Moleskin padding is a cushioning tape that you can cut into strips and stick on the inside of shoes, right on the spots where they rub your feet. Simply cut the Moleskin tape to the right size, remove the adhesive strip, and stick into position. 

I find Moleskin particularly useful to stick on the inside of footwear tongues that rub the vamp of my foot. I recently did just that with two pairs of oxfords that would rub my skin raw in those two tiny spots on the tops of my feet. It eliminated the rubbing very effectively.

In the past I have placed Moleskin on the inside of the shafts of boots so that they don’t rub my shins as I stride. It has also saved my pinky toe from being rubbed red. Moleskin is a good shoe doctoring tool to have on hand.

A grommet belt is a belt with decorative eyelets, typically in leather or faux leather. I often call this an “eyelet belt” and some retailers do too. If you bat for Team Belt, you might enjoy wearing one.  The eyelets have see-through holes so the visual effect is different to a studded belt. They make a statement, adding shine and textural interest to an outfit. They mostly come in neutrals and the colour of the hardware varies.

Grommet belts vary in width and length. They can be narrow or wide, and positioned on the waist or lower on the hips. Some are long enough to double up around the waist. Or you can loop the end back through the belt with a knot at the buckle, ‘80s style. Wear them with pants, jeans, shorts or dresses.

I got a cream grommet belt last year from Anthropologie. It became an instant workhorse and it’s one of my favourite belts at the moment. I love the polished effect and finishing touch it adds to an outfit. It kicks many of my jeans and trouser outfits up a notch. So much so that I added the cinnamon one this year. Eventually, I’d like to get a pair of cinnamon loafers, boots, or flats to match.

Although grommet belts are having a fringe fashion moment, they are an iconic classic to my eye, much like a Western belt. They have stylish longevity, which is another reason I’m fond of them. I’ll wear my grommet belts until they fall apart.

Tan trench coats are Modern Classics that we see every season. They aren’t everyone’s cup of tea because most silhouettes are belted at the waist and the fronts are double-breasted. That said, most trench coats are styled with their belts left untied or tied at the back these days, and single-breasted silhouettes do exist. Furthermore, although shades of tan are the iconic neutral for trench coats, neutrals like olive, black, cinnamon, navy, and brown work well too.

I love trench coats, and tan works well with my complexion. I like them knee-lengh, classic, and a little heavier for extra warmth. Since I’m on foot a lot, they MUST have a hood, and be made of water-repellent fabric. Otherwise I don’t see the point of wearing one in rainy Seattle. Last year I bought a perfect tan trench coat from J.Crew. It became an instant wardrobe workhorse. It looks polished, chic, does not crease, and is very versatile. Most importantly, it’s a practical raincoat too. I got the first one you see in the collection, and highly recommend it if you’re looking for something similar. The hood is detachable.

On to outfit ideas that showcase the versatility of a classic trench coat. I’ve added some short, beltless trench coats in case those are appealing. Looks are very neutral. Feel free to add non-neutrals, and wear a trench coat in a neutral that’s more to your taste.

1. Sporty Luxe

This look showcases trends and classics, and remixes dressy with casual items. A classic and dressy shirt is tucked into dressy, on-trend slouchy grey trousers. The trousers are sported at a fashion-forward and floor-sweeping, puddle length. The separates are topped with a classic and dressy belted tan trench coat, which is worn open. On-trend, sporty, and casual white sneakers and classic baseball cap finish off the look.

2. Layered and Loose

A pair of black wide leg pants is paired with a tucked white tee. A light blue shirt is layered over the tee, and left unbuttoned to showcase the tee. A short tan trench coat is layered over the lot, and left unbuttoned to showcase the layers. The long blue shirt is left untucked so that it peeks out from under the trench coat. Black loafers, bag, and belt add dressy polish to the outfit.

3. Casual Column of Black

Wearing a column of black under a tan trench coat is visually punchy and easy to pull together. Here, a pair of pleated wide leg black jeans is paired with a black hoodie. Classic black pumps add a dressy touch. A short tan trench coat tops the lot. The hood is pulled out for comfort, and visually creates outfit interest. Feel free to wear a long trench coat, and sub the black for chocolate or navy. Add a bag to match.

4. Dressed-Up Denim

Last, a column of denim is created by combining a classic tucked denim shirt with a pair of trendy dark denim longer shorts. A dressy black belt and dainty ankle-strap pumps complete the look before a tan trench coat goes over the lot in a nonchalant, untied way. Add a bag, eyewear, jewellery and watch as desired.

Former fashion editor and sustainable style expert Hannah Rochell recently started a new website, Slowette, and accompanying Instagram account, where she reports on slow fashion and shares sustainability tips.

For February she chose movement as a theme, with articles like “How to Hire Your Clothes for an Activity Holiday,” and “Why Loungewear Is the New Activewear (and How It Takes the Pressure Off Your Workout)“.

The January issue was all about circular fashion, where she explains what it actually means, and shares 11 circular fashion brands that she loves.

Fab Links from Our Members

This article on “geek chic” caught L’Abeille’s eye: “It’s particularly top of mind for me because I have been glasses shopping, and I only feel like myself in “nerd glasses”.”

Aquamarine, who has always dreamed of going to Vienna, enjoyed “What Does One Wear to a Ball?“

“Chaotic culling” is editing your wardrobe based on feelings and instinct. Olive Green adds: “I have been doing something like this. Rather than talk myself into what a garment can or should do, it hits the donation basket. Immediately. Trusting my emotions has, indeed, been the opposite of chaotic.”

“Inclusive representation in the fashion industry still has a very long way to go,” says nuancedream after reading this article by model and body advocate Paloma Elsesser.

After seeing Sienna Miller’s Vogue cover, April muses that Anna Wintour has mellowed since the 2009 documentary The September Issue, in which she was critical of the actresses’ teeth.

Runcarla wanted to share this post addressing the perennial topic of good foundation pieces.

Suz is loving the 2022 season of the Articles of Interest podcast about the evolution of preppy style.

Jaime shares Anna Sui’s enthusiasm for vintage clothing: “There’s a whole new generation that appreciates the craftsmanship and the rarity of it all. That stuff is like treasures, and with regular retail, everybody’s got the same stuff.”