Wearing pastels like a soft light pink with black is an acquired taste. Sometimes it can be more to your taste if you add a shade of white to the combination, or some other colours. If black is not your dark neutral, replace it with dark blue, chocolate brown, or charcoal. A very dark olive can work too. Onto some outfit inspiration.

1. Blush, Black, White, Metallic

This palette works marvelously well with the complexion of the model who has black hair and high contrast features. Their black hair effectively picks up the black in the outfit. Wide leg black jeans are paired with a white top (no need to expose the midsection). A blush trench coat tops the combination. Its black buttons are a punchy match with the black in the outfit. Gold boots add shine, while their black heels bookend the model’s hair. Black belt with gold grommets match the boots and hoop earrings. Add a bag that works with the palette.

2. Black-Lite

The black components in these outfits are small. In the outfit on the left, a pair of charcoal jeans is paired with an iced pink spaced floral tee. The outfit is completed with black slides and belt that match the model’s hair. The outfit on the right showcases a patterned dress in tones of dusty pink, with bits of black and white. Black heeled sandals match the pattern.

3. Salmon and Black

The pink corduroy lantern pants in this outfit are more of a mid-tone rather than a pastel, and texture-rich. The stronger colour pairs well with the black support act of drapey semi-tucked blouse, and dressy black high-shaft boots. A black cord necklace adds a polished and interesting touch. The addition of an earthy brown cognac bag gets my vote.

4. Column of Black and Roses

A column of black is created with a pair of dramatic barrel pants and untucked tee. A rose pattered boxy trapeze jacket is the soft pink addition to the look. A pair of mismatched burgundy wedges are the unexpected shoes of choice. The deep red complements the pinks and lighter reds in the pattern of the topper, and the model’s lipstick. Add a bag to match the outfit.

5. Graphic Black and Dusty Pink

Last, a pleated black asymmetrical skirt is paired with an oversized dusty pink and black zig-zag pullover. It’s partially tucked to showcase some waistline of the skirt, which adds structure to the oufit. The look is completed with mid-calf stompy black boots, a black crossbody bag, and large silver earrings. Add eyewear and watch as desired.

Ecovero is a sustainably produced viscose fibre made of wood pulp. The natural fibre was developed by an Austrian company called Lenzing AG, hence it’s also referred to as Lenzing Ecovero Viscose. The fabric is manufactured in a closed‑loop process where 99% of the chemicals are recovered and reused, significantly reducing environmental waste. 

I bought the Rails Josephine Jaguar Print Button Up Blouse on the this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Lightweight, silky‐soft, breathable, and very comfortable. It feels absolutely heavenly against the skin, so I assumed it was a high quality cotton. Turns out it’s 100% Ecovero Viscose. Despite the lovely drape and yummy soft texture of 100% viscose items, I’m weary of wearing them because in my experience they crease terribly and shrink in the laundry.

I love the blouse, and since our Yorkie Jo’s full name is “Josephine”, I had a hard time returning it. I am sentimental that way. I took it as a sign to test the new fabric. I wore the blouse a couple of times and it didn’t crease, outperforming my linen and poplin tops. I washed it in the machine in cold water, air dried it on a hanger, and pressed it when it was dry. No shrinkage and very easy to press. Impressive.

100% viscose has come a long way through fabrics like Ecovero. I’m a convert and highly recommend this new-to-me natural fibre. It also works well blended with other fibres, both natural and synthetic.

I am allergic to most sunscreens. Unfortunately they give me dermatitis. Many, many, sunscreens for so called sensitive skin irritate my skin after consecutive daily use. Sunscreen is important, so my quest to find one suited to my skin continues. 

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen with SPF 50+ was next on my list to try. I’ve been using it almost daily for over a month and things are manageable. It causes a slight irritation but not too bad. Definitely the best sunscreen I’ve tried to date. No white residue, and doesn’t sting when applied. It’s waterproof, non-sticky, and fragrance-free. A little goes a long way, and I like the texture.

I apply it after my moisturizer. If you’re sensitive to sunscreen like I am, you might like this one.

The dog days of Summer are here, and so are end of season sales. This week’s top picks roundup is about statement bottoms, dainty shoes, some jewellery, and simple tees. Browse the colour and size options, fill potential wardrobe holes, and enjoy the heck out of your Summer capsules. 

1. Anthropologie Bottoms

Anthropologie has a range of wonderful statement bottoms and here are some client winners. Some are offered in petite and tall sizes. The Rag ’n Bone “denim” sweatpants continue to be popular, and right on trend. The floral jeans are WOW in person and dramatically playful. So far the jorts are a success on everyone who tries them, and I wish there were more in the pipeline. I vote jorts as most successful fringe trend of the year. The red skirt is brighter in person, and awfully pretty. The striped pants are gorgeous, and you might need to size up. I have the Pistola red jeans, which are a gorgeously draped and dressy jeans silhouette. Bright red in person, size down, and not low-rise. And the floral harem pants are luscious, working beautifully on a curvy body type.

2. Rockport Taren Mary Jane Flat

These on-trend Mary Jane flats are supportive, very cushioning, and have a darling low heel. The soles are substantial so you don’t feel too close to the ground. They’re rubbery and grippy too. They come in regular and wide widths. The patent is a little less soft than the other options. The silver is particularly fab.

3. Silver Necklaces

Here’s a roundup of silver necklaces for Team Cool Metallics. Surprisingly, across the board there’s more gold jewellery and item hardware than I expected despite the strong revival of ‘90s fashion, (when everything was silver). I wonder whether gold sells better than silver, these days. Rose gold seems to have disappeared too. In my neck of the woods, I see a good assortment of all the metals on people on the street. I see many mix metal wearers too.

This statement star necklace is absolutely KILLER. It’s big, not too heavy, lovely quality, and comes in gold too.

4. Simple T-Shirts

If you’re after simple tees to wear with shorts, casual bottoms, skirts, and jeans, these were the winners of the season on clients. The Maeve Corey Tee comes in colours, and is one of the best boxy cropped tees of the year. You might need to size down. The Madewell Pleat Tee has a fabulous back pleat and is an exceptional cropped tee. Remarkably, it worked as well on petites and it did on tall clients. If you enjoy the ’90s baby tee, Frame and Rag ’n Bone make particularly great ones which might run a size small. I enjoy a baby tee from time to time, and have the two striped baby tees at the end of this collection. The Luca Stripe is dressier and fitted with cute back detailing. It comes in other colours. The Frame Stripe is a classic that feels awfully nice against the skin.