Angie’s Magic- Using YLF Finds to Solve Fashion Problems

Angie is a hero of mine for so many reasons! Her relentless optimism rooted in reality, her advocacy for style for everyone, the tools and advice she shares on this blog, and the magic she has worked in the time I’ve been her client! Almost every week in the 2+ years she’s worked with me I’ve had a new realization of how her perspective has impacted my clothes and attitude.

Because of her guidance, I now have a closet with great pieces that make me feel fab. So many FFBOs!!!! I’m literally more successful in my professional life because I look great without much stress.

BUT! A few weeks ago I started having trouble in the mornings- feeling frustrated when choosing clothes. Before Angie, I would have had thoughts like, clothes are too difficult, I don’t understand how style and wardrobe works, I need to start over or just give up. This time, though, I suddenly realized that the weather has changed! And while I have great clothes for warmer temps, I don’t have the shoes to make those clothes work.

Once I identified the problem, I went to my finds page on YLF and created some collections of the items I was reaching for but not wearing because I don’t have the shoe. As I clicked the pics, I was able to sort them into groups that could be styled with the same shoe. I realized I have grey, white and patterned bottoms, a blue pinstriped blouse, a denim shirt, and a couple dresses that will all be back in action if I find some pointy-toe silver loafers. I have another collection that needs comfortable yellow flats in order to work.

Instead of feeling completely overwhelmed by my own frustration and feeling like I need a whole new wardrobe, I was able to identify the problem and find good, budget-friendly solutions. I don’t need more clothes- I need two pairs of shoes that will unlock all the value of the beautiful things I already own!

Thank you SO MUCH to Angie for her unique approach to style and the tools she gives us to succeed!!

1 year ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Props to you, too, for your diagnostic skills!

Irina

Impressive, both of you!

Suz

(website)

Wow, this is wonderful and amazing! What a great analysis! Can you show us your collections? I'd love to see.

Also, I want your silver pointy toed flats (if they will stay on my feet) and maybe your yellow shoes too, so please share what you're shopping for!

The Finds feature is super useful. I have even been tracking wears on it! I know for someone who likes spreadsheets it would seem crazy, and it is a bit labour intensive, but at the same time, seeing the collection of things I've worn over the winter months is fascinating to me. If you click on the info for each item you can see how often I have worn it in the "comments" section -- I just make a mark each time it is worn.

Bijou

Aloha Emily - thank you for sharing how you got to realise what the issue really was. I hope you enjoy your new shoes.

Tanya

Thank you for sharing this! Your analytical and problem-solving skills are impressive. I, too, would like to see the new shoes and related clothes.

Dee

Great to hear and you’re absolutely right on how getting that one missing item can suddenly unlock a whole lot of wear out of our wardrobe

April

Brilliant. I don't use Finds but this explanation is so clear on how useful it can be, I may have to start - thanks, AE.

aloha emily

Active Member

Thank you so much for the comments! I love this community’s support and insight. Here is a collection of items I think mustard flats would ignite: https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=12554

Hot pink sandals would make these items more versatile: https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=12556

And silver flats would make these items wearable: https://youlookfab.com/finds/c.....tion=12555

I’ve ordered the shoes in the collections- I think the mustard flats and pink sandals are keepers, but the silver flats went back- too big and also I got impatient and tried a round toe since I couldn’t find a pointy toe. Then they arrived and I realized the sharpness of a pointy toe really matters to me for these looks. I’m trying the attached instead

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Suz, you’re one of my YLF heroes- your looks are always chic and wearable!!!

kkards

Wow. What a smart and accessible way to approach the issue! And wow I love these Nine West loafers.

April, entering everything into finds took some time, but it’s so worth it! I hope you’ll try it

Kkards- me too!! I sure hope they’re comfy, because my feet are really picky these days!

Dee, you’re right! And so much better for my budget! it took seeing the images to notice themes. I’m not able to see throughlines without images in front of me- but with all the pictures side by side, it made sense! And it’s so encouraging to see that my wardrobe now is coherent and true to my likes. No weird sore thumb items- and there used to be a lot of unwearable outliers!

Tanya, bijou, Irina and DonnaF, thank you so much for the encouragement. I’ve really invested time in learning about managing my wardrobe (and Angie has invested time in me!), and it is SO paying off. I have many more “thank-you-Angie” posts to write! I own a small business that made
It through the pandemic and is now finally growing again. Looking and feeling pulled together in and out of the office is making such a difference. Plus after decades of feeling frustrated by style, it’s wonderful to truly feel fabulous in my clothes!

Cee

We're fortunate Angie uses her powers and gifts for good instead of not so good.

Helena

Love this post! Love Angie! Love YLF!

Runcarla

Footwear is so important to the overall look of an outfit. Brilliant of you to identify so well what you need and source it out. Excellent way to put ‘Finds’ to work for you.

rachylou

What Helena said. Thank you so much for sharing, Emily. This has been most illuminating!! You have really made me think about strategy and strategic thinking. I would think about for shoes for an outfit but never has it occurred to me to consider shoes across several at once. Smart!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Aloha Emily, WOW.

Thank you for the awfully kind words and shout-outs! I'm BLUSHING. You are generous and kind, and that is much appreciated. You are also a very hard worker and conscientious student! YOU can be very proud of what you have accomplished

What makes me most proud is how happy you are with your style and in your own skin. You ooze optimism and a contagious positive attitude. Thank you for your very good energy!

Good job trouble shooting the shoe issue! You are well on your way to acing the challenge, and I hope you find very comfy shoes! I know how hard comfy dressy shoes can be to find. Always onward and onto the next solution!

Thank you Helena and Rachy!

LJP

Very interesting ! I don’t use finds very often and certainly not for how it’s intended . I often think “ I should “ but it’s just one more thing to do that will likely send me over the edge

Style Fan

I love this post! I am a fan of Angie and YLF! Finds is so helpful. It is time-consuming entering everything but so worth it.

I'm blushing, too, Aloha Emily. Thank you so much!

And I love your capsules and agree 100% that those mustard and silver shoes (when you find the right silver ones) are going to work brilliantly, not just to tie outfits together but also to make you feel really freshened up and fun.

I've always found the transitional seasons to be the toughest ones to figure out, and very often footwear is the issue. Current (and comfortable) footwear is literally foundational!

Jaime

I am very impressed. And heading over to look at your collections !

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