https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:33:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1110129 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 23:45:57 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1110129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It was a nasty day today.&nbsp; It was even colder coming home and I had to stop and get gas on the way.&nbsp; Brrrrr.</p> <p>Shannon, I think you have hit the nail on the head with this one.&nbsp; Good quality basics in neutral colors to set the backdrop for a few great pieces to shine.&nbsp; I love that cobalt jacket on you.&nbsp; Your skin looks gorgeous against that shade of blue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1110076 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 23:05:30 +0000 MsMary 1110076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Honestly, I cannot even begin to imagine venturing out in temperatures like that!!&nbsp; But you look amazing!!&nbsp; And I'm waving at my red puffer twin!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1110057 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 22:43:41 +0000 Deborah 1110057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, fab outfit and I love the what you are saying here.&nbsp; Our wardrobes need to work for us and clearly this is what yours is doing.&nbsp; I think it also helps when we understand our needs and wants. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109990 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:39:24 +0000 Susie 1109990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, congratulations on the new job!!! That is so exciting and I am very happy for you. </p> <p>I agree that having great basics is key. Have you read the "into mind" blog? She describes several methods of dressing- modular approach, uniform approach, neutrals + statement pieces approach, and set outfits approach. </p> <p>Regarding the neutrals (basics) + statement pieces, she writes:</p> <p>What you need: </p> <p>a collection of basics that go with everything (denims, tops and jackets in neutral colors, etc.) and several bolder ‘statement pieces’ and accessories. The idea is to start with a foundation of basics and then choose one or more key pieces to be the focal point of your look. The neutrals + statement pieces approach is all about balance. When you put on red lipstick because your outfit just ‘needs’ a little extra oomph or when you swap your heels for flats because heels would be ‘too much’, you are trying to find the right balance between dressed up and dressed down, between boring and too bold. There is no universal ‘ideal level’ of course, it depends entirely on your own unique personal style. A lot of people would consider most of my outfits as being too ‘plain’ but for my style they are just right. What you consider to be a statement piece because of its colour, shape or material, might be a neutral for someone else. In the example above, I included white denim jeans and black leather pants as statement pieces because I would always want to wear them with a more neutral top, but for you they might be ideal basics to balance out brighter tops and accessories.</p> How to make it work: </p> <p>Your neutrals are your workhorses, so focus on building a strong foundation of durable basics that will last you several seasons and suit your body shape. Include a variety of shapes (longsleeve tops, t-shirts, simple skirts, denim, etc.) and neutral shades (black, white, heather grey, dark grey, ivory, navy, and so on).</p> ____________</p> <p>I think you've nailed this method! I've come to realize that I am probably happiest when I have a statement item paired with a good basic. So having those good basics really is important! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109967 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:19:28 +0000 Caro in Oz 1109967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span>YLF Shannon&nbsp;&amp; I love me a good blazer too.&nbsp;</p> <p></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109851 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:13:08 +0000 Sona 1109851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats gorgeous woman on the new job!<br />&nbsp;Love the pops of color. As Angie has said previously: color, pattern, texture, sparkle. While I often do more than one element in an outfit sometimes less is more. And the foundation of any great outfit is always great fitting basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109816 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:22:19 +0000 qfbrenda 1109816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love how simple and yet how perfect that outfit is on you.&nbsp; I really want to pop a warm charcoal gray hat on that head of yours to keep you warm.&nbsp; Do you commute in hats?&nbsp; I'm not generally a hat wearer but I think -40C would convince me!&nbsp; I love how your salt and pepper hair plays with the colors you wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109814 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:19:12 +0000 Vicki 1109814@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your column of black and beautiful blazers are powerful basics full of style. &nbsp;Then, you brighten up any landscape with gorgeously happy puffer. &nbsp;You've got it down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics/page/2#post-1109812 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:16:49 +0000 Elizabeth P 1109812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations Shannon, I'm thrilled for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109782 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:45:23 +0000 minimalist 1109782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the job, Shannon, and hurray for fabulous wardrobe essentials. Leaving the house when it's -40°F sounds heroic in itself, and you do it while looking terrific! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109772 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:30:57 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1109772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly. I would hate to have to put away my pretty shoes and booties and just live in winter boots for four months. How boring would that be? I have a lovely bag that I pop my lunch and shoes into each morning when I leave the house and then they come back home with me at the end of the work day. No hassle at all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109770 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:30:18 +0000 kkards 1109770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>love this--this is how i dress most days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109764 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:25:57 +0000 Angie 1109764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am all for the practical commute and swapping out pieces when you're at your destination. It's a brilliant idea, and allows us to continue having fun with fashion. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109748 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 17:16:18 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1109748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>El Cee - "great basics and killer jacket" - EXACTLY!&nbsp;</p> <p>Sveta - you look gorgeous in your new cobalt jacket. You're going to love the color for brightening up darker outfits in the dead of winter.</p> <p>Windchime - this puffer was one of my best purchases in winter 2012. It's warm, bright colored to bring some cheeriness and not too puffy. You wouldn't regret purchasing one, trust me.</p> <p>Mochi - it's funny how I'm reaching more and more for "unfussy". And to think I used to love ruffles and more layers!</p> <p>Elizabeth - yes, I got offered the position and have very happily accepted it. That's probably why I look so happy in my pictures - 'cause I am!!!</p> <p>Angie - yes, I do wear snow boots for my commute and then switch to shoes when I get indoors. A girl's gotta be practical when it's that cold out. I'm really glad you posted about the Lands' End puffers - it has been just a fantastic coat for me.</p> <p>Thank you all </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109715 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:45:01 +0000 AviaMariah 1109715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You just looks beautiful and this demonstrates so well why good quality, well fitted basics are a must! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109685 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:10:17 +0000 sarah 1109685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look gorgeous. I really like the silhouette of that jacket on you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109681 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:07:57 +0000 Jenava 1109681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Basics look exceptional when they are good quality and fit well like this.&nbsp; You look fab!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109680 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 16:07:55 +0000 unfrumped 1109680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree! They help us "get out the door". I focused on some basics (or "essentials"--still not sure what to call them--will review Angie's posts) this fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109642 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:25:30 +0000 MuseumGal 1109642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is gorgeous!&nbsp; You are so right about the power of basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109641 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:25:04 +0000 Angie 1109641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love you in a Chanel-esque style jacket. Suits you to a tee and so does cobalt. Who would think you could look so insanely put together for -40 degrees. You are inspirational in many ways.&nbsp;Do you wear snow boots and swap back into regular boots indoors?&nbsp;</p> <p>Divine puffer too. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109637 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:21:25 +0000 Sara L. 1109637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun jacket in a great color! I agree that great basics are the building blocks of a wardrobe. I'm having some problems with that right now since a lot of my basic tops don't fit and it can be very frustrating when trying to put an outfit together. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109632 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:15:32 +0000 carambola 1109632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That cobalt jacket is amazing on you! You look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109631 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 15:15:14 +0000 Elizabeth P 1109631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love, love, love love.</p> <p>Did you hear anything about the job?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109590 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:24:27 +0000 Alexandra 1109590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you on the power of basics. I think basics form the majority of my wardrobe at this point. I add a touch of color with scarves.</p> <p>You look wonderful! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109580 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:19:23 +0000 DizzyLizzy 1109580@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding head in agreement...this is much the same as I dress in winter - basics as the base layer and swap out the topper for whatever my mood - or the weather - dictates. I LOVE the cobalt jacket on you. YLF </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109567 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 14:04:38 +0000 Beth Ann 1109567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You had me at cobalt!&nbsp; You look sleek and fabulous.&nbsp; Thanks for illustrating Angie's puffer post, too!&nbsp; </p> <p>We're with you in the deep freeze today!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109552 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:45:49 +0000 shedev 1109552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The basics really let the jacket shine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109546 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:42:29 +0000 Suz 1109546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look terrific. Strong, simple, and happy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109523 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:22:49 +0000 Sam 1109523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shannon, this outfit is wonderful! I love the look of a bold jacket on a column of black and you're pulling it off so well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-the-power-of-basics#post-1109512 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:14:57 +0000 Ornella 1109512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nodding happily. Great outfit Shannon. I love the strong colours of the blazer and OMG - red puffer. *plonk* :-)&nbsp;<br />You look so great AND&nbsp;happy. I'm always smiling back&nbsp;when I see your smile. </p>