A new outfit from Kristine Thompson of TrendyCurvy, whom we introduced to YLF in March 2017.

Kristine uses a duster sweater and cognac accessories and footwear to jazz up a simple T-shirt dress. Our blogger is wearing a black midi T-shirt dress with scoop neckline and short sleeves. The light grey cashmere sweater with its three-quarter sleeves and textural blocked pattern works great as a lightweight duster-style coat, and provides elegant drama. The warm-toned cognac accessories pop against the black and grey, and create a chic boho-lite effect. The belt accentuates Kristine’s waist and breaks up the black of the dress. Sandal booties in a matching shade of cognac add on-trend soft edge. Gold layered necklaces, big hoop earrings and light nail varnish add polish to the look. Kristine’s beautiful wavy hair is the soft finishing touch.

We want to pay our respects to George Floyd and those close to him. We also want to pause and acknowledge the events of the last few days. Here in Seattle, like many other American cities, there has been a combination of peaceful protests and chaotic violence. All of this while we’re still feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

It is a scary, difficult and sad time. We hope you and your families stay safe and healthy as we continue to strive for justice, change and peace.

Update (June 2): If you are looking for information or a way to contribute, here are some places to get started. We will probably add to this list over time.

• Anguish in Action: “While now is a time for grief and anger, it is also a time for resolve. Find resources below to learn what you can do to create a more just and equitable world.”
• Campaign Zero: “Funds donated to Campaign Zero support the analysis of policing practices across the country, research to identify effective solutions to end police violence, technical assistance to organizers leading police accountability campaigns and the development of model legislation and advocacy to end police violence nationwide.”
• Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners: “Outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.”
• Equal Justice Initiative: “The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.”

Update (June 4): We will resume weekday blog posts on Monday June 8.

• Adidas and Allbirds are teaming up to design a sneaker with the “lowest ever carbon footprint.”
• Research shows that consumers are following Generation Z’s — young people aged 18 to 24 — lead in a move towards sustainable fashion.
• Gucci has announced it will be going from 5 to 2 fashion shows each year.
• Nordstrom is permanently closing its Jeffrey stores after 30 years in business.
• Both Neiman Marcus and J.Crew have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
• 85-year-old actress Judi Dench is gracing the June 2020 cover of Vogue UK, making her the oldest cover star in the glossy magazine’s history.
• Jewellery brands are noticing an uptick in the sales of fine jewellery during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
• COS has launched its first-ever line of activewear.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that textile designer Althea McNish, who passed away in April at age 95, was responsible for some of the 20th century’s most memorable printed fabrics including ones created for department store Liberty. She counted Cardin, Dior, Schiaparelli, Givenchy and Lanvin among her clients, and was named in Architectural Digest as one of “Five Female Designers Who Changed History.”

I like the visual effect of wearing multiple items of the same pattern close together in one outfit. In other words, there isn’t a solid to break them up unless it’s worn on the bottom. I wore a version of this combination a few weeks ago. 

The patterns can be anything at all. Loud, quiet, neutral or non-neutral, it’s all good. Here are some versions that caught my eye.

1. Twinset

Combine a shell top and topper in the same fabric and pattern to create the effect of a maximal top. Finish it off with solid bottoms, and footwear and a bag to match. I like the look of an interesting and non-traditional twinset, and this fits the bill. It’s practical if you like to layer to keep warm or cool.

2. Skirted Romper

This look has a ‘50s flavour to it, and is very unexpected. A romper is combined with a detachable wrap skirt in the same pattern. The skirt makes the outfit look like a dress, especially from the back and side. But you do a double take when you see the outfit from the front and in motion. Awfully fun, although quite the disrobing commitment in the loo.

3. Pattern Cubed

Here THREE pieces in the same pattern are combined to make an outfit. A pair of pants, a top and a jacket create a column of pattern, where the striped ribbing is the only part that breaks things up a bit. The same can be achieved with two pieces if the top and bottom are a jumpsuit.

4. Two-Piece Jumpsuit

Here a top and bottom in the same pattern are paired to create a jumpsuit effect. This version is a lot more practical than a one-piece, and maybe more comfortable too. I love the elegance of the swooshing fabric, the waist tie for structure, and how well the model wears the large scale pattern. She looks stunning and it’s my favourite of the four. Add jewellery, eyewear, and watch as desired.