NAS Top Picks: Bottoms

The denim assortment at the sale was pretty good this year, and across a wider assortment of sizes than usual. There was a small assortment of casual and dressy pants, and some winners among them. There were even fewer skirts, because it’s a dress season. There was a lot of Athleisure, which most of my clients were done purchasing sixteen months into the pandemic, but by all means take a peek at the full set of offerings if that’s your thing.

  • Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Raw Hem Straight Leg Jeans: These jeans work on a range of body types because they mould to the body. A fairly even darker wash, and the whiskering is more flattering than you expect. Rise not too high. Might need to size down.
  • NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans: Floral Jeans Fabness. Bootcuts are making an on-trend comeback, and these fit the bill. They fit a straighter and curvier body type. Good mid-length rise. Great length for taller gals, and you might need to size down. Fab '70s integrity.
  • Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans: Good relaxed and cuffed on-trend jeans that fit a range of body types. The front pocket detailing adds a nice touch. You might need to size down, especially when you're straighter in the hips and thighs.
  • Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jeans: These have been good on a curvier body type. The rise is quite high, so pass if you prefer a mid-length rise. They have been great on those who are long in the rise.
  • Levi's Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans: The best on-trend jeans at the sale. Flattering, fun, and comfortable. Not too tight, and fluidly fab. Streamlined, and smart casual.
  • AG Ex-Boyfriend Relaxed Slim Jeans: These worked well for a straighter and curvier figure, but run big. I liked them best cuffed or rolled at the hem. A few clients rocked them with a belt.
  • Boss Tiluna Slim Wool & Silk Suit Pants: I haven't seen these in person yet, but have them on order to go with a matching blazer. Hugo Boss often uses a silky wool for its suiting, which is luxe and gorgeous. The rise is a good length, and the fit fluidly tailored. I will have them altered if the fit is almost dead right.
  • Zella Live In Jogger Pants: These have been a hit with clients since the start of the pandemic and continue to be popular. They are comfortable, easy to launder, and there is plenty of length for Team Tall. Fab for Zoom meetings with a dressed up top.
  • Spanx Faux Leather Jogger Pants: If you like joggers and faux leather, try these. Roomier than faux leather leggings and quite breathable. Might need to size down.
  • Nordstrom Everyday Skinny Fit Stretch Cotton Ankle Pants: These look better in person. They are skinny, but not quite as skinny as jeggings. They are substantial, a nice colour, and not as high in the rise as they look. Comes in black.
  • Levi's Levi’s 501 High Waist Crop Straight Leg Jeans: These trendy jeans look good on a range of body types, and can be worn tailored or fluidly tailored. They don't have much stretch. Nice even wash. Size up for a more fluid fit.
  • Boss Telareama Button Accent Crop Pants: Gorgeous, luxe, different, and fits a curvier and straighter body type. Fun side seam buttons. Rise is quite high, but drapes well on the body.
  • Nili Lotan Jenna Slim Crop Stretch Twill Pants: If you're curvier and like a mid-length rise, try these. They have worked well on petites.
  • WASH LAB Pieced Denim Skirt: This midaxi is a LOT of skirt, and makes quite the statement. It has an architectural vibe to it, and is quite unique. It's soft and stretchy, and very comfy. Comes in blue.
  • Boss Emkara Cotton Blend Pencil Skirt: One of my 80-year-old clients sent me a photo of herself in this skirt with the matching top to create a two-piece dress, and took my breath away. KILLER GORGEOUS, luxe and chic. Beautiful with her salt and pepper hair, and comfy to boot. Get the matching top!
  • Caslon Sweater Knit Skirt: A very easy and comfy knitted skirt with fun side slits that aren't too revealing.
  • Cinq A Sept Azure Crop Wide Leg Jeans: I have these on order because I've liked the brand in the past and adore the wide leg silhouette. The fabric might be a little too thin for my liking, but I will report back soonest.
  • Cinq A Sept Tous Les Jour Giles Joggers: These are a repeat style that do well every season, if you like the idea of a jogger and harem pants hybrid. They are VERY lightweight so consider yourself warned. They work well on a range of body types because they are forgiving. They look good with UNTUCKED tops, and are a delicious shade of teal.
  • Halogen Pleated Faux Leather Maxi Skirt: This skirt works on a range of body types because it moulds to the body. The pleats lie flat and create a streamlined effect. It has worked well on petites.

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

NAS Top Picks: Coats and Jackets

The sale was full of great casual coats and jackets that generally run big. There are lots of Modern Classics, which is going down particularly well with my clients, and with me. The trendier silhouettes are fun too. When you try them on, remember to layer with the correct items underneath to ensure the best fit. Coats especially need to be roomy to accommodate knitwear and sometimes a blazer or lightweight jacket.

Earth tones and black ruled the sale. Shades of olive and greyed greens made the biggest statement, as did shades of toffee, cinnamon and caramel. There is a good bit of teal too. Please check colour combinations and size options because for practical reasons I am showing each top pick in only one size and colour option. On to the winners.

  • AVEC LES FILLES Plaid Shawl Collar Coat: A well-made Trendy Classic that runs big. Fluidly tailored. Sleeves are long but easy to hem. The plaids match and look striking.
  • Pendleton Women's Eureka Waterproof Hooded Raincoat: This is a good classic raincoat that is well-made and for Team Teal. An elegant length. Runs very roomy. It's WARM, and a bit stiff, and the teal is darker in person.
  • Bernardo Solid Peaked Lapel Coat: If you enjoy wearing V-necks and single-breasted coats, this has potential. Good on a larger bust. The length is ideal for skirts and dresses. The side entry pockets are handy, and the drape is good.
  • Bernardo Relaxed Fit Animal Print Coat: Animal Print Cocoon Coat Fabness that fits over layers and chunkier knits. There are patch pockets instead of side entry pockets, so consider yourself warned. Versatile knee-length.
  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Diamond Quilted Long Coat: A streamlined and crisp quilted coat in a subtle green and blue pattern. Well-made and gently shaped. Robust, crease-resistant, and packable.
  • Sam Edelman Hooded Faux Shearling Teddy Coat: A teddy coat in a cool shade of brown is rare, and this one has a hood. Good side entry pockets, and fabulously cosy. Runs big.
  • Bernardo Quilted Neoprene Hooded Puffer Coat: A shaped puffer with thumbholes and side entry pockets. The panel inserts of stretch fabrics add comfort, and the high-low hemline is an interesting touch. It does not have a double zipper.
  • SAVE THE DUCK Katelyn Water Repellent Puffer Jacket: I'm impressed with the quality of this brand. The items are very warm, lightweight, water-repellant, and cosy. This one has a handy two-way zipper but no hood. Make sure you like the unusual length.
  • Sam Edelman Iridescent Water Repellent Hooded Puffer Jacket: Metallic Space Age Pink Puffer Fabness and water-repellant too. Fun high-low hemline, and quite the architectural silhouette from the side. Size down.
  • BLANKNYC Quilted Hooded Jacket: This was really cute, and good on apple-shaped body types, and shorter waists. Cosy and a little different.
  • Pendleton Women's Foxglove Print Zip Jacket: If you like the look and ease of zip-through jackets, try this one. It's very cosy and has a '70s look about it. It's easy to pull on and off, and runs big. Well-made.
  • AVEC LES FILLES Puffer Coat: This is a LOT of puffer, and especially around the neck. Long hair might get in the way. But it's very cosy, and with an interesting cut. Mega Boxy Fabness and NOT streamlined. I love the warmth that it provides around the neck.
  • KUT from the Kloth Carina Faux Suede Drape Moto Jacket: These faux suede motos are a hit with clients every season because they are easy, super soft, comfy, and streamlined. They look as good with skirts and dresses as they do with jeans, pants and shorts. Size down if you're layering them over a sleeveless top. Comes in olive and taupe.
  • Bernardo Puffer Jacket with Removable Bib & Hood: This is a great little puffer that comes in grey and black, although teal is the favourite. The hood and bib are additions that can be removed. The stretchy side panels make it extra comfy and forgiving. Streamlined and sporty.
  • AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket: The best olive moto at the sale, but runs a size small. It's great on petites, and shorter waists. Impeccable quality and chic. A little heavy so you've been warned. Comes in cream and black.
  • SAVE THE DUCK Women's Mei Puffer Jacket: The fuzzy collar on this puffer is a fabulous touch, and the fit streamlined yet fluid. Lightweight, warm, and the shade of soft gold is unique.
  • Madewell High Pile Fleece Portland Jacket: This jacket is good on petites because the sleeves run short. A soft shade of caramel and quite warm.
  • Eileen Fisher Stand Collar Cotton & Linen Jacket: A trapeze jacket with an avant-garde vibe. Fab waxed finish that is soft to the touch. Size down.
  • L'AGENCE Kenzie Double Breasted Bouclé Blazer: The cut-away fronts and low stance of this jacket create interesting diagonal lines that look attractive on the body. Tailored.
  • KUT from the Kloth Carina Houndstooth Check Drapey Jacket: A VERY comfy checked jacket made of a soft and stretchy fabric for Team Neutral. Has worked well on petites, and you might need to size down.
  • Barbour Women's Hargate Quilted Jacket: If you like to wear short and very streamlined puffers, try this one. The sleeves aren't puffy, and the diagonal stitching of the quilting draws the eye inwards towards the waist. Great two-way zipper.
  • Treasure&Bond Mix Plaid Double Breasted Coat: Mega '80s Fabness. The shoulders are VERY sharp, and the fit is floppy and fluid on the body. It's a fun flashback and makes quite the statement despite the quiet colour palette. Creative colour blocking. Good on Team Tall, but I liked it on a petite client too. Might need to size down.
  • Boss Jabielle Wool & Silk Suit Jacket: Tailored and beautifully made, this suit blazer might earn a place in my wardrobe with a pair of pants to match. Gorgeous fabric. The mismatched window pane insets add an interesting touch.
  • Sam Edelman Notched Lapel Reefer Coat: A flattering coat that creates a streamlined appearance. Good on curvy body types and in a beautiful shade of teal. Texture makes quite a statement. Might run a little small.
  • Thread & Supply Shirt Jacket: There were many shirt jackets at the sale, and my clients liked this one best. Great on apple-shaped body types, and worked quite well on petites. Comes in solids.
  • Vince Camuto Open Front Knit Jacket: Elegant, easy, comfortable, and streamlined. Fab over a column of black. Great with a bright red top too. Our forum member modelled this recently and looks AMAZING. Size down.
  • Vince Camuto Notched Lapel Blazer: A versatile blazer that's fab paired with black pants, jeans or a skirt. A good clean fit, but size down. Soft and not stiff.
  • Bernardo Plaid Coat with Removable Faux Leather Bib: A fun coat for Team Neutral Plaid that runs big. The plaids match, and looks great with salt and pepper hair. Comfy, and looks good on a curvier body type.

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

A Tribute to Papa

On July 17, and two months short of 89, our precious Papa passed away in his hometown of Velp, in the Netherlands. The loss is immense, and we are deeply saddened that he is no longer with us. Our hearts are heavy, but my brother Hugo and I are thankful that we flew out to be with my Dad earlier this week. Papa was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, a fabulous Opa to grandson Sebs, and a role model to many. 

Jaap with Hugo and Angie

Papa had an extremely tough time growing up in the Netherlands during World War 2. His family didn’t have much during and after the war, and the hardships they endured were rough. This tough start to life is part of what made my Dad the strong, hardy, hard-working, tenacious, and independent person that he was. It also made him thankful and grateful for the smallest things, awfully humble, frugal at heart, and very patient.

My Dad’s life greatly improved when he accepted a job offer in British Hong Kong in the late 1950s. This was a brave and adventurous thing to do back then, but quite typical of my Dad. He had a fearless and adventurous streak, despite his very sensible, and introverted demeanour. He was ready to tear into what life had to offer. Intelligent and academic, he became a Chartered Accountant and had a successful career in the shipping industry, ultimately becoming financial director at a large shipping company.

He met our Mama on Repulse Bay beach in Hong Kong and that was that. They were married shortly afterwards, had two children, and happily lived abroad in Asia and Africa for decades.

Jaap and Yvonne

When Mama died of cancer twenty-one years ago, Papa moved back to his home town in the Netherlands. He was heartbroken, but tried his best to be happy by spending a lot of time with his children, their spouses, their families, and his grandson. Until the age of 83, my Dad travelled around the world like a spring chicken and did everything himself. He slowed down at age 84 but was still fiercely independent. He walked everywhere, and lived on his own until a year ago. Papa was AMAZING.

I love how gentle, sweet, strong, smiley, resourceful, polite, and passionate our Dad was. He was kind, generous, warm, and loved his books. Papa had the BEST bellowing laugh, and a fun mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Papa was popular because in his quiet and modest way, he was extremely charming — a real gentleman. He was respected, and a good person. He was the king of understatement and never exaggerated. If you said it was 3 pm, but it was only three minutes to three – he would correct you because Papa was very exact about things. He was disinterested in fashion and style, but looked dapper in his checked shirts, bright pullovers, statement specs, and a hat. You might remember a fun interview with my Dad about fashion and style I posted ten years ago.

Papa enriched our lives and made me a better person. He was greatly loved, and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, sweet Papa. I love you.

Jaap and Hugo

Jaap and Angie

Jaap and Angie

Jaap and Sebs

Jaap with Sebs and Hugo

Jaap, Keri and Sebs

Jaap and Greg

Park

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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Looking Forward to White after Labor Day

For a few days I am republishing some posts that have been particularly popular on YLF. Back when I used Polyvore to create Friday ensembles, this was one of the most popular ensemble posts of all time. Perhaps it will inspire a few outfits of your own, especially when we head into Autumn.

I’m in favour of wearing white jeans year round. We wear black in Summer, so why can’t we wear white in Winter! White is the colour of snow, looks fresh and modern no matter what, and functions as a bright. Ignore the guideline that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. 

Here is one way of wearing white jeans in cold weather, and it happens to be my favourite. It’s about combining white jeans with a support act of statement pullover and booties. You might be able to shop your closet for the look right away, in any colour palette. I’ve chosen cool and warm neutrals. Ink blue because it’s softer than black, and camel for Team Earth Tones. 

Here are the components: 

White Jeans: Choose your silhouette, from straight legs and skinnies, to bootcuts or boyfriend jeans. I vote optical white, but cream or ecru is another option. 

Statement Pullover: You’re after something a little more than a basic sweater, so think oversized drapey styles, high-low hemlines, patterns, cheeky pullovers, and conversational prints. Of course, if a basic pullover is your preference, that’s fine too. Tuck, semi-tuck or faux tuck. 

Booties: You have a choice of keeping the booties low or high contrast against the white of the jeans. I’ve chosen high-contrast ink booties and caramel booties to match the pullovers, but white, tan, light taupe or silver booties are a low-contrast choice. I also chose heeled booties to offset the horizontal line that is created by the high-contrast colour. Oxfords and shooties are additional footwear options. 

Coat: A wool coat of your choice finishes off the look. A cape, trench coat, wool blazer or leather jacket works as well. 

Accessories: Wear a belt if you semi or faux tuck the pullover. I’ve chosen an on-trend silver clutch because silver works well with white and adds in sci-fi fabness. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

white-labor-feature-image@2x

It’s the sheer brightness of white jeans and the fact that they are dressier than blue jeans that appeals to me most about wearing them year round. I have three pairs that are wardrobe workhorses, and I’m in white jeans at least once a week. As I type this, I’m wearing white boyfriend jeans with a neon pink cashmere pullover, leopard belt and leopard booties. I have also worn the ink and white ensemble version on the left quite a bit.

I love white jeans, and need no convincing to wear them. Will you wear white jeans in cold weather?

Twenty-Five Style Tips, Three Years Later

For a few days I am republishing some posts that have been particularly popular on YLF. Today we are revisiting my top 25 style tips from three years ago. I think they are equally relevant today.

I’ve been in the fashion world for more than half of my life. I’ve learned so much and it makes me very happy to share my experience with others when it can help them on their style journey. Here are are my top style tips in no particular order. 

  1. Style is beyond size, age and body type. It’s an energy and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories.
  2. An authentic style is one that’s manageable and makes you happy. It celebrates that style is PERSONAL, and emanates from the inside out.
  3. Be patient and positive with your style. Relax into your style journey. Pat yourself on the back every time you get it right.
  4. Dress the body you have right now. Don’t wait for some future version of yourself.
  5. Create a column of colour when you’re after a streamlined and slender outfit effect.
  6. Be mindful of how you wear black. It can look chic, dressy, slimming, hard-edged, strong and dramatic, but it can also look boring, harsh, flat and predictable.
  7. Focus on fit, and not the size written on the clothing label.
  8. A glowing smile, great posture, and happy eyes are the best accessories to an outfit.
  9. Do not underestimate the importance of fabulous hair, killer eyewear, and excellent underwear. These are the areas of your style to analyze first when you’re in a style rut.
  10. Don’t “compare and despair” by focussing on what others have and you don’t. Compete with the best version of your current self, and focus on what you do have.
  11. Don’t take the emotion out of your style. Listen to how you FEEL in an outfit. The more you are in tune with your preferences, needs and emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is easy, authentic and makes you feel fabulous.
  12. Celebrate your body because it’s an incredible gift that deserves daily care and praise at any shape and age.
  13. The sooner you embrace the next phase of your own beauty, the easier it will be to stop fighting the aging process and start celebrating the miraculous journey that is your life.
  14. Appreciate all the different ways we can be beautiful. Life would be awfully dull if we all looked the same.
  15. Create brow, lash and lip definition to frame your face.
  16. Look after your skin and wear sunscreen daily.
  17. Keep your fashion feet moving. Allow your style to evolve.
  18. Judge the outfit, and not the person.
  19. Never say never in fashion and style because you’ll be surprised at how your feelings about a look, colour or item can change over time.
  20. Ask three questions to troubleshoot outfits:
    1. Is it the length of an item that will make the difference?
    2. Is it the contrast between the items and your skin tone?
    3. Do you need to add heels to the outfit?
  21. Create outfit proportions that align with YOUR figure-flattering priorities.
  22. Your favourite colours are always in style.
  23. Life is too short to save your clothes for special occasions. Ration the super special stuff and wear the heck out of the rest.
  24. Modern Classics can be incorporated into any style.
  25. Have fun with fashion at any age. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your fashion exploits.

Which of these style tips resonate with you the most? Please post your own favourite style tips in the comments section below.