Brand Spotlight: PACT

I stumbled across PACT while searching for a replacement for my favourite panties from Tommy John, which were discontinued years ago. Nothing came close to those much loved knickers, which were a bikini brief in 100% cotton with a pretty lace trim. The fit and comfort were sublime, and they laundered beautifully for years. 

Until now. PACT’s Organic Lace Waist Brief is the closest match I’ve found, and they are possibly even better. Available in sizes XS to 2XL in solid colours, they tick all the boxes. They don’t ride up or fall down, fit like a dream, and are flattering to my eye. Mid rise with full coverage, a soft lace waistband, organic cotton fabrication, and no tags. They are comfortable, breathable, and durable. I wash mine in a regular laundry cycle and air dry them on a rack. I do not tumble dry my underwear. There are non-lace versions and other silhouettes too. Prices are higher than average, although I find it worth it. They have good sales, and I recently stocked up.

PACT Organic Lace Waist Brief

PACT is a reliable source for soft, organic cotton wardrobe basics and essentials with a clean, unfussy, and relaxed aesthetic. The assortment includes tees, tanks, blouses, underwear, loungewear, sleepwear, and a selection of simple dresses and sweaters. Silhouettes are modern, with fits that prioritise comfort and ease of movement. The palette is mostly neutral.

Fabric is where PACT stands out. The organic cotton feels breathable and gentle against the skin. Sustainability is central to the brand, with a focus on organic materials and fair trade production. A thoughtful choice if you like your wardrobe to reflect your values.

I’m relieved that my search for the perfect everyday panties is over. If you’re in the market, the site is worth a browse. You might find your new favourites too.

Outfit Formula: Sweatshirts with Skirts

This outfit formula is an acquired taste. Personally, I’m into the modern pairing and the outfit proportions and vibe that they create. If you wear skirts and sweatshirts (or hoodies), you might enjoy wearing them together. The skirt can be casual or dressy. If it’s a dressy skirt, you’re creating a modern juxtaposition in your outfit. If it’s a casual skirt, you’re simply combining it with another casual piece. Rugby tops can work as well as sweatshirts and hoodies, if that’s your preference.

I’ve had surprisingly great luck adding fashion sweatshirts to my wardrobe the last few seasons. Most are oversized and some are fluid. I like them because they’re 100% cotton, easy to launder, extremely comfortable against my fussy skin, work well in my climate, and are an effective way to dress down dressy trousers and big white pearls. Unexpectedly, I’ve amassed quite a collection.

The idea is to wear one of the five crew neck sweatshirts (not the hoodies) with one of my casual cotton skirts (below). It was recently warm enough to wear this combination and and I posted it on the forum. I LOVED wearing the outfit formula, and am excited to explore more options. Two of the sweatshirts are cropped, making them an easy pairing with skirts. The others have welts so they’ll work well un-tucked too.

Onto some outfit inspiration.

1. Black, White, Checks

A black and white flared and checked midaxi skirt with basque and pleats is combined with a light grey and black oversized printed sweatshirt. The black in both patterns unites them. It’s semi-tucked to showcase the waist and basque of the skirt, which creates some structure. The scrunched sleeves that showcase forearm skin also add structure. Black socks match the black in the outfit, while dressy white loafers match the white. Feel free to leave off the socks. Add a bag that works with the palette of the outfit.

Black, White, Checks

2. Columned

A column of colour is created by combining a casual black denim skirt with an oversized black hoodie. Black mules complete the outfit, creating a black look from head-to-toe. Use the same formula with any colour to create a long lean line. Add a bag that works with the outfit.

Columned

3. Playfully Pretty

A fluid patterned tomato red sweatshirt is combined with a classic pleated knee-length taupe skirt. Citron pumps add another colour and amp up the dressy. The animal print bag further amps up the dressy creating an effective Sporty Luxe look. I LOVE this outfit, and am much inspired by it. I have the exact same sweatshirt and a similar skirt. I’ll substitute the shoes for dressy gold flats or kitten heels, sport a citron bag, and add my pearls. In fact, I posted this exact outfit on the forum.

Playfully Pretty

4. Hard Edge

Last, a fluid grey and black patterned hoodie is combined with a dressier black knee length pencil skirt. It’s semi-tucked to showcase a black and silver grommet belt. A roomy black leather shacket tops the outfit. The hood of the top is worn outside the jacket like a collar. Dressy black heeled mules add the next dressy touch. Another smashing Sporty Luxe look. Add jewellery, handbag, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Hard Edge

The Twenty Year Fashion Cycle

I was listening to a conversation with a fashion historian on National Public Radio who suggested that fashion works on a roughly twenty year cycle. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s an interesting idea. 

Fashion moves forward, but it also frequently looks backwards too. Certain looks, combinations, colours, and silhouettes have a habit of reappearing just when they feel distant enough to seem fresh again. The ’90s nodded strongly to the ’70s. The early 2000s revived elements of the ’80s. Twenty years on, the ’90s are firmly back in the mix. And as we move further into the 2020s, the 2000s still are influencing trends. At the same time, ’80s elements continue to bubble up, creating a kind of double throwback.

When trends return, they rarely come back exactly as they were before. There is generally a current lens that keeps things looking fresh. Silhouettes and proportions shift. Fabrics improve. Styling becomes more relaxed to reflect a more casual lifestyle. Remixing dressy and casual pieces is part of what makes an outfit feel modern. Hairstyles and make-up play their role too, anchoring a look firmly in the present.

It’s also worth noting that we’re in a fashion era defined by multiple style narratives. Instead of one dominant look, there are many coexisting directions. ’90s minimalism sits alongside ’80s maximalism, and romantic or bohemian ’70s influences. We’re also seeing nods to the ’20s and ’60s. The twenty year rhythm is there, but it’s just one influence among many.

Curious to hear your thoughts. Have you noticed that fashion tends to repeat itself every twenty years? Do you see the cycle playing out in your own style?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Fab Finds: Bottoms

Skirts, shorts, pants and jeans make this week’s top picks list, and there’s a large assortment. Some styles are repeats we see season after season, and some are on sale. There are petite and tall sizes in the mix too. Some styles go up to a US34 or US18. Browse the size and colour options. 

1. White Pants, Shorts and Jeans

Begin with this curated collection if you’re looking for a pair of white or light bottoms. Many items worked on my clientele, while others have good reviews. Most fabrics are natural, or blended with natural fibres. Notably, the Ralph Lauren High Waist Crop Wide Leg Jeans are brilliant on petites who prefer a higher rise. The Wit & Wisdom styles have “absolution waists” which means there is elastic on the INSIDE of the waistband. This creates extra comfort with a structured waistband. The COS Pima Cotton Barrel Leg Pants are delicious, run small, and look fab with rolled hems. I have the Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Cotton Beaton Pants, which are the best white pants of my life. I sized up to get a fluid fit on the legs, and had the waistband altered to fit perfectly. I want to wear these pants every day.

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AGOLDE Lana Jeans
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2. Aritzia Effortless Pant

Aritzia’s Effortless Pants are popular and come in many variations. I’ve tried most versions of crepette, satin, wool, and linen, and couldn’t land on a fabric that I enjoyed wearing. Inge tried on a pair when she was visiting, and I loved them on her. I had to try them too. I landed on a navy pinstriped pair of the Effortless pants with a fabric content of 67% polyester, 29% viscose, 4% elastane. The fabric is from Portugal and feels fantastic against my skin. Great drape, crease-resistant, robust, comfortable, and polished. They are versatile and machine washable. They look fantastic dressed up with heels and a dressy support act. They are also as fab dressed down with sneakers, a sweatshirt, and a denim or utility jacket. They are super duper pants to pack for a trip, and to wear on a flight. I sized up to create a low slung and slouchy fit like you see on the model on the right. They come in solid neutrals. I wish they came in non-neutrals too.

Aritzia Effortless Pant

3. Athleta Skyline High Rise Barrel Leg Pant

The Skyline High Rise Barrel Leg Pants are favourites with many clients. They aren’t made of typical synthetic tech fabric. Instead, they have a high cotton component, which makes them feel summery against the skin. They come in neutrals and non-neutrals across petite, regular, and tall. They also come in a WIDE LEG silhouette if the barrel shape is not for you. They run a size small. You can style them in casual ways, and not just in athleisure ways.

Athleta-Skyline-High-Rise-Barrel-Leg-Pant

4. Skirts

There are lots of fab skirts at retail this season, and here are some suggestions. If you’re looking for a flared linen box pleated skirt, Boden’s Valentina Skirt is elegant and pretty. The Damson Madder Marcelle Barn Midi Skirt has an edgy utility vibe. The Ted Baker Linen Blend A-Line Midi Skirt is magnificent in motion. The Avec Les Filles Pleated Midi Skirt is crisper and prettier in person, and it’s mine. It’s a shorter knee-covering midi than I usually wear, so there is that. Yet it has a classic Ralph Lauren vibe, which works well with my style. Gorgeous fabric and drape. The skirts at Zara, Massimo Dutti, Gap, H&M, and MANGO are worth a look too.

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Halogen Maxi Skirt
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Outfit Formula: Olives and Blues

Earthy olive green looks fantastic with shades of blue. Choose a warm-toned or cool-toned olive green that matches your complexion, and combine it with blues that tickle your fancy. Think navy, cobalt, slate, sapphire, peacock, periwinkle, French blue, turquoise, aqua, arctic, sky blue, light blue, and any wash of blue denim and chambray. 

Onto some outfit inspiration.

1. Navy

Dark blues look rich with dark olives, and dark wash jeans count as dark blue bottoms. Here, a pair of navy cuffed wide leg jeans is combined with a boxy and swingy two-toned V-neck olive pullover. A navy bandana adds more blue. The white in the bandana complements the light denim cuffs. Black flats add another neutral to the palette. Earthy brown or white footwear would work well too. Add a bag that works with the outfit.

Navy

2. Hint of Turquoise

A pair of low slung and roomy olive utility pants is paired with a bright multi-coloured striped sweater. The turquoise stripes in the sweater create the accent of blue. There isn’t much blue in the outfit, but it packs a punch with the olive pants and bag. The outfit is completed with black stompy boots and a black leather coat that match the model’s hair.

Hint of Turquoise

3. Denim and Whites

These outfits are from Ralph Lauren, a designer that combines blues with olives every season, and for decades. The outfit on the left combines slouchy white bottoms with a tucked light blue chambray shirt and oversized olive utility jacket. A mismatched brown belt and black boots complete the look. The outfit on the right combines layers of neutrals. A pair of olive utility pants is combined with a cream tucked henley. A light wash denim shirt is layered over the duo like a jacket. A peacock and olive bomber jacket is layered over the lot. Cream sneakers match the henley. Add bags that work with the palettes.

4. Aqua and Chartreuse

Last, a fresh aqua shirt is paired with an olive knife pleated skirt. A chartreuse — which is like an acidic bright olive — rib knit tank is layered over the shirt, which is left untucked to showcase layers. An olive utility jacket that matches the skirt is thrown over the top. White lace-up ballerinas add a dressy dose of pretty and crisp up the palette. Add jewellery, handbag, watch and eyewear as desired.

Aqua and Chartreuse