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Weekly Roundup: Pajamas & Loungewear

— by Angie

on December 20, 2016

I’ve been helping clients replenish their pajama and loungewear capsules recently, and these were the winning items. These items are intended for at home use. Most of them come in an assortment of patterns and colours.

Nordstrom Lingerie Long Wrap Cardigan: Soft, drapey and trendy. Best over leggings, and there is a woolly pair to match. NOT scratchy. Works on most body types.
Nordstrom Lingerie Ribbed Leggings: Cosy ribbed leggings to wear under a boxy pullover or sweatshirt. Might run a little small. Works well with the matching long wrap cardigan.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Knit Pajamas (Plus Size) (Online Only): Elegant, cosy and flattering classic pajamas. Read the rave reviews.
Junk Food 'Wake Me When I'm Famous' Sleep Shirt: Super cute short nightie for those who like to sleep in a tee and panties.
DKNY 'Urban Essentials' Stretch Modal Lounge Dress (Plus Size): Casual and polished lounge dress. Nice fit. Works as a nightie too.
PJ Salvage Print Flannel Pajamas: Best flannel PJs of the year. Adorable patterns, very cosy, launders well, and wears like iron. Runs big. You will be sized out of the XS if you wear a size US 0.
Honeydew Intimates Cuddle Bug Hoodie: Cosiest hoodie of the year. VERY soft and fluffy, but does not irritate the nasal passages. Looks bulky, so consider yourself warned.
Gap Pure Body modal short-sleeve tee: Best sleeping tee of the year. EXTREMELY soft and cozy. Nice fit, good sleeve length, and decent neckline. Not too wide.
Gap Gap + Pendleton flannel sleep pants: Good quality flannel pajama bottoms. Lots of nice checks. Floppy and oversized. Runs big and a little short.
Gap Soft cotton print leggings: EXTREMELY soft and cosy skinny sleepwear leggings. I was wowed by the fabrication against the skin.
Sub_Urban Riot 'Happy Camper' Graphic Sweatshirt: Who doesn't want to be a happy camper. Super cute and trendy. Longer length.
Make + Model 'Best Boyfriend' Brushed Hacci Lounge Pants: Best soft, cosy and floppy lounge pants on the planet. I have them in grey and will be duplicating. The reviews mention that the black is a lint fest in the washing machine, which I cannot confirm. The grey is sublime.
DKNY 'City Essentials' Pants: Slinky and silky pajama bottoms for straight hips and thighs. Elegant and "grown up".
DKNY Jersey Top: The most elegant pajama tee I've seen. Fits well and looks luxe. Works on most body types.
Gap Pure Body Essentials t-shirt dress: Fab simple nightie.
Gap Pure Body long sleeve tee: A good tee to pair with a range of pajama bottoms. Works on most body types. Lots of colours and patterns.
UNIQLO Women Heattech Socks 2 Pairs: Cosiest socks of the year. Lightweight, warm, and better than SmartWool in my book. NOT scratchy, and stay put.
Natori Print Caftan: Modern Retro caftan for a bit of glam. Best on broader shoulders and a larger bust. Runs big.

You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom Lingerie Long Wrap Cardigan

$68.00

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Nordstrom

Nordstrom Lingerie Ribbed Leggings

$45.00 $30.15

Sale

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Nordstrom

Lauren Ralph Lauren Knit Pajamas (Plus Size) (Online Only)

$84.00

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Top Pick

Nordstrom

Junk Food 'Wake Me When I'm Famous' Sleep Shirt

$68.00 $45.56

Sale

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Nordstrom

DKNY 'Urban Essentials' Stretch Modal Lounge Dress (Plus Size)

$62.00

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Top Pick

Nordstrom

PJ Salvage Print Flannel Pajamas

$62.00

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Nordstrom

Honeydew Intimates Cuddle Bug Hoodie

$68.00

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Top Pick

Gap

Pure Body modal short-sleeve tee

View Info

Top Pick

Gap

Gap + Pendleton flannel sleep pants

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Gap

Soft cotton print leggings

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Nordstrom

Sub_Urban Riot 'Happy Camper' Graphic Sweatshirt

$58.00

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Nordstrom

Make + Model 'Best Boyfriend' Brushed Hacci Lounge Pants

$45.00

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Nordstrom

DKNY 'City Essentials' Pants

$48.00

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Nordstrom

DKNY Jersey Top

$40.00 $26.80

Sale

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Gap

Pure Body Essentials t-shirt dress

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Gap

Pure Body long sleeve tee

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UNIQLO

Women Heattech Socks 2 Pairs

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Nordstrom

Natori Print Caftan

$180.00 $120.60

Sale

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Pullovers versus Cardigans

— by Angie

on December 19, 2016

’Tis the season for knitwear as temperatures plummet, which means choosing between pullovers and cardigans. Pullovers are closed in front. Cardigans are open in front and function like a knitted jacket. Both are available in countless silhouettes, lengths, levels of dressiness, fabrications, colours and patterns.

Both options can be extremely cosy and comfortable, can work with a casual lifestyle, and can look equally dramatic. But they each have their advantages.

Advantages of Pullovers

No need to think about what to layer under a pullover, making it an easy “pull-on-and go”.
They layer more easily under jackets and coats.
They are a more insulating option because of the closed front.
They broaden a narrower shoulder line.
They create an effective backdrop for statement necklaces.
They create a simple visual effect.

Advantages of Cardigans

They are easy to layer and carry, which makes adjusting to your changing inner thermostat highly effective. You have to commit to wearing a pullover if you only have undies underneath.
You can take off a cardigan without messing up your hair.
They streamline a large bust and broad shoulder line.
The vertical integrity of the opening down the centre front of the body has a slimming effect.
They create the interesting visual effect of multiple layers.

There is room for pullovers and cardigans in your style. But like me, you might have a strong personal preference. I own exactly ONE cardigan, which is like cheating because it’s part of a twin set. I only wear it over the matching pullover. I much prefer wearing pullovers because I find them warmer, better suited to my narrow shoulder line, and easier to layer under coats. I also enjoy their simple statement with a pile of pearls.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Pullover, Team Cardigan, or for both teams?

Knitwear

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Ensemble: Cinderella Goes to the Ball

— by Angie

on December 16, 2016

This is the last ensemble post of 2016, and we’re going to a ball (an imaginary ball is good too). Enough with practical, easy, casual and comfortable dressing. Let’s toss simple, minimal looks out the window too. It’s time to glam things up with a very dressy frock, glitz, jewellery, and gorgeous make-up. It’s also a time to have a discussion with your feet. Tell them you’ll need to wear uncomfortable heels for the event, but that you’ll have comfy peds on standby, just in case.

The most important thing about this look is to pull out all the stops. This is your Cinderella moment, so don’t hold back. Except, in this version of the fairytale your coach does not turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

Here are the components of the outfit.

Dress: You HAVE TO WEAR A DRESS. Tuxedo separates or funky jumpsuits will not do. Choose the ballgown of your dreams and remember to have it altered to fit. By the way, your fairy godmother is paying for the outfit, so don’t be shy. You might need to pop fashion tape in a few strategic places to keep the frock from shifting. No need to choose a long gown if that’s not your thing. By all means go knee or tea-length (less formal, but just as elegant). Choose any colour.

Footwear: Choose dressy heeled pumps, Mary Janes or sandals that go with the style of the dress. Metallics are flop proof and add a fabulous dimension to the outfit. Dark footwear can work, especially if it’s bejewelled. Don’t choose dressy footwear that you would wear to the office. Amp it up! Pop your shoes on before the dress because sometimes that’s a whole lot easier, and won’t crease the dress.

Bring along a pair of glitzy sneakers or flats to change into later in case your feet need a break from those heels. It’s easier to add flats and sneakers to a shorter dress, so if you decide to wear a gown, remember that you’ll be committed to that heel height.

Topper: Short feathery or faux fur jackets and stoles look good with fit-and-flare dresses. Longer brocade or lace coats look fab with straighter dresses. Wool or velvet capes can work with just about any dress. And sparkly wraps are an easy solution for a sleeveless dress.

Accessories: Choose bold jewellery that makes a statement. It might be earrings and a cuff bracelet, or simply earrings. A festive mask or fascinator is another way to go. A pile of pearls for around the neck would be my choice here, and perhaps a gigantic cocktail ring too (and I’m leaving on my green specs so that I can see). Finish off the look with a small dazzling clutch or wristlet, hair that is done at the salon, hosiery if you need the insulation, sultry make-up, nail polish, and perhaps a splash of your favourite scent.

The only thing left to do is have a ball at the ball!

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Ensembles

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Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Twenty Years and a New Pearl Ring

— by Angie

on December 15, 2016

Twenty years ago today, I married the love of my life in the oldest stone church in Cape Town. I designed my own dress, had it custom-made, and to this day I wouldn’t have changed a thing about it. All in all we’ve been together almost thirty years, most of my life, and I’m looking forward to thirty more. Our affection, respect, devotion, loyalty and gratitude for one another goes more deep than I can express in words.

The engagement ring Greg chose is a gold band with three small centered diamonds, and I love it. I’m not into wearing two rings on one finger, so I had a gold wedding band fused onto either side of the ring to create one broad band. Over the years I’ve collected three more wedding rings. With Greg’s blessing I changed up my wedding ring style. I sported a very simple platinum band in the late ‘90s. My Mum’s gold wedding ring after she passed way. And a white gold 1938 vintage estate ring for many years after that. Interestingly, of all my wedding rings, I have worn the first broad gold ring the most by far. I bat for Team Gold.

I’ve been after the right pearl wedding ring for a while, and just when I stopped looking, there it was. A gold band with two small asymmetrical pearls that were floating in air. Simple, delicate and different. Just what I had in mind, and absolutely perfect. It became my 5th wedding ring and my 20th anniversary gift.

My new pearl wedding ring is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. I can barely feel it on my finger, and it stays put. It matches my dainty new gold watch and pearl bracelet too. I’m wearing my pretty new ring for the first time today and I can’t stop looking at it. I LOVE IT.

And last but not least, the incredibly thoughtful YLF community gave us a very special gift earlier this year to commemorate ten years of YLF. Part of the gift was a getaway at the Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island, which is an hour and half away from our home. That’s where hubby Greg, our Yorkie Sam, and I are heading today to celebrate our wedding anniversary. How smashing is that? I’ll be wearing my holiday outfit for our fancy ten-course meal tomorrow night, along with my new pearl wedding ring. We’ve been looking forward to this for months, and can’t thank you enough for your generosity.

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Accessories

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Weekly Roundup: Items with Texture

— by Angie

on December 14, 2016

Here’s a short roundup of cute items with subtle or dramatic texture. Most of them were winners on my clients, and can be dressed up or down. Some of the pieces are available in multiple colours.

Lafayette 148 New York 'Iconic Collection' Cashmere Gathered Asymmetrical Sweater: A good top for a larger bust and curvy upper body. Works quite well on apple-shaped body types too (the ruching and fabric are forgiving on the midsection). Good on a longer torso and on Team Tall. Runs big.
Burberry Bell Sleeve Sweatshirt: Comfy Architectural Flounce.
FLY London Women's Suzu Boot: Comfortable maximal wedge booties. Good on a variety of foot shapes. Great with dark neutrals.
Kate Spade New York kate spade new york 'bow logo' gloves: The prettiest gloves I've seen all year, which is why the cream had to be mine. Dainty, refined, well made, Modern Retro and quite practical since the underside is black. Tech friendly too, which means you don't need to remove your gloves to use your phone. They're a little wide for narrow palms and fingers, but not too bad.
Latigo Isaac Lace-Up Bootie (Women): Casual mango lace-up booties add pizzazz to an outfit. Comes in plum, black, and brown too. Best on a higher volume foot and wider ankle. Quite comfy.
Sweater Dress with Ruffle Shoulder: A super cute sweater dress for hourglasses and pear-shaped body types who can wear a turtleneck. Finish off the outfit with textured black hosiery and black boots.
Banana Republic Pleated Button Up Blouse: A non-crease pleated blouse for Team Subtle Boho. Works on a range of body types.
Topshop Leopard Print Genuine Calf Hair Belt: A rich leopard belt for pattern mixing an outfit.
Anthropologie Soma Velvet Scarf: A luxe velvet scarf for Team Cool Colours. The pink and lilac colour way is just as fab.
Eileen Fisher Tuck Siped Almond Toe Bootie (Women): A bootie that looks a lot better in person. The texture reminds me of fish scales, and looks best in the grey. Great support and fits a higher volume foot. Tidy fit around the ankle. Comfy.
Karen Millen SWING COAT: A pretty and quite architectural Modern Retro swing coat for milder Winters. High longevity factor. Will not date. Well made. The black buttons make ALL the difference (does not look like a lab coat). Oversized and structured in the right places. It was almost mine.
Topshop Kate Faux Fur Coat: '70s Faux Fur Fabness. Bulky, but that's the look.
Karen Millen Large O-ring Leather Handbag: A sleek and trendy O-ring bag that adds dressy structure and polish to an outfit.
Topshop Bead Fringe Clutch: A little fuzzy fringe to carry instead of wear. Moody palette.
Topshop Sweet Dreams Faux Fur Coat: A Shrimps faux fur look-alike coat for a fraction of the price. It makes a bold statement so consider yourself warned.
Topshop Eyelet Bomber Jacket: Maximal Biker Bomber Fabness.
Marc Jacobs The Standard Medium Leather Tote: Carry a metallic bag throughout Winter because why not!
Anthropologie Ruffled Shoulder Cardigan: The photo does not do this super cute cardigan justice. In fact, it looks better worn as a pullover with all the buttons done up. Darker in person, and a very fun swingy silhouette with flounces and good drape.
Anthropologie Golden Knit Beret: A gold beret just for fun.
Anthropologie Ombre Infinity Scarf: Cosy cool tones for your neck.
SOREL Addington Lace: Comfortable and tough casual booties if you can manage the heel height.
J.Jill Madison jacquard topper: A floral sweater jacket that fits a range of body types. Good length for taller gals. Runs big.
Halogen Slouchy Cashmere Beanie: An adorable casual and on trend pom pom hat for a smaller head. All the colours are nice. I bought the cream.
Aquatalia Yulia Weatherproof Chelsea Boot (Women): Sleek, classic and Equestrian chic. Best on lower volume feet and narrow ankles. Impeccable quality. Very comfortable, and weatherproof.
Aquatalia Fianna Weatherproof Bootie (Women): Sleekest suede booties I've seen all year. On trend snip toe and an excellent fit on low volume feet. Good on narrow ankles. Beautifully made. Both the cognac and pearl grey are gorgeous. Very comfortable and 100% weatherproof.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Faux Fur Chelsea Sneaker (Women): Super cute, comfy, classic, and graphic. Grippy soles for rain and ice. High shafts for ankle coverage. Fleece lining for warmth. Laces to fit narrow ankles. Gold elastic and grommets for magpies. They're a little wide for low volume feet, but not a problem with thick socks and insoles (can accommodate an orthotic too). They will work well for high volume feet. They followed me home and are my new very casual Winter bootie. AMAZING price.