What are your poison eyes? - YouLookFab Forum

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What are your poison eyes?

Diana

Veteran

Time to fess up! What are your poison eyes and why?

Here are some of mine:

--fur, both real and faux. It's just so .... hairy. Plus it tickles. I like shearling though.
--classic bermuda shorts, the kind that end just above the knee and are slightly loose. I don't know why I don't like them, I just don't. It's funny because this is my favorite length for skirts but my least favorite for shorts.
--center front ruching or strong vertical center seams on tops and dresses. This one is a doozy and is completely psychological. It reminds me of a surgical scar my father has and I can't look at it without cringing.
--sneakers and other shoes with thick, bright white rubber soles. They're just so BIG and so WHITE. My aversion to this is so great that I will not even buy white sneakers to work out in. I always buy grey.
--the "flasher look" as I mentioned in Anna's thread. A coat that is longer than one's skirt or shorts. When closed, it just looks like you forgot your pants. =P In general, I prefer my coats shorter than my hemline, although longer is OK if the coat is knee length or longer.

ETA: I forgot denim on denim. I just don't like all that much sameness in one outfit. I want different colors, or different textures or something.

General

56 replies

Latest reply was from Ingunn

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Loafers or brogues that look like clunky orthopedic shoes to me with dresses and skirts.
Oxford type shirts, especially buttoned all the way up.
Floral pants.
Pattern mixing in all but the most subtle, tone on tone, combinations.

I'm sure there are more, but these were the first off the top of my head.

Raisin

Veteran

Pants that are too short.....and not meant to be.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Round toe shoes with wide hemmed pants.
crochet

I'm sure there's more, but that's all I can think of!

N-Marie

Veteran

I have a few- apologies in advance to anyone who loves these looks! And in some cases I just have poison eyes for new looks that I then start to like..

- 3/4 length mid-calf leggings plus skirts/dresses- I dress my daughter like this all the time (since she is always on and off the floor and I want to protect her legs when she is wearing dresses and skirts). But on grown women it just looks very juvenile to my eye - and as a shortie I am very sensitive to juvenile looks
- looks on the extreme of man-repelling (extreme drop-crotch, very masculine shoes, etc). I find this look occasionally intriguing in photo shoot spreads in magazines but difficult to pull off in real life (at least for me !) unless it is accompanied by very fiminine elements
- mom jeans!

Mochi

Veteran

Wow. I know I have a bunch, but I'm suddenly drawing a blank.

I agree that hairy vests are weird (though some of you do pull them off)

I dislike super-high stilettos, and particularly when they're worn with trousers or jeans. They'res something hoochie about that look, to me.

I'm probably the only one on here who hates the half tuck. I mean the asymmetrical one where one half the shirt is tucked in, and the other is hanging. It looks so contrived.

I'm not sure if this is pertinent, but I hate tattooes. Well, I do hate anything larger than a small, discreet tattoo (for women). Especially multiple tattooes taking up huge visible areas on the body.

Same thing for facial piercings beyond earrings and a discreet nose stud. Nose rings that disappear inside the nose look like huge boogers to me.

Pleats can often look bad. As can ruffles.

I have to say I'm not a huge fan of the dropped crotch and harem pants, though I don't absolutely hate them and can see them executed well now and again.

Will have to get back to you when I think up more.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Here are mine:
Crop pants - yes, I know some people look ok in them if they are fitted to the leg; however it's something I see done badly more often than not (although not on YLF!)and I'm just reminded of "waiting for a flood" comments of my youth.
Denim shirts - I know they are back in style, but I saw them (and wore them) too much in the 90's. Although I really like the way they are being styled today, I just can't pull the trigger...

I'm sure there are more, have to give it some thought...

Anonymous

I try very hard to respect the style choices of others, even if they differ from my own. For this reason, I'm going to limit my "poison eye" comments to just the things that really irritate me:

tattoos

excess piercings

ill-fitting clothing

messy and/or unclean (my mom used to say "looking like something the cat dragged in")

clothing not in good shape (for example, hemline falling out of dress and needs to be mended; I saw this last Sunday)

inappropriate dressing for one's line of work, for the occasion/event one is involved in, and/or for the group of people one is meeting or socializing with

ETA:

frumpiness

mutton dressed as lamb

"Hoochie Mama" dressing

Claudia

Veteran

Some things that I have a poison eye for I have also seen done in a way that really appeals to me and makes me momentarily reconsider, but in general here's mine:

neon
over the knee boots
extreme pattern mixing
very shiny and outfit dominant metallic articles of clothing
very fussy highly ornate boho looks
most looks from the 1980's and with the '80s influence
orthopedic-clunky looking masculine footwear
bright and busy, high tension color combinations with no place for the eye to rest

rae

(website)

Veteran

- high top sneakers not covered by pant legs
- spaghetti straps (unless you're model thin with a small chest)
- varsity jackets
- flat oxfords, without even a small heel
- ballet flats
- babydoll anything
- tights with peep toes
- belt buckles inserted in the opposite direction of the pant closure
- empty belt loops
- maxi skirts/dresses
- SHOULDER PADS
- curled bangs

Irene

Veteran

So far these are all I recall:

- Capris with boots when it's obvious pants are too short (hem is visible). It looks seasonally confused to me.
- Nor here nor there tallish boots (those that hit mid-calf). Never liked them, not even in my early-cluelessaboutfashion-teens. I like booties OR tall boots
- Over-the-knee boots. Sorry, just... no. Especially if black and slouchy since to my eye it looks cheaper.
- Pattern-mixing, especially when it's not geometrical
- Too colorful combos -except when Kari does it, she's a cool exception.
- Weird colors on highlights (note I don't mind the quirky all purple/pink/blue/you name it hair) on women over 50 (somehow women over 50 in Spain think it is fashionable and cool to have blond hair with red highlights or even a red patch...)
- Tattoos, especially big ones.

catgirl

Veteran

I'm stealing Rae's list except for the belt issues! There are lots of thigs I hate on myself but don't mind on others (puffy sleeves, PB blouses).

I have a huge poison eye for a lot of cleavage.

It cracks me up that my own personal expression (poison eye) is now an official part of the YLF lexicon!

Anonymous

Oh this is fun. My apologies if anyone favors these looks:

ANYTHING that makes me look as if I'm packin' somethin' there, if you know what I mean. That includes harem pants and severe crotch pants with pleats.

Anything in distressed red leather. It reminds me of this museum exhibit I went to, that had preserved human cadavers. Some of them were skinless... OK, you get my gist - sorry if TMI to some.

Anything over 4 inch heels to work. This is actually really frown upon in this region. It looks really nightime.

Other than that, I am really open to seeing and evaluating lots of items, even if I would not wear them personally.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

...super-high stilettos with jeans or short skirts. *Except* on fantasy fashion bloggers, or fashion icons like Giovanna Battaglia.

....seasonally confused looks, which for me usually means a pairing of widely different fabric weights/ textures., e.g. a chiffon skirt or thin silk dress with a heavy boot or a chunky knit sweater or a puffer coat. *Except* that sometimes these kinds of pairings can magically work and extend the life of a beloved item. More power to those who have the magic!

....babydoll anything (waving to Rae)*except* maybe worn by Nicole B, who makes it look fab!

....casual maxi dresses *except* on certain YLF members including Diana.

....ill fitting clothes, especially clothes that are too tight, too short, or too sloppy *except* where the look is intentionally oversized or shrunken.

....all-black or almost-all black ensembles on women of a certain age *except* on *some* women of a certain age, including, apparently, myself!

.....outfits that seem too precious for real life, that scream "don't touch me" or "don't muss me," outfits that don't afford a woman her natural stride....*except* for rare special occasions.

That's a lot of exceptions!

rachylou

Veteran

I'm blanking too. I must have a ton. My mum tells me I have lots of "rules."

Hmm, you know, what's coming to mind are a lot of classic stand-bys...

- hoochie hoops
- platform stilettos
- no socks in winter north of the equator
- white jeans
- boxy denim jackets on women
- knee pants and caps on grown men
- the classic, collarless, bouclé Chanel-style jacket
- collared polo tank tops

Kind of like everything Kate Middleton wears. Which is odd, because I love her and think she's beautiful... but in a store I'd keep walking on every item of her wardrobe, I'm pretty sure.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Is a poison eye when you dislike something widely considered to be good - something that people who generally share your aesthetic generally like? Not just disliking something? Then I have a poison eye for:

leather blazers (but leather JACKETS I love)
animal-print clothing (but I like animal print shoes, scarves, belts, bags, etc)
ballet slippers
houndstooth
peter pan collars
colored non-opaque tights

These are all things I can like in outfits ... but I still think 'that is fab but would be even better with pointy shoes'.

ETA also visible socks - but I make an exception for thick socks worn with boots

Gaylene

Veteran

Seeing a woman in an outfit, or hairstyle, that may have worked for her 15-20 years ago but does nothing to enhance her appearance today.

Seeing someone try to look current by adopting a fad that just doesn't work for her shape, age, or environment. Fads like boyfriend jeans, clunky footwear, babydoll dresses, hectic pattern mixes, and the like can look so good on some people but end up making others just look ridiculous.

Ill-fitting clothing--too baggy is as bad as too tight. And this poisoned eye applies to outfits where the top fits but the bottom doesn't, or vice-versa.

But I have found that specific fashions (like daytime sequins) that made me recoil the first time I saw them can end up in my "Hmm, maybe that's not so bad on the right person in the right context". So my poisoned eye for specific items seems quite changeable.

shiny

Veteran

This is tough! There are a lot of things I would not personally wear myself, but I admire just fine on others. And as Gaylene mentions, I've been known to change my mind and find myself wanting to wear a style I previously had on my personal "just say no" list.

Examples...

- 50s era vintage. I like other eras (particularly 40s and 60s!) but for some reason just.. no.. on the 50s. Yet I admire those who can pull it off.

- Tattoos and body piercings. I would never do either but I understand why other people do, and I admire how it looks on them. Yes, even those ear plugs.

- Animal print clothing after age 45. Accessories (shoes, belt, bag) no problem and I love it. But I have it in my head that a woman over a certain age should not be wearing animal print sweater, top, skirt, or coat, and should keep animal print to a tasteful minimum.

- Fading on the back pockets of jeans. This used to be all the rage about a decade ago. Done right, the fading can be flattering. But then my hubby remarked that it always reminds him of a baboon's butt. And now I can't see this any other way. I will add here also: "words on the butt."

- Deliberately allowing your thong to show. Sorry, just, no. You can however show your bra strap. That doesn't bug me so much. And men, this applies to you too: I don't want to see your boxer shorts.

- Butt crack showing. Please get a belt or have a tailor take in your jeans. Una, back cleavage bothers me far more than lots of front cleavage!

- Bermuda shorts. I'm right there with you on that one, Diana.

- Mildly bothersome to me: leather jackets in non-neutral colors. But I may be getting used to this, because I realized there's no rationality behind it. So never say never!

- Cheap flip flops worn anywhere other than the beach or to get a pedicure, if you are over say, 21. I don't mind thong sandals. Just don't like the cheap flip flops. Yes my daughters live in them.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Shiny, what is it about the 50s look that bothers you? I kind of share your aversion, even though the full skirt-cinched waist is a great silhouette for me. I think it's that the fifties was just not a great decade for women, it seems disempowering somehow.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

cf, that's the reason I don't like it! Can't speak for shiny but hers sounds to more about the aesthetic than the sociopolitical-correctness...LOL

shiny

Veteran

Cinnamon, that is definitely a factor. Another factor is that I see it done so much here in Boston, among the artsy college age crowd, and often it just looks too costumey to me, even when worn with doc martens or converses, hair dyed bright purple, multiple piercings and/or ear plugs, copious tattoos. I liked it at first but now it seems too "trying-too-hard" hipster to me.

Actually, originally I was going to say "costume vintage" but I edited it to 50s era only, because I realized I don't mind 40s, 60s, and even some 70s head-to-toe, nearly costume looks... so I had to give that another think. Also 50s styles don't really flatter my figure, so I'm sure that's a big part of it too!

That said, for my senior prom I wore my mom's 1950 era prom dress, but without the hoop. So, go figure. Oh and come to think of it, in high school one of my mom's friends gifted me a bunch of gorgeous 50s vintage sweaters and I wore those until they practically disintegrated! (This was back before petites and finding a sweater that actually fit me was pretty much impossible.)

We are complicated creatures, with our likes and dislikes, no?

shiny

Veteran

Jeneva, around here, the look is worn by young feminists who are making a tongue-in-cheek socio-political statement!

Anonymous

*Men in backwards baseball caps.

*Men in plastic flip-flops in public.

Diana

Veteran

It's so interesting to see what pushes people's buttons! I did not include things like plumber's butt and tights-as-pants on my list because to me this is not a question of poison eye but a question of common decency.

Oh, here's one more from me. (Although I hesitate to post this because I realize that some people have environmental limitations that might require it). I can't stand seeing women who wear gear sneakers to commute in, with their business suit or other dressy clothes. I see this so often on the subway. It bothers me particularly when it's with trousers, because inevitably the trousers, which are meant to be worn with heels, are too long and dragging on the disgusting subway floor, in the snow, etc. I believe one's shoes should be both good looking AND functional, but I do recognize the need for commuting shoes in some cases; even still there has got to be something better than your gym shoes!

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Yes, Diana - I am with you on this. There are many non gear shoes that are comfortable enough to walk in.

Kristin L

Veteran

Hmmm.... I think my poison eyes are

- people wearing sweatpants/trackpants with full hair and make-up done (except when you can tell someone is getting ready for a formal event)
- students wearing athletic clothes to class (is it that hard to put a pair of jeans on?)
- wearing the wrong bra for a top

I feel like there are more, but it's not coming to me right now.

bj1111

Veteran

if i can read your lips, your pants are too tight.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

bj.....laughing so hard I almost ...well...you know....

Mochi

Veteran

I own a Pilates DVD where this is a major issue. Too bad; the production values are otherwise high.

cciele

Veteran

This thread is quite entertaining

I guess I'm pretty open to all looks, besides issues concerning general slovenliness and lack of hygiene.

Things specifically that bother me:
- Lack of PPL
- Socks with Birkenstocks, Tevas, or other such sandals

Um, that's all I can think of right now!

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