We’ll see quite a few fur waistcoats for Autumn and Winter. Unfortunately the catwalk runways were full of them in all sorts of real exotic skins, which makes me sad. Luckily, offering exotic furs to mainstream masses won’t happen because it’s just too expensive to produce and sell. Nowadays, fabric technology is brilliant and improves each year. Faux fur can look quite authentic at a fraction of the price. It’s a good option for those that like the look but are on a budget and don’t want to wear real fur.

The shaggy waistcoat (or vest if you live in the US), is a nice bridging piece into Autumn as the weather cools down. It’s a bulky item so it’s best to go with a cropped style that’s cut narrow on the shoulder and ends somewhere between waistline and hip bone.

Keep the layers you wear underneath fairly sleek so as to balance out the boxiness of the silhouette. Skinny or bootcut jeans, a turtleneck or button down shirt with boots is a simple no-brainer combination for this item. But I also like the combination of a blouse, pencil skirt and pretty pumps as you see in the photo below. The shaggy vest could also look fab over the right frock. Quite edgy. Any takers for the look?

I’m hoping that places like H&M, Topshop, MNG, Club Monaco and Zara will bring out inexpensive faux fur versions of the shaggy waistcoat. That way we have the option of having fun with a dramatic and somewhat wacky trend without breaking the bank. The vibe is quite boho which is not my style, but I’m attracted to the trend because of its vintage and retro appeal. I hope I find the right piece this season as I see several outfit possibilities.

After a whirlwind trip to Tel Aviv and Hong Kong, the last part of my forum challenge takes us to London, one of my very favourite Euro cities.

You’ll see it all on the streets of London. From sweat pants and sneakers to the most lavish of designer outfits and everything in between. But generally, people are well put together in an interesting, urban and funky way. When I think of London street style, I think of daring outfit combinations, interesting layers, vintage items, retro looks, lots of black and fabulous accessories. It’s not a crisp, chic and polished sense of style like you’ll see in HK. It’s much more gritty, punk, arty and goth, with loads of attitude to boot.

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So this is my take on everyday London style: black-black skinny jeans, Greg’s Ben Sherman graphic T, a pinstripe suit jacket, strappy metallic sandals, cream cross-body bag and vintage pearl necklace. I couldn’t resist adding my retro Duran Duran cross-body bag as an alternative. It’s irreplaceable because I bought it at one of their concerts several years ago (Duran Duran is my favourite band of all time).

This outfit was a challenge because I never wear three black items at once, and I never wear T-shirts. I don’t even wear fitted T’s, and here I am in one of Greg’s that’s boxy all over. This is the type of unexpected pairing of clothing that reminds me of London style. Kate Moss does this all the time. It simply wouldn’t be as interesting if I’d chosen a ladies fitted graphic T. But the boxy silhouette works under the fitted jacket and gives the effect of a voluminous top so I was all over this look. Rolling up the sleeves to show the lining of the jacket added necessary textural interest.

I’d absolutely feel confident sporting this outfit because the jacket and jeans are tailored and the pearls are present. Like the combinations I put together for Tel Aviv and Hong Kong, this one extended my boundaries and added something new to my repertoire. So, for the last time, how did I do?

For part 2 of my forum challenge we’re flying to the city that’s closest to my heart. It’s home because I was born there 39 years ago today.

Hong Kong street style is something else. You’ll see haute couture fashions sported effortlessly by men and women of all ages throughout the day. From the best of modern-classic style to the funkiest and edgiest looks. Outfits are for the most part urban, dressy, neutrally toned, texture-rich, branded and brimming with character.

One of the things that I love about Hong Kong street style is that the locals dress up when they go out to play. You look the part wearing a fancy outfit to a hip restaurant for cocktails and supper. So my outfit is a take on what someone might wear to a fairly swanky restaurant. Although you wouldn’t be surprised to see this combination on a shopper in the high end Landmark shopping center, even during the day.

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The dress is a strappy sequined vintage number that I bought in HK several years ago. The jacket is Diesel and 10 years old, completely tailored to fit like a glove. The gold and leather chain cross-body bag and bracelet are pukka Chanel, received as gifts from friends in HK many years ago. The retro red patent pumps are Kate Spade and a gift from my sweetie four birthdays ago. And I couldn’t resist the 80’s Wayfarers because at this stage I want to wear them with everything.

This outfit was a challenge because it’s the first time I’ve worn a super casual jacket over a very glitzy dress (a very Hong Kong combination). I’d have normally popped a satin trench or wool coat over this number. I also NEVER wear gold hardware or jewelry because I’m a platinum gal through and through and do not mix metals. These beautiful Chanel pieces have been hibernating for 15 years for this reason. But I’m glad I took them out of their box and left off the pearls. The outfit still feels like me because of the shoes and frock and I’m actually digging the gold. So how did I do?

The challenge chain is the latest brilliant innovation from YLF forum members. Initiated by Hanna, it involves generating a list of members (the “chain”), where each one challenges the next to create an outfit (or series outfits) that are outside their style comfort zone (the “challenge”). Participants have to use what’s in their wardrobes AND must be comfortable in their outfits. The outfits have to be looks they would sport in public. 40 of our members are participating right now and the ensemble innovations are killer.

The forum then decided to challenge me. After brainstorming and voting, the lasses came up with the following challenge:

“Angie goes global: three different outfits interpreted in a way to reflect the style of three different global cities.”

Fab challenge. I chose three cities from three different continents: Hong Kong, London and Tel Aviv. I’m kicking off the report back with Tel Aviv because the predominant style in that city is very different to my own, and I couldn’t look less Israeli if I tried. The ultimate challenge!

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Tel Aviv street style is earthy, natural, bohemian and very casual. Woman wear loads of neutrally toned natural fibers, sport fashion forward sandals, the best sunglasses and usually have long cascading hair. No shine, glitz or bright colours, but lots of interesting clothing silhouettes and Middle Eastern influences.

I can’t do anything about my short blonde crop, but the rest of the outfit goes like this: black cotton-rich sheath dress, muslin leopard printed scarf tied muffler style, Greg’s webbing belt, my new Wayfarers, slouchy matte mustard satchel, olive green suede sandal booties, and a bit of lip balm. No pearls, patent, saturated colours, retro influences, drama or lipstick.

This earthy, casual look is completely new for me. But I’d be confident wearing it out because of some very “Angie” style elements, like the tailored frock and white watch, that I incorporated. How did I do?