Hi! After lurking for a bit, I decided to take the plunge and sign up. My name's Andrea and I'm 40 years old, working as a software engineer in Texas. I also love sewing and drawing, and other "making stuff" sorts of hobbies. I do sew some of my own clothes, but have found that what I want to sew and what I feel comfortable wearing are not always the same thing. Case in point: I also collect vintage sewing patterns, and love sewing from them, particularly full-skirted 1950s dresses. However, they hang in my closet because they seem too costume-y for real life.

As for style, I'm not usually clued in to trends, but do have a basic formula that works for me. My work "uniform" is an a-line to full skirt and a cardigan layered over a tank top or camisole, As nobody else in my (mostly male) office wears this silhouette, more than one co-worker has noted my signature look. I like my uniform, but it would be nice to expand my horizons a bit ... if only to avoid becoming a caricature of myself.

I don't love having my picture taken so much ... I realize I'll have to get over that if I want to get any style advice. Here's a picture of me from last Winter that's pretty representative of my style. (The picture was taken to show off the awesome scarf, which was knitted by my best friend!)
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/.....05c9_c.jpg

Anyhow, this seems like a wonderfully friendly and supportive community, and I'm looking forward to learning from you guys!

Hello All!

I've been reading YLF for a couple of years now and have decided to come out of lurkdom and participate.

I just turned 46, I'm married with no kids, and I'm finishing up my PhD in bioarchaeology. This means I study old human bones (*not* forensic archaeology).

I'm from CA, but have lived in Oklahoma for the last 8 years, and am still adjusting to what's appropriate to wear here and what I feel personally comfortable wearing ... often not the same thing. I find myself intentionally dressing down, in clothing that is too casual for my personal tastes so that I blend in.

I'm looking forward to joining the conversations and "meeting" y'all - although I feel like I already know several of you from reading your posts for so long!

When I put on my uniform I'm the Office Lady, when I wear casual clothes, and I was the tourist, when I'm wearing home dress， I am a housewife

It is ages since I have looked at this thread!
It was interesting to find out more about my forum friends.
Welcome Andrea, Museumgal and Helena. We hope to 'see' you soon.

I haven't looked at this thread for nearly two years and, like Lyn, I find it interesting to read up on the newcomers to the forum. Helpful too.

Hi my name is Trisha and I run http://www.apetiteprincess.com I graduated with my BA in Political Science in December 2011. I am 4'8" and 120 pounds currently working to get about 10 of those pounds off. I use a walker or wheelchair at all times. I like to dress in a more classic and conservative style. I don't really know what else to share right now, but if you ask, I'll most likely answer.

Hi, Trisha, always glad to welcome a fellow petite! I like your website, very funny writing and great fashions. Welcome!

Hi, YLFers,

I am 50 years old, married with a teenage son. I am employed as an organist and church music director. In the last few years, I've put on enough weight to change my dress size; my hair, formerly dark brown, is mostly grey; and my complexion has become a bit ruddy due to rosacea. I'd kind of given up on looking attractive anymore until I found YLF.

As I wrote somewhere else here today, i've had more compliments on my appearance in the past few weeks, since reading YLF, than I'd had in the whole year prior!

Like some others here, I enjoy thrifting. Since YLF, I've given myself permission to also buy new and I'm learning lots about what to look for in both thrift and department stores.

Hi there! I'm new around here. My name is Lauren and I live in CT. Bet you wouldn't have guessed that, huh? Two kids - 3.5 and 9mo. I'm 5'4" and 118lb, which is light for me - I'm nursing the aforementioned baby, and for me that makes fat melt off. I sometimes find it challenging to buy clothes being right on the petite/regular line, but on the other hand, it can sometimes work to my favor (I can buy 30" inseam jeans and they're the perfect length - no tailoring needed).

I didn't buy much in the way of clothes during my pregnancy era, so I've been in the process of closet purging and replacing. I'm looking forward to building an actual sense of personal style and trying to dress more my age (30) even though I work nearly 100% from home. Some days, no one sees me other than my family and daycare, but I feel better about myself when I'm more put together.

Looking forward to meeting you all! Oh, and here's a photo of me with my daughter. You can see she has a budding fashion sense as well

https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcd.....6168_n.jpg

@Lauren - what a lovely picture! You and your daughter are both absolutely radiant.

My name is Elsa. I've been a YLF reader for years, but I don't think I've ever participated in the forums.

I just moved to St. Louis Missouri. I've spent the last two years in rural southwest China with my husband, who is a botanist. I did not bring very many clothes with me, and I most of the time I was in outdoor fieldwork gear. Now that I'm back in the U.S. I'm feeling a bit self-conscious and unsure of my look.

I look forward to being part of the YLF community!

Hi, everyone,

I am 40 years old and recently became more interested in fashion as a way to learn about who I am and express myself. For many years I was (gasp!) a very frumpy dresser. I had to sign up as a member after lurking for several weeks, because I am addicted to the site and need to see the photos. :^) I am very petite--5'2" and 85 lbs.--and am glad to see that there are some fellow petites here. I am looking forward to taking my outfits in a more "fun" direction! :^) I live in St. Paul, Minn.

Hi! I am a Mom living in Los Angeles and am looking forward to getting to know you all better. I have learned so much from this site and am very appreciative. I look forward to being a more active member. Thank you!

Hey ya'll! I feel like I already know most of you. I have been coming to this site every day, usually several times a day, for the past year. I have learned so much since hanging out here. I have even become a lemming on several items such as the Spiegel jacket, VC tube skirt, Petty pythons and last but most definitely not least, those sexy looking Okalas (my DH says they're hot!).

A quick bit about me. I'm a soon to be 56 y.o. who is bound and determined NOT to be frumpy. I live in Florida in the town voted the worst dressed in America and EVERYONE wears flip flops. I aspire to more, but I can only dream about some of the winter clothes everyone talks about. I am really looking forward to learning more from all you wonderfully diverse stylish ladies!

Hi everyone! I've been following this blog/forum for a while now but haven't joined as a member until now! I love coming here for the outfit formula ideas and also read the forum for real life advice that might apply to me. I recently started medical school and am transitioning to a more professional/business casual style which is required for school and clinical patient interactions. So far, I've felt mostly like I'm playing dress up every day but I hope to be able to develop some personal style even when dressing professionally (like many of the members here already do ) and feel more like myself when dressing more formally.

It's nice to "meet" everyone and I will be participating more on the forums soon.

jumping in - finally!! been a lurker for the last year and was just too timid to actually join in. I'm a 50 something married professional with 2 grown very stylist daughters, who recently lost 40+ pounds and have been rebuilding my wardrobe for the last year - it's been fun and a little daunting. So I've used many of you for inspiration and ideas - guess It's time to poke my head out of my hidey hole and say hello. Glad you finally made me take the plunge to join - so I don't miss the pics!!

Hi all! My name is Sharon- we will use SharLa for the sake of this blog! I live in Alabama, and deal with major personal power surges along with a lot of humidity.I am a fifty something "retired" homeschool mom, moved on to another career as a counselor. I'm in the process of being certified through ACBC. I sew, both costumes for productions, and real clothes. I am a member of a large church choir, and I sing the second soprano part. I have three cats, and a bunch of society finches. I enjoy you guys so much! It is fun to watch you put things together and grow- both by your own efforts, and by helping each other! I think there are a lot of lurkers like me whom you have helped! Such a great idea! I am tall,5' 10", brunette,(full) hourglass. I need to look dressy-casual most days, aiming for a little arty, without creating distraction.( always keeping in mind the power surges!). I LOVE black, white and clear colors! Because I have been a little more careful with my eating and have lost some weight, now I especially enjoy, and need the inspiration from you guys!!

Hi Angie and everyone,

Another long-time lurker getting to active participation after the changes in privacy. I've been following for 3 or 4 years now, and have learned so much from Angie and everyone who gives their time and shares their own insights and questions.

I'm in the San Francisco bay area, just turned 56, a teacher and school administrator. Married, no children, travel a lot for work and pleasure. I let my hair go grey a few years ago and love it so much -- it's authentic, and students always pick up on that. The change in personal coloring has sent me on a long process of wardrobe revision, moving my wardrobe palate to suit and simplifying my closet at the same time. Since my career requires "business casual" I both prefer and am able to have a large overlap between weekend and work wear. Most of my closet consists of pieces from Theory, Vince, Eileen Fisher, and DvF. I'm drawn to the Helmut Lang-Yamamoto-Demulemeester-Rick Owens aesthetic, but feel I need to avoid getting too dark and too unusual given my position. Also, although I love wearing it, I don't actually look good in black. Especially near my face. I have no idea what season or system of colors best suits me any longer. I'm working on it!

Stats: 5'5.5". I look taller than I am. Wear size 10 in most Theory bottoms (as long as it's a bootcut or wider), but 12 in Theory jackets (shoulders), 8 in DvF pants but 10 in tops (shoulders). I'm elliptical! And pear-ish (width low across thighs but pancake butt). At my age, I no longer have a small or defined waist. But I do have a strong, straight shoulder line. My shoulders are 1" wider than the widest point below my waist, but my thighs read as bulky so I look more pear-ish. Short waisted (1 hand, 2 fingers between bust and waist), long but uniformly stocky legs -- thick knees, calves, ankles. My bottom half is always my fit anxiety zone, and I've realized that my wardrobe is unbalanced because I buy for that and neglect the tops and toppers that could pull everything together.

I'm very grateful for the years of wisdom I've already received and look forward to many more!

Hi y'all. I'm another long time lurker. I've learned a lot from the forum and blog posts over the last few years.

I'm a graduate student, so I mostly live in jeans, t-shirts, and Converse sneakers. I've had to crawl around on the dust covered lab floor while fixing my lab equipment one too many times to wear anything much nicer on a daily basis. My weekend style is classic with a twist. I'm looking forward to graduating in the near future and dressing more for my personal style than for pure functionality.

I was surfing around looking for fashion ideas and just found this forum and I took the leap to join you all. I'm a fair bit older than most (probably all!) of the other members, but I still love fashion and I don't think age should be a stumbling block to looking and feeling good. I have an athletic, slim build and am 5'5" tall. I like classic clothes with a bit of an updated modern twist. Although most clothes come in my size the ones that are marketed to women over 50 are usually pretty frumpy. My biggest problem is finding the right note between styles that are just too young (short, bright, tight) and too old (stretch pants, long elastic band skirts). One of my favourite style icons is Audrey Hephburn. Also Canadian Hilary Weston in her 70s finds the perfect blend of modern and classy.

Hi! I've been lurking on and off for a few years and am another one who had to join because I couldn't stand missing the pictures. I love the variety of body types, personalities, and styles represented here!
I'm very short (less than 5 feet) and very pear-shaped, which makes finding cute clothes a challenge sometimes. I'm not really sure how to describe my style. Urban, feminine, and laid-back, I guess? Types of clothing I tend to reach for over and over again include printed dresses, cardigans, cute but walkable shoes, and anything that comes in burgundy/plum/eggplant or teal/turquoise. I feel like a lot of my clothes aren't awful, but somehow aren't as current or sophisticated as they could be.
I'm in my mid-30s, live with my much taller husband in DC, am a non-practicing lawyer in an editorial/research job, and love reading and cooking.

Hi everyone! I'm 53 years old and living in New Hampshire after relocating from the DC/Maryland area 5 years ago. My current wardrobe consists of gear (think Ibex, Prana, Horny Toad). I wanted to get of out this rut and I discovered the world of fashion bloggers this fall which led me to Angie/YLF. Took a peek and was hooked ever since. I've learned quite a bit in this short time and I'm looking forward to being a member of this community.

Hello, I have been browsing this site for a while now but haven't had the courage to write anything....until now. I have a really weird relationship with clothing, I love it but not on me and that's when indecisiveness comes in play. And on top of that I have just recently started a new job which requires business casual outfits (not denim) and I don't like to wear clothing I see on every other person around me but I can't figure out what to wear. I am 27 years old, originally from Europe (so European style is something I wish I could pull off) and living in Canada right now (in smaller city, so not too many clothing store choices and I don't like shopping online). As to my body shape, I call it a bit of everything (5"1', big bottom, big top, small waist but big belly, not sure what to classify myself as anymore). I think I should stop now and see if maybe I can learn something.

Another long time lurker here being pushed into action by the
changes to the privacy settings. My fashion struggles include being taken
seriously at work since I look quite young, being cold all the time in the AC
or winter time, and of course comfortable shoe choices. Excited to be here and
continue to learn!

Howdy, Y'all,

I'm a 56 year old married gal from Texas. I've been lurking on this site for a couple of months and finally joined up. I'm married to the best guy ever for the last 36 years. We have two sons through adoption, a fabulous daughter in law, and THE cutest grandgirl ever. I'm a former professional photographer, writer, homeschool mom, and now, a real estate agent. I love what I do!

I'm 5'5" and carry more weight than I need to. I've got a large bust, heavy tummy, slim hips, butt, and legs. After surviving chemo last year, my hair came back dark charcoal gray with a few salty flecks. I'm having to rethink my colors to reflect the change from reddish/brown with gold highlights hair the dark grey.

While I could live forever in jeans and a teeshirt, real estate demands I dress up a bit. I'm not too formal, so I tend to reach for black slacks a lot. I LOVE dressing a bit on the artsy side. YLF has already had an impact on how I put together outfits. I think I'm getting it!

Hello YLF community. I am another long time fan/lurker prompted to join by the new privacy settings. Not sure I will have much to contribute - when it comes to style I am a late bloomer and possibly a slow learner! I deeply appreciate everyone who does contribute - thank you! Angie and Greg - what a tremendous resource and community you have created!

Hi everyone, a long-time lurker here as well!
I hail from Malaysia and am in my twenties, discovered this site 5 years ago and have been religiously following it for the longest time! I've always loved the camaraderie and atmosphere of the forum here!
My other all-time favourite style/body image blog is Already Pretty

Hello,
I have been following this blog for almost two years and feel like I know you all ...I love the site and the community and Angies fashion sense.I am 44 years ,married with two children(16,20) and live in Berlin,Germany with my family.My style is casual chic,I love J. Crew and Banana Republic,but living in Germany only get to buy there when I' m visiting California which I try to do every other year.I love purging an organizing my closet and try to not have to many clothes,but better quality.I'm looking forward to finally become part of this style family...

Hi all, I've been reading this site for a few years now and am finally joining! I've loved getting to see the huge variety of body shapes and personal styles that Angie and YLF cater to. I personally have an hourglass shape (tend toward apple when I'm overweight), black curly fine hair, brown eyes, tan skin, and am petite (1.57 m).

I'm in my 20s, and recently started medical school, so while I'm a student now, I'm looking to transition to a more professional look for the office setting. I also want to create a more "pulled together" look for my days off.

Being petite guides many of my style preferences. I admire more minimalistic, monochromatic, solid-colour (not patterned) outfits. And I do enjoy some RATE elements of dressing and aspire to incorporate all of my preferences into my actual style choices.

Other things that might give you a better sense about me... I almost exclusively wear flats (but like heels for special occasions), I prefer thrift shopping / shopping sales rather than purchasing items at full price, wear contacts rather than specs, prefer unscented for everyday and perfume for special occasions, like warm colours (bordeaux, dark green, gold) better than cool colours. I'm looking forward to learning more about how to use my existing clothes and select new items to best express my personality and style!

Hi, another long time lurker and lemming. I am trying to keep my style youthful yet age appropriate and have found this site to be very helpful in these pursuits. I like the new privacy rules and may open up for some direct advice from the community.

Hi, I'm a college student and intern who pretty much hated clothes until this past year, where my mother suggested that maybe, just maybe, if I went along with her when clothes shopping, then I could get clothes that I both like and fit me instead of having her guess my size and tastes. She also introduced me to the wonders of petite clothing, which nicely solved why I hated clothes in the first place - because they were always too large or too long on me.

I'm slowly discovering that I do have preferences of my own, and that feeling like I look good does matter. Happiness factor is pretty much the perfect term for this feeling.