Ensemble: White Jeans Into Fall

This ensemble was inspired by my own wardrobe because I wear white jeans throughout the year. They provide a bright, dramatic and crisp touch to Fall and Winter outfits, so don’t pack them away if you don’t want to. Here are some outfit ideas to get you started. 

Graphic Black & White

Combine white jeans with a black pullover or blouse and finish off the outfit with a bright accessory and neutral footwear. The rendition on the left is an outfit I’ve worn a couple of times this month. I pulled together white flared jeans with a black turtleneck, cream and black polka dot belt, cream booties and tomato red clutch. Left off the topper because I was sufficiently warm in the turtleneck. 

Earthy White 

Combine white jeans with earth-toned separates. For example, I pulled together an olive and burgundy pullover with an earthy scarf and cognac knee-high boots. I finished off the look with a mustard coat, burgundy bag and cognac felt hat. Choose tonal earth tones if these high-contrast ones aren’t your cup of tea. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

Ensemble: White Jeans into Fall

Link Love: A Sneak Peek at Spring 2016

I’m having fun browsing the New York Fashion Week runway shows for Spring/Summer 2016. Distilling the runway trends for us is Angie’s strong suit, and I’m already looking forward to reading her trend report. But in the meantime, I’d like to share six of my personal favourites so far:

  • The strong colour combos, interesting layering, mushroomed peplums and pointed hems at Jil Sander Navy
  • Geometric patterns and bold landscape prints from Novis
  • ICB using a crisp white tunic shirt as a creative layering piece
  • Texture and pretty metallics at Lela Rose
  • Ralph Lauren‘s primary colour palette and use of cognac leather
  • Elegant fringe and delicate sleeveless midi dresses from Boss

Fab Links from Our Members

Diana reports that Nervous System designs, which is known for its science- and nature-inspired jewellery, has been experimenting with custom-fit, 3D-printed dresses that are printed as a single folded piece with no assembly required. Fascinating technology, and Diana thinks the dresses are great-looking too!

Angie wanted to share Sally’s tips on what to wear when your weight is in flux

She also lets us know that hundreds of women shut down Times Square to draw attention to the extreme lack of plus size visibility in the media.

Trend forecasters predict that “magic” will replace normcore. After reading the article, UmmLila isn’t exactly sure what this will entail.

Robin came across an article about how Dadeville, a city in Alabama, may ban its residents from wearing pants that sag below the hips. She comments: “No matter how we feel about other people’s clothing and fashion choices, making them illegal is unfair, and, in my opinion, a waste of everyone’s time and resources.”

A Beautiful Brooch

Yorkie BroochA good few years ago I was helping my client Joan edit her abundant collection of accessories. Amidst the amazing scarves, necklaces, earrings and belt buckles was a quirky collection of vintage costume jewellery. I was listening to Joan’s colourful stories about the pieces when a little face caught my eye. My heart went pitter patter and I gasped. A Yorkshire Terrier brooch! 

It was a vintage piece from the ‘60s that Joan had inherited from her Mother. Like me, Joan’s Mum was besotted with Yorkies. When she passed away Joan inherited the brooch and she adopted Trevor, her Mum’s Yorkie. Trevor stole Joan’s heart and the brooch became an extremely sentimental piece that lives on her denim jacket in Summer and on her rust coat in Winter. It garners compliments wherever she goes.

Years went by, but all the recent talk about brooches trending for Fall and Winter reminded me of the beautiful piece. So on a complete whim, not holding out any hope, I typed “yorkie brooches” into the search box. To my amazement, the EXACT same vintage brooch from the ‘60s was available at Etsy. I couldn’t believe my luck! I immediately sent email to Joan to tell her about my find.

The next day I was all set to buy it when my heart sank to the bottom of my feet. The brooch had been sold overnight. With a heavy heart I emailed Joan to tell her that it wasn’t meant to be. That the brooch was sold to someone else. “Yes, I know…” she replied, “to moi! Pour vous!” 

I was speechless.

A few days ago a little package arrived in the mail. Inside was the most incredible brooch of all time and a beautiful Yorkie card. I wept. I am overwhelmed by Joan’s generosity and thoughtfulness. I will treasure my priceless Yorkie brooch, and wear it with a very happy heart.

Card & Brooch

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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Weekly Roundup: Early Fall

Fall shopping with clients is in full swing and there have been lots of favourites across casual and business casual dress codes. My word, do my clients love burgundy and all sorts of shades of deep red. I’m glad they can stock up on them this season. 

Here are some of the winners, and do browse through all the colour options. I’ve added the Marc Jacobs turtleneck and Express sailor pants to my own wardrobe.  

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

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Simply Chic in Germany

On Glam Up Your Lifestyle, Germany-based Claudia Steinlein (51) writes about fashion, beauty and lifestyle for the 40+ woman. Her relatable style is casual and on trend with the occasional tomboy and Sporty Luxe touch. Our blogger loves a pendant necklace and prefers uncomplicated silhouettes with few layers. She likes to remix favourite pieces, adores stripes and above-the-knee skirts and dresses. Her modern asymmetric bob and trademark bright red lipstick bring polish to her outfits.

“I found my basic style a couple of years ago and I call it easy chic. The only thing that’s changing are little details.”

Claudia Steinlein - 1

This is a fab example of the on trend long cosy cardigan. Claudia picked one in a vivid blue that pops against the neutrals layered underneath. Pairing an unstructured piece like this with rolled skinnies and a tucked shirt streamlines the look. The stone shirt and jeans are low contrast, which creates a long lean line. The fuzzy cardigan adds textural interest. Claudia’s stiletto heel booties are an unusual shade of teal that works brilliantly with the rest of the colour palette. 

Claudia Steinlein - 2

Claudia Steinlein - 2

A tonal look with great textural interest. Nice juxtaposition between the casual cosy knit and dressy silk woven frock. The long cardigan dresses down the silk dress, while the high-low rounded hem showcases the drapey line of the dress. Sporting the frock with black ankle boots and sheer black hose creates vertical integrity. When the cardi comes off, elbow-length sleeves and the deep V-neck create subtle allure. A large grey gemstone brooch accentuates the empire waistline. A bright red lip is the glamorous finishing touch.

Claudia Steinlein - 3

A striking floral print top gives this crisp Summer look tons of visual interest. The exaggerated high-low rounded hem is playful and on trend. The soft pink running through the top adds subtle colour to the graphic black and white. While the criss-cross neckline emphasizes Claudia’s lean shoulders. Slim-fit boyfriend jeans are rolled to showcase our blogger’s bare ankles. The block-heeled sandals bring subtle pattern mixing into the mix. The small cognac crossbody with fun oversized tassel complements the colour of the footwear. A simple pearl bracelet, red lippie and Claudia’s polished asymmetric bob finish off the look.

Claudia Steinlein - 4

A feminine tonal look in delicate neutrals that works beautifully with our blogger’s pale skin. Claudia cleverly transformed a pleated chiffon dress into an elegant skirt by layering over a champagne pullover with deep V-neck. The long sweater looks modern paired with the above-the-knee skirt. Light cognac ankle boots and an unstructured bag casualize the look. A long white pearl necklace and pendant complement the soft colour palette. Bright red lipstick and nail polish add cheerful pizzazz.

Claudia Steinlein - 5

Claudia Steinlein - 5

Claudia’s statement sweater is the centrepiece in this monochrome cold weather look. The attached, oversized scarf can be tied in many different ways, and, together with the cosy knit, provides loads of textural and visual interest. The head-to-toe mid-tone browns are flattering with Claudia’s blonde hair. Wearing brown on the top and bottom creates a column of colour that makes our 5’9” blogger look even taller. The volume of the big scarf tie is balanced out by pairing the sweater with skinny jeans. Pointy toe pumps in a bronzy brown add outfit depth. The oversized Louis Vuitton bag brings tonal pattern into the mix. Claudia’s trademark bright red lipstick is the polished finishing touch. 

Claudia Steinlein - 6

A super fun Sporty Luxe look! Claudia dresses down a beautiful pleated midi skirt with white sneakers and a striped tee. Pairing a mid-calf-length skirt with flat footwear isn’t the easiest thing to do, but our blogger creates proportions that are just flattering enough by tucking in the roomy tee. This also exposes the higher waist of the skirt, which elongates the leg line. Showing some bare skin by rolling the T-shirt sleeves and the lower neckline adds structure to the outfit. A boxy cream crossbody fits the playful vibe of the outfit perfectly.

Let us know in the comments what you think of Claudia’s fab uncomplicated casual style. Visit her blog to browse the rest of her outfits, or check out her pinboards for more visual inspiration.