https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:16:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-995760 Thu, 01 Aug 2013 00:02:13 +0000 BridgetteRaes 995760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone! Speaking of a workable wardrobe, I wanted to make sure you saw this post from that I wrote about how to create a mix-and-match, capsule wardrobe! I hope it helps! best to all of you! <a href="http://www.bridgetteraes.com/2013/07/31/the-ultimate-mix-and-match-fashion-guide/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bridgetteraes.com/2.....ion-guide/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-987928 Tue, 23 Jul 2013 00:31:59 +0000 BridgetteRaes 987928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you know what I call the times we don't dress realistically for our lifestyles? I call it "Wishful Wardrobing" which means dressing for the life you wish you had, not the one you really do. I've blogged about the topic a lot. I don't want to post the link as I'm sure it goes against forum posting rules. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-987360 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 07:44:04 +0000 CocoLion 987360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The casual, wash and wear clothes that I wear for my job as a server are all about logic, function, and practicality. &nbsp;Just about the only aspect that is not 100% logical is that I now wear colored rather than just black and white tops.Yes the black and white are more uniform like and professional, but the colors are so much more flattering to my complexion and I can match my earrings to the top.</p> <p>I can love my work clothes for their reliability but it's not the same as my love for my fashion clothes. &nbsp;My work clothes are the ones that bail me out of Mexican jail to use your metaphor Bridgette.</p> <p>My relationship with my fashion clothes&nbsp;is a lot more complex. &nbsp;I can love an item, but if I don't have enough opportunity to wear it, I can develop a resentful guilty feeling like I'm in the wrong relationship -- he doesn't call enough or I feel bad because I'm leading him on. &nbsp;So my more expensive (than my work wardrobe), trendier pieces come with more emotion.</p> <p>It is really hard to figure out how to incorporate trends into our closets, how to make them wearable. &nbsp;That's something Angie is really good at and am learning on YLF.&nbsp; &nbsp;Her trend alerts as well as ensemble pieces are always helpful and I love seeing how forum members will put her advice into action, even on the same day.</p> <p>This has given me a lot to think about so thank you Unfrumped for starting this thread and thank you Bridgette, your blog is great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-987319 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 05:19:14 +0000 Nicola 987319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Bridgette. Nothing like having a fever to give you an epiphany! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-987153 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 01:16:24 +0000 BridgetteRaes 987153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MZNicola, I think you struck the perfect balance! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-987072 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 23:47:16 +0000 Nicola 987072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started to reply to this yesterday but was hit by brain fade ('cos I'm sick ) It got me thinking though and I realised how in the search for a workable wardrobe I simply have to chill out and enjoy myself. Buying things I love (within the parameters of what suits me) is what makes my wardrobe 'me' and gives me the spark I'm after. And I've sort of lost track of exactly what the question was, but that's where it got me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986945 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 20:15:24 +0000 christieanne 986945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I am practical. I want most of my clothes to "bail me out" (perfect description) but know they will also serve as accents for the occasional real star of the show. <br />In the last year I have totally embraced color and pattern but I mix them with a base of neutral. I want the neutrals to be workhorses that I can mix and wear again and again without letting me down. I think the "love" there grows over time. The things I "crush" on will be here one day, gone tomorrow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986916 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 19:30:19 +0000 unfrumped 986916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that the basics or backbones still need to be good quality and fit well and all of that.<br />&nbsp;I'm still very dependent on black work pants although for decades I've also always purchased as many not-black trousers as I could find that worked for me.<br />All those brands like Austin Reed and even Jones New York used to put out a fair number of different fabrics in browns, grays, and taupes, &nbsp;and in tweeds and checks and so on. Yum. However, the fits did not stay up with the trends. &nbsp;Now even the high-dollar brands now seldom do much with interesting fabrics.</p> <p>Anyhoo, while still trying to stay on the lookout for items to create workwear capsules that aren't using black pants, I meanwhile have focused on having several pairs I really "love" out of all others--a couple of classic types and a couple of more trendy types--because they DO allow me to create outfits. And I'm not adding any more so-so ones just to have more pairs hanging in the closet. But, I need these to get out the door in the morning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986899 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 19:09:43 +0000 Susie 986899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this discussion! Like Mary, I want a wardrobe that includes pieces that I love that are also very wearable. For me, that might mean pairing a great top with a basic bottom. The pants might not be ones that capture my heart, but I "love" them for making it possible to wear that top. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986758 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 14:57:45 +0000 BridgetteRaes 986758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks La Belle! I can't thank you guys enough for linking to my post! I am glad you are all getting value! It's always interesting to see how things are perceived by readers! I do a series every Sunday night called "What am I going to wear to work tomorrow?" It goes up around 7pm and, a little preview, tonight I am talking about work dress outfits for casual, creative and corporate work environments. Stay tuned!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986751 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 14:50:03 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 986751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I am really enjoying this discussion!&nbsp; &nbsp; A lot of food for thought here, and Bridgette, your site has been a great read </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986698 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 13:12:00 +0000 BridgetteRaes 986698@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hi MaryK! Thanks! I am glad you are enjoying it! It's always rewarding when people find my blog as a helpful resource! When you blog it's easy to feel like you are talking to a wall. Feedback is always encouraging! </p> <p>It's easy to fall out of love with anything, especially after it has been worn many times. I had a dress once that I wore to death. By the end of the summer I said, "If I wear this dress one more time I am going to die from boredom." Turns out I unknowingly was on my way to my bridal shower. I now have photos for the rest of my life wearing that dress. But, interestingly, I put it on the back burner for a while and took it out again recently and I sort of enjoy it again. This is not to say you have to hold on to anything but it is funny how we can find new enjoyment for it when we take a break from it or learn to wear it differently. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986533 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:32:43 +0000 MsMary 986533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bridgette, your web site is new to me and I'm totally hooked!</p> <p>I am trying to have it both ways:&nbsp; A workable wardrobe made up of pieces I love.&nbsp; After a couple of years of over-buying, I have gotten pretty good at not bringing home anything unless I love it (and it loves me back) AND it fits in my wardrobe.&nbsp; I think it's definitely possible! </p> <p>And yes, I fall out of love.&nbsp; Just this week I realized I no longer love my yellow silk blouse from Anthropologie, so out it will go!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986529 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 02:18:23 +0000 BridgetteRaes 986529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Isabel! Thanks! I agree, there are wonderful options out there! In 11years of dressing women I have always been able to find what they need. It's all out there. You just need to know what you are looking for and where to find It! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986519 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:56:29 +0000 Isabel 986519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bridgette, just bookmarked your article on evernote to read ! &nbsp;I loved the first couple of paragraphs alone. &nbsp;The good news is that there are soooo many options today. &nbsp;I actually look stylish camping and hiking now ! &nbsp;There are some awesome brands. &nbsp;I have really great biking clothes. Fab sports bras. And so on. &nbsp;Life is good.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986510 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:37:43 +0000 BridgetteRaes 986510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! Haha, it's like falling in love with a bad boy. But I think making a love purchase from time to time is fine, as long as we do it consciously, knowing full well that the piece may not get a ton of wears. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe/page/2#post-986506 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:35:19 +0000 Isabel 986506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great topic, thank you for starting it !</p> <p>To answer your question, no I don't think that if one loves something enough that we can make it work. &nbsp;I feel the same way about men, oddly enough ! &nbsp;LOL. &nbsp;But I expect more of my clothes than my husband.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't understand why exactly, but getting a truly workable wardrobe is very difficult. I say that at 49 and still struggling many times. There is a huge psychological component and a societal/media one. &nbsp;I don't think that it is at all a coincidence that Angie is exceptional at what she does because she studied psychology and has a degree in it.</p> <p>So much of what we see is "aspirational" not "inspirational". &nbsp;It took me decades to figure out that there was nothing in Vogue that I could use...or at least I didn't know how. &nbsp;Those visions of women in tulle riding horses through fields in Ibizia gave me a hell of a time trying to apply it. &nbsp;Haha. &nbsp;Even now, so many of the bloggers get really dressed up. &nbsp;Anything else would be somewhat boring. &nbsp;It would be like a reality show where they follow me getting my kids to school, loving my Swiffer as I use it, watching the deer out the window and not fighting with anyone. No one would watch except my mom. &nbsp;The truth is that fashionistas and magazines and designers wouldn't make much money selling us "workable" . &nbsp;So we think that the way to do it is to dress for show and not for utility. &nbsp;As a stay at home mom, this has been an enormous struggle for me. &nbsp;But Angie ( and the other ladies via example ) have taught me that it doesn't need to be universal 10, but a 10 for ME. &nbsp;Whether it is the color of a t shirt that I love or the fit or the comfort...but something about it for me should be wonderful. &nbsp;And I am at the point where practically everything in my closet is. &nbsp; Now I just can't look at Vogue.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-986501 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:30:19 +0000 Janet 986501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad you chimed in, Bridgette. I enjoy your blog.</p> <p>My outfit today is a great demonstration of both of those kinds of love. I wore two distinctive pieces that were love/crush at first sight -- my Karen Millen tank and my Tuttle sandals, and one of those more steady, predictable pieces, my DKNY capris. The capris could easily go to boring frumpytown if not styled thoughtfully, and they are not exciting, but very useful. I looked at them in the store during no fewer than three visits before finally deciding to try them. But all of these items have ended up being workhorses. </p> <p>I also really like Krish's categories. I am trying to be better about recognizing what it is that attracts me to an item, and what that means for it's place in my wardrobe. But much like love, sometimes it just isn't predictable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-986467 Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:01:07 +0000 BridgetteRaes 986467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hello everyone! Wow, I am so flattered by the mention of my blog! I was really expecting a lot more heat about what I wrote, but it has been embraced and supported by many! Thanks for the feedback here. I have found this thread so interesting and insightful! If I may add my two cents, I think it is about having both. I tell my clients all the time- Some pieces in the wardrobe will be staples, which I describe like those friends you can rely on, who weren't voted popularity plus in the yearbook but would probably bail you out of a Mexican prison, for example. The other pieces are the exciting ones, pieces that are way more exciting, like those friends that are a bit more gregarious, carefree and with whom you share those "remember when we were out until 3am and met those guys and..." They may not be the most reliable but they are a lot of fun. Truth is, you can't have a balanced wardrobe without both the fun and the staples. The goal for everyone is finding that balance and what those particular pieces are for you, specifically. Anyway, that's how I see it. What a lovely group you have here, Thanks again for the mention! Have a great rest of the weekend! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985915 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 12:04:29 +0000 krishnidoux 985915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Such an interesting topic! This thread is a great read, very provocative.&nbsp;<br />I went on the website and read the article (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bridgetteraes.com/2013/07/17/most-women-dont-want-a-workable-wardrobe/">http://www.bridgetteraes.com/2.....-wardrobe/</a>) and I must say I agree with her 100%.&nbsp;</p> <p>You ask, Is loving an item a good reason enough to keep it in your wardrobe?</p> <p>Well, let's define the concept of&nbsp;"love" first:</p> <p>1) <u>Love at first sight</u>: Yes, it will find a way to my closet provided I am not in a tight spot with money at the time. Will it stay there? Another question... I have a few love-at-first-sights that turned out to be all wrong for me. Not that they didn't match anything else (although, that too), but mostly, they turned out to be utterly unwearable. Examples: a long see-through maxi print skirt with a super short opaque slip (what as I thinking?), a very loose trapeze colourful cami, unwearable on its own unless I show too much skin, a pair of platform neon green sandals (I mean...???). That said I also have <i>many </i>love-at-first-sight that turned out to be workhorses.&nbsp;</p> <p>2) <u>Mental love</u>: I mean, love that is guided by your mind, not your heart. Surprisingly, this also sometimes&nbsp;leads to closet orphans and mistakes. I think I need it when really, I end up never wearing it. Maybe because another woman <i>would </i>need it in my closet, but not me.&nbsp;</p> <p>3) <u>Hypnotic love</u>: I think I need it because it's on trend, or because I was inspired by someone wearing it and I want one too. Yes, this leads to too many mistakes.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, to answer you question, yes, loving an item is a good reason enough in the beginning, but not in the long run.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the end, the item has to be there for me when I need it. If too&nbsp;many times it's not, it is shown the door. ( or donate pile lol).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985906 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 11:52:50 +0000 Lantana 985906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A timely post for me, so thank you unfrumped. I have waged a battle these past few days against buying stuff I love in the sales and so far my discipline has been winning.<br /> My style goals are so clouded that I really don't want to get anything new until the fog lifts. This thread helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985793 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 05:11:07 +0000 Caro in Oz 985793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks UF this post&nbsp;has been&nbsp;very helpful.&nbsp;<br />Like Angie I see so many things I love but since joining YLF&nbsp;I try to only buy the ones that<b> love me back.</b> They need to&nbsp;love my body, my lifestyle &amp; my personality. They can be items I want to wear everyday like my SE booties or items I wear a few times a year like my skirt suit. They can be high or low price items - but not poor quality. I know when&nbsp;I've found the right&nbsp;pieces because I stop looking for a replacement for&nbsp;that particular item or category.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985718 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 03:07:20 +0000 unfrumped 985718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, you're so right, there is "logical" in a dry way that proves neither lovable nor workable, in the end. So that's no good, either. </p> <p>I think of Mr. Spock on Star Trek, saying this or that is logical, whilst the humans are confusing him with their emotional responses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985613 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 01:01:21 +0000 Cindy 985613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting topic. I think I have achieved a good balance between workable and lovable. In general I buy when I need to replace something or fill a hole in my wardrobe but I wait until I find an item that I love. For example when I needed to replace a worn cardigan I bought one that I loved because it was my favorite color and very soft and snuggly instead of just buying the first thing that I found in my size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985576 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:33:01 +0000 Anonymous 985576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my mistakes are those logical pieces that may fit well but are not loved. This happens most when I find something that fits well into a capsule logically. I just purged a polyester skirt I'd thrifted for a travel capsule. It had a print that went with many tops, was long enough, could be washed in a sink, hung to dry and would be ready to wear the next day. But I kept passing over it for other pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985559 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:22:33 +0000 Suz 985559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I just love your thoughts on this! It is funny....I said there are not many items I love. And it is true, in a way....but most of the items I buy, I love at first sight (or first try-on) the way you describe. They might be essentials that some other people could consider "dull,"&nbsp;&nbsp;but they make me feel wonderful.&nbsp;</p> <p>I believe in love-at-first-sight relationships, too. It was like that with me and Mr. Suz. Maybe not *love* at first sight. But recognition.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am not sure my adjectives would be quite the same. I would need to think on that.&nbsp;</p> <p>UF, it sounds as if you've really recognized the joy that a high quality, current&nbsp;essential or easily mixable&nbsp;item can have. I completely understand this feeling. I bought a Theory sweater last year and would have preferred to wear it all the time!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985553 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:15:45 +0000 Janet 985553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I so relate to your remarks! Falling in love with items...and resisting the urge to wear the beloved all the time...and falling out of love too. Dare I say, I think I've fallen out of love with a few things from just a couple of years ago, like my Doc Marten black and white shoes (Sara's?). I have a hard time letting go when I've fallen out of love, which is a big part of why my closet is so full. "I'll just give him one more chance..." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985545 Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:08:47 +0000 Angie 985545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I fixed my typos. Sorry about that :(</p> <p>And more prudence is good! I'm glad you're finding items you love. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985535 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 23:59:41 +0000 unfrumped 985535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, it's great to hear your take on this. Talk away!<br />It was a pretty emotional-driven decision to get the D&amp;G blouse. I love how I look in it, even though it was perhaps not the most prudent purchase.&nbsp; And also the EF big sweater.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;The color schemes were practical, though and so that fit the workable part.<br />Black with ivory dots, and medium gray, respectively. Not intending "dull" but had to work with everyday items and not be special-outfit only.<br />So in part I'm having the experience as in your first sentence. There are more lovable things out there than I had first realized. So, more prudence will be needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/workable-vs-lovable-wardrobe#post-985521 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 23:43:35 +0000 Angie 985521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I bought everything I loved, I'd need a closet the size of a city. </p> <p>Unfrumped, I love items for many different reasons. I can love a piece that comes out every few years. At the moment, I still absolutely love a tomato red retro dress that I last wore three years ago. I've had it for 12 years and I don't feel like wearing it any time soon,<i><b> </b></i><b><i>but I just love that dress</i></b><i><b>!</b></i></p> <p>At the other end of the extreme, I love my white BF jeans so much I want to wear them a few times a week!</p> <p>I have Anne Fontaine shirts that I have to prevent myself from wearing too much to keep them extra pristine - and I really want to wear them all the time because I love them so much. </p> <p>I don't need to wear something over time to love it. With me, it's an immediate thing. Just like my husband was love at first sight - so are items of my wardrobe. I love the DVF pullover I just bought at the NAS, which was love at first sight, and I can't wait to wear it! I wear my heart on my sleeve. </p> <p>I can fall out of love with something too. Over night. Like my Fidjis and ruffle jacket. And I pass them on. </p> <p>I'm analytical, but really listen to my emotions. I love items that make me feel a certain way. Happy, loved, attractive, powerful, vulnerable, disciplined and in control. </p> <p>Oh goodness. Now I've talked your ear off </p>