Ask Angie: Analyzing an outfit - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Ask Angie: Analyzing an outfit

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Sometimes I see a look I really like, but know it makes no sense for me to purchase the items, because no matter how much I'd like the outfit, I wouldn't have anywhere to wear it. I'd like to know how to break it down so I can have the essence of it in something that does fit my life. Here's an example:

I love this outfit. Once upon a time (mostly when I was a grad student/teaching one university class per semester), I wore a lot of very full, nearly tea-length skirts, generally with booties/boots. I like bright colors and drama, no matter how much I try to avoid it, is my middle name. I don't have much bust, but I have great shoulders. I prefer active transit (walking, biking, walking to/from public transit) over sitting in the driver's seat of a car. This ensemble would look good on me, imho, and I'd feel good wearing it. But I am currently a SAHM in the flattest suburbia ever (literally and figuratively). I want to get back to work, in a non-profit or government position in the NE US or in W. Europe, maybe by the end of the year, or at least a year from now. None of that works with this combo. What to do? How do I translate the fun of this outfit into something I can use?

I might have a start, but I'm not sure. Here goes: While very different from these bright red lace-up platform sandals, my footwear then was also big and "clunky" like these shoes, so it called for attention in a way that a simpler shoe (like a pump or low-heeled slingback sandle) wouldn't. I don't know if booties will be part of your suggestion, but do you see what I mean? I don't want to slavishly translate each element into a "safer" version of itself; I want its vibe. I could probably find a pale citron top that's acceptable for an office, maybe a gauzy shirt over a neutral cami, and a pencil skirt with some kind of not-very-loud floral design on a dark background. That would be a literal translation of this outfit, but it would also be its death. How do i translate the "poetry", the fun of something like this? Can you get me started on breaking clothes down into elements that I can seek/wear elsewhere?

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Dressing

35 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Liz

Veteran

Can you reattach the picture in a larger version? This one is too small really to see.

I'd start by listing what you find attractive about the picture or by listing how the outfit makes you feel. Different people would pull different things out. What is it that speaks to you? For example, the different descriptions below all fit, but would get you different kinds of outfits.

citron, arty, patterns, dress, color contrast

OR

relaxed, casual, "vacationy" alluring

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Not Angie -- obviously!!

But I know she is super busy now with the NAS and might not be able to step in immediately. She has written a ton of blog posts on defining your style persona. This is where you can begin. You might already have done this -- please forgive me if you have! -- but the archive is an excellent resource. https://youlookfab.com/archive/

In particular, you might find posts on Fashion Persona helpful:
https://youlookfab.com/categor.....n-persona/

And individual style: https://youlookfab.com/categor.....ual-style/

When I joined the forum I also struggled with the question of how to translate my style preferences to my current realities (different age, stage of life, weather issues, etc.) Those realities still create some challenges for me and my style (esp. weather...sigh...) But Angie and forum members were super helpful in getting me started on a fascinating journey. I warn you, this will take you down a long rabbit hole, but maybe it will be interesting or amusing and even applicable!

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-refine-my

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....style-long

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....oing-wrong

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....style-2015

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....scuss-long

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....r-in-style

Forum member Aida also came up with a fun way of getting down to your nitty gritty. She invited members to meditate on these categories:

PRIMARY NEUTRALS:
SECONDARY NEUTRALS:
MAIN COLORS:
ACCENT COLORS:
DON'T WEAR COLORS:
ELEMENTS OF LOVE:
ASPIRATION ADJECTIVES:

Re the outfit you show here -- the picture is tiny, but I think I can pick up the vibe -- it looks like a fabulous outfit for a casual summer date night! So one (partial) strategy is to dress like this in your date and party capsule, and make some reasons to own those clothes!

If it feels like "too much" for daily life (though I'm not sure it would be, really....) you could translate the skirt into wide crop trousers for daytime wear. No reason you can't wear vivid tops and fun footwear!

For your future work life, you will likely have to modify this -- but if you think in terms of a work capsule, then a wide midi skirt or wide leg trousers with a cropped jacket (in a more sedate tone than the skirt), with vivid wedge shoes and bright blouse and/or accessories would work just fine in many positions. You might become known as the woman with fun shoes.

There is no reason why you couldn't have a small capsule of clothes for dates, parties, casual outings, that were not pretty much exactly like what you picture here.

tulle

Veteran

I'd like to encourage you to go for this--or something close--however flat your suburbia! Look, it's a skirt and a top, summery, cool and bright. You will feel good, and your significant others (including little ones) will love you in it. The suburb will probably appreciate your effort, and if it doesn't, who cares? Now, about the outfit: for me, the drama is all about the length & fullness of the skirt and the bare, sharp, cut-in top--perfect for someone with great shoulders! The colors can be any brights that flatter you, and the print, ditto. Lots of different shoes would go with this combo: chunky-heeled or flat ankle-strapped pumps, bootie sandals, platform espadrilles with wrap ties--whatever you like. No--make that whatever you LOVE. It's Summer. Have fun!

LaPed

Veteran

I think Liz and Suz are pointing you in the right direction. You have to identify which elements of this ensemble speak to you. If what draws you to this image is the full skirt and chunky shoes, then a floral pencil skirt and red pumps absolutely will not satisfy you, even though that's one way of translating these elements.

Also -- you're in Florida, right? This strikes me as a very Floridian outfit, and if you do end up moving to a cooler, darker climate, you may find that your colour and silhouette preferences change somewhat. I moved from the northeast to the southwest and back again, and I've found that the aesthetic differences are almost as pronounced as the climate difference. So if you are planning a big move, I wouldn't do too much shopping beforehand. Wait and get a feel for the new environment.

rachylou

Veteran

I see this as Bold, Beachy, Drama. I wonder various things now: Like if the Beachy is something you really care about. Maybe it's the long skirt and a Boho vibe you'd prefer. Or maybe the flattery to a strong shoulder line... what kinds of tops did you used to wear with the long skirts and booties?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Sorry to go so long again--short is hard for me.

After reading through your responses, my first thought is that the bright colors and the contrast between the fullness of the skirt and the close fit of the top (without being tight or skimpy) are the hallmarks of this outfit for me. So even though the silhouette is totally different, maybe what I should look for are sheath dress/long topper combos. Both of those pieces appeal to me irrationally already. The challenge will be getting them in colors that are subdued enough for work and but with a little quirk of color that I read as "fun". What do you all think? Am I on the right track? I promise I'm not trying to get out of my reading assignment

Liz, thanks for pointing out the problem with the photo. I've attached a couple bigger files that I hope work better. Your next question is not so easy to respond to. It gets right to the heart of the matter. I see what you mean, that what I see as the "essence" of the outfit might not be what someone else sees in it. Since I posted this, I've been browsing around a couple sales sites (in the guise of adding "finds" for my wedding weekend WIW post). I'm noticing long toppers and am starting to think that "bright" and "paired fitted/voluminous" are the hallmarks of this look for me.

Suz, thanks for your "not-Angie" reply. I had assumed that posts to her would go into a queue somewhere we couldn't see, like an advice column for her to get around to later, but I see that's not right. She is a work monster, isn't she?
Pulling all those links together for me had to take some time. Thank you! I will work my way through them, and will probably pop back up with this post with even more questions related to them. Your reply has started to answer one question that's been rolling around in my mind: why even have a personal style/why not dress in whatever looks good on you and feels right at the moment, even if it clashes with what you had on the day before? Your idea of different capsules for different functions responds to that. I suppose the "fun" capsule could have numerous different looks--this, a matching vest and bowler hat, something else in a different almost-extreme direction... So even if I come up with a fairly narrow spectrum for work, there are other things to life (especially if you're not a grad student/prof, natch) and I could have capsules for them.

Tulle, your comment and the replies to my WIW post about the wedding are starting to convince me that I do have "something like this" (bright, crisp florals), which is why it would feel overly extravagant to get exactly this outfit. Even though I don't show up at PTA or our favorite restaurants as dressed up as this, I do tend to have a lot of bright colors and looks that are fitted in some areas, voluminous in others. (As for "it's summer--have fun!" That's part of why I want to get out of here. I've always loved summer, but here it can go weeks without seeing temps below 80 F (25 Celsius), even at 5:00 am. Stepping outside is not refreshing, whether you're just waking up in the morning or at a stuffy evening event. We close the windows and the blinds and hibernate from April/May through October)

La Pedestrienne, I can relate to what you mean about different styles in different places. I never wore black before living in Berlin for 3 years, and now sometimes still pull on black pants with a top that might be black or might be bright colored, and then, if it's chilly, pull on a black mock T-neck sweater over that. I don't think summers are "supposed" to wear black, but this can feel very comfortable to me, even in luridly pink Florida. So I think I know where your advice to wait to buy clothes once we move is coming from. I have two counter-arguments; please come back against them.

I don't fit in here. Everyone I know, irl & on line, says that this is absolutely not the place for me. I agree. I do like bright colors, and that fits in, but there's this whole other part of me that doesn't. I tend to walk the line between very classic and bright fun colors. In a place where I fit in, my style would fit in too. I'm not going to pick out our future home (where I will probably live at least until retirement, if not the rest of my days) based on matching fashions, but a place that's a good fit for me will also fit my clothes/style (most of the time).
There is no way to get good quality, style, and price quickly. Speed or one (or more) of the other variables must be sacrificed. Assuming I can swing the move, moving with my high school boy will probably be very similar to moving with him when he was a toddler/preschooler. He will need lots of emotional support from me, and no one will be able to take my place. At the same time, I will need to impress people at work, dig right into tasks, learn the ropes, deliver a little more than expected. Add in finding grocery stores, doctors, and other essentials, and learning the social landscape for kids my son's age, and I simply will not have enough time for what's required, much less time to go think about my personal style and shop for clothes for it.I will probable evolve and can add items, but think I need to be ready to hit the ground running without taking time to shop.
I notice that $$$$ are not mentioned often on here, so I haven't said much about prices either, but I tend to go very low. There is a blouse I'm about to post about that I'm on the fence about keeping. It might work for me, but $37 is higher than I usually pay, so might not be worth it. Especially if we are in W Europe, I don't know how to put together a decent wardrobe fast and inexpensively. Germany simply does not have frequent sales or clearance racks the way the US does; there are sales in August, and that's pretty much it. I assume that other countries there are similar. If I can get timeless things (notice the ages I mention my pieces are--and please tell me if they aren't as timeless as I think!) of good quality for low prices by picking them up one piece at a time now, then it will not only save money but also give me time later, when it will be a crucial commodity for me. The risk that I'd land a job that required full suiting every day is very, very slim. I'm looking for fairly conservative biz casual pieces that I can wear for years.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Rachylou, fitted Ts and fitted sweaters, maybe tank tops (fitted). See what I was writing at the same time you posted.

I think the appeal of fit-n-flare dresses for me (I want to buy every single one I see!!) is that they are very simple, not fussy, and they combine the two elements I like most.

"Simple" is probably another criteria I can add to the list of what appeals to me. I had pearl earrings and a ring along at the wedding, but they felt like too much, so I didn't wear them. As big and bright as this skirt is, it is just one piece, and it doesn't do anything unexpected (ie, no big ruffles or asymmetry). I occasionally wore a jeans jacket--faded, inherited from a guy I kissed a few times--with the skirts. I liked the "toughness" aspect it added, and being such a classic item (basic Levis), it was also very easy for the eye to "read". Even with the great big skirts (which honestly do let me do all kinds of things--ride a bike, goof off physically, sit in "unladylike" ways to read (but not in meetings, Mom)), I thought/think of myself as kind of rough. I wouldn't play 4 quarters of tackle football in this outfit, or in the things I used to wear, but if someone showed up with a frisbee or lined up to shoot a paper ball into a waste basket, I could easily get in a few catches/throws or block that shot. (Not that I do that much--I just like to feel like I could).

What did I say about "short"? It's hard for me. Sorry!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think the reasons I like black are that it is/can be a strong color itself, especially with my pale skin and blue eyes, and it can also show off bright colors well.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I also have trouble writing short. The reading assignment will help. You may be an "eclectic", someone who likes a whole lot of different stuff. Joy from the forum is one, her YLF blog is "Eclectic Joy" , and the moniker I have given myself is "eclectic matriach". I can and do wear one style one day and totally different the next. No capsule dressing for me really. I have a formula of sorts ( long over lean or tunics over skinnies) but there is heaps of variety within that. The money thing is obviously an issue and it has been easier since I've had more money but I have dressed a bit quirky even when I was a poor university student. I remember well some 1960s ( ?) "winklepickers" ( very pointy toes) bought in about 1980 for 50c from a church fair. I was a 19 y old student. Boy did I love those weird shoes and wear them and carry them off! Lots of positive comments at the time too.

Sal

Veteran

I also like this look - what I like about is the drama, the timelessness of it and the summery vibe. Would I wear it as is? No - I suspect the top would be clingy around my mid section, and I would take off the earrings. And I suspect I would not have the bright shoes and top - I would have one or the other. Then voila- I would be happy!!

And that is where the individual factor comes in....based on many things.

I am new to your posts but it can take some while to fully develop your style - some people are quicker learners than me. And as Jenni mentions some people have a very consistent style (Greyscale, Jenn, Skylurker, Deborah), and some are more eclectic (myself included I think).

If you are on a limited budget I would start by thinking about how you want to look before shopping. Maybe collecting items as finds that you like, looking at other forum members who share your tastes. I don't think you have to dress exactly like your environmental norm either - but you do have to dress in accord with your lifestyle and climate.

Suz has provided some great links for reading - there is a lot of information there.

rachylou

Veteran

I know about long range move prep. I start packing three months before I start looking for a place. Then I do a month overlap between places. Lol! Part of this is because I have a dog and transition time is better for her. Mostly because I have a lot of junk. The move happens quick, but the prep - that's something else.

I have my Gucci - but admittedly, I convince other people to pay for things like that, haha! I shop an awful lot at Ross because it's next to the pet store. Angie's MO is style at any price, leave no retail stone unturned. I like that. All my suits practically are from Ross. I tried, like, Neiman's and everything, but I like a lined suit and can't use anything flashy.

I have to go dig up the link for one of my fave fashion bloggers, who was featured here on YLF. She's in Germany.

rachylou

Veteran

By the way, have you thought about hair and underpinnings? Angie always says to start with these things.

Joy

Veteran

When you look through the archives, pay attention and try Angie's Are You Team A or Team B posts. In attempting to chose a "team", you are forced to think about how each choice affects you and figure out what you like. This helps with finding your style.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Jenni NZ, what I wrote is that much of a mishmash? Those shoes sound funny--especially if your feet are as big as mine, they would go on forever.

Sal, yes, thinking about what I want to buy is exactly why I wrote this post. The point isn't this outfit. It's learning how to break something down. The comments I've gotten about my own style are very helpful, because I hadn't thought about that much at all, so the mishmash really is my first draft about it. The top fitting closely (contrasted with the skirt) is one of the things that appeals to me about this look. TBH, I hadn't even noticed the earrings! I rarely wear jewelry. If I do, it's most often a necklace, or occasionally a bracelet--not a whole bunch of jangly things, but I do have a cuff that's about 1" wide and a couple other bracelets.

Rachylou, thanks for all those thoughts. You're great. A month overlap sounds like heaven! Unfortunately, if we get to go as far as I'm hoping, we won't be able to go back and forth. Right now I'm trying to lay down the foundation to stand on to apply for jobs, so any move is a long way off. (Tbh, the wardrobe is in some ways a motivational trick--"see? These work clothes mean it really is happening. Better get crackin'!") We are also sorting through all kinds of stuff in our garage and closets. Please do post that link when you find it. "Underpinnings"? Does that mean my weight, lol? Seriously, though, I am not a spanx kind of person. I prefer to have a midsection toned enough to provide its own girdle.

Joy, I'll watch for those. The first day I was here was R/W/B day. I'm very clearly team blue.

rachylou

Veteran

Lol re. underpinnings. Naw, basically Angie just means a professional bra fitting. Most of us ladies are in the wrong size. Everyone always says that. It effects your clothes. Like, before Angie, I always accepted a 34b was the same as 32c. Turns out, it's not. Now argue with any salesperson who tries to tell me otherwise. Hahaha!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Now I'm analyzing my wardrobe, according to the Classics blog post.

I think my style is timeless. I wear older pieces a lot, like the 9" jeans shorts and pink shirt in my wedding post. (The white pants are crops, not classic, so will eventually have to be set aside, but they are basic. I think they still work now, 9 years after I bought them. If not, I hope somebody will say something!) I also feel ok buying things for the future because I assume I'll stay close to classics/basics where ever I am.

But--get this--if a classic wardrobe contains the items Angie listed, then mine isn't very classic at all! Look:

White Button Down Shirt: Even when I lived a life where they were appropriate, I rarely wore mine. Something about that collar bugs me.
Tailored Blazer: I generally like tailored everything. I'm not at all clear on the difference between a blazer and a suit jacket, but this is an item i should have in a work capsule.
Tweed Jacket: want.
Trousers: I'll have to look up the definition, but my impression is that they don't flatter me.
Pencil Skirt: this shape does not work with my knees/legs!
Striped T-Shirt: I can think of 2 I've owned over the years. Wore them for a while, but they stopped feeling like me before they wore out.
Black Turtleneck: Mock T-necks. I love mock T-necks.
Cashmere Pullover and Cardigan: No thanks. I've nearly given up on wool--the fuzzies bug my eyes and nose too much.
Bootcut Jeans. Yes. But I usually wore them with taller boots than Angie suggests, when I lived in a climate where I could wear them.
Sheath Dress: I've been so attracted to these recently, for the first time ever. By "recent" I mean the last year or two. The most surprising thing is that they hide tummy pooch more than shifts. I want to have several in my work capsule.
Peacoat: Yes. Had it so long I've been complimented on the "great vintage find"
Trench Coat: Own? Yes, a coral one my mother got me ages ago. Wear? Nope, maybe not ever.
Single Breasted Wool Coat: This is starting to be more coats than I want, even in cold places. I actually use my pockets, so don't want to switch coats often.
Loafers: Not right now, but plan to get some as part of work wardrobe.
Ballet Flats: Not right now, though I did for a while years ago.
Basic Pumps: Nope. Closest I come are sort of Oxford pumps, with black tweed overall and black patent on the back and a little flourish.
Flat Riding Boots: Do my black Red Wing boots (in my "first outfit" post) count?
Pearl necklace: Check.
Diamond studs, pearl studs and hoop earrings: I have pearl studs, maybe one other pair of earrings, am really not sure because I don't wear them, don't have pierced ears.

So if I don't have "the classics", is my style classic? Basic? Boring?

Liz

Veteran

Just from the very short time you've been on the forum and the outfits you've shown, I wouldn't have pegged you as classic. (You didn't want to wear a dress for the wedding that looked too polished or grown up, and you want to wear casual dresses that let you move, run, and play sports.) Even on this thread, you've talked a lot about liking drama, color, and "rough." I'd say to keep thinking about this and keep reading. Your thoughts will evolve. (And very few clothes are truly "timeless," even if we keep them for a long time. Details like cut, lapel width, jacket stance, and sleeve widths change, making the "black suit jacket" (a timeless item that isn't going anywhere) look dated (this black suit jacket is obviously from 15 or 20 years ago).

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Liz, I'm often confused when people tell me they think of me as polished, which does happen. I don't think I'm overly attached to the label "classic" for myself, but, arguing to get more clarity, does "classic" have to mean constricting? I think of a tailored cut as one that follows your body just right to let you move. But then again, pencil skirts do not let you do much of anything, so maybe there is a better term for that.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

RATE, a type of edgy. Maybe the "rough" I'm fond of is another kind of edgy.
One thing I know I want to learn more about is different ways of wearing things. I have a couple questions about specific pieces in mind, hope I can remember them until after NAS.

LaPed

Veteran

Ah, both of those are good rebuttals. I know what you mean about sales in Europe. I remember being in either Germany or Austria during one of the few-and-far-between liquor sales, and was taken aback at the sight of everyone, even little old ladies, checking out with carts loaded to the brim with booze. It's a different mentality for sure, and I think I might actually prefer it, in the sense that I imagine people struggle less with that shop-all-the-time syndrome when sales are discrete, scheduled events. But, yes, having a capsule of workwear ready to go before you need it is probably wise. I do this now -- I'm mostly a SAHM, but pick up small gigs here and there -- and have a mix and match capsule of about 10 items (3 bottoms, 4 tops, 2 blazers and a pair of oxfords) that could get me through the first few weeks of, say, a full-time teaching job if one were to land in my lap. So yeah, I understand the desire for a base capsule. I have a bit of a boy scout mentality; I like to be prepared for anything.

To your point about not fitting in, I totally get that. I lived in Las Vegas for almost 3 years, which was longer than I could really tolerate, and I never "fit in" -- I would've done fine in Flagstaff or Taos, Tuscon or Sedona, even Reno would've been a much better fit, but LV is pretty much the polar opposite of my scene. But as good as it was to get out, I don't really dress to the norms of small-town New England SAHM's -- which pretty much means skinny jeans or Lulu leggings plus a gear jacket -- either. Even though I feel much more culturally aligned with my cohort here, I still don't feel compelled to dress to my environmental norms. Of course, I also don't dress the way I fantasized about dressing when I was in LV. I thought I missed sweater dresses and riding boots, but it turns out I don't really wear either of those, even though it gets plenty cold enough to do so. The reality of my lifestyle and style preferences have shifted or drifted on to something different, and I'm fine with embracing that, but I'm glad I didn't stock up on fantasy-pieces in anticipation of the move and then never wear them.

Liz

Veteran

You're right, no one has mentioned money. As someone with a tiny clothes budget, I'd be thinking long and hard about that $37 item as well. My encouragement would be to do a lot more trying on than buying right now, so you can really make the buys count when you're ready to do them.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Liz and La Pedestrienne
Those are great points. I'm going to respond to them on the "My favorite mistakes" thread I started after this exchange with La P, keeping this thread for the question of defining a style.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Recent realizations:
1. Posting "finds" has showed me that this spate of buying has gone on longer than I thought. I need to stop and get to work on actually making the move happen.
2. I have a lot of clothes!
3. The coolest thing about putting together our outfits for the wedding weekend was that (I think) I was able to look good by "shopping my closet", using things I already own.
4. This closet is the messiest "store" ever!!!! I need organized methods of going through it, choosing what to keep (vs what to toss), and an organized flow process.

This leads to questions: if I start a "cleaning my closet" bloglet here, would people actually want to look at it? How do I keep from overwhelming the forum with one post after another of me in every clothing article I own? Should I start now or wait until I finish the weight loss/body transformation?

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rachylou

Veteran

Oh we like closet organizing pics here I am the wrong person to give advice tho. I like to arrange and rearrange. Right now everything has been tossed out of my closet and is lying fallow because I'm working 6 days a week. And I'm in a decade long project to sort and toss. Angie says this can be done in a day... I don't believe her. Lol. She doesn't know she'd have to go into the basement too...

But since I like to sit around and ponder... I've been learning to just toss anything that's gotten tatty in silence. Then I spent time really thinking about what I really do - and very importantly, in what proportions my time is spent on those activities - and what I really want my style to be... and toss anything that doesn't go in those categories.

I really had an excessive amount of evening wear, for someone who's stopped all that business. And who'd buy a new dress anyways for any upcoming event..

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

really thinking about what I really do - and very
importantly, in what proportions my time is spent on those activities -
and what I really want my style to be... and toss anything that doesn't
go in those categories.

That's the part I need to do! I generally have pretty good physical organization, I think.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yes. If you dig around in those archives you will find a wealth of information on just that.

Angie always suggests starting a style renewal with:

Updated hair style.
Bra fitting (this will be key after weight loss. Trust me).
Updated specs (if you wear regularly).

Here's a post you will find really useful -- follow the links!

https://youlookfab.com/2015/11.....e-renewal/

This one is also fantastic:

https://youlookfab.com/2014/06.....tyle-tips/

And this one:

https://youlookfab.com/2012/02.....yle-goals/

In fact, following along with those will get you much further than you'll get with the links I sent you to follow earlier. :). Though, having said that, if you love analysis, you may find those interesting, also. I know Chris enjoyed them when she joined.

Angie will surface more once the NAS is over. She's really busy with real life and online clients during these few weeks -- once that calms down she is more present here.

Hope that helps!!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Thanks Suz! I'm trying not to be too impatient, but I did just set up a YLF blog (I think--can't figure out how to see it in the forum). It's called "prepare to come about" and the first post, the "about" post, is full of corny sailing metaphors.
I made a couple of comments in this thread yesterday based on my reaction to the first few posts in the "defining your style" link you posted above (can you tell? I was listening to you ) I think I'm going to move my responses to the links you're giving me to that blog instead of here, trying to keep things in their appropriate places.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Do blogs have to be approved before they're visible on lookfab.com?

krishnidoux

Veteran

You have had wonderful input here, and this thread is a very interesting read. What a great question you ask, and you have given it some thought too, which makes it even more compelling.
You mention you are now a SAHM living in a flat suburb and going back to work: I can't help but remember being in this exact situation. Walking out the door is so charged with meaning then! So when your eye meets an infinity of sleepy concrete and lawns, on top of a changed body, a new role, new conditions, it can be daunting. It can feel as if all the flatness and all the picket fences are emprisoning (that's how I felt anyway). So even though you have advanced in your style process, I just wanted to tell you what I had done to fight this (me too coming from a more dramatic and freer style while university teaching/studying in an urban environment, and now living in suburbia). I concentrated my style efforts around flat, comfortable footwear. So even if I had to use the car, I also had the otpion of walking; and even during the day, I ended up walking more. I remember it helped.
Being a shortie, flats had not been part of my outfits before: so it changed how I dressed. It made me dress in a more dynamic, simple-lines, simpler style, which also had a positive effect on me and on my performance at my new job - it's different for every body! But it had a mental impact on me. Hope this can be of some help to you.

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