Today we’re checking back in with Kilee Nickels (32) of One Little Momma who we first featured three years ago. She is a Mum of 5 boys, and runs her own jewellery business. She’s still into neutrals and sporting distressed jeans. Her on-trend, casual and practical style wonderfully fits her busy Mum-on-the-Go lifestyle. And she continues to add an edgy element with her go-to leather earrings, hairstyle and footwear.

“As a mom of five now and a business owner I still dress for comfort. My style is edgy and fashion forward, but also simple, so it’s easily incorporated into most women’s closets. I love camo and ripped denim, but I also love a beautiful lace top or pleated skirt.”

Kilee dresses up ripped girlfriend jeans and a tee with a statement jacket. Tucking the white V-neck tee and sporting heeled booties lengthens the leg line. The military-inspired black velvet band jacket is embellished with gleaming buttons and intricately arranged cord, and gives the look an interesting vibe. So do the velvet peep-toe booties that complement the jacket. Kilee sports a pair of leather earrings from her own company daily. Here she’s wearing her hair back which showcases their organic shape. A turquoise cocktail ring, mirrored sunnies and soft pink lippie are the finishing touches.

Jeans with sneakers, a nice top and some sort of topper is one of Kilee’s go-to Mum-on-the-Go formulas. For a back-to-school shopping trip with her son, she wore skinny ankle jeans that offset the relaxed fit of the oatmeal sweatshirt with high-low hemline. Adding the olive cargo vest as a third piece pulls the outfit together. The longer length is on-trend and works well with the skinnies. Lilac sneakers are more unexpected than a white pair would have been. Oversized leather teardrop earrings, in taupe this time, a white watch, sunnies, and several rings are the accessories of choice.

Getting a new dress or skirt for Easter each year has become one of Kilee’s holiday traditions. This year she found a black lace midi dress and paired it with all-black accessories. The scalloped leaf detailing on the frock creates textural interest. While the see-through lace on the short sleeves, neck and hemline lighten the black. Opting for dainty ankle strap sandals that show most of her bare foot enhances that effect. An oversized black clutch with zipper detailing adds hard edge. Going with cut-out leather earrings instead of a solid pair is another smart way to bring lightness into the look.

Picking a pretty top and interesting footwear is an easy way to jazz up a casual denim outfit. Our 5’7″ blogger is wearing dark-wash skinnies with an eye-catching T-shirt. The colourful embroidery and crocheted lace trim make it a stand-out top that feels more special than a regular tee. The ankle jeans showcase the lace ribbons on our blogger’s two-toned lace-up espadrilles. The black ribbons echo the T-shirt colour, while the white part of the footwear bookends Kilee’s earrings of the day.

A tomboy look feels “very Kilee.” The fitted silhouette of these black denim overalls creates a long lean line. Pairing them with a white blouson sleeve tee adds just the right amount of volume on our blogger’s dainty frame. The suede taupe wedge sneakers bring in a sporty touch, while the black leather tote with contrasting cognac handles adds a soft-edged touch. The taupe fedora bookends Kilee’s sneakers and is the playful finishing touch.

Kilee dresses up a simple tee and jeans with an on-trend blazer and gorgeous statement bag. The skinny jeans and black V-neck tee create a column of colour. The double-breasted blazer with its low stance and sharp shoulders is an on-trend piece that adds polish and fun pattern to the look. Our blogger’s nude booties with cut-out detailing an dangly gold earrings play up the rock ’n’ roll vibe. Her unique boxy colour-blocked leather bag looks both dressy and interesting. Fun that the colour blocking is repeated in the guitar strap.

Let us know what you think of Kilee’s fabulous outfits in the comments, and then hop on over to her blog to browse the rest of her posts.

I stumbled across this outfit and thought, WOW, that’s fabulous and very creative. A little Sporty Luxe, a lot of irregular juxtaposition, some subtle pattern mixing, just enough structure, and some glam for good measure. 

Pleated sunray skirts are hard to wear at the best of times. They can make us feel wider than we might like, draw unwanted attention to the midsection, and are a whole lot of skirt. Intuitively, we want to add structure to this silhouette of skirt by combining it with a short body-con top that showcases the waistline and the narrowest part of the body. This outfit throws all the conventional wisdom out the window, and I like that.

The dressy pleated skirt has been combined with a very fluid casual hoodie (and contrast drawstring, of all things!). The welt covers the waist and hips thereby camouflaging midsection extra bits. A blazer is layered over the top for structure and dressiness, which is not an uncommon styling technique. But the trendy long length of the blazer is a daring and fresh combination. Arty, creative and interesting.

The length of the skirt is dead right. Elegantly longer, but sufficiently short to expose some leg, thereby adding structure to the outfit. The tailored, dressy, pointy toe mid-calf booties elongate the outfit and leg line. But look at those cheeky high-contrast toe boxes that chop the foot in half. I think the pointy toe box offsets that effect, and the caramel pop of colour complements the earth-toned top part of the outfit. The grey of the boots complemenst the grey in the pattern of the skirt, helping to pull the look together.

Remixing earth tones and cool tones is another interesting component, as is the subtle pattern mix. The model’s make-up and hoop earrings are the polished cherry on top. I think this outfit is sublime. Jarring and unexpected in many ways, yet it works wonderfully well in our fashion era. What do you think?

I’ve always had a knack for finding things, and it’s absolutely what I love doing most. It’s also been an unofficial yet key component throughout my professional career. As a translator and editor there wasn’t a day that went by without my having to research new topics and dig up information to get the job done. And here on YLF I thoroughly enjoy helping our forum members find clothing and accessories that they have a hard time tracking down on their own. 

Starting my own business that would put my sleuthing skills front and centre, had been a dream of mine for years. So that’s why I launched Thoughtful Gesture in November 2017.

What Thoughtful Gesture Does

I help individuals and business owners find unique and truly thoughtful gifts. Because getting an amazing present can make us smile from ear to ear. In the same way that giving a fantastic gift feels especially rewarding.

It turns out though that finding the present that does both can be a bit of a struggle for many of us. Most of my clients fall in one of two categories:

• They don’t have the time to  go searching for the “perfect present” in crowded brick-and-mortar stores or sifting through tons of options online.
• They feel they aren’t creative enough to find a gift that will wow.

However, one thing they all have in common is that they want to choose thoughtful gifts because they want their family, friends, and business clients to feel loved and appreciated. Being able to give them something that shows “I get you”, does exactly that.

How My Service Works

• You tell me your budget and fill out a questionnaire to provide more info about the people you are buying gifts for.
• I go over your info carefully and hand-pick 3 gift options for each person on your list. All the suggestions will be fully personalized.
• I never use algorithms, nor I am affiliated with any particular store or brand, so I’m entirely free to pick only those items that suit your recipient to a T.
• Within 5 business days you receive the 3 gift suggestions for your people. The only thing you need to do is decide which of the suggestions you like best and order their spot-on gifts online. It’s that simple.

If you’re struggling to come up with fun, original gift ideas for the holidays, then I’m here to help with my Holiday Hero packages. No going to the mall, no comparing reviews on Amazon, no wasting money on things your family and friends won’t like.

Finally, I’m running a give-away on Instagram this week in which you can win one Holiday Hero package to find gifts for 3 different recipients. Good luck with all your holiday shopping!

In America it’s tradition to begin holiday shopping around Thanksgiving, especially online where you can shop in the comfort of your home and avoid the crowds. The items here caught my eye when I was browsing Nordstrom’s Black Friday sale. Some of the items have been winners on clients, and others have followed me home.

They cover a range of items and price points. Be sure to browse the colour and size options. Check out the designer top picks too.

• Rebecca Minkoff Rebecca Minkoff Korlyn Studded Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: These work surprisingly well for a higher volume foot although you might need to size up. Hip, fun, on-trend and maximal on the foot. Quite comfy.
• Sondra Roberts Sondra Roberts Foldover Ring Clutch | Nordstrom: An alternative to a clutch at an affordable price. Like the retro ring detailing. I'm ordering this one.
• BP BP. Knit Sweater Coat | Nordstrom: A cosy and affordable cardigan in a trendy earth tone. Read the rave reviews.
• Halogen Halogen Kaylee Loafer (Women) | Nordstrom: A hard-edged maximal loafer that works on a wider foot, and comes in black and white. Quite comfy.
• TOMS TOMS Ella Chelsea Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: A comfy Spring bootie for a mild and dry weather. Super cute lilac inset, and can work for a wider foot and ankle.
• Munro Munro Alix Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Well-made classic chocolate brown bootie fabness. Neat and tidy, very comfortable, and looks polished on the foot. Comes in widths and black.
• Leith Leith Colorblock Plaid Scarf | Nordstrom: An affordable and effective colour vehicle for those who like red worn with a touch of pink.
• SOMETHING NAVY Something Navy Circle Ring Faux Leather Belt | Nordstrom: A soft and very comfortable waist-cinching belt to wear over dresses and tunics. Comes in black. Fably '80s.
• Calvin Klein Calvin Klein Geneve Genuine Calf Hair Loafer (Women) | Nordstrom: A pony patterned loafer that makes a statement on the foot. Moderately comfortable and okay quality.
• Trademark TRADEMARK Harriet Leather Shoulder Bag | Nordstrom: A crisp and dressy structured white bag with a versatile and relaxed guitar strap. Exquisite quality.
• Splendid Splendid Nestor Pointy Toe Kitten Heel Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: A pewter bootie to bust out for the holidays or whenever you want to wear a party on your feet. Best on a lower volume foot, and moderately comfortable. Comes in toffee suede and read the rave reviews.
• Marc New York Marc New York Metallic Puffer Jacket | Nordstrom: Your choice of gold or silver metallic short puffer fabness. Makes a fun futuristic statement and suits a range of body types. Read the rave reviews.
• MARC FISHER LTD Marc Fisher LTD Charly Western Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Well made, a trendy classic and dramatic on the foot. Quite comfortable if you can manage the heel height. They look amazing under bootcuts, dramatic flares, and have a high longevity factor. Read the rave reviews
• Ecco ECCO 'Tour' Hybrid Wingtip Golf Shoe (Women) | Nordstrom: Golfing Fabness. Very comfortable, well made and looks Sporty Luxe. Works for both higher and lower volume feet. The white shoe and watermelon sole offset the tomboy integrity of the style. I have these on order.
• Madewell Madewell New Mexico Map Chenille Scarf | Nordstrom: A fabulous weight scarf for Team Earth Tones to wear in warmer climates.
• Rag & Bone rag & bone Sam Lambswool Scarf | Nordstrom: A Breton stripe scarf with easy pull-through detailing. Best on a broader shoulder line, larger body type and longer neck.
• Kristen Blake Kristen Blake Notch Collar Wool Blend Coat (Plus Size) | Nordstrom: Classic Cobalt Coat Fabness. Well made, tailored and flattering. Read the rave reviews.
• DvF DVF Ruched Turtleneck | Nordstrom: A pretty lilac top for those with long necks who like to wear form-fitting clothing.
• Cole Haan Cole Haan Long Down & Feather Fill Coat | Nordstrom: Sleeping Bag Navy Puffer Fabness. That will keep you warm! Great structure on the torso, and good reviews.
• FLY London Fly London 'Leal' Boot (Women) | Nordstrom: Haute Hiking Boot Fabness. Extremely comfortable if you can manage the heel height. Works on a range of foot shapes because you can adjust the width with the laces.
• FLY London Fly London Poro Wedge Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Casual and slighty quirky booties for higher volume feet.
• Trina Turk Trina Turk Coat with Hooded Bib | Nordstrom: Well made and DIFFERENT. The hooded dickie creates a Sporty Luxe integrity on this comfortable and streamlined coat. All three colours are nice.
• Marc New York Marc New York Velvet Trim Quilted Coat | Nordstrom: A fab puffer for a curvy body type. Nice structured fit. Luxe velvet lining. Comes in grey and black.
• L'Amour Des Pieds L'Amour des Pieds Taimah Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: Playful streamlined sneakers that work well with bunions. Extremely comfy and four colour options.
• Leith Leith Gillis Stretch Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: A festive bootie for high heel wearers with lower volume feet. Moderately comfortable.
• MARC FISHER LTD Marc Fisher LTD Jarli Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Disco Bootie Fabness with some good reviews. Add these to an all-black outfit with some silver bling and you're sorted.
• Nordstrom Nordstrom Eyelash Trim Print Cashmere & Silk Wrap | Nordstrom: A delicate and soft scarf that is refined and elegant for Team Purple with a jacket or coat.
• J.Crew J.Crew Fair Isle Sweater (Regular & Plus Size) | Nordstrom: I love this Fair Isle and have the watermelon. The chunky knit is thick, warm, Nordic, cosy, and adequately streamlined on the sleeves and welt. I like to semi-tuck the front into high-waisted jeans for structure.
• T Tahari Tahari Blair Moto Style Puffer Jacket | Nordstrom: A beautifully made and structured cappuccino puffer that works on a range of body types. Looks good worn open too.
• Fleurette Fleurette Loro Piana Wool Peacoat | Nordstrom: Classic Tailored Peacoat Fabness. Not that thick. Quite warm and streamlined. Works well worn open.
• Spanx SPANX Fishnet Floral Shaping Tights | Nordstrom: Lacy fishnet hybrid hose that adds punch to party wear. Super pretty, and I like the asymmetrical pattern.
• Vince Camuto Vince Camuto Mix Cable Balloon Sleeve Cotton Blend Sweater | Nordstrom: A semi dressy pullover to wear to work or for the holidays if you want to keep things casual. Runs a size big and comes in three colours.
• City Chic City Chic Scoop Neck A-Line Dress (Plus Size) | Nordstrom: Curvy Fit & Flare Fabness. Great reviews.
• Kristen Blake Kristen Blake Quilted Faux Fur Jacket (Regular & Petite) | Nordstrom: A super soft and cuddly jacket with a retro vibe. NOT streamlining, yet super fun nonetheless.
• Andrew Marc Andrew Marc Honeycomb Quilted Moto Jacket | Nordstrom: A sleek and lightweight moto puffer for milder climates, or to wear under a coat. Comes in black.
• Rag & Bone rag & bone Westin Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Trendy white cowboy booties to wear with just about anything. Moderately comfortable, and best on a regular or low volume foot. Comes in black.
• Nordstrom Nordstrom Luxe Fishnet Tights | Nordstrom: My favourite micro fishnet hosiery that wears like iron.
• MOLLY GODDARD Molly Goddard Bevan Check Print Tights | Nordstrom: Graphic and quirky hosiery to liven up a black dress worn with black footwear.
• Barefoot Dreams Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Socks | Nordstrom: THE softest and cosiest socks of the season. Fab to wear at home.
• Karen Kane Floral Ruffle Hem Top | Nordstrom: A nod to Spring flowers in Winter in a pretty knit top. Fluid on the torso and works on most body types. Runs a little big.
• Naturalizer Blair Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: A simple and extremely comfortable modern classic bootie that works with most pairs of pants and jeans is not to be underestimated. Clean, crisp, polished and smart casual. Comes in wide widths. Might be a little wide on the ankle in larger sizes, but not too bad. These earned a place in my wardrobe in white, and my feet are in love with how they feel. That one inch heel is the bomb, and they work with most of my bottoms. WORKHORSES for my style. 20,000 step urban walking shoes. The toe boxes are pointier and longer in person. The regular width works well for low-volume feet and long toes. I've already duplicated the style. Comes in many colours.
• Acorn Bacon Houndstooth Down & Feather Scarf | Nordstrom: The photo looks odd, but if you click on the link you can see the puffer scarf styled on a body. Super cute, and different.

Go to the collection page to see pictures of the items alongside my descriptions.