Astrid enjoyed an informative post by No Signposts in the Sea on how to buy a good pair of trousers. 

MaryK and I both liked Already Pretty’s post on being too old to have fun with fashion. YLF’s number one rule is to have fun with fashion AT ANY AGE. Sally and I both feel very strongly about the fact that you are never to old to have fun with fashion. Currently, my 74 year old client is having more fun with fashion than she has ever had before. 

Cora recommends reading about garment quality control on Empty Emptor. 

Ironkurtain found this uncomplimentary New York Times article about top Spanish clothing retailer Zara very interesting.  

Kappy loves the festive collection of Bass shoes that are designed by Rachel Antonoff.

Emily found a fun slideshow of Mad Men Fashion on Slate. 

Have you ever wondered who put Americans in jeans and t-shirts? Well, Laurinda found out how this all started in the Etsy blog.

Annygybe informs us via an article in Women’s Wear Daily that Swedish budget retailer H&M is doing a luxury line. I’m interested to see how this will unfold. 

Inge found a fab article in The Guardian on Autumn and Winter 2012 trends that we can wear right now. Of particular interest was the map-printed dress. How conversational! 

Vildy likes Constanza Pascolata’s style sensibility on Women of Style because she has a great way of feminizing masculine pieces. 

mm88 recommends these 10 Great Clothing Tricks in 60 Seconds from Lifehacker. Very fab, especially for blokes. 

Jonesy found these jazzy suits for women on Stylesight ultra inspiring.  

Debora informs us that Club Monaco merchandise is now available online. Finally! 

Having attended a fun and festive rehearsal dinner on Saturday night, it was off to the wedding ceremony the next morning on what was an extraordinarily warm Chicago Spring day. This was the main event and it was held at the gorgeous Columbus Park Refectory, which somehow manages to be spacious and cozy at the same time. The sun shone through the high ceiling windows, spreading it’s warmth and glow throughout the day. 

Morning weddings aren’t as formal as evening weddings, so I kept the vibe of this outfit a touch relaxed. I stuck to the same neutral palette of grey, white, bone and black, only this time I added tomato red footwear and retro clutch.

I matched a very fitted polka dot midi skirt with a drapey scarf printed blouse as a nod to this season’s pattern mixing trend. This skirt is SO fitted (the length restricting my movement even more), that I hobbled along taking pigeon steps in my three inch heels whenever I moved about the venue. But the ensemble was fine for a seated wedding and reception where there was no need to charge around like I usually do. 

My aim was to take the bombshell out of the pencil skirt, so I created a voluminous effect on top by tucking a boxy blouse into the fitted skirt. I’m so impressed with how the pattern on the seams of the blouse match up, and how the underside of the collar is pattern matched too. If ever there was a blouse to “scrunch, pop and button up”, this is it. 

I left off all jewelry other than my gold watch and wedding ring because one of my style goals is to be minimal and streamlined. Micro fishnet hose created the right texture on my lower legs. I also threw on a darker shade of lipstick to bring out the light colours of the blouse. I swapped out my specs for a black retro pair and was ready to celebrate the festivities with friends. 

The Islamic wedding event featured the most breathtaking assortment of Indian ensembles. WOW. Most of the men, women and kids were dressed in heavily embellished Indian clothing which was a sheer feast for my eyes. So, so, so beautiful. Truly, my outfit paled in comparison. But I was very comfortable, felt fab, and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful day.

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.