'm trying to find my own "moderate" size of a wardrobe.  It's smaller than I expected it to be (though not super small - I'm just surprised at how few items I wear when I'm wearing what I want to wear, rather than just what happens to be clean, for example). Stagiaire Fash on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829639 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 12:05:02 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1829639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nice post. For athletic and some casual, I prefer Patagonia because of their standards. I didn't think much ethically made clothing was available otherwise. Your examples suggest I should look again. I'm not familiar with those movies. The way cotton is grown and processed is a big issue to me. I was aware of the huge amount of water cotton uses before I visited my ex's family in Ethiopia, but then visiting his relatives' farm, having them show me so many things that had been set up by their grandparents and adjusted over the years, and then learning that many of their crops haven't grown well since the cotton mill was built half a mile away really drove it home. I'm not sure if the "organic" standard for cotton covers the water usage in its production; there are options. Thank you for reminding me to look. Factory safety and pay scale are another issue, of course. I'm not familiar with the 30 wears rule of thumb, but I probably do at least that much, usually. In this pic I'm wearing a skirt I'd bought three years earlier. It's from Forever 21, so certainly doesn't meet any ethical production standards, but I wore it frequently during that time, and for two or three more years after that. I've just culled it from my closet. It had a stain on it, so is going in the stack of old sheets and ripped clothing for the animal shelter. gryffin on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829637 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 11:50:11 +0000 gryffin 1829637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Deborah!!  So good to see you on. I miss you!!  You look amazing as usual, my sister in darkness!!  Big empathy on balancing work and teen, I've added sick parents into the mix - so I hear you.  Just hang in there!!  I really empathize with your journey.  I'm am doing much the same thing trying for quality over quantity and ethically made pieces.  Loving EF and Everlane as always.  It's just as important to feel good about as well as in our lovely pieces.  I try not to buy fast fashion.  I am drawn to a lot of the looks but I've really come to value quality and those pieces never make me happy.  Karie on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829627 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 10:48:35 +0000 Karie 1829627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love all of these outfits, especially the top you made yourself! I am also on a fashion journey of sorts. Mostly it involves slowing down/putting the brakes on the endless buying (of everything, not just clothing), wearing what I already have, using the sewing patterns and fabrics I already own to make clothing, and supporting companies whose business practices I admire. I haven't seen the documentaries you mentioned but I will look them up and watch them if they're available.  Jaime on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829616 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 10:32:22 +0000 Jaime 1829616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great to see you and you look great! I admire how you have blended your ethical concerns with self-knowledge and love your outfits. I would steal 3, 4, and 5 if I could . Jenni NZ on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829604 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 09:36:14 +0000 Jenni NZ 1829604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ PS yes we get an issue here with "designed in NZ" also. Some are now saying "designed in NZ, made in China" on the labels which at least gives me that answer! ATM I have several of those in my wardrobe but unsure for the future... Deborah on "WIW & Change in Direction" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-change-in-direction#post-1829602 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 09:19:34 +0000 Deborah 1829602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Meredith, I couldn't agree more.  The challenge is remaining true to yourself during the process and figuring out what works for you.  If not it becomes exactly what you say and that very thing that should be freeing ends up consuming us. Thanks so much Isabel.  I have missed you  I am having so much fun with fashion but a different way.  It's slower, more considered and brings much pleasure. Style Fan I can see Ponchos working beautifully on you.  And yes it does seem that more designers/design groups are producing ethically and thankfully the price points vary too. Peri, how are you?  You way to kind, that is such a lovely compliment. LOL Rachy discipline has been an ongoing problem when it comes to my shopping so it's a major win to b developing some self control.   Greyscale, thank you.  I actually just cut this top off of another top that I have.  It was a bit of trial and error but I was thrilled that I could actually wear it. Staysfit, it good to see you.  It sounds like you are developing a a great wardrobe with longevity which I admire. Dianna thanks very much.  I will try :) Laura that is true.  Some of these polyamide fabrics are touted as being long lasting but I haven't found that with all of them. Marley so good to see you.  Sounds like you are in a good place.  There's a great freedom that comes with not feeling you 'have to' shop.  And thank you, my hair has been a work in progress.  Short, longer, short etc but I think I am really liking it as it is now. Anne yes I do remember and you were one of the people who started me thinking about this.  I remember at the time thinking it was all just too hard but I think I just wasn't ready.  Most labels will state they are producing ethically.  Some will say that there clothing is 'designed in Australia' which can lead to an assumption that the clothes are also made here.  So always check out the websites and if necessary I will email and ask questions. Ledonna I love the way you dress and I have long admired your thrifting and your upcycling.  It's a brilliant way to dress ethically and be responsible. Lozz_oz wow how lovely of you.  Now you have to tell me your Insta name please so I can follow you.  I have seen here that you are a master thrifter and I cannot believe that fabulous pieces you find.