Fab Find: BOBS From Skechers

A pair of robust slip-on rain boots was on my shopping list, so the search started in earnest this year. I wanted a short pair of rubber Wellington boots — or “wellies” — that were fun, lightweight, comfortable, not too wide, and didn’t break the bank. I stumbled across BOBS from Skechers Rain Check Boots, and was instantly drawn in because they’re covered in dogs. Most importantly, they had a Yorkshire Terrier in the pattern. The Yorkie even looks a bit like our precious Sam.

Dog Wellies

The pair that came were too big and wide for my low-volume feet. I ordered a size down, popped in an extra insole to take up some width, and Bob’s your uncle. The BOBS are brilliant wellies. More brilliantly, when you purchase BOBS, Skechers makes a donation to save the lives of dogs and cats. Hence the reason BOBS rain boots, slippers, sneakers and flats are covered in dog and cat patterns.

The look is an acquired taste. A little juvenile, busy, and quirky for some, and not very sophisticated. That doesn’t bother me one bit. Despite their enormous comfort, the pattern and cause pull at my heart strings, which is ample good reason for me to love them. I wear my BOBS wellies with pride on very wet walks with Sam. Why not!

Outfit Formula: Dressed Down Sassy Skirt

love dressy wardrobe items because they’re very versatile if you’re prepared to wear them dressed down and daily too. That way you get the biggest bang for your fashion buck, and can enjoy dressy items despite a smart casual or casual lifestyle. 

There are many ways to dress down a dressy skirt. Adding a denim shirt, denim jacket, moto, sneakers, combat boots, flats, a tee, sweatshirt, slouchy knitwear, or a casual crossbody bag to the outfit are some of them.

Here are four sassy, dressy and classic skirts that are dressed down to create an interesting and more relaxed look.

1. Soft Tough Edge

A tough and hard-edged pleated pleather skirt is combined with a soft, fluid and refined pullover creating a yummy juxtaposition. A crisp white shirt layered under the pullover adds formality, structure and interest. The semi tuck adds waist definition, and the tailored black heeled boots amp back up the dressy. Add hosiery and a coat for warmth and you’re good to go.

Violeta Long Raglan Sleeve Sweater

2. Cheeky Classic

A classic, prim and proper tweed pencil skirt is untamed by dressing it down with a semi-tucked slogan tee, faded denim jacket, and snakeskin boots. A moto jacket will work as well. The pattern mix of the snakeskin and tweed is interesting. Nude hosiery will keep you warm. You can take this outfit formula and replicate it in any colour palette and with all sorts of patterns. Granted, mild weather is essential.

Violeta Printed Message T-shirt

3. Cosy Polished Prairie

This caught my eye because it’s a very unusual mix. A chunky pullover is tucked into a Western and folkloric tiered skirt and finished off with tailored laced-up heeled boots. Creative! Tall cowboy boots would look good too. Or a fine gauge pullover instead of the bulky cable knit. Pop a long coat or parka over the top and Bob’s your uncle.

Whistles Hilde Tiered Denim Skirt

4. Stompy Cocktail

I adore this type of dramatic, dressy, and big skirt. It screams cocktail wear, AND urban funk when dressed down so that you can run around and get on with your day. A slouchy pullover with matching flat stompy boots pulls the outfit together and loosens up the formality of the skirt. Add hosiery and a tailored long wool coat for warmth. A casual bag will relax the look further. Add jewellery, watch, and headgear as desired.

STINE GOYA Laila Metallic Floral-jacquard Midi Skirt

Replenish Your Wardrobe Basics

Wardrobe basics are items like panties, bras, camisoles, socks, sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and thermals. If you are sporty or athletic, workout wear is a wardrobe basic too. Early in the year is a good time to think about replenishing them. Wardrobe basics are not to be confused with wardrobe essentials, which are the simple clothing, footwear and accessory components that are essential to your personal style. 

You might not enjoy wearing or purchasing basics because they’re tedious to try on, hard to fit, relatively pricey and hidden most of the time anyway. You’d much rather spend time, energy and money on clothing, footwear and accessories that you and others can see. On the other hand, most wardrobe basics are workhorses. We wear them daily and cannot get dressed without them. That’s why they deserve your stylish attention and a portion of your budget at least once a year.

Do not underestimate how satisfying it is to replenish and wear fabulous wardrobe basics. It can be life-changing to wear a comfortable and fab fitting bra, knickers that stay put, a camisole that breathes, socks that don’t fall down, hosiery that’s comfortable at the waist, loungewear that looks polished and pulled together, and workout wear that’s super cute and flattering. I am reluctant to spend money on some basics like workout wear, but bite the bullet because it’s so worth it. On the other hand, I LOVE wearing pretty underwear and cute loungewear, so I adore shopping for those basics.

First thing’s first. Edit and review your basics capsules by following the steps I wrote about in this post. The idea is to tackle each basics category a drawer, bin and pile at a time, making a list of what’s missing along the way. Re-fit items on when you need to, and make sure they’re comfortable and to your taste. Arrange the items you’re keeping neatly back into their storage spaces, and find better storage solutions if you need to.

Once you know which basics categories need a refresh, it’s on to replenishing the items that are an easy repeat order, and searching for the rest. Prioritize your purchases because buying three or four new bras with panties and some camisoles adds up fast. If you’ve recently lost or gained weight, replenishing underwear should be top of the list.

It’s one of my style goals for 2020 to replenish a good portion of my basics. I’ve done the edit and review, and am looking at new bras, panties, camisoles, and sleeping tees. I’m sorted for loungewear, thermals, hosiery and workout wear. I could do with some new socks, but I’m hard to fit because they slide off my feet. I need socks in narrow sizes, but have yet to find a pair that work and aren’t too thick. I’m sick of spending money on socks that are ill-fitting, so I stick to knee-highs and pantyhose because those stay put and suit my dressy style.

For bras, panties and camisoles, I’m a big fan of items from Simone Perele, Hanky Panky, Hanro and B.P. I’m going to replenish with exactly the same undies I like to wear, AND try some new silhouettes from these brands. I’m also going to try panties from Sloggi, sleeping tees from Tommy John, and bras from ThirdLove. I’ve narrowed it down to what’s in this collection so far, plus some bras that I’ve ordered from ThirdLove. I’m taking my time with the refresh, and enjoying it.

Who’s joining me with a big wardrobe basics refresh this year? When did you last edit and review your wardrobe basics capsules?

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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Diversity in Fashion: Progress, But Not Enough

There’s no question that there’s more diversity represented in fashion than ever before. Still, the models we see on the runway, in e-commerce and in advertising are far from representative of society. This is a complex subject with many dimensions, among them race, body shape, age, physical disabilities, and other factors that have been traditional markers of conventional attractiveness, like a particular hair type or uniform skin complexion.

In this post I simply want to call out one area where the industry is doing better, and another where it is making very little progress at all.

The first is body shape. Like you can see in the examples below, retailers like Shopbop, Madewell, American Eagle, and Anthropologie are showcasing the same items on a diversity of bodies. Brands like Universal Standard are making diversity, and particularly body shape diversity, part of their brand values and their company mission.

Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket

Anthropologie High Waisted Bikini Bottoms

I’m grateful for these changes. The rate of change is slow, but it’s at least moving in the right direction. Teens today are growing up with a healthier and more positive body image than I did back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. They can, more frequently than ever before, see their sizes visually represented on models at the places where they shop. It’s not perfect — it’s rare to see an apple and pear-shaped retail model. But there is much more diversity in size than there used to be.

The industry is doing less well on age diversity. Models are mostly young adults. You will seldom see a retail model in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond. Very occasionally, a famous model like Lauren Hutton or a celebrity like Jane Fonda will make a debut for a brand. And some brands are trying: Boden showcases older models across a range of sizes and body types on Instagram, which is extremely refreshing. Merchandise from the Artful Home is showcased on older models regularly too.

So there’s progress, but it’s slow and uneven. How can we encourage retailers and brands to embrace an even more relatable and realistic diversity in the way they design and present their products? So that they in turn can demand diversity from modelling agencies.

In the meantime, while the world of fashion becomes more diverse, we can follow outfit bloggers or celebrities on social media, participate in social communities like the YLF forum, or rely on street style to see stylish outfits across a diverse set of physical dimensions. I’m fortunate to also have a very diverse set of clients for inspiration. And I will do my tiny part in all of this by sharing those experiences with you.

Weekly Roundup: Sassy Fabness

January 2020 retail is off to a good start. Lots of personality, some newness, practical fabness with pizzazz, memorable slogans, and discounts offered too. Some items have been winners on clients, some made it into my own wardrobe, and others simply caught my eye. Be sure to browse the colour and size options.

  • Boden Live Well Graphic Sweatshirt: Boden sweatshirts are usually more polished and structured than the norm, and this one is just that. The slogan is aspirational, the colours are pretty, and the quality is fabulous. How can this not be mine.
  • WASH LAB Long Jean Skirt: If you enjoy denim midi skirts, give this a go with a tucked or semi-tucked top. Cropped or welted regular length tops work well too. Fab in motion, and yummy with cowboy boots. Very nice denim quality. Soft, yet substantial. Runs a size big.
  • ELOQUII Polka Dot Neoprene Pencil Skirt: The polka dot on this body-con pencil skirt makes it more playful and less bombshell. Available from US14W to US28W.
  • A.L.C. Lev Leopard Print Asymmetrical Stretch Silk Midi Skirt: The drape on this skirt is SUBLIME thanks to a bias cut and the magic of diagonal lines. Very lightweight and quite versatile. Gorgeous in motion.
  • Cinq A Sept Tess Grommet Double Belt Crepe Midi Skirt: This skirt is for those who like a hard edge and hardware. Works on a range of body types.
  • VEJA Esplar 3-Lock Sneaker: A glitzy pair of sneakers that works well on regular volume feet. The tongue is a little stiff but moulds to the ankle quite quickly.
  • BOBS From SKECHERS BOBS from SKECHERSRain Check: If you love dogs and need a pair of short rain boots, try these. A donation is made to save dogs with each pair sold. They run wide, so size down for lower volume feet. I also added an insole and now they fit well. Lightweight and comfy. They have Yorkies on them, so OF COURSE I had to have exactly these when I was looking for a new pair of wellies.
  • Blackstone BlackstoneHigh-Top Zip Boot - CW96: Blackstone hi-top sneakers are wonderfully warm, comfortable, and cosy for this time of year. Some of their styles run wide, but these are more regular width. If you find a pair that works, they can be life-changing in the dead of Winter. Insulating and casually polished. Easy access side zipper.
  • Banana Republic Supersoft Cotton Crew-Neck Sweater: This beautiful little cropped sweater earned a place in my wardrobe because it's the perfect shade of turquoise AND cotton-rich. It's excellent for skirts and wide crops because it's short and quite fitted. I love wearing it with bright red bottoms. FINALLY, I have a turquoise top, and it's a perfect match with my turquoise Furla.
  • BP Faux Leather Crossbody Bag: A useful and well made little faux leather crossbody at a good price, and comes in three colours.
  • WASH LAB Long Sleeve Denim Midi Dress: This dress also comes in solid grey and denim. It's VERY well made and the fabric is gorgeous. Soft, thick and substantial. The length can be hacked for petites. The style is tailored, but the skirt part is not too tight. You can move. It runs big. The XS is more like a US2-4 than a US0. It fits a range of body types because the stretch and structure of the woven denim moulds to the body. It would have been mine if they made my size.
  • UNIVERSAL STANDARD Josie Short Water Resistant Puffer Jacket: GORGEOUS streamlined and interesting short puffer with a genius cut. So flattering, although maybe a little short on tall gals with a larger bust. The seafoam gets my vote. Available from US00 to 40.
  • UNIQLO Women Marimekko Ultra Light Down Parka: A unique Marimekko lightweight hooded short puffer that comes in two colourways. Arty and maximal in a fun graphic way.
  • Boden Holywell Tote Bag: A beautifully made casual canvas tote that comes in five happy variations. It lies flat against the body and isn't too heavy. Fits well over the shoulder. Somehow it's quite structured. This earned a place in my beach & pool capsule. I have a navy polka dot bikini that works well with it.
  • Kate Spade New York Women's Lucie Cross Body Bag: I have this darling in fuchsia and it's been a brilliant ultra casual and polished nylon crossbody. Weather-resistant and extremely lightweight. Available in olive, and comes in navy at Shopbop. The strap might be long enough for tall gals.
  • Eddie Bauer Women's Sun Valley Down Parka: A practical puffer in a lovely shade of teal. It has a streamlined silhouette which goes a long way to making you feel polished in a puffer. Runs a size big and is available in eight colours.
  • Banana Republic JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Washable Merino V-Neck Sweater: Try this if you like gently fluid V-neck pullovers in a great shade of turquoise.
  • Club Monaco Asymmetrical Draped Top: Beautifully classic, dressy, and with an architectural edge. You need to enjoy a high neckline to enjoy this top. The cuffs can turn back too. Well made and lovely fabric.
  • Banana Republic Water-Resistant Reversible Jacket: SUPER cute reversible weather-resistant jacket. It's boxy in the best way, and looks super sporty with the bomber-style collar. Runs a size big. Well made.
  • Banana Republic Print Slip Skirt: GORGEOUS '90s-inspired slip skirt. The fit is perfect, and it works well on curvy and straighter figures. Fab on apple shapes too. They got the bias cut just right, and the lining is lovely. Very nice fabric that's machine washable. Very easy to wear with a fitted tee, knit top, jacket, flats, boots or sneakers. It comes in an animal print too.
  • Bailey 44 Andrea Striped Midi Dress: If you enjoy a body-con dress with a bit of personality - try this. It will mould to most body types and is very comfortable. The magical diagonal lines do an excellent job of concealing lumps and bumps. Very streamlining. Comes in red.
  • Ted Baker Bluebell Floral-Print Collared Midi Dress: I've ordered this dress, and will let you know how it fits and feels. My body type likes to wear polo tops so I was drawn to the silhouette. The flared and tiered skirt means I can walk fast and not feel constricted. Love it's unique sporty yet romantic vibe. And it's blue - my colour of the year.
  • Joie Emmalynn Dress: I LOVE the look of this easy and elegant shirt dress. Elegant, breezy and very light weight. Cool, covered, and chic. Beautiful for Summer. I will be ordering it soon.
  • Banana Republic JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Oversized Midi Sweatshirt Dress: Sporty Luxe Fabness. I'm impressed with the Japan Exclusive Collection from Banana Republic, and this item is no exception.
  • Banana Republic Vegan Leather Cropped Bomber: This faux leather jacket is fabulous if you enjoy bomber styles, and especially if you like to wear them over dresses and high-rise bottoms. Very nicely made.
  • WASH LAB Pieced Dyed Denim Trucker Jacket: If denim jackets are a wardrobe essential for you like they are for me, you'll appreciate how unique this darling is. The colourblocking has a fun '80s vibe, and the fit is on the fluid side of tailored. Runs a little big. Comes in grey and black.
  • Standards & Practices Nova Tencel Hooded Dress: I haven't seen this dress in person yet, but it looks fabulous. More Sporty Luxe Magic.
  • Banana Republic JAPAN EXCLUSIVE TENCEL Midi Skirt: GORGEOUS fabric, lovely drape, and very comfy. Wear the right welted top with it, and it's a wonderfully romantic and trendy piece.
  • Boden Modern Classic Shirt: Boden has been making my favourite button-down shirts for several seasons, and this one is no exception. It's beautifully made, and the fabric is luxe. It also has dogs all over it. Go Team Dog!

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Boden
Holywell Tote Bag
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Top Pick
21
Shopbop
Joie Emmalynn Dress
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Top Pick
3
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
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Top Pick
12