Philadelphia-based social worker Georgette (48) breathes enjoyment of life, or “joie de vivre”, and I can’t help but smile when browsing her blog Grown and Curvy Woman. She is an adventurous dresser who is clearly having tons of fun with fashion. Her outfits are an explosion of happy colours and bold patterns. Georgette rocks skirts and dresses, embraces trends, and has a collection of playful footwear that make her outfits even more fun.

“My style has evolved to become more colorful and open to trying new trends. I love using color to express my mood especially during Winter. I have to have a pop of color in every outfit I wear. I’ve become more open to trying new silhouettes and trends to amp up my wardrobe.”

This sweater and midi skirt combo in sunny yellow is great for transitional dressing. Georgette has created a column of colour by tucking a buttercup yellow turtleneck sweater into a midi skirt. Tucking the sweater lengthens the leg line, and the cosy rib knit provides warmth on cooler Spring days. The sunray pleated skirt adds textural interest and provides crispness. Layering a unique light-wash denim jacket over the sweater adds warmth. The peplum style accentuates our blogger’s waist and creates structure. Gorgeous blue metallic patterned loafers add sassy polish. Note how the gold butterfly detail echoes the yellow in Georgette’s outfit. Bright red lipstick and gold earrings finish off the look.

Georgette’s love of colour shines through once again in this marvelous polished casual holiday look. She’s tucked a thin-ribbed golden yellow turtleneck into a calf-length midi skirt. The pleats provide visual interest, while the subtle metallic finish on the geometric pattern in different shades of green adds a dressy festive touch. Lace-up cream ankle boots add lots of dressy and crisp pizzazz. The Modern Classic wool coat in jade contrasts beautifully with the yellow sweater, and brings another shade of green into the mix. Dangly silver earrings, bright red nail polish and a darker red lip are the festive finishing touches.

This is a fab take on Angie’s Graphic Tee with Blazer outfit formula. Georgette dresses up for Galentine’s Day in a silver metallic skirt that creates tons of polished shine. A cheeky Rolling Stones graphic tee casualizes the look and adds relaxed playfulness, making for a great juxtaposition. The classic fit blazer echoes the black tee and streamlines the silhouette. The faux leather adds a tad of Hard Edge, that is softened by our blogger’s wonderful short curls. Pointy-toe pumps with dainty ankle strap add further dressy polish. Dangly silver heart-shaped earrings and rich purple lippy complete the look.

This stunning trench in eye-catching red check is trademark Georgette, and undoubtedly the star of the show! She’s wearing the classic fit, tailored trench over a flowy skirt in bright red that matches the coat. Pairing the skirt with a mid-blue denim shirt, another timeless Modern Classic, makes the happy red pop even more. Tucking the shirt streamlines the look. Expert pattern mixer Georgette opted for leopard print oxfords, which are quite the unexpected touch. The light brown subtly refers back to the beige in the trench, which is enough to make this work splendidly. Our blogger completes the look with gold circular earrings and red lipstick that match her skirt and coat.

Georgette looks just as fab in black and white as she does in her favourite brights. During a trip to Marrakesh she sported this fabulous short-sleeved polka dot dress. The fitted bodice skims and flatters her curves. The full flared skirt creates breezy movement. The self-coloured belt emphasizes the waistline and creates extra structure. On-trend white sneaks add a Sporty touch and bookend the white polka dots perfectly. Finally, our blogger keeps it simple in the accessories department with silver oversized flat hoop earrings and her go-to red lippy.

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

You are on Team Mid-Rise Bottoms if you prefer wearing mid-rise jeans and pants to high rises, and vice versa. To reiterate, the rise is the measurement between the middle of the crotch seam and the top of the waistband. It’s an important measurement because it determines where the pants sit on the body, creating a perceived waistline. The length of the rise affects both your comfort levels and the visual effect of the outfit when the waistband is exposed.

Generally, mid rises measure 9 to 10 inches. Anything higher is high rise, and anything lower is low rise. Of course, measurements are relative to whether the rise measurement on your own body is short, regular or long. Those with short rise measurements will find mid rises quite high, and high rises very high. Those with long rises will find mid rises quite low and higher rises more mid by comparison.

Most of my jeans and pants are high rise because trends have been moving almost exclusively in that direction for several years. Since I like to keep the jeans and pants component of my style on-trend, I have two mid rises left in my wardrobe. Mid rises feel a little off and “naked” when I wear them because I’m so used to wearing higher rises. High rises feel the most comfortable, taking me back to my ‘80s comfort zone. They also elongate the leg line when exposing the waistband with a tucked top, which is fab for my flats-wearing style.

That said, my body is relatively short in the rise, so mid rises feel quite high. Rises of 11 inches are the most comfortable, although I have some very comfortable paperbag waist pants with 12 and 13 inch rises. Pants with 9 inch rises feel off, but 10 inch rises are okay.

In 2020, I bat for Team High-Rise Bottoms. But if you’d asked me this question eight years ago, I’d have batted for Team Mid-Rise. Over to you. Do you bat for Team Mid or Team High-Rise Bottoms? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. Tell us about your favourite rise measurements too. If you can’t pick a side, sit this one out on the bench where I’m serving prawn curry, wild rice, and pickled salad, in take-out boxes with curbside pick-up so you can enjoy the meal in the safety of your home. There’s lemon cake with cream cheese icing for dessert.

Nordstrom

Theory Tailored Ankle Trousers

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Shopbop

3.1 Phillip Lim Windowpane Pants

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I’m doing another roundup of Nordstrom sale items because they are really appreciated by my clients. Of course, it’s hard to wrap our heads around refreshing our wardrobes when we’re almost exclusively focussed on refreshing our pantries and refrigerators. But on the off chance that you’re shopping for something, take a peek at some these top picks. 

There is lots on sale, and discounts change daily. Some items are 70% off. Keep stalking if items aren’t on sale today, because they probably will be a couple of days from now. I’ve seen some of the items in person, but not all of them. Be sure to read the reviews too.

• Natori Luxe Shangri-La Pajamas: Natori makes excellent pyjamas and these are no exception. Comes in black and pink.
• Komarov Charmeuse & Chiffon A-Line Dress: Every time a curvy client with a larger bust and defined waist tries on this repeat style Komarov dress - I gasp with excitement. So very flattering, elegant, and pretty.
• AG The Tomas X High Waist Wide Leg Jeans: These work well on a curvier figure with a defined waist, or a straighter figure with a smaller waist. Best on those with a regular/long rise. I want these jeans - but not in grey.
• Rag & Bone Letti Satin Jacquard Midi Skirt: An elegantly swishy A-line that's begging to be paired with a short welted top, tee, sweatshirt or sweater.
• Stand Studios Liliana Flower Print Faux Fur Coat: Statement Faux Fur Coat Fabness.
• Ulla Johnson Floral Print Storm Jeans: Patterned maximal jeans that I haven't seen in person yet, but the jogger/lantern style is trendy and fun. The tie does not come off because its part of the waistband so you have to be prepared to tuck or semi-tuck the top. Might run a size big.
• Harris Wharf London Hooded Crop A-Line Jacket: If you like to wear tan toppers and boxy trapeze silhouettes - try this beautifully made topper with a fun practical hood. Good in mild weather and fab with skirts and dresses.
• Isabel Marant Étoile Iolinea Stonewash Denim Jacket: Trendy '80s Fabness with a fluid fit. The dropped shoulder puffed sleeve is interesting.
• ML MONIQUE LHUILLIER Long Sleeve Polka Dot Midi Dress: Elegantly '70s for Team Tall with long arms and a defined waist.
• Ecco Soft 7 Street Sneaker: Extremely comfy sneakers that work for a range of foot types. Add insoles for low-volume feet. Would look cute with an orange bag.
• Lafayette 148 New York Clinton Cuffed Wool Blend Pants: Trendy cuffed dressy pants for a straighter figure. Gorgeous fabric, and might run a little big.
• Lele Sadoughi Empire Drop Earrings: Maximal ear candy just for fun, and comes in blue.
• Dolce Vita Bel Bootie: I have these in cream and they are a great dressy bootie. They work best for low and regular volume feet and a narrower ankle. I popped in cushioning insoles for comfort, and do find the heels high for every day use. So I keep them for short walking distances and dressier events.
• Halogen Pleated Midi Skirt: Super cute plus size softly pleated A-line skirt that can be dressed up or down.
• Harris Wharf London Fishtail Hooded Parka: A beautifully made and very practical BLUE cocoon throw-on-and-go topper with a hood. I have very happy clients in this parka because it looks casually chic.
• KUT from the Kloth 'Helena' Denim Jacket: One of the best value for money denim jackets of them all. Available in a variety of washes and white.
• City Chic Wonderlust Long Sleeve Belted Shirtdress: A fab dress on a curvy body type with a defined waist and smaller bust. The curved hemline is flattering. Comes in black.
• RAILS Sami Drop Shoulder V-Neck Linen Blend Tee: A great tee for a curvier body type with a regular or larger bust. Subtle glitz.
• Halogen Pleated Midi Skirt: I vote wear this with a graphic tee, a moto or denim jacket, sneakers, and call it good. Comes in three patterns, and might run a size big.
• Rag & Bone Passenger Leather Tote: A roomy work tote that fits a tablet or laptop in its protected compartment. Comes in black.
• Rag & Bone Fallon Moto Sandal: Hard-edged sandals that are available in gold AND silver hardware. I cannot vouch for their comfort but if you like to wear black in Summer - try these.
• AG Walker Puff Shoulder Sweatshirt: A comfy, cosy and trendy knitted top that works well over wide crops or a skirt. Comes in white. Works best on a curvier figure with a defined waist, or a straight figure.
• Alice + Olivia Rivera Mixed Pattern Cotton & Silk Shirt: Bold, luxe, fluid, beautifully made, and works on a range of body types. Fab worn untucked over a black pencil skirt.
• Veronica Beard Ally Stripe Linen & Silk Blend High/Low Shirt: If you like to wear soft '80s Victoriana blouses with a shirt integrity - try this darling. Sheer, pretty, and excellent with white jeans. Click the link to see it worn tucked into white pants. The detailing on the cuff is GORGEOUS. I have my eye on it.
• Madewell Resin Oval Hoop Earrings: '80s Resin Earring Fabness. Cute with a faded blue denim jacket.

Go to the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

Nordstrom

Natori Luxe Shangri-La Pajamas

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Nordstrom

Komarov Charmeuse & Chiffon A-Line Dress

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5

Nordstrom

AG The Tomas X High Waist Wide Leg Jeans

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5

Nordstrom

Rag & Bone Letti Satin Jacquard Midi Skirt

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3

Nordstrom

Stand Studios Liliana Flower Print Faux Fur Coat

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5

Nordstrom

Ulla Johnson Floral Print Storm Jeans

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7

Nordstrom

Harris Wharf London Hooded Crop A-Line Jacket

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2

Nordstrom

Isabel Marant Étoile Iolinea Stonewash Denim Jacket

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3

Nordstrom

ML MONIQUE LHUILLIER Long Sleeve Polka Dot Midi Dress

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4

Nordstrom

Ecco Soft 7 Street Sneaker

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5

Nordstrom

Lafayette 148 New York Clinton Cuffed Wool Blend Pants

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3

Nordstrom

Lele Sadoughi Empire Drop Earrings

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5

Nordstrom

Dolce Vita Bel Bootie

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4

Nordstrom

Halogen Pleated Midi Skirt

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6

Nordstrom

Harris Wharf London Fishtail Hooded Parka

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6

Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Helena' Denim Jacket

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6

Nordstrom

City Chic Wonderlust Long Sleeve Belted Shirtdress

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2

Nordstrom

RAILS Sami Drop Shoulder V-Neck Linen Blend Tee

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3

Nordstrom

Halogen Pleated Midi Skirt

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7

Nordstrom

Rag & Bone Passenger Leather Tote

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Nordstrom

Rag & Bone Fallon Moto Sandal

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Nordstrom

AG Walker Puff Shoulder Sweatshirt

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Nordstrom

Alice + Olivia Rivera Mixed Pattern Cotton & Silk Shirt

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6

Nordstrom

Veronica Beard Ally Stripe Linen & Silk Blend High/Low Shirt

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7

Nordstrom

Madewell Resin Oval Hoop Earrings

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Wearing wide leg pants with flat slides is a casual and fun throwback to the ’90s. The vibe is breezy, quite elegant, reasonably dressy, practical, and very comfortable. I wore the combination back then, and I’d do so again if I found the right white slides. 

Both outfits below showcase the look well, with one important difference. The wide legs in the first outfit are longer with hems that almost skim the surface of the ground. Visually, I prefer the look of the longer length wide leg pants because it’s somehow luxurious, and lengthens the leg line. But wearing flat slides with the pants is treacherous because the hems get caught under your open heels as you walk. Shoes with closed heels — which in my case are ballet flats, sneakers, or loafers — are a safer, more practical option.

If I sport this combination again, I’ll wear the wide legs a little shorter. The leg line doesn’t look as long, but I’d wear a short top and low-contrast footwear to offset the leg-shortening proportions. In the example below the model is sporting a more practical and short wide leg pant length, where the hems cover the ankle bone but do not touch the shoes. The hems are too short to catch under the open heels of the slides so you can stride comfortably and safely.