I’m really enjoying the way that Net-a-Porter is showcasing their products recently. This casual outfit, which they created for the converse sneakers, spoke to me for many reasons. First, it’s easy to pull together, and you’ll probably have similar pieces in your closet right now.  Second, I love the juxtaposition of the glitzy collar with the oh-so-relaxed sneakers and denim jacket. I love the pairing of a ladylike blouse with casual bottoms. I love the pattern mixed effect of the blouse and bag. I love that this outfit is comfortable and stylish.

The combination is particularly easy to replicate in neutrals with a dash of colour, but any colour palette is workable. There are five components to the outfit, each of which can be customized to suit YOUR style: 

1. Stretchy Pants: The Gap Real Skinny pants that I’m wearing in this outfit are a great way to recreate this look. A pair of Ponte knit pants, or stretchy cigarette pants will work too. As will a pair of black straight leg jeans or leather jeggings.   
2. Glam Blouse: The extreme juxtaposition of the untucked glam blouse with the casual outfit is precisely what I find appealing. Sure, you can substitute the glam for casual, but you won’t achieve the same interesting effect. No need to sport sequins and beading as long as the blouse has a dressy aspect to it. Feel free to unbutton the blouse, or wear a glam V-neck top.  
3. Denim jacket: This item speaks for itself.  
4. Converse Sneakers: I’d wear my yellow Chucks, but any fashion sneaker will do. Perhaps a fashion forward high top sneaker will tickle your fancy? Go with a little wedge or keep it flat. Try boat shoes if sneakers aren’t your thing. Casual flat oxfords would look great too.  
5. Accessories: The patterned tote makes the outfit to my eye. And there’s even a little arm candy action that bookends the glam of the blouse. So fab! 

This outfit formula is a super way for a gal on the go to feel casual yet pulled together, on trend and ready for action. I’m going to sport this look over the weekend while the weather is mild as I have similar wardrobe pieces. Part of me is toying with the idea of whipping out my black pencil skirt instead of my black skinnies. Let the outfit experimentation begin!

Elle Magazine has compiled a list of the fifty best boutiques in the US. In 50 States of Shopping they explain which brands to look out for and why each store is worth a squizz

On Shopkeepers ardent shoppers tell us a bit about themselves, list their favourite bricks-and-mortar stores and explain why they love to shop there. Of course the shopkeepers get a say too, each of their posts feature basic information about the store they work at and profiles on its customers and merchandise. A relaxing way to discover some new brands and shops to explore next.

From Swedish label Acne publishing a bi-annual magazine to high-street chain Cos who have been bringing out an in-house glossy since 2007, increasingly, labels are producing their own “brand literature” as a means of translating their vision and inspirations to their customers. Do you like to browse through store publications?

Fab Links from Our Members

On the YLF forum we talk a lot about tailoring items to achieve perfect fit, that’s why this discussion of alterations on Corporette caught Makrame’s attention. The comments include many recommendations for tailors in specific locations in the US and Canada… A wealth of information.

Angie says that nobody does leather like Salvatore Ferragamo. She highly recommends browsing the brand’s Spring 2013 Collection because there is artistic calm amidst the chaos of these crisp outfits.

Ann in New England recommends the Library Journal’s column Sartorial Splendor: Falling into Fashion, with reviews of six books in which fashion plays an integral role.

In Building a Remixable Wardrobe, Part 3 – The Importance of Colored Bottoms, blogger Audrey writes: “A collection of seven pieces will provide more remixing options if they include three tops and four bottoms rather than six tops and one bottom.”  Laurinda points out that this could come in handy while packing a minimal travel wardrobe.

Joy enjoyed Tina Gaudoin’s ramblings on the small stuff that you need for everyday sartorial satisfaction, especially the comments about bare faces. Turns out Tina also likes clutches, just like Angie!

With the weather about to change, Une femme d’un certain âge has compiled some smart suggestions on how to use scarves to fix all kinds of wardrobe ailments. Nice tip, Carole.

Here on YLF I try to be consistent in using “wardrobe” when I mean the contents of your closet, and “closet” when I’m referring to the place where you keep your wardrobe. And I mean “closet” in a very general sense. It might be a walk-in wardrobe, one or more cupboards, an armoire and chest of drawers, or even some portable clothes racks. 

All sorts of factors affect how we edit and add to our wardrobes. From our lifestyles, climates and body types, to environmental norms, budgets and style personas. And here’s another factor to consider. How does the nature of your closet affect what you keep and purchase? 

Generally, I see a pattern with my clientele. Those with limited closet space have smaller wardrobes, which makes for a stricter editing and shopping policy. Those with huge walk-in wardrobes have larger wardrobes because they can store more items. This makes their editing and shopping process more forgiving. 

That said, I also have clients with small closets who have large wardrobes because they store items elsewhere and swap things out with the changing seasons. They prefer to have lots of stuff, do less laundry, and not repeat outfits all that often. Conversely, I have clients with huge closets and small wardrobes because they are minimalist by nature. They prefer to wear the same outfits over and over again and do more laundry. 

This brings us to your closet goals, and whether they are strict or flexible despite the size of your closet. My closet goals are extremely strict. I share half of a small walk-in wardrobe with hubby and it stores my entire wardrobe apart from outerwear that I keep in the coat closet, and undies, socks and hosiery that I keep in a chest of drawers. I also store my ball gown elsewhere because the tulle skirt is bulky. I do not swap out clothing and footwear for the changing seasons, or keep wardrobe items (aside from the ball gown) in other storage spaces. I even store my necklaces in my closet.

As you can see above, each hanger in my closet has a distinct slot so I can’t add more hangers to my closet even if I wanted to. I don’t have the same compartmental restrictions for my footwear, handbag and folding spaces, but I’m disciplined about keeping the inventory down so that I do not overfill the space. My closet goal is to keep my entire wardrobe apart from basics and outerwear in my walk-in wardrobe. No spreading out the contents to other cupboards so that I can store more stuff. I could easily use the empty cupboard in the guest room and utilize the ample space in the garage and under the beds to store items that can be swapped out with the seasons. But I choose not to because I like to see my wardrobe in a single glance, and do not want too many options to choose from.

So my closet goal has a significant impact on my editing and shopping habits. I have to exercise the-one-in-one-out wardrobe principle if I want to keep my wardrobe at this size, which is perfect for me. My closet goal simplifies my style, and satisfies my control freak gene. This in turn gives me a sense of calm when I walk into my closet to choose an outfit.   

What are your closet goals? Does the nature of your wardrobe storage situation influence the way you edit and add to your wardrobe?

Here are a few more photos from the shoot we did at Alki Beach for my post this morning on slouchy skinnies and high-low style. We initially left them out because it felt like the post was getting out of control, but then thought: why not post them separately?

And here are the two photos that Greg made into one. He didn’t tell me about it so I did the same double take a lot of you did when he sent me the photos for the post.