What are you trying to achieve?/What are your current fashion goals? - YouLookFab Forum

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What are you trying to achieve?/What are your current fashion goals?

Scarlet

Veteran

We have had threads like this before, but I was just interested in a check-in. Where are you right now in your fashion journey? Just trying to turn yourself out decently for the day? Trying to take things to the next level? Just here to share and have fun? Entering a new stage of life and figuring out how to adapt? I would love to hear your thoughts about this.

ETA: found this old thread on the same topic: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ate-school

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44 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

Scarlet

Veteran

So, to answer my own question, I think the last time this question was asked I said I was just trying not to foul everything up by choosing the wrong bag and coat as I ran out the door. In other words I was trying to learn to think of the whole picture in a way that worked with my lifestyle. I think I have achieved that now. I think I have a pretty good idea of my personal style. The challenge now is to keep refining my wardrobe and my eye and to keep growing. I think I am pretty good on fundamentals but can keep growing especially when it comes to accessories. Somehow I prefer to spend money on fundamentals. Not sure why. I realize it's a roadblock.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I remember that when I was a junior medical student, I thought that the seniors all were SO smart, and they dressed well ... so I hope to be a good role model at least through that sense for the juniors (the dressing sense; not so much the smart sense!)

My big challenge is finding stuff on the cheap that looks expensive. My colleagues have much bigger budgets for them to work with; and sometimes it's hard to compete. My latest challenge is trying to find a pair of leather riding boots for <$100. Unfortunately, I have finicky feet and my go-to pair of substitute have now decided to die on me (soles wore through, hard plastic + tile floor = me go flying; not fun). I think I may have hunted something down at the Naturalizer outlet store though, I have my fingers crossed!!

I am also working on a "uniform" piece that I can just wear on the days I feel like nothing is working. It also always has to feature a belt, which, as the Queen of Belts, has not been a big problem for me - I need a place to clip all my electronic equipment (everything but my iPad: haha).

I currently do have a "look" people identify with my style; and I want to be able to grow and try new fashion things; but at the same time, not be totally wild crazy and out there so people think I've gone off the deep end!

Also; Salvation Army or Value Village is going to get a ton of donations this winter!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great thread, Scarlet. I don't see any foul ups! I see a stylish casual Euro Chic lass all the way.

I continue to strive for a "stripped down" look. Less and less being more, more, more.

I *might* grow out my hair a little. Although I would really complicate my life by doing this. At the moment, my hair takes two secs to style and stays looking polished the whole day in wet and grey Seattle (remember that I brave the elements on foot!). That's why it's a big *might*.

Scarlet

Veteran

Great answer, Lynn!

Angie--I do really love your super-short spunky 'do, but I have to say I am really curious how you would look with a bob. You know, I really like the way you are going currently with less is more, and it suits you well. For myself I feel more and more an urge to pile things on, even though I think every conventional piece of advice would say a petite should be paired down, sleek, and tailored. If I were taller I would pile on even more. I think if I were an IT I would really go to town. I think it is so great how you can encourage people in their own style direction, which might be different from yours. I really like how you are not strict with rules. Having said that I think we are all here because at some level there is something about your specific style we would like to emulate. Obviously we trust your judgement.

ETA: So I don't want to comment on everyone's style because I don't want to put myself in the position of arbiter, but lynn, I just wanted to say that I think it is great how you have a strong "look" that works well for you, even on a tight budget. I think you are in a great position as is and I would love to see how you keep evolving.

kellygirl

Veteran

I think that all of you have a unique style--I love lyn and Angie's clean, simple style and Scarlet's Euro Chic look. Personally, I am trying to refine my casual style. I feel like I have a good grasp of what works for me and my daily life. My goal is to try to add more polish--especially as I get older. I tend to rut on variations of the same outfits using inexpensive basics. At some point, I would like to incorporate some better quality pieces. Of course, I'm not sure I'm going to start right away...we do have the new kitty and all.

Anonymous

I am TRYING to find that balance between an easy "uniform" philosophy and expressing myself through my clothing choices. My day-to-day time crunch requires that i cannot spend more than 5 minutes getting myself dressed each day. But I still like to get myself dresses each day and express myself through my clothing.

The way that I have worked towards this goal is to hone my "style statement" by figuring out what words that describe how I want to dress. Then I use these words when choosing new items...will this new item develop my style statement or will it take me in a different direction. When purging my closet, i have removed all the items that do not work with my style statement...its getting very lean in there these days! Having fewer clothes actually has helped with ease in getting dressed each day....fewer choices means less confusion for me. I have also worked out several go-to outfits at the beginning of each season so that I can grab and go on those really busy days.

The past couple years I have struggled with my wardrobe because I was unfocused in general in my life. Spending time on YLF has definitely helped me get back to my fashion roots and start really expressing ME, rather than just buying whatever trends pop up. At the moment, I am really focusing on working my current plan and I am totally having fun with it. And the early season planning makes the day-to-day so effortless.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Funny you asked this! I was just rereading an 11 month old thread about describing your style and I had said 'casual cute with a touch of flirty or edgy depending on my mood'. I am now trying to replace cute with polished or pulled together. I *finally* feel like an adult. Turning 40 didn't do it . . . I'm not sure when or why it happened. Perhaps it was just cumulative time put in here. Maybe it was looking at the September fall mags and having so many things click for once. But the cheaper fabrics and constructions are falling flat for me. I still buy bargain pieces whenever possible (I find I rarely have to pay full price if I'm patient and thorough!) but they are not 'cheap'.
My next challenge or goal is to effectively accessorize. I rarely even carry a bag right now. I take my wallet when walking to the stores. And shoes have been on a back shelf due to the ankle injury. So I'm moving backwards in some regards, that way! I have some catching up to do.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Right now, Im just trying to get some elusive 'basics' down and take a cold, hard look at why so many items I have are just 'wrong' for me....I have learned SO much thru this Forum- both from Angie's blog/posts and the lovely ladies here- that it is much easier for me to see all the mistakes I have made and I vow to try not to repeat them. Im getting a sense of how I want to look, but how I actually 'do' look is still miles apart from my goal. But at least I know the difference now!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Scarlet, that was such a nice thing to say. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your gracious words. I love your "piled on" style! It really woks with your hair and stylistic preferences. You manage to marry slouch with lady-like - and that is not easy to do.

My style is what it is, but I have a very strong appreciation for looks that are not at all for me. That type of appreciation enriches my style life and I would feel empty without it. Like I say many times, when worn well, I like it all - and very few things don't make it through my style filter.

While I do not want to grow out my hair to a bob again - here is a photo of my one of my bobs, a look I have worn at various stages of my life. I have had every bob imaginable - some look better than others:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/06/.....ers-style/

I still want to keep my hair short, just change the style. I'm thinking elegant-punk.

Lyn, I hope you find those boots! And I would love to see you in '80s slouchy trousers. A style you are allergic to on many levels, but lets face it - you will look insanely fab.

Kelly, you have brilliant casual MOTG style! You are another one who would rock a very simple modern bob with few layers.

Biscuitsmom, baby steps might be small, but they are important! You go girl.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Thanks, Angie!

kellygirl

Veteran

Thanks, Angie! I'm still a bit bobbed out. I seem to always end up back there but for now I'm enjoying my short, no fuss hair! I do love YOU with a bob. I can totally see you rocking it again now!

Barbara

Veteran

Hallo Scarlet - I'm checking in!

I continue to hone and refine my sassy Euro-prep look. I know EXACTLY what looks best on me and don't waste time with anything that isn't completely fabulous.

I often take things to the next level and if those looks happen to work for me, well, I work them!

Style evolution is continuous and having fun is TOP priority.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kelly, I don't think I have ever seen you with a simple bob - only layered versions. Is that right or does my memory fail me? I can also see you with a feathery '70s short do. Or this:

http://www.google.com/imgres?q.....,r:7,s:122

Kelly - I am rambling! Ignore me.

Barbara, you are a gal with a clear style mission

Smiling back @ Biscuitsmom.

kellygirl

Veteran

Ramble away, Angie! I love the feathery "do" but my hair is so coarse that it's hard to get it to look like that. Most of my bobs have been stacked in the back and layered--again because my hair is so coarse and heavy. I think I've avoided the straight bob after someone told me I looked like a china doll--gag. If I can get enough edge into my wardrobe, I may venture there again but not for awhile ; )

qfbrenda

Veteran

I'm still trying to build my wardrobe from the ground up. I've come a lot way since April and I can manage to get dressed every day and feel decent. But I'm missing some key pieces that will help fill in the blanks of where I want my style to go. My lifestyle is basically casual MOTG so I don't need a professional wardrobe. But I need to be able to dress up, so I'm mixing those pieces into my closet as well.

And I'm realizing that I'm not only wanting an American Classic look. Euro Chic is also appealing to me, so I'm learning more about that and trying to incorporate that into my wardrobe.

tarzy

Veteran

It's great to check in on these thoughts periodically!

I'm still trying to define my own take on urban, updated classics. My biggest challenge remains dressing for a casual, work-from-home day, but adding the right amount of polish.

Currently I'm searching for a killer pair of eyeglass frames, and still trying to figure out my hair situation. (Color and style are still not quite there.)

After three years I should have a better handle on all of this, but it's still fun, so the journey continues ...

rute

Veteran

Mine is less is more! Fewer pieces, better quality and good choices. A smaller wardrobe with lots of options!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Re: Slouchy Trouser. Ah; Angie, you have too much faith in me.

Maybe I'll try them on in the store. :p And get a pic so we can all get a good laugh.

Kyle

Veteran

I currently have a core group of items that I feel really good about and fit my style aesthetic, which I now have identified pretty clearly. Unfortunately, this core group is approximately 1/8 of my total closet. So I need to be a brutal editor and pare down significantly, which I am doing very slowly.

My goal is to be true to my aesthetic. To look my best every day. And to only buy and keep items that I love. The end goal is fewer items that are consistently worn and that all work.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wonderful thread, Scarlet, and I am so enjoying the responses!

I am still a beginner here. I have just purged the closet for the second time (following my big weight loss; I had purged the too-large or unloved spring/summer items and now purged the fall/winter ones). I'm trying to develop a style statement or pick five adjectives to describe my aspirational style. I'm not quite there yet. But in the meantime, I despite not having a whole lot to work with, I HAVE been able to come up with quite a few outfits that make me feel good in the past month. So my goals are to continue defining my style and working towards a look that feels right for me. At the moment, I need to buy basics like shoes and boots as well as more shirts and jeans.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

At this point I'm trying to find the right balance between fun/sassy and professional with my work wardrobe. We're "business casual" but when at meetings we are more "business", and I'm realizing I don't quite have the wardrobe to kick it up a notch easily, and that is becoming more important lately. But jackets at my size are tough because they are either too boxy or too chesty, and of course it kills me to spend money on a size I don't want to be forever. Or I have a jacket but not a suitable top. Or the shoes aren't right, and so on.

Business casual is much easier; it was a snap to dress that up with a dress or a great necklace. But to go full-on professional business without draining my wallet or boring myself to death is my newest sartorial challenge.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Like Rute. It would help if I knew what kind of job I (cross fingers) will eventually get. Then I can direct myself more.

Sharon

Veteran

I have just been through a winter where, for the first time ever, I could just go to my wardrobe and know I would find an outfit I felt good in. This was largely through following Angie's smart casual guidelines, and re-introducing jeans and jackets to my wardrobe.

My goal is to have the same experience for the warmer months. Jeans are too hot for Brisbane summers, and I always feel less polished in warm weather. I would really like to have the confidence and ease I experienced in winter translate into summer.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I definitely have extremes when it comes to my tastes - romantic, classic, freewheeling, conservative, boho - and I would like to eventually synthesize all of the elements I like together into one harmonious, consistently flattering, representative and more polished style. It's so important to feel good in what I'm wearing (no second guessing, and I hate, hate hate feeling self-conscious or super out of place), and for clothing to suit your lifestyle (hello mom of 2). But just to up the aesthetic a bit. I remember looking a touch scruffy while on a whirlwind 12-city tour of Europe - frayed jeans and old sandals and horror of horrors a black windbreaker! - and feeling like I was disrespecting the places (and people within) that I was visiting! That's when the whole "effortless Euro chic" struck me. Fabulous quality, confidence, etc. Ugh. I was obsessed with never looking sloppy or outdated again!

I like the exercise of coming up with 2 adjectives to describe the style you have/aspire to having and keeping those parameters in mind when on SYC and new-shopping. So far I have Freedom Classic, Romantic Classic, and Global Romantic. Argh. Something is missing there, but I will figure it out and finally feel I know what I'm going for!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm working on becoming less classic. I used to be the type of person who would purchase a classic suit and then only wear it that way. It was not a bad look, just predictable. My goal is to inject more "funk" into my look while ensuring that all my wardrobe pieces play nice together. I'm 48 - it's time to have fun!!!

Angie - I love the picture of you with your bob!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Supposedly my look is softening. But I'm not entirely sure what direction I'm taking.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

My current goals almost seem contradictory -- to stretch my style into new and edgier territory (yet still age and lifestyle appropriate) and to distill my style so I don't feel so scattered. I'm attracted to a lot of items, but I think a lot of them are attractive to the "old" me and not necessarily the me I want to become. If that makes any sense.

And likewise, there are probably a lot of items out there I currently ignore, that would be fab on me if I'd only try them! So I'm trying to keep an open mind.

I want to continue being more adventurous, while also choosing and mixing pieces more wisely and creatively.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I want to be modern. This last challenge was really hard for me. I don't want to look back - I want to move forward. Even if I am wearing classic golden oldies pieces, I am wearing them in a whole new way.

Jonesy

Veteran

What an interesting thread! Angie, I would love to see you rock an elegant-punk hairdo!

I am evolving style-wise, and becoming more daring. I settle less, and buy higher-quality. I have an issue with becoming bored easily: I get fabulous things, then tire of them quickly. That is something I am really trying to work on. Also, I would like to dress even more boldly than I do, but work/academic life norms hold me back a bit. So that's another thing I struggle with a bit.

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