Outfit Formula: Very Berry and Plum

If you enjoy wearing deep, dark and rich reds, pinks and purples, you bat for Team Berry and Plum. Wear berry and plum solids and patterns in clothing, footwear, and accessories. Make it signature to your style, or stick to smaller doses. Take your pick. 

Hobbs
Whetherby Scarf
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2
Hobbs
Catherine Scarf
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2
Hobbs
Ashley Top
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Everlane
The Drapey Blazer
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1
Hobbs
Mimi Silk Blouse
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2
Hobbs
Adalee Trench
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4
Hobbs
Cristie Wool Coat
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Boden
Hamilton Velvet Coat
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2
Boden
Crew Neck Ponte Dress
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5
Zara
Chunky Knit Cardigan
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Ann Taylor
Geo Tie Neck Top
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7

Onto four outfits inspired by the palette.

1. Fluidly Patterned

A shiny burgundy A-line maxi skirt is combined wth a fluid berry-toned floral blouse. It’s half-tucked to showcase the waist of the skirt. The sleeves are scrunched to showcase forearm skin and create some structure. Knee-high boots look great with skirts, but feel free to wear a much lower heel. Black belt and bag complement the black boots and pick up the black in the pattern.

Fluidly Patterned

2. Column of Colour

A flared faux leather tiered midi skirt in a brown shade of burgundy is combined with a fluid burgundy shirt to create a tonal column of colour. The boxy shirt is worn out over the skirt. It’s buttoned to the top with the collar popped. Black heeled mules are the choice of shoe, although I’d have preferred to see dark brown. A burgundy bag accentuates the column of colour.

Column of Colour

3. Burgundy and Black

Wearing a black OR navy, column of colour under a burgundy or eggplant topper is an easy way to wear berries and plums. Here a pair of wide black leather pants is combined with a sleek black turtleneck. A textured berry blazer with black buttons tops the lot. Black shoes match the black in the outfit and and the model’s hair. Add a bag that works with the palette.

Burgundy and Black

4. Vibrant Co-ord

Last, a matching patterned and flowing silk blouse and pants set in berries and plums creates a punchy and elegant look. The boxiness of both items is current and comfortable. The top is worn out and buttoned to the top. Dressy sandals and statement earrings are the glam finishing touches. Add bag, eyewear, and watch as desired.

Vibrant Co-ord

Trend: Classic Animal Print

Animal patterned everything is having a big fashion moment. We see animal prints every season, but not quite to this extent. The animal prints are generally classic leopard, cheetah, and tiger in browns and black. There’s a sprinkling of snake skin, and cat prints in colours other than browns and blacks. But for the most part, the trend is about the classic cat print. 

Think of any wardrobe item in animal print, including sleepwear, loungewear, underwear, and workout wear. Some prints are warm-toned and some cool-toned. Some have bits of cream in them too. Some prints are more abstract than others.

Mango
Leopard Print Blouse
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Boden
Pointed Loafers
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Zara
Flowy Wrap Top
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Zara
Animal Print Sash Belt
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Zara
Telescoping Umbrella
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Mango
Leopard Print Cap
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H&M
Flared Skirt
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J.Crew
Printed silk scarf
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2

Wear one or multiple cat prints in one outfit. How much is too much animal print? The only guide is your own tolerance for the look. The “mob wifeaesthetic is alive and well, so milk it if you love animal print. If animal print clothing is too much of a commitment, opt for footwear and accessories is small doses.

Animal print adds something punchy to an outfit as a belt and shoe complement. Animal print can match the colours in your hair, eyes, and skin tone. It works well with neutrals, blue denim, earth tones, and reds. Animal print remixes successfully with other patterns too.

Animal print can be part of your signature style, something you wear from time to time, or not at all. Personally, I’m moody with animal print. Some seasons I’ll wear it in very small doses, and some seasons not at all. Since I don’t wear black, it’s hard to find an animal print without it. I prefer warm-toned animal prints with cream in the design, and preferably no black. Tall order, but they do exist.

I’m not champing at the bit to add animal print to my wardrobe, although I like it on others. For some clients, animal print is their favourite pattern, and they’re delighted about this trend. How about you?

A New Blouse Refreshes an Old Blazer

I’ve had this classic denim blazer for ten years. The product photo does not show that you can turn back the French slit cuffs, which are awesome and add an architectural touch. The cuffs make the jacket, and that’s how I wear it. It’s gorgeous quality with a lovely tailored fit. A versatile classic.

Recently I had gone off solid blazers. I started to much prefer short cheeky faux leather jackets and colourful plaid blazers. Although I didn’t feel like wearing the denim blazer, I kept it because I liked it so much. I knew I’d wear it again at some point.

And that’s exactly what happened after I got a new navy silk chain print blouse at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I love the old denim blazer over this blouse. There is something about the side-by-side navies and punchy pattern that energized the tired blazer. Kind of a set, but not a matching set. I wore the duo with off-white barrel jeans, gold belt and loafers, and a cream bag. This outfit has been on repeat three times in one month.

The exact items of the outfit are represented in the collection below.

You don’t always need to pass on items if you aren’t wearing them. If you still like them, they fit well, look good, are comfy and in good nick, the chances are high you’ll wear them again in a refreshed way.

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: Leather Skirt

Leather and faux leather skirts across a range of silhouettes and colours have been trending for years. Not quite mainstream, but gaining momentum. Here are outfit ideas for Team Leather and Faux Leather Skirt. If skirts aren’t your thing, opt for leather pants. If leather bottoms aren’t for you, find inspiration through the mix of silhouettes and colour palettes.

1. Columned and Blousy Black and Green

A column black knee-length and button-through faux leather skirt is combined with a very fluid pine green blouse. It’s tucked to showcase waist definition. Black pumps and belt match the black skirt. The shoes bookend the model’s black hair. Add a bag that works with the palette. An earthy brown bag would be my choice.

Columned and Blousy Black and Green

2. Kick Pleat Mash Up

A caramel kick-pleated faux leather skirt is combined with an orchid sweater vest. It’s blousoned with a welt over a black belt which matches the two-toned cream and black heeled Mary Janes, and the dark hair of the model. Charcoal grey socks are worn instead of hosiery as a fringe trend touch. A brown bag is the colour of choice. Apart from the black accents, none of the outfit colours are repeated. A creative and interesting remix.

Kick Pleat Mash Up

3. Burgundy Suited

A long tailored burgundy faux leather pencil skirt with front side slit is combined with a matching tailored faux leather blazer to create a suit. The asymmetrical hem of the jacket creates magical diagonal lines across the front of the body. Snakeskin pumps are the punchy finishing touch. The chunky vintage gold chain looks good too. Add a bag to match.

Burgundy Suited

4. Silver Slit with Casual Black

Metallic clothes are fringe trending, and here’s a great silver leather skirt example. Its maxi length with a high front slit is right on trend too. THE skirt silhouette of year. The skirt in combined with a black support act of tucked black tee, slides and bag. Elevated everyday, and easy to pull together. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

Silver Slit with Casual Black

More silver skirt with black accents inspiration. Great tonal mix of greys, and fab addition of red.

Be Kind To Yourself

Be gentle as you reflect about your style and wardrobe, and as you look in the mirror. Don’t dwell on the negative. Shopping mistakes are inevitable, and everyone has imperfections. You deserve the kindness. Extend it to yourself and to others too. 

Be Kind To Yourself

Practice self-acceptance and body shape neutrality. Identify strengths and realistically appraise capabilities. Embrace the things that make you unique, vulnerable, and eccentric. Give yourself a pat on the back for the things you are doing right. Laugh!

You can learn from mistakes, constantly improving and making better choices that positively affect you and others. Look for silver linings. Keep up positive self-talk. Compare but don’t despair. Keep fashion and style lighthearted. You are fab.