It’s peak season and I’ve been shopping up a storm with clients. These are some of the items that were unexpectedly fabulous. Some items are simple and basic like a wardrobe essential, while others make more of a statement. In most cases there are colour options, so remember to browse them all.
1. Gap Crossbody Bag
This a WOW bag for $32. It’s faux leather, neat, tidy, reasonably well made, and polished. The guitar strap is long so tall gals have plenty of length. Works as well for petites. Very comfy. Fun striped lining. Weatherproof and robust. Practical size. Not too small and not too bulky. There’s a pocket at the back of the bag where you can store your phone for easy access. ALL the colours are nice.
2. Gibson Cozy Fleece Tunic
Cowls can be overwhelming, but this one lies quite flat and works on most neck lengths. Ridiculously cosy, and not too oversized. Can be layered under a regular coat quite easily thanks to sleek sleeves. Wear it at home or in very casual settings. Works for petites, regulars and talls. Runs a size big, but they’ve included an XXS. Read the rave reviews.
3. Caslon Stripe Panel Sweater
Another very cosy item that works well to camouflage the midsection but again, is not too oversized, and can easily be layered under jackets and outerwear. The flare works well for wider hips and thighs. Interesting stripe placement. All the colours are nice. Long enough for tall gals. Good over tight bottoms.
4. Banana Republic Machine Washable Merino Wool Turtleneck
If you’re a sleek turtleneck gal with a long neck who runs cold, you MUST try this darling. It’s gently fluid in your size, but size up if you prefer a roomier fit. Perfect layered under a blazer. Simple Chic. And made of a machine washable wool. I bought the ink blue because I’m covered with black turtlenecks, and unfortunately none of the other colours appealed to me.
5. Zara Faux Shearling Coat
Real shearling is pricey, and fab faux versions are hard to find, especially in shades of blue. This one from Zara is stunning and well made. Does not crease. Drapes beautifully. The blue is a little darker in person, and the patch pockets are well positioned. Streamlined but roomy. It works particularly well on tall gals, but good on regular height gals too. Not good on petites or short arms. Can be dressed up or down.
6. La Canadienne Solana Bootie
A smart casual flat bootie with a high shaft that looks chic and is very comfortable is a tall order. The Solana is pricey but you’re getting a versatile, quality piece that is weatherproof. Very flattering on the feet and ankles. The grey-brown gets my top vote.
7. Caslon Peplum Tee
Peplum tees or tees with hem flounces can look juvenile, or the flounces are in the wrong place. These tees look casually sophisticated and playful, and fit well. The fabric drapes quite nicely and isn’t too thin. Fab layered under a jacket or cardigan. Works as well for tall gals as it does for petites. The stripes get my top votes.
8. Gap Modern Long Sleeve Crew Tee
It’s hard to find a simple long-sleeved tee that is thick, tailored and fairly polished. Most tees are thin, oversized, have sleeves that are hard to layer over, too wide necklines, and make you feel un-pulled together. These tees are made of substantial fabric, come in talls and petites, have a neat and tidy neckline, and are fairly fitted. They are great layered under just about anything.
9. Everlane Large Street Nylon Zip Backpack
I laughed when one of my clients was “afraid to tell me” that she sports a practical backpack as her work bag from now on because she commutes by bus and foot and needs an extra healthy option for her body. I asked her to show me the backpack — and surprised her by loving it for her style. The Everlane backpack works well for her avant-garde, polished, Tomboy and urban style. It’s extremely sleek and neat, and not overly casual like I thought it might be. Super cute.
10. White House Black Market Messenger Bags
Messenger bags can be very uncomfortable, and guitar straps tend to adorn smaller bags. The ones from WHBM are tailored, comfy, quite well made, and come with a guitar strap. The olive is unique, and all the colours are fab. You can buy guitar straps separately too.
