Link Love: Style Predictions for 2018

As is the case every first week of January, fashion outlets are publishing posts on what to expect from the world of style in the upcoming year. Let’s have a look:

Fab Links from Our Members

Why you only need 10 work outfits.” Citygirldc says this is something to think about while she simplifies her wardrobe.

La Pedestrienne really enjoyed listening to this interview with Ann Patchett on taking a year off from shopping.

We’ve been talking about it more on the YLF forum too, and would love to hear what you think.

La Pedestrienne also came across this interesting piece on age and sophistication, and our current pendulum swing towards a cult of youth.

La Belle Demimondaine is intrigued by the info in this article on the secret to looking younger forever.

Fashintern would like to share “Beautiful Tomboys of the 1930s,” which she adds “is as much about society in the 1930s as it is about the style of these androgynous women at that time.”

Metallics and Your Style

The neutral metallics that you choose through jewellery, watches, hardware, footwear, handbags, clothing, make-up and nail polish create a finishing touch to your style. They are the “shine” component of the four variables that make an outfit interesting: colour, pattern, texture and shine. Their effect is either warm, cool, or somewhere in between. Yellow gold is a warm metal, whereas shades of silver and platinum are cool. Metals like pewter, bronze and rose gold straddle the line between the two. Most metals are shiny, although matte metals have their place.

Traditionally, those who look best in cool colours prefer wearing silver and platinum because it complements their skin tone. Those who look best in warm colours tend to prefer wearing yellow gold. These days though, it’s extremely common to have a mixed metal style, and there is less emphasis on what is thought of as flattering. It’s modern and trendy to have both gold and silver represented in your style, worn either separately or mixed together in an outfit.

Choosing a metal for jewellery and watches is particularly important because you usually wear the pieces daily, for many years, and right up against your skin. You might find that you’re more flexible about the metals that you sport elsewhere in the outfit because you wear those items less frequently.

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Generally my friends, family and clients bat for Team Silver & Platinum, although Team Mixed Metals gives it a run for its money. Most will wear pewter because it bats for both teams. Rose gold and bronze are less common.

I staunchly bat for Team Yellow Gold because it’s warm and looks better against my skin. I also like its yellow glow because I love yellow. I am more traditional in this respect, preferring not to mix metals in outfits because I like the visual effect of a uniform metal.

I am trying not to purchase new items in cool-toned hardware, although it’s tricky. One of the reasons I love my family of Furla handbags is because of the gorgeous gold hardware. I do have a white gold wedding ring that I match with two fun silver watches. I also have two pairs of silver shoes, a clutch, silver zippers on a favourite pair of jeans, and silver hardware on my riding boots. I very rarely wear the silver items, except for the jeans and riding boots. I can’t pass on the silver shoes because they are very comfortable.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Silver & Platinum, Team Yellow Gold, Team Rose Gold, Team Bronze, Team Pewter or Team Mixed Metals? Tell us why and feel free to bat for many teams. Do you mix metals in one outfit?

Weekly Roundup: Free People

Free People is a casual brand with a boho, hippy, and somewhat grungy vibe. Most of the items are roomy, very roomy, colourful, and quite loud. That said, Free People can showcase items that are a little crisper, dressier and simpler. Those are the items that caught my attention this week, and many with rave reviews. 

Santa Claus — aka Greg — popped two of the items under our Christmas tree as a fun surprise. I’ve worn the Head in the Clouds Beanie on walks with Sam, and the Kolby Brushed Scarf as a lounging piece for at home every day since I received them. Browse the many colour options as you peek at these top picks.

  • Free People At Ease Loafer: A festive mule for hosting parties or a night out. Best for higher volume feet, although you might need to go up a size. I didn't find these comfortable, but I'm in the minority. Many rave reviews and eight lovely patterned options.
  • Free People 'Beach Cocoon' Cowl Neck Pullover: A comfortable and slouchy cowl neck sweatshirt that works on a range of body types. I vote burnt orange and olive best. Might run big.
  • Free People Alamosa Slouchy Bootie: Moderately comfortable boots and available in three colours. The tops fold down to create a slouchy yet streamlined effect.
  • Free People Crisscross Sweater: An alluring tunic for Team Tall. Front is not too low when you have broad shoulders.
  • Free People Sweet Streets Hoodie: Edwardian Sweatshirt Fabness with a beachy vibe. The cuffs on the sleeves provide a good amount of structure, and the lacey anglaise amps up the pretty. All the colours are nice.
  • Free People All the Time Tunic: A dramatic shirt for a small or regular size bust. Gorgeous colour. Works well on an hourglass or pear shape. It's a very voluminous shirt so consider yourself warned. The gathered piping on the sleeves tempers the vast amount of fabric - so go ahead and have some soup.
  • Free People Head in the Clouds Beanie: Fuzzy Beanie Fabness. Fits a small head, and does not need to be cuffed at the bottom. The fluff does not irritate your nasal passages nor does it shed. The grey is more more blue in person, and that's the one I have. It holds its shape and does not slouch.
  • Free People Best Day Ever Sweater: A pullover that can make you smile on a cold, grey day. It's quite short, and not that slouchy. Quite grungy.
  • Free People 'Royale' Pointy Toe Flat: Great pointy toe flat for high volume feet. Equally flattering on narrower and wider ankles. Available in nine colours and with amazing reviews.
  • Free People Ottoman Slouchy Tunic: Very comfy slouchy tunic for both shorter and longer necks. The neckline can fold down in front. The tapered sleeves add ample structure to the roomy fit. Both the mink and teal are great colours.
  • Free People Marilyn Kitten Heel Bootie: A moderately comfortable dressy bootie for lower volume feet.
  • Free People Kolby Brushed Scarf: A GIGANTIC scarf is an acquired taste, and can work well as a casual wrap. Very soft, lightweight and cosy. I have the blue, which is a little darker in person. Excellent for at home, and Sam likes to play with the fringe.

Visit the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.

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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Seven Stylish Resolutions

Although you can make resolutions at any time, here are seven that I like to remind myself of at the beginning of every year. Maybe they will resonate with you. 

1. Create an Authentic Style

Sometimes, our idea of style and wardrobe perfection isn’t suited to who we are, which makes it an unnatural fit and hard to achieve. Style starts from the inside out. There is little point in trying to create a look for an imaginary persona or lifestyle because it’s impractical and a chore. The closer we align our style to our needs and sartorial preferences, the easier it is to create and manage.

2. Resist Poison Eye

We all have a poison eye or two when it comes to fashion and style. These are the looks or trends that we just can’t get used to. Try to keep them to a minimum because there is a version of every trend for everyone. Remember that your poison eye can be somebody’s else’s favourite look. Horses for courses, always.

3. Relax into It

Fashion and style are supposed to be fun. Don’t let them frustrate you or boss you around. Relax into the process and don’t take it too seriously. There will always be another sale or killer piece. There is a workable solution for every fashion challenge, and an opportunity to look and feel fab no matter what. If you are feeling frustrated and finding it hard to shake the feeling, walk away and revisit things when you’re in a better headspace.

4. Be Patient

I CAN’T STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Be patient with your style. Style is a journey, and not a destination. Take it one step at a time so that you’re always aligned with the internal and external factors that affect your style. It takes time and resources to build an effective wardrobe, especially when some fashion seasons are better than others. Focus on what you have and what you’ve achieved with your style instead of feeling dissatisfied and despairing about what you don’t have. Your style will fall into place after a while.

5. Listen to Your Feelings

Pay attention to how you feel in an outfit. Don’t take the emotion out of the closet editing, shopping or outfit creation process because it’s the foundation of an authentic style. The more you are in tune with emotions, the easier it is to sport a style that is effortless, authentic and makes you feel fabulous.

6. Learn from Mistakes

Experiment with new things when you feel the urge to refresh your style or haul yourself out of a style rut. Be surprised at what works, and learn from what doesn’t. We all make mistakes so try not to feel guilty about them. Onward and next, is a good motto.

7. Have Fun with Fashion

Fashion and style unites people from all corners of the globe. Just look at an amazing community like YLF as an example. Shopping with friends can be therapeutic. Your closet might be your happy space. Selecting what to wear can be creative and satisfying. Wearing the heck out of your fabulous wardrobe can spark great joy. Helping others find their style and feel confident in their outfits can be very rewarding. If you enjoy fashion, developing and refreshing your style can be entertaining and creative. Laugh a lot, and have fun with fashion wherever it may take you.

Style is neither a size nor an age, but an energy and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories. I wish you a stylish 2018 filled with lots of fun fashion adventures, confidence-boosting outfits, and busloads of laughter.

Happy 2018!

January is one of my favourite months because it’s the start of a brand new year. A time to reflect, get rid of cobwebs, create positive intentions, set some goals, prioritize what’s important, and become more self-aware. We get to start again, learn from our mistakes, and make the next 365 days more meaningful than the last. 
 
The topic of fashion and style is highly emotional terrain. It has the power to both boost up and break down our confidence levels. The more confident we are, the better we feel about our style and the way we look. This in turn positively impacts those around us, which boosts us even further. 
 
The purpose of YLF and its engaged, supportive community is to help you navigate the emotional terrain, build an effective wardrobe that suits your needs, and boost your confidence to the point that you feel fabulous about your style. There are solutions and opportunities for every style and fashion challenge, and I look forward to working on them together in 2018. 
 
We at YLF wish you a happy, healthy, safe, peaceful and stylish new year.