These top picks surprised me and validated my belief that brands get to start over each season. A brand or look that isn’t working for you now, may work for you at some point in the future. Brands change, and we change too. Keeping an open mind about brands is in our interest. These items are winners on clients. Some items are going for a song.
1. Spanx AirEssentials L/S Crewneck Tee
I’m a huge fan of Spanx comfies and highly recommend them. For the first time I’m happy wearing sweats that are not 100% cotton. Their AirEssentials collection is 47% tencel (or modal), 46% polyester, and 7% elastane. Tencel and model are natural fibres, and their relatively high percentage in these tech fabrics has made the difference. It might for you too. The Spanx AirEssentials L/S Crewneck Tee is an excellent casual top. It has worked on every client so far, and is particularly good on petites and short waisted people. It has also worked on tall clients with a regular and smaller size bust. It has an architectural cut that glides over the body in a boxy, but not too boxy way. The high-low hemline makes it look interesting. The drape is divine, and the result is just about the most polished and neat and tidy looking tee I’ve seen. The striped option is particularly nice to my eye. It’s a black stripe, yet passes for ink blue. There are solids too. It’s short, but not too short. Can look great with casual skirts.
2. J.Crew Carolina Trousers
These wool trousers drape beautifully and look elegant on the body. They’re 98% wool and 2% elastane so I’m not sure why they’re described as a wool-blend flannel. Flannel has a brushed effect and these don’t look brushed. They look like dressy wool trousers. Furthermore, they are FULLY LINED making them feel extra luxurious. The lining isn’t noisy as you stride, and the rise isn’t too high. The cut is not as straight as most J.Crew cuts. The waistband is shaped and tapers to the body. Available in petite, regular and tall.
3. Jason Wu Faux Leather Jackets
The Flap Patch Pocket Faux Leather Jacket found me in toffee, and was a pleasant surprise. Its shoulder pads, the gathers on the sleeves and shoulders, and blousson effect above the welt give it a fabulous ‘80s integrity. The quality of the faux leather is outstanding, and feels like the softest and best real leather. It’s roomy and works over bulkier tops. Very comfortable and fully lined. And it’s nice and short for those on Team Short Jacket. Comes in chocolate and black. It’s $50. You can see me wear it in this assortment of outfits.
The brand and price are unexpected. Jason Wu is a US designer who makes very expensive clothing. Yet he offers lower price points too. The success of my toffee jacket made me look into what else Jason Wu is offering in faux leather toppers. Looks promising.
