ZFG: New style moniker

Some friends and I were discussing how our fashion interests have changed over the years. I haven't been posting here much lately anymore because I didn't feel like I had any new outfits to post. In the past year since the election and with all the horrible news and multiple shootings, I have felt a simmering anger/frustration/sadness--not clinically depressed, but feeling like there were bigger things to worry about than what I was wearing. So I'm sorry that I've largely disappeared the last few months to year, but hope you can understand. (And if I've been gone so long that you don't know me, hi there!)

Plus I was so busy with work and the three kids. Also I hadn't bought new clothes in ages, partly because I was upset about having gained 20 lb since my last baby (can you believe he's 5 now?!) and how people kept asking me if I was pregnant and partly because I didn't have the time, energy or money and I didn't feel like buying "fat clothes". I kind of gave up on fashion and stopped taking selfies (even my husband noticed and asked why I wasn't taking a million pictures of myself anymore!). It was kind of freeing not to be obsessed with clothes so much. I purged the clothes that no longer fit. I found myself reaching for comfier clothes--stretchy/waist surrendering, flats and moto boots, and my favorite combos and wearing them two days in a row especially if I was working at different locations. 

Instead of fashion, I became interested in fitness. I ended up buying a Peloton bike in November, and it's been life changing. I can finally exercise at home whenever I want! I hadn't exercised in months because it was always too hard to schedule classes at OrangeTheory or Dailey Method barre classes because of work and all the kid activities. I have ridden nearly every day since then! It's great because you can take classes from home and ride with your friends and if you take live classes the instructor can call you out and say hi to you during class! I also made a plan to run a 10K next month and maybe even a triathlon next fall (they have a kids' section with distances based on age and I think all 3 of the kids are going to participate in that too!). I changed my diet and the way I eat (doing low carb and intermittent fasting) and even though I have not been very strict about following that plan, still have managed to lose 10 lb since January 1. Still have a squishy mummy tummy, but I've lost a couple inches and feel more fit. Instead of shopping for clothes and posting outfits, I've been buying new workout gear, taking "swelfies", hanging out on FB doc mom exercise groups, and saving up for a Peloton treadmill that is coming out later this year. 

Anyways, all that is to say that I think I need a new style moniker. No longer just Demure Bombshell or Fun and Flirty. Not just UWP. I can mix up colorful and pretty and girly with dark and tough. I'm a little more confident about wearing whatever the flip I want, whatever makes me relaxed and happy, fashion rules and trends be damned. We were talking about how our new moniker should be ZFG. I took some pics to show examples of how this has applied to me this week:

1. Repeats. Just noticed I posted this same exact outfit the last time I posted on YLF. Oh well, ZFG. (Theory sweater, Vince skirt, MZ Wallace leather tote, Topshop sandals)
2. Wearing comfy sweatshirt and Vans to the office. ZFG. (Vince sweatshirt, Halogen faux leather pencil skirt, Vans--this was inspired by Angie's sweatshirt and pencil skirt post)
3. Wearing workout clothes as an actual outfit (yes I did work out, but I wore it the rest of the day too). ZFG. (Zella jacket, Athleta leggings)
4. Leather moto, concert tee, jeans and Cons. Cliché MOTG formula but ZFG. (BR leather moto, B-52's shirt, Paige jeans, red Cons). 
5. J Crew bubble necklace. May be overdone by all the bloggers and so passé, but ZFG. Plus I'm doing my usual hypermatchy and carrying a diaper bag, but ZFG. (Athleta sweater, J Crew necklace, Halogen skirt, Kate Spade bag, Paul Green Cayanne sandals).

And I should say that ZFG doesn't mean I am dressing like a slob or that I don't appreciate sound fashion advice (thanks Angie and all of you at YLF for all the help you have given me over the years to get me out of my post-baby years!), but that I finally feel like I have a sense of who I am and that I can break the rules when I want to and still have fun with fashion in my own way!

Bonus pics:

6. Peloton swelfie.

7. 5K run on the bike path--just starting my running training.

8. What has consumed the last couple of months--being Girl Scout cookie mom for DD's troop. This was only half of the boxes for her troop and we sold them all!

9. DH is in charge of the Cub Scout pack--here with DS1 at the annual Pinewood Derby.

10. First family ski day. DS2 graduated from the magic carpet to chairlifts and green runs, DS1 is doing blue runs and DD is doing blacks! I think they all are better than DH and I now!

11. DS2 even tried ice skating! He is fearless!

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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.

34 Comments

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    Hey Nat! Are you going Native? I think you’re going more and more Native :D ... but what is this about the Peleton bike? You can do group classes from home somehow?

  • Elizabeth P replied 6 years ago

    Welcome back, GP. It sounds like you’ve made some good changes to get healthier in your busy life. Congrats! Exercising gets harder and harder to fit in with busy kids schedules, I know. You are inspiring.

    And you also look great in 5ese outfits. You’ve toughened up the pretty, and it suits you. You may not be focusing on fashion but you still have great style!

    Please post. I like seeing remixing, doesn’t all need to be new! Plus I miss your bag collection :).

  • goldenpig replied 6 years ago

    Ha Rachy, yes I guess I am going Native! Gangsters in Puffer Paradise! And yes you can do spin classes at home on the Peloton. It's like a cult, but a healthy one, LOL! Anyone can PM me if you want more info or have questions about the bike!

    Thanks Elizabeth! Oh I still have all the bags! Those always fit!

  • Bijou replied 6 years ago

    Natalie, so great to see you back and looking better than ever. Picture 11 is beyond gorgeous, but I have to say my favourite is #3. Fit and fabulous, congratulations!

  • replied 6 years ago

    I love this healthy new turn in your style.  YAY you.  

    I too miss your bag collection.  

  • Aquamarine replied 6 years ago

    Nice to see you post again! Congrats on the new fitness emphasis and I’m sure your changes will lead your body right where it needs to be for this busy time of your life.

  • Cardiff girl replied 6 years ago

    Wow what a gorgeous family you have and how cute looking are you.I m glad that you ve found a way of improving your life and outlook ,as I always say ,if exercise were a pill we d all take it.Youlook great in all the photos casual but cool.

  • harmonica replied 6 years ago

    You're always welcome back! I love your new perspective on health. fashion and style. You're fearless! Love your pics and beautiful family! <3

  • RobinF replied 6 years ago

    Wow, good for you! It's hard to make a big change like that and it is paying off! Love your new looks. That family skiing pic is so cute!

  • replied 6 years ago

    I love this post!  Your attitude shines through and it's fun and positive.  Something we all need a dose of :)  Although I will never stop caring about fashion , dressing and clothes, I am entering the zone of ZFG myself.  I am tired of the relentless push to buy, buy ,buy too, and will be wearing the heck out of my older pieces for awhile.  Super excited to hear about your Peloton bike and am unabashedly jealous of your running success. I so miss it.  Rock on!

  • Diana replied 6 years ago

    Hi lady! So good to see you (and your amazing family) here again. You look fab, healthy, and amazing. Love the idea of ZFG as a fashion moniker.

  • Bonnie replied 6 years ago

    You look great and I like your new style!

  • Glory replied 6 years ago

    So great to see you here. Your family has grown so much. Wonderful photos and you look lovely!

  • kellygirl replied 6 years ago

    LOL! Love the new moniker. You look terrific, too, I might add!

  • Sara L. replied 6 years ago

    Great to see you again!  I'm glad to hear your doing well and enjoying your fitness routine.  Your family is so cute and as always, you look great.  The bubble necklace outfit is my favorite.

  • JAileen replied 6 years ago

    So great to “see” you back! I’m glad you’re happier. I always love seeing your family. My son was a cub scout; I remember those years fondly.

  • Suzanimal replied 6 years ago

    Your outfits look great and your family is adorable but my favorite pic is #8 :D

  • kkards replied 6 years ago

    great to "see" you again....you look FAB, and the kids...wow, so grown up...I'm glad that you are taking care of yourself and have found something that you are passionate about...as others have mentioned, i've missed seeing your fab bags, and just your wonderful fab style. i think all the looks are great, but have a special love for the matchy-matchy bag and skirt in #5...

  • texstyle replied 6 years ago

    Hi Natalie!  You look great but I have no idea what ZFG is!

  • goldenpig replied 6 years ago

    Well, on the record, I'm going to keep it PG and say it's "Zero Flips Given".

  • replied 6 years ago

    So nice to get your update!  I've been in a similar place for the past year or so, and I'm totally with you on the ZFG.  So many things other than my wardrobe to worry and obsess about, including health, animal welfare, and the general state of the world.  Your family and you look beautiful, happy, and healthy, so keep doing whatever your're doing, and pop in when you can, goldenpig!

  • Janet replied 6 years ago

    Natalie, you are an inspiration! I’m so glad you posted this. So great to see your beautiful self and your beautiful family here. <3

  • The Cat replied 6 years ago

    Great style, and charming family photos. If you care to consider an other style moniker, I suggest CCCC (Cool, Casual, Colour and Contrast). :-)

  • DonnaF replied 6 years ago

    I can't believe your baby is FIVE! You're looking great and have taught me a new term. What would I do without the internet and Urban Dictionary?

    We bought our Honda Fit way back when because it fit 500 boxes of GS cookies. Every February and March, I think of my old cookie moms because we used to chaperone booth sales together. Our girls are now 24 y.o. or thereabouts.

  • Sal replied 6 years ago

    You look great and I agree with your attitude entirely - family, health, work have to take priority at this busy stage!!

    I think you look wonderful.

    And while I am cautious about posting political views on the forum - the US has had a divisive, tragic year - with natural disasters, the political situation and far too many (one is too many) shooting tragedies.  

    I sometimes use my wardrobe as escapism but I do think exercise is a better one!!

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    I have to say you have never looked better! And that is saying a lot. I love what you did with your matchy matchy polka dot look and the first outfit is elegant and powerful, the second is fab too. They are all good. ZFG! That is the best starting point.

  • elpgal replied 6 years ago

    It is nice to see you, GP. And your youngest is 5 !?

  • Kari replied 6 years ago

    I cannot believe how time flies! I always smile back seeing you and your beautiful, creative family with such an amazing mama.

    Right with you on Team ZFG. To me that’s the beauty of these FFBO (fast fallback outfits) and uniform dressing in disguise (wear just a couple basic outfits but mix up the specific pieces.) It’s easy and most of the time I feel confident that I look put together.

  • tulle replied 6 years ago

    Ah, GP, I can relate! Post-Election Depression/Anxiety seems  widespread enough to have earned a place in the DSM 5. Please keep doing what you're doing to keep yourself and your beautiful family sane and healthy;  fashion, after all, is just the frosting on the cake.  By the way, I think you look terrific in these photos.  ZFG, maybe, but still very much the Demure Bombshell.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 6 years ago

    What a great post. It's good to hear you are enjoying your new fitness routine, and I'm inspired to hear how your style is evolving to reflect where your life and interests are now. You still look fab, even while giving zero flips about it. Ha ha!

  • Style Fan replied 6 years ago

    Great to see you post.  I enjoyed hearing about your new fitness goals.  Love the pictures of your adorable family.

  • krishnidoux replied 6 years ago

    Goldenpig, I'm so glad to see you back here! Wow, what a journey you describe. When things are changing in our lives and in our hearts, fashion goes to the back burner and comfort becomes more important. Good for you for having started a fitness regimen that will make you stronger and feel better about yourself. You are doing it the right way too, doing things with your kids. 

    My favorite ones:

    Outfit 1: the combination of the skirt with sandals is lovely! Also love the arm candy winking to the sandals' ankle straps. 

    Outfit 3: so sleek! So smart! Detail I love: the scarf

    Outfit 4: Yes! Some badass-ness happening here! The only thing I'm not sold on: the white belt. It competes with the Converse and as a result, my eyes see them less, when the Converse should be an important aspect of this outfit IMO. 

    Outfit 5: Here you are! Hello! Welcome back. Beatiful! (OMG your open toe bootie).

  • lyn67 replied 6 years ago

    It was great to see you again -think you always are a fab working mom(of 3!) no matter the style,  space and time! 

  • Lynn replied 6 years ago

    Hello Goldenpig
    Nice to "meet" you. You have a great casual fun style with your ZFG :)  When I was working and so busy I felt the same but was much less stylish in my ZFG. Luckily, or not, how I dressed/presented myself was not important to my career as long as what I wore was appropriate.
    We all have different priorities at different times of life. 

    Congrats on making fitness a priority. It is difficult to do in a busy life.

    BTW I have also struggled with depression and fear about the state of our country and our world. It's hard not to let it overwhelm you. Giving yourself some time in the day to focus on something that gives you pleasure, like biking or planning a just big enough creative wardrobe :), is helpful. 

    You have very cute kids  BTW. 

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