It tickles my toes when the trends that we saw on the runways of Fashion Week start appearing in stores, both as fringe and mainstream fashion. It is even more fun to start wearing the new looks that appeal to your fashion persona. So without further ado, here is what’s in store for us over the next six months of fashion:

1. Many contrasts: We’ll see long and short skirts and dresses, tailored and voluminous silhouettes, cropped tops and tunics, flared legs and tapered trousers and jeans, high heels and low heels, brights and muted neutrals, flared skirts and pencil skirts. This is the most important characteristic of the season and a brilliant one in my book. Variety is the spice of life.
2. 70’s inspiration: YES! Casual, bohemian hippy chic combined with the ultra glamorous side of that decade. I’m bypassing boho looks, but I’m already all over fitted dressy blouses, tailored denim blazers, short A-line skirts, jumpsuits, long leather coats, long pendant necklaces, cravat scarf tying, and tucking tops into high rise trouser cuts.
3. 80’s street influences: Always close to my heart. You’ll still see lots of tapered jeans and slim cut trouser silhouettes, banded tops, sharp shouldered jackets, dolman sleeves, pleated trousers, biker jackets and big blouses.
4. Trousers, trousers, trousers: Flared leg pants and jeans worn with tucked in blouses or knitwear and platform heels is the “it” look you’ll see in magazines. It’s a pants season so think flared trousers and jeans, short shorts, harem pants and palazzos.
5. Blouses, blouses, blouses: It’s also a blouse season and I’m delighted. As captain of Team Blouse I’m stocking up on blouses of every description, both tailored and voluminous in silhouette. Can’t wait!
6. Brights: Move over jewel tones and hello tomato red, citron yellow, lavender purple, emerald green, turquoise and cobalt blue. Big thumbs up from me.
7. Beige and white: There is supposed to be as much beige and white this season as there are brights. I’m all for the white, but will bypass the beige.
8. Abstract patterns: Mixing up organic and geometric designs sounds interesting. Bring it on.
9. White accessories: Think white belts, bags, footwear, watches, hats, hair bands, bangles, and pendants.
10. White dresses: It is the season of the little or long white dress.
11. Pleated skirts: I’ve been after a short, knife pleated skirt for a while. Hope I find one soon.
12. Casual maxi dresses and skirts: I actually wore them up until the age of 10 and here’s the proof. This is one look, of which there are only a handful, that I cannot support. I’m not a fan and dare say I never will be. Super dressy maxi dresses and skirts are fabulous at uber formal functions and that’s where the look should stay. Of course this is a completely subjective opinion and your perspective may be different.
13. Tie-dye and fringe: In true 70’s boho style. It’s not my thing, but fun on other people.
14. Short trench coats: I prefer long trench coats, but shorter lengths make sense for warm Spring climates.
15. Crochet Cardigans: More hippy chic that I’ll leave to those who like the vibe.
16. Stripes: YES! And not just on tops, but on jackets, scarves, blazers, skirts and handbags. The striped blazers in Banana Republic at the moment are delicious.
17. Bows: On blouses, bags, footwear, dresses and skirts.
18. Cut away backs: An 80’s look that’s fab, provided you can still wear a bra or are comfortable sans support.
19. Espadrilles, flat and heeled loafers, high heeled corked wedges, flat oxfords: Nice. I’m happy to see caged footwear move from center stage.
20. Platform wedges: Low heeled platforms are back. Could be fab, because it’s a way to achieve extra height without arching the foot.
21. Clogs and low heeled sling back pumps: Clogs are still going strong and sling backs are making a comeback.
22. Extra wide rimmed sun hats and floppy hats: Think Ali McGraw and Barbara Streisand. I don’t look good in hats, but if you do, please wear them for me.
23. Animal Print: And it’s all about cats. Not zebra, giraffe, pony or croc. Cheetah and Leopard, ladies. I vote yay.
24. Silk scarves: Floppy silk scarves are all the new rage. Wear them cravat style inside shirt collars, or knotted high against the neck, or looped tightly around the neck with both sides hanging back down across the front of the body.
25. Chain handle bags: It’s taken me a while to get used to this look but I’m on board if the chains are dainty and retro.

Who’s ready for Spring? Goodness knows I am, even though it will be ages before it warms up around here. Not to worry though. We can creatively introduce the newness of the next season during the dead of Winter, as I’m sure many of you have already started to do.

I say this each time I share the trends of an upcoming season and I’ll say it again – I’m excited! No season is perfect, but there is always something new to like and wear in the new collections. How do these trends grab you?

There’s nothing like a swap party to keep your credit card expenditure under control and those creative wardrobe juices flowing. With chocolate cake in hand, I can’t wait to attend the Seattle Swap on January 22! In this post, Antje, who is coordinating the YLF Global Swap Event, has some great tips for attendees.

We hope that many of you will be able to attend one of the clothes swap parties hosted by YouLookFab members on or around January 22. Check out the current line-up and be sure to contact us if you are interested in hosting one in your area! We have compiled some tips for hosts that you can find on the main swap page. Today’s post, however, is written with attendees in mind, whether you are planning to attend one of the swap parties later this month, or some other future clothing swap.

Let’s start with a quick refresher of why a clothes swap is a super way to spend a couple hours of your time: It’s a great opportunity to update your wardrobe – for free! And at the same time, it’s the kick in the rear you need to do some “editing” in your closet, shed the things you don’t wear anymore, and set them free to acquire a new life in someone else’s wardrobe. You may refer back to this article for more good reasons to swap clothes, and maybe have your own personal ones as well.

Now that you decided to attend one, how do you prepare?

What to bring: Each swap host will give you some guidelines on what to bring. For example, a minimum or maximum number of items, or the types of items (clothes, shoes, belts, jewelry, etc.)  It’s only respectful to stick to those guidelines – or to check with the host if you’re unsure. Most importantly, you want to bring clothes that are clean and in good shape. As a rule of thumb, you don’t want to be embarrassed to claim ownership of the items you contribute.

What to wear: Of course you can come as you are However, I’ve found that just like when going on a big shopping trip, it’s a good idea to “dress for changing”, which for me means wearing clothes that are easy to take off and put on, and that provide neutral backdrops for separates I try on. For example, jeans work well as a basic bottom for me (this will be different for you if you’re a skirt girl or prefer to wear smart pants on a regular basis), and a black or other neutral camisole can be super helpful for layering when trying on all kinds of tops and dresses. You might also want to consider your privacy needs, since there will likely be one communal “dressing room”.

How to pick and choose: Most swaps are organized as a “free for all”, where all the clothes that are contributed get displayed immediately and all participants can freely pick things to try on and take home (a typical — and very sensible — rule is that you don’t get to take home things you haven’t tried on.) I’ve seen this work very well, but it does mean you can’t be too shy and you do have to signal your interest in something by picking it up, trying it on pretty quickly, and setting it aside if you decide to take it. And if it doesn’t work out for you, just put it back right away so someone else can have a turn.

Focusing and filtering: When I see all the goodies displayed, I try and get a sense for what I want to look at and try on first. This is partially determined by what I’m most interested in (e.g., am I hoping to find a fun skirt, or a fancy top?) and partially by what’s available. For example, if my pants size doesn’t seem to be represented very well, I might either just forgo bottoms altogether during this swap, or alternatively, try on the few that I see right away as they might not be available anymore after the first rush. And if you find that your size is just not well represented, period, then just focus on shoes or accessories while everyone else is digging through clothes.

Taking advantage of the crowd: If you want it — ask for feedback! I personally find it super helpful to have so many other women around who can give me honest feedback on how an item looks on me. I usually have a specific question (like “does this color suit me” or “is this too short/long/tight/loose” – maybe just “is this ME?”) and encourage others to give me honest feedback. No one has hurt my feelings yet and I’ve found it very helpful. However, don’t feel like you need to involve others in your decision making process. If you just want to try things on and settle on what to keep by yourself, you will be left in peace.

Trying something new: I think the biggest benefit of a clothes swap is that it lets you experiment with an item you might not have purchased in a store, but that somehow intrigues you and that you take home because it’s new and different and it’s completely free. Be open to this, and enjoy trying on a piece of clothing you might not be really sure about but that somehow draws you in. You might discover a whole new side of yourself and your style!

I hope these tips help you to make the most out of the upcoming parties. Do those of you who have attended clothes swaps before have any additional tips to share?

When I first thought about this poll it was a no brainer. Team Mismatch all the way. After a little more thought I realized it wasn’t as simple as that.

Generally, I prefer a mismatched look.  When putting together an ensemble, I prefer it when the colours don’t match perfectly. If I wear more than one green in an outfit, for example, I prefer them to have slightly different hues. I also don’t like to match the colour of my shoes, belt and handbag. Not only with each other, but also with the top in my outfit. I don’t think that I have ever repeated the same bright colour more than twice in an outfit (if red lips don’t count). Recently I’ve even taken to mixing metals.

Then again, there are some situations when I do like to match the colours in my outfit! I like to match my scarves with my gloves, or handbag. For fancy occasions I often match up red shoes with a red clutch. I enjoy wearing champagne pearls with chestnut boots. I love wearing my white watch with white specs and white Dr. Marten boots, and occasionally I wear the same colour belt and shoes. And of course, best of all, I adore bookending my outfits with cream shoes.

Hmmm. Well, after some serious thought I’m staying on Team Mismatch because I mismatch more than I match. But choosing a Team was harder than I thought it would be.

Over to you. Are you Team Match or Team Mismatch? Tell us why. The Holidays are over so absolutely no batting for both Teams. If you match and mismatch the colours in your outfit equally, I’ll see you on the bench at half time.

With this seasons 70’s fashion revival I expect to see many soft, pretty and easy to wear blouses in stores very soon. From peasant and ruffled looks to empire cuts, dainty neck ties and pussy cat bows.

I’m kicking off the New Year with a fun selection of pussy bow blouses because I’m already sick of wearing Winter knitwear and desperately need something sheer and feminine to look forward to sporting as soon as possible.

Pussy bow blouses are a personal favorite because they always look dressy. Because I am both on Team Dressy and on Team Blouse, my wardrobe is usually stocked with a few pussy bow blouses – and I always welcome more.  I prefer the bow to tie right up against my neck, but this is not a must. Plenty of pussy bow blouses tie with V-shaped neck openings and furthermore, you don’t even need to tie a bow. Knot the ties and leave the ends lying flat against the chest instead.

1. Fletcher by Lyell Tie-Neck Chiffon Blouse: I’m Team Pink so I’m all over this one.
2. ASOS Tie Neck Military Blouse: I like the unexpected combination of hard edged military detailing with soft fabric and bows.
3. Purple Neck Tie Blouse: This is for Team Purple.
4. Broisi Bow Blouse: Very Chanel and just up my alley.
5. Gap Floral Tie-Neck Blouse: Perfect for warm weather Spring dressing.
6. ASOS Pussy Bow Ruffle Blouse: If earth tones and burgundies are your thing, this might tickle your fancy.
7. ASOS Coast Stacey Jacquard Pussy Bow Blouse: This one is particularly glam and and I can already see it tucked into black slacks worn with heels.
8. ASOS Mango Pussy Bow Print Blouse: A sweet low colour contrasting geometric print.
9. Tory Burch Bow Blouse: Stunning.
10. ASOS Animal Print Pussy-bow Blouse: This one really screams 70’s and I want it. Doubling up on cat love with this one.
11. Ellen Tracy Blouse, Long Sleeve Printed with Bow: Fresh and sophisticated.
12. Bebe Button-Up Sash Top: This one might be a knit and I really like the sheer stripe and wide cuffs.

You don’t need to tuck pussy bow blouses into skirts, shorts, jeans and trousers if you are not a tucker. They can we worn un-tucked if the shape and length is just so, and belting can do the trick too. Pussy bow blouses can also be layered underneath jackets, waistcoats and sheath dresses. Versatile.

Who is purring at pussy bow blouses?