Happy Second Anniversary!

Greg and I started YLF two years ago and the time has flown. We like to celebrate these anniversaries by reflecting on the activity of our readers. Below are the 10 posts that received the most comments over the last year. Crocs seem to be the shoe we love to hate – they came in at positions 1 and 10. Especially notable in this list are numbers 1 and 7, which were posted very recently and haven’t had much time to accumulate comments.

  1. Crocs mean business
  2. Do you love or loathe the new Trapeze jacket?
  3. Preferred shopping categories
  4. Katie’s new cut
  5. The volume watershed
  6. Vanity Sizing
  7. High-waisted, wide-legged jeans
  8. The body shape bible
  9. An American holiday tradition?
  10. To Croc or not to Croc

These are the top 10 categories. “Body Type” was at the top of the list again this year (last year’s positions are in parentheses).

  1. Body Type (1)
  2. What to Wear
  3. Dresses
  4. Wedding Wear (5)
  5. Party Wear
  6. Casual Wear (2)
  7. Men’s Style (8)
  8. European Style (7)
  9. Dress Codes (10)
  10. Celebrities

I have posted over 500 entries so it’s hard to come up with a list of my favourites. I enjoy writing all my posts but hold a special place in my heart for the pieces on:

  • International style and fashion
  • Upcoming trends
  • The best and worst of a season
  • Dressing for your body type
  • Dress codes

The posts that generated the most controversy were “Dressing your age” and “Are you too sexy to fly?“.

A big thank you to all our subscribers, forum members, daily readers and occasional visitors for making our readership what it is today. Your valuable contribution is appreciated. Remember that if you enjoy the blog, you can vote for us in the Blogger’s Choice Awards (in the “Best Blog About Stuff” and “Best Blog Design” categories).

Yellow: the unexpected star of the brights

Yellow started coming through last Spring and has made an even stronger impact this season. You’ll find energizing shades of yellow clothing, footwear and accessories ranging from the palest lemon to the brightest gold and electric citron in stores right now.

You won’t be disappointed if you incorporate yellow into your wardrobe. If you can’t wear the colour close to your face, sport it through a camisole, shoes, handbag, pendant, necklace, belt or patterned item that incorporates yellow. And don’t rule out wearing the right shade of yellow close to your face either. Yellow seems to soften once it’s surrounded by other colours. Surprisingly, yellow has worked beautifully each time I have incorporated it into someone’s wardrobe. It’s especially striking in shoes against dark denim and brings dull neutrals to life.

I grew up in a Dutch household where orange, yellow and red were regarded as perfectly basic colours for men and women. You’ll find Dutch men sporting these hot shades as if they were blue. So I guess I’m used to yellow and took to the cheerful shade as soon as it surfaced as a fashion colour. Nothing says Spring quite as appropriately as daffodil yellow, so don’t be scared to try it if it’s new for you. I’m willing to bet that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

CardiganClutchSilk DressTote

There is a sea of yellow in my wardrobe at the moment. Something very merry about the colour makes me smile.

The best ballet flat

This is the most comfortable ballet flat I own. It’s called the “Swann flat” and it’s by the brand “Me Too”, which is available online or in department stores. This style is particularly comfortable because it’s minus the chorded piping around the edge of the shoe that tends to rub against your skin after an hour of wear. In addition, the cushioning and flexibility are so superb that you won’t need trouser socks or footies for extra comfort.

I walked San Francisco flat in these rubber-soled skimmers and they passed the “8-hour” mark with flying colours. The Swann flat might work for a wider foot even though they don’t come in wide because they’re really soft and supple. Order half a size up because the toe box is short and pop in an insert if you prefer more arch support.

Me Too Swann BeigeMe Too Swann BlackMe Too Swann White
The Swann flat has a patent cap-toe and bow which makes it a little smarter and therefore not ideal if you’re after a more casual look. It’s not offered in plain leather like the comfy Ann Klein Flat, but it’s perfect for smart casual and business casual settings.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Crocs mean business

I’ve decided to give Crocs another chance. My eye has adapted to the look and what I once thought was a ghastly ped, is really not that bad. They offer excellent ventilation for hot days and are the perfect walking shoe. I’m making a super fashion statement by wearing black Crocs with a black skirt suit. I receive loads of compliments when I wear this look and am rather chuffed. In fact, I may have started a trend. Try this great way of dressing down your business formal attire.

BR Monogram Short-sleeve Suit Jacket & Gray Pencil Skirt Crocs Cayman

Keep the look streamlined by sticking to a monochromatic palette for this ensemble.

The streets of San Francisco

Whenever I visit San Francisco I’m impressed with the high style quotient. This weekend was no different. Daytime street fashion was a uniform of jeans, trench coats, ballet flats or fashion sneakers, and funky accessories.

  • Denim was either boot cut, straight or skinny.
  • Trenches were short or just above the knee.
  • Trapeze jackets and tailored blazers were a popular alternative to trenches.
  • Ballet flats and Converse sneakers were everywhere.
  • Large flat totes ruled supreme.
  • Trendy specs were in abundance.
  • The colours were black, white, cream, tan, grey, red, brown.

There were no heels or wide-legged pants, and very few T-shirts to be seen. I only spotted three people wearing their pants too short.

Things slipped once I was back at the airport. Velour sweats, oversized-T-shirts, clingy cropped hoodies, yoga pants, pajama pants, crocs, hiking boots, polar fleece, fanny packs, flip-flops, thick white athletic socks and big athletic sneakers were everywhere. And I stopped counting how many men and women were wearing their pant lengths too short.