Weekly Roundup: Free People

Free People is a casual brand with a boho, hippy, and somewhat grungy vibe. Most of the items are roomy, very roomy, colourful, and quite loud. That said, Free People can showcase items that are a little crisper, dressier and simpler. Those are the items that caught my attention this week, and many with rave reviews. 

Santa Claus — aka Greg — popped two of the items under our Christmas tree as a fun surprise. I’ve worn the Head in the Clouds Beanie on walks with Sam, and the Kolby Brushed Scarf as a lounging piece for at home every day since I received them. Browse the many colour options as you peek at these top picks.

  • Free People At Ease Loafer: A festive mule for hosting parties or a night out. Best for higher volume feet, although you might need to go up a size. I didn't find these comfortable, but I'm in the minority. Many rave reviews and eight lovely patterned options.
  • Free People 'Beach Cocoon' Cowl Neck Pullover: A comfortable and slouchy cowl neck sweatshirt that works on a range of body types. I vote burnt orange and olive best. Might run big.
  • Free People Alamosa Slouchy Bootie: Moderately comfortable boots and available in three colours. The tops fold down to create a slouchy yet streamlined effect.
  • Free People Crisscross Sweater: An alluring tunic for Team Tall. Front is not too low when you have broad shoulders.
  • Free People Sweet Streets Hoodie: Edwardian Sweatshirt Fabness with a beachy vibe. The cuffs on the sleeves provide a good amount of structure, and the lacey anglaise amps up the pretty. All the colours are nice.
  • Free People All the Time Tunic: A dramatic shirt for a small or regular size bust. Gorgeous colour. Works well on an hourglass or pear shape. It's a very voluminous shirt so consider yourself warned. The gathered piping on the sleeves tempers the vast amount of fabric - so go ahead and have some soup.
  • Free People Head in the Clouds Beanie: Fuzzy Beanie Fabness. Fits a small head, and does not need to be cuffed at the bottom. The fluff does not irritate your nasal passages nor does it shed. The grey is more more blue in person, and that's the one I have. It holds its shape and does not slouch.
  • Free People Best Day Ever Sweater: A pullover that can make you smile on a cold, grey day. It's quite short, and not that slouchy. Quite grungy.
  • Free People 'Royale' Pointy Toe Flat: Great pointy toe flat for high volume feet. Equally flattering on narrower and wider ankles. Available in nine colours and with amazing reviews.
  • Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic: Very comfy slouchy tunic for both shorter and longer necks. The neckline can fold down in front. The tapered sleeves add ample structure to the roomy fit. Both the mink and teal are great colours.
  • Free People Marilyn Kitten Heel Bootie: A moderately comfortable dressy bootie for lower volume feet.
  • Free People Kolby Brushed Scarf: A GIGANTIC scarf is an acquired taste, and can work well as a casual wrap. Very soft, lightweight and cosy. I have the blue, which is a little darker in person. Excellent for at home, and Sam likes to play with the fringe.

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

Seven Stylish Resolutions

Although you can make resolutions at any time, here are seven that I like to remind myself of at the beginning of every year. Maybe they will resonate with you. 

1. Create an Authentic Style

Sometimes, our idea of style and wardrobe perfection isn’t suited to who we are, which makes it an unnatural fit and hard to achieve. Style starts from the inside out. There is little point in trying to create a look for an imaginary persona or lifestyle because it’s impractical and a chore. The closer we align our style to our needs and sartorial preferences, the easier it is to create and manage.

2. Resist Poison Eye

We all have a poison eye or two when it comes to fashion and style. These are the looks or trends that we just can’t get used to. Try to keep them to a minimum because there is a version of every trend for everyone. Remember that your poison eye can be somebody’s else’s favourite look. Horses for courses, always.

3. Relax into It

Fashion and style are supposed to be fun. Don’t let them frustrate you or boss you around. Relax into the process and don’t take it too seriously. There will always be another sale or killer piece. There is a workable solution for every fashion challenge, and an opportunity to look and feel fab no matter what. If you are feeling frustrated and finding it hard to shake the feeling, walk away and revisit things when you’re in a better headspace.

4. Be Patient

I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Be patient with your style. Style is a journey, and not a destination. Take it one step at a time so that you’re always aligned with the internal and external factors that affect your style. It takes time and resources to build an effective wardrobe, especially when some fashion seasons are better than others. Focus on what you have and what you’ve achieved with your style instead of feeling dissatisfied and despairing about what you don’t have. Your style will fall into place after a while.

5. Listen to Your Feelings

Pay attention to how you feel in an outfit. Don’t take the emotion out of the closet editing, shopping or outfit creation process because it’s the foundation of an authentic style. The more you are in tune with emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is effortless, authentic and makes you feel fabulous.

6. Learn from Mistakes

Experiment with new things when you feel the urge to refresh your style or haul yourself out of a style rut. Be surprised at what works, and learn from what doesn’t. We all make mistakes so try not to feel guilty about them. Onward and next, is a good motto.

7. Have Fun with Fashion

Fashion and style unites people from all corners of the globe. Just look at an amazing community like YLF as an example. Shopping with friends can be therapeutic. Your closet might be your happy space. Selecting what to wear can be creative and satisfying. Wearing the heck out of your fabulous wardrobe can spark great joy. Helping others find their style and feel confident in their outfits can be very rewarding. If you enjoy fashion, developing and refreshing your style can be entertaining and creative. Laugh a lot, and have fun with fashion wherever it may take you.

Style is neither a size nor an age, but an energy and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories. I wish you a stylish 2018 filled with lots of fun fashion adventures, confidence-boosting outfits, and busloads of laughter.

Happy 2018!

January is one of my favourite months because it’s the start of a brand new year. A time to reflect, get rid of cobwebs, create positive intentions, set some goals, prioritize what’s important, and become more self-aware. We get to start again, learn from our mistakes, and make the next 365 days more meaningful than the last. 
 
The topic of fashion and style is highly emotional terrain. It has the power to both boost up and break down our confidence levels. The more confident we are, the better we feel about our style and the way we look. This in turn positively impacts those around us, which boosts us even further. 
 
The purpose of YLF and its engaged, supportive community is to help you navigate the emotional terrain, build an effective wardrobe that suits your needs, and boost your confidence to the point that you feel fabulous about your style. There are solutions and opportunities for every style and fashion challenge, and I look forward to working on them together in 2018. 
 
We at YLF wish you a happy, healthy, safe, peaceful and stylish new year. 
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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Fashion News Roundup: December 2017

A new Bill Cunningham documentary, an Orla Kiely fashion exhibition, Phoebe Philo leaving Céline, and other style news that caught our attention in December.

Fun Fashion Quote

To conclude the news roundups for this year, I’d like to share this Martha Graham quote I found while reading an instalment of My Beauty Uniform over at Cup of Jo. I think it applies to all aspects of life, style included:

“There is only one of you in all of time, your expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost.”

Wishing you a wonderful 2018!

The Best and Worst of 2017

As my last post of 2017, here are some thoughts to wrap up the year of style, fashion, retail and beyond. These are completely subjective musings, so feel free to agree, disagree, and add to my list. It’s all in good fun. 

My Highlight of the Year: A casual two-week road trip with my boys through six US states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. Greg is the best chauffeur (I did zero driving) and Sam is a road trip rock star. We ate incredible food, enjoyed blissful hot Summer weather, walked our feet off, saw incredible scenery, and enjoyed quality family time. I am officially on Team Road Trip With My Boys.

Lake

Angie & Sam

Fashion Highlight of the Year: Shopping with Greg for my birthday. We spent the day together and I felt like a princess.

Best Retail Therapy: Shopping with dear friend Inge in the Netherlands when I see my Dad. Every three to four months we spend the day together, yak till the cows come home, find wardrobe gems, laugh a lot, and eat yummy food.

Angie & Inge

Best Super Hero: Super Sam.

SuperSam

Fashion & Style Buzzword for 2017: Diversity.

My Biggest Fashion Surprises: I like polyester in denim, have a capsule of crossbody bags, love wearing utility pants, and built a burgundy capsule.

Best Purchase of the Year: New specs chosen by in-house fashion stylist Greg.

Specs

The Best Trends: The ones that make you feel happy and fabulous.

The Worst Trends: The ones that boss you around and don’t get your style.

Most Saturated Items in Retail: Highly distressed and ripped denim, exuberant sleeved tops, oversized tops, cropped pants, ill-fitting T-shirts, body-con skinnies, and sneakers.

The Worst Fit Problems: Dresses that are too short, fits that are too tight on the calf, long sleeves that are too tight, and overly wide necklines.

Biggest Missed Opportunities at Retail: Trendy items that are tailored, but not body-con. Trendy silhouettes in sizes US14 and up.

Best Online Shipping Service: Amazon, with Zappos as a close second.

Best Customer Service: The Nordstrom valet team at the downtown flagship in Seattle. I’ve been dropping my car off there for fourteen years, and their service is flawless.

Hotel of the Year: The Kimpton Hotel Monaco. They’re a fancy hotel chain that do not discriminate against their doggy guests — all breeds allowed and they stay for free. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly, and the art deco decor is fabulous.

Best Workout for Mind, Body & Spirit: A heated vinyasa yoga class led by a competent yogi, and a long walk with Greg and Sam.

Colour of the Year: Burgundy.

Accessory of the Year: Scarves across all seasons.

Best Maximal Instagram Blogger: Journey of a Stylist. Greet’s outfits are over the top, creatively pulled together, and exquisitely colourful. If you enjoy looking at and wearing bold colour combinations, check her out on Instagram.

Best Fashion Blogger: Carelia from My Small Wardrobe. Not only is Carelia beautifully stylish, but she’s a lovely person. Friendly, fun and full of positive energy. Her smile is sublime.

Most Stylish Man in Orange: My 85 year old darling Dad.

Jaap

Most Celebrated Body Parts of the Year: Alluring ankles, sumptuous shoulders, and wonderful wrists.

Most Visually Fab Movie of the Year: Blade Runner 2049.

Best TV Shows of the Year: Stranger Things, Mindhunter, Halt and Catch Fire, and Shetland.

Best Movie of the Year: Dunkirk.

Best Online Community: YLF!

Best Forum Comment: Fabber Joy commented on one of my forum threads with a rhyme. Clever!

Angie has some new floral shoes.
Something pretty for our muse.
She thinks that the flowers
Give her super powers
For shopping, and a cure for foot blues

Best $16 I spent on my Wardrobe: A pair of orange trousers that make me feel fab.

Best Beauty Product: Caudalie Vinisource Overnight Recovery Oil and here’s why.

Most Popular Ensemble: The Pattern-Mixed Kitchen Sink.

Ensemble

Favourite Way to Accumulate Steps: Shop.

Biggest Bang for Your Fashion Buck: Wear the heck out of your fabulous clothes.

Favourite Style Tips: Be patient with your style, listen to how you feel in an outfit, and never stop having fun with fashion.

We at YLF wish you a happy, safe and peaceful New Year.