Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Vibrant and Playful in Bordeaux

Alexandra Fleurisson (34) is a fashion blogger and influencer who lives in Bordeaux. She documents her outfits on Mademoiselle Modeuse. Her style is fun, cheerful, playful, and with the occasional retro touch. Our blogger loves vibrant colours, and wears warm and cool-toned colours equally well. She likes to play with trends and texture, tucks tops with the best of them, and has made bright lipstick an integral part of her look.

“My style has changed a lot over the past 5 years. I don’t forbid myself anything anymore and I’m experimenting with new things, like colours, materials or trends.”

Alexandra Fleurisson - 1

Colour enthusiast Alexandra built this cheerful look around an Andy Warhol-inspired V-neck wrap blouse. She’s paired it with a black cami, mid-blue cropped skinnies and matching red belt. The cropped blouse shows off the quirky gold shell buckle on the belt, while the voluminous flouncy sleeves add balance to the skinnies. Tomato red suede mules bookend the vibrant blouse, and our blogger chose nail polish and lippy to match.

Alexandra Fleurisson - 2

This breezy Summer outfit is all about the pattern mixing. Our blogger is wearing a skirt with white leaf print on a bright blue background, and combines it with a V-neck top with white palm tree print on a navy background. This makes for a matchy-but-not-identical set that works wonderfully. Tucking the top into the midi skirt lengthens the leg line. The flattering diagonal sleeve creates a structured visual effect. White Stan Smith sneakers echo the white patterns and add a sporty touch. The tortoise handles on the straw bag echo the frames on the quirky sunnies. Gold-toned jewellery and apricot lipstick are the polished finishing touches. 

Alexandra Fleurisson - 3

Doesn’t this jumpsuit with big white polka dots scream fun! The flowy fabric makes it easy to move in. The cropped style showcases her black and white sneaks that match the jumpsuit perfectly. Alexandra treats the classic polka dot pattern as a neutral and adds a Winter coat in vibrant royal purple. The cocoon style is maxi length and a great example of the new long coat over shorter pants trend. Alexandra wouldn’t be Alexandra if she didn’t throw in some extra colour with a bright red beret that matches her lipstick. Her auburn locks peeking out from under the headwear also bring colour into the mix. The black croc-embossed satchel adds polished structure. Finally, the red umbrella with tiny white polka dots is a fun nod back to the jumpsuit.

Alexandra Fleurisson - 4

An easy pull-on-and-go dress is perfect for hot Summer days. Alexandra is wearing a short-sleeved, above-the-knee dress with a thin self-belt that emphasizes the waist. A subtly ruffled overlay adds a flattering diagonal line on the bottom. The ditsy floral pattern in warm colours contributes to the high Summer feeling, as does her gold-toned jewellery, watch, and cat eye sunnies. Our blogger’s flat thong sandals with scalloped detailing echo the black background of the dress, and give the look a relaxed vibe. Alexandra finishes off the outfit with a black patterned bag and trademark bright lipstick.

Alexandra Fleurisson - 5

As a lover of nature-inspired patterns, Alexandra couldn’t resist this colourful leaf print blouse. Here, she’s paired it with ink blue velvet culottes that add subtle sheen to the outfit. With longer culottes like these, tucking the top lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. Our blogger chose a vintage Burberry blazer with an ‘80s vibe as her third piece. The below-the-hip length balances out the longer culottes, while the exuberant red brings out the colours of the blouse. A mini suede crossbody with gold chain-link strap matches the blazer and adds texture and a dressy integrity. Trendy white sneakers add a casual sporty touch. Alexandra’s go-to bright orange-red lipstick and nail polish fit the colour palette splendidly.

Alexandra Fleurisson - 6

French blue paired with bright orange is splendidly complementary, and will put Angie in a good mood. This is also a great example of her Combat Boot Chic Outfit Formula. Alexandra is wearing mid-blue skinny jeans with a heavy-knit striped sweater. She’s layered a wool Winter coat in eye-catching French blue over the lot. The coat’s relaxed fit allows room for heavier gauge sweaters that keep you cosy in Winter. The blue stripe in the sweater matches the coat perfectly. The orange stripe is an exact match for our blogger’s on-trend beanie. Her shiny black boots add soft edge, and bookend the dressy croc-embossed satchel worn crossbody-style. Alexandra’s bright lippy echoes the orange in the outfit. A refined silk scarf tied around her bag cleverly repeats all the outfit colours.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Alexandra’s cheerful style. Let us know in the comments, and then head on over to her blog to browse the rest of her wonderful outfits.

Fab Finds: Unexpected Winners

This week’s roundup of fab finds surprised me when I saw them in stores, on forum members, or in client closets, because they aren’t items that I expected the brand to do so well. As brands and retailers experiment and adapt to an evolving consumer market, it’s more important than ever to leave no retail stone unturned. 

1. Tommy Hilfiger Blazers

The photos do not do these extremely well made Modern Classic and crisp blazers justice. The stitching and finish are impeccable. The inside of the garment is impressive, and trimmed as beautifully as the outside. Some of the blazers have elbow patches that look particularly interesting, like the diagonal pinstripe elbow patch on the pinstriped blazer. Many of them have matching bottoms, go up to a US16, and are going for a song with an excellent Macy’s discounts. These types of toppers don’t date, and can be worn in versatile and creative ways, which is a sustainable drawcard. They can work on a straighter and curvier figure, but are snug on a large bust. Some of them have pants to match, creating a nice nod to the suit trend.

2. Sorel Kinetic Sneaker

Sorel footwear is comfortable, well made, and from time to time can fit a wide foot and/or orthotic. The styles can work on lower volume feet with insoles, although not the sandals. I don’t expect Sorel footwear to look so fashionably hip and trendy, and these Kinetics are just that. The ripple-cut treads are fashion-forward, and a fab nod to the ‘90s. Lots of fun colours, and good arch support for high arches.

3. Banana Republic High-Rise Wide Leg Cropped Jeans

These two pairs of wide crops have been the best fit on several clients. They have miraculously worked on opposite body types – like on apple/rectangle AND hourglass/pear figures. The cut and fabric are unexpectedly flattering. Excellent fabric heft and drape. Sizes run from US24 to US35. The light wash is a pretty and fresh blue.

The dark sailor jeans are especially fabulous because the buttons do not gape, the fabric does not crease or bag out, the dye does not run, the thighs don’t whisker too much, the wash is dressy and uniform, and they look impeccable after four days of wear. I know because they earned a place in my wardrobe and I’ve road-tested them. I wore them four times in the first week. My word, they are super cute sailor jeans! At the moment they are my favourite pair of dark blue jeans.

4. Target All In Motion Active and Athleisure Wear

This range comes highly recommended by some of our forum members because the size assortment is diverse, the prices are affordable, the styles are current, and the quality is good. I’m happy to see multiple colour options. Good for working out, lounging, walking, casual wear, camping, and plane travel.

5. Swedish Hasbeens Husband Clog

Since most iconic and classic wardrobe items are being put on a pedestal because they are one way to make a sustainable style decision – feast your eyes on these fun Euro clogs, that have been around for as long as I can remember. As long as they fit your feet, feel stable, and you don’t slip out of them, they are comfortable, fabulous, and versatile. Wear them the same way you would wear a mule or slide, and make a bold statement. They’re quite chunky, so make sure you’re okay with that.

6. Madewell Half Elastic Pants

Madewell does an excellent assortment of trendy roomy pants with half elastic waists that have been stellar on varying body types because the waist dimension is flexible. They have been great on curvier body types with fuller thighs, hips and bottoms. Conversely, they have been fab on apple-shaped body types that enjoy more room on the midsection. Some of my clients who work at a desk all day are uncomfortable on the midsection in most pants and jeans by the time the afternoon rolls around. These pants have been an excellent solution. Many of the styles have worked on petites.

Spring & Summer 2020: Accessories

Last but not least, here are the accessory trends for the season. If you missed the other Spring & Summer 2020 posts, we discussed the big seven trends, colour and pattern, theme and silhouette, footwear and jeans last week. 

As in clothing and footwear, there is a strong ’80s and ‘90s influence in accessories. Extremely colourful accessories with an ‘80s flavour live in happy contrast with the black, greys and browns of ‘90s inspired items. For jewellery and eyewear, it’s about plastic and resin earrings, tortoiseshell anything, lucite anything, bold sunnies, big specs, asymmetrical earrings, interwoven rings, and chunky chain link necklaces and bracelets. Eyewear chains are back too. Think neutrals and non-neutrals, and mix it up.

White PEARLS as jewellery and as trims on accessories are on-trend, and I laughed when I saw this come through. Since I wear chunky white pearls daily, and have for years, I’m hopelessly biased about how versatile, fabulous, and trend-defying they are. They always look good to my eye, and work with anything. Walk the dogs, hike, paint doors, travel and cook in your pearls because why not! I do.

Dainty monogrammed ANYTHING has gained momentum, whether it’s your name on a bracelet, the first letter of your name around your neck, or your initials on a bag or item of clothing. Sporting multiple ear piercings right up the ear and in both ears is the new body art. The earrings that work best with the multiple piercings vibe are dainty and refined.

For headgear and hair think turbans, bucket hats, hair slides, mega headbands, scrunchies, and barrettes. Belting at the natural waist ‘80s style is huge, especially with wide belts over dresses and tunics, or in belt loops or high-rise pants and jeans. Gauzy linen, silk and cotton scarves are always in style, and a great way to protect your skin from blazing sun.

Crocheted and baguette bags are a fringe trend. Bucket bags and bags with drawstrings maintain their ‘90s momentum. Belt bags, chain strap bags, and any type of crossbody that allows you to be comfortable and practical is as on-trend as ever. That’s why sporting two bags at once — one large and one small — for practical purposes is the bomb. Nylon bags and backpacks are huge and a massive nod to the ‘90s.

We use our phones all the time these days, so it can’t hurt to be extra discerning about its cover, how it works for your style and lifestyle, and making sure it’s robust. I vote to refresh your phone case if it looks sad.

The sustainability trend continues to encourage us to mend, repair, upcycle and repurpose items. So get crafty by sticking a fun patch on an accessory with a hole, adding a scarf to a bag to hide pesky stains. Sticking brooches on necklaces to create new looks, or adding guitar straps to bags to give them new life.

Boden
Holywell Tote Bag
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Nordstrom
Straw Hat
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I’m sticking to my chunky white pearls and monogrammed “A” necklace for jewellery, since I’m not a jewellery person. I have a white silicone cover for my iPhone that deliberately matches a white strap for my Apple watch. Both match my white pearl jewellery so things look pulled together and dressy. I have fab prescription tortoiseshell sunnies, vintage white ‘60s sunnies, a good selection of sun hats, a very large and happy handbag collection, and some fun guitar straps that work with multiple bags. I’m looking to replace my citron Furla but will continue wearing my slightly ruined one until I find just the right replacement. I might venture into a wide ‘80s waist belt, and throw in another Spring scarf.

Over to you. Which accessories are your cup of tea?

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Spring & Summer 2020: Jeans

We’ve discussed the trendy big seven, colour and pattern, theme and silhouette, and footwear. Next up is jeans, and we’re absolutely spoiled for choice in style, wash, length, bells and whistles, colour and pattern. The assortment is extensive, and my suggestion is to milk it this season if you enjoy wearing jeans.

Generally, trendy fits and widths are wider, and rises are higher. Lengths are cropped, ankle, the new shorter full length, and floor-skimming full length. Mid-rise jeans are present, but harder to find. Skinny jeans — tailored or super body-con — are a classic. High-rise super skinnies, which were more recently trendy, look classic too. Note that I said classic and not dated. Please continue wearing skinnies if you feel great in them. The do your own thing trend means wearing a trend until you are done with it, and not when fashion tells you it’s done. Retailers continue to offer busloads of skinnies because they sell. That means people enjoy wearing them despite the shift in trends, and that’s fab.

These are the most important new on-trend jeans silhouettes to my eye, which are great in any wash of blue denim, another neutral, or a colour. Some of the silhouettes are “new”, some have been fringe trending for a while, and others have gone mainstream. Flies are zip-through, button-through, or exposed. You’ll see a lot of ‘80s and ‘90s revival here, which is why some of the styles are referred to as vintage jeans.

1. High-Rise Relaxed Straight

The ‘90s throwback could be a new go-to wardrobe essential. It’s the Mom jean – (I loathe that description) – and mainstream. It’s cut high on the rise and is straight through the leg. It is NOT skinny like the cropped straights of five years ago. It’s relaxed on the leg, wider on the hem, and higher in the rise. Lengths are usually short, although full-lengths are coming through.

Gap
High Rise Mom Jeans
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Shopbop
Trouve Gia Jeans
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Shopbop
AG Rhett Jeans
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2. Wide Crops

The ‘70s throwback could be another new go-to wardrobe essential. Wide crops are WIDER than relaxed straight legs, and wide all the way down to the hem. They are mainstream. Their widths and lengths can vary. Some pairs are streamlined and what I call a “slim wide crop”, and others are dramatically wide like culottes. Some are cut like sailor pants with three pairs of buttons down the front. Lengths can finish at the calf or a couple of inches above the ankle. These can make you feel and look wider, and are an acquired taste. It’s about wearing them with the right fluid top untucked if you’re not a tucker. Remember that you don’t need to feel and look streamlined and narrow in something to be fabulous. Turn the “long over lean” look on its head and wear “short over wide” to change things up.

Everlane
The Wide Leg Jean
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Everlane
The Wide Leg Jean
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Shopbop
Closet Leyton Jeans
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3. Broad Cuff

Jeans with broad cuffs at the hem are relatively new and fringe, especially in relaxed, flared and slouchy cuts. Some of the lengths are cropped, while others graze the top of the foot or the ankle bone. The dark washes create a high-contrast cuff, while the low-contrast cuffs on light washes are more subtle. The versions with the high-contrast cuff can shorten the leg line unless you wear a shorter top, so you have to be okay with that.

4. High-Rise Bootcut and Mega Flare

Bootcuts that are twenty years old are low rise, which is not today’s trend. The trendy version is with a high rise or relatively high mid-rise, and it’s just gone mainstream. Leg fits for bootcuts and bell-bottoms are streamlined till the knee and flare out to the hem. Hem widths can be subtle or more flared. Mega flares are high rise and wide or extremely wide from thigh to ankle.

The lengths of bootcuts and flares can skim the surface of the ground in heels, sneakers, flatforms and flats. Or they can be sported at the new shorter full length with the same types of shoes. Most of my clients who have bought bootcuts and flares recently are wearing them with fashion sneakers, low-heeled boots, and flatforms.

5. Paperbag and Pleated Waist

A mega ‘80s flashback if ever there was one. The fringe trend is gaining momentum which means that more and more people are into the look. These jeans are high or very high in the rise, and often pleated on the midsection. Sometimes, the paperbag waist and belt is sans pleats, and the tie is quite subtle. Sometimes the style can be worn without the tie. Leg silhouettes vary from straight and balloon, to wide in the leg. The point is to tuck a top into the waist.

6. Carpenter and Cargo

Jeans with carpenter, seam and cargo detailing have been fringe trending for a couple of seasons, and are still very fringe. Silhouettes range from the relaxed straight, balloon, wide crop and bootcut, to jogger and boyfriend cuts. Lengths vary from cropped to full length.

7. Slim Boyfriend and Girlfriend

These are different to the versions of ten years ago that were slouchy, lower rise, and you wore the waistband low on the hips. Today’s boyfriend and girlfriend jeans trend is higher in the rise, fitted on the seat, tapered at the hem, and relaxed on the leg. Hems can be gently cuffed. They are still quite fringe.

8. Ribbon and Tuxedo Stripe

Jeans with tuxedo stripes and ribbon detailing on the side seams have been around for a while but did not go mainstream. Silhouettes are usually high-rise cropped straights, high-rise relaxed straights, wide legs or cropped flares.

9. Jogger

Jeans with track pant design detailing are very fringe, and likely to stay that way. Some have structured waistbands, but most have elastic waists. Hems are tapered and ribbed or elasticated too. It can be fun to pull up the hems to create textured scrunch. They could be great for plane travel.

10. Cropped Flare

Cropped flares are mainstream and have been around for at least six seasons. They’re also known as cropped bootcuts or demi legs. They are mid or high-rise, streamlined on the leg, and flare out on the hem like a short pair of bootcuts. They are still going strong, and not a classic yet.

11. Pattern

Printed skinny jeans are mainstream, but the roomier versions are still quite fringe. There’s a wider assortment of patterns each year, so take your pick. Vertical striped jeans have made quite the comeback and take me back to the ‘80s. Patterned jeans are a good way to break up the monotony of a long Winter.

12. Balloon and Lantern

The late ‘80s and early ‘90s silhouette is having its fringe fashion moment. The jeans are high in the rise, fitted on the seat, wide on the leg, but taper back to the lower leg on the hem thereby creating a “balloon effect”. Lantern pants balloon out and taper back at the hem in a similar way, but have a couple of darts on the leg to create a notched angle in the silhouette. Lengths are usually cropped or on the ankle.

13. Twisted

Jeans with side seams that twist from back to front are very fringe. The seam detailing creates an interesting diagonal line down the fronts and backs of the legs which is quite streamlining. I’ve only seem them in relaxed straights, regular straight and balloon silhouettes.

I LOVE the jeans trends. Jeans are the trendier part of my style, so I like to be an early adopter of new silhouettes that tickle my fancy. I steadily add trendy jeans to my capsule to balance out the modern classic components of my style.

My current jeans collection is in the collection below. Apart from a red and white pair of regular cropped straights that fit like cigarette pants, I’ve moved away from skinny jeans. I’ve got high-rise relaxed straights, wide crops, sailor crops, high-rise bootcuts, high-rise wide legs, broad cuffs, carpenters, patterns, tuxedo stripes, and cropped flares covered. Next up is some sort of pleated jean with or without a tie belt, balloon jeans, striped jeans, and perhaps a pair of twisted jeans. I also want to refresh my white jeans capsule with roomier silhouettes since I wore the white wide crops the most last year.

Over to you. Which denim trends tickle your fancy?

Spring & Summer 2020: Footwear

After discussing the big seven trends, the colours and patterns, and the themes and silhouettes of the season, it’s on to footwear. There is a lot of happy tension between opposing trends right now, and this is especially apparent in footwear. 

The colour-rich, white, refined, pointy-toe, round, and narrow heels of the ‘80s are AS on-trend as the neutral, chunky, square-toe, snip-toe, lug sole, flatforms, platforms and block heels of the ‘90s. Throw in iconic classics like loafers, Dr. Martens, flip-flops, pumps, gladiators, Chelsea boots, cowboy boots, espadrilles, huaraches, ballet flats, Converse, thong sandals, and oxfords, AND and all sorts of sporty sneakers, sporty sandals, sneaker hybrids, haute hiking boots, wedges, sandal booties, caged heels, ankle strap anything, mules, slides, and Birkenstocks — and it’s very hard to find a shoe that looks dated these days.

THIS IS BRILLIANT, and in line with the do your own thing, sustainability, and practical comfort trends. I couldn’t be happier with the fashionable direction of footwear.

In terms of footwear silhouettes that look the most “new” to my eye, I’m going with patent shoes, light blue shoes, square toes on any style of shoe, slanted block heels, neon and bright shoes, multi-coloured shoes, chunky fashion sneakers, loafers and flats with hectic hardware, sporty sandals, witchy pointy toes, chunky Mary Janes, shoes with ornate heels, transparent vinyl shoes and trims, shoes with unique types of soles, and any sort of hybrid shoe. The collection below shows some examples.

Shopbop
SCHUTZ Aya Sandals
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Shopbop
Vince Clark Loafers
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Shopbop
Grenson Eve Oxfords
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Zara
Multicolored Sneakers
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Iconic classics look refreshing, especially when they’re remixed in fun and unexpected ways. Granted, I have a soft spot for the classics because I don’t tire of them. I wear them as much as I can, although they don’t always agree with my feet. I’d love to wear a little flat white gladiator sandal, but unfortunately find them awfully uncomfortable and wide.

I like the footwear trends, although there are many I can’t and won’t wear. I’d like to add some neon and light blue footwear to my Summer style. I’m always looking for white shoe refreshers, and could do with another pair of warm-weather red shoes.

Over to you. Which footwear trends do you like for the season?