Outfit Formula: A Side of Lilac

Pastel and mid-tone purples, like lilacs and lavenders, are popular on YLF and with my friends and clientele. Lilac is a signature colour for some of my friends and it suits them beautifully. Some lilacs are more pink, and some more blue. Some are saturated and others are watery. Take your pick. 

Mango
Oversize Knit Sweater
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Lilac is versatile, and looks great remixed with a range of colours. These outfits show that in an interesting way.

1. Lilac, Olive, Grey, White

A patterned lilac, olive, grey and white sweater is tucked into a pair of wide chartreuse-y olive pants. The pants pick up the olive in the sweater. Chunky white athletic shoes pick up the white in the sweater. Personally, I’d have preferred the shoes to be completely white, and not blocked with black and dark purple. A lilac bag picks up the lilac of the sweater. Unique palette.

Lilac, Olive, Grey, White

2. Lilac, Navy, Burgundy, White, Fuchsia

A lilac blouse is tucked into a pair of dark wash blue jeans. A fuchsia blazer is layered over the top. Burgundy boots that complement the purple and pink are the shoes of choice. A navy, white, lilac and fuchsia scarf is the finishing touch that brings it all together. Add a bag that works with the palette. Fab modern ‘70s vibe.

Lilac, Navy, Burgundy, White, Fuchsia

3. Lilac, Butternut, Black, White

An oversized lilac swingy sweatshirt is worn with a pleated lilac and butternut ombré midi skirt, which has a black waistband. The top is tucked a little in front to showcase the black waistband, and hint at a waist. White mules with black straps add a dainty relaxed touch. The black straps of the mules match the waistband of the skirt. I see a white bag complete the look.

Lilac, Butternut, Black, White

4. Lilac, Burgundy, Black, Snake Print

Last, a summery lilac open weave sweater is paired with a burgundy skirt. Black and grey snakeskin sandals add patterned interest to the texture-rich look. The black belt with silver statement buckle works with the black in the pattern of the shoes. Add jewellery, eyewear, bag, and watch as desired.

Lilac, Burgundy, Black, Snake Print

Bodysuits: Yay, Nay, or Maybe

A bodysuit is a one-piece garment that has fastenings in the crotch. It resembles a regular top from the waist up, and looks like a leotard from the waist down. The top part of a bodysuit is knitted or woven and comes in a range of silhouettes, patterns, and colours. It can look like just about any style of shirt, blouse, knitted top, or tee. The bottom part of a bodysuit is knitted, and has stretch for comfort. Sometimes the top and bottom parts are made of the same fabric.

The collection below shows a good assortment of bodysuits.

Zara
Draped Fitted Bodysuit
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Zara
Draped Fitted Bodysuit
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I wore bodysuits in the ‘90s. I had many of them across a range of colours, fabrics and silhouettes. They were form fitting, knitted, and had stretch. I have fond AND awful memories of them.

The ones that fitted particularly well were amazing. Rises were high till the mid ‘90s, so wearing a bodysuit with higher rise pants, skirts, and jeans was practical, covered, and fuss-free. Your top stayed put. You created a sleek, alluring, and neat look under a jacket too.

There were also ill-fitting bodysuits. There wasn’t enough coverage around the seat area, and the lengths were too short. They crept up and pulled lengthways. Wedgie-galore, and awfully uncomfortable. When pants rises began lowering in the late ‘90s, you could see the leg openings of the bodysuit peek out above the waistband of your bottoms. This became a look in itself, and it wasn’t my look.

These days, bodysuits seem to be cut and made better than they were three decades ago. There is also plenty more silhouette and fabric variety. There are fluid blouse and shirt bodysuits too.

I haven’t owned a bodysuit since 1997. That said, I’m open to the idea if the fit is fabulous and very comfortable. As a tucker of tops into roomy pants and jeans, I like the idea of the top staying put. That said, I’m not actively looking for a bodysuit. It would need to find me without much effort. I am a cautious MAYBE.

How about you? Did you wear bodysuits back in the day? Do you wear them now? If not, would you wear them again?

Nineteen Years!

YouLookFab turned nineteen over the weekend. That’s a year short of two decades since we published the first post. That’s a LONG time, and in some ways unimaginable and surreal. Someone recently referred to YLF as an OG blog. Now that I know what that means, I’m smiling. 

You are what makes YLF a special social community. Thank you for your insightful, compassionate, intelligent, thoughtful and amusing contributions, from which I learn, reflect, and grow as a person. Special shoutouts to Fabbers who have supported YLF for more than a decade, and to those who chime in without fail on every blog post I write. I am humbled by your loyalty, discipline and engagement.

We’re keeping celebrations low key this year, but not next year. I’d like to mark YLF’s 20th birthday with a special event or events, and hope you’ll join me. In the meantime, many thanks for stopping by, and gracing us with your intelligent and respectful presence. Cheers to another year!

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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Outfit Formula: Long Cardigan

Long cardigans are an acquired taste. I have clients who swear by them because they’re practical, comfortable, and easy to wear. Some enjoy the swoosh and feel elegant in the silhouette. Some like the coverage of a long gauzy cardigan over a sleeveless top in hot weather. Others are all about the coziness of a cardi. Weather permitting, they wear cardigans instead of jackets. 

Long cardigans are a topper you can wear inside, and at home. Long cardigans can work well for lounge wear. They are softer than a jacket and can be lightweight. Fits are gently fluid or oversized. Lengths vary from thigh to knee-length. An easy layer to peel on and off in variable temperatures.

Bloomingdale's
How Cardigan
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Nordstrom
Rib Long Cardigan
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Onto some outfit ideas.

1. Patterned Set and Jeans

A patterned blouse is tucked into light wash wide leg jeans. A long cardigan in the same pattern as the blouse tops the lot to create a twinset effect. Sleeves are scrunched to show forearm skin. Red pumps pick up the reds in the tops. Add a bag in one of the colours of the pattern. Awesome look.

Patterned Set and Jeans

2. Black Pants, Stripes, and Teal

A pair of flared cropped black pants is combined with a semi-tucked black and white striped t-shirt. A long teal cardigan is the swooshy third piece. Black loafers match the black hair of the model and the black in the outfit. Add a bag to match. Simple and effective.

Black Pants, Stripes and Teal

3. Solid Set and White Pants

An olive ribbed tank top is tucked into a pair of relaxed and cropped white chinos. An olive ribbed long cardigan is the elegant soft topper that creates a twinset effect with the tank. Cognac belt and loafers add a rich earthy touch to the look. I see a brown bag complete the look. Casually chic.

Solid Set and White Pants

4. Pattern Mixed

A charcoal and silver graphic tee is worn over a pair of casual stone pants. Their hems are rolled to showcase more of the boots. A fuzzy geometrically patterned charcoal and white long cardigan tops the combination. Silver boots and earrings pick up the silver pattern of the tee. A mismatched olive crossbody bag adds interest to the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Pattern Mixed

Fab Finds: Jackets and Dresses

Spring has sprung, or is at least trying to spring, in most of the northern hemisphere. There are warm sunny temperatures, longer daylight hours, green leaves, and pretty flowers. I enjoy the change in seasons, and Spring shopping is my favourite. On that note, onto some top picks. 

1. Desigual Jackets

Desigual is a Spanish brand that makes particularly good jackets. They are fashionable, interesting, nice quality, and more affordably priced if you get them on sale. Some of the fits are narrow, and others roomy. It depends on the silhouette. There is a varied assortment of colours, fabrics, solids and patterns. Well worth a look, and a brand to keep on your radar. These jackets are favourites with clients. Petite clients do well with them too. Sleeves can sometimes be easily shortened.

Desigual has become one of my go-to brands for jackets because they fit well, and hit the right note for my look. I love the ‘70s integrity of some of their styles. Currently, I have the Desigual jackets shown in the collection. The red and chartreuse are wardrobe workhorses. Since I wear a lot of toppers in my neck of the woods, these are frequently worn. Robust and great for travel. They layer well under wool coats too.

2. Banana Republic Asymmetrical Shirtdress

Banana Republic’s poplin asymmetrical shirtdress is awesome and extremely clever because you can wear it two ways. No wonder it’s a best seller. It’s 100% cotton, machine washable, and comes in solids and patterns. Gorgeous high Summer fabric. Remarkably, you can button-up the straight sack dress to create structure on the midsection. Watch the video to see how the dress transforms. It works on a range of body types. Size down if you prefer a less architectural fit.

This is my type of dress because it’s a perfect way to stay breezy and protected from the sun in high heat. The green dress is mine. It’s brighter and richer than it appears in the stock photo, and the white buttons are awfully pretty.

Banana Republic Asymmetrical Shirtdress

3. On 34th Crew Neck Wrap Tie Dress

This dress is great value for money, and goes for a song if you get it on sale. It’s 95% cotton and 5% spandex. Fabric is substantial and launders well. It has worked on a range of body types, and is great on petites. The tie sits higher than the natural waist but isn’t an empire cut silhouette. Size up if you prefer a less fitted look. Works on a straighter and curvier body type. The diagonal pattern placement of the stripe is particularly nice.