Hi. My name is Melissa. I am 24 years old, married, with a baby daughter. I came across this place in a google search for dressing for your body type. Before my daughter I was very very fashion forward - I had a fabulous hourglass figure though on the shorter side of things. Now I have an Apple shape and my new post pregnancy tummy is thwarting my fashion efforts. Ugh.

Anyway, I'm currently going to school for Nursing - hoping to get my BSN eventually. Maybe even become a Nurse Practitioner. I live in a small town in Iowa where people think knock off Ugg boots are the height of fashion lol.

I just need help with dressing my new body. It's very difficult because it seems like everyone I know or know of loses the pregnancy weight so soon and for me it's very stubborn. I'm looking for a general slimming and lengthening effect with something that skims over my tummy.

Hi ,
I'm Taylor, came across this site looking for vintage cashmere cardigans. Ilove the friendliness of this site. I also work part time for a womens clothing store (AT)and I am a hairstylist 3 days a week. I am a fashion hound ...love anything beautiful and classy. Always looking for new ideas and new ways to pull outfits together. Love all the ideas and advice here.....have some of my own I would love to share.

Hi! I'm Jessica, and I am a college student studying chemistry. Science girls definitely love fashion too: outfits are like balanced chemical equations

Now that I got that out of the way, haha.. I've been reading this blog for a while and didn't really even realize there was a forum until recently. I too am looking for new ideas for outfits and for advice. I might post looks via my account on fabsugar.com because I tend to post looking for advice rather than just to show my outfit of the day. I have a limited budget but still try to look the best I can.

I hope I can offer advice to anyone who asks for it and I look forward to being part of this forum!

Hi! My name is Nic. I am a navy wife, mom, and I work full-time as a Nurse recruiter. I also attend school part-time & make jewelry to de-stress. I came across this blog a while ago but i just recently noticed the forum. All of the advice & ideas are wonderful. I used to be a terrible shopaholic (AND makeupaholic) but I have conquered most of my demons since getting married & the economy turning to crap. My disposable income was turned into gas money so now I am a fantastic bargain hunter! I am from Chicago which is where I get my fashion sensibility from but I currently live in Jacksonville, Florida. My goals are to be fashionably fabulous on a recessionista level. I hope to learn new things here and add anything I can!

Hello new friends!

My name is Steffie and I am so glad to be here. I've been lurking around for awhile and this seems a super friendly community.

I'm a yoga teacher, which means I basically spend my days and nights in various forms of loungewear and pajamas. Wake up in jammies, shower, put on a tank top, yoga pants and a scarf, go to work, come home, shower, and put on my jammies again. I'm a real homebody, so I don't tend to go out very often, just maybe over to a friend's house for dinner once in a while- which cuts down further on any opportunities I have to wear actual clothes. One of my goals is to get out a little more to improve my social life but also to give myself opportunities to dress up a little more!

I'm average height but very thin, no curves or anything; I have yet to fill out a pair of non-yoga pants. I'm just learning what silhouettes look good on me and have tossed a whole bunch of awful baby-doll tops and high-neck empire waist dresses. I'm looking forward to figuring out how to put myself together in something other than yoga pants and look fabulous!

Looking forward to meeting all of you. Angie, great website. Thanks for doing what you do.

Steffie

p.s. This is me!
http://i682.photobucket.com/al.....lotus1.jpg

Hey, I just read over all the new profiles--thanks for posting!

Welcome to the forum everyone! Looking forward to reading your posts.

I too have just read the weeks that I have missed on this thread. Welcome everybody! I’m thrilled to have you join this happy and fun forum. I can’t wait to hear more about you and your style. Don't be shy to post your wonderful selves.

Well, my name is rebecca (the username comes from my cat). I am 30 (no idea where that came from, seriously, i was 22 like 5 minutes ago) and i have no clue what body type i am. My personal style is... pretty boring. i am looking to change that. I live in Canada right now, but i am moving to Ireland in March so i kind of wanted to revamp my look for my new life! Exciting and scary... Thanks in advance for all the help!
PS here is a pic of me.
http://i642.photobucket.com/al.....et/yup.jpg
and a less terrifying pic of me
http://i642.photobucket.com/al.....lovely.jpg

Hi Im Adrienne. Im 54 years old and have two almost grown daughters. I enjoy reading all of the other ladies questions and input. I have a different shape now than when I was younger. Gravity does its thing eventually. I am 5'4"inches. I have very square broad shoulders, as a result everyone has always thought that I am taller than I am. I have my hair professionaslly colored for the past 10 years and cant say enough about how I think it has improved my look. Wish I had started using hair color sooner. I also have just about always worn short hair. It just is a better look for me. I wore a bob for a long time then one day decided to just update my look. Dont you just hate it when older women wear their hair the same for decades.... anyways my daughters have always been my best fans and fashion inspiration. Helping them find clothes that looked good on them forced me to keep up on what is in fashion. As a result my friends kept asking me to give them makeovers. It was a lot of fun snooping in others closets and putting outfits together they never thought of. I am a full time teacher and just a few years from retirement. Cant wait to retire so I can start my next career. I dabble with making hats and sell them at craft fairs. I really like helping women look their best. I get a lot of pleasure out of that. So ladies nice to meet you all.

Here's a bit about me:
My name is Chris and I live in SF Bay Area. I have worked in department store management since 1988 (first in Seattle at Frederick and Nelson) but recently my company closed and I am on the hunt for a new career.

Naturally it has been part of my job to stay somewhat up to date on trends and has always helped to have an interest in fashion. Although I try to buy clothes that are timeless it is very easy in my field to stumble upon that "great deal" and succumb to it's charms.

While on the job hunt I have taken to organizing my closet and have pared down quite a lot! Not having as much temptation or income to spend has lead me to be creative and re-explore my own closet as well. A definite positive note!

I look forward to learning from everyone on the forum.

My name is eliza, and I am addicted to fashion.

Working as I do in the creative industry, I get to have a lot of fun with what I wear. I'm fairly average looking, but I'm lucky enough to be blessed with a standard figure, (maybe a little broad shouldered) tall and slim with long legs. I've always enjoyed creating personae for myself with fashion, and let me tell you, I've worn a few over the years.

I'd say my style is an odd blend of fashion-forward and fashion-backward. I really like combining next season's big thing with vintage pieces and timeless classics. I'm passionate about quality and design, and buy designer pieces on sale or second hand in preference to shopping on the high street. I've been making my own stuff since I was a teen, so there's often a bit of home couture in the mix too.

A typical look for me would be a 40's style tea-dress I made myself with a thrifted vintage pea coat and Balenciaga heels. Or a tailored jacket over jeans and a printed concert t-shirt. Or skinny cords (which used to be boot cut, before I fixed 'em) with stack heels and a voluminous knit. Or a silk blouse from H&M with peg top pants from Dries van Noten. Or...

It's not really consistent, and that's the problem.

I've just turned 40, and my career is changing. My body is changing. I want to continue enjoying fashion, but I need to look a bit more, well, pulled together. I'm trying to find ways to stay true to my remixing, repurposing, chameleon style while being systematic rather than opportunistic about what I add to my collection. My style has changed a lot over the last decade, and now it's time to consolidate.

What drew me to YLF is that, whatever the style, you're asking interesting questions about the contents of my wardrobe. To stay fabulous, I think I need it.

Hi. I'm Jennifer. I found this site after Angie was featured in a local newspaper article. I've been following YLF for a few months now, but am just now joining the forum.

After several years of very casual graduate student style followed by another five years of two kids no time to shop style, I'm trying to figure out exactly what my style is (have described it in the past as classic with a twist) and revamp my wardrobe to reflect a more smart casual style of dressing.

I'd also like to expand my style options beyond the tried and true Nordstrom and Banana Republic (formerly JJill) options.

Looking forward to learning more and exploring on the forum!

Hi i'm Louise nearly 29. Still live at home with parents (did move out but moved back looong story!) work full time running a school based childcare setting lots of disposable income (cheap living with mum and dad!) and most of it goes on clothes, shoes e.t.c. love Angies idea of small workable wardrobe must stop impulse buys and work out what i really need to go with what i've got. Is there a shopping addicts annonymous out there!

Always thought i was pear shaped but after mooching on here am wondering if i might be hourglass must post photos.

Hi I am Encore - I am not sure but I think that I am one of the oldest ylf members??! But it's all good as I am very blessed to be married to the most wonderful person (he's a great cook, dancer and Dad) for 31 years and have the most fabulous children a Mom could every wish for! Our handsome, intelligent son works in Washington D.C. and our 22 year old firecracker of a cutie daughter is out to save the world and is Cal (GO BEARS!) grad.

My style is classic but I am trying to push my envelope and go with a bit more edge. Did I say I am hispanic, 56 years young, 5'2 and currently around 128 (if I stay away from pasta!) I exercise lots and TRY to keep in shape (cardio, yoga, etc) since I LOVE TO EAT. Travel is my thing. This is a great site and I think I've become obsessed too!

Hi,
I am budding fashionista.I am a SAHM to a 8 month old son and am learning to be a mom and still look good.I am 29 and looking forward to start working again.I stay in Atlanta.I moved to US about 3 years ago.While in India,I was working and always wore salwar-kameez,sarees(on ocassions) or trousers with shirts.But after coming here,I have lived like a tomboy till I had the baby.And now I need to get my wardrobe in order to look like a mom.
I have been following this blog for a while.Initially,I thought that this blog has posts only on things that are outside my budget.But eventually, I realised that the key is about knowing the kind of look that works.Once I know what works with my body,I can look for those pieces at shops like TJmaxx and Marshalls.
I am in the process of finding out what my style is.
I would like some advice on incorporating knee length kurtas with jeans or bottoms.I will post some pics soon.

Hi,
my name is Romy and I'm 29 years old. I'm subscribed to the YLF blog, which is very informative. Now I thought it would be fun to be part of this community. I want and need a little style change, so I guess I'm in the right forum here.
Thanks Angie for this great website!!
Romy

I've already posted a couple times so I figured I'd do an intro.

I'm 33 and have three sons ages 8, 5, and 3 months. I'm a SAHM and also homeschool. I'm 5'1 and I've been told here that I'm an hourglass. I had no clue before.

Most moms I see wear jeans with tees, sweat/yoga pants, and tennis shoes or flip flops everywhere all the time. I don't want that "mom uniform" so I'm always looking for ideas. Obviously, my lifestyle is casual, but I want a pretty casual dress code....not a sloppy one.

My style....I love a classic look. Wearing Converse is about as funky as I get.

I don't have a lot of accessories. This started when I had my first baby. Watches get drooled and gnawed on and that feels gross, and the same for bracelets. Earrings are painfully and sometimes dangerously pulled. Necklaces are pulled and broken. I've lost quite a few necklaces that way. Also glasses and sunglasses are snatched off your face and sometimes twisted beyond repair. Babies are fast! My main accessory is usually a sling or pouch.

I look for clothes that are easy to wash and wear, hide baby spit up and breast milk leaks, and are nursing accessible.

Oh, and I *LOVE* shoes. I wish I had more excuses to wear heels in my life.

Hello! I've been reading Angie's blog for a few years and lurking on the forums for months, but have only recently decided to step out of the woodwork and post. I look forward to interacting with the rest of you more often.

I'm in my mid-twenties and, like several others around the forum, live in the Seattle area. Since finishing my B.A. a couple years ago, I've been working in administrative roles in a casual or business casual environment, so I have a fair bit of flexibility of what I can wear at work. For "play", I tend to dress casually, although friends and family sometimes tease me for being so "dressed up" - I can definitely relate to Angie's most recent post on that subject! I also do Scottish Country Dance on a weekly basis, and since taking up that hobby I've incorporated a lot more dresses and skirts into my wardrobe.

I'm a busty hourglass, and I tend to like classic shapes and styles - though I've been trying to branch out with more prints and layering inspired by ideas I see from my favorite style bloggers. I'm trying to learn how to take more risks with fashion choices, but I'll probably always lean towards classic styles rather than being a trendsetter (or follower.)

I alternate between contacts and glasses (I consider my funky frames an accessory on their own, so I choose between two pairs of glasses). I also try to incorporate jewelry into my outfit (or sometimes build an outfit around favorite pieces. I have a relative who is in the Seattle beading/jewelry scene, so I have quite a few pieces made by or purchased through her and try to wear them as often as I can.

Another piece of trivia: I used to HATE shoe shopping (maybe because I chose uncomfortable shoes?) but about 4 years ago, the "shoe gene" finally kicked in. I'm a sucker for pretty pumps but have to make sure they are foot-friendly. Dancing AND wearing pumps regularly are hard on my arches.

Oh, and I've also started blogging about my daily wardrobe choices here: http://inkariswardrobe.blogspot.com/

I'm so thrilled to come across this website. I've been religiously reading through Angie's posts and the forum style discussions, and I've learned so much in a few short days! I'm working on a closet clean out-sort of stuck at the halfway point-and will need your input on the maybes.

As for me, I'm a single mom in Seattle with two kids, 18 yr old boy and 16 yr old girl. I've been out of the work force, but doing volunteer work to beef up a resume (mostly copywriting). My current lack of style is really embarrassing because I used to be an actress (before kids). Did commercials. Had some flair! What happened?

Style-wise, I'm absolutely committed to upgrading my look-and from reading here, I now know why I've been unable to look the way I wanted. Too many t-shirts, too many things that don't fit well- and my unbelievable lack of imagination in putting looks together. And no accessories. And I invariably buy the on sale item that almost works, but not quite. I'm a pear shape, size 4-6, and at 52, worry about what looks too young- or too frumpy. My uniform in winter is jeans and turtleneck, in summer, jeans and button down or t-shirt. I now need interview clothes, and I plan on posting pics for advice. For the first time in my life, starting to have "belly" issues. Yuck. Need to get consistent with the pilates.

I want to say, spending time working on myself, my clothes, is hard because I've been doing for kids, only, for years and have to work to believe it's ok to spend some time on myself. For other mothers on the same journey, who may also have a special needs child and know how all consuming it is, I'm hoping we can support one another.

Dating- I may venture out again. Really. Soon. Okay, maybe when I have something to wear....

I'll post pictures just as soon as I can.

Hello, I'm Danielle. My New Year's Resolution was to start dressing more fabulously, so coming across this site has definitely come in handy. I'm 30, and work for a large corporation with a seriously style-challenged office culture. I beleve that dressing better makes you feel better, so here I am.

Body-wise I am built like Hilary Duff, just to give you an idea. 5'0 and petite, but with a muscular build that can be problematic with clothes. I'm just barely an hourglass. If I had to nail down my personal style, I would call myself "refined bohemian". Meaning I gravitate toward the bohemian items, but only go for the ones that aren't too overdone. I do plan to start posting pictures at some point, but in the meantime, just glad to be here.

Hi, I am Hannah. I am almost 36, married 10.5 years and have three children: a daughter who is almost 10, and two sons: 4.5 and 2.5 years old. I live in Israel. I am a researcher in computer science, and so is my husband. After we finished our Ph.D.'s , we lived in Boston for two years, doing postdoctorate. After that, we returned to Israel, and we now work in the same research lab (two floors apart) - a perfect solution to the two-body problem.

Body-type-wise, I am a hourglass with apple tendencies, and unfortunately, the apple tendencies become more and more pronounced with age. My height is 5'3'', I am wearing 32H size bras, and I am size 10/12 in pants. I wear regular length pants and skirts - I have long legs for my height and a short torso. I have winter coloring: very dark hair, fair skin, dark brown eyes.

My style is a mixture of retro with classic and modern, and I like feminine clothes. I am always overdressed (which is not hard when working in a research environment). My favorite color is purple.

I was lurking on the forum and reading Angie's blog for quite a while now before I decided to join. I love this forum and find it highly addictive.

Hi everyone! Okay-so I have been a *lurker* for several months (since fall) and I LOVE this site but have been too intimidated to join and actually post something. But here goes! My story is...I'm 33 (almost 34). I am a stay at home mom to three amazing kids ages 8, 5 and 3 (girl, boy boy). Before I had kids I was an executive assistant and had a wonderful, stylish professional wardrobe. Since that time I moved into casual, mommy clothing (don't worry I am not and have never been a "frump"). My old wardrobe is now out of style and I REALLY need a change with my current wardrobe! It's way too casual and doesn't have a lot of style. Sooo, my main reasons for posting are:

A. I need to transition into more "adult" clothing (less trendy/juniors department)
B. I am on a tight budget and I'm practically starting from SCRATCH
C. I do have some good pieces...but there is no cohesion to my closet (i.e. I don't know how to get the most out of what I have)

Maybe I'll get brave enough to post some pics...we'll see. I hope to be a regular here! Glad to meet you all

Oh-I am an hourglass figure through and through-a size 6/8.
My style is...classic/trendy.

Hi, I'm Rose. I have never posted pics, but I read Angie's Blog and this forum often. I am early-30s professional, and trying to improve my smart casual, and to obtain an overall classic look every day (from casual to dressing up).
I am 5'7 (and I run a lot so I have some runner's legs and runners shelf butt). I wear 6/8, and am pretty sure I am a short-waist hourglass, but not an extreme hourglass with a tiny waist, so I guess hourglass with rectangle tendencies. I am busty (D cup) so I am always on the lookout for posts related to the challenges of being busty and finding tops that fit.

OK, I'm Janie, and y'all can all be my daughters as I'm 59! But since I have a high energy level, am happily married (32 years) and am young at heart, I don't feel old. Everybody tells me I am "perky". I'm 5'1" tall and weigh 110. I have 3 sons, 6 grandchildren, and a husband I adore. We own our own general contracting business and have fun working together. I wear jeans and shorts all the time (even to work) so am always looking for comfy casual clothing. I love second hand shops.

I'm Mary, 31 years old, married 11 years with a 10 year old son. I work for my dad's business doing accounting, human resources, marketing, and whatever else comes my way (the joys of a small company:). My husband works with me, and we bring our son to work with us also as he is homeschooled.

I'm a 5'8, size 14-ish pretty pear shape. My clothes are mostly boring for every day - jeans and sweaters, jeans and tees, and I go through spurts of trying to improve my appearance so it's more a reflection of my personality than a reflection of the effort I put into it

I'm also a musician, and my lack of clothing style doesn't really fit with my musical taste. I was asked to be in a new band, and one of my biggest hangups is that I don't look the part. It seems most girls in rock bands look like teeny boppers or 80's hair bands, and I don't want to look like either but would like a bit more style than I currently possess.

And this from kellyanne is also descriptive of me:
B. I am on a tight budget and I'm practically starting from SCRATCH
C. I do have some good pieces...but there is no cohesion to my closet (i.e. I don't know how to get the most out of what I have)

Hi everyone. My name is Cindy, and I'm a long-time lurker who has recently joined in order to benefit from your marvelous feedback. I am a 45 year old mom of two who has recently relocated to the Midwest from the magnificent Pacific Northwest (can you tell I miss it?). And just think, I could have hired Angie if only I was still living there.

I am a petite (5'2") hourglass with inverted triangle tendencies (I think). In my younger days I was definitely an inverted triangle - broad shoulders and no hips to speak of. Then I had kids. *g* I am looking forward to posting a photo soon and seeing if you all agree with me.

I have always been a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but as I've reached my forties now, I find myself wanting to not change my style, exactly, but step it up a notch. I've found this to be a very supportive community, and I was thrilled to find a place where everyday style was discussed. Thank you, Angie! I am loving the photos of your own outfits you have been posting lately. And stealing quite a few of them!

Hi everyone, my name is roopa. I am a software developer, married with 2 kids 6 and 3. I have been visiting this site for over a year now.. but never really signed up.

I am a petite about 5'1". After my babies, I couldn't get back in shape as I was before.. so, I ignored fashion for a bit but this website has really got me back on track. I am a biggest fan of this website and every morning I look forward to reading Angie's blog. And now its part of my morning routine. I am really excited about the recents posts of Angie as they are more related to accessories and my greatest weakness is to accessorize an outfit.. still figuring out what is too little or too much of accessorizing... I am from India and we give a lot of importance to accessories.

Thank you Angie for this wonderful thought of yours to help us all.

Hi all,

My name is Kelli. I am a SAHM (although I'm tiptoeing back into the working world) with 2 sons, 6 and 6 months. I live in Nashville, TN.

I found this website through a link from a stylish SAHM blog. I was pregnant at the time. I've been a lurker off and on since then, and I have to say that I'm very impressed with the camraderie and helpfulness on this board. This compelled me to go ahead and sign up.

I care about style and I keep up with the trends, but in truth, I'm a pretty boring dresser. I like solid colors and bold graphics. For jewelry, I like hoops or studs, and cuffs or bangles. I've worn the same silver Movado watch for 6 years, and I wear the same diamond pendant every day. I think I have good basics, but I want to incorporate updated trends into my wardrobe.

I love the Gap, Banana Republic, and J Crew. I'm in the process of losing weight, but I guess I'm an hourglass. I need to post an updated picture. I'm 5'4, and my measurements are 42-36-43. I'm still nursing, and it's been an ordeal trying to dress my boobs. I've always been busty, but it's out of control.

Anyway, thank you Angie for this wonderful resource! Thanks to all the rest of you ladies for your feedback and posts!

Hello everyone I'm Vera From Australia am married with 1 son who is 19 year old .

I love dressing up try to look my best.lol. Anyway i found this web site i think its a great one it helps in a great way to see the other women's photos thought i'd try it out.

And thank you Angie for letting us use this site! Great Job

Hi!

I'm Gwen. I'm 26 and I live in Boston. I'm here to learn more about fashion..I would describe my style as classic/casual. I like to shop at Gap, Banana, Macy's, and JCrew although I find things almost anywhere. I love dresses and jeans. I'm of average height, a rectangle body type (I think), and have summer coloring. I have yet to get around the site, but I already appreciate the guide for wedding wear and the advice on dressing for your body shape.