Gratitude on YLF - YouLookFab Forum

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Gratitude on YLF

Sihaya

Veteran

Angie's Thanksgiving Day blog post inspired me. There are so many things I am grateful for on a minute by minute basis in my life. And so much on YLF including Angie and Greg who have changed my life and appearance! Thank you.

So I thought it would be fun to start a thread about who specifically on YLF you are grateful to/for in addition to Angie. If you could choose only one person, who would that person be and what is their specific contribution that makes you grateful for them?

I am tempted to break my own rules and name about 2 dozen women on this amazing forum. Maybe I can have a different post on each But to start off with one of the people I would choose is Shiny. Because Shiny is not only stylish and looks great in all her experiments but because she is incredibly generous with her time and suggestions. Whenever someone asks for support or suggestions, I can count on Shiny jumping in with very concrete, tangible, constructive, and practical techniques. What I especially like is that Shiny has great tips for what work for her on life issues ranging from weight loss to job searches. If I don't have time to read a long thread on OT topics such as these, I know that if I read Shiny's post on it, I will consistently get lots of practical tips with a clear "how to". Thank you Shiny for using yourself as an example and taking the time to write out detailed notes of what works and doesn't work for you. I find myself always taking away an interseting nugget or 7!

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21 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

taylor

Veteran

Agreed, Shiny is special. How sweet of you to send her a special thank-you.

I cannot pick one, for me.... everyone brings something(different) to the party.....:)

Maya

Veteran

Shiny is marvelous, not just on the forum but as a real friend too! I'm looking forward to meeting her in person someday. It will be like meeting a celebrity!

It is really hard to pick just one person, but I have a special place reserved for those who have been here since the beginning. There have no doubt been a lot of fabulous newcomers with whom I have clicked with over the years, but it has been a special joy to watch the forum veterans grow and develop their personal styles. I guess if I had to give a shoutout to anyone, it would be Tanya. It has been a pleasure to watch her evolve from wrap tops and wedges (which still look sensational on her) to voluminous tops and flats. Her feedback is always so kind and insightful and she always reassures me whenever I am feeling low or insecure. She is also amazing at finding fabulous deals and discounts online and in stores, which has gotten me through many tough shopping times! We have both have similar budget restraints and fashion personas, and we have also had similar student lifestyles (and both graduated fairly recently), so I just felt like we had a special bond and I could always count on her for inspiration.

She has had a really tough year and despite that she has remained as determined and hardworking as ever. It took a lot of strength and courage to pull through all that emotional stress AND graduate on time, but Tanya did it and I'm sure there will be great things ahead for her

LoP

Veteran

What a great idea, Sihaya! You came close to that one person for me as you introduced me to YLF. I can probably name 10 more. If I could vote for five, I would pick Maya (frankness), Inge (friendship), Laura65 (kindness), KirstenKP (humor) and Hanna (creative inspiration).

Louise

Veteran

I'm going to have to break the rules! I can't single out one person everyone is fab. No one is made to feel bad about their choices even if they don't look great ,constructive critism only. It really is a fab place to be x

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Oh, what a great topic! Hmmm, just one person is hard! Like LoP said, I could probably name 5 just off the top of my head, like Hanna's clever enthusiasm, and Laura65's common sense and energy, and San's sweet thoughtfulness, and VelvetyChocolate's encouraging positive attitude, and the Texas contingent's fabulous class and friendship. (Okay, I super-cheated with that last one. But I love reading about Patience's, Sarah's and Ana's adventures together!)

But I HAD to pick only one, I would say I am most grateful for Inge. I always perk up when I see she's been posting, and I read every comment she makes, even on topics I skimmed over. I love her helpful links, the way if you are on a hunt for something she always finds so many good options for everyone. She's thoughtful and engaging and kind, and just plain ol' smart. I really like smart. And she's a snappy dresser!

Oh! I forgot Kari, and Khris, and Marianna, and Louise, and Rute...man, I just adore all of you. You all bring so much to this forum, it would not be the same without any of you!

P.S. Awww, thanks, LoP!

Sihaya

Veteran

OK, looks like the rules might need a bit of modifying How about you can choose as many people as you want but perhaps post one person per day so that that particular blurb is dedicated to that special person.

LOP - thank you. I introduced you to YLF? How?

p.s. I"m just making up these rules. There can be no such thing as too much gratitude so please feel free adjust as you see fit. My intent was mainly to try and place one person at a time in the gratitude spotlight.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Following the rules is simply not an option today, because there are too many people that need acknowledgement! The number of people that selflessly pitch in with visual feedback, clothing suggestions or moral support is truly astounding, especially considering that I can't return the favour most of the time (at least when it comes to evaluating clothes). I'll keep it simple though:
Maya and Marianna have been most heavily involved in my never-ending quest for fashion feedback, and they've been nothing short of amazing. I also need to give shoutouts to Kristen, Khris and Joy, who are incredible at writing out verbal descriptions!
Inga and Sarah are so incredibly selfless when it comes to scouting out potential clothing options, and I'm deeply indebted to them both. Sarah is also a great cheer-leader when my body image issues flare up.
I also wanted to acknowledge Kari, R&J Julie and Shiny for their kindness and compassion when non-fashion-related issues wer on the table. These are three incredible, strong women!

But really, I'm grateful for you all!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

It is really humbling to be cited in this thread. Kristen, I am going to tell my husband that you said I have common sense!!

As an old-timer like Maya, I have to say that there's a group of forum members that have been there for me since the beginning, and here are my personal awards for each of them. I would like to pin a badge of honor on each of them for their wonderful qualities: KristenKP (sense of humor), Antje (fearless fashion), Tara (writing support off-line), Shiny (insight), Sarah (ladylike inspiration), Patience (warmth), Ana (intelligence), Tanya (empathy), Maya (sweetness), San (nurturing), Marianne (wisdom), Shana (practical style), Tam (fun!), Inge (style twin!), Sihaya (understanding). Whew!

New-timers, you are all just as wonderful, and for you I wish that you might also form the same deep bonds and meaningful friendships as you go through the process.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Ok - I am going with one person per post.

It was Kristen that inspired me to join YLF and start to participate. I'd found YLF and lurked for awhile, but then when I saw some of Kristen's posts and all the great things she was putting together - fabulous outfits and trying all kinds of new things - I thought, "How FUN". It was like reading and seeing a Cinderella story. Losing a bunch of weight, but then the real fun came in with dresses all over the place, trying all kinds of new pieces. Stepping out of the pants and a sweater 'uniform'.

And besides, I don't know anyone else who can make a Target dress look so very stylish. Or a simple dress from Kohl's - it's suddenly drop-dead gorgeous on Kristen. That you can mix and match things from all kinds of stores. Not everything has to be expensive, but not everything has to be discount either. She makes it all work, beautifully!

I find this very inspiring. The way Kristen is able to mix and match from all sorts of places is very appealing to me. She shows us that you can have some amazing shoes or expensive boots and wear them *well* with pieces from Target, or Old Navy or what have you. Or it could be the other way around - some fabulous dress from say, Nordstrom, with a purse from Old Navy.

This makes everything a whole lot more fun.

editing to add: this reminds me of Angie's "Leave no retail stone unturned" mantra.

Anonymous

Awe I'm so flattered to be mentioned here. It warms my heart, but you know me, I cannot choose just one or two. I have been influenced by the kindness of everyone here. Never a flare up in two plus years is astounding! All of you deserve a metal for the loving kindness shown here.

Patience

Veteran

I'm going to start with Julie (RoseandJoan). She's relatively new here but I am always struck by and thankful for

o how thoughtful, positive and sincere she is with all of her comments
o what comes through in her posts to show what a loving mother and wife she is
o how she makes spectacular use of and sticks to a small budget
o the commanding and elegant poses she strikes when sharing her outfits. She reminds me of the models on vintage sewing patterns
o the jaw dropping, inspiring outfits she shares
o how she dreams about fashion

Thank you, Julie for being a part of making YLF so enjoyable!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Michelle and Patience you have made my year. There are so many spectacular ladies on YLF, I am truly amazed by the kindness, intelligence and empathy which resonates on every post.

Every member has such a unique story and we are all bound by so much more than fashion.

Style is my passion but when I joined the forum I never thought I would be forging friendships as well.

Thank you Angie for bringing us all together and being our daily inspiration.

hanna

(website)

*blush* shoutouts to me, despite a prolonged silence? you guys are too kind!

it's already been said, but i really am grateful for every one of you. that an online community could forge so many friendships is ridiculously amazing and unique, and that's down to angie and greg of course, for making that happen.

i have a soft spot for the people i've seen around here the longest, so like laura65, i'll pin a badge each on:

- maya, for being so honest in her opinions, but in such a sweet way that it never stings
- tanya and ana, for consistently amazing style!
- kristenkp, for being such an inspiration -- watching your transformation has been jaw-dropping!
- inge, for being so gosh-darn helpful with all your links and research and thoughtful responses
- san, just for being so caring and lovely.

so many more that i've missed out! just know that i am thankful every day for the presence of so many amazing women in my life

Inge

(website)

You guys!!! Coming home tonight and finding this thread has made my month already!!! I'm positively glowing in the dark here;-)
(and Kristen, really? happy blush!).

I really have to stop myself from writing the longest reply in the history of YLF now (we're talking Guiness Book of Records long here), to name each and every one of you separately, but you'd all be bored to tears after ten minutes of reading;-)

So I'll just say that it's an absolute pleasure to contribute on this forum and I cannot even begin to tell how much I've learned (so many different things) from all of you. Not just about fashion, finding your own style, feeling more confident and proud about myself, being encouraged to step outside my box (quite often), but also about friendship, kindness, support and compassion.

I've already said this a few times before, but it's still so very true: I have never, NEVER, in my many many hours on the internet found another online community that is so supportive and "safe" and welcoming.

Thank you ladies for being here!!

I want to give you all a hug now!!

marianna

Veteran

I love everyone equally. It's true! The forum wouldn't be the same without all the diverse personalities, backgrounds, style personas... it's a lovely mix.

bella

(website)

Veteran

What a great thread! It is inspiring to see such a great community of women so supporting of one another.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Another person who has really inspired me is San. She looks like a movie-star!

Here I was, a total newbie to YLF - and she's posting things like "Moto Jacket for San?" and turns up with that amazing blue/purple poet's shirt. I just about fell out of my chair when I saw her new specs and hairdo - with that wonderful pic outside the hair salon in the microchecks, red sweater, pearls and jacket.

I remember thinking, "I want to look like her."

Yes, definitely that incredible blue/purple poet's shirt, and yes to the moto jacket. Just fabulous!!

San makes my bathroom look bad. Perched on the top of her tub, with the most amazing outfits.

Listening to some music on You Tube, and the first thing that comes to mind when I think of San, is David Bowie's "Rebel Rebel".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDetQ18fw5Q

San has serious style - and I'm so impressed. Just like David Bowie, she just keeps on getting better!

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

*sniffle* I had a kind of crummy day today, so I snuck online to skim YLF for a few minutes. VC, you made my crummy day disappear. Thank you so much -- and to you too, hanna! You're both inspirations to me.

Bella! My goodness, I have missed seeing you here, and that fabulous style of yours. Your way with skirts and dresses was one of the main inspirations for me giving them a try. I haven't looked back!

taylor

Veteran

I will edit to say that :

Louise is one who rarely ever misses a post, and always has something warm from the heart to say...it just shines through.

And, no secret that I am inspired and in awe of Danja's fab and original style.

fathenry

Veteran

Oh my goodness, I am so grateful to so many on this forum.

To Ana, Taylor, Maya, San, Chewey, RoseandJoan, Louise, Velvety, Shiny, Marianna, Marianne, Renata, Inge ... all of you actually. Thank you for all of your candid, thoughtful and practical advice.

My style inspiration is Greenglove, I just adore her style and hope to be like that someday!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Honestly? I wouldn't know where to start with this thread. I have found such solace in ylf this year - what an amazing collection of women! I love the fact that this forum represents women from all ages and walks of life. Talk about an enriching experience.

You guys were one of the first people I told about my recent breakup, and the support I felt from here made it easier to tell people "in real life" that I was so scared about breaking the news to. I don't even celebrate thanksgiving and I am thankful for this!!!