Hello again and lots of questions

Hello lovely FAB'ers! I'm hoping y'all will allow me to change my status from good-bye to dabbler. I have missed participating on a daily basis, but current schedule could allow some spotty weekend chats.

I found myself buying and window shopping much less during my 5 month YLF hiatus. Not sure if that's because I am pretty happy with my wardrobe or less exposure to temptations.

If you don't mind, I do have some questions on some of my outfits and could use some YLF wisdom:

1) I've been wearing a lot of plaid button downs lately. I like them layered with this fleece vest with furry trim, but are fleece items considered unfashionable? What would be a good alternative? Perhaps I can label this Rustic style and call it a day? : )

2) Another fleece vest! Does a bright color make it more allowable? Plus I cuffed my pants here. Do cuffed pants suit my ankles?

3) I really liked this outfit and felt great in it, yet there was that nagging feeling that this look is too twee for someone in their 40's. I just can't pinpoint which details make me feel that way.

4) How do we feel about long volume over long volume?

5) Thrifted this snakeskin and cheetah(?) print sweater. Disaster or quirky fun?

Thanks for stopping by and helping me out! So excited to be back!

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13 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I miss you every time I pick up an InStyle magazine, AJ!

1. Fleece is warm and functional; I think 'Rustic' is a good label!
2. I like the darker vest more, I think...
3. Does it feel tween because the vest is short? I think it's not too short for separates or a fuller skirt, but an extra inch with your current tunic dress might look less tween!
4. I usually dont' like these kinds of looks - but you totally pull it off!
5. More fun

Don't stay away, we miss you too much!

rachylou

Hi AJ! Dabbler is great.

I like the blue fleece because it has shape. #3 is hot! #5 - sweet! and I adore #4. It has a traditional feel to me, the long skirt.

Lyn D.

Welcome back!
#3 is so Fab!
I wasn't sure seeing the thumbnail only, but the fullsize pic is great!

Deborah

I'm so glad you are back. I miss your posts and warm friendly nature.

I personally don't like fleece, but I have to admit you make it look good. For casual wear and running around I think it's ok. #3 looks cute. It is a "young" look and I'm not sure it has your usual youthful sophistication. I love the volume on volume. This looks very arty to me. And the way you are wearing the sweater is modern and contemporary.

Anonymous

Welcome back AJ! It's so good to see you post. I'm glad your wardrobe and outfits are in a happy place.

I actually like the fleece in #1, it looks much better than the fleece jacket I reserve for lounging/gear. Love the proportions in number 2 and the plaid/fur combo in #3. Something about the long over long with your hair up/covered in #4 looks a little 'religious order' to me IYKWIM. Wearing your hair down and showing a forearm would solve that. LOVE the thrifted sweater in #5, it looks perfectly nice and modern to me! You look great, and your outfit creativity knows no bounds.

ManidipaM

Hey, AJ! Good to see you again!

I adore #4. I wish I could pull that off.

#5 is quintessential AJ. Fun!

#3 is maybe a little on the sweet girly side, rather than twee? I think maybe the volume of the vest is making the rest of you appear a little waif-ish by contrast, as the legs and feet are so fitted and refined.

I'm personally fine with fleece, though I like it to be sporty-inspired more than sporty --- just a subjective preference --- which would be why I like the first, with its trim, more. Though #2 IS a great colour and fit, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that outfit at all!

Beth Ann

Welcome back, AJ!

#5 is completely you --- your signature style and quite cohesive, fashionable and practical.

I tend to think of fleece in the "gear" category. The blue one has a nice shape and is working in #2. In number 1, I think I'd likely wear the fleece at home for fuzzy comfort, and shift to another topper before going out and about, but then, I bat for team dressy! The pop of the collar and refinement of the oxfords (so cute) kick it up a notch.

I like #3 -- I wonder if you choose either the beret or the vest if the look would read just a little more "classic" and grown up. You wear it all well, but removing one would soften the trendiness which, while fab, can make a look read younger.

I'm with Claire on the volume on volume look --- a shorter skirt, hair down, scrunch to the sleeve, or perhaps a belt would make all the difference.

Thanks for popping in!

Ha! My snakeskin and cheetah print sweater is flying under the radar?! : )

@Lyn - Hmm...I've noticed this season that the fur vests are longer and not cropped. Are cropped items usually associated with younger looks?

@Deborah - Do you have any suggestions on how to add a little more sophistication to #3? Maybe my brown faux leather moto instead of the vest?

@CClaire - Laughing at your religious order comment! Yes, I see that now that you mentioned it. : P

@ManidipaM - When I think of twee there's a girly aspect associated with it in my mind. Maybe I have the wrong definition of twee. Well the volume of the vest needed to be balanced by a slim leg line. So I find it interesting that you call the contrast waif-ish. Would skinny jeans have been better and less youthful? I don't know.

@Beth Ann - But the beret and the vest go so well with the dress. : P Maybe it's the plaid shirtdress? Plaid dresses have a sort of school girl association, no?

Thanks also to Lyn D. and Rachylou for chiming in!

krishnidoux

Hi AJ! Good to see you again!
I love your artsy, perky style and find it suits you so well
My favourite look is 2.
3 is sure young, but not too bad because of the shoe/leg coverage. Can't believe you would be in your 40's!!!
4 is okay, generally I find this style hard to wear but this looks good on you because both items fall close to the body and you also added a beret.

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