Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Trendy Classic in Tacoma

Dawn Parsons of Party Til Dawn lives in Tacoma, WA, and documents her outfits on her Instagram account. She is a Modern Classic dresser who incorporates lots of on-trend elements and some preppy touches into her always polished outfits. Dawn adores jumpsuits, loves a good blazer and uses gorgeous footwear to add pizzazz aplenty.

Dawn Parsons - 1

Dawn dresses up a simple jeans and white tee outfit with a Modern Classic tailored blazer. She’s tucked the tee into cropped skinny jeans, which lengthens the leg line. The distressing on the jeans casualizes the look but this is juxtaposed by the blazer and dressy black bag. Our blogger adds a whimsical and unexpected touch by sporting eye-catching tufted slippers with no-slip soles as outdoor footwear. The tiger design brings playful colour into the mix, and echoes the shiny gold buttons on the blazer. The gold hardware on the bag does the same. A delicate gold pendant and oversized sunnies finish off this polished casual look.

Dawn Parsons - 2

For this polished workwear look, Dawn has combined an ivory silky V-neck cami with on-trend high-rise Bermuda shorts. Their rich earthy paprika colour pairs beautifully with the ivory and bone colour palette. As a topper she’s added a fluid-fit thigh-length blazer with structured shoulder line. The blazer has a subtle sheen to it that, together with the cami, creates chic visual interest. The bone colour doesn’t match but works splendidly with the ivory, and both are cleverly repeated in Dawn’s dressy loafers. The square toe is on-trend and the oversized buckle makes them into a statement piece. A large clutch in the same colour family, lariat necklace and big sunnies complete the outfit.

Dawn Parsons - 3

The elegant knee-length dress is the star of the show here with its gorgeous blue and black irregular dotted pattern and luxe silk fabric. The V-neckline is perfect for showcasing a chain-link pendant necklace. The ruffle detail at the sleeves and flowy silhouette add movement and flair. Dawn added a black belt with silver buckle that accentuates the waistline, and a pair of dressy tall boots in texture-rich black croc embossed leather. The pointy toe and V-dip are subtle ways to lengthen the leg line. Our blogger’s black bag, nail polish, and sunglasses all match the blue and black colour scheme.

Dawn Parsons - 4

This is a wonderful example of Angie’s Puffer Vest Outfit Formula. Dawn has semi-tucked a roomy cream turtleneck sweater into on-trend high-rise skinny jeans. The jeans are tucked into a stunning pair of refined espresso tube shaft boots. The stiletto heel adds height while the snake-embossed leather creates textural interest. The knee-length puffer vest adds a cosy second layer up top and draws the eye up and down with its long silhouette. The large hood and turtleneck frame Dawn’s face and wavy hair beautifully, no jewellery required. 

Dawn Parsons - 5

Jumpsuits are one of Dawn’s favourite garments, and this oatmeal version forms the base for an all-neutrals Sporty Luxe look. The fluid fit, surplice V-neck, drawstring waist, and cuffed ankle detail add lots of structure, while the soft modal fabrication screams cosy comfort. The open-front wool-blend coat is a slightly darker shade of oatmeal. The shawl collar and large patch pockets are a mix of dressy and casual. Trendy white sneakers match the sporty vibe perfectly. Dawn completes the look with hoop earrings, a silver pendant and her trusted statement sunnies.

Dawn Parsons - 6

A pair of flared trousers at the new shorter full length takes centre stage in this dressy elegant look. Our blogger has paired the happy red trousers with a dainty print blouse. The balloon sleeves add volume that balances out the volume of the pants. A cream belt accentuates the waist and adds structure. Refined flat white mules with gold bit detail bookend Dawn’s hair and match the blouse. The white is picked up again in the quilt stitched bag with antique finished hardware and Dawn’s nail polish.

Let us know in the comments what you think of Dawn’s fab outfits, and hop on over to her Instagram account for more style inspiration.

Fab Finds: Dresses, Tops, Pants, Shoes

It’s the middle of the year, and that means end-of-season sales. Brick-and-mortar stores look better than they have in years, and online shopping in the US is particularly good. It’s an opportunity to fill wardrobe holes, replenish as needed, shop for special occasions, or seasonally refresh with what tickles your fancy. There is lots on sale, or at least there will be over the next few weeks. So keep checking back if you want to score bargains.

1. All Sorts of Glorious Dresses

It’s been a great dress season. Lots of natural fibres, sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, an assortment of silhouette and colour, plenty of solids and patterns, and at a range of price points. Here’s a collection of dresses that were winners on my clients and forum members, or have good reviews. I bought two this year, which I have yet to wear because of our appalling Spring and Summer weather. I hope Seattle weather improves so that I can finally wear them. Go Team Summer Dress!

COS
Midi Shirt Dress
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COS
Belted Shirt Dress
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COS
Belted Shirt Dress
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Ann Taylor
Tile Midi Dress
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Athleta
Gap Ryder Dress
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COS
Sleeveless Midi Dress
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2. White House Black Market Tops

WHBM is a hit with clients who enjoy wearing more structured or semi-structured tops, especially with V-necks. Their casual tees look a little dressier and less basic than the norm. Many of the tops work particularly well with skirts. Most of them are knitted, but there are woven options too.

3. Laces

Our Yorkie Jo destroyed the laces on one of my pairs of sneakers, so I replaced them with the first pair here in white. They are great, and come in five lengths and a few solid neutrals so take your pick. If you’re interested in making your sneakers or oxfords easy to slip in and out of, try these elastic laces that come in a slew of colours. You cut them to the desired length, and secure the metallic tip on your own. The video shows you how to do that quite easily.

4. Aritizia Effortless Cropped Pants

Try these if you’re looking for a pair of soft and swooshy, but structured, dressy pants. They are wide, cropped and do not taper at the hem as some of the stock photos suggest. They come in short, regular and tall lengths, and an assortment of colours. The rise is not too long and the pocket linings do not grin through. They are available in full length too. They work well on both a straighter and curvier body type.

5. Bzees Footwear

The brand does soft, lightweight, and supportive footwear with spongy footbeds that make for an extremely comfortable shoe. Great for walking, and a great option for those with plantar fasciitis. The solid wedge soles add a little height. Many of the styles can be washed in the washing machine.

Nordstrom
BZEES CHARLIE
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6. Banana Republic Tops

These tops have been great on clients and forum members, and some come in petites. The woven blouses are very breezy, and the knitted tops are fluid. The tank tops are fitted and great worn on their own, or as layering tops. The linen tees are soft and not scratchy.

Don’t Fear Missing Out

FOMO, or fear of missing out, is something most of us feel at some point when we’re shopping, browsing online, or participating on social media. We see all sorts of magical merchandise, and often at discounted prices. We’re tempted to purchase the items because we don’t want to miss out on the fabness that others are experiencing. But items are beyond our budget, sold out, unavailable in our size or colour, don’t work for us, or can’t be shipped to where we live.

The thing is, we should never worry about missing out. There will always be another great item that is perfectly suited to us, other opportunities to score a sublime bargain, and the right time to get that item of our dreams. I firmly believe that as long as we’re patient, we will end up with exactly the right items eventually. And after all, there are things that are more important than any wardrobe item.

Relax into your style journey, and laugh off the ones that get away.

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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Outfit Formula: Dressier Summer Skirts

There are countless ways to wear Summer skirts in a dressier way. Choose any palette in a solid or pattern, and a silhouette that’s to your taste. Finish off the look with a top, shoes, and bag. Here are some fun dressier Summer skirts to whet your appetite. 

Eloquii
Knit Column Skirt
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Eloquii
Tiered Maxi Skirt
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Mango
Marble-print Skirt
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Mango
100% Linen Skirt
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Mango
Midi Satin Skirt
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Mango
Midi Satin Skirt
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Mango
Draped Satin Skirt
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On to some outfit ideas.

1. Smart Casual Tulle

Combine a tulle skirt with a tee, sweater, tank, or knitted top. Tuck it into the skirt. Add a waist-cinching belt and pair of heels in the same colour, and a bag that works with the outfit. Pop a short fitted or boxy denim jacket over the top for a relaxed casual touch. If it’s hot, remove the jacket. Pop it back on when you’re in air conditioning or when it cools down. I’ve worn this outfit idea with a white button-down shirt that I left untucked, and dressy white flats instead of heels.

Smart Casual Tulle

2. Columned Fluidity

Here’s a lovely satin two-piece dress made up of a skirt and top. They are the same fabric and colour, and match perfectly. Wear them together to create a column, and add a pair of dressy shoes to complete the look. Here, the boxy long top is semi-tucked to showcase a bit of waistline thereby adding structure to the outfit. If you like to wear boxy tops, leave the top untucked. The matching colours of the top and bottom prevent horizontally cutting lines across the outfit.

Columned Fluidity

3. Blazer and Sneakers

Here’s an on-trend look with a ‘90s touch that looks fresh and fab to my eye. A pleated midaxi skirt with asymmetrical hemline is combined with a very pretty tucked camisole or tank top. If the top is sufficiently short, leave it untucked. An on-trend oversized blazer that creates a twinset effect with the top is worn over the lot. The boxiness of the blazer is effectively offset by the structure of the tucked camisole. White sneakers create a Sporty Luxe vibe. Feel free to add dressy flats or heels if sneakers aren’t for you. Add a bag that works with the palette of the outfit.

Blazer and Sneakers

4. Dramatic Pencil

This option is the dressiest and most structured of the four. It combines a shiny patterned pencil skirt with a dramatically ruched. on-trend top. The asymmetrical hem of the top allows it to work extra well untucked. The defined waist of the top adds further structure to the pencil skirt. Dressy pumps and a small satchel that work with the palette of the outfit complete the look. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Dramatic Pencil

Link Love: Great Outfits in Fashion History

I’m very much enjoying the ‘Great Outfits in Fashion History’ series, in which Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favourite looks. Here are three of mine:

Ali McGraw in 1969 sporting a patterned dress by designer Ossie Clark, and white go-go boots.

Demi Singleton in layers of striped ruffles. The tomato red booties are the perfect finishing touch.

Gwendoline Christie looking stunning in a black voluminous gown with intricate pleating.

Fab Links from Our Members

Runcarla says: “These hats take ‘dopamine dressing’ to another level!

Ginger adds that it’s fun to see Mike Tindall, who is married to one of the Queen’s granddaughters, joining in in the fun.

After Angie’s post about pilling polyester on monday, Runcarla thought this video might be of interest.

Rachylou found this article about what would happen if fashion slowed down an interesting read.

Suntiger directs us to this article that shows how movie outfits are recycled too.

She was also happy to read that handheld fans are trending.

Nuancedream loves Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels on Hacks. She says: “Her red carpet style is on point with her tuxedo and suited looks. That ivory tuxedo…WOW!”

Sal thought this exhibition about mending sounds interesting.

She also directs us to this piece about problems with online returns.

How do you get dressed in the morning? Jaime is an adventurer with a big splash of dopamine.

Why are bathing suits so expensive? Roberta found the answers in this NYTimes article.

Mary Beth loved this video. Moschino: Beauty and the Beast meets 2001: A Space Odyssey.