Time to clean out your closet and assemble those “closet orphans”: They might become another woman’s treasure at the upcoming YLF Seattle clothes and accessories swap meet, which will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 11am till 1pm in Seattle’s Seward Park neighborhood.

Past events have been a blast, with YLF regulars and newcomers getting together to swap clothes, shoes, and accessories while socializing and catching up with Angie (who will also be happy to assist with style advice.)

If you’re not sure whether a clothes swap is “for you”, here is a quick recap of why you want to participate:

1. It’s a great way to refresh your wardrobe. I typically come away with items I never had on my list of things to look for and that I might never have proactively shopped for in a store. I love them exactly for that reason: They are unexpected finds, bonus clothes, “extras”. Since the items are free, I can take a risk and grab something that’s a little less typical for my style and just experiment with a new color, a new cut, etc.
2. It’s a super way to clean out your closet. Angie writes a lot about the importance of “closet editing” and not holding on to clothes that you know (deep down you know you know!) you will not wear again. Many of us are too busy or just feel hassled by the thought of consigning our clothes, and sometimes you know a fashionable friend would really dig that item. Clothes swaps breathe new life into clothes that are still in great shape but don’t fit you anymore, were bad impulse purchases you instantly regretted but never took back to the store, are just “not you”, or for whatever reason have become closet orphans.
3. It’s truly “green”. The most eco-friendly clothing is recycled clothing. Rather than buying a new sweater, try scoring one at a swap. And I can tell you from experience that it is so rewarding to see someone else trying on an item you brought, loving it, and walking away with it as their new favorite wardrobe addition.
4. It’s fun! Allowing yourself to socialize for an hour or two with other women who enjoy clothes and fashion is a treat. I have fond memories of past clothes swaps, the giggles in front of the mirror, the compliments as well as the kind but honest advice to steer away from an item, and the delight at meeting women in person whom you previously only knew online. You will likely find that you have lots to talk about and might walk away with a new friend. Bonus!

Participating is free and easy: Just bring at least 5 items of clothing (clean and in good condition) plus unlimited shoes, bags, and accessories that you don’t longer want or need and that may work for someone else. Send email to swap@youlookfab.com and provide your full name and preferred email address, and you’ll receive an eVite with more information, address and directions etc.

If you’ve never attended a clothes swap before, this post will set the stage. And if you’re a YLF reader outside the Seattle area and are interested in hosting your own swap party, check out these tips for hosts.

Hope to swap with you soon!

Earlier this month I shared an ensemble that was based on one of Carlos Miele’s Fall 2012 runway looks. That outfit was almost a re-creation of the original, but outfit inspiration from runway shows needn’t be so literal. It can be subtle and selective, drawing from specific elements of the designer’s creations. This is how I draw inspiration from the Custo Barcelona show, whose creations are always over the top, colourful, maximal, texture-rich, a little ragged and crazily creative. 

The black and emerald outfit below is a great illustration of Custo Barcelona’s style. To say that there is a lot going here is an understatement. But even if the outfit is very far from your personal style, the colours, textures and patterns might get your creative juices flowing.

I’ve created two playful, and totally wearable “everyday outfits” that were inspired by aspects of this runway look. The things that I’m drawing from the original outfit are the wonderful combination of emerald green with neutrals, and the rich combinations of texture and pattern. Wear these outfits when you’re out and about town, on a gal’s night out, or on date night. And sport the look in less conservative and more casual office environments too.

Skirt Ensemble

A structured green pencil skirt is paired with a soft, black fitted short sleeved top. For textural interest, I’ve added a patterned silky scarf in cream, colour blocked fish-scale shoes, a plaid coat with leather trim, and bright cream handbag. Pattern, fabric assortment, colour blocking and high colour contrasts make this outfit texture-rich and maximal. Add in hosiery for colder days. Leave off the coat and sport bare legs on warmer days. 

Trouser Ensemble

A structured pair of green trousers is paired with a soft, classic printed black blouse. Tuck in the blouse to showcase a belt with textural interest. Animal printed boots in a light shade are an unexpected choice, as is the faux fur and studded handbag. A grey tweed “false plain” coat works as seamlessly as a solid but adds a retro integrity. Once again, the colour blocking, pattern mixing and fabric assortment is a nod to Custo Barcelona’s style sensibility, only my version is a lot more subdued. Leave off the coat and add a patent bag and snake skin pumps for a warm weather option.

That’s just one of the looks from the show. Imagine the countless other options you could create by taking inspiration from the others. Particularly if you have black leather skirts, shorts, trousers, jackets and coats in your closet. 

Aldo stores sell footwear and handbags. The quality of their handbags is better than Target, H&M and Forever 21, and yet the prices are not much higher. These four synthetic handbags caught my eye last week when I was in their store with a client. Quite nice. 

• Aldo’s Dockwiller Bowling Bag: It’s SO lightweight. And the off-white is lovely for Spring and Summer. It’s also available in coral. 
• Aldo’s Sedlack Clutch: A peacock feather printed vintage-inspired clutch with wooden handles is so fun! It’s also available in yellow. 
• Aldo’s Crate Clutch: A streamlined neon piped clutch is a super little update for any outfit, be it a gals night out, date night, or a wedding event. Check out both colour options. 
• Aldo’s Lare Satchel: This is the crossbody bag style of the moment. It’s cool in this neutral metallic shade. 

And while I’m at it, here are two versatile, good quality clothing pieces for work or play: 

• Ann Taylor Scoop Neck Short Sleeve Top: An excellent basic that’s substantial, non-clingy, and sleeved. In a viscose blend, it’s more like a sweater than a knitted top and does not need a camisole to hide cleavage or transparent fabrication. It comes in four colours. 
• Halogen Ruched Three Quarter Sleeve Jacket: If you’re looking for a lightweight woven jacket to accentuate your curves, try this shape. It’s amazingly flattering as it nips in at the waistline and skims your shape. Particularly great on a fuller bust line. The vertical integrity is very effective and the sleeves are “already scrunched”. Available in petites and regular sizes.

Sometimes, all it takes is a new handbag or simple clothing piece, like a basic top in a new colour, to change up the mood of your outfits.

We recently flew to Chicago to attend the wedding of a friend. I was excited about this trip because I LOVE weddings, adore Chicago, looked forward to catching up with Chicago friends, and was of course thrilled to attend the YLF Saint Patrick’s Day Gathering. The whirlwind trip was even better than I expected because the weather was unseasonably sublime. Warm, sunny and very opposite to the sleet and cold that we left behind in Seattle. 

It was a pleasure to prep the outfits for all three wedding events. There was a rehearsal dinner, the main ceremony and reception the next morning, and a banquet in the evening. I shopped my closet for all three outfits, and you’ll probably recognize most of the items. I kept the palette neutral across all three ensembles adding colour with footwear and clutch in outfits two and three, which you’ll see later this week.

I am often in a modern classic mood when it comes to dressing up for wedding events and I guess that’s because I don’t get bored of classic silhouettes. They are called “the classics” for a reason and that’s really the long and short of it. I also enjoy the juxtaposition of lady-like items with my boyish haircut and straight-ish body type. As long as the items are updated, crisp, and well made, I feel fab in a modern classic vibe. 

I matched a full, printed box-pleated skirt with one of my favourite button down shirts of all time. You saw the skirt at fashion week last month and the white shirt at fashion week last year. Although full skirts are on trend, it’s a retro classic in my book. I buttoned up the shirt right up to the top for part of the evening, allowing the oversized collar and mother of pearl buttons to function as an accessory. I scrunched up the sleeves to draw attention to it’s buttoned cuffs. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I happen to love a strict and dramatic buttoned-up look. Into the evening, I unbuttoned the shirt for a different outfit vibe.

I finished off the look with micro polka dot black hose, a textured pewter clutch, skinny black patent belt and black stacked pumps. No jewelry other than my watch, wedding ring and specs. I chose my oversized black specs to contrast with the whiteness of the shirt. I find solid black high heeled pumps, especially when they are pointy toed, a severe combination for my pale skin and blonde hair. So that’s why I opted for round toes and colour blocked heels. The bamboo heels add a softness to the outfit and bookend my blonde hair. This was Greg’s favourite wedding outfit of the three. 

I have to suppress my desire to wear this white button down shirt more often because I love it so much. When it warms up, I want to wear it twice a week because it works with virtually all my bottoms. But I also want to keep it somewhat “special”, which means practicing the art of self-restraint.