Fab Finds: Jackets, Skirts, Boots, Hoodies

Despite severe supply chain challenges caused by the global pandemic, online collections for Autumn and Winter are looking surprisingly good and well-stocked. Brick-and-mortar stores on the other hand, are quite bare. It’s very tough gauging how to stock retail these days, and I wish all retailers the very best. On that note, these items have been winners on some clients and forum members recently. Be sure to browse all the size and colour options.

1. Karen Kane Bias-Cut Midi Skirt

Bias-cut skirts can look sensational when they are long enough and have sufficient width. In other words, the manufacturers didn’t skimp on the fabric to cut costs. These bias-cuts skirts from Karen Kane are sustainably and ethically made in the USA, and drape like a dream because they have the right roomy cut and fit. They mould to the shape of the body, but do not cling.

2. Linea Paolo Patent Booties

These are gorgeous, very comfy, and with an on-trend snip toe. I bought the white pair last year, and LOVE them. They look chic and modern in a crisp and clean way. This year they came out with three options in patent leather that aren’t quite as soft as my white leather pair, but comfy all the same. Each pair has a different and unique colour-blocked stripe at the back. Click the links to see the variations. The style is good for long toes and lower volume feet.

3. Miz Mooz Leighton Booties

These are super comfy, soft, well-made, robust, and quite unique. They are a rare find in purple, green and teal. I’ve found Miz Mooz shoes to run a little short in the toe box so be careful when you have long toes. Some styles look a little steampunk, if that’s your cup of tea.

4. Michael Kors Hooded Stretch Packable Down Puffer

Do not underestimate the fabulous online selection at Macy’s. Prices are generally more affordable than other department stores, and their service has greatly improved. They have a wider range of sizes too. These Michael Kors short packable puffers are well-made, create a fab fit, and come in all sorts of colours. Some of the styles have back elastic detailing to give them more shape. Styles have either silver or gold hardware. Sizes range from XXS to 4XL and most items are on sale. I have my eye on some of the orange jackets.

5. Banana Republic Sweater Hoodie

I have this hoodie in cream and LOVE it, so much so that I am thinking about getting the blue. It’s very cosy and comfy, and looks more polished and dressy than a sweatshirt hoodie. I’ve worn it with my Hugo Boss suit, jeans, and a velvet bias-cut skirt. The neckline is awfully neat and tidy. Half of the hoodie is made of an Austrian fabric called EcoVero, which is a more sustainable viscose-based natural fibre made using sustainable wood from controlled sources. The production of EcoVero causes 50 percent less emissions and takes up half as much energy and water.

Wearing Neutrals to Match Your Hair

I came across the picture below and was impressed with how well the neutrals of the outfit matched the greying hair of the model. The jeans and black component of the blouse pick up the very dark bits of the model’s hair and brows. The white components match the lightest grey bits. The small amounts of brown and gold left in the model’s hair match the toffee sleeve of the blouse and cognac boots. The effect is subtle, but compellingly harmonious to my eye.

Ruti Black Gidi Straight Leg Denim

I like to match what I’m wearing to the colours that run through my hair. My light blonde hair makes wearing footwear in shades of white an easy bookended match. My white pearl jewellery matches my hair. White and cream tops, jeans, toppers and bags match well too. Sandy colours, some tans, gold, and a very light toffee can pick up the darker bits that run through my pixie. A cream and tan snakeskin shoe can be a good match too.

Some of my black-haired clients have earthy and golden streaks running through their dark hair. They wear black items well, but wear earth tones as fabulously because they match the streaks in their hair.

Of course, if you have non-neutrals running through your hair, it’s fun to wear wardrobe items that pick up those colours. For example, clients with blue, pink and burgundy streaked hair like to wear wardrobe items that match the streaks.

Over to you. Do you wear wardrobe items that match the colours running through your hair?

Casual Denim with Luxe Touches

A new outfit from Tanja Jager, whom we introduced to YLF in December 2020.

By wearing a column of colour in light grey neutrals Tanja creates outfit cohesion because it connects the top and bottom of this casual outfit with luxe touches. The chunky-knit turtleneck and the distressing on the skinny jeans add textural interest. Faux-tucking the sweater showcases the logo belt, and lengthens the leg line from the hip upwards. Tanja’s platform ankle boots also add height. For footwear and accessories our blogger picked a rich shade of cognac, which results in a fab combination of warm and cool-toned shades. The warm-toned gold hardware on the belt and satchel is repeated in Tanja’s statement cocktail ring, bangles and dangly earrings. Putting her hair up in a ponytail prevents her hair from getting in the way of the high turtleneck and lets her pretty earrings shine.

Tanja - 1

Tanja - 2

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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Trend: Layered Turtlenecks

I chuckled a little after typing that turtlenecks are on-trend, because turtleneck sweaters are an iconic classic. We see them every season across an assortment of fits, fabrics, silhouettes, thicknesses, colours, stitch variation, and patterns. That said, it’s fun to see turtlenecks have their fashion moment. 

A turtleneck neckline is high, but needn’t be tight. You can choose a version with a looser neck fit, and mock turtlenecks aren’t as high as those that fold over. Turtlenecks can also be cotton-rich if wool and wool blends aren’t for you.

The point of the trend is to layer a turtleneck or mock turtleneck under shirts, blouses, dresses, pinafores, coveralls, chunky sweaters, and vests, like they did back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. There can be an equestrian integrity to this look, which gives it a fab, classic vibe. Ralph Lauren shows a version of it almost every season. In the ‘90s, layering turtlenecks under slip dresses was a thing. Here are some examples of turtlenecks layered in the on-trend way.

The turtlenecks can be any colour and pattern. You can also create any level of contrast between the turtleneck and the next layers. You do not need a white or denim shirt for the look, although it’s frequently shown as a classic combination. You’ll want the turtleneck to be relatively thin, flat, and fitted if you layer under tailored pieces. Fluid fits can work under roomier items. It’s a practical look, because layering turtlenecks in this way can extend the wear of Summery and transitional pieces, and keep you insulated.

I LOVE turtlenecks and have been wearing them since I was a child. My long neck likes turtlenecks and mock turtlenecks, so they are one of my best necklines. My short hair makes them easy to wear. I usually wear turtlenecks under jackets and coats. I also have a turtleneck dress. I layer them less frequently under shirts and dresses, but enjoy those looks too. Writing this post reminds me that I need to get a flannel shirt, since I passed on the one I had that was worn out. I also need a few simple, solid turtlenecks in colours like navy and cream. I have these items on my radar, and will layer the turtleneck under the plaid shirt, and stick a blazer, jacket or coat over the top.

Over to you. Do you like to layer with turtlenecks in this way? Or will you stick to wearing them under jackets and coats. Or simply not wear turtlenecks at all.

Outfit Formula: Textural Black and Grey

Wearing black with grey in the Autumn and Winter is a classic. Some of my clients and friends only wear black and grey, with a smattering of white. Hubs Greg is a black and grey outfit devotee, but throws in a lot of dark blue, some olive, some white, and a bit of dark red. Black works with all shades of grey, but greys are notoriously hard to match. My advice is to deliberately mismatch the greys, stick to matching the blacks in the outfit, or add a shade of white instead of more grey. Here are some easy black and grey outfits.

On to some outfit formulas with an emphasis on fabric texture, which creates interest and outfit depth. In some instances, the wearer’s hair adds a lot of texture to the look. That comes through strongly in examples 2 and 3.

1. Columned and Wrapped

Three distinctive textures are the strength of this vibe. A cocktail of knitted and tweedy herringbone, wool, and leather is yummy. The leather can be faux or real. Cropped black relaxed straight leather pants are paired with a black sweater. It’s tucked, but you can leave it out. Add black boots to complete the column of black. Throw a tweedy grey wrap, ruana, cape or poncho over the top, and you’re done.

Columned and Wrapped

2. Black Pants, Slogan Tee, and Sneakers

Combine a pair of black roomy pants or jeans like relaxed straights, wide crops, or pleated pants, with a grey slogan tee. Finish things off with white sneakers, black boots, or loafers that work with the palette of the outfit. The model’s hair adds fabulous texture to the outfit, as does the shiny leather bag. A black leather moto will add a nice bit of texture too. The necklace adds a fab bit of shine to the tee.

Black Pants, Slogan Tee, and Sneakers

3. Patterned and Quilted

The grey and black pattern of the pants, the quilted fabric of the vest, AND the model’s hair create dramatic texture. The simple black layering top and boots make the statement items shine. The lantern silhouette of the pants are theatrical and roomy, but feel free to sub them with a shape that is more to your taste. The cropped length of the vest tempers its volume and the volume of the pants. The model’s cascading grey locks are my favourite part of the outfit

Patterned and Quilted

4. Grey-Out

The last look has no black at all, and is instead deliciously textured in shades of grey. The three-part silver complement of bag, shoes and belt makes a glam and shiny impact, and is an effective fifth texture. The rest of the look is made up of nylon, wool, cotton, and plush teddy. The stitch interest of the scarf and hat add further interest. The greys match pretty well, or are at least tonally similar, which is quite the accomplishment. By all means leave off the belt and wear the pullover untucked. If silver is not your thing, try Winter white or black. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired

Grey-Out

I don’t wear black and grey, but I’m cheering on those who do from the sidelines. I hope we will see many iterations on the forum. It’s especially a GREAT neutral palette with salt and pepper hair. Who bats for Team Textural Black and Grey?