Link Love: Fragrance Facts

I enjoyed reading about the perfumes actors wear to get into character.

How fragrance’s famous rose fields in the French town of Grasse are dealing with climate change was also an interesting read.

According to some experts, one of the reasons vanilla-scented fragrances are so popular, is the emotional link with mother’s breast milk and formula as these have strong vanilla fragrance compounds.

Fab Links from Our Members

Wakanda Forever! Nuancedream says: “I haven’t seen the film yet, but I expect to be blown away. Ruth E. Carter will likely need to make room on her mantle for another Oscar for Best Costume Design.”

Minaminu is trying to understand how to mix warm and cool colours, and stumbled across this blog post explaining how to mix them. She loved that James Bond movie outfits were used as examples.

Stagiaire Fash wanted to share this Instagram reel, and adds: “Apologies to lovers of beige and other neutral colors. Also to fans of simple, clothing made of natural fibers.”

Roberta had a good chuckle while reading “I’m wearing tunics now.

Vildy thought this YouTube video was interesting: “How to look expensive, classy, elegant, and fun with the help of Italian designer style secrets.”

Are the Victorians Responsible for Fast Fashion?” This video gave kkards a lot to think about: “It lays out the changes that happened in the Victorian age vis-à-vis technology, media and society, and finds parallels between then and now. The video also talks about how ready-to-wear started as a way to improve society and add convenience, showing, as always, that there are unexpected and unintended consequences.”

Fab Finds: Bottoms, Tops and the Cosmos

Retail stock is buzzing, especially online. Shipments seem to be flowing and there is a lot of everything at the moment. I’m thrilled to see brights and jewel tones come through alongside plenty of earth tones and neutrals. Be sure to browse the colour and size options. Some items are on sale, or might be in a couple of days. 

1. J. Crew Kate Straight Leg Pants

The J.Crew Kate Pants have been unexpectedly brilliant with a slew of my clients across a range of sizes and body types. They’ve worked on petite through to tall people across straighter and curvier figures. They are made of an AWESOME thick woven four-way stretch fabric that is substantial and luxe. It feels extremely good on the body which helps to create a good fit. The fabric glides over hip, bottom, and thigh curves quite beautifully. The fabric does not cling, and the rise is neither too high nor low. The fabric composition is a polyester-viscose-elastane, which is exactly the same fabric composition that Veronica Beard uses in her popular trouser suiting. These pants are a fraction of the designer price. They come in nine colours, and are available in US00 to US24 across regular lengths. Sizes US0 to US16 are available in petite and tall lengths. My tall clients are grateful for the lower leg coverage, while petite clients are happy to skip hem hacking. The visual effect is a slim and straight silhouette with a lot more ease and room than skinnies. Plenty of room on the calves.

J.Crew Petite Kate Straight-leg Pant

I have the Kate straight legs in bright red and am thrilled with them, so much so that I am thinking of duplicating them in toffee. They are at that new regular length that just covers the ankle bone and showcases all of the shoe. They are not as short as cropped pants. I also have the Kate Straight Legs in pink velvet, which are a similar silhouette but a longer full length, more like trousers, and with more ease. I’m wearing them here. I took the same size in both even though the velvet version is longer and baggier. The velvet bagged out a little after wearing them a couple of times, but it seems to work with the more trouser-y silhouette. Extremely comfortable, soft, versatile, and I have the green on my radar.

 

2. Liverpool Los Angeles Jeans and Pants

Liverpool bottoms and toppers are particularly popular with clients who work from home, or are looking for dressier attire that feels like athleisure but isn’t as sporty and casual. The brands big buzz words are softness, stretch and comfort. Items that look woven are KNITTED for extra comfort. Elastic waistbands are an option. Jeans are super soft. Rises aren’t too high. Jackets have removable hoodie bibs. Fits work well on curvier figures. So far, clients say that items have laundered well and aren’t bagging out after wearing them. Size down because items run big.

3. Scotch & Soda Cosmos Collection

I was excited to see this gorgeous and quirky collection at a nearby Scotch & Soda store last week. Planetary icons, galaxies, the Milky Way, and night sky patterns grace dressy and casual clothing. The execution is subtle, clever, crisp, grown-up, and unique. Click the links to see the fabness of the patterns in detail because the small photos do not do them justice. The quality of these items is impeccable, and silhouettes are on-trend. The bomber jackets are fully reversible. The inside of the blazers are works of art. Lots of dressy fabrics in relaxed silhouettes, which is what this Dutch brand does best. If you like a “bruised” colour palette, keep these items on your radar.

Outfit Formula: Party Dress

For those who like to wear dresses for the holidays, events, and occasions, there are countless looks to inspire you, as well as a whole slew of dresses. There are formal, semi-formal, smart casual, and casual frocks to choose from so take your pick. Dress them up or down, and make the dress work your way. 

Boden
Mini Cord Shift Dress
View Info
Top Pick
3
Zara
Draped Velvet Dress
View Info
Top Pick
6
Boden
Midi Party Tea Dress
View Info
Top Pick
3
H&M
Printed Jersey Dress
View Info
Top Pick
5
Boden
Plisse Mini Dress
View Info
Top Pick
2
Hobbs
Ciara Dress
View Info
Top Pick
2

I adore dresses, but generally don’t wear them for the holidays and Winter events in the US because the weather is icy and I also run cold. I stick to dressy separates, unless I can find a very warm and suitable sweater dress, and wear it with thermals. But if you bat for Team Winter Dress, here are some interesting options, all of which are sleeved and worn with closed shoes.

1. Little Black Dress

The LBD is a classic, it doesn’t need to be sleeveless or very short. Here’s a sweater dress version with elegant billowing sleeves that finishes just above the knee, which might be your cup of tea. The rhinestone bow embellishment on the neck is matched with earrings and glittery silver shoes, which takes care of the festive bling component of the look. A black and white polkadot topper finishes off the look. I see a larger silver, black, or red bag instead of the minute one shown here. I particularly like how the dress was completed with dressy flats instead of heels. Nice change. Add nude-for-you or sheer black hosiery for warmth.

Little Black Dress

2. Bright Pink and Red

This is my favourite of the four because I love the colour combination. I wear bright pink and red separates together, and will do just that for some of our holiday events. Wear a pink dress with red footwear, or a red dress with pink footwear. Choose booties, pumps or another kind of closed shoe that keeps you insulated if tall boots aren’t your thing. Add hosiery for warmth. A dark red coat would look gorgeous over this outfit. But so would navy, turquoise, orange, cream, or burgundy. Add a red, pink or metallic bag, and jewellery to your taste.

Bright Pink and Red

3. Sparkly Boho

Here’s a more casual version for Team Boho. The sparkles on this dress make it look more festive. The casual brown suede boots add a further boho and casual touch. I see silver metallic or black boots with a bag to match as an alternative option. A black, navy, or brown coat would top things off nicely. Add a little sparkle in your ears and wrists.

Sparkly Bo-Ho

4. Skirted Jumpsuit

And last, a dressy jumpsuit with a removable skirted layer is a unique and creative idea. The colour-blocked version here is visually striking. I particularly like how you can see the pants component under the skirt. You might not like bows, but to my eye it adds a lovely finishing touch to the waist of the outfit. Dressy pumps and bag that pick up the brights in the outfit complete the look, as does a good bit of bling. Wear knee-highs to keep your ankles warm if you like. You might want to keep libations to a minimum when wearing this outfit.

Skirted Jumpsuit

Roundups

Simpler Items

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

Read More

Assorted Items

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

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

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

Read More

Hints of Spring

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

Read More

Dressier Items

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

Read More

Fab Find: Ring Size Adjuster

You might find this little gadget useful if your fingers change size in the colder months. Or if your fingers are narrower than they used to be and you don’t want to have your rings re-sized. It’s also useful if your knuckle is a little large. You could buy a larger ring size and then use the adjuster to make it fit snugly once on your finger. 

It’s a tiny transparent plastic sleeve that you attach to the underside of a ring, effectively reducing its circumference while being invisible from the top of your hand. It successfully fills the gap of a ring that’s too large, and prevents it from swiveling around in an annoying way. The adjusters come in different sizes and widths, so you can test them and choose the one that fits the best. The adjusters do not accommodate very wide bands unfortunately.

My ring finger is narrower in cold weather or when my hands are cold, which makes my pearl rings swivel and move around a lot. The first set of invisible ring adjusters (above) work like magic. I put the ring on first and slide on the adjuster afterwards. The sleeve is a bit finicky to attach, but this gets easier over time. I recommend good light and eyesight, and NOT moisturizing your hands with slippery cream before attempting to slide the adjuster onto the ring.

Fab Finds: Winter Boots and Cosy Tops

If you live in the Northern hemisphere, Winter is coming or already here. A refresh of knitwear, holiday attire, and the right footwear for cold weather has been at the top of shopping lists as I work with my clients. Items sometimes go on flash sale between now and Christmas Day, so watch out for that. When you do purchase an item online, remember that we earn a commission if you click through to the retailer from youlookfab.com.

Here are some of the winners that we found.

1. ECCO and Blundstone Boots

These ECCO boot styles have worked well on my clients this season. They are supportive, can accommodate an orthotic if you size up, and can work reasonably well with bunions. Some of the styles are weatherproof. Australian Blundstone boots are a robust and rugged favourite here in the Pacific North West because they work well in wet weather and casual outdoorsy settings. Wear them on woodsy walks, and as super relaxed casual wear. They are generally roomy and kind to your feet. They work on farms and in equestrian environments too. These styles have good reviews and many have been winners on clients and friends. It’s nice to see them in neutrals other than black.

2. Dressier Cosy Tops

Here’s a selection of knitwear and knitted tops that are super comfy and cosy, but aren’t as casual as sweatshirts, T-shirts, or lounging sweaters. In fact, some of them are quite dressy and can go to holiday events. Boden and Talbots get my vote for best cashmere of the season. The quality, colour assortment, fit, polish, and silhouette variety is there. Their cashmere is luxe, substantial and feels delicious against the skin. I have the first Boden puff-shoulder sweater in orange and it’s stunning. I’ll enjoy wearing it with bright pink velvet trousers, red pants, navy pants, and blue jeans. The Calvin Klein teal velvet dress looked absolutely gorgeous as a tunic over slim or bootcut bottoms on my tall client. But feel free to wear it as a dress. And the Talbots fleece funnel neck pullover is awesome with olive pants or corduroy bottoms.

Esprit
Gestreepte coltrui
View Info
Top Pick
4
Esprit
Gestreepte coltrui
View Info
Top Pick
2
Esprit
Gebreide coltrui
View Info
Top Pick
5