Questions from a blind would-be fashionista - YouLookFab Forum

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Questions from a blind would-be fashionista

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Hi all,

First of all, I must congratulate Angie for creating this fantastic blog. Non-judgmental, sensible advice that works in the real-world is all too rare, but that's exactly what's delivered here! From what I've observed through my lurking, the forum seems equally supportive and fab, so I'm hoping this will be the place for me to get some fashion questions answered.
I'm totally blind, which has only increased my desire to look stylish and put together. A polished look is key for my career and social life, plus who wants to look like a mess on legs? Over time I have developed a strong sense of what works for my size 16-ish, hour-glassy figure. The good advice initially imparted by family and friends has been reinforced by my own experience, and much of it has been replicated in Angie's blog posts. But doubts will emerge, and since I now live with a style-deficient boyfriend (rather than fashion-conscious university roommates or a highly discriminating mom), I'm in search of a place to get honest feedback on certain purchases.

Take these sandals, for instance:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7524368/c/191161.html
I bought them on the weekend because I loved the fact that I could wear the heel height in comfort (a rarity for me, at 5-8). To me they felt and sounded both pretty and practical. But of course then I got them home and started questioning whether they'd look too fussy for regular daytime wear, whether they were the right style for a curvy girl like me who doesn't have the slimmest legs in the world, and whether they even looked ok. I also started wondering if they'd be too much if worn alongside the red patent purse I just picked up.

I'd much appreciate feedback from any of you that could answer these questions. The sandals are totally returnable if you deliver a nay verdict!

Thanks very much, all, and thanks in advance for your help.

General

20 replies

Latest reply was from merry77

bella

(website)

Veteran

cute shoes. they look like they would flatter any figure.

Anonymous

Pretty sandals for sure. Are they comfy? Do you feel stable when you walk in them? The reason I ask is the heel seems narrow to me and I would be wobbly if I tried to walk in them. Ofcourse I am a clutz so I need a lot more stability.
Many of us live with style deficient husbands so you are not alone, and we are here for you.

shiny

Veteran

Which color did you buy? The link took me to the black, and my first reaction was to caution you against the black, unless you have dark hair color. Otherwise, I think they are really pretty and I love the cork wedge. I might be a little hesitant about the strap in the back - will that rub and cause blisters? And I would want to know if they were lightweight or heavy. This is my pet-peeve with cork wedges - I often find they weigh a ton. But I have found lightweight ones. If these are lightweight, and the strap doesn't bug you, I may be tempted myself to give the metallic ones a whirl! They are cute!

Welcome to the group and I am looking forward to your participation. I have often mused about how much fashion is about what feels good... it seems to me that something that feels good, usually looks good too. Throughout my own posts I've been noticing this theme, that I choose clothes not just on how they look, but how they feel on my body. The fit is comfy, the fabric luscious. So I am curious to hear what you think about that? (realizing that yes, sweats and pj's are of course comfy ... but not stylish!!)

Inge

(website)

Hi Michelle

The wedges are lovely (all three colours are great), and this type of shoe tends to work really well for curvy girls too.

San had the same question as I do. Wedges are usually very comfortable for me, but if the heel is rather narrow, they can be a little wobbly, and then I run the risk of twisting my ankle. Have you had a chance to try them out yet?

I'm not sure about the two patent items worn at once question. I'm sure the other ladies will chime in.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback so far, Ladies! Glad my sense of tactile aesthetics didn't lead me too far wrong.
San and Inga: I find the heel very stable, oddly enough, which is why I was so psyched to sbumble upon these sandals. Because I can't see, I have less certain balance than many sighted people. I absolutely need to feel stable on my heels and for that reason tend to gravitate towards Angie's favourite heel height range. These are the upper limit of what I'd wear, but since they're wedges I found I could walk in them no problem.
Shiny: I do have very dark hair and I went for the black reasoning that it would be practical and work with the bulk of my wardrobe. I need fool-proof options in every-day items so as not to perpetrate some hideous colour crime! I have no problem with slingbacks, so the back strap doesn't bother me and in fact you don't feel it much. I have the same pet peeve about wedge weight so was delighted to find that these really are not heavy at all. Being a bigger girl with legs to match, I try to stear clear of footware that will add bulk or make me look ungainly. This struck the balance for me, as it's not ridiculously dainty either. I'd be really interested to hear your impressions if you buy these! And you're so right that fashion consists largely of what feels good. Over time I've learned to identify pieces of interest just by running my hands over clothing wracks in stores. Styles and materials are no brainers, from a tactile perspective. That doesn't keep me from pulling out stuff in nasty colours or vile patterns, but it's a pretty decent starting point.

P.S. How on earth do you include a pic in here? I can't see any place to attach a file. Does pasting it in work?

Anonymous

Hi Michelle. To post a pic here, some of us open a free Photobucket account, post the pictures in there from the file on the computer, then copy it over here by copy and paste. If you have trouble let us know and we can help.
I am LOVING this discussion about tactile perspective on clothing choices. I think I have been over looking how important this is to me. I will always reach for the softest thing in my closst and so should fill my closet with soft things. Since I am retired it is very easy for me to get hung up on what is comfy. I need to focus on filling my closet with good looking, good fitting, comfy clothing. Thanks for the perspective.

merry77

Those shoes are gorgeous.

Now that I think about this, I choose my clothing almost entirely based on visual appeal. Maybe I would look better if I started paying more attention to the feel of things. Shiny has mentioned the importance of fit and feel before, but I am starting to understand it better. I'll have to pay more attention to feel when planning outfits and purchasing new items.

tarzy

Veteran

Thanks for adding this new twist to the whole quest for style! I know that for me, if my clothes don't fit right - if they're tight, or pull up, or if the fabric is scratchy, I'm miserable. I don't care how good it "looks" - I can't wait to take it off. And since I have fussy feet, if my shoes hurt, I'm done. I don't think I consciously think of that when I shop, but I know I won't buy something that doesn't "feel right."

What would you say your general style is? Conservative? Sporty? Modern?

Anonymous

I love the shoes, Michelle! I think the sling back style will be flattering for any figure, and especially so if you feel like you have curvy legs. They will look great with a red patent purse and will go great with skirts, slacks, jeans, bermuda shorts or clamdiggers if you wish. Very versatile.

Once you decide what your style is there will be lots of support and input from forum members!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Michelle,
What a great addition to the forum you are!! I think those shoes are really cute, but also caution about stability of a narrow wedge. However, it sounds like you have that covered and have walked around in them. I think it is great that you are sensitive to keeping the color fool-proof. What a great idea! Once you start posting pictures we can help you add additional colors maybe slowly that will flatter your coloring. Do you know if you look better in warm or cool colors?

Kari

Veteran

Michelle, welcome! The shoes look cute and I would definitely wear them for daytime too. If they are comfortable and stable, great!

I'm also really intrigued by the discussion about tactile fashion/aesthetics. Like San, I tend to gravitate towards soft clothes but I don't think much about the material. Michelle, I'd bet that you have a much more discerning sense of what fabric/materials you choose than I do - I am too reliant on visuals and don't think about how a soft sweater will hold up over time depending on what it's made from. However, I've also been fooled into purchasing something that isn't actually the best fit because it's just too soft to pass up.

shiny

Veteran

Michelle, I'm really tempted now by the metallic (for my own self, that is)... esp because it is two-tone gold and silver. Very versatile! It's like two for one. And I do like the shape of that wedge. And it's lightweight? Hmmmmm..... this is going on wish-list so I can keep it in mind....

For you, it sounds like black is perfect, since it fits in with your hair color. Go for it!

Just tonight I was out for a team dinner and one of my male colleagues said he is color-blind and he writes the color of his shoes on the sole, so when he gets dressed in the morning he can ensure he's wearing a shoe that doesn't clash (his wife usually sleeps in so he is loathe to wake her for her "quality control" check, as he explained).

Sounds like it would be fun to go shopping with you... I am also a "toucher" in that I find I run my hands over clothes as I shop. I am also attracted to the visual - an arresting color catches me first - but more and more, the tactile also needs to grab me as well. Maybe that is Angie in my head whispering "texture".... but I have also been thinking it is about my personality in general.

I notice that I often write "I feel" instead of "I see" or "I hear" or "I think" ... whether talking about fashion or basically... anything at all.

I read somewhere (don't ask me where - I don't remember!!!) that there are four types, and you can tell a person's type by just that. So ever since reading that, I began to notice this pattern that I write "I feel" all the time. With "I think" a close second. I rarely write or say "I see" or "I hear." (But my DH says "I see" all the time and rarely if ever says "I feel.")

After making that interesting connection, I started noticing that fashion for me is very much about how things feel - i.e., it's not just semantics and emotional touchy-feelies. It is tactile! For example, as I've noted on this group, I won't ever give up wearing animal products because I find leather shoes and the like... simply feel better. That's not to say some synthetics don't feel great ... just that breathable organics like silk, cotton, leather, and yes fur.... feel amazing.

There's also the whole fit issue as well: I can tell something fits right (no matter how structured) without even having to check the mirror. Something may look like it fits well, but if it doesn't feel like it to me (too constricting etc) ... forget it, i won't feel confident.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Welcome Michelle and we are happy to have you onboard! Don’t sell yourself short because you sound style savvy and that’s a bonus to us all.

The shoes are adorable and if they’re comfy, they’re a pretty flop proof option for Summer. Well done! I hope we get to see you sport them.

I am also BIG on fabric. I love, love, LOVE fabulous fabric and will pay for it if I need to. Interestingly, I’m not necessarily drawn to soft things – I’m drawn to fabrics that hold their shape and have lustrous textures, and these aren’t always super soft.

Nice discussion

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Well this forum definitely hasn't disappointed... Great feedback and an even better discussion going on! Thanks for everyone's vote of confidence on the shoes. Angie/others, any thoughts on whether they'd be too much shine when worn with the red patent purse, or are they neutral enough to work?

To answer someone's question above, I know I look better in warm colours. I've been told time and again that red, dark pink, turquoise etc all look great on me. I have a harder time with greens. Black and white work, apparently, as does cream, but beige is a potential danger zone and I hardly ever wear it in tops. One interesting factor at play for me is colour visualization. Although I haven't been able to see since I was a baby, I have mental images as to what certain colours look like. Those images have been developed over time through people's descriptions, but also are based somewhat on the limited exposure I had to colour during the few months when I had sight as an infant. I try to have a range of colours and patterns in my wardrobe because a girl's gotta have variety, but for me they need to be items I can visualize. If I can do that, then it's easier for me to create appropriate outfits. Where it gets difficult is when I want to refresh my wardrobe with new pieces, because I need someone there who's both honest and descriptive.

Angie, I'm with you re. fabric. Softness isn't always my watch word, though It's lured me in a couple of times. For me fabric is one of the surest tests of quality. Cheap fabric is immediately obvious and is a real turnoff for me. Cotton needs to feel smooth in my world. I prefer knits of a certain thickness, pants with a nice tactile finish, dresses made of material that will flow rather than cling. Being quite busty, better quality fabrication also cuts down on awkward pulling, in my experience. I'm with Shiny in that I can usually tell how something fits just based on how it feels, though I still prefer to have some sighted input to make sure. I'm with you too on leather, I'm a sucker for it! Not so much with the fur, though, I actually prefer the texture of nicely-done faux-fur. Plus my guide dog makes enough furry contributions to my wardrobe, but that's a whole other issue!

I'll try to figure out how to post pics in here for maximum feedback. But again, thanks already guys!

hanna

(website)

ooo, i love those sandals! i don't think black is a problem with your hair, plus patent adds a visual interest.

as to the other topic - how interesting! i am in general a very tactile person, and the idea that that influences my style choices has never occurred to me at all till now. but now that you mention it, the pieces i gravitate to have a certain feel about them, whether they are soft or structured. i can feel the differences in quality as well, between cheap fabrics and expensive ones, but unfortunately my budget doesn't allow for true quality at the moment! it's something i'm building up towards...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Michelle, I think you’re 100% fine to sport these sandals with a red patent bag. Fabulous! I also love hearing how passionate you are about fabrications. Brilliant.

I am in awe of all guide dogs. What’s the name of the special canine in your life?

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Excellent, both bag and sandals will no doubt see a lot of action on Toronto's streets this summer!
My duide dog is called McClure, and he's the cutest golden retriever ever (IMHO, of course)! I'll try and include him in a pic if I manage to get some posted. He'll have a successor soon, though. He's retiring after eight years of devotion and stellar guide work.

Inge

(website)

I love your dog's name Michelle!! And I adore golden retrievers too;-)

I don't know if this helps, but a while ago somebody posted a How-to about uploading pictures via Photobucket. I'm linking to it below:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=4

If you need any help, just give us a shout.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hello McClure! Jasmine and Rosie send tail wags and hugs your way. We can't wait to see a picture of you and Mum

merry77

My neighbor with the last name McClure has a golden retriever, so I can picture him easily.

You answered my curiosity about if you had ever been sighted. I was wondering that because I think it would make it different in understanding color if you had a memory of seeing a color versus having no visual memory (I'm not sure if that's the correct terminology). I'm intrigued by the idea of the mental images of colors and would love to find out more about how you perceive different colors if you'd care to share.