What would you like to teach YLF about? And what do you want to learn?

I thought this would be a fun topic...I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Here on YLF we all have our strengths and interests and have so many diverse styles. And we all have areas we'd like to work on more. Just hypothetically, if you were going to give a little class or tutorial to the rest of us at YLF, what topic would you want to cover? Any tips you want to share right now?

Here are just a few examples off the top of my head to show you what I mean...Rae and Una could cover Urban Warrior Princess Style. Janet could do Incorporating Rocker Style. Kari and Sveta could teach how to wear Halogen Pencil Skirts. Aida could do Photo Tips. Una and Sona could do Waist Surrender. MaryK could do Advanced ALGO, Wearing Brights and Pattern Mixing. Suz could do Layering for the Cold. Astrid could do Scarves. Annagybe could do Creating your Own Unique Style. Nicoleb could do DIY Projects. Lyn and Claire could do Bargain Hunting Savvy. There's tons more I could come up with if I sat down and really thought about it. Really, everyone here I have learned so much from that there's too many to list (but thank you all!). So, what's your area of expertise or interest, and what do you wish you could learn more about?

Mine would be Demure Bombshell Style and Wearing the Autumn Palette. And I'd love to learn more about Scarves, Layering and How to Find Thrifted Treasures.

ETA: Here are some quick tips for my two classes (please add your quick tips for your own class!):
Demure Bombshell: 1) Always use a belt or tucking to define the waist. Try fitted tops or tie neck blouses tucked into pencil skirts 2) ruffled hems or ladylike details 3) stacked heel pumps with T straps or ankle straps.
Autumn Palette: 1) Use warm muted but saturated colors: rust, mustard, teal, olive, cranberry, pumpkin, plum, cinnamon, caramel, cream and chocolate brown 2) use cognac leather--boots, bag, jacket or skirt 3) find a handbag with all of the above colors and wear it every day! ;-)

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.

45 Comments

  • Mochi replied 12 years ago

    I could teach about throwing things on in ten minutes and going out the door without looking like a derelict. Or maybe that's the area I should study!

    I'd love to learn about scarves, sourcing things (yes, that would really do it for me--so frustrating to fall in love with a pic, and have no idea how to get the item). SHOES 101: Which shoes work with which outfits or items. Figuring out your style (Advanced Level). Learning how to create the most flexible, versatile wardrobe with fewer clothes (ie getting more bang for the buck through purchasing the right item).

    What a fun topic!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

    Ooooh....I love this post Natalie! I think I could teach about how to thrift good quality items and would love to learn more about proportion, dressing a petite apple shape and how to wear my outfits with confidence!

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    I'll teach cold-weather dressing for all capsules, and would love lessons in dressing for warm weather! That's just a start, of course.

    ETA: I have plenty of ideas for others to teach too... Didn't we do a hypothetical YLF cruise itinerary?

  • Mochi replied 12 years ago

    "dressing a petite apple shape"

    YES. And for PhD. candidates, dressing a busty petite apple. There must be some grant out there I can apply for to research this area.

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    I think I would like to teach that juniors section does not have to be off limits and can be done tastefully. (witness the recent Willow and Clay riding jacket, for instance). Also, eBay/online ordering as a means of successful discount shopping. I can't count the number of killer outfits where I've bought every last piece online.
    I think I'd like to see/learn a little more about putting your personal style spin on casual looks without getting into 'overdone' territory.

  • Amy replied 12 years ago

    I wish I could teach all of you how to do your own alterations! I love sewing --it's both a creative activity and an empowering one. I gain so much more control over how my clothes look than if I were to buy everything.

    More realistically, I could teach scarf tying/draping. I LOVE scarves of all types and have fun experimenting with them.

  • Transcona Shannon replied 12 years ago

    Where can I sign up for the scarf class Amy???

  • Sylvie replied 12 years ago

    Hmm, I think the only class I could teach would be "How to be a Fabric and Manufacturing Snob". After taking this class, you will be able to identify poor sewing and low quality fabrics. You'll instantly gravitate to the pieces with the most luxurious fabrics (and highest prices) from across the room, just based on the sheen.

  • D'Ellen replied 12 years ago

    Such fun!

    Hmmm...maybe I could teach adding "surprise" to a classic business casual wardrobe.

    I would definitely like to learn how to dress my body (that relies on the optical illusion of layering) for hot, humid, non-layer-friendly summer weather.

  • Kate replied 12 years ago

    I think my classes would be on analyzing what you own and what you wear, and how to cultivate a small(ish) yet versatile wardrobe.

  • velvetychocolate replied 12 years ago

    I wouldn't call this 'expertise', but rather...experience. I would teach YLF that it is 100% possible to heal from the outside in, rather than expecting or waiting around to fix up your thinking first, or have your feelings change all by themselves. This relates to weight loss, and in hindsight - it's clear to me that it's extremely important to treat yourself well in the contemplation stage, and most definitely throughout the journey. Instead of always waiting to feel better to take action - take action, and you'll feel better. This might mean that you end up with more pairs of shoes than you ever dreamed of, or that you have a 'wardrobe' of lipstick shades - but I'm telling you, it's worth it. Be beautiful now, despite how you might feel at first, and it will fuel the motivation you've been waiting for, and energize you throughout the long haul.

    What I'd like to learn? Well, I'm still kind of a klutz at all this - and I must admit to be stymied when it comes to footwear choices and pants/skirt/dress choices. I managed to find some inexpensive 'skinny' jeans this past summer and some cute red flats. Great! I felt good ....but now those same skinny jeans are too thick to tuck into tall boots and I've decided I don't like them (the jeans) very much anyway. So I'm on the verge of giving up entirely on the skinnies/tall boots idea. :) Also, just when are opaque tights a good thing? And do slightly heeled oxford shooties/booties or whatever they're called - can they stand in for heeled ankle boots with said tights/opaques and skirts or dresses? I'm still feeling kind of lost on all this. I'd like a "Bottom Half in the Winter" tutorial. :)

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    "ETA: I have plenty of ideas for others to teach too... Didn't we do a hypothetical YLF cruise itinerary?"

    OMG Una, I would die to go on a YLF fashion cruise. Wouldn't that just be a riot? And think of all the opportunities to dress up!

  • HelenInCanada replied 12 years ago

    This is fun! I think I could teach a few tips on successful thrifting!

    ETA: My teaser tips: The bag section of thrift shops is usually one of the best places to check out! Leather often looks even better with age, plus there's usually (in my experience) such a fun variety of colours and styles since people often buy "fun" bags on impulse and then realize they don't match a whole lot. Why not have fun with a good-condition tote or clutch for less than five bucks?!

    Also, always examine seams and zippers. Factor in cost of repair - better if you can do it yourself - before taking it home.

  • modgrl replied 12 years ago

    I could facilitate a panel discussion on how to treat post-baby body blues with retail therapy. Every mom needs a mommy makeover. I know I'm not the only one!

    Also, shoutouts to petite apples. I think I volunteered to do a how to look taller seminar lasts time.

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Hey guys, don't forget to add your quick tips on your chosen subject! I want teasers for your class! Scarf wearers, can you name or link to your favorite tie? Thrifters, what are the best items to start with if you're new to thrifting? Etc.

  • Sveta replied 12 years ago

    Hmm, I definitely need a class in how to find jeans and trousers which fit pearish bottom...any undertakers out there?
    I am not sure what I can teach though: maybe I am an ultimate student?:-)

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    VC, that is an important lesson and beautifully written. I couldn't agree more!

  • goldenpig replied 12 years ago

    Sveta, you are a master of Wardrobe Remixing! I would take that class from you!

  • Mochi replied 12 years ago

    I forgot to add that I'm pretty good at relentless searching and googling. I could give search tips.

  • Fruitful replied 12 years ago

    I ♥ this thread!

    Mochi I chortled at you saying your skill was how to leave the house not looking like a derelict! That's about where I'm at :) and I'm SO with you on being a hardcore Googler.

    I really didn't think I had any expertise that would be worth sharing.

    It's kind of boring, but although I don't always dress according to it, I feel I know a lot about how to dress a big bum and a small upper body (I would say pear, but a lot of self-identified pears seem to have an average bust/bum and just a bit of thighs!). In fact it's so boring I wouldn't want to teach the class...

    I'd want to talk to you about random style stuff.

    Like, on British Police drama "The Bill", the white shirts were first laundered with a black shirt to stop them glaring on camera.

    Nigella Lawson used to wear kaftans and mens' suits before graduating to her current fabulous hourglass+cardigan look. I'd talk to you about how I love not only her style, but her imaginative conjuring of it; she doesn't look like something out of a Fellini film by accident. She's inspired by retro Mediterranean beauty and in her English way, she pulls it off.

    Speaking of retro Mediterraneans, I'd talk about Sophia Loren and how when she was young and unemployed, she bought some dye and dyed all her clothes black, so everything went with everything. Talk about a capsule wardrobe!

    I'd then share 2 tricks for winged eyeliner for dummies: 1) stick a piece of tape on your face; or 2) cut across your mistakes with a streak of concealer on a flat brush.

    Yes, I could certainly keep myself busy sharing the useless knowledge I've acquired in my information addiction :)

  • kimlee replied 12 years ago

    I would teach a class on how to create a wardrobe formula that will help you on the days that you don't want to think about what to wear, with a focus on how to keep the formula interesting and not appear as if you are wearing the same thing over and over again. (Hint: accesories are your friend).

    I could also offer a course on how to dress for a climate where the weather is HOT -- 99% of the year. It's December 7th and it will be 80 again today....

  • Suz replied 12 years ago

    Fun thread, Natalie! I think in addition to teaching about Demure Bombshell, you could teach us about starting fun threads on the forum!

    I respectfully bow out of teaching about dressing for the cold. I'm definitely not an expert on this; very average in that department! Some of our other members are far more knowledgeable than I!

    I think maybe I COULD teach:

    Closet purging for beginners. (Hint: Does it contribute to your style goals and make you feel fab? If not—kiss it goodbye.)

    Learning to dress a new and different body shape after significant weight loss. (Hint: Take photos and use a tape measure, on yourself and on the clothes. Recognize that your new silhouette may need different clothing silhouettes.)

    Looking good with a bare-bones wardrobe, or how to wear the same dress 21 different ways. (Hint: you need the right dress; not just any dress will do.)

    Learning to identify and love YOUR true basics.

    What I'd love to learn:

    Advanced wardrobe remixing (and Sveta, you could teach it!)

    Refining one's style goals.

    Working out a shopping schedule (i.e. how to find the time/when it's best to shop/ how long to spend, etc.)

    Online shopping tips.

    Advanced thrifting.

    Layering and proportions. (Chewyspaghetti could teach this one maybe?)

    How to achieve Eurochic (on pennies a day)

  • NDMom replied 12 years ago

    I am such a newbie, but I have given several presentation to mom's groups on organizing, decluttering, and purging. These topics would lend itself well to deconstructing and building a wardrobe (which is where I am right now). Of course, this would be an entry-level, 101 course.....but one needs this before the upper level courses, no?

    I am a true minimalist and love just a few items that I love and wear. So CPW is a topic near and dear to my heart. I have no problems spending full price for a piece that will be a "workhorse" in my life.

    I would love to learn how to inject fun and personality through shoes and accessories into a minimalist's wardrobe!

    Great topic!

  • Angie replied 12 years ago

    I love ALL your teaching ideas, and thanks for the great thread, Natalie.

    Hmmm. How can we take this further?

  • Janet replied 12 years ago

    What fun! Thanks, Natalie! And VC, I loved your response.

    Amy, I'd like to sign up for both of your classes, please!

    I'd be on a YLF cruise in a heartbeat. Hey, if Lewis Black can put together a comedy cruise, why not a fashion- and style- related one? I've been to conferences, seminars, and trade shows for all kinds of topics that were way less fun than this!

  • Suz replied 12 years ago

    Angie, Greg - forget the book idea! Do the cruise or conference instead!!

  • Ana replied 12 years ago

    To answer Angie's question--lots of places do online classes via forums and e-mail. I have friends who have taught classes this way (and I've taken a few this way as well, with varying degrees of usefulness). It seems like a ton of work on the teacher's end, because they need to prepare a lesson for each class day, post the lesson, then come back to answer any questions students taking the class might have. In my experience, the most useful classes I took were the ones where the teacher clearly expressed their thoughts in the lesson and then came back to answer questions several times a day. The classes that were a waste of time were the ones where the teacher sort of threw something up there, and then didn't answer questions for days. Also, it was especially nice if the teacher could look at and critique students' work. The best online class was one where the teacher actually used a video teaching service, so we could see her, and she could talk to us, and we could use the chat feature at the bottom to instantly ask her a question and get it answered. There was also a forum where students could talk with each other, post their work and the teacher would answer questions that came up during the week. It really was like being in the class with her.

  • modgrl replied 12 years ago

    Cruise? http://www.royalincentives.com.....at_Sea.pdf

    Then I'd have a reason to shop for cruisewear, whatever that is!

  • Mo replied 12 years ago

    I could make it to that cruise!! :) The meet up at sea!

  • Vicki replied 12 years ago

    I'm out the door, but I love this thread and had to post, and while I may be too new to teach anything, I could teach "How to Have Fun With Fashion at Any Age" and "Copy Cats are Cool: Learn from Your Friends and Shop Your Closet!"

    Classes I'd take are working with scarves, makeup for my color, and how to spot Angie's finds and be on the leading edge of fashion (like her beautiful holiday dress, the cute polka dot bag, etc.).

    While I've never been on a cruise and would love a walking European tour with a city bike tour thrown in, a cruise or any gathering with YLF friends and classes would be the absolute best time ever! Count me in as a teacher and student!

  • crwilson replied 12 years ago

    Love this thread!! I could teach a class on "how to make a very large bust look (relatively) proportionate.". Also, something on the relationship between style and feminism.

    Classes I would love to take: breaking out of ruts/comfort zone, wardrobe remixing, and how to exercise the willpower to pass on "almost right" items.

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    LOVE this thread! A goldmine of quick tips!

    I think my classes would be:

    "De-Frumping the Very Casual Dress Code"
    - Creating "frame markers" within relaxed pieces prevents your shape from being obscured.
    - A touch of luxe (beautiful bags, shoes, etc.) keeps the look intentional instead of sloppy.
    - Statement pieces (detailed jackets, boots, jewelry, etc.) add interest to casual basics.

    and, of course...

    "Advanced Thrift: Shopping the Shadow Economy"
    - Swap meets, ebay, garage sales, Craigslist, clothing swaps and other "non-retail" venues are a gold mine of cheap thrills.
    - Never ooh and ahh at an item before asking for the price - this will hurt your haggling position.
    - Always carry a measuring tape and spot stain removing pen.

    Also, I would be beyond thrilled to join a YLF conference, BUT I will sadly never, ever go on a cruise. I have a terrible phobia of the open sea. :(

  • replied 12 years ago

    Natalie, you always start such great threads!

    I'd like to take a class on intermediate clothing alteration, dress/pattern making.
    Too many items that I've fiddled with end up in the donate pile because I can't do *perfect* alterations.

    I could teach a class on how not to purge you wardrobe whilst sick, feverish and under the influence of cold medicine, throwing out your one pair of comfy yoga pants and warm fleece jacket leaving you to lounge about in skin tight (but oh so figure flattering) skinny jeans and new bras that raise your bustline several inches when you are bloated, PMSing and your son has football players over at the house until midnight so you don't feel comfortable getting into your PJs. Just sayin'.

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    Claire, sign me up for your class!

  • MsMary replied 12 years ago

    I would totally go on the YLF cruise!

  • replied 12 years ago

    Oh no, Una! Did you purge your ugly loungewear too? I'm so sorry if I led you astray!

  • catgirl replied 12 years ago

    I did! Now all I have is the uber-pricy Prairie Underground hoodie, and I'll have to be nude when it's being washed. :-0

    I think you and Patty should teach a class on writing hilarious posts.

  • Amy replied 12 years ago

    This is a great thread! I'd sign up for all of these classes.

  • Mochi replied 12 years ago

    Every cruise has a top comedian on its billing. Claire, you're it for making me LOL!

  • Abi replied 12 years ago

    I would love to learn how to accessorise properly. Why do certain jewellery, scarves, shoes, bags etc go while others don't? And finally the magical skill some people seem to have of pulling something really ugly off the hanger and having it transform into a thing of beauty on them. How do I know what items have this potential?

  • Laura (rhubarbgirl) replied 12 years ago

    Claire, recently I was thinking of writing a "how to alter clothes" article pitched to frugal fashionistas, and then I thought again - I'd much rather make something from scratch than to alter most things, it's just so fussy and a total pain.

    I'd love to have more content on YLF about plus sizes, so I suppose I could teach a course on that... not that I'm the expert, but I have been doing it for a while.

  • Fruitful replied 12 years ago

    I just thought of one I'd seriously teach! A course on perfume, and how to love it when you've hated it all your life; houses and noses; reformulations and why perfume should be treated like wine; and why a signature scent family might work better for you than a signature scent (hint: it stops you from being overexposed to one perfume and ending up with a visceral hatred of it!)!

  • rae replied 12 years ago

    Amen, Fruitful! Love the last one - learned that the hard way!

  • Ornella replied 12 years ago

    Fruitful, whenever you feel like starting a course, I'll sign up straight away.

  • Katja replied 12 years ago

    This...

    This is brilliant.

    velvetychocolate said:

    I wouldn't call this 'expertise', but rather...experience. I would teach YLF that it is 100% possible to heal from the outside in, rather than expecting or waiting around to fix up your thinking first, or have your feelings change all by themselves.

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