Link Love: New Lipstick for the Holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, it might be fun to experiment with a new lip colour. Lipstick also makes for a fun stocking filler or a colourful gift to treat yourself.

Fab Links from Our Members

Rachylou came across this article explaining how burning discarded clothing from H&M is helping a Swedish power plant replace coal for good.

Angie directs us to Sally’s post in which she astutely reminds us that our bodies cannot be accurately described by numbers.

Ginger lets us know that ModCloth shut down its website on Black Friday and gave its employees the day off. To support the spirit of giving, they are donating a retail value of over $5 million in merchandise to Dress for Success.

Joy thought this post from the Vivienne Files may spark ideas for how to dress up items in your Winter wardrobe in colours that aren’t traditionally associated with holiday festivities.

It is said that after her first staff meeting, Radhika Jones, Vanity Fair’s new editor-in-chief, was criticized by other staff members for her outfit which included a pair of tights covered with foxes. Fashiontern asks: “Was it appropriate for staff members to judge her fashion sense? And, what do you think of the tights?”

Out of Context Colour Combinations: Yay or Nay

There are some colours and colour combinations that we wear at a certain time of year, for a sports event, or on a specific public holiday. For example, wearing red and green, or even red on its own, is thought of as Christmassy by many of my clients. Bling and shine is festive for the New Year. Orange and black is great for Halloween. Emerald green is right for St. Patrick’s Day. Red, white and blue is fun for July 4 in the United States. Dutch Orange is good on “King’s Day” in the Netherlands. Navy and lime are dead right when the Seattle Seahawks (our local American football team) plays a game.

Each of these colour combinations is associated with a context. Take them out of the context, and you might feel they are odd or inappropriate.

Personally, I’ll happily wear colour combinations out of context. I wear red year round, and with green. I wear daytime sparkle whenever it tickles my fancy. Orange and black look just fine at any time of year because I didn’t grow up with Halloween. It’s always a good time to wear orange when you’re Dutch, and red, white and blue is a classic nautical combination. 

Here I am wearing red and a little green on Thanksgiving a couple of years ago. How do you feel about out of context colour combinations?

Red on Thanksgiving

Nordstrom: Black Friday Sale

Nordstrom is having a huge Black Friday sale. It started yesterday, and prices go back up on November 27. In some cases, they’re offering an extra 20% off already discounted prices. These are the items that caught my eye. I’ve seen most of them in person. Be sure to browse all the colour options and read the rave reviews.

 

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

Nordstrom
J.Crew Lace Pants
View Info
Top Pick
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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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Thankful on Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving Day in the US, I’m grateful for all that I have, with family and friends at the top of the list. I’m extremely grateful that my darling Dad is doing better, that he has the care that he needs, and that my brother and I are able to visit him regularly. I’m grateful for my good health and our cosy home, which make a difference each day.

I’m also thankful for:

  • YLF Veterans, who are the backbone of the YLF community. Their witty, thoughtful, helpful, loyal, global and intelligent commentary and support are unparalleled. Some Veterans have been with YLF since its inception, which is going on twelve years. Mind-blowing. 
  • My clients, who are always fun and fabulous to work with. I’ve been working with some of them for eleven years, which warms my heart. Special shout-out to clients and forum members who are 70 years plus. You inspire me enormously with your confidence, wisdom and elegance. 
  • The pets in our lives, who provide companionship, unconditional love, a reason to brave the elements and go for a walk, and busloads of entertainment. 
  • Copious cups of tea that calm me down, help me think, and make a working day more productive. 
  • Regular yoga practices that ground me, and nourish my mind, body and spirit. 
  • Dutch cheese that I bring home fresh from the cheese farmer in my Dad’s town in the Netherlands every few months. 
  • Glorious hot and sunny Summer weather that comforts me and makes me come alive every year.
  • Beautiful Autumn foliage that was richer than ever this year. It made my daily walks with Sam wonderfully scenic. 
  • New pairs of fashionable shoes that go the distance. I had to replenish most of my footwear this year. I hit the jackpot, and my footwear capsule is the best it’s ever been. Equal parts dressy and casual — always polished and comfortable. 
  • Inspiration, motivation and time to cook wholesome and tasty meals at home from scratch. They make our bodies feel good. It’s a great joy to spend time in the kitchen and even greater when we’re hosting friends. 

Most of all, I’m thankful to my boys. Hubby Greg is my rock, bestie, the love of my life, and makes my world go round. And Yorkie Sam supports us in that very special way that only doggies can do.

We at YLF wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful Thanksgiving weekend.

Greg & Sam

Jaap & Angie

Colours and Personality

The stereotypes around colour preferences go something like this: Introverts tend to prefer neutrals, low-contrast colour combinations, muted tones, and subtle patterns. Extroverts also like neutrals, but they combine them with bright colours, bold and high-contrast colour combinations, and loud patterns. Or they simply wear non-neutrals from head to toe.

In our household, we fit the stereotypes. I’m the extrovert who enjoys wearing bright colours, bold patterns and high-contrast outfits because they lift my spirits and make me happy. To me, brights feel just as right and soothing as neutrals. Greg, on the other hand, is more of an introvert and enjoys wearing dark neutrals. Most of his wardrobe is black, ink blue, navy, deep olive and charcoal. The exception is footwear. He often makes a statement with red sneakers.

In my experience as a fashion stylist, the stereotypes are not very accurate. I have plenty of introverted friends, family members, and clients who enjoy bright colours, bold patterns, and high-contrast combinations. For example, my 85 year old, introverted Dad has worn red and orange knitwear, and bold checked shirts, for as long as I can remember. I also know extroverts with very neutral, low-contrast wardrobes.

Over to you. Do you fit or buck the colour and personality stereotypes?