Outfit Formula: Summer Simplicity

These looks might inspire you if you like to wear very simple, dressier outfits that are solid, more neutral than non-neutral, and very light on the accessories. Some will look at these outfits and think YES, that’s how I dress or aspire to dress. Others might desperately want to add a few statement accessories, some colour, and a pattern. I like the outfits just the way they are, but I’d like them more adorned, brighter and accessorized too. Most of all, I like the fluidity and roominess of the silhouettes.

1. Solid Dress and Black Gladiators

A very fluid, unstructured soft silky teal dress is combined with a pair of black dainty gladiators. The black sandals bookend the model’s hair. If you click the link, you’ll see the model wearing diamond stud earrings. That’s it! Practically, the outfit needs a bag for stuff because pockets don’t always do the trick. But maybe you’ll manage just fine without a bag.

Solid Dress and Black Gladiators

2. Tunic Over Relaxed Jeans

A sleeveless straight maxi shirt is worn as a tunic over relaxed straight jeans, or slim boyfriends that are rolled at the hems to showcase more of the lower leg. I love how the shirt is buttoned through to the collar and popped to create a tuxedo shirt effect. Neutral heeled toe-loop sandals and a bracelet complete the look. I like this outfit best for my own style, and would wear it with white loafers, ballet flats or flat sandals. I’d add a bag in white, citron, red, blush, shocking pink, orange, or light blue, and my watch and white pearl arm candy.

Tunic Over Relaxed Jeans

3. Neutral Dress and Topper

A fluid black tiered midi dress is defined at the waist with a tie, and topped with a lightweight and very boxy short jacket with dropped shoulder seams and puffed sleeves. Black clog sandals match the dress. Dainty drop earrings, a couple of bracelets and a ring complete the look. I see a black, olive or tan bag too.

Neutral Dress and Topper

4. Black and White

Wearing a pretty black top with white pants, jeans, shorts, or a skirt, and black footwear is a great way to dress when you like to wear black and white in Summer. Here, a pair of white lantern pants is paired with a soft, swingy, and flowing high-low black textured blouse. The sheerness of the blouse is offset with a tucked black camisole. Dainty black sandals finish off the look and match the model’s hair and top. Flirty!

Black and White

Link Love: A More Sustainable Fashion Ecosystem

The Guardian asks: “Can we enjoy fast fashion without destroying the planet?

They also have tips on how to pick a dry-cleaner that’s good for the environment — and you.

In Harper’s Bazaar, author Alec Leach explains how mindful shopping could be the “true path to sustainability”.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nuancedream had no idea that NASA branded clothing is in demand, and actually has been for a while now.

Runcarla thought this was an interesting read: “How to Rethink Recycling When It Comes to Clothing Waste.”

Jaime adds that this article takes a realistic look at the problem. The author admits that “just throwing away your old, unwearable clothes is sometimes the best solution: That’s better than kidding yourself and sending your trash overseas for other people with far fewer resources to deal with in far worse circumstances.”

Stagiaire Fash directs us to this article about a female reporter who was initially refused to witness an execution of a death-row inmate because her skirt and shoes violated a prison dress code.

UmmLila recommends having a look at this article about travel garb: “Travelers want to be comfortable and practical but overly casual dressing at the airport might not be the ticket.”

Although the article is not fashion and style-related, these 20 simple ways to bring positive energy into our lives is something Angie likes to read regularly because it affects our state of mind in a good and productive way! 

Vildy enjoyed Justine Leconte’s ‘French culture vs. German stereotypes since I moved to France‘ video, and this one about ‘Scandinavian style vs. French style feat. Jenny Mustard‘. She adds: The fashion and jewellery designer grew up in France, lived in New York, and then Germany for a long while before moving back again to France. It’s hard for us to see our own culture but now she can, coming to it afresh.”

Spotlight: Sole Bliss and Calla Shoes

There were some really helpful comments on my footwear and bunions post. In particular, Sole Bliss and Calla Shoes came highly recommended as brands dedicated to offering beautifully luxe footwear that is comfortable, fashionable, high-quality, fab fitting for wide feet, feet with bunions, and sensitive soles. They also tackle other foot challenges like diabetic neuropathy, over pronation, Mortons neuroma, arthritic joints, plantar fasciitis and hammer toes. 

Sole Bliss footwear is handcrafted in Italy and Spain, and their designers work closely with podiatrists. Calla Shoes are handcrafted in Portugal and designed in England. These brands provide footwear with wide-fitting toe boxes, hidden stretch panels, ultra soft materials, cushioning, and arch supported insoles. Each brand offers pumps, sneakers, sandals, flats, loafers, oxfords, wedges and boots across a range of neutrals, non-neutrals, and patterns,

Sizes run from US5 to 11, or Euro 36 to 42. Prices are quite high, but comparable to other high-quality footwear. There are good end-of-season sales too. Remarkably, there are dressier shoe options, which tends to be the hardest to find when struggling with shoe fits, foot challenges, and extreme discomfort. By all means browse the offerings and let us know in the comments section if you have first-hand experience with either brand.

Sole Bliss

Calla Shoes

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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How to Manage an Overly Large Wardrobe

There isn’t a single wardrobe size for everyone, because needs differ. A wardrobe should be large enough to optimally service your needs and wants, but be small enough so that it can be adequately stored, effectively organized, and easily managed. 

As a wardrobe consultant, I see wardrobes across a range of sizes. I see extremely large wardrobes that are beautifully organized and meticulously managed. The wearers are in complete control of their wardrobe contents, and enjoy their many options enormously. I also see large wardrobes that make the wearer feel completely overwhelmed. They are at a loss with how to gain clarity and control over it all.

That’s where I come in. A wardrobe that’s too large for someone to store and manage with ease needs intervention. Here are some of the strategies we apply.

1. A Closet Edit

A large wardrobe can do with a thorough closet edit. Refresh your memory on how to do that with these previous posts.

If you can’t edit your wardrobe in one go, tackle one wardrobe category at a time, or one storage area at a time. Try to pass on items sustainably and ethically when you’re done.

2. Improving Storage Spaces

Sometimes, wardrobes are bursting at the seams and unmanageable after a thorough closet edit. That’s when we look into more efficient ways of storing items. That way you can neatly pack more into a smaller space, AND see exactly what you have.

Think along the lines of space saving hangers, better folding techniques, drawer dividers, shelf dividers, shoe boxes, shoe racks, extra hooks, over-door hangers, accessory baskets, jewellery trees and boxes, shoe trays under beds, and adding extra rods and shelving where you can.

3. The Seasonal Switch

Some clients like to halve the size of their required closet space by keeping items for half the year in their regular wardrobe space, and packing away the rest. This allows them to easily see what is seasonally relevant for either Spring and Summer, or Autumn and Winter without feeling overwhelmed. It gives them fewer choices, and helps focus their styles.

4. The One-In-One-Out Wardrobe Principle

When wardrobes are too large despite a good edit, or you’ve run out of storage space, you need to limit wardrobe additions. That means extra careful shopping, and applying the ‘one-in-one-out wardrobe principle. Replace and replenish as needed, and fill wardrobe holes thoughtfully.

5. A Digital Wardrobe Representation

It does involve an upfront time investment, but recording a wardrobe digitally, AND keeping it updated as you subtract from and add to it, is an excellent way of managing any size wardrobe. I have a medium sized wardrobe and represent my wardrobe digitally in YLF Finds. I don’t know how I managed without this tool and am grateful for it. It allows me to see my wardrobe across any category — and as a whole — at the press of a button. It makes it very easy to pack travel capsules, and view my wardrobe in terms of all sorts of combinations. I can identify wardrobe holes, spot the areas that need a trendy refresh, and keep a strict control on inventory. It also minimizes closet orphans, and eliminates unnecessary duplication. I know exactly what I have at any time, and you can view exactly what I currently have in my wardrobe too.

6. Rolling Racks

Do not underestimate the fabness of stand-alone rolling racks when you’ve done a thorough edit, cleared out, improved storage techniques, but are still short of space. Rolling racks come in a range of sizes and can be altered to the desired height. They can be placed in or in front of closets, somewhere else in the bedroom, or in another area of your home. They can be handy to hang extra coats, jackets, tops and dresses.

Three years ago, we moved into a loft with limited storage space. I was able to keep my wardrobe the same size and not switch out seasons by adding a short rolling rack to the small wardrobe area. I keep it neat and pretty by using the same hangers and colour coding the wardrobe categories. I don’t find it to be an eyesore, and it helps keep items organized and visible.

Would you like to share your wardrobe size challenges and how you overcame them? Please join us in the comments below.

Fab Finds: Slippers and Mirrors

Today’s top picks are not the most exciting items, but could be just what you’re looking for. They might save your feet at home, and create a better make-up application experience. Browse the colour options and read the reviews. 

1. Dansko Lucie Wool Slipper

If you spend ample time at home, and need a slipper that looks fab and is good for your feet, these are an option. They provide excellent arch support, and have a great outdoor sole so your feet don’t feel too close to the ground. Their subtle wedge adds a lift that can feel soothing for high arches and insteps. Soft, cushioning, and very lightweight. Surprisingly, clients with both high and low volume feet rave about them. Sizes run from US5 to US12. Prices vary across retailers so click through the options. I might try them when my Camper slippers wear out.

2. Riki by Riki Mirrors

If you’re looking for a make-up mirror that magnifies and lights up, Riki mirrors come highly recommend by some of our forum members. Most of them are portable and can be packed away, or taken along for travel. They come in a range of prices, sizes, and metallic backings. Most of the reviews are extremely good, but some complained that the light was too bright, and that it’s hard to charge. Others preferred the Simple Human make-up mirror. I guess you’ll have to take your chances, and return it if it’s unsatisfactory.