Outfit Formula: Summer Solid Green

This is for Team Summer Solid Green and that means any tone, tint, hue or shade of green. From mint, sage, lime, apple, neon, Kelly, jade, bottle, grass, emerald and British racing green, to chartreuse, all sorts of olive, hunter, and forest green. Take your pick. Think of any way to wear solid green in a Summer outfit.

On to some outfit ideas.

1. Easy Frock

Throw on a solid green dress in a silhouette that tickles your fancy. Finish it off with Summer shoes and a bag to match. Easy! Here an unstructured emerald shirtdress is completed with on-trend chunky black slides and a zebra-patterned clutch, both of which pick up the black hair of the model. Large hoop earrings are a fab blingy touch.

Easy Frock

2. Minted Separates

For those who like soft pastel greens, combine the pastel in the form of a top with light bottoms. Here, a fluid mint pop-over linen shirt is combined with wide leg pleated tan pants. It’s tucked to showcase the belt and define the waist. Tan slides and a sage satchel complete the look. Watch the hems on wide leg pants. Make sure they are short enough so that you don’t trip over them.

Minted Separates

3. Dressed Up Shorts

Combine a dressier bright or dark green top with black shorts. Tuck the top if you like more structure. Add a pair of white sneakers or dressier shoes to finish off the look. Black sandals, slides, mules, ballet flats, pumps and loafers could work too. Sub the shorts for a black skirt or pair of pants if that’s more your thing. Add a bag to match.

Dressed Up Shorts

4. Utility Pretty

And last, combine a pair of olive utility pants with a white support act. Choose your white, which might be off-white, cream, bone, or tan instead of optical white. Choose a pretty white top to contrast with the adventure and utility vibe of the pants. A soft boho-lite top can work well. Add white sandals to match the top, and a bag that works with the palette. Here the white earrings are a lovely touch.

Utility Pretty

The Pros and Cons of Pointy Toe Footwear

Footwear with pointy toe boxes come in a range of shapes and styles. Some have very long toe boxes, accentuating their pointy integrity, while others are shorter with a more subtle effect that does less to elongate the foot. Almond toes are a less severe pointy toe with an even shorter toe box. 

Pointy toe shoes can be flat and heeled, and vary from casual to very dressy. The collection below captures the variety. 

Zappos
Me Too Arina
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3
Mango
Braided Heel Shoes
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1
Mango
Croc-finish Pumps
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1
Mango
Braided Shoes
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2
Mango
Cowboy Leather Boots
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1
Mango
Cowboy Leather Boots
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3
Mango
Braided Heel Shoes
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1
Boden
Almond Toe Ballerinas
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2
Boden
Almond Toe Ballerinas
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3

Like many things, pointy toe shoes have their good and bad attributes. These lists are not exhaustive, so by all means add to them in the comments section below.

Pros

  • Dressy and sharp visual appearance
  • Refined and dainty
  • Elongates the foot and lengthens the leg line
  • Looks effective peeking out from long length wide hemmed bottoms like bootcuts and flares that graze the surface of the ground
  • A natural fit for narrow, low volume, pointy feet

Cons

  • Can cause bunions when toes are crammed
  • Can be uncomfortable and feel restrictive
  • Might be too dainty for your sartorial preferences
  • Visually too dressy and severe
  • Makes the foot look extra long

The most comfortable, healthy shoes are the ones that follow the shape of our feet. Personally, I find pointy toe footwear comfortable because they are a natural fit for my narrow, low volume, pointy feet. I don’t mind that that they make my feet look longer. And their refined integrity suits my sartorial preferences. That said, I am wearing and buying them less frequently because I prefer a slim oval toe-box, or narrow snip-toe, a lot more these days. Along with sleek fashion sneakers, I find those even more comfortable and equally refined.

Here are examples from my footwear capsule.

Over to you. Do you like and wear pointy toe footwear?

Fabulous Swimwear

What people wear to swim at the beach, pool, lake, or resort runs the gamut these days. What you choose might depend on how active you are when you swim, and whether you’ll need extra sun protection. There’s everything from one-pieces, tankinis, and bikinis, to swim shorts and skirts, swim dresses, long-sleeved one-pieces, rash guards, and swimwear with built-in SPF skin protection. There are all sorts of cover-ups to choose from too. Like board shorts, wide leg pants, shirts, pareos, kaftans, skirts, dresses, tunics, and whatever else tickles your fancy.

When I help my clients look for swimwear, or when I’m looking for a new bathing suit myself, we begin the search with some or all of the brands in the list below. They generally create structured, flattering, and supportive styles across a range of sizes, silhouettes, colours and patterns. There is no particular order to the list, but the most popular swimwear brands with my clients are La Blanca, Lands’ End, Magicsuit, Bleu by Rod Beattie, Tommy Bahama, and Athleta. Over the years, I’ve personally done well with Boden, Gottex, Freya, Seafolly, and I’m now looking at Norma Kamali.

  1. Artesands
  2. Athleta
  3. Birdsong
  4. Bleu by Rod Beattie
  5. Boden
  6. Bravissimo
  7. Freya
  8. Gottex
  9. Kate Spade
  10. Knix
  11. La Blanca
  12. Lands’ End
  13. Lane Bryant
  14. Magicsuit
  15. Miraclesuit
  16. Norma Kamali
  17. Sea Level
  18. Seafolly
  19. Summersalt
  20. Tommy Bahama
  21. Trina Turk

There is a much, much wider assortment of swimwear styles, sizes, and cover-ups to match online than in brick-and-mortar stores here in Seattle, so that’s how we shop. It can be better to try them on in your dressing room at home where there is privacy and better light. We order a bunch of suitable styles online, and before long my clients have fabulous options. It can take a while to find the right swimwear, so try not to leave things to the last minute.

Unfortunately, swimsuit sizing is all over the place. Read the size charts and the reviews, and be patient. Swimwear used to be sized a size or two smaller than your clothing size. But now swimwear can be sized like regular clothing, in sizes XXS to 5XL, or in bra sizes. I’ve found that buying a bikini in a size that approximates my bra size achieves a much better fit. It’s not exactly the same size, but choosing a cup size that is bigger than a B-cup for my 28/30D bustline helps enormously with bust coverage and spillage. The width can be adjusted with correct hook placement, which helps too. Remember that swimwear can be altered, and breast pads can be inserted.

Here’s a head start with a collection of top picks. These styles have worked well on my clients, or have great reviews online. Some silhouettes are more supportive, structured, streamlined, and covered than others. Click the links to see colour options and back detailing.

Boden
Rash Guard
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2
Boden
Mid Sleeve Rash Guard
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2
Boden
Rash Guard
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3
Zappos
Norma Kamali Bill Mio
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2
Eloquii
Maxi Shirtdress
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2
Athleta
Gap Tidal Skirt
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Athleta
Gap Tidal Skirt
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Athleta
Gap Surge Swim Short
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Athleta
Gap Surge Swim Short
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2
Athleta
Gap Tidal Swim Skirt
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I like Modern Retro swimwear that looks like it’s from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I have a great retro style bikini in big navy and white polka dots from Boden, and am on the lookout for a one-piece with the same sensibilities. I lie in the shade most of the time, and am not in the sun or water for long. I don’t do water sports, so I don’t need a rash gard. I cover up with a big cotton tunic shirt and hat if I’m in the sun and not in the water. I like denim shorts or a sarong as bottom coverage if I need it. I like the idea of a bright caftan but have yet to find one. Feel free to suggest swimwear brands that have been winners for you in the comments section.

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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Weekly Roundup: Summer and Sale Items

If you’re in the US, we hope you’re having a wonderful long weekend and wish you a fab July 4th. End-of-season sales are here, and sneak peeks for Fall are here too. This week’s top picks cover a range of items, many of which are on sale. Browse the colour and size options, and read the reviews for an alternative opinion to mine.

  • Loft Dotted Tie Neck Blouse: This 100% cotton blouse is an excellent way to stay cool yet covered in high heat. The neckline works on a range of body types. It's very lightweight, fluid, and looks great UN-tucked. Fab with shorts, a skirt or breezy pants. Comes in petite. Might need to size down. Comes in other patterns.
  • Loft Denim Utility Jacket in Light Indigo Wash: AWESOME denim jacket. Check out the back box pleat and fun trapeze silhouette. The denim is not as blue in person, and more like regular faded denim. Nice statement buttons and unique boxy shape. Great length and comes in petite. It also comes in a very lightweight non-denim white and olive solid. Might need to size down.
  • Boss Vileora Leopard Print Midi Skirt: Gorgeous quality soft and swooshy skirt that can be dressed up or down.
  • Halogen Sleeveless Ruched Midi Dress: A dress in a lovely spaced botanical floral that isn't as body-con as a sheath. The ruching and subtle trumpet silhouette give it interest and are forgiving on the midsection. Elegant length, and might run a size big.
  • NYDJ Side Slit Capri Jeans: Comfortable, tailored and lightweight shorts with a good length mid-rise. Streamlined.
  • LOUBEN Floral Cotton Voile Shirt: GORGEOUS quality cotton voile shirt that is perfectly fluid in the best modern classic way. Crisp and chic. The blue pattern reminds me of batik and is fab for Team Blue.
  • WASH LAB DENIM Fun Crop Jeans: These are a GREAT pair of relaxed straight white jeans if you enjoy soft and stretchy denim. Do not try them if you prefer non-stretch and rigid denim. Very substantial fabric, not see-through, and not too high in the rise. They mould to the figure so they can work on a curvier and straighter body type.
  • Everlane The 100% My Body Box-Cut Tee: A sustainably and ethically produced soft and comfy cotton tee in a boxy cut. Comes in black. It sold like hot cakes, and will probably be restocked. I suspect it runs big so I've ordered a size down. It's also CROPPED in person, so shorter than on the model.
  • Dries Van Noten Stanley Ferris Wheel Print Pencil Skirt: A marbled bright midi skirt in cool-toned brights. Not too tight, and with interesting waistband ruching.
  • NYDJ Wide Leg Raw Hem Pedal Pusher Jeans: Fab long denim shorts for petites, and goes up to an 18P. Good fit, summery wash, mid-rise, and versatile silhouette.
  • Boden Pull On Jersey Maxi Skirt: A very comfy soft and flowing knitted midaxi skirt that comes in assorted solids. Glorious pockets, and comes in petites. Fab as a swimsuit cover-up too.
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Plaid Short Sleeve Linen Midi Dress: A classic linen midi shirt dress with a unique short sleeve. Crisp, Summery, pretty, casually chic, and well-made.
  • Nic + Zoe Tropical Mirage Roll Tab Top: A loose, breezy and comfy blouse that can work well on broader shoulders, or/and an apple-shaped body type.
  • Nic + Zoe Indigo Stamp Print Shirtdress: A drapey midi shirt dress with pockets made of soft recycled polyester. It's shaped in a subtle structured way with a drawstring that is fixed in position. So it has to hit you in just the right place to feel and look good. Watch for that.
  • Nic + Zoe Squiggle Stretch Zest Dress: An easy to pull-on-and-go unstructured sheath in a slightly stretchy woven fabric. Very comfy and versatile. The neckline and silhouette work on a range of body types. Architectural-lite.
  • Halogen Halter Midi Dress: A halterneck dress in a drapey flowing silhouette for Team Alluring Shoulders. The intricate neckline is well-constructed, and the back elastic ensures a forgiving fit. Might run a size big. Super breezy and comfy on a hot day.
  • Halogen Cap Sleeve Wrap Shirtdress: Although I caution against 100% viscose fabric content because of wrinkles and possible laundry shrinkage, this dress is very easy to wear, comfy, drapes well, and looks dressy in a casual way. The loosely structured waist definition adds pizzazz to the look.
  • Nic + Zoe Fringe Jacket: A cotton-rich soft tweed jacket that looks great over fitted dresses or with separates. Moulds well to a curvy figure. Comes in ice and shocking pink.
  • Sanctuary Easy Pocket Button-Up Shirt: A bright boxy cropped shirt in 100% cotton madras is casually Summery. It's fab with shorts, skirts, and higher waist bottoms. Comes in plus sizes and is very comfy.
  • New Balance NB Athletics Tie Dye Sweatshirt: Fab for Team Lilac Tie-Dye, and comes in olive.
  • Zella Women's Sheer Luck Long Sleeve Mesh T-Shirt: A marbled mesh top to wear over a white or black tank top. Great as a layering piece under jackets too.
  • Ganni Print Fitted Mesh Turtleneck Pullover: A mesh top in sour greens for those who like to wear body-con knits.
  • Adidas Run Fast Flower Running Jacket: Floral Raincoat Fabness. Check out the great back pocket detail.
  • Everlane The Fatigue Barrel Pant: Soft and comfy organic cotton chinos with a defined waist that fit a curvier figure well. Best suited to a longer rise, although the slightly dropped crotch point makes the long rise easier to wear in a fluid fit. Comes in lots of colours.
  • NYDJ Major Wide Leg Capri Jeans: If you're looking for super fab pearl grey jeans with a good and comfy fit, try these. They are substantial, not see-through, quite soft, and lightweight. They mould to a range of body types from curvier to straight. Fab light-coloured jeans that are not white.
  • Talbots Pima Bateau-Neck Tank: Best tank top of the season. Great fit, gorgeous neckline, and lovely fabric. Available in eight colours and a few patterns across petite, regular, plus, and plus petite sizes.

You can see the pictures alongside the items on the collection page.

Loft
Dotted Tie Neck Blouse
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Fashion News Roundup: June 2022

Revlon files for bankruptcy, a first for the Victoria & Albert Museum, and other style stories that made headlines in June.

Funny Fashion Quote

Jamia Wilson’s resourcefulness as a teenager made me laugh out loud:

“I went to an all girls boarding school and was always trying to find ways to sneak in personality without breaking the dress-code rules. You had to wear tights and I’d be like, ‘Well, they didn’t specifically say red fishnets aren’t allowed.’ I remember the headmaster joking, ‘Even when you’re in full uniform, I know there’s something not quite right.'”