When Angie is right, she's right - YouLookFab Forum

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When Angie is right, she's right

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, in a chatty mood today apparently #procrastinating

Just contemplating my hair post, wherein I acknowledge that my hard-earned hair insights are actually something Angie told me at least 2 years ago, probably before then. I accept that this is my process - I appreciate her (and others) wisdom so much but ultimately need to test and learn things for myself (fun aside: my kids are the same, thereby proving karma is real) - but it is fun to reflect on the amount of times she's been right on the money! Here are a few I can recall off the top:

navy is my black
classic polished casual is my best style
blush pink is a better light 'neutral' for me than gray
actually gray generally sucks on me
mid-length bobs are my best hair style
contrast is more flattering on me than blended
I can easily incorporate cool-toned colour into my neutral-tending wardrobe without sacrificing cohesiveness. It's as simple as wearing it when I want to, and leaving it aside when I don't!

Love to hear your fun stories of Angie (or your mom, or whoever your trusted fashion adviser might be) was proven dead right, whether you got right on board or, like me, needed to go through the learning process for yourself. And thanks Angie for your generosity and infinite patience! xx

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Lesley

Veteran

My only story is that I've been reading YLF for years, and I can totally remember a time when Angie was wearing or suggesting styles that I wasn't really on board with, like the white shoe thing... and somehow years later I ended up loving a lot of it! Her eye is just adjusted far ahead of mine!

Still don't wear white shoes, but I love them on her and many people on here. I wear silver shoes. My white.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Not sure that I have had anyone to advise me before joining this forum,probably explains a lot!My daughters pretty good now for an honest but kind opinion in the fashion stakes.

nemosmom

Veteran

I remember lamenting (ok, whinging) about those "Top X items everyone should have in their closets" posts, and how they include colors that are dreadful on me (black blazer, crisp white button ups, nude pumps) and Angie rescued me by suggesting that I sub navy for black, ivory for white, and blush for nude shoes - suddenly it made sense, AND it worked with the other colors in my wardrobe. She has also saved me from dropping major coin on an unflattering pair of glasses when I couldn't tell what was wrong - I just knew they were 'off'. She encouraged me to go for contrasting accessories and shoes to make an outfit when matchy wasn't working.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love your list! And I also get it about kids and karma. Sigh.

It didn't take me long to figure out how valuable Angie's counsel can be. I was here just a few months before she suggested that I cut my hair.

Bingo, instant style. But I mean instant *style* not instant trendy fashion. I mean, she saw what was right for *me* versus generic woman whose hair is sort of nondescript.

Once we had that established, I have to say she has never been wrong in any recommendation she's ever made for me. There have been a few specific items she might have suggested that did not turn out as well as hoped -- usually for reasons of weather or lack of occasion for wearing; once or twice because the item was not as sturdy/durable as I needed and the quality just wasn't there.

Off the top of my head, a few things Angie has said that have stayed with me and proved valuable. Not always orders, sometimes questions.

Relax into the process. A great wardrobe is never built in a day.
Are you sure "avant-garde" is exactly what you are after?
Are you a fringe person on your scarves, or not?
How do you feel about X? (This usually leads to some really valuable self-reflection and often an insight or two about why something is or isn't working.)
Suz, try this: (X, Y, Z item in Top Picks or simply noticed in store.) I can't always get the items she recommends, either because I can't afford, decide I don't need, or it isn't available in Canada, but whenever she points out a specific thing that she thinks has big potential for me, you'd better believe I listen, because most of the items I have purchased have turned out to be major workhorses and great value.
Try the Chelsea 28 crop jeans. Cheap and fun experiment. (That has proved really useful since I'm still wearing them 3 years later.) Also, connected with this -- if you like them, wear them. (These got some forum disapproval at the time -- most people were not ready yet for higher waisted wide or flared crops.)
Add more red!
Try black and white patterns.

Helena

Veteran

Suz, great list, and your short pixie hair is so fabulous on you! It's true, she's never really wrong, is she?

Nemosmom, amazing how a few adjustments can do the trick, isn't it?

CG, that's great that your daughter is a good advisor - mine is certainly an opinionated one lol

Lesley, I felt like such an insider when white booties appeared on the scene!

K. Period.

Veteran

Ha ha! Angie just came to my rescue with five different styling ideas for a pair of pants that she recommended to me last autumn. I was stuck and could not think of fresh ways to wear them even though I love them. Of course, I immediately went to my closet and found that I already owned most of the items she suggested. Now I have several new outfit options. She really is brilliant (and also incredibly kind and generous with her time and enthusiasm).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh my word, I'm blushing. Thank you for the kind words, and gracious compliments.

Helena, your loveliness and positive attitude does not go unnoticed. I'm happy you're happy.

I'm thrilled Suz, Lesley, Nemosmon, Cardiff girl and Kathleen, that you feel encouraged, supported, and on track with your styles. That means I'm doing my job

Anonymous

Well I always look to see what she says about different Finds, what sort of bodies work best for each, and I also get a lot of inspiration from her color schemes and outfit proportions. My sunset theme was based on the orange, hot pink, and cranberry one from long ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am exactly like this, ask my husband! He is a chronic fixer, improver, suggester, and most people are delighted with his help, but I am a rebel and a contrarian.
Until eventually I discover his ideas for myself !
Anyway, luckily style is not his focus.
Angie's influence is so strong on my style I am not sure where to begin. One thing I remember from a long time ago was her preference for shiny, glowy skin (like an apple skin!), which I coveted but could not bring myself to attempt until menopause dried out my skin (sounds ironic, but adding glow to oily skin is not fun). Of course, this look is all the rage today.
White shoes - wow, was she ahead of the game with this.
And her personal example of holding her head up high and not engaging in negativity, being warm, generous and gracious but still constructive and interesting - wow this is her best style lesson!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suntiger, you are as lovely as your sunset themed wardrobe.

Jaime, my word. What a lovely thing to say. I hope I live up to those compliments one day. (((HUGS))).

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Jaime, that is the best and truest line ever, about not engaging in negativity. Brilliant and wise. And so true of Angie.

Eirlys

My mother and sister "dressed me" until they both died. I was lazy where fashion was concerned and then went through a period where I dressed badly!

Then about 35/40 years ago I read a book about power dressing and that aroused my interest. It must have inspired me because people started commenting and I was promoted twice, the second one being quite high-powered, the Boss commenting he liked the way I dressed. (Today in PC climate, I suppose I could sue him for that comment, but actually it pleased me. So there!!)

Since discovering the Internet in 1998 and ultimately Angie ,I have really become even more interested in learning how to dress in colours and styles that suit me and that now fit in with my retired life-style. I love it when Forum members comment on my posts and on others and I seem to be learning all the time.

So THANK YOU, Angie. We have never met in person and I shall never get to the US now but I do "meet" you and your lovely group -members in "You look fab," even if only spasmodically, and I do appreciate all your helpful hints and comments. :O)

taylor

Veteran

What a beautiful thread.
I see elements in each of these stories .
I can relate regarding Angie’s guidance and gentle encouragement .
You are a gift to us all, Angie ! Thank you

Style Fan

Veteran

This is a wonderful thread. Angie is always warm and uplifting. She refuses to be negative. I try to remind myself of that when I am focusing of my "bad parts". I feel happier with my style than I did before YLF.
Mr Style Fan has a very good eye and will point out clothes for me to try or suggest ways to change an outfit. He also knows which colours people look good in.

Helena

Veteran

Stylefan, and others, you are so right - the positivity is really what sets Angie apart, even over and above her excellent eye! And she's attracted like people, as I can't imagine a more positive and supportive style fam! xx

Lynette

Oh my word, can I just say that Angie and YLF has changed my life in the fashion and wardrobe department and in many other ways as well? It’s not just fashion- it’s feeling good about ourselves as we are and always seeking to make positive changes inside and out. Angie, you are a wonderful example of this, a mentor to all of us! I think I need to do a separate post on this subject! I so often feel grateful for YLF and don’t take the time to post.

RobinF

Veteran

I find myself nodding along with each one of these! I have noticed and been amazed at how she doesn't get defensive about negative comments but understands instead where that person is coming from, it is really a talent. My favorite things to remember are that I can be myself with my style, I don't have to be "in style".

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Goodness. Thank you soooo much for the awfully kind words. I'm smiling.

Suz and Taylor, you are as gracious as ever.

Eirlys, GREAT to see you chime in.

Helena and Style Fan, you are lovely and I adore your attitudes.

Lynette, what a generous thing to say. I’m touched.

RobinF, I'm always on the side of the wearer

Bijou

Veteran

When I first joined YLF Angie's example of embracing colour was a revelation for me as I had a wardrobe of mainly neutrals. Lovely clothing that was stylish, functional and understated but soo restrained with the odd wildcard that was off the scale in terms of wild - a sort of mad reaction to my restraint. I figured, given I was in my 40's that I needed to dress in a more serious way to not look inappropriate for my age...

Anyway, joining YLF and seeing all the gorgeous women rocking amazing clothing - real women, not photoshopped super models who had no relevance to my lifestyle - made me realise that whilst I looked fine in my neutrals I had lost all the fun. When I was younger I was quite daring in what I wore, so why become boring when hitting my 40's, it made no sense...

Thank you Angie and all the YLF forum members for helping me realise that the number 1 fashion rule is to have fun with fashion. I have never been happier with my wardrobe than I am at the moment.

I have learnt much, much more, but that has been my biggest lesson. I love Angie's amazing attitude and generosity of spirit. YLF is such a wonderful community.