Team Shop or Team No Thank You

You bat for Team Shop if you enjoy shopping for your wardrobe. You also might enjoy shopping with and for other people. You’re on Team No Thank You if you don’t. If you could magically update your wardrobe without shopping, that would be ideal. You don’t particularly enjoy shopping with and for other people either. Note that shopping in brick ’n mortar stores and online both count as shopping for the purposes of this poll.

This poll makes me think of my late Papa who loathed shopping. It was punishment to him. My late Mama filled my Dad’s wardrobe with items that she thought he would like, and I took over the job when she passed away. For the most part, this worked well. When we physically needed my Dad with us to shop for things like shoes, suits, and outerwear, we had to keep the process short, and throw in a nice lunch and trip to the bookshop. Papa was firmly on Team No Thank You.

I on the other hand, am firmly on Team Shop. I LOVE shopping. I greatly enjoy shopping online and in stores for my own wardrobe, and for others. I enjoy the challenge of finding just the right items for myself, my clients, friends, and family members. I like seeing what’s on offer everywhere at all price points, and how it changes with the seasons, trends, and economic climate. I enjoy shopping in small groups and larger groups. I was born to shop.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Shop, or Team No Thank You? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. If you can’t pick a side, there’s Japanese curried oyster mushrooms with brown rice, spicy cauliflower, blackened cod, and a fresh green salad on the bench. Gluten-free white chocolate cookies for dessert.

Fab Finds: Chico’s Top and Pants

These items worked extremely well on some of my clients. They are on sale, nice quality, good fabric, and come in a diverse set of sizes and lengths. They are also especially forgiving, attractive, and comfortable on the midsection. Chico’s does bespoke sizing so make sure you look at the size charts. 

1. Textured Mesh Banded Hem Top

I was WOWED when my petite apple shaped client tried this on, and so was she. It’s got built-in lining so it’s not transparent. The textured fabric is fab. The banded bottom with side ruching is magically streamlining over the midsection because it glides over the curves of the belly providing structure below the waist, and not on the waist. Zero cling, yet a good amount of tailoring. Genius design. Looks great with a range of trousers, jeans, and skirts.

Textured Mesh Banded Hem Top

2. Juliet Ponte Trim Detail Ankle Pants

If you have a wider waist and narrower legs, these pants are the bomb. They come in lots of colours, three lengths, and a diverse set of sizes. The hems have cute little slits that add polish to the style. The pockets are flattering. Super comfy, and don’t bag out. Launder well too.

Juliet Ponte Trim Detail Ankle Pants

3. Bi-Stretch Front Seam Slit Ankle Pants

These versatile pants come in two colours and three lengths. They fit a range of body types because they glide over the curvier and straighter lines of the body with stretch and substantial fabric. The front slits are darling and add a chic touch to the silhouette. Make sure they don’t cling to the calves if you have muscular calves. Cigarette pants will be trending so get a head start!

Bi-Stretch Front Seam Slit Ankle Pants

Outfit Formula: Party Wear

Here are some outfit options for parties and dressier occasions that are not dresses. If you prefer separates because they can be more insulating, practical, versatile and easier to fit, these looks might inspire you. 

Choose a colour palette that works for you and your style.

1. Festive Skirt

A magenta gathered flared skirt is combined with an eggplant off-the-shouder sweater. I like its glam and alluring, yet relaxed vibe. It’s partially tucked to shorten its length, which creates a bit of structure and a longer leg line from the hips upwards. Scrunched sleeves add to the easy integrity of the look. Tailored and high heeled eggplant booties match the sweater. The necklace and silver clutch add festive bling and sparkle. Gorgeous look.

Festive Skirt

More festive skirt options:

Hobbs
Teia Wool Skirt
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Boden
Josephine Midi Kilt
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Boden
Wool Pencil Skirt
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2. Holiday Sweater

Pairing a festive holiday sweater with jeans, or a pair of pants is an easy way to look festive in a very casual, cozy and comfy way. There are holiday patterns and slogans, fair isles, sparkly stars and stripes, metallics, beads and embroideries, ribbons, feathers, bows, and cabled solids. Add a pair of causal or smart casual shoes, and a belt if you like. Festive holiday sweatshirts can work too.

Lane Bryant
Sweater Hoodie
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3. Pants Suit

I say this every season and it bears repeating. A dressy pants suit in a neutral or versatile non-neutral is a very handy item to have in your wardrobe. You can whip it out for dressy events with a comfortable pair of shoes and fancy bag. Add some bling and Bob’s your uncle. It’s easy, insulating, timeless and trendless.

A party pants suit is typically fab for those who enjoy wearing trousers and blazers. A velvet suit is lovely for Winter, and here are some festive examples.

4. Leather, Lace, Animal Print

Think of ways to combine leather or pleather, lace, and some form animal print to create a texture-rich outfit. Here, a pair of black leather jogger style pants is combined with a burgundy lace blouse. Dressy heeled animal print boots dress up the look. Add a dressier bag and some bling to complete the look.

Leather, Lace, Animal-Print

5. Dressy Jumpsuits

A dressy jumpsuit can take the place of an all-in-one dress if you prefer wearing pants to skirts, and don’t mind “the loo fuss” of a jumpsuit. Dressy flats work just as well as dressy heels. A super fun ‘70s look.

Boden
Clarissa Jumpsuit
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6. Gilet

Pop a statement gilet over a simple column of colour and let it do the festive talking. In this example, a dressy black and gold brocade gilet tops a simple black sheath dress. It could have been dressy separates, or jeans and a slim-fit tee instead of a dress. Dressy gold shoes match the brocade. Add a bag and jewellery to complete the look.

Gilet

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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Party Wear That’s True to Yourself

Go beyond the little black dress. Fancy separates, patterns, and colours other than black are not to be underestimated. They can be more versatile, interesting, insulating, and easier to dress up or down. Wear what makes you feel festive and comfortable. 

Party Dressing 101

Try pant suits, dressy sweaters with trousers, fancy tops and skirts, or elegant jumpsuits. If you don’t like black, try navy, metallics, teal, eggplant, red, cream, burgundy, chocolate, or any other colour that looks dressy for an evening event.

Think texture and shine. Wear simple separates with a fancy jacket. Dress up jeans with an embellished top and shiny shoes. Throw a moto jacket over a ball gown. Wear dressy flats instead of heels. Add denim if you need to relax the glam.

Outfit Formula: Blue Jeans and Earth Tones

Retail stores are full of blue jeans and earth toned support acts in my neck of the woods. Mainstream earth tones have been trending for several seasons, and are still going strong. As for blue jeans, they’re a staple in many a wardrobe too. It’s also fab to see full length jeans options back in fashion. 

If you like this palette, these outfits might inspire you.

1. Toffee, Tan and Black

A pair of cropped blue denim skinnies is combined with a casual black quarter-zip tunic sweater. Tan booties are the earthy shoes of choice, which tonally match a toffee peacoat that tops the lot. I see a black, cream, or brown bag complete the outfit. Easy!

Toffee, Tan and Black

2. Earthy Blues and Grey

This is great inspiration for those who like to wear cool-toned blues, slivers, whites, and greys with a smattering of earth tones. Here, a pair of cropped blue denim jeans in a subtle barrel shape is combined with a fluid white knitted top. A pattered trapeze jacket in a polka dot with earthy accents tops the pairing. The blue and white dots in the pattern match the top and jeans. The black dots match the model’s hair. The earthy dots match the patent toffee boots. A mixed metal necklace repeats the warm and cool tones in the outfit. I see an earthy bag complete the look.

Earthy Blues and Grey

3. Cat Print

A short cardigan in an earthy animal print is buttoned through like a sweater, and combined with full length faded blue wide leg cuffed jeans. Pointy black pumps with metal toes add a dressy touch, matching the model’s hair and the black in the pattern. A black bag further matches the black in the outfit.

Cat Print

4. Creamed Toffee

A chunky cream cabled turtleneck is semi-tucked into a pair of dark blue roomy cargo jeans. Dressy back boots dress up the look and match the model’s hair. A black belt matches the black boots. A short toffee shearling jacket tops the outfit. Add a bag that works with the palette of the outfit.

Creamed Toffee

5. Cosy Knits

Last but not least, it’s sweater weather in most of the northern hemisphere. Combine a pair of blue jeans in a wash and silhouette of your choice with an earthy sweater in a solid, stripe, floral, cable, dot, argyle, check, or fair isle. Choose a blue denim skirt if that’s more your cup of tea. Add boots, a bag that works with the palette, and a topper that goes over the lot. Add jewellery, scarves, watch, and headgear as desired.

Shopbop
NIA Ariana Sweater
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Shopbop
VELVET Kella Sweater
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Shopbop
Ash Inacio Sweater
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