Fashion News Roundup: July 2021

A fashion rental service from an unexpected source, Ulta Beauty shop-in-shops coming to Target, and other fashion news that caught our attention in July.

Fun Fashion Quote

 I really like photographer Christine Han’s thoughts on her beauty philosophy:

“I watch my 13-month-old daughter and there’s no question of beautiful or not beautiful. She just IS. She is always in her body, in the moment, confident, strong. She is absolutely natural, and hasn’t had all the conditionings put upon her yet. Beauty is getting back to that natural state, becoming aware of your thoughts and realizing you are more than your body.”

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Bold Patterns and Statement Footwear in L.A.

Los Angeles-based Julie D. Harbour (56) is a stylist who documents her outfits on Instagram, and her website, Stylish Paradox. Julie is a confident dresser who loves bold patterns, colour, and a sassy high heel. She alternates between silhouettes that accentuate her curves and more fluid-fit outfits. Her trademark radiant smile, bright lippy, and big hoop earrings are all an integral part of her wonderful style.

“My style has evolved into only incorporating clothing into my wardrobe that I love. One of my style mantras is, don’t buy it unless you love it! And I’ve learned to always show up as myself! Being a little extra with your style is okay!!!! Own it!”

Julie Harbour - 1

This off-the-shoulder midi number in pretty pastels is wonderful for a warm Spring day. The subtly frilled neckline, and tiered silhouette with more exuberant frilly hemline create playful movement and visual interest. Julie’s wide cream belt with oversized gold buckle accentuates her waist and adds structure. The stiletto sandals lengthen the leg line, while the unexpected cornflower blue colour is perfect with the light blue and peach pattern of the dress. Oversized sunnies and big earrings add pizzazz. Julie’s sleek straight hair juxtaposes cleverly with the frilly detailing of the frock, and her bright red lippy draws attention to our blogger’s trademark radiant smile.Julie Harbour - 2

Julie loves a bold pattern, and this gorgeous floral print pantsuit fits that bill perfectly. Wearing the same pattern on top and bottom streamlines the look, and creates vertical integrity by drawing the eye up and down. Julie combines the eye-catching florals with an equally bright orange top with high neckline that matches one of the colours in the jacket. The cropped tapered pant legs showcase dainty strappy sandals. The black footwear echoes the black background of the floral print, which also lengthens the leg line. A fun geometric necklace, bright red satchel, and statement red specs complete the look with aplomb.Julie Harbour - 3

Our blogger created this soft-edged look around a form-fitting black dress with interesting design details. The V-neckline and vertical seam running down the middle have an elongating effect. At the same time, the ruching adds flattering visual interest and creates a subtle faux high-low hemline. The tie-dye moto jacket in grey, black and white adds edgy toughness. Julie’s fun three-toned platform brogues add a bit of a lift, and echo the colours in the jacket. Large silver hoops add subtle bling, while Julie’s curly hair worn down brings softness to the look.

Julie Harbour - 4

It’s interesting to see how you can create a completely different vibe with the same pair of shoes. Julie is wearing the same chunky brogues as in the previous outfit. Here, their menswear flair juxtaposes brilliantly with the soft pink and flowy silhouette of her shirtdress. The combination also has a subtle ‘50s vibe to it. The white polka dots on the dress — that match the white in the footwear — and billowy sleeves add playful charm. The fit-and-flare style accentuates Julie’s waist and creates structure. Her big sunnies and bright red lipstick add old-school glam.Julie Harbour - 5

A chic column of black gets the glam treatment by adding a luxe looking tweed cape. Julie is wearing an elbow-length puff-sleeved top untucked over a black faux leather pencil skirt. The sleek below-the-knee skirt is a Modern Classic. Combining it with black pointy-toe boots lengthens the leg line, while the slouchy scrunched style creates fun visual interest. The fab multi-coloured tweed cape worn asymmetrically over one shoulder glams up the entire look. Note how the beige and brown lining matches Julie’s wide belt that streamlines the voluminous topper. Wearing her hair back showcases the cape’s beautiful collar and Julie’s oversized hoop earrings. Bright lipstick and our blogger’s fab smile are the icing on the cake. 

Julie Harbour - 6

The amazing colours in Julie’s on-trend paisley dress immediately caught my eye. The cool-toned reds and blues work beautifully with the warm browns and orange. Pairing the dress with soft suede flat loafers in a striking shade of warm red makes the colours pop even more. The studded cognac belt and small structured handbag add earth tones that further enhance the palette. Julie’s striking choker necklace in an unexpected sour green adds extra vibrancy. Her trademark huge hoops, red lipstick and bright smile finish off this polished look to perfection.

Let us know what you think of Julie’s amazing outfits in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her style on Instagram or her website.

NAS Top Picks: Dresses

There are some fab dresses at the sale. Even my clients who seldom wear dresses brought a couple home. The best dress at the NAS does not seem to be on sale online, so it may have been a Nordstrom flagship NAS special. It’s the Max Mara Tubo Long Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress, which I’ve added at the end of the collection in case you see it in stores. It was offered in cranberry and black at the flagship. If you like it, I hope it finds you.

  • Ted Baker London Faustaa Long Sleeve Jersey Dress: We didn't have high hopes for what we thought would be an overly clingy dress. Turns out it's not that clingy, and has a fab drape to it. Nice neckline. The front knot and pleat detail adds a lot of interest. It comes in a tan, and was great on petites.
  • Maggy London Print Ruched Waist Midi Dress: If you like to wear bold patterned fit-and-flare midi dresses, try this one. It's substantial, drapes well and has a good fit. Easy to launder and does not crease. You have to be okay with the puffy sleeves though. The neckline is high, but it has a keyhole opening which offsets it a little. Nice bit of swoosh.
  • Julia Jordan Mixed Scarf Print Long Sleeve Midi Dress: '70s fabness in an on-trend patchwork pattern. This dress looks much better in person. It's mesh and fits really well. Fab drape and lightweight, yet insulated and feels substantial. The V-neckline is unique and that part was especially flattering on clients who enjoy the neckline. It worked well on petites.
  • Eliza J Floral Long Sleeve Midi Dress: A classic for Team Teal Floral that comes in a large assortment of sizes. Elegant and versatile. Might run a little roomy.
  • Charles Henry High/Low Knit Dress: An easy and casual knit dress that comes in black and burgundy. It fits a range of body types because of the fluidity of the dropped waist and gathered tiers. The high-low hemline adds pizzazz. Fab movement. Good worn as a tunic too. Works for petites.
  • Julia Jordan Boatneck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress: A cute sweater dress if you like to wear this type of look with hosiery and tall boots. Mid-calf boots look good too. It's fitted, but not that clingy. The waist is straight. The sleeves are gorgeous and make a statement. Comes in black.
  • Julia Jordan Floral Puff Sleeve A-Line Midi Dress: The lining of this dress is especially comfortable. It has a back necktie, so make sure that doesn't get in the way. The fit is fab for Team Defined Waist who like earth tones and teal. It layers quite easily under toppers, which is handy. Nice drape.
  • T Tahari Mock Neck Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress: A classic that is versatile when you need a dressier dress that isn't black. Substantial fabric. Comes in cobalt. It's fitted but not clingy. Good on those who like to wear sheaths with high necklines.
  • Eliza J Pleated Sleeve Sheath Dress: This dress makes a statement because the sleeves are wider and more architectural in person. The fit is quite forgiving because of the weight of the fabric. Great on Team Sheath and a great classic to pull out for a dressier occasion. Gorgeous navy.
  • MAX MARA LEISURE Tubo Long Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress: A petite client tried this on in cranberry, and took my breath away. STUNNING in the most avant-garde yet classic way. The textured fabric and silhouette are sublime. Voluminous yet very streamlined. The sleeves look better scrunched. The back has a shallow V-neckline, which looks pretty. Does not crease or cling. A WOW dress.
  • MAX MARA LEISURE Tubo Long Sleeve Jersey Midi Dress: A petite client tried this on in cranberry, and took my breath away. STUNNING in the most avant-garde yet classic way. The textured fabric and silhouette are sublime. Voluminous yet very streamlined. The sleeves look better scrunched. The back has a shallow V-neckline, which looks pretty. Does not crease or cling. A WOW dress.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Roundups

Simpler Items

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

Read More

Assorted Items

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

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

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

Read More

Hints of Spring

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

Read More

Dressier Items

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

Read More

NAS Top Picks: Tops and Knitwear

There were a handful of good tops, and some fab knitwear, but generally this area of the sale was not up to scratch. You might strike out if you aren’t into neutrals or earth tones, although there was a little teal, red, pink and blush. That said, if you are looking for Athleisure, there is a pretty good assortment. Most of my clients gave Athleisure a pass after a significant stock up during the last sixteen months of the pandemic, but by all means take a peek.

  • Madewell Stripe Pickford Pullover Sweater: A cute cotton pullover in a lavender stripe with unique side vent detailing. Might run a size big.
  • Nordstrom Longline Wool & Cashmere Cardigan: If you like to wear maxi cardigans, try this one. It's swooshy, drapey, dramatic, and feels yummy to the touch. Three more neutrals.
  • Halogen Puff Sleeve Sweater: A soft and stretchy fluid pullover that comes in five soft colours. Pretty sleeves. Works well on a larger bust. Lightweight. Fluidly tailored and forgiving on the midsection. Might run big.
  • Club Monaco Shrunken Cashmere Cardigan: A pretty and soft little cardigan that works well with skirts and higher rise bottoms. I like it worn as a top. Soft, luxe, and a lovely fit.
  • Theory Cashmere Crewneck Sweater: A luxe classic that comes in neutrals. Nice tailored fit. Not clingy. The substantial ribbing on the neckline adds a polished touch. Comes in two neutrals.
  • French Connection Jamie Textured Cotton Sweater: I've ordered this one and will let you know what I think. I was drawn to the 100% cotton content, crisp shade of white, short length, and billowing sleeves.
  • French Connection Mozart Popcorn Cotton Sweater: I've ordered this one in white because it reminds me of an achitectural COS piece. Another 100% cotton item. I love the neat, tidy, and high neckline.
  • AllSaints Ridley Funnel Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater: Dramatic, on-trend, and great over slim bottoms. Runs a size big. It does not layer well under a tailored coat. Best under a cape or very roomy cocoon coat.
  • Club Monaco Textured Balloon Sleeve Top: Pretty and polished. Lovely quality. Looks great with skirts and wider high-rise bottoms.
  • AllSaints Lock Roll Neck Wool Blend Sweater: A fably architectural look that runs big. Its roominess is tempered by the diagonal line of the hem. The funnel neck works quite well on a shorter neck. If you don't mind extra length on the sleeves, it can work well on petites.
  • Zadig & Voltaire Camo Skull Strass Sweatshirt: This one is for Team Skulls, and comes in grey. Cosy and fluid.
  • Boss Emka Jacquard Sweater: This top is GORGEOUS with the matching skirt to create a sublime two-piece dress. Tailored with some fluidity. One of my 80-year-old clients has the two-piece dress and it took my breath away.
  • Zella Women's Sheer Luck Long Sleeve Mesh T-Shirt: This worked well on a curvy body type with a larger bust. Fitted, but quite forgiving. Comes in solid black, and a quiet grey geometric pattern. Feels a little silky.
  • Nic + Zoe Champion Rib Tie Top: A good top to wear with wide crops and skirts. Remember to tie the tie with a square knot so that it lies flat. Especially great with grey hair. Soft, forgiving fit, and comfy.
  • RAILS Ingrid Raw Hem Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt: This looked great on clients with salt and pepper hair. It's shorter than the norm, and good on shorter waists, and petites. Fun raw edge.
  • RAILS Hunter Button-Up Shirt: A super soft plaid shirt that is a repeat item at the sale, and popular with my clients. Very drapey. Three plaids to choose from.
  • Nanushka Naum Classic Faux Leather Shirt: This looked STUNNING on one of my apple-shaped petite clients who wore it UNTUCKED over black pants. It's fun worn as a topper over a sheath dress too. You can turn back the sleeves to create cuffs if they are too long. A richer burgundy in person.
  • Reiss Mabel Stripe Button-Up Shirt: A beautiful blouse in an interesting geometric pattern with an elegant fluid drape. Great on apple shapes. Lovely tab sleeves.
  • Nordstrom Everyday Long Sleeve Crewneck Rib T-Shirt: I don't typically wear T-shirts, but got this one because the fit and fabric is crisp and polished, and a blush and cream stripe is rare. I wore it the next day under a denim jacket for a long flight and it was perfect. Fitted, and you might need to size up. Comes in black and white.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

NAS Top Picks: Accessories

The accessories at the sale were good, and are well worth a browse. It’s a smaller assortment than usual, but a focussed one. There was as much silver as gold in the jewellery department, many crossbody bag styles, some good belts, some good hats, and a few fab scarves. 

Here are some winners.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.