What brought you to YLF? (long, and a bit of an introduction) - YouLookFab Forum

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What brought you to YLF? (long, and a bit of an introduction)

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I'm kind of curious what brought you to YLF - or rather, where you were 'pre-YLF'.

I started reading style books and all kinds of fashion blogs about six months ago, mostly because I've lost a bunch of weight and have no idea where to go clothing-wise now. Any favourite pieces I saved or hung onto in the hopes of losing weight 'someday' are now too big or even out of date. In the meantime, gaining a bunch of weight sort of put me into a bit of a box - in winters it was baggy jeans, black turtleneck and plain-Jane black loafer-type shoes. Summers were too-hot jeans, black t-shirt, and black flat sandals. In between seasons were very basic looking jeans and a polo shirt. Not very stylish. Oh, and my coat was always black too. (laughing at myself a little here).

Plus, I don't really even know where to start in terms of shopping for new stuff. You see, as I lost the weight, I started cheaping out on buying too many clothes, because inevitably - I'd get to wear something maybe two or three times and then it would be too big. Furthermore, I moved - and when I moved, I was still in the plus sizes. Now that I can't wear plus sizes anymore, I haven't quite figured out the regular stores. The stores here are all different than the stores 'back home'. (there's no Bay here or Club Monaco or Jacob ...etc.)

So, here I am - facing another season, not quite at goal just yet - but once again, this fall I am coat-less, sweater-less, pants-less. The neat looking (not black!) coat I got last fall is too big. I've just started working on my closet again, getting rid of stuff that doesn't fit. Meanwhile, I went through the huge pile of jeans that were on the top shelf. I have two pairs of jeans that fit - one is semi-flattering and the other pair is only 'so so'. Would you believe that I don't have a single sweater? That the two button-down shirts I bought last fall are 'too big'.

I feel like I'm a perfect candidate for something like one of those 'What NOT to Wear' shows. But then, I've watched a few episodes - and a lot of times, I don't like the end result. I've even gone looking for personal shopping services here locally and looked at some of their websites, but didn't see anything that really appealed to me.

I really like the results I see on this blog and forum. Everyone looks truly fab, no matter what one's age, shape, size or budget. This is very noticeable to me - having bought a ton of those style books, read tons of blogs and magazines. This place is very fashion-forward, but never over the top. I feel like there's a lot of encouragement to try new things, to step out of one's comfort zone - and the results - wow!!

I can only hope that some of this rubs off on me.

So - where were you when you found YLF?

General

31 replies

Latest reply was from April

Louise

Veteran

Before YLF i was buying loads of fashion books (Trinny & Susannah and Gok Wan to name a few) but still not quite managing to follow the advice.
I found YLF while googling what colours would go with a mustard cardi. The mustard cardi has long since bitten the dust (it was too big and hiding my waist) but YLF turned my wardrobe on it's head and i'm now wearing things i would never in a month of Mondays have worn before, but actually i think look really great x

Edit have also started wearing more of the accessories which had become orphans cause i hadn't the guts to wear them. It's great to be able to post outfits and get feedback

Anonymous

I retired from the workforce 10 years ago when I had my first child and have been struggling with wardrobe issues ever since. When I was "working", I knew what to wear...just copy your boss Actually, working in the advertising world made dressing fun and exciting and I had lots of role models to copy. Once I stopped working, I started floundering because I just could not grasp the concept of casual clothes for everyday wear (meaning what to wear when NOT at the gym). So basically I had about 8 or 9 years of not knowing what to wear. Then I found YLF and discovered a whole category of clothing called Smart Casual and I feel like I am finally able to get dressed again.

I'm still working on my own personal style but at least I feel I am on my way. I am working on finding stylish outfits that are still appropriate in my lifestyle (suburban MOTG). My next personal challenge is figuring out outfits...I seem to have all the pieces but struggle with putting it all together. I know that YLF can help with that, too.

marianna

Veteran

I found YLF while Googling comfortable flats. I know that I had seen the blog a couple times before, but never looked at the forum. This time I looked at the forum and was hooked.

I've always had a sense of style, but definitely had no idea about fit. I'm still new to YLF too, but looking at my pre-YLF purchases, now all I see are ill-fitting tops that hug my belly instead of hiding it, and jeans that are too short. I also did not own a single dress (or skirt, but I still don't have a skirt). I always dressed modern and presentable, but my clothes did nothing to flatter. Everything was just a little off. I was also itching to find a way to wear dresses but was too intimidated. Since joining YLF I have bought four new dresses, leggings, tops that HIDE my belly, and jeans in long lengths that are PPL. I also just bought a moto jacket, an item which I would NEVER have even considered pre-YLF. Also! Skinny jeans! I took the skinny jean plunge and LOVE them now.

YLF has definitely opened my eyes to actually wearing clothes that work for ME. Just a month ago I was scared to dress outside of my box because I'm overweight, but now I see that I can flatter my current shape too.

hanna

(website)

goodness, where do i start? i came to ylf because i have a strong interest in fashion and style -- and nobody to share it with. i started surfing more and more style blogs and somehow landed on ylf from one of them. the blog is fantastic, but the forum -- the forum is the real hook! i'd never been on any online forum, on any subject, that is as welcoming and caring as this one. the ladies are what keep me coming back.

pre-ylf, i had a pretty good idea of what i liked and what suited me, but when things didn't, i couldn't articulate why. now i'm armed with knowledge of things like PPL, the proper length for tops, sizes, a rough idea of my body shape, colors that suit me -- all things i learned from the people here. plus, i have gotten more and more adventurous with styling, and i draw a lot of inspiration from the outfits that other members post. i find you guys a lot easier to relate to than quite a few fashion blogs or other lookbook type sites out there!

Christie

I started reading YLF when pregnant three summers ago, when I googled SAHM fashion. I ended up here. MOTG wasn't a phrase I was familiar with, so maybe I followed a link or two to get here. Postpartum was a great time to rid my wardrobe of poor past choices and start newer and fresher. I don't have sisters and YLF has filled a gap in my fashion world.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I can't remember exactly what I was googling when I found the forum here, but once I started reading it I was hooked. I had seen a couple of Angie's blog posts that were linked other places, so I was already somewhat familiar with her ideas. I've always had an interest in fashion. I went to college as first a fashion major, and then a costuming major. I worked in costuming at Disneyland, but I decided that was not a career that I wanted to pursue.
I've also gone through a weight loss in the last year (50 pounds) and so when looking to replace my wardrobe each season, I do some research into what will work best for me. My body has changed so much that I have had to really re-think the styles that I am used to wearing.

karlie

I'm still pretty new to YLF. I can't remember exactly how I found the site (academichic, maybe?) but I was drawn in my the fact the everyone was so friendly and helpful. I also loved that Angie is so active on the forum, always answering questions and offering suggestions.

Several months ago, I decided I needed help with my style. As others have mentioned, I, too, felt I could find things I liked and were stylish, but I never felt as "put together" as I saw other women. Something was missing in my outfits but I could never put my finger on it. I also don't really have someone in my real life to give me an honest opinion if certains clothing works for me (though my hubby tries, bless his heart). I was (and am) sick and tired of spending money on things I think look good on me, only to bring them home, wear them once and stuff them in the back of my closet because they never look quite right. I'm still learning (and often still uncertain) but I'm making progress.

The feedback on the forum, as well has Angie's blog posts, have been an incredible resource for me. I'm so glad I found it!

Louise

Veteran

Karlie thats so true i had a wardrobe full of stuff which didn't suit me now i can honestly say i have worn every piece of clothing in the last few months and loved it x

cyan45

i stumbled upon YLF a year ago while researching body type and styling. i was in my late 20's, in a personal/career rut. i wanted to look and feel like a confident woman, but didn't know who to turn to.

too cheap to spend money, i took lots notes from fashion books from the bookstore, the library, magazines, online, window dressings at the mall, how women dress in france, italy, spain...i even color-xeroxed trinny & susannah's 'what not to wear' for color swatch education! lol. but, nothing seemed to hit the mark: too catwalk fashion-y, too expensive, no templates to follow for both casual, smart casual and business/formal wear.

YLF changed my life. i read EVERY SINGLE POST angie wrote from every topic in one long night, and slowly revamped my wardrobe according to body type, versatility, need and student-budget. this meant scouring goodwill, thrift shops, target, ross, marshals, and clearance nordstrom racks. it took A LOT of time to purge & reconstruct, but thanks to angie's daily guidance, my pieces are always in rotation...and it's fun to mix it up!

thanks to angie and the forum ladies, encouragement, feedback and valuable shopping/fashion skills are only a click away.

family, friends and co-workers have noticed my evolving style (and budding confidence)...now i look forward to discovering what fits my body type, hunting for deals and pushing my boundaries. a far cry from hating to shop, loathing my body and feeling intimidated by saleswomen. i'm just an average woman who feels so lucky, and is learning every day.

YLF ROCKS!!!

NCYogini4

I was a HOT MESS when I found YLF last winter. Everything I wore was ill-fitting (much too large), sloppy, cheap, and broke about every YLF rule there is. I was so overwhelmed; I thought I wasn't pretty enough to dress stylishly and that clothes would never, ever fit me. I have a very thin, boyish frame that I had never, ever been able to dress.

When I accidentally found YLF, I was intrigued. Long story short- it changed everything! It's taken since then to kind of hone in my personal style, I've made lots of mistakes, and I've also enjoyed the incredible support & kindness of the girls on the forum. Today my look is feminine, playful, and modest as opposed to "Oh Honey, no." I feel better about myself and love, love getting dressed up to go out. I look forward to reading what Angie has to say every day!

shiny

Veteran

Velvet, I could've written your post. Except I never wore jeans before a few years ago. Sure, I *owned* jeans... many pairs... I just hated the way they looked and felt on me, so I'd buy but then never wear. Until a few years back, when I bought my very first premium jeans. This was shortly before I found YLF. I had just reached my goal weight, dropping 4 sizes over a span of a year, after a sudden, still unexplained weight gain.

I found YLF while googling "smart casual." I don't remember the exact reason why I googled that term, but I think it related to my new-found COH Hutton jeans! And I stumbled upon Angie's smart casual uniform. A lightbulb went off for me.

It actually took me a few months to figure out there was a forum. LOL.

Anonymous

Oh my, this thread is awesome! I love all of these stories.
I cannot rmember how I stumbled on to YLF but I am so glad I did. Angie is a wonderful teacher here on the blog and forum, but meeting her in real life has also helped me to see that style is FUN! I see that Angie has fun with style and enjoys herself. I am learning that I tend to take myself too seriously, and to relax and enjoy the ride here on earth.

Anonymous

Velvet, I also found this site while trying to find my way after weight loss. I needed to replace everything, like you, more than once. I didn't want to make expensive mistakes but didn't want cheap stuff either. I would read Angie's blogs and find ideas I wanted to try, then hunt for those pieces at thrift stores or consignment looking for brands mentioned here. (It also took me awhile to discover the forum.) It's given me so much confidence to try new things like leggings, jeans, moto jackets, clamdiggers, Chuck Taylors, etc. I just love Smart Casual dressing. It's exactly what my lifestyle calls for.

cciele

Veteran

I've always been interested in fashion and have jumped around on the Internet exploring the topic for a long time (anyone remember the alt.fashion newsgroup on Usenet?). Anyhow, I came up YLF through academichic. The people here were so warm and helpful that I decided to stay

In the past few years I've been going through some life changes (becoming basically a SAHM, losing weight, etc.) so YLF and Angie have really helped me make smarter fashion choices. I was spending too much money on mistakes pre-YLF; I had an idea of what looked good on me but needed help refining my look.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I started reading and participating on YLF before I started my weight loss this winter, but as my wardrobe was undergoing its rapid turnover Angie's blog posts and comments all over this site, as well as the assistance of all the members, was invaluable in helping me re-think my wardrobe and to be able to relate it to my new body. Before, if I was lucky enough to find ANYTHING that fit, I snapped it up. I learned here to be more picky and savvy about what I buy, making sure it fits me and my style correctly.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Just came back and read everyone's posts - what a treat Good to know that everyone's 'been there' in terms of not knowing what to wear or buy, or how to put it all together.

I think my next step (after finishing the great closet clear-out) is to read all the blog posts. Then, I'll figure out a way to post the dreaded "What is my shape?" question and take it from there.

Thanks - I really enjoyed reading everyone's replies, and it helped to hear your 'pre-YLF' stories.

anne

Veteran

Vevetly chocolate - I firstly wanted to say what a lovely username that is!

Style-wise, I have always been interested in clothes (In kindergarten I was designing doll dress patterns) though often in a historical context. I have often read style advice books, and I think came into contact with YLF pretty early on (2006) on a search for fashion advice for different body types. I read it sporadically, then regularly and finally the challenge of postpartum dressing urged me to join the forum last year.

The interactive and supportive nature of Angie responses and those of the forum members has been a real first for me, and I have made some mchanges to the way I dress though I still feel I have a way to go.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

Well, to be honest - I was stumped for a username when I finally decided to sign up...my real name (Sara) is similar to a few posters here so I didn't want to go with that. I figured if someone could call themselves 'chewyspaghetti' then I could go with 'velvetychocolate'. I always got a kick out of seeing 'chewyspaghetti' - it made me laugh. I'm a chocolate fiend, so went with something chocolate-y.

It was definitely a spur of the moment username idea on my part.

Ok - today I am going to work on my closet.

I'm very excited (and nervous too) about creating a brand-new style. Thanks again everyone.

shiny

Veteran

Cciele, I remember alt.fashion! I was mostly a lurker and VERY occasional poster. That forum was intimidating - some serious fashionistas. Even if you couldn't see photos, the descriptions... you could just imagine.

rute

Veteran

well, first of all, English is not my first language, so please forgive me any error.
I always had interest in fashion and style, I like to read on the suject, I'm not a fashion victim, I know what works for me, my body type, my life style and only incorporate on my wardrobe the trends that suit my style.
I like to learn about how to dress my body type and while I was searching in the internet on this subject I found ylf.
Loved Angie posts, loved the way all of you share fears and support each others... and I must confesse .. the forum is also a great way to practice my english!

Debora

Veteran

Velvetychocolate, what a fun thread! It's so interesting to see how this wonderful community has formed and come together!

I stumbled upon YLF when I was googling a French Connection sequined sheath dress that my daughter had bought for an awards dinner and was trying to describe to me. Lo and behold, Angie's site came up! The dress was featured in one of her Holiday Party posts. This was about a year and a half ago and I have been a fan ever since. I finally got up the courage and joined in the forum about 3 months ago. It was the strangest feeling... after reading for so long I felt like I knew everyone even though I was a newcomer to the forum.

I feel like I have learned so much on this site and I treasure the support, encouragement, and friendship I get from the members and from Angie. Angie has really created a wonderful community and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*big toothy grin*

Kari

Veteran

Sara, I know you stepped out and introduced yourself the other day, but I just wanted to say welcome to the community! I have no doubt that Angie & co. will help you assemble a wardrobe that totally works for your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.

I stumbled onto YouLookFab sometime around August 2007. After having the most terrible, disorienting summer and trying to put my life back together, I knew I needed to assemble a more "adult" wardrobe (the leftovers from college wouldn't cut it) especially to prepare for a more professional job environment. In addition to watching a lot of What Not To Wear, I started researching style tips online. I was extremely impressed by Angie's clear, enthusiastic writing style (as well as the fact that she never resorts to insults or condescention towards her audience.) However, I just "lurked" on the site until very recently. I wish I'd started interacting on the forum much earlier now that I've seen how helpful it is!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

This is a fabulous thread. I came across the website after googling either 'what to wear with dark green?' or 'can blonds wear yellow?'. I read the blog post and just kept on reading.

I have just lost my baby weight, my figure has changed and my wardrobe was either two sizes two big or from my world before babies. I need to rebuild my wardrobe on a tight budget and do not want to make mistakes.

Angie and the ladies on the forum have offered such wonderful support the task has gone from daunting and overwhelming to a fantastic opportunity.

I also love your user name, however it also makes me crave a particular brand of British chocolate every time I see it.

Welcome to the forum.

crwilson

Veteran

I love reading everyone's responses! I don't remember how I actually found ylf, but I know that I didn't realize there was a forum for months and months. I've always been interested in style, but I never had a very clear sense of "my" style. I would look in my closet and see lots of individual items that I liked, but none of them seemed to go together. I also found that I'd buy things that I liked in the store and then get them home and not like them, a lot. It was such a waste of money. Plus, I didn't pay as much attention to issues of fit.

One of the things I love best about ylf is the supportiveness of every member. It's great to know that you can try something new and get feedback before you go out to the "real" world. It allows me the confidence to take fashion risks that I wouldn't otherwise take. I know people will be honest if it's not working, without being hurtful.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

A-ha! I think I know who you are now, Sara! So glad you came out of lurker-dom. You've got lots of insightful ideas and experience to share with all of us. Welcome!

April

Veteran

I came to YLF via a link on another clothing blog, Wardrobe Oxygen. At that point (last fall), I had been critically examining my wardrobe for perhaps a year, and would have said that it was in decent shape.

Let's just say that was incorrect. Most of my jackets and pants were on the baggy side, and I was relying way too much on black. Yes, I owned ankle pants. I had a hard time selecting shoes that would look good with what I had, and I owned exactly one handbag, no dresses, and a winter coat that was shapeless and at least one size too large. I had a nice selection of boots -- each with at least a two-inch gap around the calf. Argh. I have learned a lot here about good fit.

I didn't look at the forum for a while after I started reading the blog, and I didn't become a member for a while after I started reading the forum, and I didn't post photos for a while after I became a member. (Does the phrase "slow learner" come to mind?)

I have gotten out of the photo habit over the summer, when I was off from work and mostly wearing clams and my Brulees, but posting photos has been the most helpful thing in learning to see my outfits with a more discerning eye.

I have also learned that it's not a good idea to be a "crisis shopper." My old method was never to shop until I became aware of a glaring hole in my wardrobe -- for example, when the lack of a cream-colored cami or a charcoal-gray skirt had been interfering with my getting dressed for at least a month. Then I would look for something on sale that would be sort of okay to fill in that space.

You can't be particular about fit and style when you're down to the wire and need something immediately. I have learned to view shopping as an ongoing, planful process instead of something you do when necessity forces you.

Anyway, I'm going on too long but welcome to YLF, Sara! No doubt you're already aware that this is an unusual place, and we're glad to have you.

Dawn

(website)

I started reading YLF sometime around February 2008 after returning to Ireland from Poland. I had pretty much undergone a makeover while I was living in Poland but it was nowhere near complete. I had gotten rid of all the ill-fitting clothes in my wardrobe and actually had some decent quality clothes at the time but I still felt unstylish at the time.

From reading YLF, I realised that I was wearing way too much black and very few of my clothes actually reflected my personality. All I had in my wardrobe were black shoes, jeans and sweaters really. So over the last 18 months, this has all changed. I stopped actively buying black clothes twelve months ago and started actively choosing colour. I discovered that bright colours really really suit me and that I dislike wearing neutrals. I now wear dresses and skirts so frequently that I now only own one pair of jeans. I bought accessories and loads of shoes.

Basically for me, reading Angie's blog and eventually joining the forum helped me to put the clothes I already owned to good use and make it look like my style using accessories, and to buy clothes that suited my body shape, my lifestyle and my style.

taylor

Veteran

Oddly, I was Googling *Vintage cardigans* and *layering cardigans*. Who do you think popped up..our very own Shiny and her cardigan threads.(she must be an international star)

It was funny because I noticed a couple AT ones that I own, so I explored deeper:)

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