New around here!! Some questions!

Alex L

(Sorry in advance for the wordy post )
Hi everyone! I'm new to YLF as a member, but I've run into some of Angie's posts in the past, during my own discovery of personal style. So there's a little bit of deja vu going on...

But anyways, I'm a design student, so I have an interest in the ins and outs of fashion. When I saw the forums here, I was amazed at what a tightly knit community you all seem to be. It's really inspiring for me to see how one website can do so much.

If you wouldn't mind, I have a few questions... Responses would be so wonderful-- I'd really love to learn how I can make an impact as great as Angie some day! Thanks!!

-- Does anyone know each other in real life? Do you build relationships online also?
-- Are there unspoken rules or ettiquette that everyone follows?
-- Is there anyone who you particulary admire and respect their advice? Do the member levels and roles affect that?
-- Are there habits or lingo that new members might not understand?
-- Has YLF changed the way you approach fashion in your everyday life?
-- Do Angie's outfit posts affect the way you dress?
-- What keeps you coming back?

(PS these Norstrom Rack boots just came in the mail and they are exactly what I've been looking for! Warning-- it says they are 2 in heels, but they are actually like 3.25"!! A little above my limit, but I'm determined to rock them!!

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11 years ago

Off Topic

11 replies

Latest reply was from minimalist

Deborah

Veteran

Hi Alex! Fab boots;)

In answer to your questions:

- yes I have met some fellow members in real life and consider them friends,
not to mention wonderful shopping buddies and lunch companions. For me
relationships have developed on line followed by meeting in person.

- it's a given that everyone is respectful, kind, sensitive and thoughtful.
I think if there is an unspoken rule, it might be "if you don't have anything
nice or encouraging to say, don't say anything at all". This does not mean
We cannot make constructive comments, just that they are made with care
and tact.

- I actually have deep admiration for all the members regardless of roles or
Membership levels. Posting and participating as we do so openly can be
risky business and I value and respect all who do that. I value all advice but
of course there are some members whose style I relate more to, so on that
level sometimes their input can appear particularly relevant.

- yes there are acronyms we use but we are sensitive, happy to explain and
there is a page outlines the definitions.

- yes, YLF has impacted my approach to fashion on a daily basis. Most
significantly I now dress for my real life. I also no longer tolerate
uncomfortable or ill fitting clothing.

- Angie's outfit posts inspire me. We have quite different style preferences so
I am not inclined to "copy" her outfits, but if I like a garment I will certainly
consider how it might work within my own style persona. I glean some fab
styling ideas from Angie, and ofcourse she makes it easy to keep up with
what is current and what is trending.

- I keep coming back (I participate here daily) because I have found an
Incredibly unique community of women with a shared interest in style,
who are kind, sensitive, intelligent and supportive. I honestly love these
women:)

Hope this helps:)
xxxDeborah

11 years ago

Kim

Veteran

What Deborah said!

Welcome!!

11 years ago

crutcher

Veteran

Certainly welcome...Deborah summed up the answers to your questions rather well...This is a special place and you will learn and grow as you become part of the group...
I am curious...about your questions...are you looking for information for some class or paper in your design curriculum?...
Any way...welcome again...

11 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

Hi Alex,

Welcome! Deborah sums it up really well.

This is a very welcoming place so jump right in. I have found YLF to be really influential on my style and it continues to help me grow.

Your boots look great! You should post a WIW with them on.

Welcome to YLF

11 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

Hi Alex, and welcome!

1. Yes, I've met several members IRL, and even met Angie at a meet up in Chicago a few years ago. It was a blast. I only correspond with a few members using the personal message function. This is a great tool if you want to post on someone's thread, but the post seems a bit "personal."

2. The only rule of YLF is to "have fun with fashion." This is a forum that values civil, positive discourse, but we also want to move forward in our style. If you want frank feedback, you'll be most likely to get it with very specific questions. In the beginning, we'll usually focus on getting to know you and feeling out what kind of feedback you're after. The Off Topic section is a great place for things you want to share that aren't directly fashion related, just remember that, while it's not directly seen by nonmembers, it's not truly "private."

3. I think we all have YLF twins and mentors -- people we follow more closely. We are careful about how we talk about it in posts, so others don't feel left out, but we'll sometimes directly reference someone else in a post, like, "Inspired by Shannon," or "Amiable Copycat." Copying is encouraged!

4. Yes to lingo, but we'll also decode for you gladly. There is a page somewhere in the archives. We also make up style monikers (lots of fun) and invent terms like "RATE" (rough round the edges).

Yes, I find inspiration in Angie's outfits, particularly in her discussion about her outfit creation process. However, as my body type is completely different, I rarely duplicate them.

YLF has definitely changed how I dress. The biggest change? I know much more about fits and proportions, and I now have a functioning wardrobe, rather than a bunch of pretty items that don't work together.

It's the interesting women -- their personalities and the constant evolution of their style, that keeps me on the forum. Now I'll get to know you, too!

11 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Welcome! I think the others have answered your questions very well. I think feedback takes the form of what is asked, and there is always kindness involved. If someone asks a direct question (would this look better tucked) they get great advice. If someone says I love my outfit and I was happy all day, no one is going to chime in and say "but it would have looked better tucked". I think we are all very sensitive to what is risked when you put yourself out there...and there are other communities that are not so kind. That's what makes YLF such a tight community.

I'm with Crutcher though, wondering about the focus of your questions? Wanting the best way to join in? Welcome and dive right in. Wanting to know how to build such a great community? You'll see pretty soon! Part of a school project? Please keep privacy issues in mind! Pictures are only visible to members for a reason!

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hi, Alex, and welcome! Deborah and Beth Ann have given great answers to your post already; I will only echo what they have said!

Does anyone know each other in real life? Do you build relationships online also?

Yes, I've met many members in real life, including Angie and Greg, and consider many that I've met in person or only online to be genuine friends. Some of these relationships go far beyond fashion.

Are there unspoken rules or ettiquette that everyone follows?

What the others said. The main rule is have fun with fashion, and the unspoken but continually re-enacted rule is to be polite, respectful, and kind to others.

Is there anyone who you particulary admire and respect their advice? Do the member levels and roles affect that?

I respect all participants on the forum, whatever their membership levels. I do tend to "follow" certain "style buddies" a bit more closely. They might have a similar body type, live in a similar climate, have similar lifestyle needs, or similar style preferences.

Or they might simply be people that I especially admire and learn from for their differences -- e.g. women who are much older or younger than I am; women who live across the globe. There is always something to enjoy here!

Are there habits or lingo that new members might not understand?

Sure, but we are happy to explain and we have a list of acronyms on the site.

Has YLF changed the way you approach fashion in your everyday life?

A resounding YES to that. I am far more confident, I like to take more fashion risks, and I have way, way more fun!

Do Angie's outfit posts affect the way you dress?

Yes, I do often emulate her outfits since we have a similar body type and style preferences -- that is one of the things that drew me to the blog in the first place. But we live in a different climate and have differing lifestyle needs, so I often adapt looks to my own situation.

I also emulate many others on the forum.

What keeps you coming back?

First, the community. I have fun here!
Second, the ongoing fashion education. I know I will keep up to date if I follow along. Angie is a brilliant stylist and so very kind and generous!
Third, the incredibly great shopping tips.

11 years ago

Alex L

Active Member

Thanks everyone for the responses!
To answer your questions, Peri and Crutcher, I am asking as a part of a project, but I am genuinuly interested in applying what I learn to my future... that's why I chose to focus on fashion! Also, I won't be using any images or personal information, just general ideas. Thanks everyone!

11 years ago

Anonymous

I have nothing really additional to add except that I truly love the respect we all have for one another, unlike other forums. It is because of this that draws me to visit often.

I wish I knew where more members lived so that I could befriend in person someday.

11 years ago

viva

Veteran

Hi Alex, Thanks for posting the questions and also, thanks for being candid about your project-related interest. I think this community works so well because there is a very real degree of trust inherent in all of our conversations, so being open is a great way to start. I'm happy to pitch in.

Does anyone know each other in real life? Do you build relationships online also?
I knew no one when I started. I have been to two in-person meetups where I've had the chance to get to know some members including Angie and Inge, and there are a few members I converse with through private posts, and those messages go way beyond fashion. The off-topic section of the site also shows that many of us connect, reach out, and support each other on a wide variety of topics. Fashion is just what gets us here and binds us.

Are there unspoken rules or ettiquette that everyone follows?

Tact. I think that is it. The longer one is here, the more you realize that not everyone's style is your own, and you don't have to love everything or voice every bit of opposition. On the other hand, posters frequently ask for candid, critical advice and responders will be open when they think something is not working. Again though, with tact.

Is there anyone who you particulary admire and respect their advice? Do the member levels and roles affect that?

I love to read all posts and believe there is something to be learned from everyone. But there are a few people to whom I feel close stylistically, or whose point of view is different from mine but whose vision I really trust. Those people I would say I listen to most closely.

Are there habits or lingo that new members might not understand?

Yes, and at some point almost everyone has to say ... excuse me, but what does ALGO mean?

Has YLF changed the way you approach fashion in your everyday life?

Yes. I am slowly becoming a smarter shopper, and I am definitely becoming a more thoughtful dresser. I have always loved clothing, but this site keeps me from falling into a rut -- or at least, it gives me somewhere to turn when I do fall into a rut.

Do Angie's outfit posts affect the way you dress?

Yes. Some people are genius at recreating her looks and I have not quite done that ... yet. But I will! She is a constant inspiration, though.

What keeps you coming back?
The people -- I love the community, and Angie has an infectious energy that I cannot resist.

The guidance -- from other posters, and above all from Angie. She is incisive, clear, and knows her stuff.

11 years ago

minimalist

Veteran

It sounds like you're writing a paper.

Will you be so courteous as to post it here (or a link to a Google doc or something) when you're done?

11 years ago

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