We’re excited to check back in with San Francisco-based art director Kim Mitchell Stokes (48) from J’Adore Couture, who was first featured on YLF in April 2016. Kim is a high heel gal at heart who uses statement footwear and bags to add extra interest to her outfits. Our blogger’s style is trendy deluxe and polished. She loves interesting silhouettes, great patterns, and unique design details.
“Overall my style is the same. I’m all about a masculine/feminine mix. I think what’s changed is I’ve become a bit bolder in my use of color and print. The acid wash purple sweatshirt, khakis, striped sandals, and red bag are a good example of that. I’ve also loved playing with suiting or monochromatic dressing, like the blue on blue striped look and cream windowpane suit”
Now this is making a statement with neutrals. Kim is sporting a cream with black pantsuit, but the eye-catching windowpane pattern makes for a bold statement. Our blogger is wearing the blazer as a top, and she sized up in the jacket because she wanted a slightly boxier silhouette. The double-breasted blazer still has some waist definition which creates structure. So does scrunching the sleeves. The ankle-length trousers have a relaxed fit and taper at the ankle for additional structure. Interesting shoes are Kim’s trademark, so leave it to her to amp up the oomph with a pair of black and red suede cut-out pumps. She finishes off the look with a gold choker necklace, oversized tassel earrings and a simple black clutch.
A fashion-forward look with subtle pattern-mixing thanks to the combination of the pinstripe skirt and striped shirt. The volume of the dramatic blouson sleeves is tempered by half tucking the shirt and pairing it with a streamlined pencil skirt. The half tuck casualizes the look, lengthens the leg line from the hips upwards and creates an on-trend asymmetric effect. Kim cleverly choose cheerful rainbow ankle-strap sandals that echo the fuchsia tuxedo stripe on the skirt. A structured black satchel, dangly earrings, and soft lipstick complete the outfit.
Kim dresses up a pair of light wash skinny jeans with sparkly footwear and mid-thigh trench coat that doubles as a blazer. The hot and cold mix of cool-toned light blue and earth-toned plaid is on-trend and soothing to the eye. The jacket has fluffy faux fur cuffs in a blush that works well with the browns, and adds a touch of glamour. Our high heel-loving blogger then adds subtle bling with a pair of pointy-toe stilettos in unique gunmetal lamé. A grey shoulder bag, large silver hoops, and soft pink lipstick are the harmonious finishing touches.
A fun casual look with sneakers. Cacio e pepe is one of Kim’s favourite dishes, so she was delighted to find this graphic tee. She’s tucked it into a kicky above-the-knee skirt with gorgeous floral print. It has an angled waterfall frill that drapes from waist to hem, which adds flirty movement to the look. The pink of the lettering on the tee is repeated in the skirt, while the white sneakers bookend the T-shirt. The longer length of the Modern Classic ink blue blazer is on-trend, and adds dressy polish. So does the black structured mini bag with slim circular silver handles.
Kim bought this as a full-length jumpsuit but thought it looked better cropped above the ankle, so she had her tailor take off a few inches from the bottom. This shorter length is also great to showcase her dainty black ankle-strap sandals. With its oversized white polka dots against the black background, the jumpsuit itself is the perfect combination of playful sophistication. The belted style accentuates our blogger’s defined waist. The V-neckline is flattering and subtly alluring. Kim’s mini bag makes a second appearance, and she finishes things off with chandelier earrings, dramatic sunnies, and pink lippy.
Another fab example of hot and cold, and what a delicious colour combo! Kim has paired a lilac sweatshirt with vintage toffee chinos. Tucking the roomy sweatshirt into the high-waisted pants reins in the volume. Turning up the trouser cuffs adds further structure and lets Kim’s colourful sandals shine in all their cheerful glory. Don’t they seem to go with everything she wears too? Here they pick up the pink and toffee of the rest of the outfit. Fun! And the red strip echoes our blogger’s charming box bag that introduces an unexpected third colour into the mix. As always, Kim’s shiny short ‘do, fun earrings, and soft lipstick add extra polish.
Let us know what you think of Kim’s polished, trendy style, and be sure to visit her blog to browse the rest of her wonderful outfits.
