I’ve been growing out my pixie, and currently have much more hair on my head than I’ve had in years. I’ve gone from a short, strict, and sharp hairstyle that didn’t move, to a soft, blunt, and romantic ‘do that moves around a lot. As a result, I’ve had to adjust the way I style my hair. 

For example, when I had super short hair, I didn’t check the back because my hair would fall into place and stay put naturally. This is not the case with my longer hair. I need to check if my crowns are covered and that the waves are even and neatly spaced around my head. Well, at least until the wind blows my hair in all directions.

I didn’t have a way of seeing the back of my head or outfit in our loft, so I bought a large handheld mirror that does the trick. Now I can see everything. It’s not too heavy, and has a hole on the handle so that you can hang it on a hook. The mirror is also handy for looking at the back of your outfit.

A new outfit from Greetje Kamminga of No Fear of Fashion, whom we introduced to YLF in October 2017.

Greetje has paired on-trend wide leg trousers with a cream short-sleeved blouse in this elegant polished outfit. She’s semi-tucked the puff-sleeved blouse which lengthens the legline from the hips up. Both the top and eye-catching trousers with mod-inspired graphic pattern are in silky materials that add subtle sheen. The horizontal and vertical stripes draw the eye up and down. Our blogger’s baby blue pointy-toe pumps peeking out from under the trouser hems don’t match the blue stripe in the pants but help create outfit cohesion, and echo the blue belt. The warm-toned yellowy-beige satchel doesn’t match the cream top nor the darker cream in the trousers but adds a nice neutral effect. An arty dark brown pebble necklace and mirrored sunnies complete the look.

As we transition into another season, some of my clients and friends are switching out their wardrobes. That means they pack away what they wore over the last six or so months, and unpack what they plan to wear for the next season. 

The idea behind the switcheroo is to make in-season items more accessible and organized so that they can see the wood for the trees. This helps them choose daily outfits more easily, and keeps their style focussed. Also, some people can only store half of their wardrobe in the available closet space, which means storing out-of-season items elsewhere. You are on Team Switch if you switch out and store your wardrobe seasonally, and on Team No Switch if you don’t.

I am on Team No Switch. I store all four seasons in one closet with the outerwear in a coat closet by the door, and wardrobe basics in a chest of drawers. We live in a loft with very limited storage space so even if I wanted to switch out my wardrobe seasonally, we don’t have the space to support the strategy. I don’t mind, because I’ve always stored my wardrobe this way. I like seeing everything in one place throughout the year.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Switch or Team No Switch? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you’re benched, I’m serving baked and sizzling artichoke and spinach dip with toasted baguette, and fresh figs for dessert.

A sweater vest is a sleeveless pullover. Necklines, and lengths vary, as does fabric, fit, colour and pattern. Some are cropped and fitted, while others are long and roomy. Some have a front closure and look a little like a sleeveless cardigan. You can wear sweater vests on their own, or layered over shirts, blouses, tees, knitted tops, thin pullovers, and dresses. The collection below shows some examples.

Sweater vests can be a fab third piece in mild Autumn and Winter weather. They can provide just enough warmth, and look interesting. You can layer a jacket or coat over the top for extra insulation. If you knit, you could make a fab sweater vest yourself.

Here are some sweater vest outfit ideas that might serve as inspiration. The tops are worn untucked.

1. Short Over Long

A patterned tunic blouse is combined with a pair of black cropped, relaxed straight leg cargo pocket pants. The black of the pants picks up the black in the pattern and the model’s hair. A dark red bouclé sweater vest with an open front and asymmetrical fastening is layered over the top to create a distinctive “short over long” effect. The red picks up the red in the patterned blouse. The fastening adds some structure and accentuates the A-line visual. Cream boots pick up the cream of the pattern. Black, brown, or dark red boots would look fab too. A bit avant-garde.

2. Oversized and Skirted

A fluid short-sleeved white tee is combined with a burgundy knee-length pleated skirt. An oversized stone vest is thrown over the top. Sheer black hosiery and flat black boots match he model’s dark hair. A burgundy bag matches the skirt. A casual and comfy outfit.

3. Classic

Black ankle-length skinnies are combined with a crisp long white shirt. A black and white houndstooth sweater vest matches the separates and is layered over the shirt. The look is finished off with dressy and refined black loafers, and a structured bag. Easy and effective.

4. Slouchy

And last, a slouchy lavender blouse is combined with a pair of relaxed ecru jeans. A slouchy and oversized sweater vest in a rich shade of orangey-toffee is layered over the top. A chunky cream beaded necklace matches the ecru jeans. A pair of teal lace-ups is an unexpected and jarring choice of footwear, although their cream soles pop them back into the palette of the outfit thereby creating cohesion. A fashion-forward look.