I bat for Team Naked Nails and don’t wear nail polish. But I do though keep a bottle of nail polish remover in the house, because it’s an excellent remover of very specific stains on very specific wardrobe items. 

I saturate a ball of cotton wool with nail polish remover, and gently use it to take the stains and scuffs off footwear and other items that are made of leather, patent leather, and silicone.

Patent Leather Footwear

I have red and cream patent boots that are wardrobe workhorses. They are surprisingly robust, yet every so often scuff marks appear on the leather. Nail polish remover magically removes them, and they once again look polished and new.

White Leather Footwear and Bags

Removing scuff marks from white footwear and bags generally works magically, but you have to be cautious and gentle. Sometimes you remove the white of the leather, so test a little area first and continue if things seem okay. But use a damp cloth to try to remove scuffs first. If that doesn’t work, haul out the big guns.

Nail polish remover can also remove, or at least take the edge off, blue stains caused by denim dye. You need to rub those pesky stains a little more rigourously, and sometimes it takes a couple of tries.

Silicone Apple Watch Strap and iPhone Cases

My white Apple Watch strap and iPhone case get a little grimy, but nail polish remover cleans things right up. They effectively sparkle like new, and do not turn yellow.

Is there anything in your wardrobe that you clean with nail polish remover?

Here in Seattle we’re six weeks into working and staying at home with almost everything around us shut down. Time passes slowly, yet the days fly by. Things feel a little surreal, but we are getting used to the new normal. One of the changes I notice is the new street style of sheltering in place. 

We live in a loft apartment that is close to the waterfront in downtown Seattle. We don’t go anywhere except for Yorkie Sam’s short walks and the very occasional run to the pharmacy or grocery store. We are surrounded by other residential apartment blocks, restaurants, and small businesses (most of which are closed and boarded up).

The street style around here across all ages is VERY casual. Many people are wearing sports gear and Athleisure in neutral colours. Lots of leggings, yoga pants, joggers, sweat pants, T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, fleece, puffers, sneakers, caps, beanies, Birkenstocks with socks, flip-flops, pool slides, and Lululemon type outfits. People who are running and cycling are in appropriate athletic attire. Lots of headphones and smart phones out too.

Some are in casual wear like jeans, knitwear, boots, sneakers, bombers, parkas and utility jackets. Or utility pants with tees and sweatshirts, denim jackets and sneakers. And there’s a good portion of grungy all-black plus Seattle plaid in the mix. Some venture out onto the street in pyjamas and bedroom slippers, especially early in the morning or late at night while walking dogs.

Far fewer people are in dressy attire, or what I would call a fashionable and trendy outfit. I haven’t seen a single person in heels or business attire since the first week of March. Recent gloriously sunny, mild and warm Spring weather has amped up the style quotient around here though. Some bright and cheerful pastel dresses, skirts, wide crops, trench coats and blouses are coming out to play. The seasonally confused combination of “puffer + beanie + shorts + flip-flops” is ever present.

Facial masks are highly recommended in the state of Washington, but not mandatory (yet). About a third of the people are wearing masks, or scarves as masks, as they walk or work out in our area. You see more mask-wearing people at grocery stores and pharmacies.

I am always on the side of the wearer. Now more than ever, I believe that people should wear what makes them feel good, strong, happy, healthy, and calm. This means different things to different people, and it’s all good. Personally, I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go. I’ve continued to wear my pretty and dressy everyday clothes as I work, organize, cook, clean, sanitize, and watch the news at home, or take Sam out for walks. Dressing the way I usually do — but with at-home-only sneakers instead of slippers or outdoor shoes — helps me cope and calms my nerves. It creates a sense of routine and structure that I crave, and makes me feel productive and in control. My spirits are lifted in a small but meaningful way. Believe it or not, I am a LOT more comfortable wearing my regular pretty clothes than sports gear or Athleisure while I’m at home. Horses for courses, always!

I’ve been showing our forum my stay-at-home outfit of the day (OOTD). Yorkie Sam models my outfits with me, and adds a very impactful stylish touch. So if you want to know what I’m wearing in my neighborhood, check it out.

Over to you. What’s the street style like in your neighbourhood, and how does it differ from mine?

Several of my clients asked me to do a roundup, since many retailers are offering deep discounts at the moment. For example, Nordstrom is offering as much as 60% off regular price items. In these stressful and unprecedented times, it’s hard to wrap our heads around shopping and spending money on anything but life’s essentials. But on the off chance that you’re in the mood to browse the sales, here are some top picks. 

As you browse the list here, some of the items may not be on sale, but it changes daily. The items were on sale when I compiled the list on Friday, and will go on sale again. Keep stalking.

I’ve seen some of the items in person, but not all. Browse the colour options and read the rave reviews.

• Sam Edelman Double Breasted Trench Coat: This is a repeat style that has worked on a range of clients. Crisp, structured, sharp, a versatile length, and fab in the moss green.
• Adidas Originals Adicolor 3-Stripe Shorts: Comfy Lounge Shorts Fabness.
• Burberry Small Cube Leather Satchel: Impeccably made boxy satchel with silver hardware.
• Treasure&Bond Paperbag Waist Pants: Soft and draped paperbag waist pants that work well on a straighter figure and regular or longer waist.
• ANINE BING Becky Tapered Leg Trousers: I haven't seen these in person, but they look good. They have room in the thighs, so I suspect they will work well on a curvier figure.
• Adidas Originals Tie Dye T-Shirt: Comfy Lounge Tee Fabness.
• Theory Tailored Ankle Trousers: I've had a great run with Theory pants this year, and have my eye on these because I adore bubblegum pink. Curvier body types might need to size up. Good on those with a shorter rise and/or waist. I found them to run a little big, and the pink is more PURPLE in person.
• Fuzzi Floral & Chevron Print Asymmetrical Maxi Dress: A dramatic draped midi that works on a range of body types. The mesh is forgiving and follows the contour of the body without mega cling. Easy to launder and crease-resistant.
• 1901 Cinched Waist Long Sleeve Shirtdress: A classic shirtdress that's fab on petites. Comes in a lighter blue. Cute worn over cropped straight jeans too.
• Eileen Fisher Viv Wedge Sandal: This is like wearing a sneaker in sandal form. Extremely comfortable, supportive, and a good walking shoe. Works best on regular and higher volume feet, and comes in colours.
• Cole Haan GrandPro Rally Sneaker: Futuristic Sneaker Fabness. The chunky platform is fashion-forward. Lightweight, comfy, and super cute with the red laces.
• Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket: A trendy classic that is beautifully made and quite streamlining. This one looks particularly Summery and nautical with the white and gold buttons.
• DICKIES Crop Work Pants: Simple khakis that work well on a curvier figure. Straighter figures size down. Comes in olive. Great price.
• Veronica Beard Waldorf Ruched Sleeve T-Shirt: A better-than-basic black tee with fun ruched sleeves.
• Franco Sarto SARTO by Franco Sarto Faith Square Toe Loafer: These might run half a size big, and work best on regular volume feet. Soft and comfy. Low-volume feet need an extra insole. Comes in four neutrals.
• Dr. Scholl's Brickell Platform Sandal: Comfy Canary '70s Platform Fabness.
• Paul Green Bronte High Top Sneaker: Paul Green makes beautifully made comfortable shoes that work on a range of foot shapes. These are fab for a cool Spring, and I have my eye on them.
• 7 For All Mankind Roll Cuff Denim Shorts: Easy denim shorts for hot Summer days or lounging at home. Fits a range of body types.
• MARC FISHER LTD Nabela Sandal: A classic block heel sandal with a '90s square toe. Comes in four neutrals.
• Sole Society Kaniesa Slingback Flat: If you don't mind the slingback strap, try these. They come in a cream snakeskin too. Best on feet with regular and low arches.
• Trouve Darcy Cinch Ankle Twill Trousers: I haven't seen these yet, but they look fun and will need a long leg line. Hard to hem. Best on a straighter figure.
• Adidas Originals Tie Dye Satin Pants: Comfy Lounge Pant Fabness. Comes in a pretty soft pink. They are polyester, and not cotton. Very '70.
• INTENTIONALLY BLANK Ankle Boot: These are fab on regular volume feet. Quite soft and comfy, and for Team Teal Magpie.
• Lucky Brand Smocked Yoke Top: Pretty Boho Tee Fabness with a fun retro vibe. Best on a longer neck.
• Tumi Voyager Carson Nylon Backpack: Impeccable Tumi backpack that comes in neutrals but the purple is the most unique.
• AllSaints Remix Immy Tank: A fab tank for Team VERY Neutral to wear on its own or under a cardigan or jacket.
• Kurt Geiger London Kensington Leather Shoulder Bag: A gorgeously structured shoulder bag in a unique rainbow of pastel colours. Adjustable strap, and roomier than it looks.
• MOTHER The Hugger Tie Dye Long Sleeve Cotton Tee: Slow down and do less as we shelter at home because why not! I like this sweatshirt with white jeans.
• Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker: A top pick every year because the Scandi sneaker is all that. Streamlined, supportive, very comfy, flattering, refined, and classic Euro chic. They go the walking distance. Can work for a wider and narrower foot, but not a very wide foot. I made them work with two sets of insoles for my very low-volume feet. I now have five colours including the light blue, which I've found very versatile.
• Whistles Watercolor Animal Print Waist Tie Midi Shirtdress: I love this bright shade of mid-blue. A rare find and very fresh. The fit-and-flare style is asymmetrically unique, and the pattern has a calm integrity. I'm giving it a go because the brand tends to fit me well. Whistles runs narrow so size up if you prefer a fuller fit, especially on the shoulders and bust.
• Whistles Mottled Animal Print Pleated Midi Dress: Whistles dresses will run narrow so you might need to size up. This one is unusual with its Summery animal print, pleated skirt, and high neckline. It has a bit of '40s look to it too. I'm giving it a go.
• Lafayette 148 New York Hughes Midi Shirtdress: If the Lafayette fit worked for me, this would be mine to wear on my 50th birthday in July. SOO GORGEOUSLY elegant - at least, to my eye! Trendy yet classic, timeless, beautifully made, yummy fabric, fluidly structured, and blue. Fun pockets too. Works on a range of body types. Do not cover it with a topper.
• AllSaints Polly Denim Midi Dress: A fitted yet not constricting denim dress that looks better without the layering tee and belt. Fits a range of body types. Well made. I've ordered it!
• Club Monaco Half Placket Long Sleeve Stripe Midi Dress: This dress looked AMAZING on my broad-shouldered client WITHOUT a belt, so don't think you're married to it. Beautifully made and in a fresh and vibrant shade of light blue. Comes in white.
• MARINA RINALDI Dondolo Long Sleeve Maxi Shirtdress: I haven't seen this dress in person yet, but it looks fab for Team Cobalt Blue Avant-Garde. Good for Team Tall too. Unstructured, yet dressy. Fun pockets.
• SCOTCH & SODA Classic Stripe Tailored Blazer: I LOVE Scotch & Soda blazers because they are structured yet sporty, beautifully made, and work as well dressed up as they do casually. Works on a variety of body types.
• Theory Dot Button-Up Shirt: A beautifully classic pin dot blouse in dark blue is elegant and can hit all the right notes for a dressy office setting. Great tucked into pleated and pencil skirts too.
• J.Crew Classic Ratti Bahama Floral Print Popover Shirt: This is a fab 100% cotton shirt that looks great with white jeans and red pants. Fluid, Modern Classic, great to wear on a hot day when you want arm coverage, and in a Summery floral too. Well made. Colours darker and more muddy in person.

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

We talked about sweatshirts and hoodies earlier in the week, and there were lots of fans. I’m a fan too. Today it’s on to some easy sweatshirt and hoody outfits that will see you through many casual settings in comfort and style. You might find them just right for working and staying at home. 

To keep it very simple, these sweatshirt outfits are all combined with denim bottoms.

1. Pastels with White Jeans

Pastels look good with white because there’s a lot of white in a shade of pastel. So combine any shade of pastel with white jeans, and chances are high it will work. Finish things off with white or brown footwear and bag. Dressy boots were chosen with this outfit but feel free to keep the shoes casual.

2. Earth Tones with Animal Print

Here, an earthy sweatshirt and snakeskin sneakers sandwich a pair of trendy wide crop blue jeans. The short boxy sweatshirt creates just enough structure by lengthening the leg line from the hips upward, and showcasing a tailored hip fit. The result is smashingly trendy, super easy, and very comfortable.

3. Rock ’n’ Roll

This version is for Team Hard Edge. Combine a black slogan hoody with a pair of black or grey jeans. Layer a black blazer, black jacket, leather blazer, or moto over the top, and pull out the hood so that it’s visible over the jacket. Finish things off with stompy black boots and bag. I like the texture of the grey jeans and the splash of red, which effectively breaks up the mass of black.

4. Skirted Combat

And last, a version for those who prefer to wear denim skirts. Choose any colour palette. Combine the skirt with a welted, or short and boxy sweatshirt or hoody, and finish off the look with casual boots. Sneakers, hi-tops, oxfords and loafers could work too. Add jewellery, bag, and watch as desired.