Fabulous forum member MaryK kindly offered to host a YLF clothing Swap in Pasedena, CA, last month. It looks and sounds like everyone had an absolute ball and I wish that I could have been there too! MaryK works in the legal field and is known for her Business Bombshell style, warmth and fab sense of humour on our forum. She had the swapping show on the road in no time.

On a sunny winter Sunday in Southern California, nine lovely YLF forum members and friends came together in a quiet neighborhood to share an abundance of fashion, fun and friendship.  I knew it would be a great fashion day, but I had no idea it would be such an amazing friendship day!

My friend Amanda came early, armed with cheese and crackers, homemade cookies and multiple bags of incredibly cute clothing!  As she was taking the last few things out of her car, forum member Marley arrived and they instantly hit it off, chatting away in the street outside the house!  I would have recognized Marley anywhere, with her sparkling bright blue eyes and gorgeous smile, looking incredibly chic yet ready for action in leans, flats, a soft gray sweater and pretty purple scarf.

The three of us hung up Amanda’s and Marley’s clothes on the racks I’d rented, put the finishing touches on the snack table, poured a round of mimosas, and declared the swap officially “on.”  No sooner had we done so when the doorbell started ringing, and in short order we had welcomed everyone in.

There was YLF forum member Zoelicious, whose striped top coordinated beautifully with skinny jeans tucked into fab cognac boots. Nico, a new member who looked fab in a floaty tiered top and the most fantastic sparkly silver sandals. Rae was next to arrive, rocking a pair of funky black boots, while her friend Stella sported a great 70s-inspired look.

My friend Isabel from work, who not only looked fab in her pink sweater and brought a bunch of great swap items (including an Anne Klein suit that fit Rae like it was made for her), but had carted a full-length mirror from her house to mine so we could all check out the merchandise with ease! Forum member Kira, with an amazing style all her own also graced us with her presence. She has the most fab mane of long, long red hair!

Amidst shrieks of delight as forum members met for the first time, the house was transformed into a beehive of activity as everyone got their clothes hung up and accessories laid out.  At first swappers were a little shy, saying things like “If nobody wants to try this on, I guess I will…”  But within minutes, caution was thrown to the wind and it was every woman for her (still very polite and considerate) self!

We used my bedroom, with its wall of mirrored closet doors, as a dressing room.  Modesty was thrown to the winds as the pile of clothes on my bed got higher and higher, along with the noise level!  Items were traded, suggestions were given, thumbs were turned up or down, combinations were tweaked, and the YLF sisterhood outdid itself in fashion savvy and just plain girly fun.  It was like having a whole houseful of personal shoppers and stylists ready to give advice and suggestions – all at no charge!

Some of the most magical moments:

• Everybody tried on the striped and ruffled J. Crew button down shirt, and everybody loved it, but the fit wasn’t exactly right on anybody — until Kira tried it.  Then the clouds parted and the angels started singing, because that shirt was obviously made just for her.
• Speaking of angels, Amanda definitely looked like one in Stella’s fun and funky fringed dress.
• Marley in the red cheongsam, took everybody’s breath away and brought the proceedings to a total (if momentary) standstill.
• Rae + jeans + beaded silk tank + matching shrug = perfection!
• Nico trying on my blue raincoat with the spring flowers at the very end, just as everyone was leaving.  It made me look dumpy and frumpy, but on her it was perfect in every way!

As the afternoon wound down, we gathered in the living room for “show and tell,” in which everybody displayed her finds to the group.  That was definitely the best part, because the original owners got to see where their pieces had ended up, and there was much oo-ing and ah-ing over just how amazing everybody looked in their newly-acquired loot and just how happy everybody was to see their closet orphans going to good homes!  And amazingly enough, everybody had at least half a dozen great items, with an average of twice that or more!

Quite simply, it was the Best. Day. Ever.  Money was saved, wardrobes were updated, and best of all, fantastic friendships were forged and strengthened.  We’re thinking it needs to be at least a semi-annual event.  Thank you, Angie and YLF, for bringing us together!

This poll investigates which type of white you prefer to wear in any size, shape or form. By “cream” I don’t mean tan or beige, but colours like ivory or off-white are included. When I say “white” I mean pure, bright white.

I have an assortment of white button downs, regularly wear a white watch, specs and sunglasses, sport white boots, leather jacket and handbag and have a white iPhone. On the other hand, I am the queen of cream footwear, pearls, belts and handbags, sport a cream trench and coat, and have several cream shirts and blouses.

Well ladies, I’m sitting this one out because batting for both Teams is not allowed. I wear both white and cream with great joy and they are equally represented in my wardrobe. I cannot pick one over the other.

Over to you. Are you Team White or Team Cream? Tell us why. You’ll sit out the game if you don’t sport either one, or if you can’t decide between the two.

My clients are generally fans of Karen Kane merchandise for several excellent reasons: The clothes drape well because the fabric is substantial. The silhouettes are clean cut and interesting. The fit is roomy, yet tailored. The workmanship is great. The items are machine washable and the prices aren’t sky high. What’s not to love?

I’m giving Karen Kane dresses a special shout out today, boldly stating that when you see one – try it on. Chances are pretty good that it will fit and flatter. They are also available in plus sizes and their lengths are generous, which is good news for taller gals.

Karen Kane designs lean towards modern classic, but don’t let that stop you from trying on her stuff if you’re a more arty, trendy and spunky dresser. Remember it’s HOW you style an item that gives it a unique and unexpected flavour. Not only the item itself. I can’t stress this point enough.

The dresses pictured here are easy styles that can be worn on their own or layered with cropped jackets, coats and cardigans. I particularly like the longer length handkerchief style on the right.

Add the appropriate footwear to make these dresses YOU. For some that means adding rugged flat boots, for others it’s mixing it up with trendy booties, flat oxfords, ballet flats, mary janes, stacked sandals or classic pumps.

In fact, all of the footwear options below can work with each of the dresses. Every combination creates a different ensemble vibe and taps into a different fashion persona. Some combinations are dressy, and others more casual. Scrunch up the sleeves or add leggings. Honestly, the sky is the limit when it comes to styling a fairly simple dress.

Which of the 16 combinations floats your boat?

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Low heeled and flat slingback pumps and peep toe pumps are popular for Spring and Summer 2011. Actually, I never stopped wearing my own two old pairs of wedged round toed sling back sandals. They still have good mileage and are very comfortable, so I’ll continue to wear them this year.

I like low heeled and flat slingbacks as long as the back strap is comfortable and does not cut into my flesh or slip down. I’ve found that a broader strap with an elasticated insert is the best option.

Much like normal pumps, low profile Spring slingbacks look great with just about anything – from leggings, tapered jeans and skirts, to dresses, trousers, bootcut jeans and shorts. They also make a nice alternative to ballet flats. And like ballet flats, they can be dressy. Versatile!

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