Can you keep up with your style goals? ETA Pinterest board at the end - YouLookFab Forum

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Can you keep up with your style goals? ETA Pinterest board at the end

Astrid

Veteran

It's something I've been thinking about for awhile...

I've shopped a lot more since I joined YLF, along with a lot of returning and also alterations. And I've purged a lot, also stuff I just had bought - I did make mistakes. I've also gained 15 lbs and lost some of it again. And all on a fairly small budget.

During all that time my style goals changed, not radically but considerably. I've found myself coveting a look and when I found one of the pieces at an affordable price and it looked good I bought it. Without having the money to implement the rest of it. So I made that item work with what I had but wasn't completely satisfied with the look. But when the time came when I could have afforded more shopping I wasn't any longer enamoured with it and invested my money in something different.

I feel like I just can't keep up with my so far ever changing style goals and that this results in a style that is wearable, practical and even looks good but is not as consistent and defined as I want it to be.

Any of you have the same problem? Any idea how to go about solving this? I think I might need to narrow it all down. Or do some more soul searching about the way I want to go, I'm not sure. Maybe I need to cull my Pinterest too...

General

36 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Archer

Veteran

I found Mo's thread about recent purchases caused me to actually look carefully at the things in my wardrobe and describe the categories. It was only a bit surprising to me but much clearer and illustrated by what I wear and feel good in.
If you are saying that you don't have the items you want yet ( you may have but not seeing them perhaps?) what about going through each pin on your board and actually thinking yourself into wearing it. If you can't, delete it.

Once you have it down to a reasonable number ? describe what you see, in a brainstorm way then see if you can make obvious categories, then cut out words that are already implied e.g. If you had say, tweed and preppy, you might only need one of these....subtle.
I basically did this without being conscious of the process by using a secret board on Pinterest. You could do that then, once you have culled you could ask others to brainstorm with you etc....
I liked doing it myself (with all tips received). This week I bought a new brief case and the decision was so much easier and I have no second thoughts about my fairly conservative shaped but gorgeous plumish brown bag that will last for years and stay current. The best bit of that was it was in a massive markdown sale too!
I do hope this is helpful and coherent to you.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Archer! I wouldn't say my whole wardrobe needs replacing, I do have some pieces that I love and that are great. But there is definitely stuff missing and I feel like I need to get a better grip on my style goals to make the right decision with my next purchases. Or I won't get anywhere on my budget.

I think a secret Pinterest board (with brainstorming afterwards) is a good idea, I'm going to do that. Also actually thinking about wearing it is a great tip. I have a lot of pins that I love the look of on others or that I love the feel of but I wouldn't wear them as they were.

Carla

Veteran

I'm going it slow as well, Astrid, but mostly because the kinds of things I want are not available locally, and I'm mainly a b+m shopper vs online. So, my wardrobe is small and some of the items I have are in in very high rotation.

In addition to my style inspiration board, I have a 'shopping' board. (Like a Shopping list, but pictures. When I find an item I desire, I pin it to this board. When I buy the item, I delete it from the board. Sometimes, when I review this board, I decide I no longer want an item, and delete it from the board.
Not quite sure what this means, but assume my style sense has changed, or on rethinking the piece, I've discovered it doesn't really suit.

When I shop, I stick with looking for what is on the list, and generally avoid temptation...though not always!

Irene

Veteran

Astrid, from what you purchase and your WIW, I believe you have a pretty consistent style. I wouldn't say your items clash with each other, but that they complement each other beautifully.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Runcarla! A visual shopping list sounds interesting. I also have a small wardrobe and high rotation is unavoidable.

Thanks Irene! You are right and most of my things do work together, mostly because I'm fairly consistent when it comes to silhouette and color. And I really try to take care that new purchases aren't complete wardrobe orphans. I just feel like the items don't succeed in making my style more distinct as a whole. Does that make sense?

Anonymous

Right now my style goal is mostly to refresh to stay current, at the same time replacing basics. This is harder than I realized.
If you really need to replace while unsure of your style goals, you might go with classic styles that flatter most. Those can be used with whatever direction your style goes later, as Angie has shown us.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Joy gives great advice.

I'll add another suggestion: If there is a particular piece that you feel would really define your style very clearly -- a statement sort of piece --- what about saving for that, and purchasing it. And making the basics classic to fit around that, until you can afford to add more stylistically consistent pieces?

Like the others, I think your style is already very coherent and recognizable as distinctly "you." Sometimes it is more difficult for us to see ourselves than it is for others to see us.

I also think you are young, and it is natural that your style will evolve quite quickly at this age. And that you might want to experiment and try things that don't necessarily fit your primary style descriptor.

And you know the old saying..."consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds..."

Anonymous

I struggle to put thoughts into words sometimes, so not much too add so far as there has been some good advice given already. I agree that you do already seem to have quite a coherent style that we recognise as you. Do you think that subconciously you may want to head in a slightly different style direction anyway? On my alter-ego style thread the style you mentioned you liked you said was do-able... just sayin...
Playing devils advocate now

missvee

Veteran

I agree with the idea of going back to your Pinterest boards and really trying to capture how your style might be changing. It's impossible to incorporate new pieces successfully unless you have some idea where you're headed. Your recent wedding outfit, for example, was a very feminine silhouette with a beautiful print accented by the warm vibrant colour of the cardi. This was different from some of your more boho looks or the more muted colours that you wore over the winter. But both looks suit you very well.
Another thought - if you are unhappy with some of your outfits, can you figure out what is missing, or is this part of the frustration? In my own case, I like my outfits to be interesting in some way. If I don't like what I see in the mirror, it's often because I've forgotten this element of my style, and I need to go back and switch the shoes or the handbag, or something.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I wish I could remember who first mentioned this site - but #1 on this list has made all the difference in the world for me.

http://into-mind.com/2013/04/0.....fix-ideas/

This is my version, and my 'rule' for adding photos to this board is that I have to be able to re-create something along similar lines, with what I already own, even if it isn't an exact match.

http://pinterest.com/demimonda.....-pictured/

Now when I shop, I think about this board and ask myself if the piece would fit into the pictures on my board, and it's helped me be more particular and focused in my choices.

Archer

Veteran

LBD- what a great link-into mind. Thanks very much.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I really think Joy and Suz have given some great advice Astrid. I would echo that I do see your style as consistent and find your individual wardrobe items play very well together.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, I've found that over the years I have had certain fashion role models. People who's style I wished I could emulate. As opposed to just outfits or models that look nothing like me, I find it more helpful to try and find individuals with similar coloring to mine. Catherine Deneuve was always a big inspiration to me in my early youth. Maybe that's why I'm so into neutrals like camel, taupe, and black. Not to mention why I wanted to buy clothes that were higher end than my real lifestyle. Lauren Hutton also was a big fashion role model in terms of her classic, simple style. And even Goldie Hawn in that boho way.

I think having wavy or curly hair (and plenty of it) also dictates my fashion style. I don't feel right if the clothing is too "busy" since my hair is so busy.

Later I found that Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Gwinneth Paltrow had that easy, classic, sometimes "California" simple style I really liked.

I still haven't achieved the looks of these icons but it seems to help me to look at their outfits and analyze them. I've finally begun adding lots of blazers (most have to be extremely light weight for the heat here), classic button downs in super soft fabrics and neutral, classic colors (for me) with touches of emerald, navy and red to brighten things up.

It's an ongoing process for sure - but it is fun isn't it?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks everyone for your insightful posts! I guess I AM too critical. It's not that I don't like or even love most of my outfits, because I do. I guess it's just that I'd love to take this a step further in a more orderly way than it went so far - I'm a bit of a control freak at heart.

Joy, going for some classics is a good tip. Something like my black knee length skirt, that one is a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

Thanks Suz! Wise words. I'm not sure if finding that one perfect piece is the way to go, but I'll keep it in mind. Of course I could only shop for that if I'd really know what I want.

Thanks Diane! Maybe you're right and I do subconsciously want to change things up a bit. I'm going to do the sorting on Pinterest and see what I'm coming up with and if I can identify big discrepancies.

Thanks Missvee! I will try to pay more attention to the process of getting dressed, maybe I can find out what results in an "happy outfit". I agree that there's a difference between my wedding outfit and a lot of my other outfits. I felt good in all of them, but I wouldn't be comfortable wearing the wedding outfit in everyday life. Maybe with the cardi, but different more casual shoes. And a different bag.

Thanks for the links LBD, that makes so much sense! I'm going to try this.

Thanks Shannon!

Thanks Texstyle! I can see how it is helpful to find real women as inspiration. Although I would have to think about it, I don't know any with similar coloring or style ad hoc.

Mona

Veteran

i used to do this a lot before YLF. Now, when I like a item, I first figure out if it goes with my style goals or not. If the answer is yes, then I try and figure out what other pieces in my wardrobe it could go with.
there are some really good suggestions about pinterest in this thread. I want to see if I can implement them.

Peri

Veteran

Hi Astrid...we are on the same page again. I just posted about trying to find "my" style. Lots of good ideas here, so thank you for extending the conversation!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Mona! I guess the problem is that I'm still not completely clear on my style goals. I'm just now doing the Pinterest exercise, I'm going to post a link soon.

Peri, I'm glad this is helpful!

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I have this problem big time. I'm scatterbrained, have a memory like a sieve, like to shop and try out looks for the heck of it, neurotically want to match the architecture that surrounds me, and have Multiple Fashion Persona Disorder. At any given moment, I cannot remember what it is I'm doing.

I'm wondering if it would help to carry around a picture in my wallet. Just one. The same one, all the time. One that captures what I think is the gestalt of my style goal.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think you hit the nail on the head in your last comment, Astrid. Your style goals keep on changing because you're not entirely sure of them yet. And that's okay! Set fewer goals and tackle one at a time. Keep it simple, and change fewer elements of your style at once.

FWIW, I see a meaningful style evolution. First - your hair! A biggie and a fabbie. Second, I see you lightening up! A goal I was in favour of from the start of the season. And third, I see a refinement happening in footwear. These may not be the final strokes towards your aspiartional style - but it's getting there.

Furthermore, you spent a sizeable chunk of your budget on wedding guest attire and a new clarinet. I say you did really well :). The way forward now is to focus even more in your dominant season. xo

Kristin L

Veteran

I understand what you're saying Astrid. One thing that I've had to do on pinterest is take a good, long look at outfits I like and ask myself "Is this me?" Because there are some great ensembles that I love, but I have to remind myself that it's not me for X, Y or Z reason.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Rachylou! Yes, that sounds familiar... Carrying around just one picture is a good idea, if you manage to find the one that just fits and manages to inspire you again and again. Big order, no?

Thanks Angie! And yes I think you're right and I just haven't figured it out quite yet. Taking it slow is good advice. And YES to the hair change! My outfits are no longer dominated by my hair, if that makes sense? I had so many people IRL comment on how they were now seeing me first instead of my hair. And I'm glad I'm slowly but surely suceeding in going lighter. I even think I might want to lighten up overall in the future (even with my winter clothes) and introduce more midtones. And of course I finally want that fab winter coat! It has to be out there.

Thanks Kristin! I agree, I've just noticed that I could delete a lot of the stuff I pinned for one reason or another. Maybe I will...

I've just created another board and tried to pin only outfits I could see myself wearing and there weren't many even though I have so many pins! I have a lot of single items pinned and most outfits have an aspect to them I like, but I would never wear them head to toe. Here's the link http://pinterest.com/ridrin/pe.....revisited/. What do you think about it?

missvee

Veteran

Astrid you are amazing! Your new board is perfect for you. I see softness mixed with great tailored pieces. There's lots of texture and natural looking fibres. And the accessories, especially the scarves and necklaces, are real statement pieces. Well done!!

bj1111

Veteran

astrid, from you new pins, i see a classic silhouette done in colors and patterns that flatter and are youthful and fun. like you have fun when you wear these clothes and you do fun things while you wear these clothes. i see the same in the outfits that you post.

eliminating the clutter really helps focus the direction we want to go without all the exciting but distracting side-alleys. it is really useful if you are starting out or are in the middle of a style journey because that's when the end isn't so close that you can visualize it and the distractions really seem like good roads to follow.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Astrid - I know I'm showing my age on some of these, but Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Nicole Kidman, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Yasbeck and I think Cate Blanchett are all red heads - though sometimes they've changed their color hair, but not their total coloring.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love you new board. If I were you I'd go through each photo & see what the key items are in each one - like a-line skirt, knit, scarf, jeans etc. Then I'd go through my wardrobe & pull out all the pieces that fell into these categories.

If there are missing pieces then they are the ones I'd be buying first. Can't wait to see how your style develops. Yes that coat is out there somewhere for sure

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Oooh, I really love your board! I look through this, and I see a cohesive wardrobe belonging to one person (despite all the different models).

My one question - because I don't know where you live (and I'm being lazy and not looking it up) - if you were to pull together your wardrobe based on this board, are you set for warm/hot weather for your area? Or are you in the midst of winter right now?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Astrid: I'm on vacation now, so my time is limited, but I wanted to pop in and say that I've seen your style refine and focus quite a bit in the past few months. You've gotten some great direction, already, but I want to remind you to have fun with fashion! What about going on a shopping trip for the purpose of trying on and snapping dressing room pics, just to see new silhouettes and different looks on your own frame?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Missvee! It was a bit of work, but I do think it was worth it. It's going to be much easier to look at such a small board to see if something might fit into this style. And I will take care only to pin outfits on it I like 100%. Love your decription.

Thanks bj1111! You're right, the sheer amount of pins I have (had) on the other boards really is distracting. I will try to be more disciplined with pinning from now one, it's easy to go over the top once you started.

Thanks for the examples, Texstyle.

Thanks Caro! That's a good idea, I might do that.

Thanks LBD! It really is easier to find common ground when you eliminate all outfits you wouldn't wear as they are. Thanks again for the suggestion, this was really helpful! We have summer here at the moment, but it's been fairly cold so far with the exception of a few hot days in between. I do have four seasons here and long months when it's cold and wet or freezing and snowing. I don't think the board really reflects that, but I can work on that.

Thanks Beth Ann! Love the idea of shopping and just trying things on, but I might need to take drastic measures if I do and leave my cash card at home in case I'm tempted.

Anonymous

Echoing the others in saying that your new board is great, very cohesive.. yes! I think I may try to do the same Thanks LBD, for the idea
Well done Astrid, you have done a great job. I want to follow your example now.

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