Fab Finds: Platforms, Sandals, Zara

If you live in the US, we hope you’re enjoying the long Memorial Day weekend. Today I’m sharing an assortment of Summer shoes and items from Zara. Be sure to browse the different colour options, and check which items are on sale. 

1. Platforms and Flatforms

Platforms and flatforms are once again having their fashion moment. These examples have been winners on clients, or simply caught my eye because they have great reviews. Wedges are back, and on sneakers too. Espadrille detailing is looking fresh and “new”. Metallics are fab neutrals.

The Vionic Brandie Slide can work well on lower volume feet because the velcro is adjustable. The Aerosoles Camera Sandal is an incredibly cushioning disco shoe, and more comfortable than it looks. There are many colours on the Aerosoles site. The Paul Green Roxy Ankle Strap Sandal is the prettiest and dressiest platform sandal I’ve seen on a client so far. I like ankle straps, so that’s probably why they are a favourite. The Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker works particularly well on higher arches, and has a crisp appearance. Munro Sandals tend to come in SS, N, M, W and WW widths across their sizes. THANK YOU, Munro.

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Aerosoles Camera
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2. Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandal

These trendy classics are surprisingly comfortable and supportive if you can manage a 2.5 inch heel. Very versatile, and comes in a large assortment of neutrals. Suede, patent, and regular leather. There are three types of black, many tans and browns, a red, and metallics. Some colours and sizes are available across various widths.

3. Zara Items

Zara continues to surprise me this season. Many of their items are made of natural fibres at the moment, which is quite the change. Remember that viscose and rayon are natural fibres too. The first two items are 100% cotton and create a coordinated pants set. I have it, and you can see me wear it here. The white eyelet dress is GORGEOUS, and fully lined in the front and back. I have that one too, and feel angelic in it. It’s long and I’ve added snaps to the lower centre front so that the slit isn’t so high. The silver jeans have a super fit and do not need to be worn slouchy like the model. They can create a tailored fit. The pretty pink skirt is long and very streamlined for a pleated skirt. The white palazzo pants are WIDE and, because of that, not see-through. They make quite the statement and are lightweight. The pink linen viscose pants have heft, and look exceptionally early ‘90s with their high rise, pleats and width. The navy skirt is knitted, very comfy, not too clingy, drapes well, and works particularly well on petites.

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Cotton Pocket Shirt
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Cotton Print Pants
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Embroidered Midi Dress
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Printed Pleated Skirt
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Linen Palazzo Pants
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Asymmetric Midi Skirt
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Fashion News Roundup: May 2023

A Braille edition of Vogue magazine, a new clothing-rental app, and more news from this month’s fashion trenches.

Fashion Quote

“She dazzled in sequins.” I love what Chloe Mac Donnell wrote about legendary singer Tina Turner who passed away earlier this week:

“The first thing an audience saw when watching Tina Turner live wasn’t her face as she raised the mic to hit her first note. It was a dazzling light. Even if you were seated in the very back row, you knew Turner had arrived as the spotlight hit her sequin minidress.

For more than five decades, Turner commanded the stage in what fans affectionately called ‘The Tina Dress’, and the longer she performed, the shorter the hemlines became. “There are no rules that say you have to dress a certain way, or be a certain way. We are living in exciting times for women,” she said in 2009 as she embarked on her 50th anniversary tour.”

Outfit Formula: All Sorts of Shorts

If you enjoy wearing shorts, here are some outfit combinations that might inspire you. Some vibes are dressy, and others very casual. Some shorts lengths are longer than others. Take your pick, and choose your own colour palette. 

1. Casual and Smart Casual Looks

Here are many fab shorts outfits worn in ways from very relaxed to smart casual. Some shorts silhouettes are streamlined and narrow, while others flare out a little like an A-line skirt. I’ve included slim-fit clamdiggers that cover the knee (known to some as pedal pushers, or capris) if that’s more to your taste. Tops range from T-shirts, tanks, cotton sweaters, button-down shirts, and blouses, to sweatshirts, and crop tops layered under jackets. Footwear is flat, and ranges from sneakers, sandals, loafers, slides, mules and flatforms, to espadrilles, clogs and flip-flops. Bags are hobos, crossbodies, belt bags, straw bags, and the odd clutch. This is how most people wear shorts.

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Relaxed Crew Tee
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Boden
Knitted Shorts
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Casual Cotton Shorts
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2. Culottes

These shorts are longer and more like a split skirt. Much like a pair of culottes. This mango pair is pleated from the hips and not the waist, creating a flattering fit. It’s paired with a Summery white cropped sleeveless popover shirt, which lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. Short Western boots in a shade of cognac and a mustard bag add an earthy touch.

Culottes

3. Blouse and Platforms

Here’s a dressy and trendy look. A pair of white utility shorts is combined with a billowing lilac and orange kimono-eque blouse. It’s tucked to temper its volume. A pair of super high purple platform sandals finishes off the look. I’m not sure about the purpose of the tiny pink bag dangling off of one of the belt loops. But if all you need to carry are keys and a credit card, they might fit. A regular size bag that matches the palette of the outfit is a better bet.

Blouse and Platforms

4. Dressy Shorts

Here’s an elegant all-black outfit. Long and wide black lace shorts are combined with a black popover tunic. The almost elbow-length sleeves showcase a nice bit of forearm skin. Flat metallic blue thong sandals are an unexpected and dainty touch. A dressy chain-handle embroidered black bag completes the look. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Dressy Shorts

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Link Love: Personal Fashion Stories

The Guardian introduces us to four people who stitch their own garments, whether for reasons of morality or creativity. From “the valuer” to the “next-gen gifter”, they also asked four clothes-keepers why they hold on to old garments. Finally, Laura Horton has written a one-woman play about the realisation that her obsession with clothes hoarding had become a mental health issue.

Fab Links from Our Members

Jenni NZ remembered that some Fabbers wondered what a “skivvy” was, and here is a good explanation.

Kyle liked the ideas and tips in this article for those of us who want to shop more sustainably.

Years ago, nuancedream never thought about sustainability when purchasing jeans or any other type of clothing. Now it is a definite consideration. So kudos to Levi’s, Good American, and Lucky Jeans for more sustainable, eco-friendly production methods.

Katerina finds that styling a leopard suit, or a jacket and trousers as separates, in a modern way isn’t easy, and thought this was a really good how-to from Trinny in her Closet Confessions series.

Vildy directs us to “The women wearing ‘subway T-shirts’ over outfits to avoid creepy stares.

Runcarla admires that 81-year-old Martha Stewart is on the cover of Sports Illustrated: “She looks pretty darn good, but I hope this kind of thing normalizes the public display of older bodies as beautiful.”

Use Fashion As Inspiration

Fashion trends are society’s imperfect, shared viewpoint on what we think is fashionable right now. Style is different. Style can be inspired by fashion, but it is inherently about individual expression. It’s about doing your own thing, not following others. 

Style is not Fashion

Creating and evolving your signature style is more important than following trends. Your favourites might not be on-trend, but they are always in style. Unlike trends, your signature style has longevity and your personal stamp.

Use fashion as inspiration. Let the trends challenge you and open your mind to new ideas. Instead of letting them constrain your individual expression, harness trends to break out of a rut and take your personal style in new directions.