Easy Trendy Classic Summer Outfit

I stumbled across this smart casual outfit and much enjoyed the remix of trendy and classic items, and the edge that the model brings with her asymmetrical hairstyle and body art. Bonus that the outfit formula is shown with both a neutral and a non-neutral top. 

The formula combines a pair of trendy jeans with a classic blouse and statement pumps. The model wears on-trend denim culottes in the first outfit, and cropped flares in the second. The blouse is a classic shell with fluttered flounce detailing on the sleeves. The shell is semi-tucked to create a bit of waist definition and lengthen the leg line from the hips upward. The statement zebra pumps — a trendy classic in itself — add a playful and dressy touch. Lovely make-up, some jewellery, and immaculate nail polish add fab polish to the look.

Eloquii Ruffle Sleeve Top

Eloquii Ruffle Sleeve Top

To my eye, a complement of sorts is created with the model’s salt and pepper hair, her body art, and the zebra pumps. The similar colour palette and texture between the three things pulls the look together beautifully. The shoes bookend the model’s hair, which further pull together the outfit. The body art on the model’s arms give the impression of “lace sleeves”, creating another interesting effect.

This might inspire you to pull together a similar look, YOUR WAY. For example, I’m all over both pairs of jeans and have them in my wardrobe, but I don’t wear pumps or sleeveless tops. So I’ll sub those items with a pretty and soft sleeved blouse or cropped top, and dressy ballet flats. I’ll have the edgy short hair covered once we can go to hair salons again!

Floral Print Trousers with a Twist

A new outfit from Annette Hoeldrich of Lady of Style, whom we introduced to YLF in January 2015.

Annette’s floral print trousers are the star of the show in this polished casual outfit. The bold white floral pattern against the navy background is eye-catching in itself, but the bottom part in contrasting red makes them extra special. She’s combined the tapered trousers with a simple white tee and sneaks, which add Sporty Casualness. Tucking the tee elongates the leg line. A navy linen blazer with tailored waist adds back in a dressy touch. I like how the lightweight Modern Classic blazer is slightly reminiscent of a chore jacket à la Bill Cunningham. Annette’s accessorized with a structured bone satchel, dangly pearl earrings and matching pearl pendant, and finishes it all off with pretty pearlized pink lipstick.

Annette Hoeldrich - 1

Annette Hoeldrich - 2

Nordstrom Roundup: Classic and Comfortable

Retailers continue to offer deep discounts, and items are moving faster than I expected. Browsing the sale assortments, I find that I am particularly drawn to tried-and-tested items and colours for my style, and modern classic tops. I’m also fond of browsing trendier silhouettes, but ultimately pull the trigger on items that are well within my comfort zone. Unprecedented times call for extra comfort in every sense. 

Items go on and off sale daily and it’s hard to keep track, but these were on sale a few days ago when I wrote the post. Check back if items are not on sale today. I’ve seen some of the items in person, but not all of them. Be sure to browse the colour options, and to read the reviews for other points of view.

Go to the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

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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Happy Mother’s Day

Twenty years ago this month, my Mama passed away. My parents were living in Cape Town where Mama was unexpectedly diagnosed with liver cancer, and she died twelve weeks later. She was 59 and I was 29. It was an extremely tough time for our family, and the hardest and most devastating moments of my life. Two decades later, and time does not heal the wounds that are created when you lose a parent you were very close to. But time does help you process your feelings, manage your emotions, and give you the gift of empathy so that you can comfort and support those who have experienced a similar sense of loss.

On the one hand, it feels like a lifetime ago that Mama was alive and I could speak with her. My memories of Mama are fading, and our family doesn’t talk about her much these days. Life without her feels normal. On the other hand, it feels like yesterday that she passed away. My fondest memories of Mama are as vivid as ever, and I think of her and miss her every single day.

I dedicate a post to my late Mum every year, because she was the reason I took an interest in fashion and style. Her immaculate and authentic sense of style and gorgeous polish was an inspiration to me as a child, teen and young adult. Mama was well turned out wherever she went, but never precious about it. She did not let her dressy and glam exterior get in the way of her affection for dogs, horses, and the garden. Mama could muck out stables with the best of them, garden all day, and would happily snuggle with the dogs and be covered in pet hair. She did this elegantly adorned with chunky gold jewellery, make-up, perfume, styled hair, well-groomed hands and feet, glowing skin, beautifully fitting earth-toned clothes, and very comfortable shoes. A stylish role model through and through.

This is a photo of Mama back in the ‘70s, and the one that my Dad keeps next to his bed. My uncle spontaneously took it at a family get-together in the Netherlands, and it became a favourite because this is JUST how she looked, and how I remember her the most clearly.

Mama

Mama was also the person who believed in me when I changed my career path from Psychology to Fashion. If it wasn’t for my Mama’s support at age 22, I might not have made the switch. And if I think back now this seems unfathomable. She was dead right about what was best for her daughter, and I am forever grateful.

Words cannot adequately express how much I appreciate the unconditional love and support Mama gave me for the 29 years we had together. In a strange way, I feel like Mama lives on through YLF because she was instrumental to it. That in itself is comforting, despite the fact that she cannot be here to enjoy today’s fashion and style with our community.

We at YLF wish you, your Mums, including Mums who are no longer with us, a happy and peaceful Mother’s Day.

Dressing and Make-Up Routines During Lockdown

I loved this: “I’m trying to make working from home as fun as I can” — what readers are wearing in lockdown.

This photo series is fantastic too: “With pyjamas and tracksuits becoming the lockdown look, photographer Robin Sinha invited residents of his home street in Walthamstow to put on their Sunday best and imagine they had a special occasion to attend.”

At Refinery29, Christine Barberich is making the case for wearing house dresses exclusively during lockdown.

11 women share their lockdown beauty regimens.

The Psychology of Wearing Make-Up When No One Can See You was an interesting read.

As was How the Pandemic Changed The Way These 5 Women Look at Their Skin.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream enjoyed this video of models remembering what it was like to walk a Halston show. She adds: “I always loved Halston’s 1970s fashion collections. Part of what made his clothes so special were the models like Chris Royer, Pat Cleveland and Alva Chinn. I think his designs were empowering to women and still look modern today.”

Suntiger directs us to this article about how hobbies from period dramas, like embroidery and knitting, got cool again.

Runcarla loved this: British Columbia seniors beat boredom by recreating famous paintings featuring themselves.

Shevia objects to this categorization of her favourite style of bag — the crossbody — and wonders what everyone else thinks.

Merewether thought this was interesting: a map of “The Poor Credit Mall” to graphically illustrate which retailers are in trouble.

La Belle Demimondaine thinks this YouTube video series by Alyona has the clearest explanation of Kibbe body types she has ever seen, and she uses contemporary women to illustrate the types.