Link Love: Nail Polish Colour

Not sure which colour to pick for your next manicure? Maybe think of a fun movie colour palette and take it from there.

Another novel way to go about it: Here’s your signature nail polish colour according to your Myers-Briggs personality type.

Refinery29 thinks these are the five nail polish colours everyone will be wearing for Spring.

Fab Links from Our Members

Minaminu wanted to share this interesting article about knitting.

Nuancedream wondered why Toms shoes just seemingly disappeared from retail. She loves a good comeback story and hopes Toms can re-emerge better than ever.

Suntiger enjoyed Debbie Roes’ blog post in which she analyzes why she passed on some excess cardigans.

Mary Beth liked these two very different fashion shows: Moschino F/W 2021 vs Ralph Lauren S/S 2021. She adds: “One is pure fantasy life, the other quite wearable, and yet they both pay homage to Old Hollywood.”

Laura (rhubarbgirl) recommends reading about why cosmetics brand Laura Geller’s models will now exclusively be over 40.

“The clothes we wear, the stories behind them. A community to rethink how we produce and consume fashion.” Gillian Pearl directs us to True to Size!, a new-to-her style site with interesting writing.

Vildy thought this article was interesting: “Parisian Women Are Bored of Tired Style Stereotypes: ‘We Don’t Dress Like That’.”

Fab Finds: Shorts, Dresses, Hoops and Tops

Here are casual items that have been winners on clients, forum members, and friends recently as they refresh their Spring and Summer wardrobes. They represent a range of price points, and some of the items are on sale. 

1. Wit & Wisdom Shorts

I have one pair of shorts. They are a part of my beach, pool, and swimming with doggies capsule. They are the first pair in this collection and from Wit & Wisdom. Although shorts are not my thing, I do like these long shorts! They fit well, look flattering, are very comfortable, launder easily, do not bag out, and are really robust. My clientele enjoy them too. You’ll find them across a range of neutrals, denim, cotton twills, and sizes. They run true to size or a size big. They magically fit both straighter and curvier body types. If I needed another pair of shorts, I’d get a white or light denim pair from the same brand.

2. Talbots Slub Knit Eyelet Detail Dress

A stylish and curvy petite friend sent a photo of herself wearing this dress in navy and it looks sublime. She wears it much better than the model. As a machine-washable, modal-cotton blend, it’s super soft and easy to launder. Might run a size big, and comes in a size-inclusive range. An excellent way to stay cool and covered in the high Arizona heat.

3. Veronica Beard Knitted Tops

These better-than-basic tees by Veronica Beard are more refined, interesting, and dressed-up than a regular basic tee. The fabric is lovely, and so far they’ve laundered well too. They are pricey, but do go on sale. For some of my clients, “upscale tees” are their thing because they don’t wear shirts and blouses. So having an assortment of this type of item to wear with jeans, shorts, chinos, utility pants and casual skirts works well for them. Relaxed, versatile, casual, and polished.

4. A New Day Hoop Earrings

One of my clients who wears hoop earrings every day had to unexpectedly leave them off for a while due to skin sensitivity. After an earring break, she renewed her hoops collection with this brand from Target. She’s very happy with them, and the skin irritations are under control. Affordable, super cute, and a large assortment. Most styles come in both metals, and many are nickel-free.

5. Nordstrom Rack Dresses

The Rack has been on fire over the last twelve months, especially online. My suggestion is to browse their items regularly for fab stuff at bargain prices. If you’re a frock person, look at their dresses because a gem will turn up in no time. My clients have scored beauties for a song and so have I. The first dress in the collection, a light blue linen dress by Theory, earned a place in my dress capsule. It’s gorgeous! Modern Classic, Euro, comfortable, pretty, breezy, casual, covered and alluring. It has a little back tie for waist definition if that’s your preference. It’s perfect to wear on a hot sunny day in our loft apartment that does not have air conditioning. Looks great with a denim jacket too.

6. Banana Republic Wrap-Effect Top

This item works well untucked so click the link and watch the product video to see that version in action. Great over skirts and pants. Structured with a little clever fluidity on the midsection. Waist-defining, but not clingy. Especially good on curvier body types, but it will work on straighter bodies too. Great layered under cardigans and jackets. Dress it either up or down.

Spotlight: Boden Swimwear

Boden is a British ladies, men’s and children’s wear brand that is close to my heart. More and more of my wardrobe comes from Boden these days because the handwriting, vibe, fit, colour assortment, silhouette longevity, price points, and quality control tick my boxes. More notably, Boden has been producing sustainably and ethically long before many other retailers, and it’s worth reading about that in detail. Boden was also more size-inclusive right from the start. They stock sizes up to a US22, and often across petite, regular, and tall, and in piles of colours. It is refreshing to see the diverse set of models posted on the Boden Instagram account.

As much as I am a fan of Boden clothing, today I want to spotlight their swimwear because it’s that time of year. Boden swimwear offers a large range of bikinis, tankinis, rash guards, bikini shorts, one-pieces, cover-ups, and beach wear across a range of colours, silhouettes, and sizes. There are as many quiet, simple and streamlined solids as there are bold and bright looks. It’s great to see rash guards and swim shorts for those who prefer more coverage and sun protection.

Boden does particularly fun Modern Retro silhouettes that are personally my cup of tea. Their extensive selection of silhouettes offers a good deal of coverage and support and is of high quality. Designs are modern, attractive, but with extra fabric and support in all the critical places. Extra coverage around the bottom, midsection, and bust can make all the difference when you want to feel more secure and confident in swimwear.

Boden
Eze Fold Over Bottoms
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3
Boden
Andalusia Swimsuit
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3
Boden
Wrap Front Swimsuit
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5
Boden
Azores Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Corsica Swimsuit
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3
Boden
Talamanca Swimsuit
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3
Boden
Minori Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Elba Frill Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Kos Swimsuit
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1
Boden
Zip Up Rash Guard
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1
Boden
Limnos Wrap Swimsuit
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1
Boden
Zip Up Rash Guard
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3
Boden
Talamanca Tankini Top
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1
Boden
Santorini Swimsuit
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5
Boden
Eze Fold Over Bottoms
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1
Boden
Amalfi Bikini Shorts
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3
Boden
Santorini Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Talamanca Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Limnos Wrap Swimsuit
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2
Boden
Piping Swim Shorts
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2
Boden
Piping Swim Shorts
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2
Boden
Piping Swim Shorts
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2
Boden
Piping Swim Shorts
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Top Pick
2
Boden
Piping Swim Shorts
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Top Pick
1
Boden
Talamanca Tankini Top
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2
Boden
Zip Up Rash Guard
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2
Boden
Talamanca Tankini Top
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1
Boden
Bikini Shorts
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1

Bikini tops are sized like bras, and range from a US32 to 38, across A to DD cups. But like most swimwear, fits can run small or large depending on the style and how your body fits the silhouettes. For example, I wear a 30D bra size in Simone Pérèle, but Boden’s 32C bikini top fits me perfectly because the straps are adjustable and the moulded cups are forgiving.

Tops and bottoms are sold separately so that a wearer can find the right silhouette, size and proportion for their body type. You can mix and match YOUR way. Personally, I will only purchase a bikini if the top and bottom is sold separately, and the top comes in cup and width sizes. That way I can achieve a much more comfortable and flattering fit. I bought my first Boden bikini in 2018 and haven’t looked back. It’s a navy and white polka dot in a Modern Retro style and could not be more perfect. It’s beautifully made, substantial, alluring, and I feel GREAT in it!

I might be looking to expand my swimwear capsule this year, and these styles are in my shopping cart.

Brands like Bleu, Miraclesuit, La Blanca, Gottex, Seafolly, Freya, Tommy Bahama, and Lands End make outstanding swimwear, and their collections are always worth checking out. But check out Boden swimwear too. At sale time, their items are all the more affordable, AND sustainably and ethically produced. They struck the best note during the global pandemic too.

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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Equestrian Chic

A new outfit from Veronica Popoiacu of Bittersweet Colours, whom we introduced to YLF in August 2013.

This eye-catching equestrian outfit looks like it could have come straight out of a Ralph Lauren lookbook. Veronica is sporting oversized tweed trousers with a camel turtleneck which creates a column of colour under the jacket. Tucking the trousers into the tall flat boots tempers their volume and creates a jodhpurs effect that plays straight into the equestrian vibe. As a topper, our blogger picked a Modern Classic felted blazer in striking mustard that pops against the head-to-toe brown tones. Adding a tailored tweed overcoat that matches the trousers creates outfit cohesion and draws the eye up and down. The wide-brim felt fedora in a fourth shade of brown adds gaucho-esque drama.

Veronica Popoiacu - 1

Veronica Popoiacu - 2

Meet Jo!

There’s a new resident at the Cox Castle. Meet Yorkshire Terrier Jo, which is short for Josephine. We named her after my late Indonesian grandmother, who used to breed toy poodles and was absolutely besotted with dogs. Oma, Mama, Rosie, and Jasmine are looking down from their big fluffy clouds with delight. 

We brought Jo home yesterday at nine weeks old. She weighs two pounds, and we expect her to grow up to be a similar size to 6.5 pound, big brother Sam. We bought the smallest collar we could find (in the kitty section) and it’s too big, but Jo will grow into it soon.

Car

Meet

Greet

Don’t let Jo’s young age and delicate stature fool you. She is independent, clever, strong, adventurous, loud, playful, affectionate, and very social. She got through a barricade and baby gate in two seconds last night. She drags toys and bones around that are bigger than her slight self, and runs after her new big brother with confidence. She learned to use the balcony “porch potty” on her second try.

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Cutie

Toys

Although we had to wait for her, little Jo was officially my 50th birthday present. I am elated and smitten, and so is hubs Greg. Our little guy Sam is trying his best to be a patient, sweet and supportive big brother. He moves between curious, tolerant, and a little annoyed. We’re making sure he understands that he’s still top dog and CEO. Little Jo takes it in her stride. All things considered, Sam is doing a better job of welcoming his little sister into our family than we expected.

It took ten years, but we are once again “tous les quatre.” YLF has a feisty new employee, and the YLF community has a stylish new member. I suspect that Jo will like to sport sour brights, some pastels, and lots of pretty blue.

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Angie