A new outfit from Kimberly Smith of Penny Pincher Fashion, whom we introduced to YLF in October 2013.

Kimberly plays with texture and pattern in this polished casual Summer look. The mixed stripe culottes immediately catch the eye thanks to the horizontal and vertical placement of the black and white stripes.Pairing them with a simple fitted tank lets the statement bottoms do all the talking. Tucking the top lengthens the leg line from the hips up. Pairing the outfit with on-trend slides feels fresh, plus the white footwear bookends our blogger’s tank top. Her semi-circular bamboo bag adds textural interest, echoes the striped culottes, and amps up the Summer vibe. Accessorizing with delicate gold-toned necklaces, bangle bracelet and drop earrings adds polish. Red-rimmed sunnies and lavender nail polish are the playful finishing touches.

You are on Team Summer Polish when you paint your toenails a colour all Summer long. You are on Team Summer Naked Nails when you don’t varnish your nails at all, or use clear polish. NOTE: this poll is about your SUMMER toenail style, so don’t include your Winter toenail preference when you might leave toenails to breath au naturel.

I’m very curious to hear your preference along with where you live. When I was in the fashionable, stylish and trendy Amalfi Coast earlier this Summer, I noticed how very few women had painted toenails (and fingernails for that matter). It was extremely crowded with locals and tourists, yet if I saw two women a day with colourful toes – it was a lot. It’s Team Summer Naked Nails on that side of the world. Generally feet were well-groomed, but it was au naturel or clear polish all the way. This was not what I expected.

When I was in Velp visiting my Dad or in London visiting family over the Summer – I noticed a similar thing. There are very few women with painted toenails. I’m not sure if it’s a regional Euro thing or a new Naked Nail trend. Most of my clients and friends here in Seattle have painted Summer toenails. It’s also very common to see painted toenails on the street.

I used to paint my toenails a pearly white, but haven’t for a couple of years because my nails started reacting negatively to the polish. I have regular pedicures, but use a clear nail strengthener instead of coloured polish. It adds a subtle shine and makes my feet look well-groomed. I missed my pearly white polish in the first six months, but have grown to prefer my colour-free nails. I also felt on trend batting for Team Summer Naked Nails when on holiday in Italy. I might never go back to painting my toenails.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Summer Polish or Team Summer Naked Nails? Is it the norm to see coloured toenail polish in your neck of the woods?

This outfit formula showcases strategy #8 for lengthening the leg line with flats, which is to wear dresses with waist definition. This styling strategy is especially effective with knee-length and midi dresses, where the hemlines are longer and the tendency to feel short-legged is greater. 

The narrowing of the silhouette at the natural waist visually raises the length of the leg line from the hips upward making your legs go on for miles in flats. The definition at the waist creates outfit structure, adding a streamlined effect.

Fit-and-flare dresses are frocks with fitted torsos that flare out on the lower half of the body. The volume of the flare varies from gentle to extreme. Here are four fit-and-flare dresses worn with a very specific style of flat called a mule (a slip-on shoe with a closed front and open back).

1. Low-Contrast Mules

Here’s a Modern Classic and Retro fit-and-flare frock in a bright, high-contrasting colour. Its midi length is elegant. You might think it’s begging for heels, but I think it’s begging for dressy flats, and was thrilled to see it styled that way. A flat mule is dressier than a flat sandal which suits the vibe of the dress, AND is the more fashionable and trendy choice. Here it’s been styled with flat white mules which are low contrast to the model’s skin tone thereby making her lower leg look longer. I LOVE how the classic dress has been made to look very 2018 with this choice of footwear. The white mules can be complemented with a white bag, jewellery, or eyewear.

2. High-Contrast Mules

The lovely gothic and boho midi fit-and-flare has a harder edge to it because of all the black. Here it has been combined with black mules, which are high contrast to the model’s skin tone. Waist definition draws the eye upward from the hips thereby lengthening the leg line, which offsets the high-contrast effect of the flat mules.

Generally high-contrast mules shorten the leg line, but in this case it works because there is a lot of black in the dress. The black is further complemented by the bag. 

3. Column of Colour

This is an example where the dress and mules are a similar colour and BOTH are low contrast to the model’s skin tone. The tonal effect creates an elongating column of colour where the leg line is lengthened by default.

4. Raised Hemline and High-Contrast Mules

Raising the hemline of the dress — even just a couple of inches — increases the length of the lower leg. The definition at the waist of the dress increases the length of the legs from the thighs upward. Both lengthening strategies temper the shortening effect of the high-contrast snakeskin mules. The dark bits in the pattern of the mules have the added advantage of bookending the hair of the model, which pulls the look together.

Fit-and-flare dresses are my favourite and I love wearing them at a midi length. The waist definition panders to my need for structure, while the voluminous bottom panders to my need for fun swoosh, elegance and practical movement. I’ve so enjoyed wearing them with flat white and patterned lemon mules this Summer. Here are my Summer fit-and-flares and the two pairs of mules I’ve paired with them. I finished off the outfits with white pearls, eyewear and either a matched or mismatched bag.

You might need a moment to adjust to the combination, so my suggestion is to just walk out the door and wear it. You’ll probably come back home a convert, because it’s easy, comfortable and fresh.

Anyone else enjoying fit-and-flare frocks worn with flat mules?

It’s hot just about everywhere in the northern hemisphere at the moment. In fact, CNN mentioned last week that 2018 is the fourth hottest year on record. On that note here are some very breezy tops and dresses to wear in high heat. Lots of colours and sizes to choose.

1. Cloth & Stone Benton Ruffled Tank

Ignore the stock photos because this top looks great UNTUCKED, and simply worn over pants, shorts or straighter skirts. If you want more structure, semi- or fully tuck. It’s got one of those magical necklines that looks good on most bust sizes and neck lengths. The armholes are neat and tidy, albeit a little roomy. The torso has volume that’s tempered by the drape of the fabric and V-shape of the neck. Excellent camouflage for muffin top. This is not suppose to be a fitted top. 100% cotton and machine washable. Bonus: the white is NOT transparent, so no need for a camisole.

2. Akemi & Kin Tibby Tank

Again, they’ve showed the top tucked, and it looks great UNTUCKED. Another magical neckline that looks good on an assortment of bust sizes and neck lengths. The drape is gorgeous and the fabric super soft. Nice length for taller girls and flattering high-low hemline. It’s supposed to look drapey and voluminous — extra ventilating — but size down. The dusty rose colour is unusual and rich.

3. Bordeaux Gatineau Knotted Tank

This tank is almost too good to be true. It’s fitted on the arms, shoulders and neckline, and gently glides over the torso making it forgiving of midsection extra bits. Good on an assortment of body types. The waist knot detailing lies flat, and gives the top structure. The neckline is not too low. It’s an excellent top to wear over casual skirts because you don’t need to tuck or semi-tuck the hem! Ideal for those who feel short-waisted when tucking. The coral is brighter in person, and the white is NOT see-through so no need for a camisole. 100% cotton and machine washable. I thought it ran TTS because the XS fit me perfectly. But I need a narrow fit so if you prefer a regular fit, you might need to size up.

4. Sole Society Karon Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

Sole Society makes excellent faux leather bags, and this one is darling. It’s larger than you expect, and lies flat against the body. Comfortable, although it does not have a zipper closure. It closes with a magnetic stud, which should be fine in a crossbody style.

5. Caslon Stripe A-Line Maxi

I keep saying that diagonal lines do magical things on the body, and this is no exception. A cool and breezy maxi that is gently fitted can do the trick. The V-neck and diagonal lines add structure to the straighter torso, or flatten curves and muffin top. Armholes not too low, and the length can be hemmed to midi. It has a linen content so be at peace with the crease.

6. Caslon Stripe Linen Shirtdress

It’s hard to find a shirtdress with sufficient length and a little structure, and this one fits the bill. The short sleeves are flattering and just long enough to feel cool yet covered. The vertical stripes draw the eye up and down. It’s 100% linen so it will crease and you won’t want it too tight. Read the rave reviews.