I have been champing at the bit to write this post because “biker-inspired” jackets are one of my favourite edgy items of all time. For my style they are forever fashionable (at least until I’m 70). My wardrobe has not been without some sort of updated biker jacket since the ‘80’s.

Bikers are becoming increasingly popular and there are loads of styles to choose from this season. I absolutely adore the “tough edge” they add to a feminine ensemble. It’s unexpected and the contrast is simply delicious. The trick is finding the perfect biker jacket and pairing it with the right pieces.

Some tips on how to incorporate a biker-inspired jacket into your clothing mix:

• Keep the fit cropped and snug: You’re after a cheeky look and not a masculine one.
• Black is not the only option: Neutrals like brown, cream, ink blue and grey work just as well. I’ve had a red biker at some point and recently saw a style in eggplant that’s fabulous. 
• Leather is not the only option: Thick cotton twills, faux leathers, nylon and polyester blends can be just as effective and cheaper to purchase.
• Sport one biker item at a time: Leave off the biker boots, studded belt and do-rag when you sport a biker jacket. A bit of biker goes a long way.
• Keep the rest of the ensemble feminine: I like the look of a black biker jacket worn over a white knitted top, or white blouse. Add jeans, heels and Bob’s your uncle. One of my own favourite flop-proof outfits. Tartan, denim, floral and tweed skirts or soft pretty frocks also look great paired with bikers.
• Keep accessories to a minimum: Biker jackets make a huge statement, so choose your accessories wisely. Soft silk scarves add a pretty touch. My choice of accessory is usually some form on chunky pearl necklace (no surprises). The contrast of ultra-feminine, perfectly round, large white pearls against hardcore biker leather sends me into orbit. I LOVE that look.

Consider investing in a biker jacket if there’s an urban rock-chic element to your style. I’ll be posting flop-proof outfits on how to get the most mileage out of your biker as the season progresses. In the meantime, check out YLF forum members Tanya and Patience in their killer biker jackets. My heart skipped a beat when they posted their ensembles.

An assortment of biker-inspired jackets. I updated my biker jacket last year. It’s black with retro cracked patent and suede trim, belted at the waist. It happens to be my best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale purchase ever.

Scarves are a fabulous transitional accessory as your look moves from Summer to Autumn. I see scarves more than any other accessory whenever I’m in Europe. For me they are a wonderful colour vehicle and a way to keep warm in a chilly climate (I’m also never without one on a long flight).

Tying a square scarf “muffler style” is hot this season. But instead of tucking the ends under, it is key to leave them exposed on either side of the shoulder. I like the look and I’ve seen several women sport it successfully. The appearance is relaxed and makes quite a statement. It’s especially flattering on women with shorter necks because the cowl effect creates the illusion of a longer neckline.

The muffler style doesn’t look great on me because my giraffe neck needs shortening as opposed to elongation. The scarf also doesn’t stay put because there’s no knot tying involved, and I don’t like to fuss with my outfit during the day. So I’m sticking to the Euro loop. The scarf doesn’t move and I love the vertical appeal.

Give scarves a bash if you’re not in the habit of wearing them. They are practical in transitional weather and can bring new life to an unexciting outfit.

Scarves don’t need to be woolly. Cotton and linen scarves are an ideal option if you live in a warmer climate, or run hot quickly. They’ll give you an appropriate Autumn look without the warmth.

We’re delighted to introduce our first guest contributor. Today’s entry is written by fabulously funky Antje, a good friend and long time member of the YLF community.

Thanks to Sihaya’s initiative, the first YLF gathering in Seattle took place on Saturday at the Queen Mary, a quaint tea shop near the U-Village. What a delightful afternoon we had! Any initial shyness was overcome within minutes as we plunged into lively conversations ranging from how we each discovered YLF to style icons we admire (including Audrey Hepburn, Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett, with Tina Turner getting special mention for pulling off a mini skirt).

The style quotient in the room was sizzling. There were definitely some themes (four yellow handbags!), but there was also an abundance of individual style, unique combinations, fab accessories and statement pieces. We all stared in disbelief at Marianne, who told us she just had her second child seven months ago – she looked so trim and smashing in her Matchsticks. Sihaya stylishly paired the Franco Sarto booties from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale with ultra skinnies. Naf looked radiant in red, black and white and wore an amazing necklace. NuanceDream dazzled in a black and white day dress.

Sihaya, Naf, and NuanceDream

I myself went with an edgy look of shorter skirt over leggings and premiered my new grey patent leather pumps. JuliJuli looked killer in the black and white jacket she wore when she ran into Angie at Nordstrom a few weeks ago. Angie, of course, was in a league of her own. She wore her cream Anne Fontaine blouse; it is absolutely stunning with its cutout cotton organza fabric and funky sleeve detail. She paired this statement piece with black skinny jeans, a smart military charcoal jacket, patent leather pumps in a rich golden yellow, and a gorgeous cobalt blue Charles David purse from her extensive bag collection.

We took plenty of pictures and, in honor of one of the forum’s most active contributors, some of us decided to strike the famous “shiny pose”. Are we pulling it off?

Antje, JuliJuli and Angie

We all agreed that the best thing about YLF is that it really is a style community for “real women”. The outfit photos other members post are so tremendously helpful (a big THANK YOU to everyone on the forum who posts pictures!) and have inspired all of us in different ways, motivating us to try a new style or color, or just to experiment more with existing items in our wardrobes.

The gathering also presented a great opportunity to ask some questions that are a little more personal and quirky than the ones we typically see on the forum. My favorite questions to Angie were “What do you wear to walk your dogs?” and “Do you have a designated parking space downtown?” We learned that for short walks through the neighborhood, Angie just dons her Converse sneakers and takes off her necklace, but otherwise stays in smart casual garb. She wears fab and colorful athletic gear – always layered – for longer “power walks” with her four legged sweeties. And while there is no parking space with Angie’s name on it (yet), she does have a great relationship with the “lovely lads” from Nordstrom’s valet parking service, who always try to squeeze in her red VW for her (almost daily) trips to Nordies with clients.

Fantastic shoe choices!

Yellow was the order of the day for bags. Angie and I sported our favorite accessory: statement specs.

It was such a treat getting this group of women together and finding that our virtual connection on YLF translated well into the real world. We had plenty to chat about, started sharing a little bit about ourselves, cracked each other up with stories (including Nuance Dream’s report of pajama bottom sightings at her workplace, which happens to be the state capitol), and bonded to the point where we were all reluctant to part ways and decided to meet again later this fall. Hopefully other Seattle YLF fans will join us!

This entry wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to the pioneers of the YLF meetup. Ana and Patience from Austin, Texas, posted their story about a month ago, complete with photos and video.

I have a good chuckle on Nordstrom.com when their models sport a “bird’s nest” up-do. These hairstyles crack me up. If it were stylish sporting our hair this way, we’d never have a bad hair day again. Bad hair would be fab hair.

Bird’s nest hairstyles for dramatic catwalk appeal and costume parties? Absolutely. Other than that, I don’t think so. My head would feel itchy all the time. Not to mention how dreadfully unpolished I’d feel and look.

If you are in the USA, we at YLF wish you a happy Labor Day. Enjoy the long weekend and good luck getting the kids off to a great start back at school.

These hairstyles often accompany the creative and edgy Marc Jacobs prêt-a-porter collection.