This thread is fun, it's been so nice to get to know a little about the ladies I "see" on here everyday.

All of you are so pretty! Sarah, your wedding dress is gorgeous!

I'm Renee. I am 35 and have recently returned to school to study social work at Ball State University. I want to work in mental health and addictions and also be able to work in trauma and disaster scenes.

I am a foreign language junkie. My strongest ones are German and Spanish. I am competent in French, Italian, and Portugeuse. I recently picked up Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian because I hang out with Bosnians quite often. I have always been freakishly good with languages, but absolutely HORRIBLE with math.

As far styles go, I love how Europeans dress. Back in high school I hosted two exchange students from Germany. I ended up wanting to dress like them. I also hung out with all the other exchange students at my school. In college during my first undergrad degree, I would also look to them for style ideas.

Figurewise, I'm somewhere between a racy rectangle and an hourglass. I don't have broad shoulders so I'm not an inverted triangle, but I've got a larger chest. It's an awkward shape because while racy rectangles are easy to dress, the clothes for racy rectangles tend to be for small chested women. I end up looking like a Turbo Folk Chlaga Kurva because the cups in the shirts and dresses are too small and my boobs spill over. It's most annoying! I must try on EVERY top before I buy it to make sure that this doesn't happen.

Here's a photo. Let me know if you were able to follow the link. If not I'll put it on photobucket. PB was down as I wrote this.

http://a916.ac-images.myspacec.....f3d723.jpg
Flanked by my Bosnian buddies.

Wow Renee...I'm so jealous that you can speak several languages! You are adorable! Glad to see you posted about yourself and included a photo. I find the photos really help me keep everyone straight!

Inge, I just read your bio too---you are so adorable! I love your hair--I wish I had the you know what to wear my hair like that!

Renee, you look wonderful and I am very envious of your very multinational lifestyle. I also fall into the "good at languages, horrible at math" category--and my dad is a math teacher. You can imagine how much fun that must have been when I was in school.

I have never been able to learn a language fluently though. I need total immersion for that.

As for being a busty rectangle, this might be a good read for you:

http://youlookfab.com/2007/04/.....ectangles/

Thank you Nicole! I do know what you mean;-) For me it's actually a matter of sticking with what looks best. I've got very thick and coarse hair, and lots of it, and when it's a tad longer there's some 'waviness' going on too (not great looking curls, just unruly waves unfortunately).
I've had longer hair in the past, but most of the time I just wore it in a ponytail, because it was always getting in the way and when worn loose it kind of swallowed up my face.
Every hairdresser I've ever been to has confirmed that I have a good face for short hair and that this type of cut enhances my features, so now I just go for this. I have it cut every five or six weeks but even then it gets a bit out of control during the last few weeks, and I don't think it's because of a bad cut.

Anyway, I like that it's easy (just wash it, blowdry for a minute or so and do the wax thing), it's got a bit of spunk and I don't think I look too bad - although sometimes I do think longer hair is more versatile.

If you ever decide to go for it, you know where to post pictures first!-)

Okay, I'm the late-comer! Everyone has such interesting things to share about themselves. I'm Hannah and I'm 21. I'm currently in one of those "what do I do now" points in my life, and looking for a job to help me along with that. I live with my parents and one brother...yes, it gets a little "crowded" with four grownups sometimes, but we are a very close family and it works. (Actually I'd be crazy lonely if I did move out!)

I love music, especially live concerts, spending time with friends, traveling, writing, cooking...and of course clothes and shopping. I've taken up running this year, which was something I always wanted to do, so that's been satisfying and enjoyable. I'm still dreadfully slow, but I'm excited about participating in my first 5k this Saturday!

I'm 5' 7 1/2", an inverted triangle with a defined waist...size 4 on top, size 1 or 2 on the bottom. My biggest fit issue is shirts - I'm not especially endowed (32C/34B), but if a shirt fits in the shoulders and waist, it's usually too tight in the bust...*sigh*

I'm not exactly sure what my fashion style is at this point, since I've been taking baby steps the last couple of years, and have only learned some of the finer points since finding Angie's blog this year. Never before would I have bought a yellow purse or kelly green flats! I think I lean towards modern classic and a little bohemian or something like that. The main constant of my style is that I wear skirts most of the time for religious reasons (I'm also fond of tunics over jeans), so it can be challenging to find stylish ones that meet my length requirements, but I'm figuring out how to make it work.

I really appreciate the forum here because I don't have any fashion-savvy friends nearby to get opinions from. This place is chock-full of knowlegable and friendly ladies who are always great about offering advice and suggestions. Thank you! It's always a learning experience.

Pic: http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....bc.jpg?v=0

I'm Patience. I'm 32 and live in Austin with my husband and two children, a girl and a boy, who are both under 5. I work at an engineering firm (very casual) and my degree is in applied math. I do hope to eventually have one more child and experience being a SAHM. I'm 5'3" and a rectangle. My style is modern classic for the most part, very stream lined but I do like to add that funky element especially in shoes or accessories. I'd say Banana Republic is the store that most aligns with my style but I resist buying too many things there to keep things spiced up. I've been following ylf since last fall and Angie and this forum have given me more confidence to do more with my wardrobe. I'm enjoying using my creativity to come up with new outfit ideas. My other interests include cooking and yoga and things that have less of a priority in my busy life these days are reading, writing and scrapbooking.

Sorry it took so long for me to add my bio. I'm one of those who does not really feel comfortable putting my pictures on the web for strangers. In fact, this is the first internet community I've ever been a part of. This just goes to show how nice all of you are. I've put up a picture of myself (I'll probably take it off in a month or so)

http://i282.photobucket.com/al.....age002.jpg

I don't know how I missed this thread. I hope I'm not too late to post.

I have been reading Angies blog for maybe a year now (?), and was so excited when this forum opened up. Although I do not have much time to come post, I do enjoy reading everything and seeing all your beautiful outfits. You are all so nice and welcoming and I hope to be able to contribute more when I get less busy.

I am a vegetarian (so many of us, yay!) from California. I love the beach, the snow, traveling, yoga, and SHOPPING.

As for body type, I am 5'5", fairly slender, but I do have a large bust (34DDD). My waist is 27" (if I am measuring correctly...not sure), and my hips are 36" (again, if I'm measuring correctly). I have a small butt and thin limbs, and have concluded that I am either an apple or an inverted triangle or both. I have fairly tan, olive skin, dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. I think my best feature is my legs, and I really enjoy skinny/straight leg jeans to show them off (just like Tanya and her tiny waist). I am a college student so I tend to dress smart casual, but I also really enjoy dressing up to go out. I like color, and have a modern/preppy/classic style but I do work an edge in there...I think I really dress according to my mood.

I love fashion and probably go shopping weekly, if not more. It's something I'm passionate about, and it is such a fun thing to share with my mom and my girlfriends. I've always wanted to take classes in fashion design. I love dresses but always have a hard time finding ones that work since I am such different sizes on the top and bottom, and this has really inspired me to start learning how to design and construct clothing. My grandma has pledged to get me started so we will see.

I haven't gotten my camera set up and although I've never been one to post pictures on the internet, I may start posting my outfits when I have the time and courage.

Thank you for starting this thread Nicole. I see much similarity amongst this supportive crowd. Non-meat eaters, mathematicians, volunteers, animal lovers, global citizens, adoring mothers and cooks. Such talent! Everyone impresses me in their own way and I thoroughly enjoy hearing about your passions. If I could snap my fingers and make it happen, I’d have a cuppa with each of you right this second!

So, I’m Angie. What would you like to know about me?

Hmm....okay, I know it's a long shot, but I'm just gonna put it out there. I'm really curious to know what you look like!

Ooh, I'm extremely curious about that too, but did not dare to ask!

I'm wondering if it matches up with the picture I have in my head.

ha! way to put Angie on the spot (but I am also curious!). I know not everyone is comfortable posting their pictures online though.

Everything else I know from reading the bio page.

Well, since I'm not comfortable putting my face photo online, I don't expect anyone else -Angie included-to do so. So I am not asking for it, just saying that I am very curious!

I'd be curious too!

But first a bit of fun: I've revealed info about what I look like over the past two years. So how have YOU pieced it together?

I imagine you to look like the illustration of you, but with shorter hair since you have mentioned that you cut it since then...like a funky piecey pixie cut. I also imagine you to be quite slim, size 4 max. I can't really explain how I picture your face...but for some reason I see more delicate features, and fair skin.

I imagine you looking very similar to model Agyness Deyn, with acid-green cat eyes and funky specs ( and with more more polished, yet still funky style):
http://images.google.com/imgre.....n%26sa%3DN

I sort of imagine your mum with a short piecey pixie cut (like Maya said) and really light blonde hair. Red glasses and acid green eyes. I think you're about a size 4 and we know you're about 5'6" and a straight hourglass.

You're good listeners and rather observant. Considering I'm almost 20 years older than Agyness Deyn, I take it as a compliment to have been put side by side to her, Tanya! What a powerful tool the imagination is.

Unfortunately I do not hold a candle next to my late Mum, but I am honoured to have been compared to her, Ana. She gave me her cheek bones, eyes, teeth and broad smile. She was an exotic, classic beauty and I am as you quite rightly assumed Nordic-looking, funky and arty-farty. I am blonde, fair skinned, about 5’6” and dainty all over. I wear soft, black retro cat-eye specs because I can’t wear contacts and I do indeed have a short pixie haircut and a straight, slim hourglass body type. You’ll probably see a picture shortly along with Parisian YLF week. Hope that satisfies your curiosity!

Wow Angie, I'll be looking out for that photo every day! Can't wait!

I too anxiously await that picture.

On a side note, that outfit Agyness Deyn is wearing in the bottom photo is exactly the kind of thing I had in mind for my French-girl-on-a-bike-with-a-basket-of-bread look.

Oh wow, can't wait to see your picture Angie, and the Parisian streets.

If extra questions are still allowed?

I was wondering what made you decide to become a style consultant and if it was difficult to find clients in the beginning. I'm curious about how a typical session with a client goes as well (but that's actually a second question, so I'm pushing my luck here;-)

Oh yeah, those are great questions. I'm wondering them as well, because when I went shopping with my friend/acquaintance, it was kind of stressful, you know? Trying to figure out what she would like, but balance that with what would actually look good on her. Phew! I don't know if I could do that for a living.

It's funny this was brought up. I went to Macy's today to see if they had that Alfani wrap dress (they didn't), but I noticed this young woman walking thru the store with her arms folded and that "deer in the headlights" expression. I felt so bad for her, because that was me a few months ago. She was walking in the aisles looking at the clothes, waiting for something to jump out at her. I wished I had a youlookfab business card--so she could get the help she needed. I even fantasized approaching her, and asking her if she'd like some help. But I was too chicken. I thought of you Angie, and how challenging yet rewarding your job must be.

Yes, I was thinking something very similar when I read about you trying to help your friend Ana. I'd be so nervous (certainly in the beginning), it can't be easy at all, striking the right balance.

Know the feeling Nicole. I was trying on a wrap dress this weekend in a Mexx store (it was a great dress but just a bit too short for me unfortunately), and the girl in the next fitting room - she was trying on a pair of white pants - was having doubts 'do my thighs look big in these?' (they looked quite good on her actually) and I send her an understanding smile, but didn't say anything either.

ALL questions are allowed!

I am a passionate professional. I have 16 years of hardcore international fashion and retail experience and I specialize in ladies wear. I have LOTS of mileage and I’m able to establish trust and credibility quickly. My job can get very tricky at times, but it’s extremely rewarding and I’ haven’t had a dissatisfied client yet. At least this is my impression! I’m confident and very hard working. This really helps (and so does my background in Psychology).

I was really lucky, Inge. I had people waiting in the wings to be clients before I received my work authorization. The word got out and I have never needed to advertise my services.

Thanks for thinking of me ladies.

i was browsing through the convos and came across this one...so i figured id share as well!

my name is michelle, but i go by anything from elle to shelly - just dont call my michy! i'm 22 and just finished my fourth yr of college - 1 more to go. apparently a few yrs ago i thought it was a good idea to pursue two majors, architectural engineering and construction management. didn't realize how bad the senioritis would be at year four.

anyway, i like in wisconsin, but plan on moving to the seattle area after i graduate. so if any of you washington residents kno
w of any fab construction management firms, hook me up! i visited in august of '06, i believe, and man, was it gorgeous! everything was so green and lush - and the colors of the flowers were brilliant! i couldn't imagine wanting to live anywhere else! seattle seems like such a fun city to live in!

hmm...what else is there to say? well, im getting married in about a year and a half, so ive been having super amounts of fun getting ready for that! i'm making my own dress, so i've been sketching like mad. i absolutely adore fashion design and sometimes wish i would have gone into that instead of boring old engineering!

i know ive posted a few pics of some outfits, though i tend to chop off my head. usually just because i look a bit wonky in them sometimes... so heres a nice normal picture of me just to put a face to a name.

http://i143.photobucket.com/al...../shell.jpg

I just saw this post, too, and I thought I would add. I'm Christie. I'm in my very late 20's. I'm the last holdout among my friends not to hit the big 3-0 (although when my husband turned 30 two years ago, I felt like I did, too, so I forget I'm still in my 20's). I have been married for a little more than 3 years, but we have been together for 7.

Both my husband and I are lawyers. I have my own practice, and I practice almost exclusively immigration law. This is actually the second incarnation of my career post-law school. I started out working in environmental law for an organization based in Rome, Italy.

Like Renee, I am a fiend for languages. I have studied Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Hebrew. I am proficient and able to work in Spanish, Italian, and French. I went into immigration law because of my passion for human rights and my knack for languages.

Let's see, what else. I'm about 5'4" and pretty thin. I'm pretty dainty all over, as Angie describes herself.

For hobbies, I dance. My husband and I have been ballroom dancing for more than 2 years now, and I also do ballet. Otherwise, much of my time is devoted to work (it's hard work running your own practice!) and the way-too-many volunteer activities that I cannot say no to. Oh yeah, and I love to cook and eat and spend my weekends at the farmer's market and in my garden.

I only can come here every once in a great while because my workload keeps me occupied, but I do love it. I read Angie's blog everyday, and I have since the summer of '06 when I discovered it while looking for ways to be more fashionable. I'm modern-classic with a funky twist.

No photos.

I'm rather late to this thread but here goes:

I'm Katie, 36 years old, married, mom to two kids, ages 5 and 1. I don't post as often as I would like to because, well, I have two young kids who keep me hoppin'.

I love love love clothes, shopping and fashion talk. I adore this site and have truly gotten some great advice just from reading everyone's posts. I've never posted a photo of myself, but I have asked for body type help. I'm 5'7" and my measurements are 33-26-35 (I think). I was told I am a straightish hourglass. One day I'll post a photo.