There’s a lot of good stuff out there at the moment, so much so that I’ve finished my own Spring and Summer refresh two months earlier than normal. My clients have been pleased with the more feminine, dressy and less oversized looks in stores, as well as the larger assortment of dresses with sleeves and hem length. Here are some items that have been winners on my clients recently.
1. White House Black Market Floral & Lace Twinset
The photos do not do this great look justice. The high-low blouse paired with the cardigan in the same pattern was SO fab on my client last week that I squealed in the dressing room. Leave the cardigan open in front. Nice quality, unique, easy, pulled together, crease-resistant, flattering and does not need a camisole. Smart casual or business casual. Fluid and tailored in the right places. The blouse is available across petite, regular and plus. The floral cardi is available in petite and regular. Size down.
2. Michael Stars Boat Neck Shine Knit Top
This is a GREAT tailored knit top. Flattering, comfortable, crisp and easy to launder. It’s more like a very light pullover than a tee. Much neater, dressier, and more pulled together and structured than a T-shirt. The fabric is substantial. Sleeve length is excellent. It layers beautifully under jackets, but looks good on its own because of the shine, fab fabric, and good fit. The boat neck is surprisingly bra-friendly. The size range is unfortunate since it comes in two sizes only. The XS/S will fit a US0 to 4, and the M/L will fit a US4 to 8. It runs true to size, and works well on a straighter or curvier body type. It’s long, so not good on petites and short waists unless it’s hemmed to a shorter length. Don’t try the top if you’re self-conscious about your midsection, because it might cling.
I don’t wear T-shirts and stick to blouses, shirts and and knitwear for tops. Very occasionally, I’ll find a knit top that ticks all the boxes, and this one did just that. I bought the white and the stripe to wear with jeans and Summer skirts both untucked and semi-tucked. The neckline works well with my chunky pearl necklaces. I love the subtle shine and the tailored fit. The XS/S is a more fluid fit on me than on the model. All the colours are nice.
3. Madewell Chambray Tops
A chambray top needn’t look like a menswear or cowboy shirt. Madewell has good chambray tops at the moment, and they’re versatile. The fabrics are not stiff and denim-y either. They’re soft, tencel, or cotton/linen blends.
The Wrap Top is fabulous with skirts, and best on those who can fill out the bust and/or shoulders. I looked awful in it because my narrow shoulders, long neck and regular size bust could not fill it out.
The Central Ruffle Sleeve Shirt has more structure around the neck and shoulders and looked much better on my body type, despite the oversized fit. The flutter sleeves also broaden my frame and I like the effect. The fabric is GORGEOUS and drapes very well, and it may have followed me home. Size down a size.
4. Cosima Circle Bag
This bag is very cute. It can be used as a crossbody or satchel. It’s faux leather, well made, relatively affordable, lightweight, and roomier than it looks. All the colours are nice, and not as bright in person as in the pictures.
5. Hispanita Footwear
I can’t rave enough about Hispanita footwear. Made in Spain, the aesthetic is Euro and somewhat Mediterranean. Refined and dressy, and with many walkable heel heights and silhouettes that are a little different to the norm. They are beautifully made, and most of the styles are very comfortable. Super soft leather, a cushioning footbed, enough support, and room for an orthotic if your feet aren’t too wide. The styles can fit both a higher and lower volume foot if you go up or down in size — the cut of the shoe is that good. A little pricey but you’re getting a quality item. I bought a pair of floral oxfords last year and they’re smashing. I always have my eye on this brand.
