Crisp and Slouchy Earthy Midi

A new outfit from Daniella Robins of Style . Life . Soul by LellaVictoria, whom we introduced to YLF in July 2013.

This is a fab example of a midi skirt worn with an untucked top. Daniella is sporting a knitted mid-calf skirt with a fun swoosh factor. She’s paired it with an oversized white shirt with a subtle A-line silhouette for a fashion-forward take on the classic. The tailored fit on the shoulders provides structure as do the hip-hugging pleats on the skirt. The lowish vamp on the square-toed mules with architectural thin stack heel lengthens the leg line from the foot up. The dark rich cinnamon colour complements the dusty pink skirt brilliantly. Our blogger’s white bag bookends the shirt, while the oval resin handles make a style statement and pick up the colour of the mules. Dark toenail polish is all that’s needed to finish off this minimal look.

Daniella Robins - 1

Daniella Robins - 2

Fab Finds: First Fall

Fall has hit retail and Seattle in a big way, and so far so good. It’s going to be a great season with ample variety. Here are some items that have been winners on clients, or that earned a place in my own wardrobe. I’ve been extra vigilant about the quality and fabric of my wardrobe, and am pleased to report that the new items are stellar. Lots of fun colours, patterns, trendy items, and classics.

1. Boden Antonia Sweater

This lovely pullover has a romantic and trendy puff at the crown of the sleeve and blousons at the cuff. It’s gorgeous quality, non-itchy, crisp to the touch, and easy to wear UNTUCKED. It fits fluidly and looks dressier than the norm. The ribbed cuffs can be cuffed back if they’re a little long. Plenty of length for tall gals, and the fuchsia is mine.

Boden
Antonia Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
18
Boden
Antonia Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
9
Boden
Antonia Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
11
Boden
Antonia Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
6
Boden
Antonia Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
3

2. J.Crew Leona Bootie

A dressy yet relatively flat bootie with a high shaft is hard to find, and these fit the bill. If your foot is remotely wide, do not try them. They fit my low-volume feet and narrow ankles perfectly with a cushioning insole to take up extra width. They are comfortable and very polished. The high shaft might cut into your ankle at first, but feels fine after a while.

3. BLANKNYC Renegade Snake-Printed Blazer

A forum member and a couple of my clients are rocking this subtle cocoon-shaped topper that’s streamlined and versatile. Soft, comfortable, lightweight, and a lot more flattering than you expect. It works particularly well on apple and inverted triangle body types.

4. Scotch & Soda Pants

Scotch & Soda makes some of the best quality and most fun bottoms at retail at the moment. The fabrics are dressy, but the silhouettes are casual. That way you can dress the items up or down, and remix them any way at all. The fits are neither straight nor curvy, but somewhere in between. The rises are mid to high rise, but not too high. Fabrics are luxe and the detailing is fun. I have two pairs that I altered at the hips, waist, thighs and bottom to create a perfect fit, and they’ve been fabulous.

5. Boden Tweed Pants

The Malden Tweed Pants might be my favourite pants of the season, which I’m wearing here. I got the navy with the citron stripe. The stripes are matched on the side seams and beautifully made. They are woolly but half lined, and feel extremely comfortable and luxurious. Dressy, but not too dressy, and fun with boots and sneakers. They will probably work on both a curvier and straighter figure because the cut is that good. Fabulously on-trend.

The British tweed pants are wonderfully dramatic and work well on a curvier figure. They are half lined, well made, luxe, and swoosh as you stride. They run big, so size down. Fabulously on-trend, and great with flatforms or sneakers.

Boden
Malden Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
15
Boden
Malden Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
8
Boden
Malden Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
4
Boden
British Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
6
Boden
British Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
British Tweed Pants
View Info
Top Pick
7

6. VAGABOND Mya Pointy Toe Bootie

These darlings work best on a low and regular volume foot with a narrower ankle. Soft, and reasonably comfy. They are dressy, excellent with skirts and dresses, and all sorts of pants or jeans because of the streamlined fit. They’ll work for holiday parties and more formal occasions, and look festive in the trendy patent. The cream are mine for dressy wear.

7. Boden Modern Classic Shirt

I’m back to loving button-down shirts because I felt like a change from my blouses. These are my favourite for Fall because they’re crisp and FLUID. They are not supposed to be form-fitting. They look great tucked into bottoms, OR untucked and layered under a vest or pullover for the school uniform trend. Gorgeous quality, comfy, playful, and polished. I have the “fish ’n chips” shirt, and it’s a workhorse.

Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
9
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
11
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
4
Boden
Modern Classic Shirt
View Info
Top Pick
4

Fall & Winter 2019: Accessories

Last but not least for the week, here are the accessory trends for the season. If you missed the rest, we discussed 2019’s Fall & Winter colours, vibes and silhouettes, jeans, and footwear earlier this week. 

As in clothing and footwear, there is a strong ’80s and ‘90s influence in accessories. For jewellery, it’s about plastic and resin earrings, tortoiseshell anything, asymmetrical earrings, interwoven rings, and chunky chain link necklaces and bracelets. There are all sorts of brooches and scarves, which you can style any way you like. Dainty monogram necklaces and bracelets are fashionable too.

For headgear and hair think turbans, corduroy hats, bucket hats, plaid anything, hair slides, headbands and barrettes. Belting at the natural waist is huge, especially with wide belts over dresses and tunics, or in belt loops or high-rise pants and jeans.

You might enjoy brightly coloured crayon hosiery with matching or contrasting footwear. Fishnets and leg warmers are having a fashionable moment. Dainty short socks worn with pumps, loafers and oxfords continue to trend. Chain-strap bags, small dressy crossbodies, belt bags, shearling bags, and carrying two bags at once — one large and one small — are where it’s at for bags. Any accessory in animal prints, mock croc, plaid, earth tones, and patent is big. And nylon bags have made a comeback too.

Mango
Printed Pleated Scarf
View Info
Top Pick
4
Zara
Velvet Bow Headband
View Info
Top Pick
3
Zara
Nylon Backpack Shopper
View Info
Top Pick
3
Shopbop
Shashi Joleen Clip
View Info
Top Pick
2
Shopbop
REJINA PYO Rita Bag
View Info
Top Pick
1
Shopbop
Clare V. Simple Tote
View Info
Top Pick
3
Mango
Link Resin Earrings
View Info
Top Pick
1
Mango
Link Chain Necklace
View Info
Top Pick
1
Mango
Link Necklace
View Info
Top Pick
1
Mango
Corduroy Nautical Cap
View Info
Top Pick
3
Mango
Croc-effect Wide Belt
View Info
Top Pick
1
Mango
Frayed Edge Scarf
View Info
Top Pick
2
Mango
Link Necklace
View Info
Top Pick
3
Mango
Leather Belt
View Info
Top Pick
1
H&M
Patterned Scarf
View Info
Top Pick
2

I’m sticking to my chunky white pearls and vintage brooch for jewellery, since I’m not a jewellery person. That said, some lovely friends gave me a very dainty gold monogrammed necklace that I like wearing layered with my pearls. I have fab prescription tortoiseshell sunnies, a fun new graphic moss green and cream polka dot scarf, a good selection of woolly hats, and a very large and happy handbag collection. I feel very sorted with cold-weather accessories, although I’d welcome another white, red or citron bag.

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.

Read More

Assorted Items

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

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

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

Read More

Hints of Spring

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

Read More

Dressier Items

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

Read More

Link Love: Fashion Week & The Issue of Diversity

September is fashion show month, and I noticed that fashion publications are increasingly paying attention to diversity and sincerity:

Fab Links from Our Members

Shevia remembers Rhoda fondly: “For a Generation, Valerie Harper’s Rhoda Defined Imaginative Boho Style.”

Lisa p found this article about whether vegan leather is a more sustainable option or not interesting.

When Nude Is Only Nude For Some People“: Nuancedream remembers when Crayola crayons had a color named ‘Flesh’ and no one she knew had a skin tone that looked like Silly Putty.

Vildy found it interestingly ironic that for Celine’s Fall 2019 Ready-to-Wear collection Hedi Slimane used the vehicle of the fashion show to promote pre-fashion show clothing conventions.

Runcarla loved this: a Canadian museum worker dresses up like famous works of art, and then poses with them.

After seeing this article, Fashintern asks why there are standard issue swimsuits when we don’t have standardized bodies.

L’Abeille has not watched the television show Succession, but found this description of costume choices for Shiv Roy’s character inspiring, to the point that it may shape her style evolution this Fall.

Fall & Winter 2019: Footwear

After discussing the colours of the season, the vibes & silhouettes, and the direction of denim, it’s on to footwear. Current footwear trends are much inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s, with a little ‘70s for good measure. That’s why we’re seeing an extreme assortment of ‘80s dressy, delicate refinement AND ‘90s casual combat chunkiness. The platforms are a ‘70s touch.

Toe boxes are ‘80s pointy or round, and ‘90s square or snip toe. Heels are daintily stacked, stilettoed and blocked, or ruggedly lugged and flat-formed. There are lots of hybrids, colours, clever technical fabrics, low heels and flats, laces, and interesting soles. Maximal footwear hardware is coming through too.

Footwear in earth tones, patent, and shades of brown leather/pleather are top of the list, with all sorts of animal print like leopard, cheetah, snake, giraffe, pony and crocodile. I’m also seeing lots of black, red, and white footwear, as well as some green, teal and purple.

The Western boot is a late ‘80s influence, and here to stay as an iconic classic. The sneaker is the shoe of our fashion era and there is a mind-blowing assortment of the ped. From Converse and Adidas, Eccos and Allbirds, Seinfeld looks and retro Pumas, and everything else. There isn’t a wrong pair of sneaker or sneaker hybrid these days, and you can wear them with anything.

‘90s Dr. Martens are back with a vengeance. There are lots of new Dr. Martens-esque boot silhouettes to complement the trend. Heeled loafers and oxfords are a thing, and dressy flats reign supreme. The haute hiking boot is huge. If you like square-toed footwear, milk it. Floral footwear and wrapped pumps are having their trendy moment. Over-the-knee boots are back, and so are tall slouchy boots which are worn over straight legs or with midis. Mid-calf boots worn over pleated pants and skirts or dresses ‘80s style are coming through too.

Here’s a collection of key footwear styles for the season:

Everlane
The '90s Loafer
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Heswall Shoe Boots
View Info
Top Pick
1
Boden
Renee Flats
View Info
Top Pick
5
Boden
Helena Low Heels
View Info
Top Pick
5
Shopbop
Ash Ono Loafers
View Info
Top Pick
5
Shopbop
Vince Delmar Shoes
View Info
Top Pick
4
Shopbop
By Far Becca Boots
View Info
Top Pick
7
Nordstrom
Me Too Dani Loafer
View Info
Top Pick
1
Nordstrom
MIA Liam Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
JAGGY Zip Boot
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
Geraldine Loafer
View Info
Top Pick
6
Nordstrom
Kalissa Pump
View Info
Top Pick
2
Nordstrom
Adiline Loafer
View Info
Top Pick
5
Nordstrom
Katie Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
4
Nordstrom
Casi Myra Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
12
Nordstrom
Odette Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
Dalaran Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
22
Nordstrom
Sloan Bootie
View Info
Top Pick
9
Nordstrom
Bobbi Moto Boot
View Info
Top Pick
14
Nordstrom
Combat Boot
View Info
Top Pick
6
Shopbop
LAST Rocky Boots
View Info
Top Pick
2
Shopbop
CULT GAIA Cam Boots
View Info
Top Pick
2
Boden
Heswall Shoe Boots
View Info
Top Pick
2
Boden
Ampton Ankle Boots
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Striped Sneakers
View Info
Top Pick
6
Boden
Bea Fringe Flats
View Info
Top Pick
3
Boden
Burwell Ankle Boots
View Info
Top Pick
1
Boden
Cavenham Ankle Boots
View Info
Top Pick
5
Boden
Carina Heeled Loafers
View Info
Top Pick
2
Boden
Carina Heeled Loafers
View Info
Top Pick
8
Boden
Helena Low Heels
View Info
Top Pick
5
Boden
Leaton Chelsea Boots
View Info
Top Pick
13
Boden
Georgina Loafers
View Info
Top Pick
5
Nordstrom
AGL Combat Boot
View Info
Top Pick
4
Zara
Multicolored Sneakers
View Info
Top Pick
3
Zara
Heeled Cowboy Boots
View Info
Top Pick
1
Zara
Quilted Leather Mules
View Info
Top Pick
4
Zalando
Ecco Sneakers laag
View Info
Top Pick
4

I like the footwear trends, although earth-toned footwear and animal print is not my thing on this leg of my style journey. Instead, I’m feeling patent cream and red boots, and bright yellow weatherproof Converse. I have Western shooties so that’s covered too. I’d love a pair of refined slouchy tall boots but they must be flat or low-heeled. This is what I have on order to refresh for the season:

Over to you. Which footwear trends are you feeling this season?