Orange is the colour for Spring and Summer 2012, which is why this bright argyle jumper is the backdrop for this month’s cover. It is also the national colour of the Netherlands, and runs through my Dutch veins. I love orange! But unfortunately it doesn’t love me back in the same way. So I stick to wearing a very dark orange that’s almost more of a red, or a pink-orange like coral. I can also wear a crisp mid-tone peach, but don’t because I’m not in love with that specific hue. 

The current leg of my style journey started in March last year, when I decided that I wanted to keep things clean, simple, modern and bold. This direction still feels completely right and it won’t be changing in the New Year. I strive to strip my outfits down to attractive minimal elements, while still keeping things interesting. 

I am increasingly interested in wearing classic pieces. I think that’s because their design lines are simple and clean. Also, when you buy a simple classic piece in better-end fabrications, it brings out the strength of the design. I still absolutely love to wear trendy items, but they only feel right for my style when they are grounded by crisp classic pieces in the same ensemble. 

This New Year’s Day outfit is a good example because it’s a mixture of classic pieces and fun trends. A tailored crisp white button shirt is about as classic as it gets. To many women button downs are an uncomfortable, staid basic. Well, call me boring, but I love my white non-iron tailored Brooks Brothers shirts, wear them all the time, and find them comfy. They bring a necessary crisp element to my outfits, acting more like an accessory than a statement piece. 

In true preppy fashion I layered my shirt under another classic piece — an argyle jumper. I look dreadful in camel, but when it’s mixed with dark orange it’s more flattering. I seldom button the cuffs of my shirts. Instead I leave them to do their own thing unless I’ve deliberately scrunched them up my arm. 

You’ve seen my trendy, high-waisted, pleated and tapered glen plaid trousers before. I so enjoy wearing them now that I’m a “trouser girl”. They are warm because they are wool and I like how they slouch. I sometimes wear the waistband a few inches below my waistline to make them look even baggier, as I’ve done here. In order to showcase the slouch, I have tucked in my tops. I wear a belt because I don’t like the look of empty belt loops. I move my belt buckle off centre to prevent the end of the belt from flapping in the air. 

I finished off the outfit with some more trendy elements: two toned flat oxfords, an old cracked patent doctors bag, and my favourite black jacket (which, coincidentally, I wore for 2011’s New Year post). The outfit definitely looks more girly, dressy and elongated with heels. But I couldn’t resist the heavenly comfort and unexpected integrity of my flats. I prefer to wear my flat oxfords with bare legs or hose because to my eye they look prettier that way. So I’m wearing a pair of nude hose under my trousers to create the same effect. That way, as my trousers pull up when I sit down, you can see “bare” ankles. 

This is a tomboyish look that is an acquired taste, and I’ll understand if it’s not your cup of tea. Baggy plaid trousers, button down shirt, V-neck jumper, flat oxfords and a plain belt are manly items for sure. And my super short hair, specs, oversized watch and lack of jewelry add to the masculine vibe. Truth is, I feel feminine in this ensemble and I think that’s because no matter what I wear, no one can take away my ladylike persona. You don’t always need to wear dresses, skirts and skinnies that show off your curves to feel attractive and womanly. Sure, I frequently wear form fitting clothing and I love my dresses and skinnies, but I like my androgynous ensembles just as much.

We at YLF wish you a very Happy New Year!

I’ve been thinking about the many fantastic moments here on YLF, both on the blog and the forum, and trying to filter out which ones stood out for me the most. The first two were no-brainers, but the contenders for the third place were very strong and I had hard time picking one out. From the outstanding (both in content and reactions) blog post about Angie’s client Karen, to the excellent series of posts about Karen Kane clothing. From reactions to Glamour’s non-glamorous moment to AJ’s stylish feature in In Style. From a nerve-wracking chase for Rae’s wedding dress to Suz’s dramatic hairstyle change. From meet-up posts that took us to various places around the world to numerous threads by new forum members sharing the familiar delight of discovering the YLF community. From several blog-posts and threads redefining the perception of pear-shaped bodies to the series of Angie’s outfits at New York Fashion Week.

I have also managed to read through the entire blog archives earlier this year and I can tell you the insight into site evolution has been fantastic, and I particularly like that this year the format of the blog had changed to include not just individual posts, but entire series’ and the book section too. What else is heading our way I wonder!

What I love the most, regardless of the final list, is how my horizons are being broadened at rapid speed and how every single day I am privileged to be the audience of the fantastic posts and What I Wore’s (WIWs) , confirming that beauty, grace and elegance are not limited to body type, size, age, budget or lifestyle. I’ve said it many times, real style does not live on the glossy magazine pages, but it comes from the real women. And many of those women make this place their virtual homes.

So, without further ado, here is the selection of YLF moments that resonated with me the most in 2011. Join me in sharing yours if you like.

1. YLF’s 5th birthday on April 5 

I was in THE bubble the whole day — I could feel the global energy! The quiet build-up to the surprise that was prepared for Angie and Greg was magical. Something about knowing that so many beautiful, compassionate and intelligent women from across the globe came together, united not just by their love for style but tremendous respect for Angie and Greg, gave me goosebumps and a few tears countless times that day. Reading all the messages was about witnessing the floodgate of the most wonderful, positive emotions opened. If you want to revisit the comments and the sentiments in the blog post, make sure you check the video card too.

2. The Fernanda Effect

Of all the clients who we met this year, for me personally, it was Fernanada herself and her style journey that completely blew me away and remains the biggest inspiration. I could not believe the reaction her two (part 1 and part 2) posts had caused with me. There she was, saying openly to the world she had been lost in front of the wardrobe – before she was touched by Angie.

A few things I’ll always be thankful to her for:

1. This beautiful and strong women had not been afraid to admit she was failing at the most “womanly” and seemingly easy territory — getting dressed!
2. She trusted this community of complete strangers enough to be so open – what a credit to Angie and her blog audience!
3. She and I are of similar age, which instantly sealed her as my role-model, especially because those were the early days of my own WIWs when I was still way too self-contentious and felt too exposed and uncertain of whether it was a clever move.

Fernanada had massive effect on me and helped take down major barriers inside me. The whole series of posts was rounded up with Angie’s own style epiphany, which was a cherry on the cake in many ways and after which I felt my own level of style literacy had rocketed. It was the true beginning of having fun with fashion for me.

3. Picture Perfect Challenges

These events (paintings, photographs and decades) were proper style Olympics where the good old creed of the importance of taking part, not winning, was what really mattered. So pure in its intention and so creative in its execution! Again, the same as the blog’s birthday, the global energy on the days and weeks when we did the challenges was fantastic. Starting from the Southern Hemisphere and finishing with the far western corners of the North America , we took turns in interpreting the same inspirations in our own ways and appreciating each others’ outfits and ideas. There really is no better demonstration of the only rule we follow here, no better crash-course in style and no better place to get to know all the characters, no better occasion to get tremendous amounts of ideas one place. Fun doesn’t get more fun than this.

On a personal level, I have started posting my WIWs this year and realised very quickly that the benefits of this little ritual reached beyond just fixing my appearance. My style evolution coincides with another aspect of my life that I try to put in order, and conquering the wardrobe was simply about flexing and strengthening a confidence muscle so I can use it elsewhere — I quickly drew parallels between my style preferences and other lifestyle choices. A while back I’ve written a long post about what I’d learnt from my style experiments and a few days ago I had reached the highest point of self-acceptance I can remember. Yes, sorting such trivial things as dresses, jeans or shoes can lead to much deeper revelations. The added beauty of this community is the unspoken understanding that we are much more than the contents of our wardrobes.

But, back to the three YLF moments that include the entire community, they stand out from all the others for being utterly fun, insightful and inspiring. It is such a privilege to be a part of this community. And, here it goes again, but why miss the opportunity to say it: thank you Greg, for making things tick smoothly and to the highest standards. For us YLF is a playground, for you it is a job — but I believe you are the lucky one who enjoys what he does. Thank you Angie for being the driving force in releasing the barriers within us and teaching us to love ourselves and appreciate diversity and the other women even more. I know it won’t get to your heads if you do it, because I do hope that sometimes you just sit back, cup of tea in hand of course, and enjoy knowing what community YOU TWO have created and what impact you have on us.

I love stripes almost as much as I love polka dots. Classic pinstripes are my favourite type of stripes on items like suits and blazers. I also fancy a soft striped blouse, and knitwear with two-toned jailbird and rugby stripes. Here are some of my favourite striped items that are in stores right now. Be sure to look at all the colour options. 

1. Olivia Moon Bateau Neck Stripe Tee: A simple tee with a great sleeve in fun colours. 
2. MICHAEL Michael Kors Dolman Sleeve Stripe Top (Petite): Diagonal stripes are attractive and the position of the stripes on the cuffs are fun. The style is also available in plus sizes.
3. Nic + Zoe ‘Outside the Lines’ Cardigan: These stripes are interesting and vertically flattering. I like the low contrast stripe on the sleeves too. 
4. T by Alexander Wang Striped Long Sleeve Tee: One of the best striped Tees I’ve seen all year. 
5. Ri2k Aldridge Patent Leather Striped Tote: Classic, lady-like and fun. LOVE it in navy. It was meant to be worn with bright jeans. 
6. Peoples Market Graded Stripe Blazer: This subtle stripe has an ombre effect.  
7. Nordstrom ‘Geo Vertical’ Tights: Striped hosiery is tricky to wear but these are fab. 
8. Karen Millen Graphic Block Stripe Cardigan: These stripes cascade in a graphic way. Very clever! Here’s the same cardigan in grey. 
9. Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Anthracite Pin Striped Pleated Skirt: It’s rare to see a box pleated skirt and it’s a breath of fresh air. 
10. Calvin Klein Women’s Gabbey Platform Pump: This one is for Team High Heels. 
11. Bailey 44 ‘Jib’ Striped One Button Knit Blazer: A comfy jacket in a rugby stripe. Fabulous. 
12. Multicolored Stripe Button 3/4 Sleeve Tunic: A fresh combination for Spring. 
13. Merino Wool Striped 3/4 Sleeve Sweater Dress: Add tights and booties and Bob’s your Uncle. 
14. Ollie Stripe Jacket: Retro, elegant and so very striking. Great for the office. 
15. Rag & Bone Kodiak Coat: You might be mistaken for a spunky butler, but who cares. It’s a well made and theatrical item that makes quite the statement.  
16. Adrienne Vittadini ‘Retro Dots’ Scarf: You can bat for both Team Stripe and Polka Dot with this one. Another great scarf for warmer weather. 

My wardrobe currently includes a pinstriped suit, and striped tee, and shoes and dress. I will gladly add more striped items to keep them company. Do you have any striped items at the moment?

It’s fun to look back on the year and take a stand on what was best and worst in your fashion and style world. Between us there are sure to be many differences in opinion, but there may also be a few similarities. It will be fun to compare our answers and I’ll go first. 

General

Best Fashion Trends: Midis, sleeved dresses, low heels and bright colours. 

Worst Fashion Trends: Leg shortening cropped trousers, especially for Autumn and Winter. It’s an extremely hard look to pull off with panache. 

Most Fun Fashion Trend: The revival of the glam ’70’s, and the ongoing nostalgic silhouettes from the ’80s. 

Best Shoe Style of the Year: Booties! The right bootie can be worn with virtually everything, often making an outfit look even better. 

Most over-killed items in retail stores: Cardigans, batwings, sky scraping platforms, cowl necklines, sleeveless garments, plunging necklines and short hemlines.  

Most over-killed colours in retail stores: Black, grey and beige. 

Best “new” Colour: Ink blue. 

Most Stylish Celebrities: Cate Blanchett, Gwen Stefani, Carolina Herrera, Ellen Degeneres, Vera Wang and Kate Moss continue to walk on water in my style world. But youngster Emma Watson has been added to the list. 

Best Customer Service: Zappos and Nordstrom, with a special shout out to the Nordstrom Concierge and valet parking staff at the downtown Seattle Norstrom Flagship. You make shopping with my clients a whole lot easier. 

Most Frustrating In Store Service: Macy’s, where it is so hard to find someone to check you out. I still take almost all of my clients there because their range and discounts are worth the shopping frustration. 

Stores with the best colours: J.Crew, Zara and Reiss.

Store with the worst layout: Forever 21. I am clearly NOT their target market. 

Stores with the most affordable, best fitting basics: Ann Taylor and Banana Republic.

Store with the most disappointing quality: Ann Taylor Loft. 

Most inspirational outfit in the blogosphere: The first photo of Michelle Jank in this post by The Sartorialist. She is wearing a black lace midi with two-toned ballet flats. I will recreate this outfit one day. 

Personal

Best YLF Moment: The video created by our forum members to celebrate YLF’s 5 year Anniversary. KILLER doesn’t even come close to describing its heartfelt sentiment.

Best Fashion Industry Moment: Spending the day at the Karen Kane head office in CA learning about what it takes to successfully design and manufacture clothing in the US. The fact that the very impressive Karen herself spent the day with us was sublime. Meeting and working with her wonderful family, and in particular eldest son Michael, was the cherry on top. 

My favourite outfits: A bright and simple ensemble because the colours make my heart sing. An edgier combination, because I have grown to adore ink blue and my booties are so very comfortable. This classic black, white and red pairing with pearls because it’s a signature look. Last but not least, a nostalgic skirt combination that makes me think fondly of my late Mum.

The outfit that took me most out of my comfort zone: My bikini moment.

My biggest style surprises: Switching to Team Gold, falling in love with trouser silhouettes, wearing nude lipstick, and leaving off most accessories. 

My most fun wardrobe purchases: Trousers with suspenders, two toned Docs, and an awfully shaggy vest. 

My most cheerful wardrobe purchases: A tomato red knee-length coat and a short yellow peacoat. 

My most special wardrobe purchases: Two Ann Fontaine shirts that hubby Greg helped me choose, which makes them all the more meaningful. 

My favourite shoes: Two toned ballet flats. 

My favourite jeans: How can they be anything but my infamous jodhpur jeans. 

My favourite dress: Pink Midi. 

The Worst idea I had for my own style: Growing out my hair when I am absolutely not ready to do that yet. 

The Best Moment at NY Fashion Week: Having dinner with top NY Fashion Stylist and author, Kendall Far, who has become a friend. 

Our Best Media Moment: YLF is covered in The Seattle Times. 

Our Best Addition to YLF: Inge! 

Our Worst Moment: Losing our incomparable Blog Star Jasmine, who was an integral part of the YLF family. 

My Best All Round Moments of 2011: Working and having fun with my inspirational soulmate Greg, while Rosie keeps us company and Jasmine is safe in our hearts. 

Over to you, ladies. Feel free to comment on my answers, and if you have a moment, chime in with the “best and worst” of your fashion and style world for 2011.