Fab Finds: Tops & Bottoms

We are nearing the end of Spring and Summer retail season in the northern hemisphere. There is lots on sale, and not much more coming in. Transitional and autumn collections are in the pipeline, and before you know it, we’ll be talking holiday attire. But first, a hot Summer lies ahead for most of us. And for some, it’s a long Summer. Stock up now, and make sure you have what you need.

Onto top picks that are winners on clients, and have good reviews. Browse the colour and size options.

1. DKNY Puff Sleeve Mixed Media Henley Top

The bodice of this top is made of gorgeous knitted fabric that feels lovely against the skin. The woven puff sleeves have an architectural vibe and hold their shape. The V-neck isn’t too low, and stays put when you bend down because the top is fitted on the midsection. I was tempted to get the citron, and I don’t wear V-necks. It’s a very neat and tidy neckline with a shallow V-opening. By the time my pearls filled the gap, I saw a flattering effect.

2. Nic + Zoe Tops

Nic + Zoe tops are frequently offered across petite, regular, and plus sizes. The patterns are fairly unique, the fibres natural, and the quality consistently good. These sweaters and tops were winners. Most of the Summer sweaters are very lightweight, gauzy, and not much different to wearing a tee. The tanks are thick, substantial, and effectively cover bra straps. Notably, the white tops aren’t see-through so no need to wear a camisole. I like that the tops are covered yet breezy, thereby offering sun protection.

3. Halogen Sweatheart Tank and Cardigan

Here’s a lovely version of a twinset because the sweatheart neck sweater tanks have gauzy long cardigans to match. The tanks fit well, and aren’t revealing in front or on the sides. Easy bra strap coverage too. They are fitted and forgiving. The cardigans are loose and fluid. There are extra colours in the cardigan. It’s a great idea when you need to cover up a little with a cardigan (e.g. in air conditioning), but can peel off to a sleeveless top too.

4. NYDJ Major Wide Leg Capri Jeans

These are different and super cute despite their bad review. They look just like the stock photo, and are not wider. The fabric is great, and the length is particularly suited to petites. Their waist is wide, so if you tend to prefer a fit with a wide waist – try these. Otherwise, you’ll need to alter the waist.

5. Boden Catriona Cotton Crew Jumper

These cotton-rich sweaters feel AMAZING against the skin and I have the stripe. A cotton, polyamide and elastane fibre cotton makes for the coziest sweater I’ve worn. A gently fluid fit. This type of Summer sweater comes in handy when it’s cooler by the water, at the beach at night, on a chilly morning, or when it’s freezing at the office because of indoor air-conditioning. Or buy ahead for cold weather because these lightweight sweaters are yummy.

Fab Finds: Pilcro Jeans

Pilcro is an Anthropologie house brand. Pilcro jeans are particularly popular with my clients because of good fits, on trend silhouettes, reasonable quality, and a fairly inclusive size range which includes petites. The brand is priced similarly to jeans from Everlane and Banana Republic.

The Austyn High-Rise Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans and the Scotty Cuffed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans are the winning cuffed jeans of the season.

Pilcro Austyn High Rise Cuffed Wide-Leg Jeans

The Austyn is gently wide, and far from overwhelming. It has worked on both curvier and straighter body types. The substantial denim glides over the contour of your body and adheres to the shape of your figure. Versatile, forgiving, and very comfy. The rise is described as high, but isn’t in person because I’m short in the rise, and these work well on me. The cuffs are sewn in place, and cannot be easily hemmed.

I’m modeling them for the forum here. I’ve worn and laundered them. They drape like a dream. They wash and air dry well too. The cuff holds its shape.

Pilcro Scotty Cuffed High Rise Straight Leg Jeans

The Scotty is slimmer and shorter by comparison, and an equally good and forgiving fit. It’s lighter in colour and weight, and more summery. The cuffs are sewn down. The edges of the cuffs are raw so if frayed edges bother you, pass on the style. If slim jeans tend to get stuck on your muscular calves, these won’t thanks to extra room. Comes in a dark wash too.

Neither style bags out much post a day’s wear, and have rave reviews for good season. If these don’t tickle your fancy, check out the rest of the Pilcro collection. Always worth a look.

Outfit Formula: Marbled

This is for Team Marbled Patterns, which are neither mainstream nor easy to find. To my eye, marbled patterns look particularly effective in blues, teals, greens, and earth tones. They are abstract, swirly, and watercolour-esque. They can be quite subtle, but bold versions are fabulous too. 

I think of an ombré pattern as a form of “marble pattern light”. Not nearly as intricate, but related. Onto outfits with marbled patterns and an ombré at the end.

1. Marbled with Black

A fluid teal, yellow, and grey marbled blouse is worn out over tailored black pants for a relaxed vibe. Although black is absent from the pattern, the black hair of the model pulls the look together by matching the pants. Shimmery dangly earrings are a glam finishing touch. I see a silver bag and shoes complete the look.

Marbled with Black

2. Marbled Frock

A navy and earth toned, with a hint of teal, column midaxi dress is worn on its own. The gorgeous pattern does the talking. Brown flat slides match the brown in the pattern and the model’s hair. An earthy straw bag is the beachy finishing touch.

Marbled Frock

3. Crisply Marbled

The marbled pattern on these straight white jeans is subtle, thereby emphasizing the crisp integrity of the jeans. The turquoise satin blouse picks up the same colour in the pattern, and is tucked for a dressier vibe. Casual brown platform sandals with white soles pick up similar hues in the pattern. A mismatched yellow bag, although impractically small, adds a fun touch. Massive hoop earrings add a disco touch.

Crisply Marbled

4. Ombré and Jeans

I’m struck by how elegant and ethereal this look is on the model. A soft and flowing asymmetrical teal ombré tunic is combined with a subtle pair of cropped blue barrel jeans. The necktie of the blouse amps up the vertical integrity of the silhouette. Strappy black sandals are the dressy finishing touch, which complement the silver and black clutch. The look would work as well with dressy low heels, sandals, or flats. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Ombré and Jeans

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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Add Shine to Your Outfits

Shiny fabrics like satins, silks, sequins, taffeta, lurex, patent leather, and metallic leather add luster to your look. Metal, pearl, gemstone and rhinestone jewellery, handbag hardware, sparkly hair clips, and belt buckles add the bling. 

Sparkle With Shine

Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and cocktail rings are an easy way to add shine to your look. Jewellery pieces can be dainty and can be layered to maximize shine. Choose lipstick, lip gloss, and nail polish to add loud or quiet glimmer.

Wear sparkle any time of day to shine as brightly as you do from within. Make the shine a statement or make it subtle. If shiny wardrobe items aren’t your thing, express radiance in your own way through your eyes and your smile.

Fab Finds: Skirts, Dresses, Bomber and Hangers

Skirts and dresses are popular to wear in Summer because they’re hot weather-friendly. Breezy, easy, and very ventilating. More and more skirts and dresses are being made of natural fibres, or are natural fibre-rich. We’re seeing more skirts and dresses in technical athleisure fabrics too. 

Onto some top picks.

1. Skirts

It’s a skirt season here in the US. On that note, here’s a selection of top rated knee-length, midi, midaxi, and maxi skirts of which some were winners on my clients. Browse the colour and size options. Some styles are offered in petite. Some styles are offered from a US0 to US18. Some styles are offered up to US28. There are natural and manmade fibres, patterns and solids, all sorts of silhouettes, dressy and casual options, and a range of price points. I’m wearing my new white Wash Lab asymmetrical skirt here.

Boden
Crinkle Midi Skirt
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Top Pick
1
Loft
Satin Bias Midi Skirt
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2
Loft
Satin Bias Midi Skirt
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Top Pick
1
Loft
Pull On Maxi Skirt
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Top Pick
1
Everlane
The Gardener Skirt
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3
Everlane
The Gardener Skirt
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Top Pick
5

2. Title Nine Dresses

These dresses are worth a look because they’re lightweight, easy to launder, a breeze to pack, and have good fits. Made of recycled polyester and spandex. There are colour and patterns options in both styles.

The Round Trip Midi Dress is a clever design that can be worn several ways. Slip it on as is, like a relaxed columned shift. Pull the pockets inside out and use them to belt the dress in the front or back for waist definition. Wear the high neck in front with an alluring open back. Shorten the side seams with an adjustable pleat to showcase some leg. You will see the variations when you click the link. Creative and varied possibilities.

Title Nine Round Trip Midi Dress

The Crusher Maxi Dress is longer and falls open in front like a pretty breezy tulip as you stride. It works well on a curvier figure, a larger bust, and shorter waist. YES there are pockets, and pretty good bra coverage. It has a small ventilating cut-out detail at the back just above the waist which is forgiving and unobtrusive.

Title Nine Crusher Maxi Dress

3. Athleta Jetset Bomber

The fully lined Jetset Bomber Jacket is AWESOME. It comes in five colours, and the stock photos do not do the interesting, clever, and edgy style justice. The bodice is ruched in a flattering way. The high-low hem has side zippers that look good zipped, un-zipped, or zipped half way. The side entry pockets zip up to keep your stuff from falling out. The neck has a discreetly hidden hood that is niftily folded away with fab snaps. The bomber looks as good open as it does closed. It fits fluidly, but you might want to size down if it’s too fluid. The silhouette moulds to your shape, and fits a range of body types. My fab blonde friend looks KILLER in the abalone grey in a size XL. Comfy, attractive, practical, lightweight, versatile, easy to pack, and does not crease. A great item to travel with too.

Athleta Jetset Bomber Jacket

4. Space Saving Plastic Clothes Hanger

I recently swapped out my existing hangers for these. I chose them because they’re space saving, versatile, lightweight, strong, and without friction. I’ve had space saving hangers in the past that caused annoying friction when putting an item on a hanger, and taking it off. It drove me bananas. Clothing slips on and off these hangers easily. They hold my heavy coats with ease too. There are several colours to choose from. I got the white. Boxes come in quantities of 16, 30, 50 and 100.