Double Regret - YouLookFab Forum

Still mad at myself.

Yesterday I hadn't stopped a gorgeous 50+ lady who had the most amazing wedged black sandals ever with single strap to ask her where she got them - I was just staring at her from a safe distance, wondering if I should subject her to my broken German.

Oh, and her hair - long, pinned on the sides in a tasteful, arty way. There is something about mature women with long hair, when it all works - the colour, the style, the random grays - which projects an air of regal to me.

And, and... and, she had spectacular specs with subtle retro vibe. I was taking it all in, with my legs cemented to the ground. A vision. This is what I want to look some day, like I know what I'm doing, yet's it's all just thrown on.

The final stroke? As she was walking further away, I noticed that the top is exactly what I'm chasing at the moment, simple hi-low diamond sleeved take on basic tee in silky fabric, tunic length, with overlapping panels at the back. Perfectly matched with relaxed skinnies. I was floored.
But, by then she was too far away and the sight of me running after her across the carpark would have been just too ridiculous.

I never hated that ginormous furniture store more. I kept looking around if she'd walk nearby so I can stop her and approach her, but she was somewhere, who knows where - definitely not in the section with the wardrobes, which we finally bought btw, such woman must have one already! And well curated content in it. I'm sure.

I have double regret: I have missed my opportunity to tell another woman she not just looked amazing, but truly inspiring to me personally.

And I'll never know where she got those sandals. I would stop at sandals only, honestly, I would not push it to ask who makes such fab tops too... trust me...

I just had to vent!

10 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

I know this feeling Ornella, but I have feeling you might just come across those sandals one day when you least expect it:).

crutcher

I was so into your story that I had conjured an image of this lovely woman and was waiting for her story to further unfurl...When you are out and about, keep a watchful eye...she just may appear again...

Anonymous

Oh no! Such a shame, yet I think the same as Deb and Crutcher, that she or the sandals may just turn up sometime...

BTW, you really should try to get some short stories published. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation as I read. Brilliant!

Suz

(website)

Too bad, Ornella! But what's wonderful is how often you seem to come across such women in your daily life! You are very observant and seem to have an instinct for when they are about. Now you (and we!) have a perfect vision of this woman to take forward. This will make your shopping easier. You know these items are out there! You have already actually achieved the effortless Euro elegance.

Astrid

Don't be mad at yourself! I second everything Suz said. Take it as an inspiration to bring your style even further forward. And who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon the pieces or the lady herself sometime. Although I think it's not a problem if you don't, because honestly I think it's better to be inspired by her outfit than to copy it. Sometimes I'm glad I'm in Europe and I'm therefore not tempted to buy some of the things others here at YLF are wearing with such panache. When I think back to my teens buying that lovely dress I so admired on somebody else was never a good idea... Of course it's different if it's something like oh I need a practical shirt like that, where have you got it? I never had a problem with that! But really copying a look you admire very much on somebody else? Much more dangerous...

Jaime

Although I am sure you would have made her day, it is not easy to approach a stranger (and in a new language at that). Don't beat yourself up (not that you were) and be ready for next time!

Classically Casual

I have seen her American cousin twice in a coffee shop. So put together, great short grey hairstyle, perfect accessories, perfect everything. And like you, I couldn't approach her. I've delivered many other compliments to strangers, but this woman was so perfect that I couldn't do it. But I'm happy for both of us that such inspiring strangers cross our paths.

That's too bad Ornella! I think I would have been a little intimidated too, and I wonder why that is? It's not like women with great style are inherently mean or snobbish. Yet I am afraid to compliment them or start a conversation. I hope you see her again, and/or find those fabulous sandals.

rabbit

Sometimes I madly google search after an encounter like this, feeding as many descriptors into the engine as I can, going through the 'shopping' and the 'similar to' link or I do the same on pininterest. Doesn't always work but usually gets me closer.

Lyn D.

A tricky one!
You want to just admire from a distance yet tell her how you appreciate her style, but then she has vanished. Thanks for sharing

Eliza

I so get your situation. The next time you meet such a person will be easier.

I once was walking across a mall parking lot and became aware of a woman walking quickly to my side. There was something about her approach that made me ask if everything was okay. She laughed and said "yes, just was trying to see the brand on your purse." It was something I'd bought overseas and I hated telling her that. I did not have a total look going on, but wish I could have been more helpful to her. It has helped me compliment others in public more. Great story and a joyful visual!

Windchime

Totally understandable, Ornella, given the language barrier and the fact that she was a stranger to you. I know you will retain the image of her to bring you further along in your own style journey.
Here's another thought--I bet other women have noticed YOUR fab style and wanted to approach YOU but stopped themselves for the same reasons you did...

Lisa

Oh drat. Well maybe your paths will cross again, you never know!

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