Here’s a rundown of handy items that have been winners on my clients recently. Many of them span a range of sizes, colours and silhouettes, and some are very competitively priced. Some are statement items, and some are wardrobe basics or essentials. Some are dressy, while others very casual. Each of them might fill a wardrobe whole, or embellish your party capsule.
1. Boden Lorna Velvet Pencil Skirt
STUNNING quality skirt in luxurious fabric. Looks designer, and there’s plenty of length. Form-fitting but not body-con. Comfortable, and substantial. The length is sufficiently tailored at the hem so NOT dowdy. The slight stretch in the fabric makes the fit work on a range of body types (curvier and straighter). The sizes run small in the smaller sizes and true to size in the larger sizes. Goes up to a US18, and comes in petites. Forget the black – ink and wine are the way to go. Scrumptiously chic colours.
2. Sole Society Faux Fur Wrap
Well made, GREAT fit, Modern Retro and dramatic. Amazing assortment of colours and will not date. The wrap looks super over a gown, coat, suit or party dress, but even over a blazer or moto jacket with jeans – or over a blouse and pullover with skirt or trousers. I fitted the ink blue wrap over my ink blue Boden polka dot blazer and loved the tonal vibe. Wear it as a wrap or scarf. I have a slight frame with narrow shoulders and do not feel overwhelmed in this wrap.
3. Uniqlo Heattech Fleece T-Shirt
AMAZING fabric, and fab tailored to gently fluid fit. Well made and feels heavenly against the skin. Does not look like thermal undies, and can be worn on its own or as a layering item under a jacket or vest. Might run a size small. Sleeves are very long, but are an easy alteration to shorten. Lots of fun neutrals and non-neutrals.
4. Sole Society Velvet Foldover Clutch
An affordable on-trend velvet clutch with a convertible shoulder strap. Quite roomy, and fits large cell phones with ease. All the colours are nice.
5. Sejour Leather Moto
Fabulous tailored moto for a large bust and curvy body type. Works well on an apple shape too. Good over dresses, skirts, or with trousers and jeans. There are very similar styles in olive and black.
6. White House Black Market Rose Print Jacquard Separates
These separates are easy and lovely to wear to a holiday party, or “from desk to dinner”. The burgundy is slightly lighter in person, although looks as dark as is shown here at night. The jacquard is soft with some stretch, making it comfortable and non-crease. The items are available in petite, regular, long and plus. The pants are ALSO available in a curvy fit. Add a black support act, and you’re good to go, although I’d prefer to see the burgundy with a shade of blue, tomato red, burnt orange or cranberry.
7. Emerson Rose Jacquard Jacket
When you look for a dressy coat with a forgiving fit to pop over cocktail or formal wear, you usually can’t find it. NOW is the time to look for items like that, and this is a fabulous option. The slight cocoon cut makes it work on a range of body types. The three-quarter sleeves are fine layered over long sleeves. As good over jeans, or over a suit. Lightweight.
8. White House Black Market Faux Fur Vest
A fun ‘70s flashback that will not date. It’s very dramatic so consider yourself warned. It comes in petites, and is adequately tailored. Might need to size down. Good on all complexions.
9. Franco Sarto Caleigh Pump
A comfortable and VERSATILE classic ankle strap pump with a low block heel. Wear it year round with or without hosiery. An easy party or office shoe. Lots of colours, of which some options are more comfortable than others. Will not work for wide feet. Read the rave reviews.
10. Zara Floral Pants
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Top Pick
Why not wear bold tropical florals in Autumn and Winter. These fit a lot better than I thought they would, and the fabric is substantial. The rise is in a good place and the side entry pockets do not gape. Good on a straighter and slightly curvier figure because the stretch and tailoring is in the right place. Very comfortable.
11. Rosie Neira Aubade Pullover
I’ve been looking for a super soft, cuddly and fluffy pullover that does not shed, irritate my nose, and is not made of mohair or angora wool. It had to be mostly synthetic to fulfill my criteria. This pullover fits the bill, and I bought it in cream. It’s stunning, and I’m thrilled to have found what I’ve wanted after years of looking. The neck fits more closely in person and the sleeves are shorter. It’s dressy or casual, versatile, polished and awfully pretty. Perfect with my pearls. It works as well over skirts as it does with trousers and jeans thanks to the position of the welt. The “Rosie” brand was my sign to bring it home.
12. Nordstrom Cashmere Ruffle Wrap
A good price for a gorgeous cashmere wrap. The ruffled hem is VERY subtle. It’s luscious, versatile, and very cosy. Comes in lots of colours, and is a good size for most body types. I bought the burgundy to work with my new burgundy capsule, and to have as a second wrap option on long flights since I travel internationally quite frequently. I also use it like a cardigan at home. Fab to wrap over your shoulders when working on the computer. Looks chic too.
13. Banana Republic Machine Washable Merino Crews
These are GREAT, and many clients have snapped them up to wear as layering pieces or on their own. They can be dressed up or down, and are excellent over trousers and jeans. Perfect under a blazer and the like. Professional and polished. An excellent wardrobe essential and MACHINE WASHABLE. Fab as a backdrop to statement jewellery and scarves. The ribbed version with the scalloped neckline fits more closely to the body, so you might want to size up if you prefer a fluid fit. The double-cuffed version fits more fluidly, and I brought home the “blood orange”.
14. PJ Salvage Polar Fleece Pajamas
You might need to amp up the look of your casual sleepwear if you’re visiting friends and family over the holidays. These are yummy, super cosy, warm, great quality, easy to launder, and fun as loungewear or sleepwear. The patterns are playful, and not too juvenile. Fleece PJs covered with Yorkies, teacups, or cake would have been my first choice, but since I love macarons, I went with those. The fit is not floppy and oversized, and it’s the first time I have not been sized out of the XS in this brand. They run TTS and look quite streamlined. Also available in Plus. Greg gave his thumbs up, and I’ll use these as loungewear.
