WIW -- Before and After Exercises

Or should I say, the final outfits and the outfits that were learning opportunities.

1. Super casual! I have to return the shoes, too small. I felt this version worked better than #2. Better choice of bottoms (less contrast w/ top), footwear and necklace.

2. This was the first version (worn a whole day). I had been very sick and this was the first day I managed to get myself dressed. I felt OK in this outfit but after looking at the picture I thought, OMG! open-toed flatforms next to a horse! He is very gentle though.

3. Picture taken after a 13-hour day. See how much better with the top under layer semi tucked? However I think I walked around most of the day with the top falling out, as in #4. :-o

4. These last two pictures are taking some courage to post. 70% of the time I look like this. And this is how I look, right now, I'm starting work at 4pm today.

5. However, I do think I've improved my uniform since last year. I do still wear boot cuts but try to keep with darker washes. No more t-shirts any more, which I think befits this "mature" waitress. I took this picture Feb. 2011. YLF has been a good influence!

Comments welcome and thanks for looking!

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16 Comments

  • catgirl replied 11 years ago

    You are adorable! I often admire the waitstaff at our local hip pizza joint in their cool jeans and fitted t-shirts. I see no problem with your work looks at all. :)

    Such a sweet face on that horse!

  • CocoLion replied 11 years ago

    Thanks Una, his name is Valentino and he has an injured foot. He is the sweetest horse we've ever had. He used to be the fastest, too.

    Oh and for everyone reading this thread, my point in posting was not to show you fab outfits as I know these are not my best. My point was that, by taking pictures, I've learned to make little tweaks that take an every day look from -- not good -- to better.

  • rae replied 11 years ago

    I love seeing the different tweaks you've made to the outfits, and I especially like your new uniform! So sharp - you could walk into any number of fancy schmancy places around here. I'm glad you are no longer feeling sick.

  • annagybe replied 11 years ago

    On #3/#4 I like the semi-tuck better but it also looks fine untucked. Bummer about the shoes in #1.

  • Jenava replied 11 years ago

    While I think your dark skinnies and white button down work outfit is actually very pretty, I think the other outfits are far and away more expressive of who you are, and more hip!

    I agree that the jeans in #1 are a better combo than in #2, and the underlayer does look better semi tucked, but neither look horrid they way you wore them, either! In #1 that sky blue distressed denim is just a nice combo with the sunny yellow...too bad about the shoes not working, though!

    I have some flatforms which I adore, but I think you are really playing with fire wearing them on uneven ground...you'll break and ankle! (-:

    Isn't it funny how much different a perspective you get from a photo than just looking in the mirror?

  • Mo replied 11 years ago

    I like the upgrade to black and whites for you! Looks spiffy :)
    Also amazed at the difference tucking the underlayer makes in pic 3.
    Seeing you in the drop needle sweater keeps making me want to go back and get the sheer striped white sweater we saw on our shopping excursion.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago

    I think Valentino is posing for the camera Denise! He's beautiful.

    I'm learning through you here today - I really appreciate that you are posting outfits that you feel are not your best and that you learning from them. I'm going to try and do the same.

    You look fabulous in yellow and downright AMAZING in that sweater in 3/4.

  • morethanbeige replied 11 years ago

    #1 and #3 are my absolute favs! You look so great. And you have such ease with your style! That yellow top is so cute and I love the shape!

  • Debora replied 11 years ago

    Denise, I love this post I love seeing how even small tweaks can make a difference in the overall feel of a look. The low contrast look of #1 definitely makes a difference and I love the semi-tuck of outfit #3. Your work outfit is polished and fresh.

    Valentino is gorgeous and I love how kitty and puppy are also joining in the fun!

    Thanks so much for posting this!

  • Angie replied 11 years ago

    You are hands down the most gorgeous and stylish farm gal on the planet! I'm glad that you are feeling better and sorry that you felt so grotty :(

  • replied 11 years ago

    Denise, you look like you're shrinking! I hope being sick hasn't had an adverse effect on your health. Your thighs look so slim in your work outfit today that I thought you were wearing dark tights and a mini skirt! Anyway, I sure hope you're feeling better.

    I'm glad that even a pro like you has to tweak your outfits; it makes me feel so much better. I love the way your outfit evolved to the perfection in #1 (too bad about the shoes though). I like the next outfit in all of the various stages of tucking/untucking. I think that's part of the RATE vibe, and in reality all of our outfits change over the course of the day. I just need to remember to take pictures of every possibility (like actually putting the sweater I'm carrying *on* so that when I get cold and have to wear it I will know how dorky it will look with my outfit after all--that happened at work today: UGH).

    Love your crisp work outfit. The dark jeans and pristine shirt look super professional. I'm smiling at your beautiful waist in last year's uniform though! I think it's the first time I've seen it! Rock on, and feel better! :)

  • Jaime replied 11 years ago

    I love comparison shots! But you actually look good in all versions. I do love your black and white uniform - wonderful improvement over what was not bad at all.

  • sarah replied 11 years ago

    I think you look totally COOOOL in your "uniform". Don't apologize for a thing, stylish lady. And I love that boxy top silhouette on you in the first two outfits. You animals are so sweet.

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 11 years ago

    I actually like outfit #2 a bit better than #1 but prefer the shoes in #1. Too bad they aren't comfy. I think your work outfits are great too. I especially like the first one.

  • Deborah replied 11 years ago

    Denise I think you are one stylish waitress. Your current uniform just exudes class, confident and competence.

    I actually like both #1 and #2 equally. I am disappointed about those shoes in #1 because they look great on you. And I prefere the semi tuck on #3. That top is really gorgeous. I can't remember what color it is but it picks up the color you wear under it?

    I suspect that fact that we are all here participating on the Forum makes us "style over achievers" with very high personal expectations. And as always I think you have achieved some really stylish looks here... even your work outfit :)

  • Suz replied 11 years ago

    I actually LOVE your current uniform. And even more, I love how you have tweaked it to be fashionable, to put the stamp of your personality on it. You look amazing in that!

    I also ADORE #1 (and feel sad about those beautiful shoes). And #3 is also fab!

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