Sabra (50) shares her passion for fashion on her Instagram account, My Style Is My Brand. She is the epitome of joyfully doing your own thing, and the fashion fun jumps right of off the screen. Sabra’s style is eclectic, creative, and maximal. She loves (faux) leather, quilted items, piles of jewellery, and uses hats, footwear, and socks to make her outfits even more individual and striking.

“My style has evolved from dressing in nice, but typical retail store items to an eclectic mix of new, second-hand and vintage to create a style that is very unique to me. I no longer wear clothing the way it is presented on mannequins in the stores. I mix things up constantly, rarely wearing the exact same outfit twice. A couple of years ago I began practicing the art of styling mixed prints. I have been known to wear five different prints at once.

While I’ve always liked wearing color, I didn’t wear a lot of it in my professional life. Now I wear bright colors in the executive suite on a regular basis. I’m a bright spot in a sea of black and grey. I would describe my style as eclectic because I don’t stick to one particular type of style. Some days it’s sporty, other days it’s masculine-inspired, including ties and wingtip oxfords. I may also wear something soft and feminine, and many of my looks will include all of these elements. It just depends on how I feel.”

Mixing Autumnal burgundy with zesty orange makes for a delightfully punchy colour combo. Sabra has tucked a fitted striped turtleneck into a leather A-line midi skirt. She continues the leather party by popping over an orange faux leather shirt dress worn as a duster, which draws the eye up and down and brings colourful drama to the look. The colours in the top match the skirt and duster colours perfectly. The orange belt echoes the topper and defines Sabra’s waistline. Burgundy tights and matching pointy-toe booties lengthen the legline. She bookends the footwear with a burgundy fedora. A gold statement necklace, oversized hoop earrings, clear-rimmed sunnies, and dramatic burgundy lippy finish off the look.

Sabra is a huge fan of bright colours but wears neutrals equally well. Here she’s sporting khaki cargo flares with a taupe wrap sweater with dramatic neckline. A snakeskin leather belt breaks up the head-to-toe neutrals. Our pattern-loving blogger adds more animal print with a cosy leopard coatigan and refined snakeskin block-heeled booties. The pointy-toe booties lengthen the leg line. Sabra fills in the sweater’s neckline with a large-scale chain-link necklace with silver amulet. Oversized hoops, a white satchel that picks up the light tones in her outfit, and plum lipstick complete the look.

Sabra has a thing for quilted fabrics, and they are the star of the show in this graphic black and white Sporty Luxe outfit. She’s paired black straight-legged leather trousers with two layered camis. The white cami peeking out from under the black breaks up the expanse of black. Black quilted Converse sneakers bookend our blogger’s quilted cap that gives the look a cheeky vibe. The quilted materials add fab textural interest. Sabra throws pattern into the mix with a gorgeous black and white plaid blazer. The tailored topper adds dressy structure, a touch of Chanel Classic, and is a gorgeous juxtaposition against the sporty elements of the outfit. A black bag with gold accents adds polished shine. Sabra picks up the gold with a statement necklace, bracelets, watch, and earrings.

Sabra had the pastel striped blazer in her wardrobe when she found out there was a matching pair of shoes, so of course she had to have them. She then built this Thom Browne-inspired borrowed-from-the-boys look around the matchy-matchy stripes. The blue shirt buttoned all the way up, tucked into cream leather pleated culottes gives off a strict vibe that is counteracted by the soft pastels and Sabra’s pink lipstick. Pale yellow socks match the brown-leather-accented oxfords and blazer stripe, and add a playful touch. A light blue newsboy cap matches the shirt and plays up the boyish vibe. As always, Sabra brings in statement jewellery and fun specs for a polished and maximal effect.

How delightful are the matching patchwork plaid blazer and cap! Sabra dresses up a pair of sporty denim joggers with a tailored blazer and oxfords. She’s tucked a fitted burgundy ribbed turtleneck into the voluminous joggers, and adds a cognac belt. The block-heeled oxfords with playful tassels match the belt, and pick up the browns in the topper, while the burgundy satchel matches the turtleneck. Her one-of-a-kind hip-length patchwork blazer is a work of art that fits Sabra’s exuberant maximal style to a T. Sabra piles on the jewellery with a big chain-link necklace, oversized chain-link bracelets, and door-knocker earrings that match the gold buttons on her blazer. Dark lipstick and mirrored sunnies complete the outfit.

This trademark Sabra look is all about the bold hosiery and footwear. At first I thought Sabra was sporting an amazing pair of black and white chequered knee-high boots! But she’s actually wearing chequered tights with pointy-toe pumps that are an exact match. Wow! Sabra has tucked a fitted white shirt into a below-the-knee pleated leather skirt. She keeps things streamlined on top by adding a tailored tuxedo blazer with leather lapels that match the skirt. The shirt’s ruffled neckline and floral brooch introduce playfulness that fully explodes when we get to the chequered party on the bottom. The graphic black and white checks perfectly match the rest of outfit and add tons of unique oomph. Big silver hoops, bright red lipstick and Sabra’s sassy short ‘do all play up the pizzazz.

I’m so excited to hear what you think of Sabra’s striking outfits. Let us know in the comments, and hop on over to her Instagram account for loads more style inspiration.

Laundering can change an item’s length, width, fit, and colour. The question is, do you still wear it? For me, it depends on three things. Do the colours still look reasonable? Is the item still comfortable? And does the item still look flattering? 

For example, my ‘70s chevron striped knitted crochet dress grew in length after handwashing and laying it out to dry. I tried dry-cleaning it to see if the length would bounce back. It didn’t. I preferred it at a shorter midaxi length, but am wearing it as a maxi because I’m in love with the vibe of the dress.

I’ve handwashed woolly knitwear in warm water instead of cold, slightly shrinking the perfect fluid fit. I managed to block the items to regain some of the volume. The fit wasn’t quite the same, but they looked great layered under jackets.

Sometimes my bright red and orange clothing, and dark blue jeans fade after laundering. They are not as perfectly crisp, bright or dark as they once were, and it’s very annoying. But I continue to wear them and try to launder them less frequently.

Unfortunately, I’ve also accidentally thrown a pair of dressy trousers into the machine that should have been dry-cleaned. They shrunk badly. Their perfect fluidly tailored fit transformed them into body-con leggings without the comfort. I had to pass them on.

Over to you. Do you continue to wear items when the laundry transforms them into something else?

When it comes to fashion and style, you see it all at airports around the world. Everything from dressy suits, business casual separates, maxi dresses, saris, sweats, tracksuits, crop tops, sweaters, jumpsuits, rompers, pyjamas, puffers, flip-flops, hiking boots, sneakers, sandals, flats, and jeans, to leggings, utility pants, tank tops, athleisure, beachy looks, and short shorts. It’s an interesting fashion show.

We recently travelled to South Africa from Seattle. This means two long flights, one short flight, and layovers in between. It’s usually between 38 to 40 hours of travel. I have my outfit for this type of travel completely sorted, and wear it again on the way back. Sometimes I have it laundered on our trip, and sometimes I air it out. It is casually dressy and practical, and ready for action in a range of temperatures.

Here are the exact items I wore on the flights of our recent trip.

Shopbop

Tory Burch Crepe Cargo Pants

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom Rack

G-Star Raw 3301 Slim Denim Jacket

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Amazon

Furla Furla Allegra Shoulder Bag Granata

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

Ecco Soft 7 Mono 2.0 Sneaker

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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1. Dressy Soft Wide Pants

I wear soft pants that are substantial, wide, soft, crease-resistant, and on the dressy side to ensure neatness, comfort and polish. I keep the colour dark or patterned to camouflage any grubbiness that is collected along the way. My navy crepe cargo pants were absolutely perfect.

2. Dressy Soft Tops

I wear soft and cosy layers up top so that I can peel off if it’s hot, and bundle up when it’s cold. My ancient twinset fits the bill. It’s short and fitted, which worked well with the wide pants. It’s also soft, breathable, luxe, and very comfortable. I kept both layers on to keep out the chill.

3. Jacket

I add a jacket for arctic airports and airplane air conditioning, or when I’m outside during a layover. I keep the jackets short, crease-resistant, and lightweight so that they are easy to pack in hand luggage when I’m not wearing them. The jackets are quite casual but fairly structured. On the way there I wore my dark blue denim jacket, which has ample stretch for comfort. On the way back it was colder, so I wore a burgundy, faux leather ‘70s jacket.

4. Sneakers

We might need to walk for miles at an airport, or even run with luggage in tow when we’re trying to catch a connecting flight. Nothing works better for my feet than super comfortable fashion sneakers, and it’s supportive ECCOs all the way. I wear them with nude-for-me knee-highs, and chose white to work with my pearls and watch.

5. Dressy Crossbody Bag

I travel with a Furla satchel that converts to a crossbody so that I’m hands-free to carry other things. My Furlas are extremely robust and handle this type of travel better than any other bag. They are roomy enough for all my stuff, not too big, and I love their dressy integrity. I chose burgundy to go with the outfit. Coincidentally, the bag and jacket are exactly the same colour.

6. Eyewear, Pearls, Watch, Mask

I need specs so that I can see, and sunnies for when we’re outside during layovers. I wear my usual pearl jewellery and watch so that I don’t need to pack it, and a white KN95 face mask because that’s how we travel these days.

We flew from Seattle to London, where we had a twelve hour layover. We saw my London family and had a fabulous day walking London flat. That night we flew on to Johannesburg, where we had another layover. After several hours we flew on to Durban, our final destination. I refreshed a little between flights, but stayed in the same outfit. I was very comfortable, and felt polished and pulled together because my items were dressier and did not crease.

We were exhausted by the time we got to our lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, by which time I was desperate for a shower and new outfit.

Light purple tints and tones can be more pink or more blue, so take your pick. They can be worn as a solid, in a pattern, as an accessory, and in the form of make-up, lipstick and nail polish. Make a statement with light purple, or wear it as an accent. Wear it close to your face, or away from it. 

Here are some outfit ideas that incorporate bits of light purple for Spring, a cool Summer, or transitional weather.

1. Patterned Dress or Skirt

Patterns can incorporate bit or a lot of light purple. This dress incorporates a bit of light purple, and it’s a very pink purple too. Or choose a patterned dress that has a larger component of light purple, and a less pink purple. Add footwear, a bag, and you’re good to go. Here, the black sandals bookend the models’s black hair, and pick up the small components of black in the pattern.

2. Solid with Neutrals

Think of any way at all to incorporate solid light purple into an outfit. Think jackets, coats, blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts, sweaters, knitted tops, sweatshirts, tees, pants, jeans, shoes, hats, eyewear, and bags. Add them to solid neutrals like black, white, grey, and denim blue. Rainbow purple hair is fab too.

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Halogen Side Slit Cardigan

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Macy's

Calvin Klein Charlie Satchel

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COS

Relaxed Linen Shirt Dress

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Nordstrom

L'AGENCE Brooke Double Breasted Crop Cotton Blend Blazer

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Macy's

Steve Madden Satin-Lined Bucket Hat

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Nordstrom

Stand Studios Vida Faux Leather Bucket Hat

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Macy's

COACH Embossed Croc Willow Tote 24

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Nordstrom Rack

Sam Edelman Lue Lug Sole Combat Boot

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Macy's

INC International Concepts Puff-Sleeve Denim Blazer, Created for Macy's

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Nordstrom

Halogen Gathered Midi Dress

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Mango

Square-toe Moccasin

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Nordstrom

Gucci Jelly Fisherman Sandal

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Nordstrom

Sam Edelman Double Breasted Nylon Trench Coat

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Nordstrom

Franco Sarto Racer Slingback Pointed Toe Pump

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Nordstrom

BP Oversize Loose Knit Cotton Hoodie

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L.L.Bean

Women's Signature Cotton Funnelneck Sweater

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Bloomingdale's

Boss by Hugo Boss Janotto Blazer

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Bloomingdale's

Boss by Hugo Boss Tanolo Trouser Pants

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Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell Spelling Pump

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Nordstrom

French Connection Lilly Mozart Cotton Sweater

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Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection Pure Cashmere Ombre Crew Neck Cardigan

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Nordstrom

Vince Cottin Sandal

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Gap

High Rise '90s Loose Jeans in Color with Washwell

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Shopbop

Acne Studios Kodilia Long Sleeve Cardigan

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Bloomingdale's

Ted Baker Paperbag Tapered Leg Jeans in Lilac

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Here is an easy way to wear a solid light purple jacket. Combine a pair of black bottoms with a white top that works with them. Choose a silhouette of black bottoms that is to your taste. No need to wear shorts. Top the lot off with a light purple jacket or coat. Finish of the look with black, white, or light purple footwear, and a bag to match. Here, the black bottoms of the model effectively match her hair.

If you prefer a less solid look, add a patterned light purple scarf to the outfit. Tie it around your neck, your bag, or sport it in your hair. A client of mine likes to tie pretty soft scarves around her low ponytail. She adds hoop earrings and looks fabulous.

Nordstrom

Tissue Print Wool & Cashmere Wrap Scarf

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Nordstrom

Fensace Woorsace Print Cotton & Silk Scarf

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Nordstrom

NICOLETTA ROSI Hand Painted Fringe Scarf

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Nordstrom

Fensace Medusa Print Silk Scarf

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Macy's

Calvin Klein Chain-Print Chiffon Oblong Scarf

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Nordstrom

Stripe Cashmere Scarf

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Nordstrom

BP Word Play Scarf

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Bloomingdale's

Fraas Botanical Garden Square Scarf - 100% Exclusive

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3. Patterned Top and Jeans

Combine a lilac patterned top with a pair of blue or white jeans. Add shoes and a bag that work with the outfit. Here a lilac patterned top is paired with blue jeans. The white in the pattern could make it work with white jeans too. The model wears cognac boots that pick up a similar colour in the top. I can see white shoes work well too.

4. Heathered and Floral

Last, a greyed light purple sweater is combined with a floral patterned skirt which has light purple in it too. The slouchy sweater is semi-tucked to showcase a bit of waistline for structure. The denim jacket is optional. It’s short, which works particularly well with skirts. The light denim wash works well with the pastel integrity of the outfit. A white complement of sneakers, bag, and sunnies also works well with the pastel integrity of the look. Nice bling necklace too.