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Skirt and Dress Do’s and Don’ts

— by Angie

on June 19, 2018

There is only ONE rule in fashion, and that’s to have fun with your style and enjoy the journey. Don’t take it too seriously, learn from the mistakes, and laugh a lot. Everything else is a guideline that you can take or leave at your discretion. There is no right or wrong in fashion and style. Only your own set of preferences that are subjective and personal.

In that spirit here’s a set of do’s and don’ts for skirt and dresses that my clients and friends have found helpful and somewhat empowering, and you might too:

Do’s

Do wear skirts and dresses with diagonal hems and lines because they create a flattering visual effect.
Do wear skirts and dresses with casual flats and sneakers.
Do wear corporate skirts and dresses sans hosiery. Bare legs are just fine unless your dress code states otherwise.
Do wear midi skirts and dresses when you’re petite, and by all means pair them with flats.
Do wear casual skirts and dresses for casual wear.
Do wear skirts and dresses if you don’t feel good in shorts.
Do wear shapewear under dresses and skirts if you prefer the visual effect of the contouring. Shapewear is a lot more comfortable than it used to be.
Do wear skirts and dresses that aren’t black because there is style life after black.
Do wear dresses and skirts when you find pants and jeans hard to fit.
Do wear dresses over pants to create a tunic vibe.
Do wear skirts and dresses in Winter with hosiery, tall boots, and a coat. Throw in the thermal layers too.

Don’ts

Don’t purchase a skirt without purchasing a top to wear with it, unless you have a suitable top at home. There are too many orphaned skirts in the world.
Don’t purchase a beautiful dress just to cover it up with a topper because it’s sleeveless or too cold to wear for an occasion.
Don’t ignore an ill-fitting dress or skirt if it can be easily altered to create a perfect fit.
Don’t feel that you have to wear skirts and dresses with dressy heels.
Don’t allow skin imperfections to stop you from wearing skirts and dresses.
Don’t wear skirt and dress lengths that make you feel uncomfortable.
Don’t rule out polyester or polyester-rich skirts and dresses because they’re affordable, crease-resistant, easy to launder, robust, and can drape like a dream.
Don’t eliminate skirts and dresses from your style because they’re fussy. They’re not. TRY THEM.

This list is by no means exhaustive, so feel free to add your own do’s and don’t’s in the comments section. Go Team Dresses & Skirts.

Dresses · Skirts

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New Proportions: Wide Crops, Voluminous Top & Flats

— by Angie

on June 18, 2018

The intuitive way to create flattering outfit proportions with wide crops or culottes is to wear them with a cropped top or fitted top that defines the waist, and a low-vamped heel to lengthen the leg line. The outfit below throws those styling strategies out the window with a roomy longer top and high-vamped flats, but to my eye the proportions work well.

Here’s why.

The wide crops are shorter than two inches above the ankle bone, which lengthens the leg line from the calves upwards and tempers their volume. The voluminous top has a structured shoulder line and is sleeveless (remember that showcasing skin creates structure because you’re highlighting the natural contour of the body.) The length of the top hides the waist, but the handkerchief hem draws subtle attention to it because it’s shorter in front. The shorter hem also lifts the eye upward, which shortens the torso and thereby lengthens the leg line. Flat pointy toed footwear further elongates the lower leg line without wearing heels. The low contrast between the wide crops, model’s skin tone, and footwear add further vertical integrity.

Granted, the top is muumuu on the midsection and makes your body look wider than it is from any angle. The wideness is accentuated by the high-contrast colour-blocked pattern. Things would look more streamlined if the pattern were a dark colour too. Either way, you have to be good with surrendering the waist.

It’s fun to create outfit proportions that are just flattering enough because they don’t limit your creativity or restrict your comfort. They also make the items in your wardrobe a lot more wearable. As long as you adhere to your personal figure flattering priorities, you’re good to go because YOU have to feel fab in your outfit.

Over to you. What do you think of these outfit proportions?

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My Father’s Style

— by Angie

on June 15, 2018

My darling Dad is 86 and lives on his own in a very quaint little town called Velp, in the Netherlands. It’s a five minute drive from Arnhem, which played a crucial role in World War Two because it was headquarters for Operation Market Garden. If you’ve seen the movie, “A Bridge Too Far”, you’ll know what I’m talking about, and see how my Dad grew up during the extremely hard war years. Papa moved back to his hometown when my Mum died eighteen years ago in Cape Town. My Dad loves his hometown and is very happy there.

I’m close to my Dad and enjoy a special bond with him. Our bond grows stronger each year, which is something that I nurture and cherish.

As far as my Dad’s style goes, Mama sorted that out because Papa finds shopping tortuous and tedious. Since Mama loved to shop, she happily took over that part of his life. I’ve taken on the role of sorting out my Dad’s wardrobe and style since Mama died, and am happy to do it. With my Dad’s blessing on what he likes and dislikes, I’ve chosen everything in his wardrobe for almost two decades.

Papa likes to keep his wardrobe VERY minimal, simple and classic for maximal versatility and ease. He wears the same undertees, shirts, jeans, socks, belts and shoes all year round. He simply layers over the lot with knitwear, jackets, coats, scarves and hats when the weather is cold. The formula works extremely well for him.

Papa only wears short-sleeved button down shirts, because he finds long sleeves fussy. He has eight shirts. He wears black, blue and brown jeans, and has one in each colour. He has an assortment of cashmere and cotton pullovers for varying weather — about eight in total. He has a black and brown belt, one to match each pair of lace-up shoes. He has one jacket, one coat, two scarves, and three hats. Apart from wardrobe basics like undies, socks, sleepwear and Birkenstock type slippers for at home — that is it. He does not wear shorts, sneakers, tees, sweats, hoodies, blazers, sandals or trousers. It’s easy fitting my Dad’s very small wardrobe into his very small Euro closet.

My Dad’s wardrobe may be minimal, but it’s colour-rich. He’s worn shades of orange and red for as long as I can remember. His specs are burgundy, which he chose himself! He likes most shades of blue, brown and green. He does not like black or grey, but enjoys his one pair of black jeans. Papa’s shirts are from the Gap and his jeans are Levis. His knitwear and belts are from J.Crew and Banana Republic. His outerwear, scarves, hats and shoes are from Nordstrom. Both pairs of shoes are Ecco.

I’m thankful to have a wonderful Dad who is a role model to me. He’s soft-spoken, introverted, gentle, generous, intelligent, good with numbers (he’s an accountant), a very hard worker, extremely independent, smiley, headstrong, and has busloads of grit. Papa is one of the most charming people I know, a gentleman, and utterly adorable. I’m grateful to be able to visit him three to four times a year (he stopped travelling to Seattle at 82.) These are the moments in life that count.

We at YLF wish you, your Dads, including Dads who are no longer with us, a happy and peaceful Father’s Day.

Administrivia

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Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Assorted Items

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

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Summery Earth Tones

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

Hints of Spring

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

Dressier Items

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

Outfit Formula: Summer Column of White

— by Angie

on June 14, 2018

Last week’s outfit formula was a Summer column of black, which was more popular than I expected it to be. This week I’m talking about its polar opposite — a column of white.

First, I’d like to debunk a few myths about wearing white:

ANY size and height can wear white. The fit and the fabric of an item play a bigger role in making an item flattering than its colour. My size US16/18 clients rock white jeans, pants and tops. So does my 4ft 9” size US000 friend.
Everyone looks good in a shade of white. It’s a question of choosing YOUR white. Bright optical white, off-white, ivory, cream, champagne, oatmeal, bone or a very light tan can be your white. Sometimes an extremely pale pearl grey can be your version of white.
No need to match your whites exactly. Mismatching them looks better than you might think.
White is not that impractical. Black and dark colours can show as many stains as white, depending on the cause of the stain.
Pale-skinned people can successfully wear white, and so can blondes. Wear a little more eye make-up, add some blush, and define your lips because it’s that easy to look bright in white.

Here are four ways to create a column of white to get you started.

1. White Separates & Cognac

A chic and dressy combination with cream pants and blouse, and cognac belt and bag. The shoes are white, but feel free to throw in cognac footwear. White tops can be see-through, which means wearing a white, cream or tan camisole and nude-for-you bra. Ankle-strapped footwear is perfect with cropped pants, and they don’t need to be heeled.

2. White Jeans & Oatmeal

This is the easiest combination. Pair white jeans with a white top and layer a tan, oatmeal, bone or cream cardi over the top. Feel free to layer an optical white cardi for a full-on column of white. Add cognac, tan, white or metallic footwear and bag. A belt to match is optional.

3. White Dress & High-Contrast Support Act

A casual and pretty white dress is beautiful. I love how this one has been combined with casually elegant flat sandals, and a bag to match which pulls together the look and amps up the polish. Here, a black bag and shoes create a high contrast with the white. It’s especially effective bookending with black hair.

4. Avant-Garde Cream

Create avant-garde, fluid and somewhat oversized layers with lots of drape in shades of white. Here, the shorter length of the culottes and shorter asymmetrical hem make the silhouettes just flattering enough by providing structure. Black shoes effectively bookend the outfit. Metallic, pearl grey, white, tan or cream footwear will work too.

White is my favourite neutral, and I can wear warm and cool tones of it. I therefore have lots of white in my wardrobe and will wear a column of white before a column of black. I don’t have a white dress yet, but can pull together many combinations with white jeans. How about you?

Formulas

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Weekly Roundup: Summer Items

— by Angie

on June 13, 2018

The fabulous shopping season continues as stores sell the last few months of their Spring and Summer collections. Size ranges and colour options are depleting and that’s the challenge at this time of year. Take a good long look at your wardrobe, lifestyle and sartorial preferences, and assess what you still need or want for the warm-weather season. Duplicate wardrobe workhorses and make sure you have your bases covered. This week’s top picks might help out.

Kiyonna Stella Cinch Top: A wrap top that's tailored and fluid in all the right places. Works well on a curvy figure with a larger bust. Gorgeous drapey flutter sleeve. Might be a little long for petites.
Kiyonna Stella Cinch Top: Vertical stripes are unique and rare, especially in blue and white. The streamlined integrity is effective, and the flutter sleeves drape like a dream. Works well on a curvy figure with a larger bust. Might be a little long for petites. Good on narrow shoulders.
Old Navy Plus-Size Lace-Up-Front Swing Dress: Breezy Casual Dress Fabness. Comes in florals. Read the rave reviews.
Sol Angeles | Anthropologie Sol Angeles Floral Tee: A casually polished tee. Very nice round hem and fun watercolour floral pattern. Great semi-tucked, and exceptional with white jeans. You have to be okay with the high neckline. Read the rave reviews.
Maeve | Anthropologie Sherbrooke Tie-Waist Top: Good structured knit top for Team Long Torso with a defined waist.
Left Of Center | Anthropologie Puglia Ruffled Tank: A very casual and easy throw-on-and-go sleeveless ruffled tank in an assortment of colours. Quite streamlined despite the swingy silhouette. Good on petites. Armhole coverage is great. Read the rave reviews.
VELVET by Graham & Spencer Women's Gauzy Whisper Classics Surplice Tank: A faux wrap top to wear with flared skirts, pants/jeans, or under a jacket. Sleek fit and will cling so consider yourself warned. Does not camouflage muffin top. Available in white.
Lands' End Women's Plus Size Underwire Wrap Bikini Top: I haven't seen this Modern Retro bikini in person yet, but it looks gorgeous and comes in a few more patterns. Unfortunately, the top does not come in bra sizes, but it might be worth a try because of the fabulous structure of the cut.
Boden Georgia Maxi Dress: Casual maxi dresses are popular, and the offerings from Boden are exceptional quality and generally a great fit. This style works well on a larger bust because of the structured torso. Great vertical back ruching on the bodice. Not as clingy on the tummy area as it looks. Sizes go up to a US18. Read the rave reviews.
Boden Diana Jersey Maxi Dress: A very casual jersey maxi dress with excellent reviews. Comes in an assortment of patterns, has pockets, and goes up to a US18. Fabulous quality and great drape. Forgiving on the midsection. Works on a range of bust sizes.
Brooks Brothers Jersey Faux Wrap Top: Polished and professional to wear on its own or as a layering piece. Sufficiently short to pair with a flared skirt. Nice quality. Might run a size big.
Boden Evelyn Embroidered Dress: Boho Summer Fabness. The navy and turquoise version is just as lovely. Works on a range of body types because it has structure on the torso, a roomy fit on the skirt, and stops at an elegant length. Looks good on a larger bust. Fab drape, and excellent quality.
VANELi Tallis: Well-made and fashionable slides that come in six colours and FOUR widths, so all foot volumes are covered. Very comfy, cushioning and quite supportive.
Club Monaco Quynh Silk Dress: GORGEOUS dress that looks as fabulous layered with a blazer. The hem isn't too short on the one side unless you're very tall, and the diagonal line does magical things on the body. Fluid and flattering. Fit can work on petites.
Bailey 44 Fennel Dress: A fitted frock that works extremely well on a curvy hourglass and pear-shaped body type. Not as clingy as it looks. Quite forgiving of lumpage and bumpage. The length and diagonal hem are the brilliant part about the cut because it creates an attractive fit on the body. It adds curves to straight figures and straightens the curves of a curvy figure. CLEVER.
Gabor Gabor 83.700: Extremely comfy slides for regular and higher volume feet. Generally too wide for low-volume feet. Cushioning, soft and reasonably supportive. Well made.
VANELi Hirin: A clean and simple Trendy Classic available in three colours and a few widths. LOVE that low block heel. Dressy yet uncomplicated.
Sesto Meucci Sylke: Fun sandals with a surprisingly refined cut for the chunky style. Available in five colours and across a few widths. Lots of rave reviews.
Karen Millen Single Shoulder Top: The asymmetrical cold shoulder looks fresh, and isn't as breezy as symmetrical cold shoulders. Covered yet alluring. I like this silhouette, but haven't seen it in person yet. Could look lovely with white, black or navy pants.
Alfani Women's Voyage Wedge Sandals, Created for Macy's: WOW, these are comfy, classic, versatile, and under $40. They fit an assortment of feet because the elastic is forgiving. They even worked for my low-volume feet if I sized down half a size. They are almost sold out online, but check out in stores for more colours and sizes. Excellent value. Exceptional reviews for good reason.
Treasure&Bond Ruched Knit Midi Skirt: A tube skirt with asymmetrical ruching looks fresh and fab. The diagonal hem creates a flattering line on the lower leg. Works on a range of body types. Super cute with casual flats.
Nordstrom Two-Tone Floppy Straw Hat: St. Tropez Chic. One of the best sun hats of the season. Our forum member rocked the look. Comes in tan.
White House Black Market Cold Shoulder Stripe Knit Shift Dress: A repeat style that works well on petites. Might need to size down. A lot more forgiving on the hips and midsection than you might expect. The style is almost sold out online, but they have variations in stores.
Anne Klein Printed Faux-Wrap Shirtdress: A classic fit-and-flare that works well on a curvy body type. Dress it up or down. Available in plus sizes.
Tommy Hilfiger Pleated Fit & Flare Dress: The fit of this Modern Retro frock wowed me on the forum. It has enough length and is awfully pretty. Cute with a tough denim jacket.
Calvin Klein Handkerchief-Hem Midi Dress: An elegant midi for a curvy body type. Might run a size big. Fab drape, streamlined despite the flare, and good swooshing integrity. The pattern-mixed floral is more calming on the eye than you might expect.
H&M Faux Suede Biker Jacket: Oh my word. A petite and curvy forum member ROCKED this on our forum last week. It blew me away. The sleeves were not too long. Works well on a pear-shaped body type.
Naturalizer Wendy: These are SUBLIMELY comfy, and come in three widths. I bought them in a narrow and they are a perfect width. Not too flat, super soft and quite pretty on the foot in a boho huarache way. White all the way, if you're after a pretty look. The tan are more boho.
Club Monaco Elianna Knit Dress: A navy and white striped casual and very polished midi with a GORGEOUS fit. Drapes like a dream. Heft, substance and well made. It's very structured up top so you have to be okay with defining your torso and midsection. The length and asymmetrical hem are elegant and swooshy. Very comfy.The DOUBLE belt is NOT attached to the dress so you can place it where you like. Genius. The stripes of the belt go in different directions which is super cute. Looks great with simple flats. Machine washable. Impeccable.
Banana Republic Petite Stripe Soft Ponte Twist-Front Dress: An easy breezy FLUID Summer dress that suits a range of body types. Works well on a larger bust, and if you're not too tall the hem just covers the knee. Looks great with sneakers.
Kork-Ease Marianna: Super comfy sandals that look great on the feet. A dressier casual vibe. Manageable heel height and best on regular volume feet.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Striped Asymmetrical Dress: I haven't seen this dress in person yet, but I love the diagonal lines. It will probably work for a larger bust because diagonal lines create a streamlined effect. You have to be okay with the volume on the midsection. Might need to size down. Super cute over cropped black skinnies too.
Boden Lizzie Dress: I loved this on one of our forum members. Fabulous dress on a curvy petite. Works well on a pretty pear shape. Elegant and breezy. Fab with flat sandals. Immaculate quality.
Boden Kassidy Jersey Dress: GORGEOUS dress on a curvy figure with a regular size bust. Grab it if you wear V-necks well. Elegant, yet very simple, and well made. FUN pockets.
Boden Elisa Jersey Dress: Very elegant on a broad shoulder line and a small to regular size bust. Gorgeous tiered skirt detailing. Fabulous quality.
Boden Emory Jersey Dress: The photo does not do this very pretty frock justice. It looks SO much better on my clients and on our forum members than on the model. Elegant and easy breezy. Very comfy.
Boden Louisa Jersey Dress: Boho Fabness that can work well on petites in the right size. Beautifully made and makes quite the statement. Works well on both a straighter and curvier figure. My friend blew me away when I saw it on. She paired it with yellow mules and bag. KILLER.
Banana Republic Lace Midi Pencil Skirt: AMAZING lace midi that is as soft as can be. Very forgiving fit and extremely comfy. Works well on curvy bottom halves. Beautiful elegant length. Comes in black, but the white is sublime. Runs a size big. I was sized out of the smallest size, or it would have been mine. CHIC.