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YouLookFab Forum » Topic: . https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:35:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Vicki on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1209167 Sun, 30 Mar 2014 04:38:33 +0000 Vicki 1209167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, I'm enjoying this analysis, because seeing all your photos together is impressive in showing how you're moving along with your style.  I love your jeans capsule and your selection of tops, which semi-tuck well and seem to drape beautifully.  You've got a great eye for combining tops and bottoms!  You really do look lovely in ivory and your shoe height and choices seem fine and in line with your denim choices.  I see you looking very comfortable in your modern classic casual style and that is a key ingredient to any outfit. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1208969 Sun, 30 Mar 2014 00:08:24 +0000 carter 1208969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ EP, thank you so much! Elizabeth P on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1208949 Sat, 29 Mar 2014 23:46:11 +0000 Elizabeth P 1208949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Had to chime in quickly on this - missed it first time, but see it  now thanks to the challenge.  I jsut wanted to say that I'm surprised you've been aorund for such a short time.  You seem like such a "staple" of this forum, and someone who's posts I always enjoy.  Your style has really evolved, so great to see it laid out like this.  carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1203266 Mon, 24 Mar 2014 02:22:02 +0000 carter 1203266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, M! There are certainly some new clothes in the batch. I do think I'm doing a better job at conscious purchasing:-) Deborah, thanks so much. "Nice clean lines" would be a definite goal. I've been evaluating fit a bit more as well, particularly when it comes to rise. I think I had all kinds of crazy stuff going on there before. I like the semi tuck better with a lower rise. Turns out a lower rise likes me better too. Refining is great, but I think there's more to do. Would love your comments as I progress! Deborah on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1203231 Mon, 24 Mar 2014 01:28:12 +0000 Deborah 1203231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well I think you always looked fab but I do see a subtle changes.  I found it quite challenging to put my finger on what is different and I purposefully haven't looked at the other comments.  I see less embelishment (jewellery etc) and nice clean lines.  I would suggest fit has improved also and the addition of some trend/current touches like the semi tuck.  I think I also see a fresh confidence coming through as well. You looked fab before, it's just that  you have perhaps 'refined' your look more. Em on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1203226 Mon, 24 Mar 2014 01:22:37 +0000 Em 1203226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Frankly, if this thread wasn't about change, I wouldn't be the wiser.. I think you looked great all along, Carter. On second viewing, I did notice more pattern, but to my eye that's just some new clothes.;-) carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1203039 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 21:06:41 +0000 carter 1203039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lantana, I didn't take it that way at all. However, I do need to fine tune. In fact, I suppose that in order to stay modern/current, I will always be fine tuning! Lantana on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1203037 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 21:02:48 +0000 Lantana 1203037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter, please don't think I was implying you NEED to find tune. No, not at all. I was, rather, making the observation that this is what you are doing. And will add that it's a happy stage to be in your style evolution. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202757 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:00:39 +0000 carter 1202757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good heavens, Suz. In Angie's March 17 fab finds post there's something called a "Carter Flat" from BR. How can I not order that?! In my cart and waiting for the next sale! Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202721 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:35:46 +0000 Suz 1202721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, Carter, you will find these posts really, really helpful.  So --- if you go to the top of the page you are looking at, you'll see a button called "finds" -- Angie maintains a sort of "shop" of curated items she recommends. And she gives details about who the item is good for and why.  Her "roundup" posts are quite frequent and often posted in the early evening EST -- you can just do an archive search and look at the most recent roundups. There she gives lists of fun items to try and why she's recommending them and for whom.   carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202717 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:31:39 +0000 carter 1202717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Shevia. I think the pattern, tuck, belt formula has really helped me like my outfits better and feel finished. Thanks, Fuzzy! Lantana, I bet we'll see some of those button downs creep back into my casual looks as the weather heats up. I think the key will be to only sport the crispist, most flattering length shirts. As you mentioned, I do still need quite a bit of fine-tuning, but I'm having fun experimenting. Suz, totally agree that Angie manages a fab modern classic look, which explains why I love her outfit posts. I'll have to go figure out what the "roundup" and the "find" posts are. I really haven't ventured beyond the daily post and the Forum.  Homework for today. Interesting that you mention different stores. 3 of the patterned sweaters in the current work outfits slide came from House of Fraser in the UK. I am thrilled with these tops, and I also love that I don't run into folks wearing the same thing. The summer print tops I just ordered are from Dorothy Perkins, which I think may also be UK-based. We're going to Paris and London in June. Hoping to do quite a bit of shopping while there:-) kkards, I agree that attention to the details makes a huge impact. Previously, my only real detail was a necklace. I'm enjoying the belts, shoes, various tucking methods. I've also been picking up a few fun bangle bracelets for shorter-sleeve weather. kkards on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202673 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 14:49:31 +0000 kkards 1202673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ carter, as others have mentioned, i don't see a huge shift from the "before" and "after", but i do see a subtle something. the afters seem more finished, with attention payed to all the details.  a tweak of the shoes, a semi tuck, a small change of proportion, all small changes that i think we over look in our day to day lives, but which help move us forward and keep us current.  Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202638 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 13:40:03 +0000 Suz 1202638@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great analysis, Carter. I think you know what you want and where you are going, and Angie herself is a fantastic model for the kind of look you are after. Not all the details -- you might prefer different colours, specific items, etc. But she's brilliant at adding just enough trendy to modern classic to make it seem super-current without being over-the-top. So I would look very carefully at all her "roundups" on the blog and all her "FIND" posts for items that might add that extra something. In order to inject the "new" into modern classic, you might also need to shop at a few different stores -- branch out from your favourites. If you do this online from places with free returns, you won't be out anything if the fits turn out to be poor for you.  Lantana on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202545 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:37:54 +0000 Lantana 1202545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I notice your later work outfits sport more graphic tops, a darker palette and are sleeker. I notice an absence of button downs in your later casual outfits. It seems to me that you have a firm handle on your style and are in the process of fine tuning it. fuzzylogic on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202525 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 07:44:49 +0000 fuzzylogic 1202525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great idea, carter! You always look so polished to me! I'm glad that you are enjoying where you are in relation to fit and shoes! Jaime on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202407 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:54:51 +0000 Jaime 1202407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely see an evolution with your later outfits each having a focus - pattern, tuck, belt etc. The proportions also seem better and more varied. Great exercise! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202398 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:45:05 +0000 carter 1202398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Beth Ann, you are right about the proportions/fit changing. From the earlier pics, only the skinny jeans and the ponte skinnies were bought post YLF. Everything else is less form-fitting on the bottom. My bottom half is my biggest challenge. My previous solution was to go with looser, longer pants and heels to elongate the leg line. I never thought a slim fit could also be flattering, but now I like it better. Who knew? Relaxed and confident is exactly what I want...thanks! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202370 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:15:33 +0000 carter 1202370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Tanya! I always look forward to your WIWs because we have a very similar shape. Love to see what you do with it! So glad you see more modern in my outfits. The semi-tuck has been huge for me, although it's produced a slight belt fetish;-). Beth Ann on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202369 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:15:01 +0000 Beth Ann 1202369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Great pics, Carter!  I concur with what's been said so far.  I see a great modern-classic style and a swapping of certain details:  patterns for color, belts and shoes for necklaces.  I also see a difference in fit and proportions that makes your looks a bit more fashion forward and also give a more relaxed, confident look. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202360 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:06:15 +0000 carter 1202360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, yes, modern classic suits me better than anything else, I think. I don't see that changing either, just improving and becoming more consistent. Regarding the footwear, I have to say that I have had so much fun with it. Before, shoes were just things that got destroyed walking construction sites, driving all day, etc., so I kept them very basic and relatively inexpensive. With this change, I have had a ball searching out flats with some interest and support (more expensive). Very happy with the results! Patterns...of course! I even mentioned this in Angie's tee post but missed the impact in the pics. I had such a sea of plain, solid clothes where color was the only differentiator. I have been actively looking for patterns, mostly in neutral colors. I love them! I had a few patterned tops before, but the patterns just weren't me. I'm really drawn to animal print, polka dots, stripes, plaids and florals. My previous prints were more abstract...love them on others, bot defined enough on me. I just ordered a few neutral print tops for Spring to continue the trend. I feel much better about where I am now. MUCH less frumpy. I think I want to continue with the neutrals (solids and patterns) and a color here and there for work. Interestingly, I'm also moving my home decor toward neutral and texture with color as an accent. "Do people see real estate agent?" I'm not sure. People do ask if agents get a discount on the type of car I drive, but no one's ever looked at me and asked if I'm an agent. I'd like them to look at me and think professional, confident, good at what she does, and approachable/relateable. The agents I interact with most often generally fall in three categories for dress. The older and younger agents dress more corporate. The part time agents dress in tennis skirts and gear. The rest dress in a business casual/nice casual way. I don't do tennis skirts/gear for work, but I can swing from nice/business casual to corporate depending on my clients and the event. I'm comfortable in this space, but I want to do it the very best I can. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your comments and questions, Suz! Sharon, thank you for your thoughts! I'm really liking the pattern, but I'm still a neophyte at it. If there's some way in particular you think it's working for me, I would love to hear it. The semi-tuck was revolutionary for me! It allowed me to show some body contour on the front and disquise some body contour on the back side...how fab is that?! Like punches of color and striking accessories, I want to add "modern and trendy" to my classic outfits. So happy some of this is coming through! Help me do it more consistently, please. Tanya on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202341 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 01:33:22 +0000 Tanya 1202341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You have a wonderful style Carter, and I would also call it Modern Classic.  The biggest change for me is that there is more Modern in it now, especially evident through stylings such as semi-tucks and use of fun belts. Sharon on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202320 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 01:04:06 +0000 Sharon 1202320@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Two things really stood out for me: 1.Much more pattern. And used in really interesting and flattering ways. 2.Tucking/semi-tucking. You have a great figure and to my eye it looks so much better showing it with the semi-tuck. I agree with Suz that you have a strong classic backbone to your style, but the change I see over that last 6 months is incorporating more modern (dare I say trendy) elements into your style. carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202275 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:41:28 +0000 carter 1202275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, excellent analysis as always. And so many thought-provoking questions. Off to give these some thought. I'll report back. Suz on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202271 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:33:32 +0000 Suz 1202271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, I thought I commented about three hours ago but it seems I didn't. Or it got lost.  What you say is wise. If the belt is the "finishing piece" you don't need a necklace, and a lot of us seem to gravitate to one or the other.  I actually see an incredibly consistent style. You know what works for you in your two main settings, and you wear what works. So there's practicality at the heart of your style.  I see a core of modern classic -- both before and after -- and I don't see that changing. It seems integral to who you are. And it suits you well.  I see development in the semi-tuck, changed accessories, two-tone footwear. (I love that you've found a way to be venturesome with your footwear even in the face of shoe limitation. Brava!!)  It's true you are wearing more neutrals...but you are also wearing more pattern. I don't know about you, but my comfort level is sort of "one or the other" when it comes to that. Not completely -- I do have some brightly coloured items in patterns. But in my case most of these are in summer, and combined with white or cream to lighten.  The semi-tuck and the BF jeans, plus belts, are the biggest changes I've seen so far. Semi-tuck makes fluid fit feel more easy to wear. BF jeans are for weekends so are a good way to dip your toes into the fluid fit trouser idea.  How do you FEEL about where you are now? Are you feeling better and less frumpy than when you came to YLF? What would you like to try next? I think the sky is your limit. Within the realm of reason, of course -- you do need to be appropriate and comfortable for your work life.  Ah -- okay, here's another one. When people see you in your context, do they think, "Real estate agent." And is that what you want them to think? Do you fit in with, or defy, your environmental norm -- and which do you want to do? If you want to fit in, is there someone in your line of work whose style calls out to you as inspiration? And if you want to defy it (maybe subtly, maybe in a big way) how would you like to rebel? carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202251 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:25:35 +0000 carter 1202251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you're right, K. The semi-tuck has made a huge difference. I think it's also the belt that has so often become the "finishing piece", which may be why I'm wearing fewer necklaces. Definitely more tailored. This should have given all of you a big whopping realization that things were shifting toward a more fluid fit...I always seem to catch on late;-) Kristin L on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202206 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:32:33 +0000 Kristin L 1202206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It looks like you've embraced the different ways of tucking in your shirt, which I think adds a bit of polish to your look. And it looks like you prefer a more tailored look.  Helena on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202198 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:18:20 +0000 Helena 1202198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It's good not to be alone at least!! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202194 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:14:08 +0000 carter 1202194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, TG. Your style speaks to me as well. Funny that we both seem to be having color issues at the same time! Helena on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202187 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:49:21 +0000 Helena 1202187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carter - you know I love your style! I think you looked great all along. What I can see is a few more modern and polished details in the new photos - fit is perfect (whereas you had one of two looser pieces in the earlier photos, you seem to be sticking more exclusively to the tailored look in later ones), and details such as the cuffed jeans, two-toned flats and semi-tucks add freshness and intention to your classic look. YLF!! carter on "." https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-then-and-now-help-me-analyze-please#post-1202178 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:40:00 +0000 carter 1202178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ .