Fab Finds: Great Bags

Here are some great bags that might fill a wardrobe hole. Team Silver will be happy to know that bags with silver hardware are coming through as a nod to on-trend, ‘90s looks that are having their fashion moment. You’ll also recognize other nods to the ‘90s in the roundup. 

1. Reiss Brompton Grained Leather Camera Bag

This style of small crossbody has been popular for years across many brands. What makes this one special is its size. It’s larger and wider than the norm, yet very compact. The colour-blocked canvas strap is comfortable, and interesting. Beautiful quality. I have my eye on the cinnamon because the orange strap drew me in. It could be fab with my horsey capsule if I find cinnamon boots to match.

2. Aimee Kestenberg Bags

This brand makes a good bag across a range of silhouettes, colours, and patterns. They are well-made, and sometimes have a good set of inside and outside pockets. Many come with a handy crossbody strap. Some of the styles are greatly discounted at the Nordstrom Rack.

3. Backpacks

Backpacks are as popular now as they were in the ‘90s. Here’s an assortment across a range of sizes and colours. Some are more casual than others. Nylon bags are practical, and some are made of recycled nylon. Faux leather backpacks are gaining momentum too.

4. Baguette Bags

And last, this style is as ‘90s as it gets. This time round, there’s a strap that converts some of the styles to crossbody bags. They are small, so don’t expect to carry much in them. They can be useful as a second bag to carry with a large tote. Or carry them instead of a clutch.

Bottoms with Button-Fly Waists

A button-fly waist on a pair of jeans or pants is when the front fly consists of a vertical row of buttons instead of a zipper. The button fly can be exposed or concealed. If you wore Levi’s 501’s back in the day, you wore a bottom with a button-fly waist. 

Here are some more examples.

An exposed button fly makes a visual statement. It can look interesting and fun, but it might also draw attention to an area you would rather keep unadorned. When a button-fly waist is concealed, the effect looks much like a zippered fly. Only you know that you have buttons instead of a zipper.

You might find the button fly visually interesting and comfortable, but there are also many people that don’t like them. Some of my clients find button-fly waists ill-fitting and unattractive, especially when seated. Or they find the effort of doing up buttons bothersome and potentially painful on their fingers.

Personally, I don’t find button-fly waists uncomfortable, unattractive or bothersome, and I’m happy to wear them. I like the visual effect of the exposed buttons when the fly is not concealed. It makes a statement when you tuck or semi-tuck tops. Generally, I prefer the ease and speed of a zipper, but a button-fly waist is not a deal-breaker for me. I have four pairs of jeans with button flies, and adore them.

One little tip relating to the button and zipper fly that you may already know: With a zipper, do the top button first, before zipping up. With a button fly, do the top button last.

Over to you. What do you think of button-fly waists? Do you wear them?

Patterned Cardigan & Leather Trousers

A new outfit from Cathy Williamson of The Middle Page, whom we introduced to YLF in September 2015.

The rich Autumnal earth tones and beautiful patterned cardigan make this polished casual look for me. Cathy pattern mixes cognac cropped kick-flare leather pants with a blue and white striped blouse. As a third piece, she chose a grandfather cardigan with shawl collar and faux horn wooden toggle closures. The striking pattern in navy, cream, brown, orange and cognac complements the pants splendidly, and takes the outfit to the next level. The romantic vibe of the blouse with ruffles and openwork lace on the front and shoulders creates an interesting juxtaposition with the cosy knit. The cognac belt with gold buckle and slouchy chain-strap shoulder bag match the trousers perfectly, and the earthy colour palette is reflected in our blogger’s gorgeous hair. Cool-toned suede leopard print stiletto booties bring a third pattern into the mix. Rusty-orange lippy and mirrored sunnies complete the look.

Cathy Williamson - 1

Cathy Williamson - 2

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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Jewellery Style: Two Years In

Two years into the global pandemic, and most of our styles have changed either a little or a lot. And that includes jewellery. I am a jewellery minimalist and very set in my ways about what I wear. I have a few custom-made white pearl jewellery pieces, an ‘A’ monogram necklace, and an Apple watch. I do not wear earrings.

This collection shows the exact items.

Before the pandemic I wore these items daily, and with everything. When the pandemic hit at the start of 2020, I continued to wear my pearl necklaces and Apple watch every day. But I left off my wedding ring and bracelets because of excessive handwashing, sanitizing, and moisturizing. I also left off my monogram necklace because it felt like a bit much at the time. These items stayed off until July 2021 when I visited my Dad in the Netherlands. Since that trip I’m back to wearing all my jewellery.

Over to you. How has your jewellery style evolved over the last two years?

Outfit Formula: Bold Metal Necklaces

Bold necklaces across a range of metals are making quite the comeback. This makes sense as the ’80s and particularly the ‘90s continue to trend heavily at the moment. The neck candy is eye-catching and makes a statement. It is not a subtle look. Some options are chunky, and others more refined. Here are some examples.

1. Bib Necklace

This necklace takes up a lot of surface area, but is fairly refined with a lot of see-through volume. It hangs lower on the chest instead of right up against the base of the neck. I like the way the necklace is partially on the model’s skin and partially on the top. That said, it could have graced bare skin or a top with a higher neckline too. The layered tops add a maximal touch to the necklace. A dark top creates an effective contrasting backdrop for the necklace. The necklace can work over a collared shirt too. Subtle stud earrings make the statement necklace shine.

Bib Necklace

2. Chunky Chain Necklace

Short and very short chunky chain necklaces scream the early ‘90s to me, and with a bracelet to match. The accessory showcases its versatility in Banana Republic’s February edit. It varies in lengths and can be worn with round necklines, V-necks, tie-necks, inside shirt collars, and layered with other necklaces. The collection shows some examples.

Here is a short chunky chain necklace that finishes at the base of the neck. It’s worn with a tee, jeans and leather jacket. Statement gold hoop earrings add a maximal touch. Simple stud earrings or no earrings would have been great too.

Chunky Chain Necklace

2. Asymmetrical Necklace

This is my favourite of the four because I like necklaces made of balls, gold is my metal, and white pearls are my thing. I also like the lopsided effect. Beautiful on bare skin, yet I can see the necklace work over a turtleneck, a scoop neck, a V-neck, to inside a shirt collar too. A simple solid top or dress will make the necklace take centre stage.

Asymmetrical Necklace

4. Chain Pendant Toggle Necklace

Long pendant necklaces are aplenty, but those on chunky chains like this one are less common. The long chunky chain can have a toggle instead of a pendant, and looks good over most necklines. It also works worn inside a shirt collar with the pendant portion worn on the outside of the shirt or blouse like they did in the ’70s. It’s a fun necklace season!

Chain Pendant Toggle Necklace