Let’s dive into the world of fragrance this week:

• I thought this was a great read: The story of Santa Maria Novella, the world’s oldest apothecary and its fragrances.
• Fashionista investigates whether perfume brands can make a “truly sustainable” scent.
• They’re also reporting that body mists are having a moment (again).
• I like the idea of tea-infused fragrances!
• According to Coveteur fragrance is having a “tennaissance.”

Fab Links from Our Members

Roberta thought this was definitely worth the read: “Barbie and the Cinematic History of Weaponized Pink.“

Nuancedream wanted to share this article outlining the evolution from jock bra to jog bra to sports bra. 

The NYTimes reports that crop tops for men are back. Carol adds: “I’m sharing this because I’m getting a vintage one as a joke for my boyfriend… who was very much cool in the eighties. I’m glad to see it’s more than a gimmick for some men.”

“Get what you pay for? Not really, says a comparison study of luxe and low-end clothes.” Kookaburra adds: “The title says it all… plus as we know all too well, price is no guarantee the item will be comfortable and will make you feel fabulous every time you wear it.”

A new purchase should work on three levels. As an item it must satisfy your lifestyle needs, style goals, and sartorial preferences. It should integrate into at least one fab outfit so that you know how to wear it. And it should form part of a wardrobe capsule. 

Ideally each new purchase would offer many styling possibilities within your wardrobe, but this isn’t a prerequisite. It’s fine to bring home an item with the intention of purchasing more to wear with it over time. Wardrobe capsules make this easier.

Informed purchase decisions create a fab, functional, honest wardrobe that’s easier to manage. Think through the item, outfits and capsules before you commit to a purchase. You will prevent closet orphans and enjoy everything you buy to its fullest.

Wardrobe items that I’ve ordered online tend to be delivered in the late afternoon. If I’m home, I try on the items that evening before I change into loungewear and unwind for the day. I get a first impression of the item, but unless it’s really awful, I seldom make my final decision immediately. The artificial light is not ideal and my thinking is not at its best. I prefer to sleep on it before deciding.

I’m a morning person. My clearest thoughts, sharpest thinking, best ideas, and epiphanies happen in the morning. Sometimes early in the morning, right when I wake up. So I revisit my first impressions in the morning, try on items and outfits again, and make my final shopping, wardrobe, outfit, and style decisions then. Also, natural light is better for assessing fabness, or lack thereof.

In fact, I extend this logic to most decisions, because I’m at my most level-headed best in the morning. How about you?

I recently shared that I’m off my item blazers. I love wearing blazers that are part of a pants suit with matching trousers in the same fabric. But I’m less into wearing my item blazers as stand-alone toppers with various separates. Maybe it was the colours and patterns of the blazers I own. Maybe it was their longer length, when I’m preferring shorter jackets right now. Maybe it’s my new softer, longer and darker hairstyle that prefers the more playful look.

Things became crystal clear when I got a bright coral and red plaid blazer for my birthday earlier in the month. All of the factors above played a part. This new item blazer is shorter, brighter, and a lot more playful than most of my current item blazers. It’s a more attractive palette for my new honey blonde hair. Happiness factor is through the roof when I wear my new blazer. I feel magical in it.

I’ve worn my plaid blazer four times in the few weeks I’ve owned it, which is telling. So far it’s been fab with a cream layering top and big tan pants inside an air-conditioned restaurant. I’ve loved it over an orange eyelet dress to keep out the evening chill, which was hubs Greg’s suggestion! I’ve also worn it with white jeans and a white shirt. I’d like to wear it with with my red, blue, and ecru jeans when the weather cools. And red and orange pants. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe.

I’ve passed on my old and longer navy and patterned velvet blazers from Boden to a happy second home. I’ve kept the denim and bright Hobbs blazers because they are shorter and more colourful. It is always good to get to the bottom of why a wardrobe item is working or not working. It sharpens my style tools.