Amiable's Blog

A ylf first year anthology (warning, very long)

October 1, 2013

I've now been on youlookfab for over a year, and taken WIW shots almost daily (though I've managed to miss more days than hit in the past two weeks, I think).  So I thought I'd look back to see if/how I've made progress in developing a style in the past year.

I was disappointed to not really see a whole lot of difference.  I think my eye hasn't been trained to notice these shifts yet?  I'm quite certain that my style has grown up a lot in the past year - I just can't see it!

As I was looking through my year of data, I decided to save off at least one outfit from each month (either that I thought represented my style at the time, or that I especially liked).  Most months, I actually saved off several.

So, here's the timeline, for what it's worth.

  1. (September 2012) I don't own this top or jeans anymore (well, I do own the jeans - they got cut off into shorts).  But I still wear this belt and shoes.
  2. (October 2012) Don't own these anymore either. But I replaced the jean jacket with a darker one recently, and might still wear a similar combo.
  3. (November 2012) I remember loving this when I wore it.  I wouldn't wear it now, though, and I don't know why.  I still wear both the jeans (though I let down the length a bunch) and the jacket).
  4. I might still wear something similar to this - no necklace though.
  5. First playing around with colorblocking.
  6. I still like this outfit.  I wish the sweater was longer, but I haven't purged it yet because I haven't found a better one.
  7. (December 2012) An outfit that felt especially like "me".  This formula still feels especially like me.
  8. A new-to-me color combo, that I love now.  Wish these trousers still fit.
  9. (January 2013) First attempted pattern mixing.
  10. (February 2013) First "killer" rating.
  11. Still one of my favorite outfits of the year.
  12. My red jeans really cheered up the gray winter last year.
  13. (March 2013) I keep wondering if I'll be into colored jeans this ywinter -  Is it clownish?
  14. My white jeans were maybe my most-worn item of the last year.  
  15. (April 2013) My Easter outfit - and first playing with soft colors that are normally pretty difficult for me.
  16. (May 2013) A favorite
  17. The same without a jacket.
  18. Yes, those white jeans rock.
  19. (June 2013) And even more white jeans.  It wasn't warm yet in June.
  20. My normal summer uniform.
  21. (July 2013) My only summer "killer" rating.  I liked these clams a lot - too bad that after only a couple of months wear and tear, they're wearing out.  I'm watching for a replacement.
  22. Independance Day.
  23. Soft colors gain - not sure they work for me, but I remember liking this outfit - and it's my first summertime white jeans outfit.
  24. (August 2013) Orange and white - I like the combo.  
  25. I felt very ladylike in this.  I need to come up with more ways to style this skirt.
  26. (September 2013) White jeans in the fall (or at least not-so-blistering summer).
  27. The only skirt in my favorites mix.  Hmm... I really am a pants girl.
  28. I'm looking forward to wearing this shirt a lot this winter.
  29. (ETA) Just realized that I don't have any boyfriend jeans on this list.  Since they're a current favorite, I'm adding one with them :)

And a few thoughts about it:  

  • I think I'm becoming more minimal - the necklaces and most of the jewelry seem too much to me now.  I know I'll add more scarves as it cools off though.
  • Most of my favorites don't fit in my "happy tomboy" moniker.  Or do they?  They don't seem to to me - my looks here are more polished.  I wonder if the "happy tomboy" thing is taking me backwards instead of forwards?  Is it okay to go in style circles?
  • I really like my white jeans.  But they're also definitely not "tomboy" - at least not in the way I think of tomboy.  Tomboys have more dirt than that.  Anyone want to convince me that tomboys can wear white jeans?  Or come up with a description that will fit better?
  • Then again, white jeans really aren't that practical for my lifestyle, as much as I love them.
  • I scarcely repeated an outfit all year.  For some reason, photographing it made me lose interest in that particular combination - I almost always tweaked something next time I wore it.  That seems dangerous to me.  Is it normal?

Okay, I'll stop rambling now.  I've taken way too much space.  Thanks for humoring me, and if you actually read it, you're a saint!

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Posted in the What I Wore category
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

30 Comments

  • Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

    I looked at the pics before reading your text & #18 & #21 are my favourites by far. FWIW here are my musings:

    There are three things that make me love these outfits

    • the great fit of the white jeans & clams & the more minimal feel of the outfits
    •  the clear colours - I think they look much better on you than the more muted tones
    • Choice of footwear; I love the boots & the ballet flats

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Thanks Caro - I do think that clear and deep colors look best on me.  (which is a definite shift - a year ago, I thought the muddy ones were better suited to me).

    And I don't wear those ballet flats much any more - maybe I should dig them back out and let them get some wear!

  • kellygirl replied 10 years ago

    I notice a big difference, Amiable. The devil is in the details and I see a lot of fine tuning in terms of fit, color, footwear and silhouette. You have so many fab outfits--I love the green jeans with the bold graphic cardigan, the white jeans with the moto boots, red top/blue clams with the white belt--too many to name. I see "tomboy" in some of them but I really think your style has evolved into something more--grown up tomboy, perhaps? Refined tomboy? At any rate, your style is fab! Loved reading about and seeing your fashion journey.

  • Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

    What a difference PPL has made to your style Amiable!
    I see lots of subtle tweeks over the year that have made a HUGE impact on your style.
    The structured jackets as in #16 look fantastic.
    Please keep wearing coloured jeans and white pants too.
    Just reading your descriptions shows how your eye has changed, and the seemingly small additions or subtractions have really skyrocketed your style over such a short time.
    A great journey for sure!

  • Lantana replied 10 years ago

    Aimiable I haven't read your comments or any of the responses because I don't want to skew my own reaction.
    Which is ... Huge Development!
    The change kicks in at Photo 8 and if I had to put my finger on the key elements I would point to the fit of your pants and a more stylish sleeve length.
    From here on your tops have a bit more volume, enabling you to adopt a silhouette that really suits you.
    From #11 on I see you embracing dramatic colour pairings that make your complexion glow.
    #19 I well remember and it would have to be my no.1 all time favourite.
    Now I am going to read what you and the others had to say.
    Penny

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    Thanks for pointing out that it really is in the details.  I've learned so much about fit this year, it's crazy. (I very clearly remembering when you all told me what proper pant length was, and realizing that I had NOTHING that long  - because I'd taken up many of my pants to be too short!)

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    And Lantana, you're correct - I've really grown to love a voluminous top, and I'm so grateful to now know enough about fit to pull it off  (in general, this is through sleeve length and pants fit, as you stated).

  • Joy replied 10 years ago

    The happy tomboy has become a MOTG and maybe a happy tomgirl. I like the better proportions, brighter colors, and skirts. You still look comfortable and ready to tend to toddlers, and you look like you are enjoying how you look.

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    I see a refinement in your style from the beginning. The first few pics I would say mountain girl and as the year progressed color and accessories entered.  I also see a nice mixing and blending of color and texture. Yes, there is a difference.

  • Lantana replied 10 years ago

    Style evolution is fascinating, aint it? I've read this not once but twice.
    OK, it's official. I am a saint.
    Aimiable, I think youhave two style personas working for you. There's the tomboy look that allows you to get down and dirty with the kids and the whole permaculturesque life you lead. That's the look in #7. And then there's the other look which is smarter and more pulled together and stylish and chic. For your white jeans life.
    I see no problem with that because I operate precisely like that. I have a morning persona where I get grubby with my gardening projects and the afternoon when my laundered look kicks in. Then, white jeans rule.
    I've just read what the others have said and agree with them all. Isn't it interesting how we have all seen big changes.
    I hope you're not feeling disappointed now. Penny

  • jayne replied 10 years ago

    I see color being a big part of the change.  Getting the right colors really makes you glow.  the pieces are simple and tomboyish, as you say, but you using more color in those pieces and they fit better.  Too bad you don't like skirts, you have top quality gams!

  • Deborah replied 10 years ago

    I see a very consistent development in your style Amy.  I see you moving towards a quite crisp, minimal style. It's the details were I see the change most.  I think often for us it is a matter of honing our style, rather than actually changing it.    I see your overall style looking more 'grown up' and modern.  I also see what I think is a new confidence that has come about as you have fine tuned what you like and what works for you.  Congrats!

  • AJ replied 10 years ago

    Congrats on your year milestone! I noticed refinements in the shoes, better fits, and embracing color. YLF!

  • replied 10 years ago

    There is a big change! Your proportions are great now, and I agree with Penny that you have two personas represented (and it isn't a bad thing!)

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    I can see a great style evolution here, Amy! Congrats for accomplishing your first year on YLF-and many happy returns of The Occasion:-).
    As others said, you shifted beautifully towards more streamlined, modern, simple but bold! I also like you more in crisp and brght colors, but I'm aware that can be a personal prefference only, also clear and brights, contrasted outfits are showing up better in some amateur picties like we do here on the YLF, so I'm  not really sure the mutted ones don't suit you well....food for thinking!

  • pil replied 10 years ago

    I wish I had an eye for detail, but what I notice in the photos is that it looks like you're having an easier time pulling your outfits together. You're comfortable with two or three pieces that look great on you and don't feel as if you must add accessories to finish the look.

    I thought about doing a one year retrospective too, but it's just too intimidating!

  • bella replied 10 years ago

    What have you been smoking? I definitely see a change, especially starting in early 2013. I actually noticed this before, I am sorry I haven't been around much and didn't get a chance to tell you before. 
    I think if you are happy with your style, but not the moniker, then change the moniker, not the style!:) Of course, I am not very good with style descriptors and do not find them particularly helpful for myself, so take this for whatever it is worth to you. 
    Finally, when I was taking pictures of my outfits regularly, I found like you, that I didn't want to repeat the same outfit. Now that I don't have time for outfit photos, I feel less pressured to pull a repeat. But more importantly, it was a time of trial and error and I am happier than ever before with what I have in my wardrobe,so I actually enjoy repeats. Perhaps, this is a phase for you as well. But again, I still crave a lot of diversity, so I am usually repeating an outfit perhaps every other week, and not more. 

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    I echo the others --- You've grown a lot, particularly in your sense of proportions and fit, which is hugely important.  Another difference?  You always had a great sense of color and what suited your lifestyle, so even in the beginning you could post great outfits.  Now, your wardrobe seem far more consistent, and you hit the bullseye much more often.  You also boss your clothes, actually whacking and stitching them into submission, rather than being bossed by them.

    I, too, have had difficulty finding a great moniker, but I have a rubric that works for me instead, and, this year, I'm calling myself "The Wardrobe Mistress," since I'm trying to manage my wardrobe like the wardrobe mistress does in the theatre.  The point is, feel free to keep what works for you, and to drop the moniker or persona if it's not helping.

    Hope you have a great day.  I have to set up a bathtub science experiment being I head off to work at the University today.  Hope no one showers before class and ruins the experiment!  (Oh the life of a home educator).

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    I'm chiming in to say congrats. And also to reiterate that I see a significant style shift. The fits, proprtions and details of your outfits have received lots of attention - that is HUGE. Well done. xo

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    I agree with the others, Amy - HUGE style progression here. The increased attention to detail has made an enormous difference. And I like what Lantana said about two parts of your life. No reason why you can't do both the white jeans AND the MOTG "tomboy" style. These are two overlapping capsules. 

    My favourites here are 18, 21, 26 and 27. 

    Brava for a brilliant year and thank you for sharing your journey with us! 

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    honestly, the biggest thing i noticed was the change in your smile. somewhere around #10, your smile seemed to get bigger and more genuine, and it lights up your whole face.

  • Debra replied 10 years ago

    This is a great thread, what a great idea to track your style discovery.
    I see a huge style shift from photo number 12.
    You are putting things together differently :) i think your outfits are stylish and some a little adventurous and you look confident :)

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    I see huge changes, but a consistent thread that I think is definitely your own unique style and also a dash of hipster.

    I think you've gone a lot more tomboy - which is actually quite feminine in the "boyish styles" category. This is what I think you've done, prettied up your look quite a lot. Your first pic is quite butch, you know. Your second two very librarian.

  • Amy replied 10 years ago

    So fun to view! I agree with the others who said they see a refinement in your outfits. YLF

  • replied 10 years ago

    You look really terrific Ami, and I love the progression of your style. I think white jeans can still have a tomboy look (as most fashion isn't quite literal, you know). Please don't stop wearing them--or colored jeans--whatever you do!

    In a weird sort of way, I don't like taking daily photos since I have a tiny wardrobe and repeat a LOT. It doesn't bother me at all, but I know I'd get tired of it if I had scads of photographs of me in the same clothes staring me in the face. 

  • K. Period. replied 10 years ago

    I can't really add anything that hasn't been said by anyone else. Your pictures show a huge leap forward. Maybe you are getting blinded by seeing your progress in all of these little steps all at once? If you compare beginning to end outfits, it is a huge difference. Maybe too, you are noticing that your style has always remained consistently true to you.  It isn't that your style has changed, it is that you've made a lot of little tweaks to perfect how it looks on you.  Does that make sense? You've always been a diamond. You're just a brilliant cut instead of a rough cut now! You look fab! 

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    I also see a great, subtle, evolution in what you wear and how you wear it. Try starting at the end and clicking through to the beginning and maybe you will see it also!

  • Susie replied 10 years ago

    I love K's thought: " it isn't that your style has changed, it is that you've made a lot of little tweaks to perfect how it looks on you." Exactly!

    Look at pics 1 and 26. Each outfit basically includes the same elements- shirt, pants, belt, shoes. But the tweaks make a huge difference- rolled sleeves are more polished, the semi tuck gives a flattering line, the shoes are more refined, the pants length is more modern. All together, it's a true style, not just clothes. Even your hairstyle is more polished.

    And the biggest difference is your smile! Your attitude and confidence and obvious pleasure really shine!

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    I have to agree with others that there is a definite progression in your style.  The proportions, silhouettes, and color combinations are more flattering.  I think you're looking great in your recent photos.

  • amiable replied 10 years ago

    You all are the best!   I definitely do see the progression now - thank you to so many of you for pointing it out.  (Looping end to beginning, realizing that it's the same outfit formula, really did help).

    I think I was surprised that my outfit formulae hadn't changed much.  But the details have changed a LOT, and as you all have pointed out - I'm really pleased with my progress there.

    Here's to many more years of growing fabber!  :)

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