This is the last post in a four part series for Nordstrom. In the first three posts I shared ensembles based on Phoebe’s, Meredith’s and my own purchases at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Today our final model is another client and friend, the stunning Bei-jing, who first appeared in YLF after last year’s Anniversary Sale.
I use this particular outfit formula all the time because I bat for Team Jacket and you need lots of layers when you live in Seattle. By layering a jacket under a coat you keep the structured integrity of the outfit when you remove the coat indoors. For this formula you’ll need a fairly streamlined indoor jacket or blazer, and a coat that layers comfortably over the entire ensemble. All my blazers and leather jackets can be layered under my coats and trench coats. For me, this is a prerequisite when I fit my coats.
Bei-Jing said to me recently that she was done wearing form fitting items from head to toe, and that she wanted to tone down the hard edge in her look. Her hairstyle is enough edge at this point. At age 40, she still wants to dress in a theatrical, retro, bold and spunky way, but she also wants to amp up the “lady like” aspect of her style. Simplifying the components of her outfits and wearing roomier silhouettes was all important. It was very interesting to hear how Bei-Jing wanted to evolve her style because it was similar to the way I felt when I turned 40 a couple of years ago.
With this in mind we tackled NAS preselection. Bei-Jing is a HUGE skirt wearer and it was love at first sight when she saw Rachel Roy’s Crepe Combo Print Skirt (1). She loves the ’40s vibe of the longer length, which is midi on her petite height. The patterned panel down the centre front made for fun pattern mixing possibilities.
Amber Sun’s Double Breasted Jacket (2) was just the type of lightweight topper that Bei-Jing was looking for. She liked the boxy fit, low stance, double breasted button detail, side entry pockets and back tab feature. Retro, yet modern, and so very much her look. Bei-Jing went home with all three colours because, with a simple layering top, they work over her wide assortment of pencil skirts. But she does like the teal blue best!
We could have added black footwear to this ensemble, but adding an old pair of animal print mary janes (3) was “more Bei-Jing”. A bit of mismatched, on trend pattern mixing is right up her style alley. Although Bei-Jing is not wearing hose in the photo, she’d sport nude or sheer black with the outfit for Fall and Winter.
Last but not least, Bei-Jing gasped with delight when she saw the orange Kenneth Cole New York Notch Collar Bouclé Coat (4). She fitted it on right then and there. The one button styling is super modern and the deep V-neck extra flattering on a full bust. “I love it when my boobs can breath!”, says Bei-Jing. She bought the size that allows for several layers underneath, and is loving the orange matched with teal.
You know the drill when it comes to the formulas: Absorb the concept and substitute the items so that they reflect YOUR style.
A very big thank you to my gorgeous clients who modeled so effortlessly to help make this series come alive. Meredith, Phoebe and Bei-Jing, as always I LOVE shopping with you. We laugh up a storm, work fast and hard, make fab selections, and have loads of fun together. You rock my style world.
