Polished Glam in Scotland

Today we’re checking back in with Scotland-based Amber McNaught of Forever Amber, whom we first featured in July 2014. Since then she’s had a baby, and continues to have fun with fashion and do her own thing. Her style is as bold, Modern Classic and polished as ever. And she is still rocking polka dots and long red locks.

Amber McNaught - 1

Amber dresses up a casual T-shirt dress with a Modern Classic blazer. A T-shirt dress is an easy pull-on-and-go option. The midi length is on-trend, and the black and white stripe adds visual interest to the look. Popping over a tailored blazer in white as “the third piece” adds crisp polish. Our blogger’s white sneakers add a Sporty Luxe vibe, while the straw bag with happy slogan gives it a relaxed Summer vibe. Amber’s go-to bright red lipstick and equally bright nail polish are the jazzy finishing touches.

Amber McNaught - 2

The biker jacket in a rich shade of cognac complements Amber’s stunning red locks perfectly. She’s wearing blue skinny jeans with side zippers and a cropped cable-knit sweater that lengthens the leg line. The faux suede jacket trimmed with faux fur adds luxe drama and is the star of the show. Our blogger’s kept the rest of the outfit very simple with block-heeled suede booties that match the jacket, and a textured satchel that also echoes the sassy jacket and Amber’s hair. Adding big sunnies and red lippy and she is ready to go.

Amber McNaught - 3

Our blogger’s love of polka dots continues unabashedly. The bias-cut skirt in striking forest green swooshes elegantly, while the cream sweater picks up the colour of the polka dots. The vertical self stripes on the sweater and the above-the-hip length help lengthen the leg line when wearing a midi skirt with calf-length booties. Opting for nude-for-her suede and wearing matching hosiery does the same. The laces on the stiletto booties give them a charming Victorian vibe. A white satchel with gold hardware and cat’s eye sunnies are the accessories of choice.

Amber McNaught - 4

I love how the soft pinks soften the harsher black and make Amber’s red hair pop even more. She’s created a column of colour by pairing a black slogan sweatshirt with black ankle-length jeans. The white with black sneakers echo the colours of the sweatshirt and contribute to the casual vibe. Our blogger then dresses up the outfit with a tailored classic trench in a beautiful blush pink. Her big bow bag in a slightly less saturated shade of pink adds even more polish. Glam oversized sunnies and coral lipstick work brilliantly with the rest of the outfit.

Amber McNaught - 5

Another super fun polka dot skirt, this one in a stretchy jersey fabric that’s lovely for warm Summer days. Our just under 5’4″ blogger went with the petite for this particular skirt and it is still a “true” midi on her. She’s paired it with a simple white tee that she’s knotted so that it comes up just under the waist. This creates a long lean line. The white Converse sneakers make a second appearance, and pick up the white in the skirt and tee. Red lipstick, black sunglasses and a fun fedora finish off the look.

Amber McNaught - 6

Retro preppy in red, blue, and white for a day at the seaside. Amber is sporting a lightweight ribbed sweater that just hits the waistband of the trousers, giving it a tucked effect. The fabulous tapered blue and white gingham trousers are ankle length, which draws extra attention to Amber’s dainty red ballet flats. They’re such a cheerful addition to the blue and white, and match her trademark red lipstick to perfection. Cat’s eye sunglasses are all that’s needed to complete the look.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Amber’s beautiful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out her blog where you can browse the rest of her outfits.

Trend: Chore Jackets

Utility wear is more on-trend than ever. The chore jacket — also called a utility jacket, workwear jacket, swing jacket or overshirt — is making a fringe debut. It’s not a mainstream trend. My guess is that it will stay fringe because it’s not the easiest silhouette to feel fab in. 

The chore jacket is a boxy, long-sleeved, casual jacket with utility detailing like patch and carpenter pockets, topstitching, carpenter loops, zippers, and a structured collar. The fabric is usually thick and stiff, like on an authentic workwear jacket. The silhouette is fitted through the shoulders, but stands away from the rest of the body. The cut is straight on the side seams, and the hem does not taper back to the body. The sleeves are fluid or oversized. The back is plain, or slightly trapeze with the help of a box pleat. The length of a chore jacket varies from cropped to hip length. The jacket can be worn open or closed.

This collection showcases a set of examples.

Zara
Overshirt With Pockets
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Zara
Camouflage Jacket
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Everlane
The Chore Jacket
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The boxy silhouette is not reserved for slim bottoms, although they are an intuitive pairing and a good way to go. The idea is to wear the jacket over just about anything, thereby creating as little or as much volume as you’re comfortable sporting. Wear the chore jacket with jeans, shorts, chinos, wide crops, flares and palazzo pants, and all sorts of skirts and dresses. When worn open, the vertical integrity of the outfit is increased because of the line that is created down the centre front of the outfit. This draws the eye up and down, which elongates the outfit. The shorter the jacket, the more structured the silhouette. The shorter styles tend to work well with dresses and skirts because they visually lengthen the leg line from the waist down.

My clients have mixed feelings about the chore jacket. Generally, it’s been more popular on straighter and apple body types. Some adore the avant-garde appeal. Some appreciate that it’s new, different, and adds a tough edge to their style. Others like the idea until they fit on the jacket. They tear it right off because of its blocky, wide, and bust-enlarging effect. The length can be tricky if it hits you at your widest part, thereby visually increasing the width of the body. Others could do without the masculine integrity, or simply prefer tailored toppers. 

I like the chore jacket because the swingy box-pleated back on some of the styles have a Modern Retro appeal. I appreciate that it’s different to a casual moto and denim jacket. I’ve chosen a trapeze version in pink with crisp white buttons and back box pleat to amplify the pretty. It’s a little more tailored to fit my narrow shoulders, not that long, and works well with my white pearls and footwear. I LOVE it!

Over to you. What’s your take on the chore jacket?

Everlane The Chore Jacket

Tie-Front Tops: Fab with Summer Skirts

This top is for skirt wearers who don’t want to wear fitted tops or tucked tops with skirts, culottes or wide crops. The tie-front top is a good solution, because you wear it over bottoms thereby covering some of the waist and midsection bits. The fluid fit is breezy on hot days, and will fit an assortment of body types. The tie provides structure by shortening the length of the top, and tapering the fit to showcase the contour of the body.

Nordstrom
HEARTLOOM Tori Top
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Shopbop
RAILS Thea Top
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Of course, you can wear tie-front tops with jeans, pants and shorts as the stock photos show. But since skirts languish in closets when they don’t have tops to wear with them, I’m emphasizing how well the tie-front top can work with straight, A-line and flared skirts.

The tie-front top comes in all sorts of colours, patterns, fabrics, and with assorted necklines and sleeve styles. Some versions are dressier than others. The style of the tie and length of the top can vary too. Some are longer, thereby covering more of the midsection. Some finish on the waist, while others expose the midsection. Some ties tie to the side. Take your pick.

The V-necklines are particularly flattering on petites, shorter necks, and larger busts. The knits are usually easier to launder than woven versions, but the wovens look more crisp. The button-through style is not problematic for curvy figures with larger busts because of the fluid fit and structure created with the tie.

Try the tie-front top if you have orphaned Summer skirts. Make sure the length is right so that you’re confident with the fit on the midsection. You might need to size down if the fit is too blouson-y.

Eloquii Tie Front Top

Marella Tris Printed Tie Front Silk Blouse

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 Shorts and Sandals

Shorts in all sorts of lengths, fabrics, colours, patterns and silhouettes are more on-trend than ever. In my experience with my clientele and what I see on the street, most enjoy wearing shorts that are mid-thigh length or shorter, especially in the US. Personally, I prefer the look of shorts when they’re a little longer, with lengths ranging from right above the kneecap to just below the kneecap like in the outfits shown here. Some call these longer shorts bermudas.

There is no right or wrong length, but simply your preferences and comfort levels. Shorter shorts might be your thing, or you may enjoy showcasing your legs. For those who like to wear longer shorts, there are plenty to choose from this season.

Yoox
Reiss Denim shorts
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Zara
Pocket Shorts
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Zara
Sequin Pants
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Shopbop
Vince Pull On Shorts
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Shopbop
R13 Crossover Shorts
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Shopbop
WALLIS Epique Shorts
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Shopbop
WALLIS Epique Shorts
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Here are some casual and dressy looks with longer shorts and Summer sandals. The leg silhouette can taper or flare out. Feel free to use any colour palette.

1. White Shorts & Denim Jacket

White denim looks great with pastels and blue denim. Combine a pastel top with white shorts in cotton or denim and top things off with a blue denim jacket. Finish off the look with white, metallic, tan, or pearl grey sandals.

Lane Bryant Chino Bermuda Short

2. Bermudas & Blazer

Crisp and dressy blazers can create a fun juxtaposition with denim shorts, which can be mildly or hectically distressed. Add a layering top and sandals, and you’re done. Here the white sandals pick up the white of the tops, but you can sport any colour.

Frame Le Vintage Bermuda

3. Elegant Fluidity

I adore the combination of fluid top with dressier shorts. The dainty flat sandals are the crisp cherry on top, thereby adding to the relaxed and breezy elegance of the outfit. They also pick up the white of the top.

Adam Lippes Stretch Canvas Bermuda Shorts

4. Dressy Charm

Combine a pair of dressy long black shorts with a dramatic and dressy top, and see what happens. The shorts are dressy because of their fabric, length and silhouette. The sheerness of the black top breaks up the expanse of the black, as does the embroidery. Finish off the look with a dressier sandal, slide, or mule.

SIMONE ROCHA Belted Feather-trimmed Wool-blend Shorts

I don’t wear shorts because I prefer to wear midi skirts, dresses and cropped pants when it’s hot. That said, if I were to venture back into wearing shorts, I’d wear the longer lengths that cover the kneecap. How about you? Do you like to wear long shorts, or do you prefer then mid-thigh and shorter?

The Good & Bad of Jumpsuits and Rompers

Jumpsuits and rompers are all-in-one garments. Somewhat like a dress where the bottom part resembles pants instead of a skirt. Rompers have shorts on the bottom, whereas jumpsuits are cropped pants or full-length pants on the bottom. Rompers are sometimes also called playsuits. 

Jumpsuits and rompers come in all sorts of colours, patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes. They can also be dressy or casual. Here are some examples.

Loft
Flower Branch Jumpsuit
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Jumpsuits and rompers are an acquired taste because, like most wardrobe items, they have their fab and not so fab attributes.

The Good

  • They are an easy one piece pull-on-and-go that requires little thought and styling
  • No need to tuck, semi-tuck, or worry about a too short or too long untucked top
  • They have a playful and fun Modern and Modern Retro integrity
  • Thanks to the pants, they’re not as breezy, revealing and impractical as a dress can be
  • They make a unique and interesting statement because there are fewer people wearing them

The Bad

  • They can sometimes look too child-like and juvenile
  • They can be hard to fit, because the length and width of the waist has to be in exactly the right place
  • They are EXTREMELY impractical when you need the loo

I have a jumpsuit, which you might remember from this old outfit post. It’s four years old and I’ve worn it twice because it’s THE fussiest, most uncomfortable, and most impractical item in my wardrobe. I thought it would be fun to wear because I love the glam ‘70s, but all it does is drive me bananas. I have to wear it with two and a half inch heels that I no longer own or wear. Going to the loo means I have to strip to my undies leaving the jumpsuit rumpled at my feet, which is a lot of fabric because of the long flared legs. In short, it’s an awful wearing experience. Yet, I keep the jumpsuit because it’s a spectacular and well-made designer piece. I keep on thinking I’ll haul it out for some glam occasion, in which case I’ll need to hem the length to wear with one and a quarter inch heels.

Jumpsuit - 1

Jumpsuit - 2

I LOVE the look of jumpsuits for the fabulous reasons I’ve described up top. They’re such a fun, unique and easy piece if you’re fine with the impractical part when going to the loo. I don’t know if the experience of wearing this jumpsuit has put me off for life, but I guess there’s only one way to find out. I’ll need to try a shorter version that I can wear with flats, and that isn’t as big a rumpled mess on the ground when I need the loo. Maybe a boiler suit of sorts, which I happily wore in the ’80s.

Over to you. What’s your take on jumpsuits and rompers, and do you wear them?