Pre-YLF, I would watch WNTW (US version) a lot and really took what I saw to heart, aside from the shoe business. I think this caused me to bypass a lot of trends and dress a lot more conservatively and "older" than was necessary. I looked like I came out of the same sausage machine as all the WNTW "afters," other than the ridiculous shoes. It meant avoiding a lot of trends that I really loved and ached to wear but thought I was too old for, or that it was unflattering or inappropriate--even though I suspected otherwise. Basically, I was going against my own instincts because I just didn't know any better. I also spent a LOT more because I always heard "price = quality." I really had no right to spend so much money then, but I thought my clothes were an "investment"...and of course a few years later, I can't even get them past my butt.
Now I know that much as I love Stacey and Clinton on a personal level (well, not that I know them, but they seem like fun people to be with), I disagree with them on a lot of points. I kind of feel like Angie has freed my style spirit in many ways. I definitely would not have tried leggings, graphic T's, volume, skinnies, tunics, moto jackets, or anything remotely "trendy" without YLF. Trendy has always been a part of my style persona, but I suppressed it thinking it wasn't appropriate anymore. Now I know it's never going to be inappropriate at any age as long as I'm always discriminating about what works on me and what doesn't.
