Post Your Personal Style Challenge (Week 9) - YouLookFab Forum

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Post Your Personal Style Challenge (Week 9)

El Cee

Veteran

Hi Again -- Welcome to Week Nine! I will be continuing our thread at least through the end of November. Feel free to pop in and out as the mood strikes you and as time and energy allow.

For those new to our challenge, it is not too late to join us. The "Post Your Personal Style Challenge" thread was an idea proposed by forum member Carter in her post: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....slide-long

Continuing with our weekly 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 several 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.
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 eight weekly threads--

Week One: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-week-one
Week Two: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-2
Week Three: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-3
Week Four: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-4
Week Five: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-5
Week Six: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-6
Week Seven: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-7
Week Eight: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nge-week-8

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El Cee

Veteran

My main goal this past week was to finish bringing up my Fall/Winter garments from storage. I can report that I am about 90% done with that task. I should be able to complete the seasonal switch by the weekend. I have not yet had a chance to take my orphaned dress pants to the tailor for hacking into culottes/wide leg crops, but I am setting the garments aside and will be doing a try-on session in the next few days to see what I want to do regarding length.

I am excited to see my Fall/Winter clothes again. I hope to play in my closet a bit this next week and come up with several workable silhouettes for the season in order to prevent ruts and overall closet boredom. I will be referring back to a thread that Una (Alaskagirl) posted a couple of years back, which still has relevance: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-rotation I will also be rereading some of Tanya's recent threads about her planned Fall silhouettes. I have a lot to work with in terms of options and cannot foresee any major holes/big needs in my cold weather wardrobe. This is good news as I really would like to give shopping a rest for a few months. Shopping my own closet will be the main goal this season.

So -- I will report back next week to let you know what I come up with as far as silhouettes are concerned. This will be fun... and so much more interesting than closet rotation.

Joy

Veteran

Weather is still producing record highs ( near 80F) but we are scheduled to get cooler temperatures and even a chance of snow later this week. I did pull out my holiday things but have not tried them on yet. I need to find some new ways to wear metallic gold jeans . I also added a red-orange tunic pullover sweater that I hope is just a bit holiday but not so Christmasy that it can't be worn in January. This week my goals are to try things on and make outfits. I also hope to put away more warm weather things and bring the winter items to the front and center. The closet needs some organizing, especially figuring out what to do with footwear and bags.

Bonnie

Veteran

It was my week to feel unwell with migraines, backaches, and allergies but I'm feeling better now. I didn't do anything except shop online. I ordered the two dresses that Angie recommended from Loft on the 40% off sale and for some mysterious reason I didn't notice that the order didn't go through until the next morning when the sale was over. Maybe they will be having another sale, it seems like they have them often. I also ordered the handbag I've been coveting and am looking forward to getting it tomorrow. This week, I plan to style my new black dress and black crop flares. Our weather was in the high 80's yesterday but it's supposed to cool down to the 60's by Friday so maybe I'lll be motivated to work on adding and updating some cool weather outfits this weekend.

Joe's Jeans Women's Flawless Olivia Midrise Cropped Flare Jean in Regan

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BLANKNYC Woven Shirtdress

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Anonymous

My shopping fast is 16 days today. I am not going to lie, I had a really hard time over the weekend and I questioned whether this was an attainable goal for me.

But the weekend is past and new behaviors are becoming evident.

First, because I am not shopping, I have a renewed interest in my existing wardrobe. Without even thinking about it, I am trying new combinations. Some new outfits work great; others bomb. But I am trying.

Second, the shopping fast is actually getting easier. Admittedly, this has been a really busy and stressful work week, so I might be too distracted to think about shopping. Nonetheless, shopping temptations have weakened considerably.

Third, when I do shop the internet, the prices stop me cold. I am much more discriminating about what I would spend. Everything seems awfully expensive, yet looks so cheap to my current eye. This is completely new and I wonder what I would have thought just two weeks ago.

So my shopping fast has been a success. The thing I am most pleased with is the experimentation with new ensembles.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm STILL shopping for a new pair of jeans. At least it keeps me somewhat limited. I did order two delicate necklaces I've been wanting to add - simple hammered bar style, one silver, one gold because I like to change out my metals. Still deliberating on the Loft blouse for the holidays- it's poly, and I'm not sure how to get the stubborn wrinkles out - low iron doesn't seem to work.

Blossom Jacquard Split Neck Blouse

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Style Fan

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I arrived in Montreal yesterday. We are exhausted. I will try to post my travel capsule this week. I hope to purchase some lovely things here. Here is Sophia yesterday when we arrived outside our apartment.

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El Cee

Veteran

Bonnie -- So sorry that you had such a bad week but am glad that you have turned a corner and are feeling better now. That is great that you are finally ordering that fabulous handbag. It will be a great addition to your wardrobe. Love your two new purchases and look forward to seeing your stylings. You are right about Loft -- they run frequent sales. Fingers crossed that you will be able to get those dresses at a good price.

Joy -- Happy to hear that some cooler weather may be coming your way. I feared we might have to help you put together a "coconuts and grass skirt capsule". Love the idea of finding new ways of styling your metallic jeans. I bet the new red-orange tunic will look absolutely fabulous paired with gold. I, too, am looking forward to pulling out my shiny jeans. They got a lot of wear last winter. Metallics are such fun neutrals.

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Anonymous

Hi Texstyle -- Shopping for jeans is the hardest. Sometimes it takes me many, many attempts before I find that one elusive pair. I had all but given up when I discovered that Kut for the Kloth work well for me. So I bought duplicates .... because you know ..... jeans.

I look forward to seeing your travel capsule, Style Fan.

Hi Bonnie -- I am glad you are starting to feel better. It is so hard to get anything accomplished when you are feeling well. It is too bad about the dresses. I have actually done that in the past. You think you ordered something but you failed to hit one last button one one last screen. I promise you Ann Taylor will be having more sales very soon. I walk by their store often. I don't think I have ever NOT seen them having a sale.

I remember your gold jeans, Joy. They are fabulous. I look forward to seeing any outfits you put together. I don't have a new Holiday sweater this year. I decided against buying anything new this year because I want to wear what I have from a few years back.

Congratulations on getting most of your wardrobe rotated in, El Cee. That is a huge and exhausting task. Every year I swear I will not do it again and yet I always do. Like you, I am thrilled to see my winter clothes again. They really are my favorite. Angie said I love cozy chic and she is definitely right. I love layers and layers of soft fabric against my body.

Thanks again for continuing the challenge. I was very excited about reporting my shopping fast progress. When the challenge ends, I am going to post individual threads to keep myself accountable.

El Cee

Veteran

Sterling -- Kudos to you on lasting 16 days. That is amazing willpower. I am trying to refrain from shopping (with the exception of Christmas gifts) until the New Year. It is so tough to do this time of year with all the tempting sales. You are so right that a shopping fast often leads us to explore our own closets and to fall back in love with things we already have. I am also having fun with trying new combinations with the items in my current wardrobe. Definitely having both hits and misses here... but I am enjoying the creative process, just as you are.

Texstyle -- The Loft blouse is really lovely... but I hear you on the wrinkling concern. Have you ever tried a hand held steamer? I find they work much better than ironing to take out wrinkles on certain fabrics. Your new necklaces sound very pretty. Any pics? (I always enjoy seeing other people's fab jewelry.) Wishing you success in your hunt for the perfect jeans.

Stylefan -- What a beautiful pic of autumn in Montreal. Your Sophia is adorable! Enjoy your time in that gorgeous environment. Looking forward to hearing about your travel capsule once you've settled in.

Sal

Veteran

My halting shopping has not been as successful as it was in the past.

In the last month I have purchased a new dress (worn once to a function), some new sandals (low heel, smart casual), a hat (suitable for city wear), and a black patent waist belt (to wear with the dress mostly).

I have had a lot of work stress recently, and the hat was a true need. There have been a lot of 25%, 30% off sales recently which have enticed me to shop early.

But I need to stop - only one more addition, a new cardigan, which I think I have identified.

Anonymous

Good for you, Kiwigal!!! I've rarely had success at shopping fasts (ask my boyfriend). It is especially challenging when everything seems to be on sale. It is those exact sales though that are positively-reinforcing my shopping fast. I discovered that the items I bought on deepest discount were my greatest failures. So I stepped away from the sales racks. The shopping fast evolved out of that decision. Hope your cardigan works out for you!!!

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Sterling. I am a restrained shopper in general but not so much in 2016 Well done on your steadiness though- I did this last year and it did reset the bar and the three additions I made at the end of the fast were great choices, and very well thought out. I suspect you will find the same.

Texstyle - jeans shopping ugh-very hard online in my opinion. But it does only take one pair!! The jewelry sounds lovely though.

Stylefan - enjoy Montreal - I would love to visit there!

Joy - I remember those gold jeans. I would wear with neutrals - dark blues, black, cream, bitter chocolate or maybe even the darkest purples and reds.... I bet on you they would be stunning with winter white or cream.

Bonnie - get well soon! So horrible to be laid low.

El Cee - good luck on the outfit inspirations. There have been some fun posts by other forum members to provide great ideas.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Bonnie, so sorry to hear about last week. Hoping for a healthier report next week.

I seemed to have stopped after I got my clothes to consignment. I went through my summer scarves and only found one to donate. So,

1. I'll put going through my winter scarves on this week's list.
I realized after the post about velvet that I do have a velvet scarf or two. They've hardly been worn as I only used them for very fancy occasions in the past, so this week
2. I will figure out casual ways to wear my velvet scarf/scarves.

I didn't go through my jewelry. The bead show was in the heart of the protests and my friend cancelled and I mostly go to see her.

I also did not figure out what to do with my long dressy dresses that are too big. I think they will stay in the garage while I mull it over. Through the magic of sewing they may become another type of clothing, or scarf or purse or home decor item. I just let go of the need to get rid of them.

I did rearrange some of my scarves. Now for my sweaters. I realized I have more than I thought, and I want them to be more visible in my closet. So,
3. Figure out where to put my sweaters for maximum visibility and increased wearing.

Someone linked this week to someone about travel packing. She mentioned layering sweaters, which solved a dressing problem for me. I was wondering about all the time I spend online, but then magic happens.
El Cee, thanks for these posts. I learn/make decisions while I write my part. Thanks for your part in my clothing journey.

Brooklyn

Veteran

El Cee, I love playing in my closet. The hours go like minutes!
Sterling, you hang in there. It will be interesting to hear what you have learned from your shopping fast.
I bought my first pair of culottes from ASOS a few weeks ago and have been trying to come up with some outfits built around them. This is proving harder than I thought. I have worn them once and did not feel great. It is not really an eye adjustment issue. I see lots of people wearing them here and like the look on others. I have a suspicion that they are just not "me". Only $16, so no biggie if they don't work out, but I do plan to persist for a while. Hey, it wouldn't be a challenge without challenges.
I am also putting together a "capsule" for a holiday (yay!) in a few weeks time. I am trying to learn from Angie's example, but I suspect my "capsule" wont be as perfectly functional and interchangeable.
Bonnie, I do hope you feel better soon.

Anonymous

Hi Barbara Diane -- I discovered that when I folded/rolled all my sweaters using the konmari method, I was able to see all of my sweaters in a single glance without having to add any new storage space. If you don't know what I am talking about, post a comment, and I'll come back to help.

By the way, the thickness of the sweater is not a factor when using this method. Still foldable. Still visible. And it looks so organized.

Brooklyn -- congratulations on the culottes. Do a search for some of Tanya's older posts regarding styling culottes. She may have done all the hard work for you already. I'll be interested in knowing if you become more comfortable wearing them. I also wonder if they don't require a few pairs of boots or booties? Good luck.

L'Abeille

Veteran

Here it is mid November. We've had frost, but no snow yet. I've pulled out my steering wheel cover and my fingerless gloves. But I STILL haven't finished rotating in my fall and winter clothes!

One thing inhibiting me is the need to try on everything for size. I've lost 15 lb since my cardiac event in June, and I have 5 more to goal weight (for health reasons). At that point, I will take the keepers that need altering to the seamstress who recently opened up shop right next to my office (yay). So the bar for decision making is higher, so I'm chipping away at it very slowly. Also, I seem to be losing and regaining the same pound for the past two months. Sigh.

The other thing that has been keeping me busy is indirectly wardrobe-related. I needed to move a lot of photos from their current cloud storage location. Someone on YLF gave me the idea of starting a private Pinterest board to keep all my WIW pictures on. Working on that, though slow and plodding, has interesting side effects. Some outfits, not necessarily stellar-seeming at the time, really stand out as both flattering and very "me". Others, some that I really worked at and was quite proud of, are just "meh"; not particularly flattering, or smack of trying too hard. So far, I have used some of the forgotten great outfits to do the thinking for me when I get dressed in the morning. But I hope, after time for reflection, to develop a stable of FFBOs, and to draw some conclusions about silhouettes. (So far, I am thinking that pencil skirts are not my friend, and that I should stop trying to move away from black and white.) Eventually I hope to make a thread about my learning process, and I might unlock the private board if any Fabbers want to come on the journey with me.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Sterling. It's getting too warm for boots where I am. I have looked at Tanya's (fantastic) posts. She was definitely part of the inspiration when I bought them. The top issue is tricky for me because I don't like to tuck and shorter tops are hard to find. And I am starting to think I am just not a pants person. Even though my culottes are very like a skirt! But I am not giving up yet

Anonymous

Janice from the Vivienne Files summed up my emotional buying impulse nearly perfectly. Janice wrote the following:

So what do you do if you WANT something new, but you really don't need anything? You feel the need for brightening up, for some new ideas and inspiration, for some updated options in your wardrobe... I think it's important to take these feeling seriously, and to act on them deliberately, with a clear plan and established goal. If you just start buying things willy nilly, you risk wasting money, and feeling guilty, and still not satisfying that urge that stems from something vital within you.

My problem is that I never had a clear plan and established goal. I DID buy things willy nilly. I'm hoping that this shopping fast recalibrate my thinking to some degree.

Anonymous

Brooklyn -- I'm a pants person as well. They just work for me.

El Cee

Veteran

Kiwigal/Sally -- Sounds as if your recent purchases were neither terribly extravagant nor completely unnecessary... and that you are already enjoying them. Even a "restrained shopper" should get to have some fun and, perhaps, a few unplanned fashion buys. I firmly believe in occasional serendipity. On a more serious note -- I was very relieved to hear that you and your immediate family were not put in danger by the recent earthquake.

Barbara Diane -- You are so very smart to go through your accessories as evaluate and cull (if necessary). I have quite a collection of scarves and jewelry that really need to be evaluated. Seems I never get around to that task. Oooh! -- love the thought of putting your velvet scarves into play this season! So fun and right on trend. Like you, I have a holding spot for garments that I am not sure whether to keep or cull (mine is in basement). Great idea about refashioning those garments or repurposing the fabric for a home decor project. You are a creative lady.

El Cee

Veteran

Brooklyn -- Have fun planning your holiday capsule! Always a fun endeavor. I know what you mean about culottes. They are not for everyone. Neither pants nor skirt... sort of a confusing hybrid? I personally love them -- but they totally fit in with my other wardrobe items and with my lifestyle (pants gal who really wants to be a skirt gal). Finding the right tops for them is a very big issue. I still had several shorter tops in my closet (including some in a faux wrap style) from several years back that happen to work very well with culottes and wide-leg crops, as well as with my flared jeans... so I am lucky. Continue to experiment with the ones you have. You may come to like them but, if not, at least you didn't invest heavily in this trend.

L'Abeille -- Kudos to you on your weight loss and for focusing on your health. These weight transitions make wardrobe planning so tough. Sounds as if you have some wise strategies for managing these concerns. Yeah... what is that about those stubborn last few pounds??? I have the same back and forth issue. So hard to break the "plateau" -- Very frustrating. Fabulous idea to transfer those WIW photos to Pinterest! It will free up a lot of cloud storage space for you. And it is interesting that you are now looking at some of your past outfits through a different lens.

El Cee

Veteran

Sterling -- Thanks for popping in frequently to comment and encourage. You are a gem! Like you, I find lots of wisdom in Janice's blog (The Vivienne Files). I could certainly learn a lot from her methodical wardrobe building methods.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

To all who commiserate on jean shopping - it IS hard, isn't it? The stretch fabrics that so many love can be a pain for others, the rise issue, the thickness of the fabric for various climates, etc. Oh, and then there is pocket placement and design, dark wash coming off on other fabrics (I have an off-white slip covered sofa), and so many other things to consider. I do have a pair of KUT jeans that I really enjoy but I don't love the back pocket design on them as it stands out - and they are a bit heavy weight for my early fall and late spring capsule - which is the spot I want to fill.

El cee - here are the pics of the two necklaces I ordered. The designer is making them and they should be here within a week or so. Just very simple, delicate "everyday" style.

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El Cee

Veteran

Texstyle -- Those necklaces are gorgeous! So excited for you. I hear you on the jeans frustration... especially on the concern about bleeding dye from darker washes. I have stains on my new bedspread from that very problem. Pocket design and placement can also be a major concern if you want to do any tucking. And, yes -- the rise issue is a nagging problem for me as well. I have a particular problem with front rise vs. back rise. The formula never seems right for my body type. Ugh!!!! I feel your pain.

BrieN

Veteran

This is my first post on this topic. I started a new job a few weeks ago and have been pleasantly surprised at how well my closet has fielded the challenge of "business casual" every day. Pre-YLF this would have been really, really hard.

My personal challenge has been to alternate black with other neutrals -- if I wear black one day, the next day I can't wear any black. I like the way it feels like I'm creating two capsules - a black capsule and a "fall colors" capsule. Eventually, as I build up a fuller fall wardrobe, I will likely relegate black to the winter months. But for now, I can easily get dressed every day, while also working on my list of fall items to buy.

Anonymous

Having bragged about not having purchased anything in 16 days, I find myself at a crossroad.

I am really liking the jeans shown below. Because I need tall sizes, I have to order when they come available. Otherwise they sell out quickly. I am going to try them on tomorrow. If they have tall in the store (which I highly doubt), I am going to buy them.

While we are at it, this clutch from BR just speaks to me. I can't rationalize a clutch. I would use it over the Holidays and then not much beyond that. So it makes no sense. Still I am going to go look at it in person.

BrieN -- that is an excellent challenge. I really like the idea of building capsules around colors other than black. You struck upon an ideal way of doing it.

FOUR-WAY STRETCH 1969 skinny ankle jeans

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Banana Republic

Bow Metallic Clutch

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Keix

Veteran

Sterling, I popped into this thread because I noticed a link in my Finds when I was moving those exact black Gap jeans into my "Wardrobe" section. I tried them on for the second time this morning and decided to cut the tags because they were comfy enough to wear... today! Even though I swore I wouldn't buy any high-rise jeans--these are a solid mid-rise on me due to my high waist, but they do reach my belly button--they are surprisingly comfortable and actually skinny enough at the ankle. They fit like a legging jean while still being made of a thicker material. I haven't owned Gap jeans in years so I was surprised.

Sorry to disable your shopping fast, but I see you're going to try them on for yourself. Just wanted to leave a review for anyone else who was thinking about these

Anonymous

Thanks KL. These jeans would actually be great in my wardrobe and I prefer a legging fit. A heavier denim might not work that well though. I need a four season fabric. I already own so many pants that can only be worn during our Winter months. I can't rationalize another pair of pants/jeans that can only be worn during the Winter. So we shall see. I'll let you know what I finally decide.

El Cee

Veteran

BrieN -- Congratulations on your new job! Glad that you are able to meet the challenges of the business casual environment using what is already in your closet. You are so right that the collective wisdom on YLF comes in handy in navigating these transitions. What a great idea about alternating black with other neutrals in your wardrobe!

Sterling -- I do not mean to be an enabler -- but I could see those skinny jeans fitting in with your lifestyle (if both the fit and weight is right). The clutch is lovely. Do you have any special events coming up where a metallic clutch might come in handy (weddings, holiday parties, galas)? I normally do not use clutch bags as they simply do not hold all my everyday stuff. But I like to have a couple of these types of bags on hand for special occasions where I will not need a "giant tote bag".

KL -- Thanks for the terrific review and information on the fit of the Gap 4-way stretch jeans. It is always nice to know what works well for other forum members.

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