Update: ASOS is now offering up to 70% off from Black Friday until December 3.

Shame on me for forgetting to thank the Gap in yesterdays’ blog post. Better late than never, so thank you Gap for coming out with a superb assortment of affordable, well made and well fitting jeans across an impressive range of lengths, washes and sizes. Truly KILLER. My clients and I love you for it. Some of us even prefer your jeans to our premium styles.

If you haven’t checked out Gap’s new collection of denim, please do so this weekend during the Thanksgiving weekend sale (especially on Black Friday). My personal favourites are the legging jeans, real straight, always skinny and the perfect boot. But the other cuts are well worth a look too.

Apart from denim, I’ve had luck with the following items on several of my clients:

• Boy Fit Tuxedo Stripe Pants: I like these best when the fit is roomy so you might want to size up even though they run true to size.
• Center Seam Dolman Top: A nice basic and great backdrop for scarves.
• Cowl Sweater: Cozy and easy. Size up if you have a broader shoulder or fuller bust.
• Really Skinny Pants: Fabulous quality  and a super fit. Great to wear on their own with pumps or ballet flats, or tucked into boots.
• Modern Boot Pants: If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of black dress pants, these might just fit the bill.
• Nylon Crossbody Bag: These remind me a 90’s Prada look. Very fab.

Happy Shopping!

Note that the links above are affiliate links.

Holiday shopping season is in full swing and some of the bargains are beyond belief. ASOS is offering 20% and free shipping across their in house collection so I thought I would pick out some favourites. Note that the sale is already underway and will continue through November 30. Enter code ASOS20 at checkout.

1. Paint Splatter Body-Conscious Dress: More of a tunic than a dress but what a sensational pattern! Perfect for both bootcuts or skinnies.
2. Patent Traditional Flat Brogues: I don’t know whether they’re comfortable but they look fabulous.
3. Drape Front Crepe Dress: Genius voluminous folding and draping. Not a streamlined look but fun and arty all the same and available in two colours.
4. Record Player Ring: Just for kicks.
5. Drape Back Printed Dress: Vintage-y fab don’t you think. Adorable over leggings too. Also available in petites.
6. Georgette Frill Front Blouse Dress: Another great vintage look. Love it with the floppy 70’s hat.
7. Leather Waterfall Clutch: Nice geometric waterfall detailing in this seasons popular khaki green.
8. Wrapped Front Ruched Sleeve Blouse: Fabulously 80’s and suitable for Spring and Summer too.
9. Silk Velvet Cowl Front Blazer: I have my eye on this one because I don’t have a retro velvet jacket yet. Very fab with the white shirt and black skinny pants. Available in two colours.
10. Jersey Insert Denim Joggers: Call me crazy, but I have these in my shopping cart because they look so fun.
11. Oversized Metal Boyfriend Style Watch With Square Case: An inexpensive way to road test a gold watch.
12. Tailored Contrast Lapel Cropped Tux Blazer: Love the white! Super to layer over a holiday frock.
13. Leopard Oversized Scarf: This has my name on it.
14. Tailored Stripe Rolled Hem Shorts: Adorable and heavenly with boots and hose, or over the knee socks.
15. Longline Padded Coat With Hood: A stylish must for bitterly cold weather. The belt ensures sleek tailoring while the hood is a much appreciated practical addition.
16. Cut Out Sleeve Sweater: A little drafty but kind of fabulous. Perfect for mild winters. I love the red.

Happy Shopping!

Note that the links above are affiliate links.

Greg, Rosie, Jasmine and I are celebrating our eighth Thanksgiving today. For me, the tradition of this holiday becomes more meaningful each year because I have a great deal to be thankful for.

From a fashion and style point of view and in no particular order, I’m very thankful for the following things:

• My absolutely KILLER local and international clientele. I find it extremely rewarding working with you. We work hard when we’re together, but the friendship that is fostered along the way is priceless – not to mention the incessant laughter that ensures a lasting connection. Thank you for trusting me to help you find your sense of style, and above all for making it a fun process.
• Launching YLF’s new look in September and hitting over a million page views a month.
• Attending New York Fashion Week twice this year and sitting front row at the Tibi Show.
• Comfortable boots and flat oxfords – especially at Fashion Week.
• Our incomparable and fabulous readership whose intelligence, generosity, wit and infinite wisdom knows no bounds. You ROCK.
• All the veteran forum members, who continue to give so much of their own precious time to help and support others.
• My better half Greg. You are the reason we started a very small blog several years ago. I can scarcely believe we now have a bustling community. You continue to inspire me in more ways than you know.
• Last but not least, Yorkshire Terriers Rosie and Jasmine for being our little angels from heaven. Your loyal companionship when I write my blog posts is a constant source of therapeutic comfort. And you always perk me up when anything gets me down.

We’ve had a bitterly cold couple of days in Seattle, with temperatures well below freezing. Our first Snow Day this season! When the storm is gone and the sun comes out, the whole family likes to bundle up and play outside. So that’s what we did and our red and yellow style was (accidentally!) matchy-matchy all round.

I wore tights under faded skinnies tucked into weather-proof 20 eyelet Dr. Marten boots. I hauled out my warmest knitwear and undergarments, threw on a warm wool scarf, metallic gold puffer coat, gloves and red animal print newsboy hat. Rosie and Jasmine wore chunky red turtleneck jumpers over little grey sweatshirts with yellow harnesses. The girls had fun and so did we.

We at YLF wish you a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving Weekend.

You are on Team Dressy if you prefer dressier, more formal ensembles over casual outfits with a more relaxed vibe. You jump at the chance to dress up whenever the opportunity arises.

You are on Team Casual if you are happiest and most comfortable in casual ensembles. Perhaps dressing for formal occasions is just not your thing.

Just to be clear, Team Dressy is not necessarily more stylish than Team Casual. Casual clothing can be fabulous. Think of Jennifer Aniston’s simple, yet pulled together relaxed looks. They are inspirational to those who aspire to great casual style.

I am Team Dressy. Despite my love of faded denim, even my casual outfits err on the side of dressy. I adore dressing up, wearing formal clothes and luxurious fabrications. Dressy clothing makes my heart sing! For me, daily dressing is more fun when I can wear smarter clothing, footwear and accessories. I am very comfortable in dressy attire.

Over to you. Are you Team Dressy or Team Casual? And just because it’s Thanksgiving tomorrow, JUST THIS ONCE you can bat for both Teams if you’d like. Let’s hear it.