https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:24:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1148001 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 01:05:23 +0000 Jeanie 1148001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks E for the color test tips! &nbsp;I will give that that a try. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147434 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:49:42 +0000 E 1147434@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>JulieJohn, I went from very tan to much paler too! In my case, puberty also coincided with moving from sunny central Texas to grey central England, lol, so I suspect that had a bit to do with it. But yeah, I think blonde kids, especially girls, should be told their hair will change so they're not taken as much by surprise! (In my case half my hair also fell out. *shudder* I went from having very thick hair to my current hair which is on the thin side of average. Puberty was NOT a good time for me, there were definitely some ugly duckling years.) Anyway, thank you for the outfit &amp; photo compliments!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Sarah!</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeanie, thanks for the reassurances! I think colours depend on more than just your hair, so definitely try all kinds, but for me the more muted the colours, the more my own colouring glows. The 'test' I do to see if something is too bright for me is to close my eyes and then open them: if my eyes go to my face, it's fine, if my eyes go to the clothing, it's too bright. Don't know if that will help you or not! There are some gorgeous dark blonde models, but of course we don't seem them dressing for the golden globes or being dressed by costume directors in movies/tv!</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, I'm glad it doesn't look too costume-y, thanks for weighing in. I did have a laugh imagining myself at a board meeting: I'd want one of those power suits and maybe a whip like Lucy Liu in Charlie's Angles. You know, I'm not sure anyone ever told me *my* hair was dishwater. I just heard &amp; read other women's hair being described that way and realised they had the same colour as me. In high school, during my ugly duckling phase, I myself described it as 'the colour of molding hay' because it reminded me of the sides of those big circles of hay you see piled up in fields. Teenagers can be so mean to themselves! Anyway, taupe is a much better word. I usually just say dark blonde nowadays, but then my grandma recently told me I had brown hair not blonde! lol So taupe seems like an even better solution.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aubergine, thank you! I think the soft neutrals tone it down a bit too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Joy, the dress reminded me of an apron too, which is why I wasn't sure about the costume factor. &nbsp;Thanks for weighing in and the beauty compliment!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Laurie! I'll wear this out and about then without worrying.</div><div><br /></div><div>Neel, most of my brooches were picked up while thrifting, a couple came from Etsy vintage stores, and now a few were gifts from friends and family (who also thrift and shop on Etsy). My owl has gone missing though: he's not in my brooch tray with the rest of them! Gotta track him down. I'm glad you enjoy my posts!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks LisaW!</div><div><br /></div><div>Shevia, maybe it's a cultural thing? Is there a special name in Hebrew for dark blonde hair and is it insulting or neutral? (I should do a cultural survey to how different languages perceive this hair colour!). And thanks for the outfit feedback: I do have lots of boxy tops, so I'll have to try it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>LBD, thank you: you made me smile. I'm usually drinking tea as I write/reply to these posts. hehe I'm sure my friends and family will be impressed to learn I am in fact a book heroine and should be treated as such. Have you seen the movie Stranger Than Fiction? I'm glad I'm not a character in that author's stories!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks PMC!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Alasse! I'm more of a details girl in general, so I can't resist sharing them in these posts. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Lyn!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Ramya! Nice to meet you too. (I do hope to visit Norway someday: Scandinavia is very high up on my dream places to see!)</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147368 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:21:09 +0000 ramya 1147368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh E! you have beautiful style and amazing story telling ability.<br />Nice to meet you&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147364 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:19:05 +0000 lyn67 1147364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also love these shades together, I always loved them! cUTE OUTFIT, PERFECT FOR YOU!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147360 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:14:58 +0000 Alassë 1147360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You wear it well! And you always do such a good job with rings, brooches, &amp; detail shots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147140 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:55:17 +0000 Anonymous 1147140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with lisaw - it is all about how an outfit makes you feel! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147134 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:49:55 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1147134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always, always love your outfits - and your write-ups &nbsp; You are like a storybook character in a wonderful story for grown-up girls. &nbsp; I always feel like I want to put on a pretty hat, and&nbsp;sip a cup of tea and eat cookies while I read your posts </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147130 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:48:05 +0000 Jaime 1147130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the neutrals on you and your embrace of your mousey hair! (I would not have thought to call it that but why not?) MG had an interesting idea about pairing these with a shorter boxy jacket or top - I could see that also, but I think this works on you (and possibly only you!). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147118 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:36:50 +0000 lisaw 1147118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>feeling super cute and comfortable and yourself in my opinion is what style is really all about &nbsp;so bravo, I think you look great&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147100 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:17:47 +0000 Neel 1147100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have such unique style! I know I keep repeating the same thing in all your posts! LOL! I get to learn a lot about different style choices and I get to see unique brooches!! Where on earth do you find them?! Did I mention you had unique style?! :D. YLF by the way! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147092 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:04:14 +0000 Laurie 1147092@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you look great, not like a costume at all!&nbsp; You look fresh, fun, and interesting in an approachable way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147087 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:46:34 +0000 Anonymous 1147087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look comfortable in this outfit. The dress reminds me of a full skirted bib apron..a Cinderella-before-the-ball. Your beauty shines. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147086 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:44:08 +0000 Anonymous 1147086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It doesn't look too costumey to me - just interesting!&nbsp;I think the lack of busy detail and the soft neutrals help a lot&nbsp;there.</p> <p>You look beautiful in the close-up shot!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147072 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:27:23 +0000 Suz 1147072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this on you, too. It's not too costumey - &nbsp;well, I guess it would depend on where you were going...it might not fly in the corporate boardrooms, but hey, that's just another costume. This looks like a practical outfit for someone who goes on long walks!&nbsp;</p> <p>I see the Asian influence, and again I am reminded of 1930s English country. The colours (or, er...neutrals) contribute to that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have the same mousey hair. And like you I loathed being told I was a "dishwater" blonde. Now I am just calling it "taupe." HA!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147056 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:12:00 +0000 Jeanie 1147056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like this! It suits you. &nbsp;Like you said the fitted bodice balances out the fullness on the bottom. &nbsp;I think you could wear this out and about with all the other mice romping around. &nbsp;Nodding about the hair. &nbsp;I have the same mousey color and you're right; there really aren't many dark blonde roll models. I'm still figuring out colors. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147030 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:51:34 +0000 Sarah A 1147030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a fun and interesting combination! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147029 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:51:28 +0000 JulieJohn 1147029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Blonde until puberty ... that's me as well. Also deeply tan until puberty. Wha' happened?</p> <p>This is such a neat, textural outfit. And I really like your closeup photos, they are artistic and interesting. Love the semi-Asian vibe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147017 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:33:31 +0000 E 1147017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ceit, that so fun you say that. Being a pottery teacher sounds like a lovely job.</p> <p>MG, I guess I overplayed the costume aspect in the description? Oh well! I agree that the trousers have an Asian feel: I wouldn't have thought to pair them with a cropped wide jacket, and I'm not sure if any of mine are wide enough,&nbsp;but I'll try! Thnx for the suggestions. Nowadays, I love my colouring (thank heavens), but it was definitely a process to get to that point. I think most people who were very blonde until puberty probably go through a struggle to adjust, especially since there are pretty much no actresses with dark blonde hair out there! It's more common on models, I've noticed, but teenage me didn't read style magazine so didn't see any of that. It probably didn't help that I spent my last 3 years of high school in Texas, surrounded by girls with highlights. My body image&nbsp;in general was atrocious from about 14 to 20 or 21, when I decided it was silly to spend so much energy disliking aspects of myself&nbsp;and started consciously trying to change my attitude. It worked, and is what got me interested in style, so all's well that ends well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1147001 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:05:45 +0000 MuseumGal 1147001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After your description I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this doesn't look nearly as "costumey" as I was led to believe!&nbsp; Maybe I've lost all perspective with this whole Sally Lockhart thing, but this doesn't look too cray cray to me.</p> <p>First of all I love all the individual pieces.&nbsp; The dress is amazing and fits you beautifully; the sweater looks cozy and lush, and the pants are divine.&nbsp; I also like the idea of volume over volume with the pants.&nbsp; However I'm not sure this combo totally works.&nbsp; To me those pants evoke an Asian air (despite the wool) - I'd love to see them paired with a short cropped wide jacket, sort of like a happi coat, but shorter.&nbsp; Or even a cropped wide tweed jacket.&nbsp; I also think if the dress were a darker color (but the same silhouette that you have here) the whole might be a bit more harmonious?</p> <p>Anyway, fun experiment!&nbsp; Oh and your coloring is lovely.&nbsp; Don't let anyone tell you differently!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1146999 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 01:04:10 +0000 Anonymous 1146999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks cute! In fact, your outfit is an almost exact copy of my childhood pottery teacher's standard outfit (she was born in Canada but grew up in Japan before returning to Canada). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-raggedy-mouse#post-1146984 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 00:26:40 +0000 E 1146984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ironically, the day after posting musings about personal style vs society's associations, I'm sharing a much more 'out there' outfit! I didn't take a photo of my outfit yesterday, so today's it is. I actually wore this for the first time last month but didn't have to time to participate in the forum then, and I'd like some feedback since it's a new silhouette for me.</p> <p>These are the funny little wool trousers I couldn't resist at the thrift store last month. They have a wonderful texture, as well as a mysterious colour that blends charcoal and dark brown with a bit of medium silvery grey for good measure. The fabric is wonderful! I call them funny because they're quite wide leg but end at a completely random length about an inch above my ankle (if I belt them so they sit higher up, that turns into about 3"). As they reminded me of Japanese sewing books, I thought I'd take a styling cue from them as well and try a dress over top. I thrifted this dress a couple of years ago, because it's grey and fit-and-flare and has pockets. But now I find the hem just too short; I was going to donate it back, but then I decided to save it in case I could wear it as a tunic. In this case, I thought the fitted bodice would provide a nice counterpoint to the trousers. I wanted to echo the colour up top, so I pulled out my dark taupe long sleeve tee (which reminds me of tree bark with its colour and texture)&nbsp;and put it on underneath. As I'm reading a fabulous book about a cat turned into a woman (Fudoki by Koj Johnson for other fantasy lovers), I couldn't resist adding my pewter cat brooch and silver rings. For my walk I went with my dusty brown lace up boots to keep with the colour scheme.</p> <p>I love these colours together, shades of grey and brown and taupe. They remind me of field mice, which makes me smile, as my low contrast colouring and&nbsp;dark blonde could be described as mousey (which I far prefer to dishwater, which has to be the most insulting adjective ever applied to hair). I know mousey isn't perceived as&nbsp;the nicest description either, but field mice are actually quite beautiful in a subtle way! It took me awhile to embrace my natural colouring, which I absolutely hated in high school (and wasn't allowed to dye until I graduated, so in college I started out blonder, then was a brunette, and was also a redhead more recently), so now I see reclaiming mousey as an empowering move.</p> <p>Back to the clothes. I feel super cute and comfortable and myself in this outfit, and I'll happily wear it for house days. That being said, I'm not sure if I'd go out in public (other than on my walks) in it or if it looks too costume-y for everyday wear. It's a lot of look, what with the pinafore-esque layering up top and then the double fullness on bottom,&nbsp;and reminds me a bit&nbsp;of a rag doll (hence the title).&nbsp;I have various ideas for toning things down (I'll have to recreate the dress-over-skinnies outfit I wore on Christmas Eve, which looked far&nbsp;more mainstream), but I wanted to hear thoughts about this version first. You won't hurt my feelings if you think it looks too costume-y, promise!</p> <p>Regardless, I'm excited to explore more skirt/dress and trouser combinations&nbsp;this year: a whole new world of layering has opened up for me! It occurred to me when I was taking detail shots that you guys have yet to see my face other than on top of the outfits, so I took a portrait-y photo too to 'introduce' myself a bit better.&nbsp;I was sitting right under an overhead light, which is I think why there are strange lines on the bodice (that's not my bra, it's the interfacing of the dress), because I can't see them in the full outfit pics. Anyway, nice to meet you all! </p>