I’ve seen a few of my clients wearing double ball stud earrings recently, both in gold and silver, and I loved them. There’s a small stud on the front and a large one at the back where the earring fastens. In fact the large back stud is the fastener. The effect is asymmetrical and modern. Chunky, yet neat and simple. And interesting — I did a double take when I saw these for the first time. 

My clients tell me that these earrings are comfortable as long as they’re lightweight. The back stud might feel a little odd at first because it’s a bulky bit at the back of your ear, but you do get used to it. Double stud earrings are also available in diamond and pearl renditions.

It’s becoming trickier and trickier to determine whether wardrobe items are dated because fashion has become an incredible melting pot of colours, fits and silhouettes. Throw in the fact that vintage pieces can look trendy when remixed with a good dose of modern, and it’s even MORE confusing. 

On the other hand, there are items that defy the trends and have a high longevity factor. I find that they normally fall into one of three categories.

Modern Classic

Classic pieces are versatile because they can be worked into almost any style. Therein lies their power. I like to put the word “modern” in front of classic because classic items do date and it’s important to keep them current. 

It’s common to keep a classic piece for more than five years if the quality holds up. Some classics like Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Aviators, Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers, the original Dr. Martens boot, cowboy boots, the 2.55 Chanel handbag and a Burberry scarf have an exceptionally high longevity factor because they have become iconic, and therefore timeless. 

Retro

Retro pieces are not the same as vintage pieces. Where vintage pieces are old, retro pieces are current, but they imitate styles from past fashion eras. The distinctive retro piece has a home in your wardrobe because it’s not competing with the trends. Like modern classics, retro pieces can complement the trendy pieces in your outfit. Although retro pieces are current, the throwback to a previous era makes them a little more immune to dating. 

Avant-Garde

An avant-garde piece is highly unusual. It does not fall into mainstream trends, nor is it retro. But it isn’t dated either because it has no sense of time. Their innovative and experimental qualities make them stand on their own. In some cases, styles go from avant-garde to fringe trend. Avant-garde pieces can be remixed with trendy items, retro pieces and modern classics.

In my most recent outfit post I combined two retro blouses with a pair of avant-garde harem pants. The lace blouse and pants have been in my wardrobe for years and will continue to live there until they’re worn out. I’ll have fun reinventing their support acts so that they stay true to my style and feel fresh for the season.

Pantone’s top colours for Spring 2016, Athleta’s first designer collaboration, a new wide-fit footwear collection, and other style news that caught our attention this week.

• Next year’s exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London will celebrate 100 years of British Vogue.
• e-Tailer Eloquii has just launched its own wide-fit footwear collection.
• Rose Quartz and Buttercup are among Pantone’s Top 10 colours for Spring 2016, which “are meant to ease the daily grind.”
• Andrew Bolton will succeed Harold Koda as Head Curator of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
• For its first designer collaboration, a 38-piece collection of activewear and athleisure, Athleta has teamed up with Derek Lam.
• ShoeKicker is a search engine that sifts through over 10,000 pairs of running shoes to help you find the best deal on any specific shoe.

Fun Fashion Fact

Proposing marriage with a ring goes back centuries. But it is said that Archduke Maximilian of Austria is one of the first people on record to have proposed with a diamond ring. In fact, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s, when diamonds were discovered in British provinces in South Africa, that diamond engagement rings really gained in popularity. Until then the most popular rings featured other gemstones, often birthstones.

This ensemble was inspired by two modern retro looks from Express that feel fresh for Fall. They combine flared trousers or culottes with a soft tucked blouse. They chose a fringed suede jacket as a topper, but a fitted blazer is just as ‘70s, and easier to pull together for this outfit formula. 

I’ve chosen black, white, cognac and burgundy here but feel free to choose any colour palette. Here are the components: 

Flared Bottoms: Think flared trousers or jeans that are fitted in the hips and thighs for structure. Think culottes in all iterations as an option in wet and soggy weather. And although I haven’t included the silhouette here, think cropped jeans with kick flares too. They look great with booties with higher shafts. Neutrals are easy to style but don’t overlook colours like rust and burgundy either. 

Romantic Blouse: You’re after a soft blouse with a romantic touch in a solid or pattern. Think blouses with neck ties, bows, ruffles, lace or flounces. Wear it tucked into the bottoms, or untucked over the bottoms. You might find that the untucked version works better with full length flares instead of culottes. 

Topper: The topper is optional. Choose a fitted blazer or a suede jacket that works with the colour palette for an extra ‘70s integrity. 

Footwear: Pointy toe footwear with low or high heels works best with full length flares. Knee-high boots, ankle strap footwear, cut-out booties, pumps and booties with higher shafts work well with cropped flares like culottes. Choose a colour that works with the rest of the outfit. I’ve chosen black, cognac and animal print because they look more ‘70s.  

Accessories: Finish off the look with a fringed bag or hobo for a retro touch, or keep it modern and simple with a clutch or tote. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired.

I’ve sported my version of this ensemble a few times already. I combined light blue flared jeans with a white neck tie blouse, studded cognac belt and animal print booties. On a chillier day I added my equestrian Smythe jacket because it’s very fitted and the elbow patches work with the cognac in the rest of the outfit. For a modern touch, I finished off the look with green specs and neon clutch.