Elaine Davis (56) is a New York City-based entrepreneur who documents her outfits on her blog, Square Pearls. Her style is fashion-forward, sophisticated, and elegant. Elaine is a big fan of shirtdresses. She’s also an expert at creative layering, and adores animal print and a good knee-high boot.

“Over the past five years my style has become way more personal. I don’t look so much at what’s currently trending, but I focus more on what I love, and what feels good when I put it on. I would say my style is very mood oriented.”

Elaine has several clothing items in this rich shade of teal, and it looks exquisite on her. She found this fab shirtdress at Zara, and calls it one of those “luxe for less pieces.” The satin finish indeed gives it a sophisticated luxe vibe, while the impeccable fit also contributes to that. The dress has an elegant below-the-knee length, and the self-coloured belt adds structure and accentuates our blogger’s waist. Wearing her hair in a low ponytail let’s the V-neck shine. Elaine has paired the dress with leopard print slingbacks whose black stud detailing echoes the black of her small structured bag. Cat eye sunnies and small earrings complete the look.

Our blogger successfully combines three statement pieces in this fashion-forward outfit. The asymmetrical hemline on the calf-length distressed denim skirt draws the eye up and down. Elaine has tucked in a texture-rich cream cable-knit sweater, which lengthens the leg line from the hip upward. She’s sporting pointy-toe knee-high boots in an eye-catching snakeprint that provide tons of sassy visual interest. The short puffer is the third statement piece. The crisp off-white colour works perfectly with the rest of the cool-toned colour palette. While its boxy fit and faux leather material add fashion-forward drama. A small white handbag and pearl earrings provide extra polish.

Here’s an elegant black-and-white outfit with plenty of visual interest. Elaine is wearing herringbone bootcut pants with a pressed crease that accentuates the beautiful fit. Tucking in a black turtleneck showcases the on-trend high waist. Crisp white almond-toe slingback pumps peeking out from under the trousers lengthen the leg line. The thigh-length zebra print wool coat has a tailored fit that adds structure and elevates the outfit to the next level. Picking a topper in the same black and white, but in a statement print is a clever way to pattern mix. An oversized black leather envelope clutch fits right in with the colour palette. Wearing her hair down brings softness to the look. Rich plum lippy is the cherry on the cake.

This is one of the best slip dress outfits I’ve ever seen. The fit and style of the midi dress have a lot to do with that. The fit is just fluid enough to feel easy breezy, the satin finish creates a sense of glam and texture, and the dipped in neckline is unusual and adds a bit of alluring structure. Elaine pairs the dress with a leopard print blazer in that on-trend longer, oversized silhouette that is just flattering enough. Opting for big sneakers in fun colours adds a Sporty Luxe touch. Our blogger’s side braid adds casual nonchalance. Her small brown bag and gold watch finish off the look.

Elaine is an expert in creative layering. Here, she’s wearing a fluid fit midi dress over straight cropped jeans. The midi dress has a beautiful black, grey and red horizontal pattern that reminds me of mid-century crockery and wall paper. Her cropped jeans are a greyish blue that matches the grey in her fun dress. Her pointy-toe stiletto ankle boots have vertical studs running down the middle. A clever detail that lengthens the leg line and adds soft edge. A black peacoat forms the third layer and works well with the rest of the colours. The body and sleeves are very roomy, but the shoulders are fitted, which creates just enough structure. Once again, Elaine’s hair worn down adds a touch of softness.

Our blogger’s grey kaftan-esque midi dress is the star of the show in this look. The fluid fit dress has a suede-like finish and vertical self-pattern that add both visual and textural interest. The V-neckline and short sleeves are perfect for layering, and Elaine picked an eye-catching snakeskin top with mock turtleneck and body-con fit to do the honours. The animal print adds both extra texture and drama. The black suede knee-high boots with block heel look elegant with the dress and make the entire outfit look soft to the touch. Elaine’s black fedora brings glam to the party, and her teal leather tote a nice bit of colour.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Elaine’s elegant and creative style. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her beautiful outfits on her blog.

CeraVe beauty products were recommended by our dermatologist about ten years ago, and I used them for years because they worked well for my skin. I had a facial with Caudalie products about four years ago which felt really good. So I switched from CeraVe to Caudalie beauty products and used them until last month, when I switched back to CeraVe.

I have pale, normal to dry skin that is not acne prone, but is quite sensitive in other ways. I’ve already seen the dermatologist twice this year, which is uncommon. First because of perioral dermatitis around the corner of my mouth, and second because of a rash eruption on my forehead and the side of my cheeks. Thankfully all is sorted and my skin looks just fine again. I suspect that some of it had to do with stress.

I did, though, take my recent skin irritations as a sign to switch back to CeraVe facial beauty products, and that is all I’m using for now. They are fragrance free, paraben-free, really gentle, and made in the US. My dermatologist is a big fan of CeraVe products, and that’s all the reassurance I need.

You can buy CeraVe at the drugstore, and prices won’t break the bank. These are the exact items I’m currently using. I use all the products daily, except for the vitamin C serum, which I use a few times a week. Please read the labels carefully. Some of the products contain oxtinoxate and octocrylene, which do not irritate my skin, but might irritate yours.

Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash | 19 Fluid Ounce | Daily Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin | Fragrance Free

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5

Amazon

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 | Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Sheer Tint for Healthy Glow | 1.7 Fluid Ounce

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9

Amazon

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM | 3 Ounce | Ultra Lightweight, Night Face Moisturizer | Fragrance Free

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6

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CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 | 3 Ounce | Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF | Fragrance Free

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4

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CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid | Skin Brightening Serum for Face with 10% Pure Vitamin C | Fragrance Free | 1 Fl. Oz

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3

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CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum | 1 oz | Hydrating Serum for Face with Vitamin B5 | For Normal to Dry Skin | Paraben & Fragrance Free

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5

I don’t change my beauty products or try new beauty products often. Some, like Nivea body lotion, I’ve been using all my life. I seem to change my facial beauty products every four to five years, for varying reasons. Sometimes it’s because of a skin irritation, and sometimes because I think something better has come along. How about you? How often do you change your facial beauty regimen?

HOURS is a new ethically-minded New York based clothing line that specializes in quality and fit across US sizes 14 to 28. In time, they hope to extend to US size 40. The co-founders are sisters-in-law, Naaz Gulati and Harroop Gulati Kaur. Both ladies come from fashion families and have fashion backgrounds of their own. Together they saw a badly serviced and under-represented market in the fashion world and decided to put their heads together to service and represent it.

The fashion industry doesn’t do a good enough job of providing fabulous attire for larger sizes. Size ranges would often stop at a US12, which did not reflect the range of sizes that Gulati and Kaur saw walking the streets each day. The plus-size merchandise that was available was rarely gorgeous quality, chic, a good fit, and sustainable. These ladies took it upon themselves to improve matters by creating a low-impact, high-quality, and relatively affordable label.

The label is committed to sustainability and making ethical choices. Kaur explains, “Sustainability is a pillar of HOURS. We strive to keep that as a consideration for all decisions — especially in the production lifecycle, where much of the waste is created at the fabric level. Our collection is made of upcycled fabrics that would normally be discarded at the mills. We also made sure to produce only what was needed to reduce the amount of inventory excess that ultimately turns to waste.” Production runs are kept small to minimize pollution and waste.

Gulati explains, “Because the climate is changing so rapidly, and fashion is such a large contributor to the world’s pollution, we wanted to make sure we were being responsible in everything we were designing and in every area of our supply chain, from the manufacturing at the fabric level to every single button that goes on, the suppliers that we work with, how we’re shipping the goods, what we’re shipping the goods in, the packaging — everything.”

Materials and products are sourced from environmentally-friendly and socially responsible partners. As far as I can tell, these sources are not local, and fabric is imported. Although the company is not completely sustainable yet, it is a very important goal of theirs. For example, they aim to be completely plastic-free at some point, and are almost there. They use recycled and recyclable packaging for their mailers, tissue paper, and envelopes.

Items are neither basic nor statement, but more along the lines of what they call elevated essentials or wardrobe staples. The style sensibility is modern, simple, alluring, luxe, a little edgy, comfortable, versatile, and above all creates a beautiful fit. Fabric compositions are blends of naturals and synthetics. Most of the items are neutrals although the odd bright comes through too. Prices are relatively affordable.

I see fabulously clean, polished, playful and practical items that double duty across a range of dress codes and activities. It is an understated relaxed elegance that can be dressed up or down, which is the type of performance we want from our wardrobes these days.  Their Instagram page is fun, and well worth a look.

The casual Summer kaftan takes me back to beach and pool looks of the ‘70s. Kaftans can be long or short, solid or patterned, and neutral or non-neutral. They can be gauzy and see-through, soft and silky, or cotton-rich. They usually have long, wide sleeves, and are very roomy and breezy. They look warm and covered, but they are really lightweight, thin and ventilating. 

Here are four ways to wear a hot-weather kaftan.

1. Swimwear Cover-Up

The beauty of the kaftan lies in its very roomy throw-on-and-go silhouette. This makes it a great cover-up option for swimwear when you’re at a beach or by the pool. Those made of quick-drying fabrics or with ventilating cut-outs are particularly practical. The one here is very long, but much shorter and breezier thigh-length versions are fab too. Grab a beach tote, sandals, sunnies, and a hat, and off you go.

2. Casually Bohemian

Kaftans that are more opaque can be worn with regular undies and sported as an everyday Summer dress. Finish off the look with flat sandals, and a straw bag. The airy and unstructured integrity and comfortable volume of the kaftan is at the heart of its appeal, but I’ve also seen them belted at the waist on those who prefer dresses with waist definition.

3. Glammed Up

Silkier kaftans can be dressed up with heels and a small bag for a bit of glam. Shorter lengths are fab for those who like to showcase their legs. Delicate strappy sandals in a shade of metallic look particularly good with the look to my eye, and they don’t need to be high-heeled. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

4. Lounging and Working from Home

Wear a kaftan as an at-home item only. Lounge, relax, watch tele, read, or work from home in the comfort and drama of a stylish muumuu. The sleeves are fine to type in, but not so fab for cooking and doing the dishes. I have a lounging pyjama set with the same types of sleeves, and they are constantly in the way. Make sure someone else does the cooking and cleaning on kaftan days, or get take-out.

I don’t have a kaftan, but wanted to get one for my beach and pool capsule. I’ll do just that when it once again becomes a priority to complete that capsule for future beach holidays. Over to you. Are you feeling kaftans?