Picture Perfect Challenge - 2024 Edition - Day 3 - YouLookFab Forum

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Picture Perfect Challenge - 2024 Edition - Day 3

bella

(website)

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Hi YLF,
I hope you're enjoying the challenge! I love seeing all your outfits.
Our third inspiration picture is the cover of the book, The Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin, although the last portion is believed to be written by a different author.
I unfortunately hadn't heard of this one and had to look it up on Wikipedia. It was written in the 18th C, and starts with a sentient Stone wanting to experience the mortal realm, and being reborn as a woman. There are some beautiful illustrations that I am adding below.
Let's see your outfits!

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32 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

BlueJay

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I've never heard of this book either. Thank you for highlighting it, bella! The illustrations are beautiful! I'm assuming they were made with watercolours and ink. I really like the delicateness and the artist's signature with the red ink stamp.

Today is stormy with rain, wind and chilly. Boots are a must as I really don't like wet feet. I'm inspired by the graphic element of the figure's clothing on the cover with red, black and white.

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bella

(website)

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Red-black-white is a no-brainer for me because this is one of my favorite color combos. In fact, I think of red as a neutral. That said, when I saw the cover, I was immediately drawn to the dark florals, which have been on my mind since Angie highlighted the trend. I am not planning to add any items to my wardrobe soon, but I happen to own this scarf from Desigual. I had purchased it on vacation in Spain (right before Covid hit!), so it brings back happy memories.
I am including a picture at full length to show the pattern, but I wore it tied once around my neck.

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Dee

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Its was a fun creating an outfit based on a classic historical novel from another culture. It was easiest for me to use the book's colours and patterns as inspiration and I ended up with an outfit that completely suits my modern lifestyle.

The white and black striped top references the striped pattern found on the woman' s dress from the cover. Dark red and black are also very dominate, so I added a dark burgundy-red knit vest and black ponte pants. Tan sandals and more red with the handbag complete the outfit.

Its the 2nd day in a row creating another outfit using red again. Its not a colour that I wear very often but I am enjoying its graphic impact in this outfit.

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Joy

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Lots of red and black in the inspiration picture. Your outfit looks perfect.

Runcarla

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Had a mammogram early this morning and it was windy, rainy, and raw. Last wear (hopefully) for the winter puffer - but I have to admit the colour was perfect for the challenge. Tucked the cross body strap of the purse into the bag, and have been carrying it as a clutch for something different. I love this older floral turtleneck so much! Once again, inspired by the colours of the book cover - crimson, black, and gold.

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Joy

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Here is my simple version for Day 3 The black is represented by the black pants( different than yesterday and shoes, the red by dark red tops. The white by the shirt and the stripes by the scarf. This red seemed a deeper shade.

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Firecracker (Sharan)

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I love all these outfits!

BlueJay, your graphic combo is fresh. I like the mod feel of it.

Bella, what a beautiful and fun scarf. I like Desigual, and looked there myself recently for a souvenir from Spain. (Didn't find one, but I brought back a handbag from Biba instead.) No wonder you like red and black; they love you back!

Dee, another fun graphic look. You do wear red well!

Carla, I like your darker version. That dark floral top with the gold in it adds depth and richness. Looks like a cozy, comforting outfit to wear on a blustery day that also included a mammogram.

Joy, your white patterned shirt is so pretty. I like your pattern-mixing, too. I recall early in my YLF days, you posted a pattern-mixed outfit that really opened my mind to possibilities. It made quite an impression on me (obviously, since I still remember it!).

I won't be able to post my outfit till later today, after some exercise classes, so it's fun to see others' in the meantime!

Roberta

Veteran

This was fun! I wanted to hit on the gold in the cover, hence the gold jewelry and gold boots. The red, black and white seemed open for interpretation. I have this kimono style red jacket that I rarely wear, yet keeps hanging out in my closet. It is supposed to be cuffed, but I can never decide if I like it better that way. Chilly and wet today, so I chose faux leather pants and one of my 46 striped tees. I will add a scarf if I go outside.

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NYDJ Marilyn Faux Leather Straight Leg Pants

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CC CORSO COMO Dynamite

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McQ By Alexander McQueen Geometric Print Scarf

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UmmLila (Lisa)

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A sleety walk outfit.
It doesn’t show that well in the photo but my black puffer has a bit of a dropped tail which I was hoping would add some of the drama of the robe on the book cover.

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Suz

(website)

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Options. I have options!

Ok. I admit I do not plan to wear them all.

#1. I never really wear this jacket any more (bought in China when we adopted our child), partly because, I don't know, is it right? I am conflicted about that...but also, it is too large for me now. But I keep it for sentimental reasons.

#2. I thought I might wear the suit, with a silk scarf.

#3 But then I realized, I really have a very casual day ahead and a scarf felt "fussy" -- something that happens to my mood like clockwork every April!

Today's book is one I've actually read bits of. Not the whole thing, though. But it is extremely famous in China and on one visit I attended a festival that included a park walk that made countless references to different scenes in the book. A local friend explained it all as we walked through the parkland at night.

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Suz

(website)

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Oooh, those illustrations are fab, Bella!

Bluejay -- red and houndstooth! I love it! A MOD Dream of a Red Chamber...

Bella, you look beautiful! I love your scarf!

Dee, I love your interpretation and the way you have adapted the elements from the cover to your own life. Brilliant.

Carla, the dark florals and puffer are perfect for the challenge. And you are a star -- two challenging medical days and you still did the fashion challenge!

Joy, wow! That is spectacular on you. You catch the mood of the book perfectly with the diaphanous shirt...

Roberta, you look fab in both versions! The kimono can be super useful with some outfits -- I used to love wearing a short one like this with a sheath dress, but I haven't worn sheaths for a long time.

Lisa -- very practical and on point. I think the tail of the jacket would definitely amp up the drama IRL.

Runcarla

Veteran

@ Suz - LOL! I called the clinic yesterday after I got a notice. Last time I went was on a warm May day. I thought I’d book for May again. The receptionist said they could see me ‘tomorrow’. I said: ‘what about May?’ She answered: ‘We have 8 am, 8:30, 9 am, ….’ I wasn’t relishing getting half naked on a cold blustery day, but I was in-and-out in 15 minutes.

@ Roberta - that’s a lovely kimono style jacket.

Everyone’s outfits are really good today!

MsMary

Veteran

Suzland Roberta, your red jackets are perfect!

I immediately thought of my red/black/white/gray striped top when I saw this picture because of the strong graphic elements in the cover design. I was somewhat flummoxed by the orange tones and the floral elements, but then I remembered this lacquer necklace I got in Vietnam last year, and I also added some multi-color earrings and a red-orange bag to brighten things up. (I thought of adding a multi-color floral scarf, but honestly scarves just don't feel very current to me these days, and I plan to actually wear the outfit our of the house, so...)

Roberta, I thought about wearing my black pleather pants, too, but I settled on velvet jeans, instead. Now you have me reconsidering...

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Dee

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Really enjoying all these interpretations
Bluejay- You went graphic and used a vest just like me.
Bella- Fab scarf, love the strong red lip too.
Runcarla- I like that dark floral turtleneck,too, it works perfectly with the other colours.
Joy- Lovely interpretation, nice patterned top
Roberta - Great gold additions especially those boots, fab reference with the kimono jacket.
UmmaLila - Nice black & red outfit to face the elements.
Suz- How wonderful to have so many options, beautiful jacket from China, interesting to hear how the book is still referenced in Chinese society.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Blue Jay, super cute! Keep those limbs warm and dry

bella, your outfits are secondary as I am mesmerized by your STUNNING hair. Love the scarf, and go Team Red is a Neutral!

Dee, fabulous vest layering, and my word - you wear wide bottoms wel!! Elegant.

Carla, the pattern of the top is awesome for this challenge! Good job wrapping up for the weather.

Joy, the patterns of your topper and scarf hit just the right note for the challenge. Nicely done!

Roberta! You whacked it out of the ballpark with the kimono topper (best un-cuffed). AWESOME everything

Ummlila, love the pearls! Wrapped up and cosy.

Susan! Fabulous options! I love #2! Chic and comfy #3 is a great sporty version of #2!

Mary, looking great! Impressively covered the three reds on the cover of the book!

Roberta

Veteran

Angie, thanks for your call on the cuffs, I can now let them down and sleep soundly tonight!

It is so very interesting to see which elements people pull out of these book covers. I didn't even notice the (many) floral details.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Lots of fun outfit inspiration here. I haven’t attempted the challenge, and probably wouldn’t have yesterday or today anyway. This year, as soon as basketball (red school color) was over, I put my red sweaters, a couple of red long sleeved tees, and two red plaid shirts into a bin. I don’t enjoy wearing red and I just wanted them out of the way. I even put my two pairs of red socks in the bin.

Runcarla, interesting to me that you were given an appointment right away and not at least one day after, or even further out, from your last year appointment. In the US, insurance won’t cover screening mammograms more than once a year, so no leeway. It means pushing out one day or more past a year, and scheduling sometimes means eventually you can’t get one in the same month you’ve always gone.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I missed a day due to grandmotherly care but today back to work, and bonus I am not first outfit now!
I seem to not wear this 2010 tunic much but it’s perfect for this I feel?! Swirly patterns. Touch of gold in my shoes.

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Jaime

(website)

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The star are the shoes, which are just the colors of the book (at least to me) and for bonus points by Chinese designer Uma Wang (via theRealReal). So of course I partially cut them off in the photo!

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Firecracker (Sharan)

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I feel like Suz: I had options! But I decided on one outfit and didn't try on the others. I went with burgundy--another day, another burgundy cardigan! And picking up on the floral element, I remembered I had a t-shirt that is a burgundy and black abstract rose print on stone. I couldn't find it in my drawer. Where was it? Hanging on the drying rack downstairs. Fortunately it was dry and ready to wear. I wore the stone pants that are a perfect match. After reading Bella's description of the book's storyline, which centers on a sentient stone coming to life, I liked the significance of wearing a stone color. I chose antique gold-toned rose earrings (which I like to wear with this t-shirt, just for the matchiness), and an encased coin pendant necklace, which to me evokes the timeless value of a revered classic novel.

The outfit: Stone khaki pants (OSKA); burgundy, black, and stone abstract rose-print tee (made by me); burgundy wool cardigan (Vince); burgundy suede nubuck booties (Mephisto); rose earrings; encased coin necklace on beaded chain.

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Vince Oversize Wool & Cashmere Cardigan

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Mephisto MephistoNessia

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Victorinox Swiss Army Officers XS Two Tone Ladies Watch 241459

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by Firecracker (Sharan)

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Firecracker (Sharan)

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Jaime, what riot that the outfit stars got a little cut off. Those are some really cool shoes, though. Great outfit! I like the echo of red with the bag.

L'Abeille

Veteran

I look for the elements of colour, shape, and proportion.

I have lots of red items to choose from, but there was no question but to wear this vest. For a black and white print houndstooth or leopard didn't seem right, then I remembered these trousers, with stylised yet organic curves. Plain white top; black belt, socks and shoes for the black linear contrasting bands.

My feet are not small and dainty but these ballet flats are daintier than the loafers or boots I would usually pair with this.

For the hair ornament I couldn't find my jewelled banana clip, but I secured a French twist with one of those contraptions consisting of two combs and some strings of beads.

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BlueJay

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bella, these are fun challenges, thanks for organizing! I really love your Desigual scarf! Such fun and happy colours! I had a pair of Desigual shoes that I loved. I was in Barcelona in 2012 and it was interesting and lots of fun.

Dee, yes! Go Team Vest and graphic! I like your vest with the Breton stripe top.

Carla, I love your floral turtleneck too! It looks great!

Joy, it's so great to see your posts! Your topper pattern looks great for the challenge.

Roberta, I love your topper and gold boots! What a great outfit!

Ummlila, you're always elegant!

Suz, what an interesting story about your family and the jacket. I like the colours and that it is sentimental. Definitely keep! Number 2 is my favourite! Fun shoes in 3.

Mary, lots of fun shades of red and great stripes! I would like to borrow your earrings!

Jenni, too funny about being the first outfit. Someone has to go, right? haha! I like your top, it's perfect for the challenge and it is great for spring too (or your fall!).

Jaime, yes, fantastic shoes. Perfect vibe for the challenge.

Sharan, I like that you chose stone to wear with burgundy as it is a great pairing and unexpected.

L'Abeille, gorgeous pattern and such a lush burgundy vest! I like your graphic pants too!

MsMaven

Veteran

Some beautiful outfits here! I forgot how much I like red and black together. I love the different interpretations you show. Thanks to all of you for providing some beauty and cheer on a challenging day for me.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

L'Abeille, you had the perfect vest for this one. I like the outfit you came up with to showcase it--beautiful pattern mix with the pants. And the ballet flats add a classic look that works well with the trim silhouette of pants and vest.

Joy

Veteran

Today's Picture Perfect post is another red and black day although with a darker red. I used black pants like yesterday for the black, although these were black velvet The red is represented by two layered tops. And the white with a red, white and black shirt. I had no airplane broaches so used a bit of black jewelry shown in the second photo below. The scarf represents white and black stripes. Thank you, for this challenge, Bella.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sharan, FANTASTIC all round! Loving the addition of the jewellery. Extra pretty. Beautiful palette with your hair

Jenni and Jaime, one of your best! Nailed it. FABULOUS! In both looks, your shoes make the outfit. Good job!

L'Abeille, fun pattern mix, and great vest for the challenge!

Joy, you posted up top too! Now we can enjoy your look twice as much

Ginger

Veteran

This was the first day I was able to participate. April weather is usually very particular and can be hard to dress for.

Red and black I don’t like wearing, but I have a little red. The weather was fortunately just right for this combination. Rust red cardigan, dusty peach floral tee, and green/brown corduroy skirt. New green boots as well. And gold jewelry. I shed the cardigan partway through the afternoon.

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bella

(website)

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Posted in the wrong thread!

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