This week’s roundup of fab finds surprised me when I saw them in stores, on forum members, or in client closets, because they aren’t items that I expected the brand to do so well. As brands and retailers experiment and adapt to an evolving consumer market, it’s more important than ever to leave no retail stone unturned.
1. Tommy Hilfiger Blazers
The photos do not do these extremely well made Modern Classic and crisp blazers justice. The stitching and finish are impeccable. The inside of the garment is impressive, and trimmed as beautifully as the outside. Some of the blazers have elbow patches that look particularly interesting, like the diagonal pinstripe elbow patch on the pinstriped blazer. Many of them have matching bottoms, go up to a US16, and are going for a song with an excellent Macy’s discounts. These types of toppers don’t date, and can be worn in versatile and creative ways, which is a sustainable drawcard. They can work on a straighter and curvier figure, but are snug on a large bust. Some of them have pants to match, creating a nice nod to the suit trend.
2. Sorel Kinetic Sneaker
Sorel footwear is comfortable, well made, and from time to time can fit a wide foot and/or orthotic. The styles can work on lower volume feet with insoles, although not the sandals. I don’t expect Sorel footwear to look so fashionably hip and trendy, and these Kinetics are just that. The ripple-cut treads are fashion-forward, and a fab nod to the ‘90s. Lots of fun colours, and good arch support for high arches.
3. Banana Republic High-Rise Wide Leg Cropped Jeans
These two pairs of wide crops have been the best fit on several clients. They have miraculously worked on opposite body types – like on apple/rectangle AND hourglass/pear figures. The cut and fabric are unexpectedly flattering. Excellent fabric heft and drape. Sizes run from US24 to US35. The light wash is a pretty and fresh blue.
The dark sailor jeans are especially fabulous because the buttons do not gape, the fabric does not crease or bag out, the dye does not run, the thighs don’t whisker too much, the wash is dressy and uniform, and they look impeccable after four days of wear. I know because they earned a place in my wardrobe and I’ve road-tested them. I wore them four times in the first week. My word, they are super cute sailor jeans! At the moment they are my favourite pair of dark blue jeans.
4. Target All In Motion Active and Athleisure Wear
This range comes highly recommended by some of our forum members because the size assortment is diverse, the prices are affordable, the styles are current, and the quality is good. I’m happy to see multiple colour options. Good for working out, lounging, walking, casual wear, camping, and plane travel.
5. Swedish Hasbeens Husband Clog
Since most iconic and classic wardrobe items are being put on a pedestal because they are one way to make a sustainable style decision – feast your eyes on these fun Euro clogs, that have been around for as long as I can remember. As long as they fit your feet, feel stable, and you don’t slip out of them, they are comfortable, fabulous, and versatile. Wear them the same way you would wear a mule or slide, and make a bold statement. They’re quite chunky, so make sure you’re okay with that.
6. Madewell Half Elastic Pants
Madewell does an excellent assortment of trendy roomy pants with half elastic waists that have been stellar on varying body types because the waist dimension is flexible. They have been great on curvier body types with fuller thighs, hips and bottoms. Conversely, they have been fab on apple-shaped body types that enjoy more room on the midsection. Some of my clients who work at a desk all day are uncomfortable on the midsection in most pants and jeans by the time the afternoon rolls around. These pants have been an excellent solution. Many of the styles have worked on petites.
