Snakeskin Skirt for Spring

A new outfit from Janise Burrafato of Mama in Heels, whom we introduced to YLF in December 2014.

This polished neutral-toned outfit has tons of visual interest thanks to the animal print skirt. Janise is sporting a gently flared calf-length skirt that is “almost maxi” on our 5’2″ blogger. The light grey snakeskin pattern is both eye-catching and soothing. The soothing effect is created by pairing the skirt with tonal and low-contrast ribbed light grey sweater and white footwear. Both colours that are repeated in the skirt, which pulls the look together. Folding under the sweater makes it looked cropped, which lengthens the leg line. The V-shaped vamp of Janise’s pearlized block-heeled pumps does the same. She keeps the accessories simple to let the skirt do all the talking. A vintage black bag with gold hardware, large hoop earrings, turquoise cocktail ring and glossy pink lipstick amp up the polish.

Janise Burrafato - 1

Janise Burrafato - 2

Warm Weather, Long Tunic

I like warm-weather tunics worn over pants and jeans when they’re extra long with hems that finish just above the kneecap, or longer than that. Some long tunics have asymmetrical hemlines with shorter lengths on one side and ankle lengths on the other. Or they’re shorter in front and longer in the back. 

This collection shows the look I’m describing.

These extra long tunics can be woven or knitted, sleeved or sleeveless, and any colour or pattern. Fabrics are usually soft and drapey, but can also be stiff like button-down shirts. Silhouettes are straight, A-line, fit-and-flared, or cocoon, to allow for comfortable movement. The trick is to keep them fairly streamlined so that you don’t feel like you’re wearing a tent with too much fabric flapping about. Hemlines that are asymmetrical or rounded with side slits tend to look more flattering, because diagonal lines and curved hems add structure to the volume of the silhouette, and look more interesting too.

Bottoms like cropped skinnies, cropped straights, cropped flares, leggings, jeggings, cigarette pants, wider straights, and full-length bootcuts look smashing under extra long tunics. If the tunics are overly sheer, wear a camisole that is the same colour or low contrast to the bottoms to create a column of colour under the tunic. If you want to create the longest lean line, wear a tunic that is low contrast to the bottoms. Wear anything from the highest heel to the flattest flat, depending on your preference. Showcase your feet in sandals, sandal booties or slides, or keep them covered in ballet flats, mules or pumps.

I find the combination of extra long tunic and slimmer bottoms dramatic, elegant, easy, a little ‘70s, beautiful in motion, and very comfortable. It’s forgiving on the midsection and extra bits. I do like the look best sans topper, which makes it a warm-weather outfit for me. But the right topper — either short or long — can look fab too.

ADAM LIPPES Cady Skinny Pants

I love the version above with the long white shirt, cigarette pants, and thong sandals. I’d sub ballet flats for the thong sandals and do a similar shirt in light blue. I’m not sure I’d like a style as long and as cut away in front because it can be awkward when you sit. But I like the vibe. What do you think of these warm weather, extra long tunic looks?

Thirteen Years of YLF

I was 35 when I started YLF, and I turn 50 next year. I can’t believe we’ve come so far, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Helping people to find their personal style, solving style challenges, keeping up with an evolving industry, lifting people up when they’re down about their style, and striving for more diversity and acceptance in fashion, all feels like a calling. I feel I can do this forever because my experience and opinions evolve with each passing year. That keeps things interesting, and the topics fresh.

After 27 years of experience in the international rag trade, I have a lot to say! We haven’t missed a working weekday of posting in thirteen years. But YLF is not about me and my style — it’s about YOU and YOUR style. I do use myself as an example, and I have posted outfits in the past, but I’m not an outfit blogger. It took me two years before I even showed myself on YLF.

You are what makes YLF exceptional. You graciously share your wit and wisdom in blog comments and forum posts. Your thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent and insightful contributions enrich my life, make me grow as a person, and provide me with daily inspiration. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for the support. And thank you for helping me to spread the word that style is not an age, dress size or budget. It’s an energy and confidence that is expressed through what you wear and how you wear it.

I’d love to hear how you found YLF, and how long you’ve been lurking or participating. It blows me away when I think that some have been participating on YLF since its inception thirteen years ago. WOW.

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: Swish Black Leggings

These combinations are for those who enjoy wearing black leggings in a dressier way. So no sneakers, hoodies, sweatshirts, or oversized pullovers. Body-con black Ponte pants work as well as leggings. Leggings that are thick, substantial and opaque work best. Leggings and Ponte pants are often a favourite bottom for curvier body types because they stretch and comfortably fit over curves on the thighs, bottom and hips, while being sufficiently structured at the waist.

1. Hard Edge and Flowing Drape

I like the juxtaposition of the hard-edged moto leggings and soft drapey tunic. The high-low hemline creates interesting and flattering diagonal lines. The ankle baring shooties are a trendy touch. They break up the black on the leg line yet elongate because the leggings and shoes are the same colour. The high-contrast top is lively and vibrant, but feel free to wear any colour up top in a solid or pattern.

Eloquii Miracle Flawless Moto Legging

2. Arty and Asymmetrical

Combine an asymmetrical black dress with black leggings and add strappy sandals, Mary Janes, or ankle strap pumps. Here, the cold shoulders break up the expanse of black, as do the two-toned strappy pumps and metal necklace. These subtle details make the outfit more warm weather friendly, and interesting since the textures of the dress and leggings are similar and therefore quite flat. Snakeskin and leopard shoes would be fab too.

Planet Peekaboo Dress

3. Trendy and High Contrast

Combine black leggings with a black top and trendy oversized and longer blazer that you can close in a neutral or non-neutral. If wearing a fitted blazer that’s open in front is more your thing, wear a top that is a similar length to the blazer. The daring and very bold neon boots are an acquired taste, so feel free to swap them out with a colour that’s more to your taste. Personally, I think they make the look. I like the slits in the front of the leggings too.

Zara Faux Leather Leggings

4. Modern Classic

Combine black leggings or Ponte pants with a white shirt or blouse and finish off the look with black loafers and a cocoon coat or cardigan that’s a lot longer than the top. I love the tonal effect of the top and topper, but feel free to make them different colours and high contrasting. No need to stick to white, and by all means throw in a pattern.

Pilcro High Rise Denim Legging

Weekly Roundup: Neutral Spring

There’s lots for Spring and Summer if you’re a neutral gal who likes to feel serene and calm in colour-free looks. Some of these items come in brights, pastels, petites and plus, so browse all the options. A big shout-out to Nordstrom who’s providing extended sizes in brick & mortar stores (not just online) and merchandising sizes XXS to 3XL of the same item in one area on the shop floor. May this pave the way for all retailers so that we can enjoy a more diverse fashion world.

I’m very particular about fabric, and am pleased to share that this week’s picks are made of good and exceptionally good fabric. On to to the picks.

  • ALEX MILL Stretch Cotton Twill Ankle Pants | Nordstrom: BEST modern chinos of the season. Extremely good fit and wonderful inset back elastic detailing with criss-cross belt loops. They wowed me. Fab length and easy to hem. Fits a curvy and straight body type. Genius! Straighter body types need to size down. Comfy fluid fit. Rise looks high, but it's not in person. Flattering and fabulous. Comes in dark olive.
  • Boden Boden Multicolor Knit Tee | Nordstrom: Clean and crisp pullover with a tidy statement neckline. Great to wear under a blazer or jacket, and looks fab worn on its own when you remove the topper.
  • Boden Boden Philippa Jersey Midi Dress (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom: AMAZING knitted dress for Team Tall. Comfortable, forgiving and flattering. Fits a range of body types. Hard to hem, so you have to be okay with the length. Good on broad shoulders.
  • Boden Boden Cleo Jersey & Eyelet Top (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom: Clean and pretty boho tee with a woven eyelet inset. Tailored yet roomy. Better than a basic tee.
  • Wilfred faun pant High-waisted, wide-leg pant: 90s Palazzo Fabness. Soft woven and flowing wide leg crops that are forgiving and very comfortable. Rise is not too high, although it looks it. Works on most body types. Easy to hem. Comes in many colours.
  • RACHEL ROY COLLECTION Gathered Sleeve Blazer | Nordstrom: I can't believe how awful the styling of this jacket is here. It's super cute and the photo does not do it justice at all. They've folded down the collar when it should be standing up, which is THE feature of the jacket! It has great ready-to-go scrunched sleeves, and the fabric is crease-proof. Comfy and easy to wear. Fits a range of body types. Do not judge the item by how bad the photo looks. Trust me.
  • CeCe Ruffle Sleeve Pintuck Blouse | Nordstrom: Yummy weighty fabric with some stretch and substance. Good fit, easy to wash and wear, and runs a size big. Three colours.
  • Levi's 501 Moto Crop Jeans (Show Teeth) | Nordstrom: If you liked the Levis Wedgie, you'll like these. They fit an assortment of body types and aren't too high in the rise. I would need back waist alteration if I got them. They are SUPER cute, flattering, and very comfy. The panels are more yellow in person.
  • ALEX MILL Fleece Pocket Sweatshirt | Nordstrom: A lovely sweatshirt top in great fabric with good drape. Comfy and simple, but not sloppy. Nice relaxed boxy cut, and comes in colours.
  • Halogen Double Breasted Check Blazer (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom: An eye-catching double-breasted blazer that looks great UN-buttoned. Love the white buttons. Runs at least a size big, and comes in petites and plus. Nice fabric. Trendy fluid fit and longer length.
  • ANINE BING Mia Silk Blouse | Nordstrom: This oversized silk blouse has a very clever cut. It tapers a little to the hem so it's not as boxy, and the sleeves are bracelet length with very broad cuffs, adding busloads of structure and interest. My dainty frame did not drown in the blouse, which impressed me. The stock photo does not do it justice.
  • MOTHER The Shaker Prep High Waist Crop Slim Jeans (Dear Mr. Black Racer) | Nordstrom: Very comfy and forgiving jeans made of soft and thick denim fabric. The calf widths are roomier in person so not calf-sucking like the stock photo. Rise does not feel too high. Size down. Great tuxedo stripe.
  • Ecco Soft 7 Leisure Sneaker: These are extremely comfy, and a little less chunky in person. Streamlined on the foot. With an extra insole and tightened laces, they fit low-volume feet. The different leathers are the same colour, and don't contrast as much as in the stock photo. Well made and comes in three neutrals.
  • Everlane The Form Bag: I haven't seen this crossbody in person but it looks gorgeous, streamlined and I like the broad strap. Comfortable. Comes in seven colours and can fit a laptop.
  • Boden Arabella Sweatshirt: A crisp and dressier sweatshirt with a rainbow party on the back as well as on the sleeves. Check out the back! Lovely fluid fit with a curved back hem. Better than basic. It earned a place in my wardrobe because it's quite structured and crisp. It became an instant wardrobe workhorse with my tomato red jeans for very casual days. Comes in other neutrals and a polka dot.
  • Lilla P Double V-Neck Dress: This type of dress works best on broader shoulders and a larger bust. Architectural and nice drape. Comes in black. Good on Team Tall, but easy to hem.
  • Hunter Refined Short Gloss Duo: A refined wellie that's streamlined on the foot and leg, and not so heavy. Comfy. Comes in black. Quite Chic.
  • Badgley Mischka Collection Badgley Mischka Water Repellent Anorak with Stowaway Hood | Nordstrom: An anorak that works best on those who can fill it out. Roomy and it might run a size big. Very lightweight, quite breathable, and tailored because of the drawstring at the waist. Great length, fun fishtail, and five colours. Read the rave reviews.
  • Rag & Bone Perry Floral Lace Top: This is a very pretty knit top and gorgeous quality. It's sufficiently opaque and does not require a camisole. Looks great on its own, or layered under a jacket.
  • JEN7 BY 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Stretch Skinny Jeans: A repeat top pick because the white denim is thick and the fit is flattering. Can work for a straighter and curvier body type. They ALSO come in a slim straight and bootcut.
  • Citizens of Humanity Elsa Ankle Skinny Jeans: A repeat top pick, and one of my favourite pairs of white jeans. Great fit and thick fabric. Flattering on curvier thighs. Pocket linings do not grin. Fits a curvier and straighter figure. These are quite high rise on me, so I had the back of the waistband tailored to create a perfect fit because of my swayback.
  • Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker: A top pick every year because the Scandi sneaker is all that. Streamlined, supportive, very comfy, flattering, refined, and classic Euro chic. They go the walking distance. Can work for a wider and narrower foot, but not a very wide foot. I made them work with two sets of insoles for my very low volume feet. I bought them in "vanilla metallic" which are a lot more vanilla than the stock photo (not blush pink). Come in many colours.
  • Hispanitas Rhonda Slingback Pump: Extremely comfy and well-made slingbacks that can work on a slightly wider foot. Casually dressy. Comes in black.
  • Boss Vedani Windowpane Pencil Skirt: GORGEOUS quality and fit in a graphic and timeless window pane pattern. Might need to size down.
  • Reiss Fenton Stretch Wool Blend Slim Pants: Extremely nice fabric and tailored fit with a not too high rise. The subtle texture in the fabric is unique. Can work on a curvier or straighter body type. Hems are easy to shorten.
  • Rebecca Taylor Tweed Jacket: Classic Spring tweed in a slightly longer length that works well with pants and jeans. The textured fabric and patterns are more striking in person. The description reads black, but it looks ink blue to my eye.
  • Vionic Keomi Sandal: A supportive and very comfy sandal that goes the distance. Works best on a regular and higher volume foot. Comes in black. Classic Euro.
  • Rag & Bone Victor Stripe Silk Blouse: Beautifully elegant wrap front blouse with extra front pleat and colour block detailing. Works well on a shorter waist, and might run a size small.
  • Reiss Colleen Polo Pocket Sweater: Gorgeous crisp and pretty piece that is badly styled here. It's quite long and has a substantial welt, so it looks GREAT worn over slimmer pants and jeans. It's not supposed to be tucked! More cream in person, and might run a size small.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Everlane
The Form Bag
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Top Pick
7
Boden
Arabella Sweatshirt
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Top Pick
13