YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:44:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jenni NZ on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1805575 Fri, 05 May 2017 22:14:36 +0000 Jenni NZ 1805575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting reading this again after your recent post about Soft Natural versus Classic. I thought/think you looked amazing in these. I have never bought anything from a luxury brand. I came to learning about them later in life, late 40s probably. I have noticed though that having more income in past 8 years or so as kids got older and I could work more, that stepping up to better brands has given mostly a better quality. Not always, and that can be disappointing. So still look for discounts or sales to reduce that risk. lpr200 on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1804929 Thu, 04 May 2017 01:11:55 +0000 lpr200 1804929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look fantastic and very French. I really like TheRealReal-- it's helped me pare down my wardrobe and I've bought a few things as well, I just make sure I can return. haileyshoes on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1804792 Wed, 03 May 2017 17:26:55 +0000 haileyshoes 1804792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just bought a pair of ZCDMontreal sneakers (made in Italy). Totally in love, totally worth it!! Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1798828 Sun, 16 Apr 2017 20:38:33 +0000 Anonymous 1798828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know how I missed this earlier, but all of these pieces are amazing! You have figured out what you want and how to find it - BRAVO! It all works together so brilliantly! Sisi on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796651 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:55:30 +0000 Sisi 1796651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow Smittie, you look super chic! What a score! (Brunello Cucinelli is the spelling). I never buy online so I cannot answer your question. But I can tell you that in the past I sometimes bought something luxe and never regretted it. Angie on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796627 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:19:05 +0000 Angie 1796627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming in to say that you look Killer Chic in that outfit.  cindysmith on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796539 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:49:29 +0000 cindysmith 1796539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My "luxe" items are the ones I love the most. Sometimes, luxe just means a nice handmade piece off of Etsy that wasn't on sale, sometimes it's a contemporary brand I caught on sale, sometimes it's a neat piece off yoox that I couldn't afford if it weren't for yoox. Those pieces are worth it to me, because I wear them so MUCH, even out here in the country. I find that online shopping keeps me more focused. I don't impulse buy nearly as much online. The online pieces generally are the more luxe pieces; the bricks and mortar stores are where I run into trouble with shopping mistakes of mediocre quality. Love your finds and that outfit is great! So elegant yet casual Firecracker (Sharan) on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796451 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 19:52:44 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1796451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look so chic and totally relaxed in this outfit, Smittie. Those pieces are super duper fantastic finds! I'm quite envious. I have been thinking of selling some items online, and I've seen the RealReal mentioned, but I don't have things in that realm. Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796447 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 19:32:24 +0000 Anonymous 1796447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie - I swung back by to say you have me so intrigued with buying really good quality second hand.  Oh, and I very much get sucked in by designer names.  I probably always will.   celia on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796412 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 17:25:57 +0000 celia 1796412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your purchases are beautiful and soft natural looks refined and chic on you. I believe investing in good quality is always a good option. I don't have especially pricey items but there are things in my closet that have been worth the price I paid for them. Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796407 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 17:14:33 +0000 Anonymous 1796407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Maneera, thank you. Your words were a real boost. Meredith: It is a real experiment to see if these things will hold up. I agree with you that logically, it seems like there's a higher chance of quality on used items. Lisap: Thanks! I do get sucked in by brand names, so that's something to watch out for. Maneera on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796393 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 16:34:23 +0000 Maneera 1796393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow.....you look Ah-maz-ing!!!! I definitely see 'soft natural'. To me, you always looked very pretty. You have a natural beauty that in my eyes is WAY superior to a made-up-gorgeous look. Anything you wear looks effortless.....but your recent style direction also makes you look chic & sophisticated.....very Parisian Love the bag! Meredith on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796386 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 15:34:30 +0000 Meredith 1796386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, You made some fabulous purchases! I really enjoy online second-hand options like eBay and The Real Real. I agree the photos representing the products are great and usually there are detailed measurements. I think second hand also helps mitigate the risk of shelling out for "quality" and finding the item doesn't wear well. What I mean is one can get a better sense of how a piece will stand up when buying used vs new. And while I suspect my second hand purchases were at a slightly lower price point I've been very happy with them over the years. I'm wouldn't say that this type of online shopping helps me focus because I am easily distracted by statements. Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796382 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 15:18:58 +0000 Anonymous 1796382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - NICE STUFF!  Loving the Prada bag and the Lanvin shoes .  I am not an on-line shopper at all - not confident enough , mostly.  The pieces absolutely reflect the direction you've set out for yourself too .  It must have been so exciting to receive the pieces and find that they all worked. I've bought my fair share of "luxury" (to me ) pieces over the years, and have rarely, if ever , regretted it. I have made my biggest mistakes with purses though - getting carried away by the brand and not  paying enough attention to functionality.   Off to check out RealReal  :)   Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796369 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:43:13 +0000 Anonymous 1796369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Style Fan, Sally and Shevia. Style Fan, I love your sailor pants too. I have noticed that you get a lot of enjoyment out of a small wardrobe (well...maybe not by your hisband's standards). I don't think I enjoy mine quite as much as you do yours, but I'm getting there. Sally, I am between sizes in pants. In jeans, sizing is a free-for-all on me. I don't think I've been the same size twice. Like you, tops and shoes seem to be generally ok as long as I read up on whether the shoe fits big or small. Fabric quality is so hit or miss too, I agree. Shevia: I'm so glad I have a second-hand twin sister on this board. When I see some brand names in the stores (new) I am often not impressed with the quality. It is not that the quality is bad, but that the quality of similar lower end pieces is the same. I think mostly of knit wear and jeans. Maybe the trick is to figure out what the luxury brand is known for, say trench coats, and then buy that thing only from the luxury brand. Who is known for knitwear is the question? Jaime on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796319 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 03:08:08 +0000 Jaime 1796319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Big, big smile from me. I have been buying "luxury" second hand for a long time, including from the RealReal (I have also sold there profitably). When I became re-egaged with fashion in my early 40s as I came out the whiplash caused from going from 1-3 babies in my late thirties, I came to realize my tastes were more expensive than my budget. Thrifting, then on-line second hand shopping including ebay, the RealReal, and consignment stores allow me to have luxury brands for fast fashion prices.  No a "fancy" label does not guarantee quality or, more importantly, that it will look good on you, but when it is good, it is very, very good. Love your outfit! Sal on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that/page/2#post-1796317 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 03:04:38 +0000 Sal 1796317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie, I took another look at the outfit now I am on my computer rather than my phone.  It is so lovely and your bag and shoes are stunning!! Re online shopping, I think it suits some people brilliantly and I have had great handbag success there.  Shoes have been pretty good too actually!! I have gone wrong in two areas: - Sizing - I am honestly someone who is always between sizes.  Often my smaller size fits best in the waist and bust, but is too tight in the shoulders and too short.  The larger size has a better length and shoulder fit (and sometimes calf too) but is a little too generous in the waist.  Knit tops are usually okay sizing wise and dresses not too bad (but sometimes too short) - Fabric quality.  I have had a few pieces where the fabric was very poor quality. But buying in a more luxe way would reduce your risk - and often the photos from these more specialised sites are better than the stock photos from mainstream retailers. I have rarely been disappointed in my "luxe" pieces - wool coats, cocktail dresses, footwear and silk are areas where I have been really delighted that I spent more - it has been worth while! Style Fan on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796287 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 00:24:11 +0000 Style Fan 1796287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Smittie those pieces are perfect for you.  I love that look.  Chic but not trying.  That bag is TDF.  I will have to check that site out.  Or not. I have made a few lux purchases and I always feel like they were worth it. Number one on the list and in my heart (call me shallow - I don't care) - My Burberry Trench Coat - I bought my coat 11 years ago and I feel like a Secret Agent in it.  It was worth every penny. A Sarah Pacini Sweater - I feel like the day is extra special when I put that sweater on. Jesse Kamm Sailor Pants - They are the perfect colour and so well made I feel like dancing around when I have them on. An Italian leather bag I bought on sale.  Big sale. I have a few other lux pieces.  I would rather have a few pieces in my wardrobe that have that are special.  I would love a Hermes scarf too.  I am always looking for one in consignment stores. Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796278 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 22:48:15 +0000 Anonymous 1796278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you Bijou, Sally, Rachylou, Gigi, Cocolion, Suz, Jaileen, RunCarla and Sheila. Suz, I often go to the Reiss site. They seem to have good sales (which is the only way I could buy something from there). I know Angie highly recommends their quality so I'm always on the lookout. Rachylou: one day, I would like to own a Hermes scarf. How decadent! Sheila on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796277 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 22:34:39 +0000 Sheila 1796277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous! And I am lining up to be the NEXT owner of that Prada bag. Stunning! Carla on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796274 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 22:11:40 +0000 Carla 1796274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a GREAT outfit. And. That. Bag. Lucky you! JAileen on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796264 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 19:59:28 +0000 JAileen 1796264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I came back to say yes, I guess I'm not that emotional about what I buy. And I do look for a long time before I buy. It's not as random as it appears. Until I know something is going to work, I'm not that invested in it emotionally. The only luxe things I've bought : 1. Fleurette camel hair coat. I've had it more than 15 years. It's a thing of warmth and beauty. 2. Missoni poncho. Pricey but beautiful, and fun. Suz on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796260 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 19:27:04 +0000 Suz 1796260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ GORGEOUS outfit and new items on you!! What fab shopping and now you have got me curious about this source. What a great idea.  The items I consider "luxury" in my closet, either because I paid a lot for them (even on sale more than I might otherwise pay), and/or the quality is superb: Reiss blazer. (Totally worth it. Bought full price. LOVE and wear more than any other jacket in my closet).  Rebecca Minkoff bag. (Bought on sale but still pricey -- total love and great CPW.) R&B gilet: (Bought on sale but still pricey for me.Gorgeous and love it but have not worn it much. I don't really care. I just like having it. Some things are like that.) Stuart Weitzman refined black chelsea booties. (No Find. Even on sale, pricey -- but again, totally worth it. I have had them now for 5 years, still going strong.)  CocoLion on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796126 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 07:03:14 +0000 CocoLion 1796126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes to the luxury items!! But I do have limits.  I get some luxury clothing that is past seasons, made in Italy, from places like Yoox.  Every once in a while I get current season and pay full price.  Like my Acne booties (Shopbop) and Rick Owens sweater coat (Nordstrom).  If it's something you really treasure you will wear it for a long time and it will be worth the price. I think you look beautiful in your pieces, and am glad you are sticking to your guns with the soft natural style descriptors.  It seems very understated, easy and tasteful on you. Gigi on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796081 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 02:58:33 +0000 Gigi 1796081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Really great outfit...very much what I imagine French chic to be. The bag is beyond great...I'm drooling all over my keyboard. I haven't bought too many luxe things. I bought a pair of Aquatalia boots, which I have liked because the fit is relatively decent (I have a small calf) and they are very warm. I have a pair of Cole Haan OTK boots, which are maybe not quite luxe but expensive for me, and I love those because of the fit and the softness of the suede. For me, I will pay more if the quality is there to allow the piece to last for many years. I do find that the higher-end stuff is usually better quality. rachylou on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796067 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 02:24:12 +0000 rachylou 1796067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The outfit is fantastic! I love your purchases. They're beautiful and work superbly. Your 'ho hum' sweater is esp good... I sometimes have to force myself to submit to 'boring' because boring in the shop is not boring in use. I love my Gucci and ONE Hermes scarf. Also my old Marc Jacobs. Those three brands have stood up for me and I have yet to tire of any of it. Sal on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796054 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 01:44:48 +0000 Sal 1796054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You look terrific and I can see where you want to be. Very Chic! I have had mixed online shopping success. Will write more later. Bijou on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796037 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 01:06:16 +0000 Bijou 1796037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These are stunning on you and great purchases. Your bag was a real find and be something that you have forever. As for purchasing online - I have been doing more of this lately and for the most part agree with you that it leads to more considered purchases. As for luxe purchases these usually work out for me because I will really think through whether I can afford it etc, so it is a considered purchase. The ultimate good purchase for me was a Burberry trench coat 10 years ago. It is my constant travel companion and pulls together any outfit.  Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796022 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:42:23 +0000 Anonymous 1796022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sterling: Well I tell ya, I thought 100% cotton was completely fail-safe, regardless of brand until i purchased a fisherman's sweater from the GAP and it immediately pilled. So I don't think I'll shop there again for knitwear. Greyscale: Thanks. It is a very tempting. The thing I like about it is it seems to have so much selection and you can really have a targeted search. Seems like a good place for essentials. But one thing I worry about is dresses: it seems to me that almost all of them would be tailored in some way, so an S might actually be tailored down to an xxs. They do give you measurements but I think those are pretty inexact. For pilling, the pictures are so big, you can see it. Brooklyn: your "signature style" is probably the same as my style moniker. I agree that the moniker/signature is the thing that keeps me most on track. Yes, I did return the sweater dress with the neon! It was definitely nice but not quite right. Anonymous on "WIW: French 5? French 4? Something like that" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-french-5-french-4-something-like-that#post-1796008 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 23:19:48 +0000 Anonymous 1796008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've only bought a handful of sweaters second hand (possibly two, maybe three).  In all cases they have been 100 percent cotton. No pills.  And they look and feel GREAT.   So that brings me to a question.  All of my second hand sweaters have been from well known brands like Brooks Brothers.  They are pretty fabulous.  Do some brands just sell better quality items?  Or is it the fact that I bought cotton that makes them such great purchases?