Sleeveless tops are a fantastic way to keep cool in hot weather, but we also have the right to NOT bare our arms. It’s hard finding tops that are breezy, flattering, arm covering and that can be worn on their own without a camisole or top layer. And the further we head into the Summer retail season, the less likely we are to find items with sleeves. 

So now is a good time to look for breezy sleeved tops. Here is a small assortment of woven blouses to help you on your way: 

• Ella Moss ‘Annie’ Cutout Shoulder Cascade Eyelet Top: Although this blouse requires a camisole, the integrity of the eyelet ensures ventilation. The shoulder cut-out is genius too. 
• Lucky Brand ‘Anne Sunflower’ Blouse: The banded styling creates structure while surrendering the waistline for comfort. You can sew the vent on the neckline a little more closed so that you don’t need to wear a camisole. It’s also available in a tonal grey pattern. 
• Lucky Brand ‘Mena’ Zigzag Print Top: Here is the same banded blouse concept with a smocked neckline. 
• Tie Neck Pocket Peasant Blouse: Nice colour! No banded bottom, just roomy and comfy. 
• Knit Hem Short Sleeve Top: This is an interesting shape. It’s voluminous nature will work well over a pencil skirt thereby taking the bombshell out of the equation. 
• Women’s Bird-Print Charmeuse Blouse: Although it’s polyester, it’s a fun conversational print in the right silhouette. 

Many of these shapes fall into the “peasant” blouse category. Perhaps that’s not your cup of tea or a flattering silhouette for your body type. But it does do the job of covering your arms without extra layers.

It takes discipline and effort to lose weight, so in the past when I noticed that a friend, colleague, acquaintance or family member had lost weight, I would make a point of commenting on it and telling them how great they looked. 

I later realized that my comments on their weight loss could be perceived as an implication that they hadn’t looked good before shedding the pounds, and therefore might be a little insulting. My comments also implied that losing weight is always a good thing. And after seeing close family members unintentionally lose weight due to extreme illness, I know that this definitely isn’t the case.

After thinking about it I decided to stop commenting on weight loss. If I had something to say about someone’s appearance, it was focused on their style. Well, this also ended up biting me in the bottom because some people actually wanted me to comment positively on their weight loss and acknowledge their efforts. They were disappointed when I “didn’t notice”. 

I want to praise those who want to be praised for their weight loss efforts. But I don’t want to offend them or hurt their feelings. I still don’t have a universal, flop proof commenting strategy. I just approach each situation differently. If I think that the person would appreciate a compliment on their weight loss efforts, I make one. If I don’t know the person well, or I’m unsure of the situation, then I don’t remark on their weight loss at all. 

I’d love your input here so that I can improve my own handling of this situation. Do you comment positively when someone has lost weight? If so, what do you say? Or do you think it’s best to leave weight loss out of the conversation completely. How do you feel when someone comments positively about your weight loss?

I haven’t seen an era in fashion where fingernail polish has been as popular as it is right now. In fact, it’s become fingernail art. The possibilities are endless in terms of colours, patterns, sparkly top coats and intricate designs. Nail polish is big business these days. There are websites devoted entirely to fingernail adornment, like the LacqueredLover blog by Carly (who we happened to meet backstage at Tadashi Shoji during fashion week).

You are on Team Fingernail Polish if you prefer to wear coloured fingernail polish, even if it’s just for special occasions. You are on Team No Polish if you prefer to go au natural. If you regularly wear a French Manicure, you bat for Team Fingernail Polish because the effect is still quite pronounced despite the lack of colour. If you occasionally wear clear nail polish, you’ll bat for Team No Polish because the effect is very subtle. Note that this poll does NOT include toenail polish. 

I often see ladies with vibrant or dark fingernail polish and it really completes their look. The blogosphere is full of gals with interesting nail polish combinations, as the bloggers frequently zone in on their fingernails as outfit features. Fingernail polish can absolutely function as an effective and interesting accessory. 

Well. The last time I wore real nail polish was on my wedding day, fifteen years ago. It was a soft pearly white to match my ivory dress. I’ve had the odd manicure over the years and requested a no-nail-polish finish. Some found this a really odd request and insisted I leave with clear nail polish after the manicure. Nail polish has never been part of my style. I sport short nails and well moisturized, sun protected hands. That is my fingernail style and I don’t see that changing, possibly ever. As a result I am not at all inspired to experiment with nail polish colour and art. I bat for Team No Polish.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Fingernail Polish or Team No Polish. Remember that there is no right and wrong answer here. You are merely stating your stylistic preference, and no batting for both teams.

If floral and polka dot blazers aren’t your thing, there’s always the striped jacket option. Striped blazers started coming through last season, and are making an even stronger statement this year. Although it’s on trend to wear a striped blazer at the moment, it’s a timeless look to my eye. Jailbird striped tees and knitwear don’t date, and it’s the same with a striped blazer. 

I’ve fitted the first three striped blazers on bodies and can vouch for their fit, quality and comfort. I don’t know how these items will handle the laundry process but I guess that’s usually a gamble.

H&M Striped Blazer (left below): It’s knitted and fully lined. I’m really impressed with the workmanship of the welted pockets. The 1940’s shoulder pad is divine and so Katherine Hepburn. The “mock” double breasted effect is genius, looking as good left open as buttoned-up. This jacket creates a strong hourglass-y effect. It’s pretty cropped so it works well for petites too. A very cheeky jacket!

Banana Republic Barbara Striped Knit Blazer (right below): This knitted and partially lined blazer has a more relaxed vibe than the style from H&M. It’s not as structured and feels like a cardigan. No shoulder pads and not as fitted. It’s virtually sold out online in regulars and petites, but I saw plenty in stores last week. 

Loft Corded Dobby Stripe Blazer (left below): It’s fully lined, woven, and the stripe is taupe (not white). This garment is super crisp and structured despite it’s casual vibe. Great for warm weather. It looks like the Loft has stepped up their quality game. There is something about it’s 93% textured cotton content that is very appealing. The tipped edges are gorgeous, the style a no nonsense classic. It’s not as comfy as the knitted options though, so consider yourself warned.

Piperlime Bleecker Blazer (right below): I have not seen this knitted blazer in person, but the reviews are promising. It’s on back order, which means that it was popular. It’s softer charcoal grey stripe is lovely, and fully lined to boot. It’s shorter in the back than in the front, which is interesting. The puff sleeve is an acquired taste, but that design detail does compliment a narrow or sloping shoulder line. 

Here are some fast styling ideas for nautical-inspired, striped blazers: 

• Add white or cream bottoms: Think jeans, cropped pants, trousers, clamdiggers, skirts, shorts or a white dress. Add a white top or denim shirt and you are good to go. Adding a top in a colour, either soft or bright, will also work well because of the grounding effect of the white bottoms
• Add coloured bottoms: Bright jeans are a great option, as are bright trousers and even pastel trousers and denim. Of course, coloured skirts and shorts are great alternatives. Wearing a white or off-white top under the blazer pulls the outfit together. 
• Add blue jeans, denim shorts or a denim skirt: This is the most straight forward option, matching it with just about any solid coloured top as an under layer. 
• Add a patterned top: Stripes are one of the easiest patterns to mix with other patterns, so be a devil and layer a patterned blouse or knitted top under the stripes. Keep the bottoms a solid colour. 
• Pop it over a dress: The shorter blazer lengths work particularly well over solid sheath dresses, or fit and flare frocks. 

Over to you. Are you inspired to wear a striped blazer? If so, which style from the above selection appeals to you the most?