Misc musings - YouLookFab Forum

1. (Pic 1) This little device has popped up in my social media ads. Pricey but a really cool take on the scarf clips of old. I wear a lot of shirts tied/cinched and don’t love having a bulky little knot all the time, so I’m considering this clip. The design is more modern and interesting than the basic clips out there on Amazon or the like. Could be useful for cinching roomy dresses, adding a little asymmetry to a skirt, etc. I’m wondering if it might be heavy or fidgety — the videos make it look easy, but you all know the proof is in the wearing. Not many reviews online.

2. I’m really enjoying cropped button front shirts in summer fabrications. I had a gift certificate for the Gap and ended up bringing this top/jacket home. (Pic 2) I’m not super in love with the front pockets but will do a try on before committing to it. Wondering if removing the pockets will work. There are a lot of cropped shirts out there on the market now, so I should be picky!

3. I tried on some very similar replacements for my old black Linea Paolo sneakers (which are still wearable but not as comfortable as they once were), and I think they are keepers. They’re by the same designer but in denim rather than leather. I sized up in them because the usual size felt too snug on the little toes. I like that these new ones have functioning zippers too, so I can actually leave them laced and just zip them up. They had the same shoes in dark blue (pic 5) and they were cute too, but I realized that if I wanted to wear blue sneakers I already have that color covered with another pair. Black is the more practical choice. I like that this refined platform style doesn’t look too sporty and allows them to be worn with my wide-leg Athleta pants, which are a bit on the long side and drag on the ground in a flatter sole.

4. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by my wardrobe, having made some recent purchases that I really love. I think it’s time for a really thoughtful closet edit. It’s been a while. I’m thinking of doing a bit of the Alison Bornstein “three style words” exercise to help guide the edit. So much is in how we put things together! But I have a number of things I’m just not wearing for various reasons, and I need to get real about them.

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5 months ago

Jenny H

Veteran

I don't have anything to say about the scarf clip except that if you do try it, I'm curious how it works for your intended uses.

I love the summer cropped shirt and shoes!

And yay for doing a closet edit. I hope you end up with a wardrobe that no longer overwhelms you. I'm curious to see where you land with your three words-- if I recall correctly, you shared three words but were considering changing them up a bit.

Helena

Great shoes and love that top ... And hooray for thoughtful edits! It feels great especially after successful shopping, to sort things out and have new favourite front and centre. What three words are you working with ... Or you're going to revisit them? I think you mentioned elsewhere but I can't recall!

Janet

(website)

Thanks, Jenny and Helena!

The three terms that are currently bouncing around my consciousness are:

1. Ease/easy (practical term that describes what I reach for all the time) - it can mean anything from an easy, non-restricting fit, to a flattering color that is easy for me to wear and feel great in, to an athleisure piece that tones down a dressier piece in an outfit. Also relates to the fact that I don’t want anything fussy, tightly fitted, or prim.

2. Refined/sophisticated (aspirational) - an element that elevates my casual style so it’s not *too* casual.

3. Edgy/rebellious (emotional) - an element that takes an outfit out of being too classic for my taste.

I welcome anyone’s thoughts on those! I feel like they can each be interpreted rather broadly without being too generic.

LJP

One word that I've seen used lately by style bloggers I enjoy following is "disruptive" - in that a piece turns a predictable look on it's head . This could maybe be a version of your "edgy/rebellious" - or not. My interpretation is that the disruptor piece is the "wrong shoe", the weird colour that gives a plain look some spice, the jewellery pieces that are less predictable. Sort of a broader update (if you will) to the word rebellious. I see this word working for you and your style.

kellygirl

I had to google the clip - that's a heck of a magnet. Much more elevated that the scarf clips on amazon, I like that you can fold over excess fabric rather than having to weave it through the holes although it looks like you can do that too.

I think your descriptor suit you very well! As I read them I could easily apply them to you, Refined in an aspirational way more so than just polished. Ease I see as not fussy and leaning towards minimal. The edgy can be rock and roll or something with juxtaposition. I like Lisa's disruptive word as well!

Good luck on the edit!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

oooh, Janet! Try the clip! Could be super cute for all the reasons you mentioned

KILLER new sneakers, and the eyelet top has great potential.

For you, I like these style words:

Ease

Refinement

Edge

Good luck with the edit!

I think those are great words and like Angie's refinement of them. Looking forward to seeing where you take this journey!

kkards

I’m not good with the words thing, but having done a massive closet over haul last year, let me just say, it’s a process. And take your time…like really take your time.

I was actually looking at that shirt today at the Gap, and if it had been white it would have followed me home! I may still revisit

Jaime

Interesting! The magnet thing has potential, is it returnable?
I really like the open weave of the top, but you will have to judge the pockets in person - could look a bit too obviously functional if you know what I mean.
Sneakers look great.
I think Angie's words for you are spot on, but I am intrigued by Lisa's disruptive! I may consider that as a replacement or adjacent for my unexpected.

Sal

I am intrigued by the clip - do report back if you get it!! I like the eyelet blouse - the pockets are a bit too full on so interested in what call you come to.

I think you do have ease in your outfits - you rarely wear an entirely structured outfit (although often you have some structure). I see this as better than comfortable or casual because I think that goes without saying. Another word I have heard used is undone - which I quite like too.

I like sophisticated because I think your looks often have an artistic element - sometimes quite raw, sometimes refined, but always sophisticated. Refined is also good though.

I think for the last one it is a word that speaks to you. Could be edge, could be disruptive, could be rebellious, could even be artistic? They all work.

My words are breezy (true), elegant (often but I need to add this in) and bold (which is a reminder to me to add that extra spark - in colour or silhouette or something - I do like classics but quiet luxury looks don't feel like me).

Joyce

Active Member

Maybe it is the too hot weather we have been having but I feel the same need of a closet edit. So many clothes that I thought were edited that I just don't reach for. I too went for Alison Bornstein's guidance but need to revisit with words because I feel I went without the first essential step.
Everything so far pulled out enforces that the first word I have put down, Simple, was not followed. Prints and ruffles what was I thinking? Simple, Current, Edgy (which may be achieved with Lisa's Disrupter) needs to be etched in my wandering brain. Good luck, it is a process as others have reminded us.

Jonesy

I've been wearing a lot of button downs too, both cropped and longer; I like how they sort of float over you and don't cling in the heat, like a knit or cotton jersey would. The sneakers look like a fab purchase! I'm intrigued by that scarf clip gadget; could be fun!

I am terrible at words to describe style, so I can't really offer anything helpful, but the ones you've come up with and Angie's refinements seem promising.

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