Chanel-esque jackets are an acquired taste. You’ll either appreciate their versatility because they can be worn in both classic and spunky ways, dressed up or down. Or, you’ll think they look mature and dowdy no matter what. I fall into the former camp and vote Yay with a capital Y.

I like the little darlings worn in many different ways. From spunky and edgy combinations with jeans, studs, zips and biker boots, right up to the most classic of ensembles with a pencil skirt. I have a strong shouldered, classic Chanel-esque jacket that I like to pair with edgy bottoms like jodhpur jeans, zippered skinnies and biker booties. I’m sure that as I get older I’ll appreciate the classic pencil skirt combination more and more.

Gals in their 20’s can rock a Chanel-esque tweed jacket and so can ladies in their 70’s and 80s. This item has become one of fashion’s true classics, which is why Karl Lagerfeld pumps out several variations on the theme for Chanel each season. The important question is… would you wear one?

Authentic Chanel jackets cost thousands of dollars, which is a lot to pay for an item of clothing. But every season there are plenty Chanel-inspired jackets that deliver the vibe without breaking the bank. The two new Autumn jackets from Express pictured above are a great starting point (don’t be put off by chain-hardwear because that comes right off). I also saw several gorgeous tweed, Chanel-esque jackets at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale when I preselected yesterday. If you like what you see above, be sure to take a look.

Mark your calendars! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS) starts on Friday 16 July and runs through to 1st of August. For those unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews brand new Autumn and Winter collections and offers them at excellent prices for two weeks only (usually between 40% and 60% off). Prices are marked up again after the sale period.

This is my favourite sale of the year because the merchandise is hot off the fashion presses. It’s much more fun getting items at reduced prices at the start of a new retail season than waiting for end of season sales. Rest assured if you live in hot weather most of the year, the NAS also offers plenty of lightweight options.

I hope we have another brilliant NAS as because some sale years are definitely better than others. Last year was particularly good and will be hard to match.

The sale requires a little forethought and planning so refer back to these insider tips on how best to prep. I will share my favourite NAS items in a post on the 16th July so that you can navigate the sale a little easier and focus in on the best killer items for your style.

If you have a Nordstrom Card, make an appointment to preselect for the sale as soon as possible. Some stores will allow preselections sans a card so if you’re determined to preselect you’ll probably be able to. I’m preselecting with my clients right now and for the rest of the week. I’m excited to share my finds with you, AND nab a few killer pieces myself.

If I had a dollar for every time someone battled to match a skirt with the right top, I’d be very wealthy. I find orphan skirts in most of the wardrobes that I review. So much so that I created the skirt rule:

Don’t purchase a skirt unless you already have a top in your closet that will work or can purchase the accompanying top at the same time as the skirt.

By tops I mean knitted tops, knitwear, T’s, tanks-tops, blouses and button down shirts.

It’s too late to enforce the skirt rule if you already have orphaned skirts in your closet, but not all is lost. I want you to wear those orphan skirts so here is a list of five easy solutions to get you started.

1. Leave the top un-tucked: For most skirts you’re looking for a relatively short, form fitting top with waist definition. You can absolutely wear longer more voluminous tops over pencil skirts but proportions start to get tricky so proceed with caution. Wearing a tailored layer like a jacket over a less form fitting top gives the ensemble great definition too.
2. Tuck in the top: This is the most neglected option because dressing has become so un-tucked. Don’t be scared to tuck. Try tucking in the tops that you have. Chances are high you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result. You can create further waist definition by adding a belt to the tucked-in look. Sometimes the combination of belt and tucked-in top has a great girdling effect.
3. Belt the un-tucked top: This is how you can make a longer and less form fitting top work with a skirt. The definition of a belt in the right place does wonders for the belt plus top combination. Refresh your memory on how to wear a belt if you’re unsure.
4. Button up a cropped cardigan: In true 50’s style, button-up a cropped cardigan and wear it with a skirt. Here the cardigan is acting as a top, rather than just a layering item.
5. Layer a cardigan over a tucked-in sleeveless tank top: Tuck a plain tank top into a skirt and layer over a cardigan. The cardigan can be cropped or boyfriend. Cropped cardigans look great with A-line skirts whereas pencil skirts work with most lengths of cardigan. You can leave the cropped cardigans loose or partially buttoned. Longer length cardigans look best unbuttoned. You can also belt the cardigan for extra waist definition.

If you’re worried about a top and skirt breaking up your long lean line, use a low contrast color combination. And remember that these aren’t the only options. There are countless creative ways to wear tops with skirts, especially when you start layering.

If you have an orphan skirt, you just got homework! Shout in the comments or on the forum if you get stuck.

Today will be a slow day at YLF. After the July 4 independence day celebrations yesterday, today is a public holiday in the US. For those of you who do make it to the site, it is once again time to pick sides…

Most of us wear both heels and flats — heels for dressier occasions and flats for more casual settings — but I’m asking you to pick a side anyway.

I don’t ever wear heels higher than three inches and platform shoes are out of the question unless I don’t have to move at all. Three inch heels are reserved for “sitting occasions” only and for the rest of the time I’m in flats or low heels (one to two inches). As much as I adore wearing low heels and the occasional three incher, I’m most comfortable in flat boots and ballet flats.

So without a doubt I’m Team Flats. We might not have the much sought after long leg line, but we’ll outrun Team Heels for sure.

Are you Team Heels or Team flats? Tell us why you chose that team and no batting for both sides. Sorry!