https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 04:59:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted/page/2#post-548294 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:35:35 +0000 ManidipaM 548294@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Fashionista.</p> <p>Krishnidoux, you make an excellent point about adjusting to a 'different' body. I need to keep that in mind, knowing that clothes WILL hang differently now. I suppose I'm not sure what constitutes a 'good fit' on this body, and knowing in some cases that it could be better leaves me biased.</p> <p>Thank you too for the Clarks recommendation. They're fairly newly arrived here, and I do intend to try them out. Artisan looks like my kind of shoe! The Xsensible, sadly, is unlikely to be found hereabouts, but one to look out for when I travel, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-548274 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:04:09 +0000 krishnidoux 548274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all of your outfits. You are doing really well here. My favourite one of all is #9. Maybe your feeling comes from having lost weight and having to slip in back to clothes that reflect a different body than the one you have. You do well to explore. Belts look fantastic on you.</p> <p>What a great read too. So vivid, lively. </p> <p>For having lived in a country with suffering side-walks myself, may I make a footwear suggestion: if you can put your hands on (your foot in) heeled Clarks Artisan, try it. It's like walking on a cloud. I wore mine (<a href="http://www.shoesopia.com/shop/product/1/5286-161/Clarks-Artisan-Passion-Shoes-Burgundy-Women.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoesopia.com/shop/.....Women.html</a>) for miles on beaten streets without a scratch on them or blister on me. Another great brand I found for all terrain walking is X-sensible. although the styles might be a bit more casual, my experience of walking on uneven, disappearing pavement was completely different with those on (I got those <a href="http://www.geelongorthotics.com.au/news-next.aspx?pid=19" rel="nofollow">http://www.geelongorthotics.co.....spx?pid=19</a>). The thicker sole elevates you somewhat, similar to wedges, so you "rise" above obstacles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-548266 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:40:43 +0000 fashionista 548266@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I read your "subject" I thought you were seriously in mess with your wardrobe, but as I saw your pictures, I was shocked literally in a good way. Your outfit are fabulous and those shoes in #11 and #12 are just too comfortable and practical for life in Indian roads and weather. Cheers lady.!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-548200 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:29:57 +0000 ManidipaM 548200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>StacyJo, Freckles, Vicki, Ornella, Taylor -- THANK YOU! You're too kind, all of you ladies!</p> <p>Elly, thank you so much for underlining what I needed to understand --- how to add depth to a two- (rather than three-) garment combination with no topper. I always feel like I'm in school uniform unless I add jewellery or a scarf --- and that's not always practical, so I go out feeling meh. I hadn't considered that simply adding interest to one of the base pieces could be key.</p> <p>And I'm in complete agreement about mixing traditional textiles and crafts with more modern (or for us, 'Western') garments. It really roots and at the same time updates the look, I feel. But there are those here at home who have other ideas. I guess I was a little naive, thinking just because they were v successful fashion magazine editors/designers/stylists, they had more 'say' than I did on style --- especially my personal style! Looking back, I'd smack myself upside the head.</p> <p>Nancylee, I still haven't necessarily gotten it either. I mean, I get what Angie says; but I'm still wondering, what if there wasn't that specific mix of pattern, what then...? How do I pull this off again next time?</p> <p>Una, you're right about the kurtis. They are the mainstay of my casual days (anyway, since I work from home when not stomping around town, it's pretty easy); these specific outfits were more for slightly more formal/dressy situations. </p> <p>I do need to expand my set of kurtis too though --- I've made a few mistakes in recent years because I'd just doubted my taste too much and also given up on myself a bit. Also, I've only recently inched into skinnies and churidars, so many of my kurtis are cut to work better with a more voluminous bottom. However, experiments underway there too! Hope I have something to show for it soon </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547938 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:40:00 +0000 taylor 547938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a fabulous start to your wardrobe!! I was expecting something else entirely...You have lovely pieces and put them together well.</p> <p>I love your writing style and enjoy reading! Everyone has given you great advice so I can hardly wait to see what you come up with:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547764 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:59:58 +0000 catgirl 547764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manipada, you are hilarious! I have been to visit my family in the monsoon and can't imagine what I would do if I had to dress up! </p> <p>These outfits are not at all what you describe. They are quite nice. I'm not sure on the length of the maxi-skirt type outfit, but everything else looks appropriate and professional.</p> <p>That said, given your ability to do casual for work, is there any reason you're steering away from skinny jeans and kurtas/kurtis? Or even a pencil skirt and kurti? I imagine your dad could whip you up some beautiful cotton ones in the style of Fabindia or Anokhi or any of those stores. I wear that look all summer here, and it should work for winter there, at least. </p> <p><a href="http://industrend.com/how-to-wear-skinny-jeans-leggings-with-kurti" rel="nofollow">http://industrend.com/how-to-w.....with-kurti</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547721 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:21:38 +0000 Ornella 547721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I just saw I was blown away by your writing style from day one and I have just realized why? I just love it when someone has *the* way with words. </p> <p>How fun you're in India! That will certainly broaden our style horizons even more. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547712 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:14:32 +0000 nancylee 547712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ay! I obviously can't distinguish between frumpy and retro. Angie's fashion palate is far more developed than mine, Manidipa, so feel free to disregard my opinion on #4-5. My eye has clearly not adjusted to the midi-length for pencil skirts. That said, how YOU feel in an outfit is what matters most. If you feel good and you have Angie's blessing, I say go for it. On the other hand, if you feel frumpy in a look.....well, it just might not be right for you. </p> <p>BTW, I love the traditional Indian look of churidar pants and a tunic and have often thought it would be a lovely way to dress. If I were you I'd dress like that every day! I echo Elly's suggestion of adding color to your look...I'd love to see you in color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547681 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:33:58 +0000 Vicki 547681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What impresses me with your post, Manidipa, and I was "hooked" instantly, too, is your diverse wardrobe shown here and your diverse working environment. You have to be ready for anything, it seems, on location and temperature-wise, and you've displayed it well here.</p> <p>Your jewelry and scarf accessories are lovely and, for some reason, I really like you in #9 and 10, for the color and style. I have no reason other than it looks really pretty on you. The shoes in 11 and 12 look quite comfortable and work well.</p> <p>I would LOVE to see you bring Angie's idea and East-West together and I CAN'T WAIT to see your next posting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547661 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:19:18 +0000 Elly 547661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa-- I agree with Angie about the looks in 4/5--- I would love to see you in more color. What does it for me is the well-tailored fit and the color for me. Some of the other options have nice tailoring, but without the additional structure of the jacket, they (to my eye) need a healthy dose of color to add depth to outfits worn in the heat without "completer" pieces that those of us that live in cooler climates can use and stand up against your deep coloring. </p> <p>I don't think any of us "Western" ladies would dare say traditional Indian gear is frumpy by virtue, rather than on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes the national costume can be perfectly adapted to the conditions and climate-- and Indian textiles are beautiful. I live and work in a Native American community with different but equally gorgeous traditions of textile art, jewelry making, and bead/quill work-- I always love to see it make it's way into the daily wardrobes of community members. There are quite a few women that successfully compensate for a looser shape or a "stodgy" traditional association by mixing western gear with traditional items/handicrafts and because of the beauty of the work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547617 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:29:26 +0000 Freckles 547617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Loved your well written post.<br /> All of your items are fab and you certainly look gorgeous in them.<br /> I think getting to the next level of style is a journey no matter where you start, good luck in accomplishing what you set out to do.</p> <p>I'd love it if I looked as put together as you do... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547600 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:13:45 +0000 StacyJo 547600@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I can add is that your look is spot on! Very elegant. Will ditto Angie and would love to see your mixes of Western/Indian style...no doubt it will be outstanding! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547549 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:51:21 +0000 ManidipaM 547549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MrsE/Steph --- Great minds clearly think alike. </p> <p>I actually wear traditional 'gear' half my days for comfort and practicality, and also because I'm a complete magpie for variety with fussy skin that does not like collars, cuffs and waistbands on a daily basis. But I've been a bit shy about showing them here (though I did post the one that needed solving) because I went through a couple of slightly traumatizing years where colleagues at a fashion magazine all piled on me with their insistence that Indian was frumpy by definition because of the looser silhouettes. Ack! </p> <p>I didn't agree with them, actually --- not having taken entire leave of my senses! But I did lose a lot of confidence when all (bar one fab, fab editor) out of over a score of 'fashion-forward' ladies insisted the idea was a washout. As I said, I still wear them. But I always wonder what people see when I'm in those. </p> <p>Part of me *knows* many of these ladies had "issues". The other part whispers "So how do you know it's them, and not you being silly?" </p> <p>So again, thank you for the support. </p> <p>It is indeed bedtime soon, though a journalist's day starts pretty late (2pm some days?) and carries on into the wee hours. I shall have a smile on my face when I turn in today, thanks to all of you YLFers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547527 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:26:59 +0000 mrseccentric 547527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love it! You're looking lovely and professional, your shoes (esp. the mary janes!) are great, definitely pursue the scarf thing, and i love love love 4 &amp; 5 so much!!!!</p> <p>I lived in Oakland, CA for a while in an apt. complex with a lot of northern Indian families. The ladies wore 'suits' with the tunic and flowing trousers.....i agree with Angie, why not get a couple of suits in gorgeous colors? Blues are an obvious, maybe orange? You could wear them traditional-style and also mixed with your western-style pieces. I first thought of this when you were describing clambering around construction sites, they are much easier to move around in than a pencil skirt (Especially when you avoid the sky-high heels the ladies would wear with suits for going out : )</p> <p>heehee, i am wondering what time it is in Manidipa's part of the world right now - i am thinking sleep, maybe! Happy Day everyone, steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547523 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:18:40 +0000 Angie 547523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*chuckle* </p> <p>The items in #4 and #5 fit perfectly, and the pattern mixing looks fresh to my eye. Perceptions will differ, but I don't see matronly when I see that outfit. I see 'Mad Men". Retro - not frumpy. There is often a fine line between the two, but I believe that you crossed it. </p> <p>I am so excited that you love the idea of combining your Indian and Western clothes!!! I have a client or two who do the same thing and they look AMAZING to my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547520 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:29 +0000 celia 547520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved that you posted this.All of us to different degrees have the same kind of thoughts about our wardrobe.Sometimes we have different activities with different challenges that overlap and in our mind it seems a mess.But it is not really so.<br /> Your outfits are great, very polished and chic, no wonder they are safe bets for you.<br /> You already have great advice. From my point of view you feel like like a style refresher, meaning that you already have great style but want to take it to other level and make it even more you.<br /> I think you will come up with different ways to mix the items that you already have that will make you happy and stunn us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547519 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:14:59 +0000 Beth Ann 547519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Angie's idea, Mandipa. I saw a lovely tunic (although I don't think it was in silk) on the "East" sight that I think you posted the other day. A soft, Indian top with the pencil skirt -- yummy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547517 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:12:05 +0000 ManidipaM 547517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie! You can now knock me down with a peacock feather! ::fanning self:: You just made the rest of my week!</p> <p>I had NO. NOTION. WHATSOEVER. that you'd rate #4/5 of all things! Please, can I also trouble you to explain why you think it's not Frumpsville? Because I had the same idea as MissVee and Suz; I just didn't know what to do about it. But you say it works... why? Or what about a similar get-up could tend to frumpy or dated in terms of proportions, lengths, fits...? I really-really need to understand this.</p> <p>And I very much like the idea of combining East and West, Angie! I'm going to experiment there, and would love everyone's help with ideas and inspiration. </p> <p>:: Goes digging in drawers for silky Indian tops, to be shown next week :: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547514 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:06:28 +0000 Angie 547514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wondering if you saw my comment? Would love your response to my question. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547502 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:00:55 +0000 ManidipaM 547502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann, Vix, Shannon --- thank you so much for weighing in, ladies! </p> <p>Beth Ann --- that is a very interesting idea, to shorten the long skirt. I'm going to pin it up and have a go at experimenting this weekend. It is, in fact, in a slightly precarious place already with the hem starting to sink downwards as I lose weight and waist! </p> <p>Vix --- FIRST, you have to tell me how you get the text to boldface! Please! You're spot on about the first skirt too --- it too has sunk its hemline as I lost weight. This one is harder to fix than the long one, as it has gathered kick pleats at the back; but yes, certainly worth a try. And Vix, thanks for the MaiTai endorsement -- I just discovered her a week or two ago myself, and have been exploring just that necklace idea! Not confident enough yet to execute, but so good to hear I'm on the right track. Lab burners are in business!</p> <p>Shannon --- I had to grin like a Cheshire reading your note. I gravitate to turquoise to the point where I put myself on a no-blue diet a year ago. I need to restock in my current size; but I still have a few up my sleeve!</p> <p>Ladies, I just want to thank all of you again for the reassurance. Maybe it's my own uncertainty or that my eye isn't 'in' to some of these silhouettes on myself yet; but I was ready to howl after a point this weekend. Now I can go back to the drawing board knowing what's working, what isn't --- and look for ideas to tweak these in the right direction.</p> <p>Also, heartened to hear the shoes are not *that* terrible. I need to go shopping still, I know, but I won't feel as desperate (which makes for bad impulse buys) knowing that they're not all-out disasters. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547467 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:42:40 +0000 Angie 547467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa! I am just SO thrilled that we have an active forum member based out of India. It tickles my toes :)</p> <p>You are breathtaking in #4 and #5. Absolutely k-word worthy. I know that look is only reserved for Winter in India. But you have it down.</p> <p>I also love your pencil skirt in #1 and #2. Ballet flats work so well with pencil skirts in my opinion. How about pairing those two items with a loose silky Indian top instead? No scarf. </p> <p>M, I was wondering whether you'd be comfortable marrying your Indian clothes and jewelry with Western wear (I don't know how else to express that so I hope it does not sound off). That could be a gorgeous signature look for you. </p> <p>And I'd love to see your beautiful hair down one day too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547458 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:30:38 +0000 Transcona Shannon 547458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well after reading your descriptions I was expecting something positively hideous in your photos and wasn't I surprised - these are all actually pretty darned good outfits ManidipaM! And your footwear is nowhere near as bad as you think. Because your have such a lovely figure and your skirts are more fitted and blouses tucked, you can definitely pull off the longer skirt lengths you are wearing. I find them very flattering on you. And that turqoise colour is DIVINE for you (note to ManidipaM - buy more turqoise when you can!). The only outfit that isn't working for me is #9 - individually the top and skirt are good but there's something about that belt that isn't working to my eye. Maybe a slightly narrower belt with not as long a "tail" would work better?</p> <p>All in all, you have good pieces to work with and a good eye for putting things together! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547414 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:36 +0000 Vix 547414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Manidipa --</p> <p>You actually had me buying the "hot mess" thing until I got to your photos and saw a bunch of pulled-together, tailored looks!</p> <p>I'd say your closet definitely has some great pieces for your (very interesting!) work life. </p> <p>I echo the thoughtful comments above, and just have some general thoughts....</p> <p><strong>* I know midi is in, but I do think those of us with less height often look best at at- or just-above-the-knee or maxi. </strong></p> <p>You're proving the latter to me, so I wonder about taking up the first skirt a bit. [You can test with safety pins/clips/tape to get a general idea, then snap a photo for comparison....]</p> <p><strong>* I prefer you in the more open necklines -- the first blouse with the scarf tied to maintain a "V" vs the scarf treatment in #3, the jacket look, the gorgeous-on-you blue, and the white top all create a nice sense of balance for me.</strong></p> <p>I'd continue to play around with creating that openness around your neck and carry it through to the jewelry and accessories. </p> <p>Clearly you have a knack for the chic scarf thing -- I'd love to see you explore more looks there. [Esp as I am scarf-impaired.] If you google "scarf necklace" I know the blogger MaiTai has demonstrated how to wear scarves as necklaces and attach them to tank straps so the scarf becomes the neckline.</p> <p>I'm also thinking pendants with almost "invisible" chokers so the pendant floats, or longer necklaces that sit further away from the neck.</p> <p>You're off to a great start so hey -- cut yourself some slack and enjoy the results! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547402 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:49:05 +0000 Beth Ann 547402@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mandipa, I'm joining this thread late and you've already received such good feedback from fellow YLF'ers. I like to add my voice that 1,2,3 and 7 are very nice. I love the maxi length of the skirt is 7, but you might consider whether you would get more wear out of it if it were shortened to a midi length. Your environment is far different from mine, of course, but it's worth a thought. I, too, love the vivid blue near your face.</p> <p>I see what you mean about footwear, but I like the circle design on the black sandal, and a Mary Jane is always work appropriate. Wear these with pride, and add new shoes as you can.</p> <p>You seem to think that tucking doesn't work for you, but I love it! In my own "style journey" (I need to find another term for this) I've decided not that figure flattery is not the same as trying really, really hard to look skinny. More curvy silhouettes can be every bit as pleasing. You have a distinct curve in the waistline, which creates a nice definition to your body that is appealing and appropriate. Go for it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547368 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:05:57 +0000 ManidipaM 547368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, thank you all so much for reading and weighing in!</p> <p>Fruitful, Claire --- re the Mary Janes, those and the wedges are actually my most comfortable pair of shoes by far (both Hush Puppies rather than hi-fashion!), so it's not *that* bad I guess. Though, yes, the wedge has more stability and I would like to find a closed but perforated shoe, or a peeptoe or slingback with a wedge, block or platform heel next --- something like the shoes in #1 but minus the pink trim for versatility and in a sturdier material (those are fabric). </p> <p>Missvee, Suz, Nancylee --- thank you for pointing out exactly what I was worrying about! Yes, the separate elements of the jacket+skirt+pumps are all fairly conservative/traditional, and I have a terrible habit of 'dressing older'! (Hangover from struggling to achieve authority despite lack of height and years) I do find the jacket does much better with pants, but I've gone and outgrown all but one --- which is PPL...for proper heels! It'll have to jeans for this one, for a while :-)</p> <p>Missvee, Claire --- thanks for the advice on the colour on top. Very handy. So, yes, I need to try some more colourful tops with that skirt. Experiment in progress! I could use a couple of new necklaces, but I will have to wait a while for those. However, I have a less dressy one in that same blue which I need to try here. Thanks again for *that* idea, Claire! I also have the identical blouse in powder blue, but I need plain black shoes to work with that... (This shoe hole is taking a good definitive shape! I like it!)</p> <p>Claire --- Said bag ALWAYS contains a wrap. People's idea of indoor air-conditioning is often around 50 or so here! Brrr... Shoes might be tougher unless very light and compact. But there are ways --- small drawstring bag in hand, arrive at venue wearing very light foldable canvas shoes and change, shoving drawstring bag into straw bag...hah! Agent M ready for mission! That too is a great practical idea.</p> <p>Suz --- You're right. It can be a bit of a 'seasonal adventure'. But then again, if I'm wearing a waistband, I may as well not be bothered too much by a bit of leather on top of it! I'll have to see about getting a couple of thinner belts, though, or one that sits a little lower and looser -- being short-waisted, that ought not to be too terrible.</p> <p>Nancylee --- I hadn't thought of trying a shorter skirt there! There *is* a somewhat lonely brown in my closet that I shall try next. Thank you!</p> <p>((Sigh)) You know, I almost deleted this thread immediately after posting it, I felt so awful after discarding a whole bunch of things for bad fit this weekend. I'm a non-nail-biting, non-chocolate-guzzling woman again this evening! Thanks again to all of you lovely ladies for the kindness and reassurance. And the insights. And oh, the ideas! </p> <p>See, that's why I love YLF. Sometimes, you can't see the wood for the trees, and need someone not wearing *your* particular style blinkers to sort you out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547356 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:31:06 +0000 nancylee 547356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, I love reading your posts. They're so well-written and entertaining! And it does help to know the challenges of dressing for your lifestyle. </p> <p>I actually think most of these outfits are fine. I really like #1-2 and #7-9. I agree with missvee that #4-5 is a little matronly. Maybe you could balance the print jacket with a shorter (maybe knee-length) skirt; it seems like the proportion is off with the longer skirt. Or even try the jacket with some pants. The Mary Janes in #6 are cute.</p> <p>I know it can be frustrating to be required to work with what you have...but it can also spark creativity. And by shopping your closet, you can start to see the wardrobe holes that need to be filled. Good for you for experimenting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547350 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:25:50 +0000 Suz 547350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I KNEW you were a writer! </p> <p>And I love your description of your working life in India! </p> <p>Although I must say, from what you said I expected to see something dreadful when I got to the photos and instead I was confronted with several thoughtfully put together and texturally rich outfits! </p> <p>Love your first look, with either scarf. Yes, ideally, you will find some more fashion forward footwear, but I understand the challenges you are facing and for the time being, these are nowhere near as bad as you fear. Comfort and practicality must come first. </p> <p>I agree with missvee that #4 somehow reads as a bit matronly; perhaps it is the combo of the Mary Janes with that particular jacket. I like the items individually and think if you mixed them up with different pieces they could work well. </p> <p>And for someone who hasn't belted or tucked, you certainly show a talent for it! Those tucked looks are terrific on you! I hope you'll continue with those experiments. (And that is a gorgeous necklace, by the way). </p> <p>I am wondering if belting and tucking is perhaps a seasonal adventure where you live; I imagine in the worst heat a belt would be very uncomfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547347 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:22:23 +0000 Anonymous 547347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great read, Manidipa! No wonder, you're a journalist! Congratulations on your recent weight loss, you look great. I've been eagerly awaiting this post. I wanted to see tthe outfits and colors that you feel best in.</p> <p>I think you have some great pieces here to start with. You look amazing in the cooler tones, that blue especially and black and white, so I agree with you there. I also like the straight skirts on you; they look like they fit pretty well. I like the idea of tucking and belting for variety if it's not too hot. Colorful and/or embellished tops can carry your outfit on their own when it is too hot for a jacket or scarf. Is your wonderful straw bag big enough to carry a change of shoes and a wrap for those air conditioned interviews? I love your beautiful blue necklace. You could wear that with the white blouse, too. I think your Mary Jane pumps are very pretty, buy I have fussy feet too, so I'm sure it's more practical to wear the slip-on shoes for everyday.</p> <p>Ok, sorry for the stream of consciousness ramble. I can see why these items survived the cull. What's next? SYC for a while? Add a pair of shoes? Now we have a point of reference, so thanks for posting these pictures! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547326 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:05:03 +0000 missvee 547326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your description of life in India is so interesting! My mind is still caught up imagining what your days must be like. But, on to the clothes. My favourite, hands down, is #7 - the turquoise colour is beautiful on you and the silhouette of the maxi skirt and sleeveless top is very flattering. And of course the necklace is the perfect accent.<br /> For some reason #4 is reading as slightly matronly, even though I like all of the pieces separately. Do you have any other skirts or trousers to try with the jacket? It's a very pretty piece and fits you well. Obviously it will look good with jeans, but based on your description of the heat, they may not always be an option. What about lightweight trousers in black or whatever the neutral is in the print (can't tell if it's grey or beige). I like the pencil skirt in #1, and the outfit as shown is flattering on you (love the scarf!)but perhaps a little more colour in the top? #9 is quite a good look too. The long belt is a bit distracting, but that's an easy fix I'm sure. Overall I think you have some good basics that really flatter you. Thanks for posting!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/yikes-can-this-mess-be-sorted#post-547304 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:13:19 +0000 Fruitful 547304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa, long or not, your hilarious and vivid prose sucks me in! I'm afraid you are creating a reverse situation to what you intended - I don't really have knowledge to offer you, but I feel I've gained some by your wonderful snapshot of the day-to-day experiences of an Indian journalist!</p> <p>All I can say is I didn't see anything horrific, in fact I was pleasantly surprised to see feminine and put-together looks. I know you said tucking isn't your thing but the shirt tucked into the pencil skirt and accessorised with a scarf is particularly good on you. I also love the mary jane shoes, although they're not the most practical for your terrain!</p> <p>Over to someone else with actual, sensible advice ^_^ </p>