Pix-Elated

52 Comments

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Pastrygirl said: 

  I'd love to hear from everyone else, too!

  I was there but not nearly long enough! I tried on some of my potential purchases for Angie and she gave the thumbs up, though I didn't buy them all. But I wasn't looking for anything specific; they were all basics. I had to leave after that first stop. Though at the Rack, she said to start in the designer section, and pulled out a couple of different Vince tops that were labeled sizes apart but looked to be the same size. Sizing is maddening!

  A few of my questions to the afternoon shoppers: did Angie pick anything out for you before you saw it? And did you buy it? Did you love something that received a critical eye? What were some of the constructive criticisms of the day?

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Janet said: 

  Ooh, great question. It's hard to pinpoint specific tips, but when something is on the borderline of being right, Angie is very good at homing in on specific details that make or break an item, particularly when it comes to fit and proportion -- an inch here, a seam there, etc. I've learned to immediately look at the back for evidence of good fit and not to gloss over small details (a weird wrinkle, a crooked line) that may point to disappointment later.

  Every time I come away from a shopping experience with Angie, I am a little more PPP. There were easily three items (including a black and white stripe seersucker moto and a lovely dark navy metallic cabled sweater) in Club Monaco that I could have walked out with, and Angie agreed they were all nice on me, but she declared one -- a soft, grey Tencel chambray shirt -- head and shoulders above the rest for me and my style. It was not a game-changing kind of garment, but it will be a valuable basic classic item that will serve me well, and the unusual color gives it a small twist. I know that I will get more wear out of that shirt than the other two items, had I bought those.

  I can be kind of slow to analyze and consider something, and she is so good at quick evaluations, it helps me see quicker. Shopping with Angie has helped me trust my instincts more. Despite trying on a few things, I barely bought anything all day (just that one top at CM, where I had also returned two items, so I was operating on a credit for the day!). Then at one of our very last stops of the evening, there was a jacket that I tried on that I thought, "Oh wow, this is either crazy or it's brilliant." How excited was I when Angie agreed it was the latter!

  I hope some of the other ladies chime in! There were so many of us, it was hard to keep track of everything going on, but I'm sure they have some great insights.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Viva said: 

  Angie never made a choice for me, which I found very helpful and interesting. Twice, she pointed out specific differences between two things I was considering -- the differences were not value judgements, but they did provide me with really important input to consider.

  1. Question to Angie: The white cropped sweater, or the black cropped vest? Her answer: The white is more flattering, and the black is edgier and just flattering enough.

  2. Question to Angie: What do you think of this citron bag, or should I wait for a white one? Her answer: A white bag will be more versatile, but this citron bag is more fun.

  In both cases, I had to make the final decision, but her input really helped. I chose the white sweater partly because it was more flattering (I don't need less flattery at the mid-section) and partly because I didn't want to buy black wool in April. I chose the citron bag partly because it was more fun and partly because it was a great price.

  I also had a MAJOR moment with Jen A that I want to share. I was so moved by this that I actually shared it with my husband, and he pretended to really be moved by it too.  At a point late in the day, I was chatting with Jen A about my new Reiss jacket and how excited I was to wear it, and I made a somewhat joking comment about how my friends were sure to tell me what a fantastic jacket it was. And she said, "You know, try to remember it's just a dark blazer. It's not necessarily the kind of thing people are going to comment on. Sometimes we wear things for validation but it doesn't always come, and with an item like that, it might not." I found that comment to be incredibly insightful and I have thought about it many times since. It's very powerful and it makes me realize that ultimately, my audience is myself. It really has to be, and my validation has to come from within. One of the really memorable moments of the day for me.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Isabel said: 

  For me, there was one moment that really jumped out. One of the ladies walked out of a dressing room with a beautiful t shirt on. Angie was standing directly in front of her waiting for her. Angie immediately said, " No. Next store." That was it. What struck me was the lack of emotion to the object. It was a beautiful piece but it just didn't work. The colors were appreciated, the print was beautiful......NEXT. I would have tried so hard to MAKE that damn shirt fit on my body, my life, someone else's body or life ( LOL )....I learned, NEXT......there is something out there for me. Standing still won't help me find it. NEXT !

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  I said: 

  Isabel, you are so right. Angie is terrifically no-nonsense about it. If the fit isn't perfect, you move on, and that is all there is to it. What I learned was that if you hit enough stores, eventually you will find a fit for EVERY BODY. The Ted Baker jackets that collapsed on my chest must look fantastic on someone.

  It is very, very important to try stuff on across all price points. This is something I am often nervous to do. I go into high end stores but won't put things on out of some kind of fear. Well, that is just craziness, because if you don't try, you won't know. We hit so many stores on our trip!! (Or at least it felt like a lot to me). The Rack (with many brands represented). Club Monaco. Ted Baker. Intermix. All Saints. Reiss. Zara. A fun consignment shop. BCBG. LK Bennett. Tahari (though Angie was gone by then, alas....)

  And I put on clothes everywhere, from the Zara to Intermix. (Mosty just jackets, in my case -- so this did not involve a lot of undressing and dressing.) Doing so gave me a clear sense of fit differences across different brands and helped me get a clearer sense of where and when and to what degree I personally feel okay about compromising on quality -- and where I really do want to wait and pay for that fourth P -- "perfection."

  Angie did point out a few items to me. One was a Helmut Lang jacket. She didn't tell me to try it on...she just pointed it out and showed me the workmanship (which was lovely). So of course I did try it on. It was gorgeous...and beautiful....but very pricey. I put it back. The strange thing is, I didn't feel any regret when I put it back. I felt MORE regret about the classic Club Monaco blazers that I left on the rack simply because I can get them cheaper here in Canada.

  She also pointed out a fun piece in BCBG Generation and in that case sheDID ask me to try.

  What I learned? Angie was gently helping me probe my style aspirations. I have several times said that I'd like to move in a more "avant-garde" direction. The pieces she suggested fell into that category. And guess what? Trying them confirmed what I have lately come to decide for myself -- they're just not "me." What I am after is more a minimalism and crispness vs. a drapey, arty look. These try-ons (at radically different price points) made that perfectly clear.

  I also asked Angie her opinion about a few things. As others have said, her eye for fit is quick, accurate, and impeccable. In the case of a Club Monaco blazer, she confirmed what I already believed -- I had found a good fit there and this was worth pursuing.

  She also gave her blessing to my major purchase of the day (my major purchase of my LIFE, if you want to know the truth ...I have never spent so much on an article of clothing!!) and confirmed that it was a real keeper.

  Angie is a warmly enthusiastic person. She lights up a room with her presence and her joy. The sales associates fall all over themselves in awe when she is around. Several of the smart ones were taking notes, let me tell you!!

  She's fully capable of getting (momentarily) bowled over by a fun detail, a bright colour, an interesting cut, or fine workmanship. She appreciates the details and exclaims over them with joy!

  But if the fit is off, she will tell you to put it aside.

  Watching her, I learned to go first with my feeling, my intuition...to follow my bliss. And then to add the power of discrimination. And to keep trying.

  
  

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Diana said: 

  Angie is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Both in the sense of her amazing fashion skills but also just as a person. Like Viva said, everywhere we went people just gravitated toward her. Even non fashion people - there was this one older guy in the bakery at breakfast who actually found YLF on his phone and went over to ask if that was Angie. And then he was showing some other guy at a neighboring table as well!

  My husband met her for all of five minutes and I think he was totally entranced too. He kept gushing about how pretty, unique, and gracious she was afterwards. (And I seriously think that now he "gets" YLF and why I like it so much.)

  As for fashion lessons, well the one that stood out to me was when Janet was trying on a flared dress at Reiss that was a little bit too short. We all agreed it would be better a couple of inches longer, but we weren't sure why. Angie immediately pinpointed that it was because short, flared dresses look childish because that's what little girls wear, whereas an equally short dress with a straighter skirt still looks sophisticated because that is inherently an adult style.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Jen A said: 

  Angie is effervescent. Also gracious and inclusive....

  Viva, you are stunning and have a very sophisticated style. Thank you for taking my comment as it was meant. I know that when we make a big purchase it's so nice for people to notice it, but sometimes they don't and that's ok. I thought your "blue blazer" looked looked custom made for you. I think people will definitely notice how beautiful and put together you look.

  As for me, when we hit Ted Baker, I was in heaven. I tried on a top which I didn't show Angie and then decided to try it on in a smaller size. When she saw me in the top she quickly said to size up. In a glance she knows what works.

  She moved the group quickly. She could tell when we were really looking/trying on and when we were just yaking/browsing and time to move on.

  Her enthusiasm encourages you to look around a store even if it's not your thing.

  My most memorable moment was when she bought some things for herself and it felt like she was one of the girls shopping together with us.

  Jen

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Karie said: 

  All day long I listened and took mental notes. I figured I had one day to learn, and I'd better learn fast! At the very first store we were at (Nordstrom Rack) Angie asked me what I was shopping for. "Premium denim jeans" was my answer. She asked me a few questions to determine exactly what type/style I wanted, and then said, "None of these will work for you. What will probably work for you is BR and J.Crew." And guess what? Those just happen to be two of my favorite stores! Get to know what works for you. It is out there, keep looking and don't settle.

  I also noted what Angie was wearing. Among other gorgeous items, she had on a white button-down. The quality of it was impeccable. The collar stayed in place all day! (I always have to fuss with mine.) Now, I would gladly give up all of my button-downs for just one of that quality. So why do I have many multiples of OK quality when I would trade it all for one of impeccable quality? She also had on a beautiful coat that she told me was several years old. A good quality item is worth it! It will last for many years. Buy the best quality you can afford, for it is better to have one item of excellent quality than 5 of OK quality.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Jjsloane said: 

  It truly is an experience to spend time (especially shopping time) with Angie. Those who were experiencing it for the first time were nervous at the thought, but she is so gracious and fun that those were quickly realized to be unfounded fears. She makes a point to visit individually with each person in some way. She is quick to spot items of interest, hone in on things to try and can size up a tryon in a nanosecond. I recall "If it doesn't work you know what to do, put it back on the Racks ladies..." On to the next store. There is something for everyone and not everything will work. She squeals with delight at items that make her happy (Club Monaco colors, Ted Baker florals, great quality workmanship for a few) and while many of us were starting to tire at the point of hitting All Saints she remained positive with a simple "These are not my happy colors (all black and grey). They are Greg's happy colors."

  Personally I was enjoying the experience and not shopping for much in particular. I tried on a few tshirts and she helped me pick one that was a little shiny (she knows my magpie tendencies) but casual and worked with a semituck. Of course she innocently asked if I'd wear something under it (it was a bit sheer) and once reassured I would it was deemed a keeper. Another was immediately dismissed for its clinginess.
  I am not as good as Suz at expressing it, but It is infectious and a veritable treat to experience and I hope you all will get an opportunity to someday. All meetups offer fun, fashion and good advice, but Angie meetups are unequaled in these. 

• Lantana replied 10 years ago

  I'm enjoying reading these reflections Suz, thanks for compiling them.

• greenglove replied 10 years ago

  Angie is an artist.
   Personable, efficient and generous with her gifts.
  The one item I really loved and tried on with Angie was a near perfection leather moto- fit not quite right for either Suz or myself.
  It was a bit too small in one size and a bit too large in another.
  Angie said- "back on the rack it goes"
  No second guess, no compromise.
  Very helpful.
  I have learned multitudes from Angie which is why I did not purchase anything other than a very inexpensive architectural crop top from H&M.
  I will post that when I have time.
  Wonderful day!

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Oh, Jean - that's right - the MOTO!! We both adored it. Ink blue. Simple, streamlined, yet substantial. The kind of jacket you would have in your closet for years and years and years. And it would only get better with time. And considering the quality, a good price. But the fit was off for us both. :( 

• Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

  I have to go back and read every comment again to really let it absorb but wanted to chime in now and say this thread is brilliant - thanks Suz :)

  And would you please PLEASE hurry up and reveal your "purchase of your LIFE"???? The suspense is killing me!

• Isabel replied 10 years ago

  Only the second time that I have "hearted" a thread....mostly because I forget.  : ) 

• Lisa replied 10 years ago

  I'm just copying and pasting from Ornella's thread.

  A great question! I did not attend this time, but in the past, I've
  been amazed at how quickly Angie can cover a sales floor. Decisions are
  fast and on point. There is no second guessing. I try to keep this
  focus in mind when I shop myself now

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Lisa, you are so right (and thank you for picking up your comment; I'd missed it somehow!) 

  Angie moves quickly and decisively. Shopping is not dawdling. Unless someone was seriously trying something on, she kept going. She helps clients narrow their focus by asking specifically what they are looking for. 

• viva replied 10 years ago

  OMG, Isabel. Have we always been able to heart a thread? How have I missed that? LOL!

• merwoman replied 10 years ago

  Thank you Suz and all fabbers for so generously sharing your insights.  A meet up where Angie is present is on my bucket list....a girl can dream :-)

• BethL replied 10 years ago

  Oh, this is great, Suz! I love reading all these comments, and they're so resonant.

  I wasn't really looking for anything, so I mostly watched Angie work her magic with the others which, as you can tell from the comments above, was an education indeed. I observed, I listened, and, like Karie, I took loads of mental notes. She is truly fascinating to see in action, and, as greenglove said above, she really is so personable, efficient, and generous. And I believe the word "artist" definitely describes her.

  I found a pair of slim boyfriend jeans for the summer, and Angie assisted me with them during the try-on process. Almost everyone else had finished by then, and she made a point of making sure she gave me her attention. I wasn't sure if I liked how they looked/fit, but she immediately did. She asked me a couple of quick and key questions about comfort and styling, and I didn't need to be convinced further.

  I learned so much by watching Suz and Viva, in particular, and all of the others try on clothing. It's so interesting to see the difference in workmanship and quality of different brands of clothing. The Ted Baker jackets with their beautifully patterned silk linings and extra special darts - oh my goodness. It was just an amazing experience.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Merwoman, I think we should organize a Toronto meet up where we invite Angie especially to come. Toronto is completely worth a visit for her and Greg. LOTS of FAB food. And HOLTS. 

  Beth, you are so right -- the differences in workmanship are really evident when you go from store to store. And even within a store or a line you can find distinctions. 

  Angie is also a sweet mama duck to us all and NO detail escapes her notice. I was wearing my jacquard Zara jacket. After exclaiming that it was even better in person than online, she gently reached for my collar to remove a straggling thread. I was mortified (because I am quite fussy about such things myself and always endeavour to fix them) but also secretly pleased. She wasn't going to let me make a fool of myself in public! (Well, any more than she could help, that is!) :) 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  K. Period (in another thread) said: 

  I need to gush about how awesome I think the "Just Flattering Enough" concept is. For me, it refocuses my eye so that instead of entirely ruling out something that isn't traditionally flattering, I look carefully for the details that make it work better for me. This top has interesting sleeves that show off the shape of my arms. It also moves nicely. It's length is right to wear flatteringly with slim pants or skinny fit pencil skirts. It is just flattering enough. Just like flared midi-skirts that flare out from the waist band are not really flattering for me because I don't have a pronounced waist, but versions that have a tailored top before the flare or sewn down pleats are great. The little details. And without the concept of just flattering enough, it would be too easy to get it entirely wrong (not flattering enough) or to rule out a shape entirely and miss out on the fun. Hooray for just flattering enough!

• K. Period. replied 10 years ago

  Ah ha! Good comment capture, Suz.  

  I wasn't lucky enough to join the Boston group, but I have shopped with Angie a couple of times, so Suz asked me to add to this thread.  

  Shopping with Angie is pretty amazing. It really runs the gamut from a basic education at points (Oh, K! Of COURSE you can wear COLD and WARM toned neutrals together in the same outfit!) to a master class (See how this seam runs right along here and lays absolutely flat? That provides just the right structure you need to anchor this so that the proportions are flattering on you!).  She has an exceptionally well trained eye and she is always willing to help educate us and help us develop our own eye.  I've only shopped with her a bit, but each time I've been struck by how often the concepts she discusses on the forum come up in her comments as she evaluates a garment.  

  Best thing I've learned with general application?: When an item doesn't fit you, it is entirely about the garment's issues, not you.  There is no room whatsoever to get down on yourself about your body when shopping with Angie.  Somehow the decisive way she says "NO" communicates that the garment is not worthy of you.  And you are on to the next one.  I feel like my shopping trips with Angie were worth many times more than her fee because so often now when a garment doesn't fit, I hear the "NO" in Angie's voice. So buh bye unworthy garment! I toss them aside. 

  Best thing I've learned that is specific to me?: Trendy is not a dirty word.  Trendy does not mean immature, teenager-ish or shoddy.  Buying a few trendy pieces to wear heavily with my classic pieces keeps the classics fresh. And if I buy trendy pieces and give them pride of place for a season, they will earn their keep.  I was often afraid to buy trendy pieces because I couldn't justify the cost per wear.  I was paralyzed over adopting new trends because I was worried I couldn't get enough wearing time in with them. 

  Wearing the trendy pieces that Angie picked out for me, I learned that I could get a lot of value out of them in a short time.  If I wear them once a week for most of a season, their cpw is excellent.  I don't have to have them for four years to get good cpw.  I just need to wear them intensely.  And by culling the so-so items in my wardrobe that were just cluttering it up, I created the opportunity to wear the heck out of the new trendy items.  

  Trendy items also make me feel knowledgeable and powerful when I am interacting with fashion people. I don't have to dress hipster hard-edge to have fashionable people recognize that I'm enjoying playing the fashion game with them.  Angie helped me recognize that trendiness + classics is a very worthwhile style.     

• Eliza replied 10 years ago

  Next best thing to being there is reading about everyone's experiences a nod impressions. I really appreciate having the vicarious experience of the meet up. Thank you everyone!

• replied 10 years ago

  Thank you Suz, for the excellent read! I had missed Ornella's thread.

• Thistle replied 10 years ago

  Fabulous thread, Suz. Thank you so much for accumulating such wisdom in one place.

• amiable replied 10 years ago

  I love your comment on trying things on at all price points.  I have never thought of that - I've always thought "If I'm not willing to pay for it, I shouldn't even tempt myself by trying it on".  This idea might change my life by teaching me to appreciate and notice the difference in the higher quality.  (And making me start stalking ebay when I find the perfect item at way more than I can stomach paying...)

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Amy, it's true that sometimes trying on an item that is outside your budget can contribute to sadness that you can't afford it. But it can also save you from regret. You try on that super-expensive item and realize: It doesn't fit me right anyway. And stop thinking about it. That happened to me with a different Helmut Lang jacket. It was a black mixed media one -- super cool. In my size. Sveta asked me to try it on. It fit nicely in the shoulder. But the stance was way too long for my body. It would never work, no matter what. I put it back on the hanger with no regret. 

  Or you try it and you think, "Darn it -- this is worth more to me than any number of pale imitations -- I would rather buy this as my only item for the season than buy anything else." Or, at minimum, you know what you're looking for when you are thrifting, and how far a garment misses the mark. 

  K. Period, I completely agree about Angie's attitude. There is something so crisp and no-nonsense about it and so objective -- it really helps you forget about any body image issues. 

  And shopping with a big group does that also. I confess I was a bit terrified. First of all, you've got to remember -- when I joined YLF I hated shopping!! I easily got overwhelmed in stores. Add to that the fact that I'm an introvert and I'm going to go shopping with 15 other women?? In an unfamiliar city??? ARGH!!!

  I just couldn't imagine how it would really work. 

  What I found was that as many of us would reach for the same garment, we'd all get to observe how that garment fit different body types. And how different styles looked on different body types. And again, it just took the emotion out of it (for me, anyway). Yes, I was a tiny bit sad to learn that those pretty floral linings in the Ted Baker jackets would never grace my closet, but...you know. Onwards! (To Reiss....)

• goldenpig replied 10 years ago

  So much wisdom in one thread! Thanks Suz and Ornella for the idea! Great to see all the principles discussed on the forum in action. I hope to be so lucky to shop with Angie one day. Angie, please come to the Bay Area anytime!

• Runcarla replied 10 years ago

  This is an education! Thanks so much for sharing.

• K. Period. replied 10 years ago

  Oh, Suz, thanks for that reminder. I was soooo tempted to go ogle Reiss after seeing your beautiful new jacket.  But Ted and I are old friends.  So now I know to ogle Reiss with caution! 

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Oh, don't give up hope -- some of the other styles might work, K.P. But in general I think the cut is more for a slim hourglass/ rectangle. Angie can set me right, of course.....

  It was laughable to see how those Ted Baker jackets collapsed over my non-boobage.  :) 

• MRL replied 10 years ago

  Thanks for sharing this Suz,!

• Caro in Oz replied 10 years ago

  Fabulous insights - thank you so much Suz & everyone.
  Loved Kari's comments about having to learn quickly :)
  KP brought tears to my eyes in a good way - I think Angie's voice is the only one I want in my head when it comes to fashion (& maybe tea & cake oh & doggies). 

• Angie replied 10 years ago

  All I can do at this stage is repeat what I said on Ornella's thread:

  I am absolutely speechless. How do I reply to this level of praise? Stating that I am undeserving of it is a start. And thanking you ALL for your awfully gracious and generous words is another. I am completely overwhelmed and flattered. Thank you so, so much.
  
  
  
  *BLUSHING BIG TIME WITH MY HEAD DOWN*

  
  

• Lyn D. replied 10 years ago

  Hearted for future reading :)

• crazyone replied 10 years ago

  The Boston meetup was a fantastic day from start to finish.  Angie is a star wherever she goes, and attracted attention even in the cafe where we had breakfast--this older gentleman came by and talked to her, and then ended up looking up the YLF website and showing it to another guy at the table next door!  And the sales associates in several stores were quite taken by her, and often asked us who she was and wanted to know about YLF.  

  Her energy levels are amazing, and I really appreciated that she took time to talk to every single person individually, and help us out with our purchasing decisions.  As for lessons learned, Diana already mentioned Angie's insight on why flared dresses look juvenile after Janet tried on a dress that looked a bit too flared and short--they're usually worn by children who need room to stretch and play:  "You never see a child wearing a pencil skirt."   I tried on a floral bomber jacket at Zara that Angie recommended for me, and I tried both the XS and S http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....c401038p18.  The XS had fairly fitted sleeves and looked great open, but barely closed; the S had a roomier fit overall, but zipped up easily.  She pointed out that she preferred the S because the fit was more modern; the XS was more of a "2008" look.   I ended up not getting the jacket, since I have too many jackets already and wasn't sure whether I would tire of the floral pattern.  But the advice on fit was still very useful.

  Finally, I wanted to add that the day was wonderful not just because of Angie but because of all the other wonderful ladies who participated.  Everyone was so friendly and so accommodating, and full of insights of their own.

• AJ replied 10 years ago

  Favoriting this post!!!

  Such great accounts of Angie in action. Makes me appreciate and admire her all the more! Her personality on YLF is magnetic already, I can't even imagine how much more so IRL!

  Thanks everyone for all your first hand stories! Please keep them coming!

• Debbie replied 10 years ago

  I have shopped with Angie in person once. It was an amazing experience. She made me feel like a queen. She pulls things in the colors that flatter you. In my case I was in Seattle but she was very conscious that I live in Texas and helped me pick things that would work in my climate.
  Angie has an amazing personality and presence about her. I am hoping that it is in the cards for me to shop with her again this year.

• Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

  I so enjoyed the meetup in Chicago two years ago.  I remember most the lilting quality of her voice -- gentle and encouraging, and quick to laugh.  I tried on a red trench at the Rack, and I remember Angie going to work on it -- prodding the colors and plackets into place, carefully examining the fit.  She doesn't let a garment boss her around!

• Sveta replied 10 years ago

  I am late to this thread (darn this work) and don't want to repeat what others already said - it it has been already said so much (an all perfectly true).

  I did not get much that Saturday (just a pair of flat sandals from the Rack which quite miraculously were sitting there in my size - and were approved by Angie).

• crazyone replied 10 years ago

  oops, posted in wrong thread.  

• fathenry replied 10 years ago

  Angie deserves more praise than my words could ever say! She is a truly generous and caring person and made me feel so comfortable. She created a whole wardrobe for me (in a couple of hours) so I could go to a new job feeling fearless and confident. Plus she made it special and fun! I learned to make sure that you sit down, not just stand, when you try things on and look in the mirror while you sit to make sure it looks ok. I learned to wear high quality nude hosiery so as not to be cold, pair navy blue pants and black jackets together, wear clothes looser as opposed to tighter, roll up baggy skinny jeans and wear with booties. Lay out all your items in the dressing room to make sure they all go together. Bring the clothes with you that you want to coordinate with the new ones. Get boyfriend jeans and wear loafers. Ignore your fears because people will complement you all day when you wear your new outfit, smiling! Spend a morning with Angie having fun then relax because your wardrobe is covered and you don't have to worry!

• harmonica replied 10 years ago

  Thanks Suz and Ornella for this thread! So much to learn! For me it seems to boil down to remember that fit is everything. Would love to shop with Angie - and a round in my closet to declutter and get new inspiration.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Wow, some great insights accumulating here. Thank you everyone for adding your voices to this. 

  fathenry, that woulds like an amazing experience -- counting up the lessons learned in ONE shopping trip alone -- that's just remarkable! Especially love this:

  "Ignore your fears because people will complement you all day when you wear your new outfit, smiling!" 
  
  Beth Ann, that was also my experience. When you have something on that is under serious consideration, she quickly examines the garment for any flaws and makes sure it is in great shape. 

  And Debbie -- you hit on a great point that I had almost forgotten! So true. In Reiss I also tried on a gorgeous, stunning powder blue jacket. Angie said she liked it even better than the navy on me! Then, after a second, she added that she was probably being influenced by the season and her love of lighter tones for spring. I deliberated for a moment and then said, "You know...I love this colour, too, and think the jacket is very special. But in my climate..."

  "I JUST thought of that," she agreed. (I only get about 2 to 4 weeks of true spring weather most years, whereas, in comparison, I get at least 38 weeks a year in which a wool ink blue blazer could be a good choice.) NEXT! 

  And if I'm really craving that hit of pale blue, I'd be much better to buy the linen jacket at Club Monaco -- which I could wear throughout our late spring (4 weeks) and summer (another 8 weeks). 
  
  Or forget the jacket altogether and buy that colour in a top. 
  
  Buy for your dominant season. 

  C!, thank you for your insights. You are so right about all of this. I still loved the Zara jacket on you -- it was really, really pretty. Secretly hoping you will reconsider it! :)
  

• carolbee replied 10 years ago

  This is so fascinating to read. When is Angie coming to Oz? Don't care where in Oz, I'll go wherever she goes!

  Passing on Angie's' tips has already helped me. Yesterday I bought a black and grey long sleeve cross over top. This style suits me and colours are perfect for my winter palette. One size fits in the bust but is too tight across the stomach. The next size fits across the stomach but is a bit big in the bust. I really loved it, and as a couple of other customers gave me the thumbs up I bought it. After reading this and Ornella's thread I realised that Angie would have said NEXT because neither size is quite right. Also as its a lowish V neck, still decent but low, and I run cold in winter this style for me, for winter, is pointless. It is going back.

  Thank you so much to everyone for your comments so that even those of us that haven't had the wonderful experience of shopping with Angie can still learn.

• Suz replied 10 years ago

  Carolbee - that is exactly it. In my experience, other customers or shoppers and even the sales associates are often blinded by the positive aspects of an item. They see that the style is generally flattering, the colours good on us, etc. And so they are all for saying YAY in the face of small problems that could in fact lead to closet orphans. 

  We need to cultivate an unwillingness to "settle." Even in the face of cheers from others. 

  Now, there are times when it IS important to settle. If you need a winter coat, for example, and simply can't find that absolute ideal one -- if it fits and serves your purpose, it may be required. 

  But if we are talking about a top (among other tops) or a pair of jeans (when you own other pants) or a new jacket (when you won't go naked without it) there is no reason at all to settle for something that does not tick every one of your boxes. And there is DEFINITELY no reason to compromise on fit.  

• Jewell replied 10 years ago

  Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences! I replied on Ornella's thread regarding how much I've learned from these posts. Just wanted to add that I woke up this morning thinking about some of my more recent spring/summer purchases and haunted by the question, "What would Angie say?" LOL

  I have two items in particular that I keep looking at and wondering if they would get a thumbs up or "Next!" in real life. Oh and now I can't get the chorus of Jay-Z's "On to the Next One" out of my head even though I hadn't heard the song in years. :-)

• Janet replied 10 years ago

  So much wisdom in this thread! Thank you for collecting all this in one handy place, Suz. I am hearting this to refer to whenever I feel like my shopping is going off-track. :-)

• Alassë replied 10 years ago

  Thank you so much, Suz & Ornella! I'm really enjoying reading this.

• Freckles replied 10 years ago

  Brilliant threads Suz and Ornella.  I'd really love to see fit concerns in action as I don't even have a vague idea what fit means anymore...

• AnnieMouse replied 10 years ago

  I have so very enjoyed reading everyone's experiences. Thank you, Suz, for the umpteenth time, for compiling this - it's truly inspiring and helpful info! I'm loving the insights of "the problem isn't YOU, it's the garment isn't right" in its myriad forms. 

• Elizabeth P replied 10 years ago

  Thanks so much for compiling this Suz.  Although it's an expensive thread, because now I know I'm going to make every effort to get to Toronto if a meet up WITH Angie materializes!