Last week the YLF forum passed 1000 registered members. It has attracted women of all ages, nationalities, body types, lifestyles and fashion personas. Whether it’s help with an outfit or purchase, a body type challenge, the chance to view a daily ensemble, or opinions about a preconceived style idea, questions are asked and answered swiftly, compassionately and effectively by astute and conscientious forum members.

Every so often a forum post starts something like this: “I’ve been lurking for a while and have finally plucked up the courage to post”. I applaud this courage. It’s not easy asking for feedback and sharing information. However, it’s not long before a newbie is welcomed, assisted and integrated into the group. If you’re new and haven’t posted yet, you’ll realize that we are all different, but very much the same. Maybe today is the day you will post for the first time.

I didn’t anticipate the extent to which I would enjoy the forum. It is so much fun! And I am in awe of the ongoing efforts of others to listen, help and learn. The sense of community is strong and the level of camaraderie heart warming. I have only met a handful of our forum members in person, but somehow feel connected to everyone. I hope to meet many more members in future.

Thank you for supporting the YLF forum. It would be nothing without your valuable and stylish contribution. And tell us about your experience. Has it helped you? Are there things we can do to improve the experience?

I saw a very stylish lady walk into our flagship Seattle Nordstrom store last week. She was probably in her late 50’s or early 60’s, petite and perfectly polished. She wore dark wash skinny jeans, a cropped, tailored grey and black micro-check, double-breasted jacket and black, round-toe ballet flats. She carried a simple, flat black patent tote and wore a chunky gold watch. Her hair was short, dark red, bobbed and with fringe. She wore dark red sunglasses with hooped gold earrings, and just a spot of make-up.

Wearing skinny jeans over the age of 50 does not give you instant style. But this lady happened to look really good in them and pulled off a smart casual look with taste and refinement. She embraced a few trends and made them work appropriately for her age and body type. The timeless and current aspects of her look blended perfectly. She did not come across as “trying too hard” or “dressing too young”. Her style was effortless, chic, put together and comfortable. I walked straight up to her and told her that I thought she looked fabulous.

I’m inspired whenever I see older women with a superb sense of style. It makes me look forward to evolving my own style over time. The most stylish women in Paris are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. This is also true of my own clientèle. If you are over 50, please share your style wisdom with us.

This Polyvore creation captures a similar feeling to the ensemble I describe above. Remember that the person’s dark red, bobbed hair was an accessory all on its own. It complemented the seemingly subtle, almost bland grey jacket really well. I dedicate this post to Judy and San, our stylish YLF forum members who are over the age of 50 and rock a pair of skinny jeans with the best of them.

Red, white and blue is a winning outfit combination. Throw in some yellow or green and you’ve kicked it up a notch. How many of you will make the effort of wearing these colours today? I’ll bite. I’m in skinny jeans, ink blue tunic with huge white buttons, red chunky necklace and cami, yellow ballet flats and yellow tote. My white skinnies are in the wash but my white watch completes the palette. I feel a little more American today.

Be sure to check out the online sales this weekend:

• Boden: Summer Collection Sale: Save up to 50%
• Macy’s: July 4th Sale: Free Shipping with $100 purchase
• Lucky Brand Jeans: Twice Yearly Sale: 50% Off Select Items

Blouses aren’t everyone’s cup of tea because they are fussy, dramatic, dressy and high laundry maintenance. For these reasons many people stick to comfy knitted tops.

Blouses with neckties have a small target audience because they’re even fussier and hard to wear if you’re well endowed. This happens to be my favourite type of blouse and I know I’m in the minority. I adore their vintage, yet modern appeal and playful charm. They make me feel feminine, lady-like, elegant and alluring. (I’m very drawn to the “naughty librarian look” which works well with my specs and short hair).

Necktie-blouse don’t need to be sleeveless. They’re just as fab with a longer sleeve in Autumn layered under a cardigan or jacket. Opt for a V-necktie blouse to elongate the neckline. Stick to wovens for a crisper look. You don’t need to tie a bow at the neck with this silhouette. A neat square knot or loose tie often looks better.

A necktie blouse is a superb way to maintain a professional look in warm weather. Pop it over a pencil skirt, slacks, jeans or clamdiggers and you’ve got a great little look (belted or voluminous). Blouses in general are my “go-to” top in warm weather and I wear one almost every day. Any other blousy girls out there?

Most necktie blouses are woven, but occasionally you’ll find one in a knit like the black style above (which theoretically makes it a necktie knitted top). Necktie blouses that tie at the neck look particularly good on women with a smaller bust line and longer neck. But it’s easy to elongate this look if you don’t have a long neck by knotting the ties instead of tying them into a bow.