A new outfit from Monica Awe-Etuk of Awed by Monica, whom we introduced to YLF in February 2021.

Monica dresses up a stunning empire-waist midi A-line dress with shimmery shoes and bag. The small-scale floral pattern reads like light brown on a white background, but when you look more closely it’s actually a red, pink, and green palette. The empire waist creates structure, while the ruffles on the neckline and sleeves add a romantic touch.The tiered silhouette is emphasized by the mustard horizontal bands, and then the border hemline surprises us with an explosion of tiny colourful elements. Monica’s gold handbag with sparkly sequins is a second surprise. It adds playful and glam dressiness to the look. Her gold and silver toe-loop sandals with unexpected fabric ankle straps continue the dressy metallic theme. Wearing her hair back keeps the focus on the unique dress and accessories. Soft pink lipstick and a pile of bracelets complete the look.

I am prone to dermatitis and eczema, so I’m careful about the make-up and skincare products I use on my skin. One of my dermatologists recommended Clinique’s High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara because, surprisingly, it’s got all the right ingredients for my particular allergies and sensitivities. 

I tried it and liked it right away. No irritations at all. It’s very gentle, and comes off easily with make-up remover. It lasts all day, does not smudge, and adds volume to lashes. I wish it came in blue, but only comes in black. Since I prefer wearing blue mascara, the black has taken some getting used to.

In case you’re looking for a good wand of black mascara, and have skin sensitivities like I do, keep this one on your radar.

These looks might inspire you if you like to wear very simple, dressier outfits that are solid, more neutral than non-neutral, and very light on the accessories. Some will look at these outfits and think YES, that’s how I dress or aspire to dress. Others might desperately want to add a few statement accessories, some colour, and a pattern. I like the outfits just the way they are, but I’d like them more adorned, brighter and accessorized too. Most of all, I like the fluidity and roominess of the silhouettes.

1. Solid Dress and Black Gladiators

A very fluid, unstructured soft silky teal dress is combined with a pair of black dainty gladiators. The black sandals bookend the model’s hair. If you click the link, you’ll see the model wearing diamond stud earrings. That’s it! Practically, the outfit needs a bag for stuff because pockets don’t always do the trick. But maybe you’ll manage just fine without a bag.

2. Tunic Over Relaxed Jeans

A sleeveless straight maxi shirt is worn as a tunic over relaxed straight jeans, or slim boyfriends that are rolled at the hems to showcase more of the lower leg. I love how the shirt is buttoned through to the collar and popped to create a tuxedo shirt effect. Neutral heeled toe-loop sandals and a bracelet complete the look. I like this outfit best for my own style, and would wear it with white loafers, ballet flats or flat sandals. I’d add a bag in white, citron, red, blush, shocking pink, orange, or light blue, and my watch and white pearl arm candy.

3. Neutral Dress and Topper

A fluid black tiered midi dress is defined at the waist with a tie, and topped with a lightweight and very boxy short jacket with dropped shoulder seams and puffed sleeves. Black clog sandals match the dress. Dainty drop earrings, a couple of bracelets and a ring complete the look. I see a black, olive or tan bag too.

4. Black and White

Wearing a pretty black top with white pants, jeans, shorts, or a skirt, and black footwear is a great way to dress when you like to wear black and white in Summer. Here, a pair of white lantern pants is paired with a soft, swingy, and flowing high-low black textured blouse. The sheerness of the blouse is offset with a tucked black camisole. Dainty black sandals finish off the look and match the model’s hair and top. Flirty!

The Guardian asks: “Can we enjoy fast fashion without destroying the planet?“

They also have tips on how to pick a dry-cleaner that’s good for the environment — and you.

In Harper’s Bazaar, author Alec Leach explains how mindful shopping could be the “true path to sustainability”.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream had no idea that NASA branded clothing is in demand, and actually has been for a while now.

Runcarla thought this was an interesting read: “How to Rethink Recycling When It Comes to Clothing Waste.”

Jaime adds that this article takes a realistic look at the problem. The author admits that “just throwing away your old, unwearable clothes is sometimes the best solution: That’s better than kidding yourself and sending your trash overseas for other people with far fewer resources to deal with in far worse circumstances.”

Stagiaire Fash directs us to this article about a female reporter who was initially refused to witness an execution of a death-row inmate because her skirt and shoes violated a prison dress code.

UmmLila recommends having a look at this article about travel garb: “Travelers want to be comfortable and practical but overly casual dressing at the airport might not be the ticket.”

Although the article is not fashion and style-related, these 20 simple ways to bring positive energy into our lives is something Angie likes to read regularly because it affects our state of mind in a good and productive way! 

Vildy enjoyed Justine Leconte’s ‘French culture vs. German stereotypes since I moved to France‘ video, and this one about ‘Scandinavian style vs. French style feat. Jenny Mustard‘. She adds: The fashion and jewellery designer grew up in France, lived in New York, and then Germany for a long while before moving back again to France. It’s hard for us to see our own culture but now she can, coming to it afresh.”