Pablo Picasso is my favourite artist. I don’t fancy all of his work, but the happy and colourful abstract female nude and still life pieces conjure up a positive emotion that I can’t quite explain. It’s partly thrilling, partly soothing and always breathtaking. I just can’t get enough of his pure artistic genius.

I’ve seen Picasso’s work in art museums in Amsterdam, Paris and Barcelona, but when I heard that a collection of his favourite pieces covering every phase of his legendary career was coming to Seattle’s Art Museum (SAM), I was even more excited. So Greg and I took ourselves off to see the exhibition over Thanksgiving weekend – and it was KILLER.

It was a cold and overcast November’s day so warm clothes and boots were in order. I deliberately chose a completely neutral outfit so that it wouldn’t detract from Picasso’s colourful art if we got the chance to take some pictures alongside my favourite pieces. So there are deliberately no pops of colour in my outfit– not even lipstick.

Even though we were going to view a collection of incomparable creativity, I chose a classic ensemble over an arty and trendy one. Call me crazy, but somehow, viewing Picasso’s work in a neutrally toned, clean cut, classic outfit felt respectfully right.

I paired a grey pencil skirt with a black turtleneck. I look more curvy when I wear form fitting items like these, which makes for a nice change. I further matched black and grey argyle hose with patent low wedged weatherproof boots and a Lanvin inspired ribbon and pearl necklace. I chose my retro cats eye specs, cream and black studded Michael Kors satchel, and topped off the outfit with a cream, dropped waist military coat.  Apart from the cream coat and hose, these components are between one and four years old – all wardrobe work horses.

The gigantic banners advertising Picasso’s collection on the outside Museum walls were fabulous. A huge orange wall with white lettering and a mesmerizing black and white photograph of Picasso. This is the closest I’m going to get to being photographed with my artistic hero.

One of my clients stumbled across these pretty, round toed platform pumps and was too delighted for words. When she modeled them with her outfits, I was just as excited. They are by eco-friendly footwear brand “Naya” who often makes nice looking AND comfortable shoes.

The Bakula pump has the typical makings of a comfortable shoe: soft leather, arch support, a cushioning foot bed and a sturdy heel. Three inch heels are still too high for my everyday needs, but it might be perfect for you. The platform does help to offset the height of the heel.

It’s the vintage–y rosette detailing on the side of the pump that sold us right off the bat. You’ll cover up the rosettes with boot cuts and wide leg pants, but wear peg legged trousers, or skirts and dresses and you’ll show them off. The pump is currently on sale and runs true to size. Very fab.

If the Bakula pumps aren’t to your taste, check out the rest of Naya’s footwear collection. Styles like the Ana, Cara, Briar, Jupiter and Jasper are lovely too.

Note that I have used affiliate links in this post, and the Naya Bakula is in the YLF store.

Sequin jackets make me think of retro 40’s glamour and 70’s disco fun. The versatile item rears its shimmery head almost every party season and this year they are more popular than ever. Depending on HOW you pair the item, a sequin jacket can be worn in both classic and edgy ways across all age groups – that’s why they are offered across a wide range of retailers like H&M, Charlotte Russe and Target, right through to J.Crew, Macys, Nordstrom, Saks and Chanel.

Here are several ways to dress up or dress down a sequin jacket. They are roughly ordered by increasing dressiness, but of course the shoes and accessories will also play a big role.

• Wear it with moto cross leggings and a soft blouse.
• Throw it over a pair of baggy shorts and boots if you dare.
• Match it with a basic fitted tee, jeans and heels.
• Add it to a pair of baggy tuxedo trousers and lacy shell top.
• Combine it with skinny black pants, boots cut trousers, soft slouchy pleated pants or velveteen straight leg pants.
• Wear it over a plain black pencil skirt and silky camisole.
• Layer it over a party frock.
• Combine it with a lace skirt.

Sequin jackets come in all shades so think beyond black if that’s not your colour. Grey, silver, gold, bronze, brown, midnight blue or a shade of pastel pink can look just as fab. The silhouettes will vary too, from cropped fitted styles, to longer boyfriend cuts – all are great depending on your preference.

Since a sequin jacket is like wearing one big sparkly accessory, keep your jewelry to a minimum and opt for matte pieces to contrast with the shine. In true 70’s style a long chain with statement pendant works well with the look. I quite like the contrasting combination of a distressed belt against a background of shimmer as seen in the picture below.

Although I fancy the look of sequin jackets on others, I’m more of a tuxedo jacket and Chanel jacket gal. So I’d wear a more subtle sequined jacket, like the eyelash fringe bouclé jacket in the YLF store. That way I can still pile on my pearls without looking like a Christmas tree.

One thing is for sure, you’ll make a dramatic entrance in one of these sparkly toppers no matter how you wear it. Think you’d sport a sequin jacket? If not, can you appreciate the look on others?

Dolce Vita Women’s Storm Boot is one of my favourite rugged ankle boots this season. It’s comfy, well made, super soft and runs true to size. The sturdy heel is practical and the hardware divine.

The genius of the style is in the flap, which you don’t have to completely fold over as seen in the photo. Fold it back up, or fold the front flap over leaving the back unfolded. Available in both black and brown it’s a killer little look if you like this type of boot vibe.

View the Dolce Vita Storm in the YLF store.