YouLookFab

Style these Outrageous Shoes

Angie — Wed, 16 May 2012 23:01:13 +0000

I love the colour combination of these Style Bubble platform booties. The style is over the top, outrageous, and borderline ugly. Not to mention the crazy platform height. But lets style these shoes in an outfit just for fun. I can see them with a neon pink and white colour blocked mod mini dress and pink wig. Or, with a silky, taupe, long-sleeved romper with a neon pink scarf. Perhaps someone in Harajuku would wear this outfit.

Over to you.

Dressy Skirt and Denim Jacket

Angie — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:14:55 +0000

Spring has finally reached Seattle and just about everyone was outside enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather over the weekend. We met with friends for supper at Boom Noodle in Capitol Hill, and Greg snapped these photos just before we headed into the restaurant.

You’ve seen the same brocade skirt dressed up for fashion week and for a rehearsal dinner, but my favourite way to wear it is dressed down with a denim jacket and flats. That way I can wear the skirt more often. This is the trusty denim jacket and skirt formula, which I wear on a casual evening out, when I’m out and about town, or on a more casual appointment with clients.

I’m not a cardigan girl, but I like this Edwardian-inspired cardigan because I can button it up and wear it like a short sleeved high-necked pullover. I also like that it’s roomy around the waistline, yet fitted on the shoulder and bust line. It’s a little slouchy, which creates a more relaxed vibe against the stiff, flared formal skirt.

I take the contrast theme further by adding a very faded denim jacket. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to create such a vivid contrast between two items (casual with formal, and light with dark colours). I have a dark blue denim jacket that looks good with this skirt too. But because I really like the colour of light blue denim and enjoy wearing strong contrasting items, the faded denim jacket wins out every time.

I added dressy, giraffe printed animal flats for a pattern mixed effect. And two-toned fishnet hose, green satchel, specs and watch to finish off the look. I was going to swap out my green handbag for a taupe clutch, but at the last minute, the casualness of my slightly battered green satchel felt right. We had a lovely evening!

Fab Find: Vince Camuto Slouchy Animal Print Pants

Angie — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:20:58 +0000

This item is completely misrepresented in the online photograph. Trust me, these pants do not look like skinnies at all. Quite the opposite! They are baggy, slouchy, soft and absolutely divine. Imagine them a few sizes up with roomy drape and you’ll get a more accurate picture of the style. They have dear little zips that taper the hems, and an elasticated waistband (and drawstring) that is great to wear with un-tucked tops. The side pockets are a bonus, as is the fact that they are machine washable.

Superbly lightweight — you can’t feel them on your body — and oh so on trend. Perfect for hot weather and extremely comfortable. They also look fab if you pull up the hems, making them baggy like harem pants. Add sandals, booties, ballet flats or pumps.

Unfortunately, these trousers aren’t available online at the moment, but they are in stores. You can also ask customer service to track them down for you.

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The Advantages of Shopping Your Closet

Angie — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:14:12 +0000

Shop Your Closet (or “SYC”) is a recurring theme on the YLF forum. It’s when you put yourself on a temporary shopping ban and restrict yourself to your own closet, thereby resisting the temptation to buy anything new. Some of our forum members are on SYC for months at a time and their reflections during this period are varied and interesting.

Forum member ironkurtin recently shared some thoughts that inspired me to write this post. As much as she loves to shop, ironkurtin thought the advantages of SYC definitely went beyond the financial impact:

“So, shopping my closet – and it’s only been a week!!! – has taught me these three important things.

You can’t identify wardrobe holes – functional ones – unless you are forced to use what you have. This sounds counterintuitive but if you are looking for the next cute thing, as opposed to the next useful thing, you can get lost in the whirl.

You don’t know what you own until you are forced to use it. I can’t tell you how many times I looked at something and was like ‘Oh, I forgot I owned this!’

You don’t know what you don’t wear until you are forced to use it. Or realize you really don’t want to use it!

I am not loving shopping my closet, but I think it will be good for me. It may even force me to – gasp – buy fewer better things! And to get rid of stuff, because frankly, anything I forgot I owned will be better off out of my closet” .

SYC inspires discipline, analysis and creativity. This is why I sometimes suggest a temporary shopping ban to some of my own clients. This is usually at the end of a large seasonal shop. I urge them to road test their existing seasonal looks for a while, perhaps for a month or longer, in order to accurately identify favourite outfit formulas, least favourite items and wardrobe holes. That way they will hone their style persona, effectively build on their existing wardrobe capsules, duplicate the right items, and pass on the stuff that no longer works for the current leg of their style journey.

The financial impact of SYC is greater than just the money you’re not spending. You are forced to wear more items in your existing closet, reducing their cost per wear. Who knows. You might even bust out a wardrobe orphan or two. You’ll probably also wear items in new combinations to keep your style feeling fresh. How’s that for getting the biggest bang for your fashion buck.

SYC does not work for everyone and we’ve had forum members express those frustrations too. Instead they prefer the more consistent discipline of “Shop Your Budget” (SYB) because it’s less restrictive, allowing them to nab bargains and hard to find sizes as they come up. A steady, controlled stream of new inventory into their wardrobe also keeps things fun, whether it was all about the hunt, or the thrill of bringing home a new piece that pulled at your heart strings.

Have you ever put yourself on a temporary shopping ban, thereby forcing yourself to shop your closet for a period of time. If so, how did it go? Were you frustrated or elated? What did you learn during the process? Would you recommend SYC to others, and go through the process again? Or is SYB a better way to keep the spending in check and the style juices flowing.

Team Low Heels or Team High Heels

Angie — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:53:26 +0000

You are on Team Low Heels if you prefer to wear heel heights that are lower than three inches. You are on Team High Heels if you prefer to wear three inch heels or heels higher than three inches. All heel types count for this poll, be it stilettos, wedges, platforms or stacked heels.

I bat for Team Flats, but if I’m going to wear a heel with an “everyday” outfit, it’s a shoe with a one and half or two inch heel. Anything over two inches and I start to slow down, with the exception of my Frye boots. Although they are just over two inches, I seem to be okay walking around at a fast pace in those all day.

I have three pairs of high heeled party shoes with heels just over three inches. They only come out to play when I can sit for most of the event. I can’t walk briskly, and if I do walk at all the balls of my feet start to ache big time. Platforms are not my style so I don’t wear those either. I bat for Team Low Heels all the way.

As with ALL our Team X and Team Y posts, there is no right and wrong answer. You are merely stating your preference as it relates back to your style persona. Over to you. Are you Team Low Heels or Team High Heels? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

Lace Skirt Love

Angie — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:11:48 +0000

I might be becoming more romantic because lace and I are developing a great fondness for one another. For a few years now I’ve had a black lace skirt on my shopping list, but have yet to find the perfect one that fits into my style budget (I seem to fall hard for the ones that cost thousands of dollars). But I’m patient in this respect and will hold out for the right item.

The lace skirt is one of those versatile classic and timeless items that can be styled and manipulated to portray all sorts of fashion personas. Classic, retro, romantic, and elegant on the one hand. Modern, gothic, flirty, fun, arty, and spunky on the other. It really depends on the style of the skirt itself, and the items that you match it up with.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic: Add a white shirt and pumps
Alternative: Add Doc Marten boots and a graphic tee
Edgy: Add a T-shirt, leather jacket and booties
Romantic: Add a soft ruffled blouse, floral heels and pearls
Retro: Add a patterned blouse and mary janes
Modern: Add an oversized high-low striped knit top with wedged cage heels

Or, just add a layering top with a denim jacket and dressy shoes because that trusty formula is flop proof.

I tend to think that a knee- or midi-length lace skirt in neutral colours is more timeless and ageless — either flared or fitted. Dress it up or down, and haul it out whenever you feel a little romantic and dramatic. Anyone else feeling lace skirt love? Do you prefer lace over sequins?

Book Nook: Our Mums, Style Icons

Inge — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:29:09 +0000

In honour of Mother’s Day this Sunday I’ve added three books to the store that each in their own way celebrate all the stylish Mums in our lives. The third title, My Mom, Style Icon, got me thinking about favourite pictures of my own Mum. There is a photo taken at the seaside that always pulls at my heartstrings; we were on holiday and Mama just looks so relaxed and carefree. She is strolling along the seafront wearing a flowy midi skirt with a tiny floral pattern, a long navy cardigan belted at the waist and nude low-heeled sandals. Her dark sunglasses look modern and chic, a blue patterned headscarf keeps the breeze from messing up her short hair. This is by no means the most glamorous or fashion forward outfit Mum ever owned, but I love it because it’s such a good example of the ladylike casual wear that Mama and her friends used to wear on vacation.

I wish all you beautiful Mums out there a very happy Mother’s Day, and would love to know if there is an outfit picture of your Mum that holds special memories for you.

New in YLF Books

In My Mother’s Closet: An Invitation to Remember

Eugenia Zukerman has collected the personal stories of forty-three very different women who explore the unique relationship between mothers and daughters. Writer Erica Jong, TV journalist Lesley Stahl and actresses Claire Bloom and Carrie Fisher, among others, travel back in time to “reminisce about their mothers’ closets where they tried on clothes, jewellery and shoes, and imagined the world they would one day enter.”

My Mother’s Clothes: An Album of Memories

Jeannette Montgomery Barron began photographing her mother’s clothes and accessories to trigger her fading memories. Often the pictures were taken against backgrounds that had as much personal relevance as the garments themselves. And even as the Alzheimer’s progressed Eleanor could still recall when and where she wore her clothing. When Ellie passed away these images became not only an ode to her refined taste and vivacious personality, but meaningful and evocative still lifes in which she continues to live on.

My Mom, Style Icon

People have been submitting vintage snapshots of their mothers to Piper Weiss since early 2009. The author publishes them on her blog of the same name in homage to fashionable mums from across the globe. Her first book features two hundred colour photographs of mums sporting the styles of the times with pizzazz – pixie cuts, glamorous updos, hot pants, jumpsuits, mod frocks and retro accessories galore. Each photo comes with a personal anecdote; proof that our mums often led quite eventful and adventurous lives, and very stylish ones at that.

Related Books

If the titles in today’s Book Nook are your cup of tea, you may also like:

Colours, Patterns and Mums

Angie — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:17:17 +0000

It’s my YLF tradition to dedicate our Mother’s Day post to my late Mum, who to this day has had the largest and most meaningful influence on my style, my positive body image, and the way I perceive fashion.

Colours and patterns define the look of 2012 so I thought it fitting to share how much of those style preferences we share (or shared) with our Mothers. As far as non-neutrals go, Mum and I had vastly different colour preferences. She was an earthy, spice-toned gal, favouring coppers, rust, burnt orange, forest green, burgundy and mustard yellow. She also adored deep teal, light blue, antique pink, baby pink, salmon pink, sage green, emerald green, and blush. By contrast, I’m into crisp clear brights like tomato red, citron yellow, apple green, shocking pink and rich turquoise. Chalk and cheese.

But when it came to the neutral side of the colour spectrum, Mum and I were kindred spirits. Mum LOVED black and white (or cream) outfit combinations — and so do I. When it came to denim, she only ever wore white jeans, and always had a slew of white and cream shirts and blouses, as well as black knitwear. I can’t ever remember Mum wearing black from head to toe, but wearing black with white or cream was a signature look. Both in solids and in patterns, and always paired with bold gold jewelry.

Mum and I also had similar pattern preferences, favouring geometrics over everything else. We both loved polka dots, stripes, ginghams and checks, but adored a fab floral, animal print and swirly abstract design too. Mum also loved paisley prints, which don’t tickle my fancy quite as much. But I really liked the batik paisleys that she wore from Indonesia, the country where she was born and spent the first 18 years of her life.

The pictures above show Mum in 1979, hosting our annual Spring party in our home in Hong Kong. She enjoyed cooking and would spend days preparing a splendid “rijsttafel” for up to 30 guests. She’d often have the outfit for that occasion tailor made, which was a common thing to do back in those days when you lived in Hong Kong. True to her style persona, she wore a dressy black and white geometric patterned frock with emerald and gold jewelry. So very glam, polished and elegant as always. But she knew how to have fun too, breaking into song at some point in the evening.

Well. I almost made it through writing this post without bursting into tears, but it’s this final bit that gets me every time: Mama, I am so grateful for your guidance, backbone, candor, fiery personality and unconditional love. You secured my confidence as I was growing up, constantly making me feel special and loved. You were also completely honest when things were not to your liking. And although I only started appreciating it later on in life, I really appreciated that too. It’s tragic that you are no longer with us today, but know that you are always in my heart and mind. I think of you a little harder when I wear my black and white ensembles, and I hereby dedicate them ALL to you.

Although I lost my Mum quite young at age 29, I was grown up and married by that time. I have friends who lost their mothers when they were still in primary school, and that breaks my heart because I cherished time with my Mum the most when I was little and in my teen years. So this post is also dedicated to those who lost their mothers at a very young age. Right now, our Mums are lounging on their big white fluffy clouds watching over us in their special way.

We at YLF wish you and all Mothers a very happy Mother’s Day.

Link Love From YLF Members

Angie — Thu, 10 May 2012 21:12:59 +0000

Diana loved Audi’s light and stylish travel capsule that she packed for a two week trip to Europe, which included two loads of laundry along the way. Diana also enjoyed the contrast with my no-laundry policy and more heavily packed travel capsule for our recent trip to Japan.

Aida suggests browsing through these photos from LIFE magazine if you want to catch a glimpse of what lasses and lads wore to high school in 1969.

Inge says that according to T Magazine, loose leather pants are on the fashion horizon. I say bring on the slouch, baby.

Ironkurtin recently read in the New York Times that Amazon plans to make a leap into the high end of the fashion pool.

Kiwichick recommends reading Styling You’s article about dressing for the school run.

Mac read on on Passage des Perles that brown is the next big colour for pearls.

Anne says to look at this super cool bra that was recently unveiled in Japan. Ideal for very hot weather.

Vildy suggests browsing through the Telegraph to see what the fashion pack wore to the 2012 Met Ball. Alexa Chung looks amazing in a Marc Jacobs design, while the one and only Marc Jacobs sported lace from head to toe.

Here are several pairs of toasty loafers from the Trend Hunter that made Laurinda smile. I think they’d be yummy with a generous dose of butter and marmalade.

Sylvie, who loves corsets and velvet skirts, enjoys how the Corp Goth incorporates Victorian elements into her corporate dress code.

Annagybe liked Sally’s post on Already Pretty where she interviewed bloggers about dressing within a defined aesthetic.

Dressing Fun at the YLF Seattle Swap

Antje — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:40:14 +0000

Guest Post

Today we bring back Veteran member and friend, Antje, who does a wonderful job of organizing our annual clothing swap here in Seattle. This year’s event took place last weekend and we had a ball! It was the most well attended swap meet to date, complete with stylish treasures, good eats, banter, laughter, and lots of hustle and bustle.

My favorite moments during last weekend’s YLF clothing swap occurred in the group dressing room. Everyone was trying on loads of items, but we all spent just as much time and effort helping others to find a gem or two. There was encouragement and squeals of delight when things looked great.

This top looks fabulous on you! It hugs you in all the right places and the color is sooo flattering against your skin tone.

There was also constructive feedback when it was requested.

Your hunch is right: This might just not be the best cut for you. You can do better!

When something was a perfect 10, the crowd got stern.

You MUST leave with this skirt and wear it tomorrow!

And when something was off and seemed beyond the powers of a skilled tailor, someone was equally crisp in her verdict.

Put it back. Move on. You want a GREAT jacket, not one whose color is to die for but that is too wide in the shoulders and too short in the sleeves.

These types of exchanges epitomize the spirit of YouLookFab: generous praise, supportive feedback, and always, always, the desire to help others look and feel their best.

A few items literally got swapped around in the dressing room several times until the perfect new owner was found. Someone had brought a stunning purple shift dress – the color was beautiful, the cut was classic, the dress seemed so versatile, and many of us wanted to try it on. I went first and was very sad to see that it was just a smidgen too tight and a bit too long for my torso. As much as I tried pulling in my belly and lengthening my spine, I had to admit that it just did not work – and then immediately made it my mission to ensure this beautiful dress would find its rightful owner. I passed it to Sally, knowing how much she likes purple, but alas, on her the dress was too big and too long. Off again it went, and then Aida piped up and wanted to try it. And lo and behold, it was PERFECT on Aida! We all cheered when we saw how beautifully the dress fit and suited her, and how pretty the color looked on her.

I’m happy to say I still found a dress I loved as well: A very fun and funky black and cream swirl pattern dress with a blousy top and a wide bright green sash-like self-belt. Stephanie brought it, and when she saw me trying it on and loving it immediately, she did a little happy dance and kept telling me how tickled she was that I enjoyed her dress. This joy in seeing others going home with your former closet orphan — and a big smile on their face — is so rewarding; Jane also called this her favorite part about a clothes swap.

We didn’t spend ALL our time in the dressing room. When welcoming the over 25 attendees to the swap, I expressed my hope that we would spend as much time socializing as we would trying on clothes, and I think we did well, judging from the happy chatter filling the room and the hugs that were exchanged between old and new friends. I hope many women felt similar to myself after the event: excited about some awesome additions to my closet, happy about having reconnected with old friends and meeting new people, and grateful for all this stylish fun Angie and YouLookFab enable. One thing is for sure: We’ll make the YLF Spring Clothes Swap an annual tradition! See you all next year!