Post Your Personal Style Challenge (Week 3) - YouLookFab Forum

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Post Your Personal Style Challenge (Week 3)

El Cee

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The "Post Your Personal Style Challenge" thread was an idea proposed by forum member Carter in her recent post: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....slide-long

Continuing with our weekly challenge thread, here is your spot to post your own ongoing or brand new challenge(s) as well as to give updates and reports. Feel free to jump in at any time, even if you missed the last couple of postings. Your personal style challenge could be one that extends through the whole season or something that is of a more limited time frame (a month or even just a week or two to get you through the seasonal transition). Pictures of items from your challenge and "What I Wore" photos are, of course, most welcome but not required. Please also feel free to refer directly to your own separate challenge postings. I will be starting a new thread every Wednesday morning for the next several weeks.

For ideas of what other forum members are doing in terms of challenges check out Carter's initial thread (above) as well as our first two weekly threads--
Week One: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-week-one
Week Two : http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-2

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El Cee

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I had much better success this week with my two goals --
1.) Wear a bottom that is not blue denim at least three times a week.
2.) Wear my summer dresses (before I pack them up) in Fall-transitional outfits -- along the lines of Angie's suggestions in her recent blog post: http://youlookfab.com/2016/09/.....into-fall/ My goal is to do this at least once a week. Goal #1 -- I was able to include non-blue-denim bottoms in three of my outfits -- bottoms selected were white boyfriend jeans, black wide leg cropped pants and black/white geometric print ankle pants. I was an overachiever on Goal #2 -- wearing a summer dress over pants or jeans a total of three times this week. My favorite ensemble was one I wore last Thursday for a luncheon get-together (hubby's retiree club annual event).

I plan to continue with this mini-challenge for one more week. The weather is starting to change, so I anticipate having to pack up the remainder of my summer stuff very soon -- and to start pulling out more of my Fall/Winter pieces.

RACHEL Rachel Roy Sydney High-Low Dress

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Bobeau One-Button Fleece Wrap Cardigan (Regular & Petite)

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Nine West Marla d'Orsay Pump

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Bead Cluster Necklace

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Anonymous

I am continuing to develop ensembles based on favorite pieces, climate, and work or casual setting. I moved from a spreadsheet format to a powerpoint format. The spreadsheet got messy and hard to decipher. I'm more visual anyway. I have a had a lot of success developing ensembles for work. Casual is lags behind.

I am spending some quality time evaluating those pieces that don't fit into one single ensemble for any setting. In some cases, I am shopping for a coordinating act. This really streamlines the shopping process. No impulse buys. No sales goggles. I have never shopped this way before. It is beyond productive. I think this must be the way professionals like Angie shop. In other cases, those orphans just sit in my closet in unresolved status. How long they will remain in the closet is unknown. I don't have the heart to put them in a donation box just yet. I know I loved them at one time .....

It is my opinion that we women who live in the southeast really only have two true seasons.

My thoughts are we have "summer" and "not summer." "Not summer" seems to extend from November through February (four months). I identified those garments that can only be worn during November through February. Every morning I am going to select my wardrobe from those garments in order to get the absolute most wear out of them (I have a lot of them because I spent my life buying for an imaginary ski lodge in Colorado).

I made the decision not to add to that set of garments until I have had the opportunity to truly evaluate them. I am going to save my money and focus on buying for Spring/Summer 2017 since that seems to be the best use of my clothing budget.

Finally, I concluded that I no longer wear heels. I cannot think of one single occasion that would require me to wear them when other options are available. I am going to put all my heels into the probation box. If after one year, they remain unworn, out they do.

Thanks El Cee for keeping the challenge going. I always benefit greatly from these challenges and I thoroughly enjoy seeing what others are doing.

bella

(website)

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Arggh! My only goal for this week was to photograph my outfits. Sad to report that I have failed miserably! I do not even have a single picture. To be fair, my son was sick for most part of the last week and the weekend, so there weren't many opportunities to get dressed or take pictures. However, I did put on actual clothes on Monday and Tuesday but did not manage to photograph them. I am terrible at taking pictures on the mirror with my phone. Add to that, my hectic schedule, and it becomes an impossibility. I will try to do better this week.

bella

(website)

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Good work on your challenges El Cee and Sterling.
Maybe I should try to do a powerpoint type thing for my ensembles as well. It won't be as good as an outfit picture, but at least I will remember my favorite combos.
Need to ponder this a bit more.

Sisi

Veteran

Ah, things are getting complicated here! (my challenge is wearing more dresses in Autumn, that is: when it is cold).

The weather is still sunny and cool but the office where I work, for a series of reasons, is the coldest of all. My coworkers and I are always shivering, especially now that the heating has not been turned on yet. So this morning I wore pants ... (and a pair of ballet flats, and my feet are freezing, but I refuse to wear boots now!).

Style Fan

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Thank you for continuing this thread El Cee. I am continuing with my Wardrobe Audit. I have completed Outerwear, Toppers, Bottoms and Footwear. I have also purged some clothing along the way. I am doing a shopping list as part of my Wardrobe Audit.
I did Footwear last week. I am looking to do Tops next.
I have also done my Colour Palette. I will do Inspirational Pics at some point.

bj1111

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My challenge this week is get some pants hemmed (done) and to return some stuff and spend the money on new glasses and new more supportive undergarments. I still have until Friday !

Suz

(website)

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El Cee, Style Fan -- great news that you followed through this week on your goals. And Sterling, it seems as if you are gaining great clarity about your closet through this challenge. Bella, Sisi, BJ -- sometimes life shows us that we have chosen the wrong challenge!

My challenge last week was to wear and photograph some version of the outfits I'd planned for my big social weekend at the local WritersFest. I did so, although the photos are pretty poor quality because the DSL wasn't set up and I was in a rush.

This week my challenge is planning another travel capsule -- I am away next week in a rural beachside setting for a retreat and will need warmer clothes than I am wearing here so this will take some consideration. I've had to do a tiny bit of shopping for this -- rain boots and socks.

Outfits:

1). Worn on boot cruise in rainy windy weather --- I also had my black trench on but forgot to photograph that.

2). Worn for morning workshop.

3). Worn for a friend's evening book launch and to make short presentation.

4-5) Worn to daytime workshops/ events.

6). Worn to late night "speakeasy."

7-8) Worn to daytime events.

9). Worn to evening event.

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Elizabeth P

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OMGoodness Suz, culottes suit you! You know I'm a big fan of your style, and my jaw pretty much dropped at 4,5,6,7,8. Esp #6... wowzers.

OK, what are those denim babies? I know you've posted them before, but seeing them styled like this has me a whole bunch more interested. Sort of. I need to stop shopping

sisi I'm with you... it was only 3 degrees this morning, but is supposed to go to 18 this afternoon. I contemplated booties, but I did not give in. Not yet!

Good work to the rest of you! Even those who posted "fails". It's all good. And at least you are admitting it

I am continuing with my goal of wearing the heck out of clothes that allow a "sliver of skin" or bare legs, while the weather is holding out. Will post the weeks outfits on the weekend.

I'm confused about when the challenge week begins and ends, but I'm not sure it really matters...

shedev

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I'm going to copy Jenn's week 2 challenge and wear at least 1 signature piece a day. I "save for good" much less than I used to, but I'm still guilty of doing it sometimes.

Sisi

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Suz, all your outfits are smashing, but nr. 2 makes my heart pitter-patter! (expression that I learned from Angie, and I immediately liked it)). I don't know what it is ... maybe the color combination? I was fancying a plum puffer for this winter. If I can find one I will surely try to copy your outfit. With your permission, of course.

Elizabeth, I am happy that you are in my team "Don't give up to Winter clothes as far as possible, at the cost of shivering!"

Elizabeth P

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Sisi, I call it team "Don't put the toes away"

Sisi

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Hahaha, Elizabeth!

texstyle

(website)

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My challenge this week is simple (on purpose because it's a busy week). I'm trying to find the right warmish winter boots in a cognac color. I need comfort, style, warmth, waterproof, and the ability to wear thick socks, and a boot that doesn't feel too heavy for traveling. I want to be able to wear them both on a casual hike through a small town and into a restaurant to eat.

I've tried several but so far these UGGs have been the best contenders.

The LLBean may be too dark for me but they are on the way to try.

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UGG 'Cecile' Waterproof Boot (Women)

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Suz

(website)

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Texstyle I think that is a fantastic challenge. Very focused. I like the Uggs, too. I know the type of boot you're talking about and it would be super useful in my own life. My Blundstones used to fill that role but they are not as comfy for me any more. They are not padded enough on the bottom and I seem to be between sizes so one is too large (even with insole) and one too snug. (Mine weren't cognac of course, but they do come in a warm cognac I think and who knows? might work. They are not listed as waterproof but honestly, they seem to be.)

Elizabeth, thank you. I love the culottes as you can see and I am also on team visible skin while you still can. The denim ones were the NAS ones; they're longer on me than the model, surprise surprise, but Angie felt the length was okay.

Blundstone BL1301

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Chelsea28 Denim Culottes (Blue Mode Medium Vintage)

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texstyle

(website)

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El Cee- LOVE that Rachel RR dress and that fleece wrap cardigan looks great too - I'll bet it feels really good.

Sterling - I can relate to the two season issue of the south. I do feel I have a mini winter season too for two months where I wear my cashmere sweaters as much as possible - Jan/Feb

Suz- your outfits are fantastic all around.

bella- I just don't take time to photo mine these days either so I can commiserate.

Sisi- It can be so ridiculously cold indoors even here in Texas. I understand at the grocer but sometimes I wonder about other places. I keep an extra jacket in the car.

Style Fan- I've been following your wardrobe audit with interest.

bj1111 - I like simple goals like this - you have 3 days to finish so I have faith that you will

Elizabeth P. - I agree with you about Suz's culottes - she makes them look great.

shedev - good challenge - I am also much better about not saving things and I enjoy my clothes much more that way.

L'Abeille

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Suz, re your Blundstones: My DD has a pair (bought for Christmas by me, on request). She took them to the local farmers market and got alpaca insoles cut to fit by the guy who raises the alpacas. This provided her with both the warmth/insulation and the thickness/cushioning to make them her go-everywhere winter boots for 2 Quebec winters so far. (One set of insoles per winter.) Of course, she still has a 20-year-old's feet, so YMMV. Still, that might help yours be more comfortable.

Style Fan

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Blundstones has sheepskin insoles for their boots. I think they also make a winter boot that is lined. I have heard they are very warm. I have heard mixed reports on comfort though. Otherwise I would get a pair. You can put an insole in them.

Suz

(website)

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Thanks for the info on insoles, L'Abeille and Style Fan. I did know that but I don't think my current pair will take it -- I got the smaller of my sizes and it's a bit snug, whereas the larger, even with an insole, is way too big. Alas...my daughter LOVES hers...I got her onto them because I wore and loved my own for years.

Bonnie

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My challenge has been to style the new shoes I ordered. I sent two pairs back and ordered one pair in leather rather than the suede I received, believing that they will be more practical. They just arrived so that will be next weeks challenge. For this week, I substituted styling the EF harem pants I purchased in August on sale which have been waiting in my closet for their turn. I ordered the pants in petite because I am on the cusp and I know EF usually runs large. I think they may be too short. I tried them on with all of my shoes and was not in love with any. Then I tried them on with my tops and liked some of the looks but the pants still look too short. I'm thinking about posting a Yay Nay Thread for help. The Post Your Style Challenge has really inspired me to work on my wardrobe. Thank you!!!

PS: I'm really enjoying reading everyone's posts and check this thread every day.

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carter

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Oh my! I'm going to have to read through the comments tonight when I have some more time. Just popping in to own up to my lack of much progress this week. Of the 25 items I want to be sure to wear often during "not Summer" (as Sterling would say), I wore one blouse twice this week. This is a recent purchase, and I'm loving the color.

Not very creative in the styling/re-styling department, I'm afraid. Busy packing to move some furniture to the beach next Thursday. Assuming we still have a house, that is. The island was evacuated today, so we'll just have to wait and see. Definitely fretting a bit about my clothes I moved down there a couple weeks ago:-(.

Looking forward to reading about your challenges!

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Jenn

(website)

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My challenge is to wear outfits 3x/week with my "signature items" from the past few seasons.

The items are:
* Frye oxfords
* rust duster sweater
* gold-toe boots
* wool Panama hat
* embroidered button-down
* silk kimono
* plaid dress
* EF poncho
* leather jacket
* fur vest (new!)
* TBD

I did three outfits this week, but only managed a photo of one.

Outfit One: embroidered button-down, gold-toe boots--worn out for errands
Outfit Two: gold-toe boots--worn to vend at a market
Outfit Three: gold-toe boots, rust duster sweater--out for coffee with friends

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El Cee

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I was offline for most of the day -- so just getting back to our thread. Wow! I am blown away by all the great challenges going on. I thank all of you for your participation and collective wisdom. I am enjoying posting this thread and have learned so much from you ladies.

Carter -- You were one of the first people that came to mind when I learned that Hurricane Matthew was coming up the Southeast coast. I hope that you will be sheltered safely inland for the duration of the storm and that there will be no damage to your lovely beach home and property. You will be in our thoughts. BTW -- The new blouse is lovely on you... such a rich, gorgeous color. It should fit in nicely with your wardrobe.

Sterling -- I also thought of you with regard to the hurricane. Are you inland? I hope so. Stay safe... we will keep you and your state in our thoughts and prayers. Sounds as if your challenge is a huge success. Kudos! You are so smart to put more of your budget aside to shop for your dominant season. Like you, I am getting so much from participating in another challenge. You ladies keep me honest and accountable. I thank you all for that.

Bella -- Being a mom is your most important challenge. All else can wait, especially when a little one is sick. Hope your son is feeling much better this week. And right now, you get extra points for just getting dressed. Just so you know -- I really stink at taking mirror shots and have not yet mastered the WIW pics -- so I do not post them. Perhaps someday I will get the hang of it.

Sisi -- Yep... what is it with office temps this time of year? So hard to know how to dress. I am with you on the pants this week. We just got a big drop in temps. Mornings are quite chilly. Have you tried the "dress over pants" look? I have been getting a lot more wear out of my dresses since embracing this trend. Like you, I am trying to hold off on the boots for a few more weeks.

Stylefan -- Your wardrobe audit project continues to blow me away. You are motivating me to get more disciplined in my approach to my own closet. Looking forward to seeing your upcoming Inspirational pics.

El Cee

Veteran

bj1111 -- Yay for new glasses! For many of us, they are such an important daily style factor and are well worth the investment. And, yes, having the right undergarments is a must. I realize that I need to spend more time and attention to this area of my wardrobe. You are also reminding me that I have some pants that need to go to the tailor this week.

Suz -- Your outfit photos are a feast for the eyes... so many gorgeous ensembles! Hard to pick a favorite as you look stunning in each and every one of these. You and Tanya were made to wear culottes. I am getting lots of outfit inspiration from the two of you. I look forward to seeing your upcoming travel capsule. (Capsule posts are a personal favorite of mine.)

ElizabethP -- There is no hard and fast day of the week for the start of a challenge. We began posting on Wednesdays only because Carter's inspirational post was (as I recall) on a Wednesday... and we decided to come back the following week and start a thread. Some folks (like Sterling) are using Saturday as their own personal start date and others of us are more fluid with no set time frames. So yes... you are right that it does not really matter what day you choose to start a challenge. I love your idea of the "bare legs/sliver of skin" outfits. Some of us have only a short window of time to enjoy that look -- so wearing the heck out of it right now really appeals to me.

El Cee

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Shedev -- Jenn's challenge should be a great match for you. As I recall, you have some amazing statement pieces. Will the fabulous Nicholas K jacket be making an appearance?

Texstyle -- I adore those Uggs -- what a fab color! Let us know how they work out for you. My Uggs Adirondack Tall Boots (purchased a few years ago) have been a great addition to my footwear collection. I love the idea of adding something in a shorter style like the one you pictured.

Bonnie -- Your EF harem pants stylings are spectacular. I especially love the second outfit. You are giving me lots of inspiration. BTW -- my own pair hits at roughly the same spot as yours. I am tall and I bought a regular size -- so they are more cropped than they might be on other ladies... but I am kind of liking that look. Finding the right footwear pairing seems to be my challenge with these particular pants.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

El Cee - I can tell by the pieces you linked that you did a fab job "autumnizing" that summer dress. Your multi-strand necklace reminds me a bit of the ornamental corn you see around this time of year.

Sterling - I really think you're right that heels aren't usually necessary for many of us. I can think of one occasion per year when I really need them, and, really, only a few others where they're even appropriate.

I will, however, think of you as I'm living your imaginary life this weekend. We're headed up to the mountains for elk bugling and leaf viewing. I'm expecting crackling fires and temps in the teens.

bella - Some weeks are just like that! I've been terrible at getting photos, too, but luckily I have all my items in Closetspace so I can pull together ensembles pretty easily. Getting that set up to start was a bit of an endeavor, though.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Sisi - Too funny. I finally broke and turned on my heat today, but I've been wearing boots for weeks. I'm your opposite! I want boots season to last as long as possible!

El Cee

Veteran

Jenn -- Sounds like you have had great success with your personal challenge. I love your ensembles from this week. The colors are so rich and you have some interesting textural elements in there as well. I think I may join Shedev in copying your fabulous and fun challenge idea when I finish my current one.

Again -- to all you lovely ladies -- thanks so much for your participation and support! I so look forward to reading this thread.

Bonnie

Veteran

Thank you El Cee - I'd love to see what you come up with.

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