One of my clients stumbled across these pretty, round toed platform pumps and was too delighted for words. When she modeled them with her outfits, I was just as excited. They are by eco-friendly footwear brand “Naya” who often makes nice looking AND comfortable shoes.

The Bakula pump has the typical makings of a comfortable shoe: soft leather, arch support, a cushioning foot bed and a sturdy heel. Three inch heels are still too high for my everyday needs, but it might be perfect for you. The platform does help to offset the height of the heel.

It’s the vintage–y rosette detailing on the side of the pump that sold us right off the bat. You’ll cover up the rosettes with boot cuts and wide leg pants, but wear peg legged trousers, or skirts and dresses and you’ll show them off. The pump is currently on sale and runs true to size. Very fab.

If the Bakula pumps aren’t to your taste, check out the rest of Naya’s footwear collection. Styles like the Ana, Cara, Briar, Jupiter and Jasper are lovely too.

Note that I have used affiliate links in this post, and the Naya Bakula is in the YLF store.

Sequin jackets make me think of retro 40’s glamour and 70’s disco fun. The versatile item rears its shimmery head almost every party season and this year they are more popular than ever. Depending on HOW you pair the item, a sequin jacket can be worn in both classic and edgy ways across all age groups – that’s why they are offered across a wide range of retailers like H&M, Charlotte Russe and Target, right through to J.Crew, Macys, Nordstrom, Saks and Chanel.

Here are several ways to dress up or dress down a sequin jacket. They are roughly ordered by increasing dressiness, but of course the shoes and accessories will also play a big role.

• Wear it with moto cross leggings and a soft blouse.
• Throw it over a pair of baggy shorts and boots if you dare.
• Match it with a basic fitted tee, jeans and heels.
• Add it to a pair of baggy tuxedo trousers and lacy shell top.
• Combine it with skinny black pants, boots cut trousers, soft slouchy pleated pants or velveteen straight leg pants.
• Wear it over a plain black pencil skirt and silky camisole.
• Layer it over a party frock.
• Combine it with a lace skirt.

Sequin jackets come in all shades so think beyond black if that’s not your colour. Grey, silver, gold, bronze, brown, midnight blue or a shade of pastel pink can look just as fab. The silhouettes will vary too, from cropped fitted styles, to longer boyfriend cuts – all are great depending on your preference.

Since a sequin jacket is like wearing one big sparkly accessory, keep your jewelry to a minimum and opt for matte pieces to contrast with the shine. In true 70’s style a long chain with statement pendant works well with the look. I quite like the contrasting combination of a distressed belt against a background of shimmer as seen in the picture below.

Although I fancy the look of sequin jackets on others, I’m more of a tuxedo jacket and Chanel jacket gal. So I’d wear a more subtle sequined jacket, like the eyelash fringe bouclé jacket in the YLF store. That way I can still pile on my pearls without looking like a Christmas tree.

One thing is for sure, you’ll make a dramatic entrance in one of these sparkly toppers no matter how you wear it. Think you’d sport a sequin jacket? If not, can you appreciate the look on others?

Dolce Vita Women’s Storm Boot is one of my favourite rugged ankle boots this season. It’s comfy, well made, super soft and runs true to size. The sturdy heel is practical and the hardware divine.

The genius of the style is in the flap, which you don’t have to completely fold over as seen in the photo. Fold it back up, or fold the front flap over leaving the back unfolded. Available in both black and brown it’s a killer little look if you like this type of boot vibe.

View the Dolce Vita Storm in the YLF store.

Update: ASOS is now offering up to 70% off from Black Friday until December 3.

Shame on me for forgetting to thank the Gap in yesterdays’ blog post. Better late than never, so thank you Gap for coming out with a superb assortment of affordable, well made and well fitting jeans across an impressive range of lengths, washes and sizes. Truly KILLER. My clients and I love you for it. Some of us even prefer your jeans to our premium styles.

If you haven’t checked out Gap’s new collection of denim, please do so this weekend during the Thanksgiving weekend sale (especially on Black Friday). My personal favourites are the legging jeans, real straight, always skinny and the perfect boot. But the other cuts are well worth a look too.

Apart from denim, I’ve had luck with the following items on several of my clients:

• Boy Fit Tuxedo Stripe Pants: I like these best when the fit is roomy so you might want to size up even though they run true to size.
• Center Seam Dolman Top: A nice basic and great backdrop for scarves.
• Cowl Sweater: Cozy and easy. Size up if you have a broader shoulder or fuller bust.
• Really Skinny Pants: Fabulous quality  and a super fit. Great to wear on their own with pumps or ballet flats, or tucked into boots.
• Modern Boot Pants: If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of black dress pants, these might just fit the bill.
• Nylon Crossbody Bag: These remind me a 90’s Prada look. Very fab.

Happy Shopping!

Note that the links above are affiliate links.