Team Pointy, Round or Square

This week’s poll is about footwear toe boxes, and whether you prefer pointy, round, or square toe boxes. All square toes count, including snip toes, round square toes, or very square toes. Almond toes can be pointy or round, depending on the shape. 

I like and wear all the toe box shapes, as long as the shoes are refined. My dressier shoes are pointy-toe with some snip toe and round square toe in the mix. My extensive collection of non-athletic sneakers are round toe and almond toe. But as an ‘80s gal with pointy feet, my heart is with the pointy-toe. They are a natural fit for my narrow feet and long toes, and look good with my dressy style. It was close though. These days I wear round and almond toe sneakers all the time.

I bat for Team Pointy-Toe. How about you? It’s tradition every Thanksgiving that you can bat for more than one team in the poll. No one is benched, and everyone can play. I would love to hear your preferences.

We will be slowing down blog posts this week as the US celebrates Thanksgiving. If you live in the US, we wish you a safe and peaceful holiday weekend.

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Stompy Boots and Sneakers in Paris

Saryba lives in Paris, and posts her outfits on her Instagram account, Kurvisary. She’s a trendy dresser who likes animal print and isn’t afraid of colour. She loves sporting skirts, dresses and sneakers, and regularly uses stompy boots to add a tough edge to her outfits.

Saryba - 1

Saryba is sporting a fit-and-flare midi dress with leopard print in a beautiful golden orange-y colour. The flattering V-neckline and thigh split show a bit of skin, which creates structure. As a third piece, she’s opted for an on-trend long black blazer. The fitted shoulders also add structure, while the roomy fit everywhere else, adds a touch of nonchalance. Our blogger loves to use combat boots to add a hard-edged touch to her skirt and dress looks. Here a pair of black platform Dr. Martens do the trick. They also bookend Saryba’s hair and blazer perfectly. An oval-shaped black crossbody and dainty silver earrings finish off the look.

Saryba - 2

Hard edge meets cosy in this striking Fall outfit. Saryba has paired a black faux leather pencil skirt with a soft red and white patterned pullover. The exposed silver zipper, patch pockets, and faux leather material create plenty of visual interest. Tucking the sweater into the just-below-the-knee length skirt lengthens the leg line from the hip upward. It’s unusual to see a giraffe pattern in this bright red and white, which makes it extra fun. The way the stripes flow creates movement. Our blogger’s black patent ankle boots have a refined combat boot vibe. They add sheen to the look and, with their silver hardware, tie in nicely with the black skirt and silver zipper.

Saryba - 3

A trouser suit in a non-neutral colour is always a winner in my book, and this tomato red version is absolutely stunning. So elegant and eye-catching. The wide-legged trousers are a classic silhouette that never goes out of style. For the topper, Saryba picked a robe-style blazer with self-belt that accentuates her waist. It’s a softer look than the more strict classic blazer, and gives the whole outfit a glamorous ‘30s movie star vibe. The tailored fit on the shoulders and waist adds plenty of structure. The V-neckline that shows a bit of skin creates subtle allure. Crisp white sneakers are very on-trend, and add a fab Sporty Luxe touch.

Saryba - 4

I love the strong simplicity of this graphic black and white look. Saryba toughens up a crisp white shirt dress with hard-edged Dr. Martens boots. The balloon sleeves and rounded hemline add a bit of softness. The subtle side slits add vertical integrity, while the relaxed fit is easy breezy for warm Summer days. Our blogger’s black stompy boots bookend her dark hair. The soft waves also add a bit of soft contrast. Finally, the small camera bag ties the black and white palette together.

Saryba - 5

This is a fab example of Angie’s Relaxed Pleated Midi Skirt Ensemble. Saryba is wearing a below-the-knee pleated midi in striking chartreuse. The soft fabric combined with the pleats creates movement. She’s tucked in a black mock neck top, which lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. The combination of chartreuse, black, and white is striking! A very on-trend longer leather moto jacket adds structure and hard edge. So do the silver metal buckle and grommets on her crossbody strap. White low-top sneakers dress down the look, while the neon accent on the heel echoes the colour of the skirt. Our blogger’s shiny hair, silver earrings and red lippy are the polished finishing touches.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Saryba’s wonderful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and then hop on over to her Instagram account to browse the rest of her outfits.

Fab Finds: Assorted Items

These items have recently been winners with forum members and my clients. The prices, vibes and colours vary, and many items are on sale (or will be soon.) Read the reviews and browse the colour options. 

1. AllSaints Jewellery

AllSaints is a British fashion retailer headquartered in London, UK. Their jewellery is fairly unique in that it’s an opposing mix of refinement, tough edge, glam, and dressy casual. Chunky yet delicate, and hints of Steampunk too. They frequently offer both metals. The gold is matte, and they offer brass too.

2. AllSaints Two-Piece Sweater and Slip Dress

For several seasons AllSaints has offered a midi slip dress with a pullover that can be layered over the dress for a “skirt and sweater” effect. The two-piece works surprisingly well on petites, and dress hems can be shortened. The sweater varies in length and fit. After fitting some on clients last year, I found that the longer and roomier versions are far less clingy and easier to wear. The slip dresses vary in silhouette. Some are bias-cut, and others flared, pleated, and swooshy. The bias-cuts vary in cling. One version provides a bodysuit to wear under the pleated slip dress, which has a delightful ‘90s and Issey Miyake vibe to it.

3. Faux Leather Dreubea Tote

A large faux leather tote that lies flat against the body. Works well on petites, despite its large size. Roomy, soft, lightweight, versatile, holds a ton, and isn’t bulky. It has a metallic closure and one inside pocket. Comes in many colours and costs around $16.

4. Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High-Waist Stretch Cotton Joggers

Extremely comfy cotton joggers with a bit of stretch. Super cute ankle zip detail, and great to wear for work from home (WFH). They work well on a curvier figure with a defined waist, and are reasonably roomy on the thighs. Conversely, they work on a straighter figure if you size down. Currently $45 on sale.

5. NYDJ Flared Jeans

If you’re after a pair of simple, streamlined flared jeans with some length and stretch, try these. The versatile silhouette works for a slew of body types, both curvy and straight. It’s amazing how well the fit works for both an apple-shaped body type AND an hourglass and pear-shaped body type. Some rises are mid length and some are higher. Very comfortable, stretchy, substantial fabric, and easy to hem. Available in petites.

6. Graphic Tees

If you’re in a graphic tee mood, here are some fun ones to wear at home or out and about. Wear them on their own, or under a jacket or cardigan. Make a statement on a Zoom call, or keep things subtle in the privacy of your home.

7. Billabong Tube Skirt

A client who lives in very hot weather recently bought the floral, and it’s absolutely fabulous. It’s an “everyday skirt” for her because it’s easy to style and launder, and comfortable to wear. Combine it with a tee and sandals in hot weather, and add a denim jacket for the chill. It’s stretchy and therefore easier to walk in than you might expect. Works well on both curvy and straight body types because the fabric moulds to the contour of the body. Streamlining.

8. Warm, Smart Casual Pants

If you’re looking for bottoms that are warm, easy, and not too casual, try one of these styles. The first pair is a pull-on style with a ‘40s vibe. The second is sportier with back waist elastic and waist pleats. They work well for a curvier figure because they define the waist and have room in the hips and thighs. They can also work on a straighter figure because the elastic is forgiving when you need to size down.

9. L.L.Bean’s Unshrinkable Mini-Waffle Tee

A long sleeved T-shirt with texture that’s a little more than basic is hard to find. This is one way to go, and the tee claims to be unshrinkable. Wear it as an easy underlayer, for WFH, on woodsy walks, outdoorsy activities, or other very casual settings. Might run a little big.

10. DKNY Items at Macy’s

Many of my clients score at Macy’s at this time of year because they do affordable, and easy-to-wear holiday items. DKNY usually does a particularly good job. Fits tend to be roomy so you might need to size down. Here’s a small assortment of what caught my eye.

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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Outfit Formula: Black and White with Cobalt

These looks are for Team Cobalt. Shades of cobalt vary in saturation and are lighter and brighter than navy. Some are a very bright blue and others more subdued. To my eye, cobalt blue is an easy and effective match with black and white, and that’s how many of my clients wear it. Cobalt blue looks equally good with shades of green, which we’ll save for another day.

On to some outfit ideas. Note how extra great the combination is on those with black or very dark hair.

1. Cobalt Top with Black Pants

This is the easiest combination because most people choose to wear cobalt in the form of a top, and black bottoms are ubiquitous. Combine a cobalt top with black bottoms and finish off the look with black or white footwear. Here, the ribbed dolman sleeve pullover and pleather pants are an interesting textural combination. Wear a black skirt if pants aren’t your thing. Top things off with a black or white coat, cape or wrap.

Eloquii Puff Sleeve Ribbed Sweater

2. Cobalt Skirt with White Top

Combine a cobalt skirt with a white top. Finish things off with black and white zebra footwear and black topper. Sub the white top for black if that’s more your thing, and bookend with black footwear instead of the animal print. Cobalt pants will work as well as the skirt. I see a black or white bag in the mix.

Boden Theodora Pleated Skirt

3. Cobalt Topper, White Top and Black Bottoms

Combine a black skirt, trousers, or pair of jeans with a white tee, shirt, blouse or pullover. Add black or white footwear. Top things off with a cobalt jacket or coat. This combination of pleated pleather skirt with long blazer has a trendy ‘90s touch, but feel free to combine silhouettes that are more to your taste. Black bag would look fab here. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Violeta Frayed Jacket

Who bats for Team Cobalt?

Link Love: Sartorial Inspiration from TV Shows

For anyone who has ever admired the style of a character in their favourite movie or TV shows: “How (and Why) We Became Obsessed With Dressing Like Our Favourite TV Characters.”

If you’d like to buy an outfit you spotted on a show, then Shop Your TV — a website with upwards of 500 shows with wardrobe archives that have allowed users to shop clothes episode by episode — is an interesting resource.

The Guardian recently started a TV style icons of 2020 series, celebrating “the small-screen stars who have given us sartorial inspiration this year.” I certainly enjoyed the Schitt’s Creek Absolutely Fabulous Fashion Overload instalment.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream says it’s disappointing but not surprising to learn that the commitment of some beauty brands to diversity and inclusion was fleeting.

Firecracker loves that some new US representatives are shedding light on how expensive it is for women to dress professionally, and how they are helping each other find ways to create a professional style on a budget.

Canadian blogger/vlogger Christie Ressel recently posted a video about how to build a capsule wardrobe. La Belle Demimondaine doesn’t think it has any new or groundbreaking ideas, but seeing it visually, gives her some ideas on how to create new outfits from what she already has.

Here’s a new trend for us all to love, quips UmmLila.

Fashintern directs us to this article about how fashion’s use of the term “urban” is problematic.

Talking about an “oldie but goodie outfit”, says Runcarla: Prince Charles recycles “occasion wear” from 1984.

She adds that the article above was probably a lead up to the royal’s sustainable fashion collection in collaboration with Yoox Net-a-Porter. She’ll take the Prince of Wales plaid suit.