Fashion News Roundup: September 2017

A new Yves Saint Laurent museum, plus-size premium denim from AYR, Nina Garcia joins ELLE, and more news from this month’s fashion trenches.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet was one of the first in the fashion industry to fight for copyright laws, and had a ribbon with her fingerprint sewn into all of her creations to distinguish them from fakes.

Ensemble: Dresses & Knee-High Boots

I’ve got the tall boots bug this season. I bought a new pair of classic black riding boots at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, and a pair of dressy ink blue boots in London last November. Autumn has hit Seattle, and I’ve bust out both pairs several times. I have so missed wearing tall boots, and I’m LOVING it. 

These are the exact styles. 

We’ve had crisp sunny days and rainy, cool grey days. The riding boots are weatherproof and work marvelously well over skinny jeans in grotty weather. The dressy boots have come out to play with dresses, and I’m very much enjoying the change. I’ve sealed them with waterproofing spray. They are sleek, tailored, polished, and very comfortable. Thrilled to bits that I found and splurged on them last year. 

Here are the dresses that I’ve paired with my tall ink blue boots so far. They’re longer on me than on the models. I’ve only needed a topper some of the time, in which case I added a gilet, denim jacket, or woolly scarf. Sometimes I went with dress and boots, and left it at that. Once, I wore sheer grey hose to keep out the chill. Pearls, specs and bag were the finishing touch.

The combination is dead simple, and perfect for mild Autumn weather. Choose a dress that works into Fall, and pair it with knee-high boots. All colour palettes are fab. No hosiery required. Toppers are optional. Add jewellery, eyewear, headgear and watch as desired. 

I prefer tall TAILORED boots worn with dresses so that there’s no gaping at the calves. Casual and dressy renditions are good. Flats, low heels and high heels work. As for the length of the dress, you have options, and sweet spots will vary. None of my dresses are knee-covering, hitting me just above the kneecap. The Zara dress is shorter, and I do wear hosiery with that one. I would like to find a Fall midi that does cover my kneecaps to wear with these boots. That combination was ubiquitous on runways this year, and beautifully Modern Retro. Here are some combinations to get you started.

Ensemble: Dresses & Knee-High Boots

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Link Love: Fall Fragrances

Hair perfumes are trending at the moment, and The Fashion Spot has rounded up 14 fragrances that are worth a try.

Do you switch out perfumes at the beginning of Autumn, or are you in the mood to try a new fragrance, then StyleCaster has suggestions for you.

According to The New York Times, the new class of perfumes for Falll 2017 “are mostly floral, mostly strong and not at all dainty.”

Fab Links from Our Members

Skylurker reports that items from Audrey Hepburn’s personal wardrobe are up for auction at Christie’s this week.

Fashiontern would like to share this list of 12 sustainable fashion brands.

Also, this article about how fashionable Victorians wore pumpkin orange for Fall made her smile.

Scroll through the models that rocked it at NY Fashion Week who were not “sample size”. Angie loved seeing more diversity in age, skin tone and complexion.

On the same topic, kkards came across this article asking if New York Fashion Week finally got the memo on diversity.

Gabrielle Deydier’s account of what it’s like growing up overweight in France has La Pedestrienne rethinking the way we idolize French style and beauty culture.

Jane informs us that British high street label Next is going upmarket with Label/Mix, “a collaborative partnership with new designers and emerging brands, who will create limited edition pieces.”

Kari is very excited about the costumes for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s Jewels.

UmmLila thought this article about the philosophy and method behind direct-to-consumer brand Everlane was interesting.

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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Weekly Roundup: Fall Jackets

A jacket for Autumn adds interest, polish and structure to an outfit, but above all keeps out the chill. Here’s an assortment of toppers across a range of silhouettes that aren’t leather. They caught my eye as I was doing rounds with clients last week. Fitted blazers in regular and longer lengths, although classic, are having their fashion moment. I threw in some lightweight coats that work for those who prefer longer length toppers. 

Lewit is a new brand for Nordstrom that is luxurious and beautiful to the touch. Garments generally fit well, and design details are subtle and unique. They go up to size US14, which is a slightly more inclusive size curve. 

The Boden jackets are BEAUTIFULLY made, and will give any designer jacket a run for its money (and at a fraction of the price.) The quality, fabric and fit are impeccable. Bless them for going up to a size US18. Like COS though, Boden’s sizing is unusual. They run small on their smallest sizes, but large on their larger sizes. Somehow, the grading of the sizes is inconsistent, but the size charts are quite accurate. 

  • White House Black Market Long Ponte Blazer Jacket: I can't rave enough about this impeccable black STRETCHY blazer. It moulds to most body types and is very tailored. COMFORTABLE, extremely streamlining, and polished. Versatile and well made. Thick fabric, and subtle design detailing. Dress it up or down. The charcoal looks more casual. Great value.
  • White House Black Market Button-Front Suiting Jacket: A clever single-breasted blazer with double-breasted styling. Hangs open beautifully. Elongating. Fabric is luscious. Soft AND crisp. Read the rave reviews. Has lovely trousers to match.
  • Nordstrom Signature Elbow Patch Plaid Jacket: A refined plaid blazer with elbow patches. Lightweight, and drapes like a dream. A classic with a high longevity factor. Go Team English Countryside.
  • Sandro Double Breasted Plaid Coat: Tomboy Fabness, and works well on petites. Genius cut that's roomy and tailored at once. Impeccable quality. Hangs straight. Best on a boyish figure with short arms.
  • Diane von Furstenberg Tweed Coat: Chic sweater coat. The high side slits make it very wearable as an indoor topper if you run cold. It's elongating and comfortable. Polished in a relaxed way. Nice quality.
  • Ann Taylor Ruffle Twill Moto Jacket: A good jacket for a broader shoulder line and larger bust. Ruffle detail is subtle. Streamlined. Lightweight.
  • Theory Pinstripe Power Blazer: The pinstriped fabric is luscious. Very soft, refined and with stretch. The shoulders are not as sharp in person. Modern Retro Fabness.
  • White House Black Market Leather Flounce Jacket: Fab jacket for a narrow shoulder line and smaller bust. Very lightweight. Great over a pencil skirt. Size down if your frame is narrow. This one IS leather.
  • Emerson Rose Leopard Print Faux Fur Jacket: Modern Retro Fabness. Nice quality, well made, and roomy. Fluid, yet sufficiently tailored. Will not date. You must want to wear a large collar so consider yourself warned. Short enough to wear over dresses and with skirts. The animal print is cool-toned.
  • LEWIT Fitted Wool Jacket: AMAZING quality jacket. Glorious drape. Unique silhouette and fit. Tailored. Looks as good unfastened. Works on a range of body types. The collar can work on a shorter neck because it folds down.
  • LEWIT Oversize Embroidered Jacket: An earthy, arty look for those who enjoy earth tones. Crisp, oversized, but tapered at the welt for structure. Works on a range of body types because it's beyond body type. Avant-Garde. Glam.
  • Boden Victoria British Tweed Blazer: Tomboy Blazer Fabness. Tailored and crisp. It's blue - not grey. Beautiful quality.
  • LEWIT Sculpted Waist Blazer: The photo does not do the glorious blazer justice. It has bell sleeves and buttons that run up the top of the sleeve - which is a unique design feature. Soft and luscious fabric. Lovely quality. Refined and polished. Moulds to a range of body types, but too long for petites. More blue than grey. The pants in the matching fabric are scratchy, but the blazer is not.
  • Ann Taylor Lace Trim Peplum Jacket: Fab jacket for petites who have warm Autumns and Winters.
  • Rag & Bone Archer Gingham Blazer: Fab jacket for a rectangular or slightly curvy body type. Bold. Runs big.
  • SMYTHE Riding Blazer: Impeccably Smythe. Equestrian, beautifully made, and will stand the test of time. Very narrow fit. Runs a size or two small.
  • Boden Mirabelle Blazer: STUNNING jacket. Modern Classic Dotty Fabness. Beautifully made and gorgeously structured - but not constricting. Very, very sharp. The slanted welt pockets visually slim the midsection. The navy is as nice as the olive. Equestrian, and gives most designer jackets a run for their money. This one is mine.
  • Ann Taylor Twill Moto Jacket: A good NON-leather moto with subtle hardware. Polished and crisp. Great for the office or for smart casual looks. Versatile.
  • Boden Velvet Emilia Blazer: GORGEOUS relaxed blazer with a very comfy tailored fit because of stretch. The floral pattern is cheerful to wear in Autumn & Winter. Punchy, fun and extremely well made. Beautiful quality. The velvet is as trendy as it is Modern Retro, while the pattern camouflages pet hair and lint. Equally cool-toned and warm-toned. It earned a place in my wardrobe.
  • Boden Keswick Velvet Coat: A '90s throwback, although this time in pink. NOT black. The pink is cooler and more muted in person. A velvet coat - or long-length jacket - that can be worn indoors at the office. Dress it up or down. All the colours are nice. Runs small, and the sleeves are narrow. Super cute polka dot lining.
  • Boden Georgina Coat: A Tomboy top coat that functions like a long blazer. GORGEOUS quality and absolutely impeccable. Streamlined, but you have to be okay with the masculinity and strictness of the style. The polka dots add a playful touch. Navy is as ice as the olive.
  • Banana Republic Camo Bell-Sleeve Peacoat with Removeable Faux Fur Collar: Super cute bell sleeve jacket or cropped coat. Nicely made and good over bell-sleeved tops. Interesting fabric, pattern and removable collar. It's also available in a waxed navy with caramel collar.

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

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Eclectic and Playful Style in Indianapolis

Indianapolis-based Adrienne documents her outfits over at Sweenee Style. She has eclectic, playful style, and is not afraid to stand out. Our blogger likes to hunt around for affordable pieces and enjoys remixing her favourite items. She is also into sassy shoes, high heels, quirky jewellery and huge hoop earrings.

Adrienne - 1

Adrienne is wearing full-length black leggings with a blue and white striped button-down tunic. The tunic’s asymmetrical hemline creates a dramatic effect, while the crisp blue and white liven up the black colour palette. Our blogger has added a skinny belt to define her waist. Tucking the leggings into black high-heeled peep-toe booties lengthens the leg line. A waist-length black leather jacket with lots of textural interest provides hard edge. The banded ties on the booties echo the oversized tassels on Adrienne’s clutch. Extra oversized gold hoop earrings are Adrienne’s trademark, and add extra spunk to her outfits.

Adrienne - 2

Our blogger jazzes up a sleeveless knit black midi dress with a denim vest adorned with quirky patches and brooches. Pairing the body-con scoop-neck dress with an oversized long-line vest effectively de-bombshells the outfit. Adrienne doctored the vest herself, and it fits right in with the playful side of her style. Adding ankle strap pumps that mix a graphic black and white stripe with a soft pink floral amps up the fun factor even more. Three bracelets subtly add more colour. By putting up her hair, Adrienne’s oversized hoop earrings get an opportunity to shine even more.

Adrienne - 3

A relaxed high Summer look consisting of denim shorts and a sleeveless button-down. Adrienne dresses up distressed casual short shorts with a crisp white shirt. The cut-out details on the sides create visual interest and make the shirt extra breezy in hot temps. Flat lace-up sandals with eye-catching colourful pom-poms add a quirky touch that makes me smile. Large hoop earrings in turquoise and orange — Adrienne made them herself — peek out from under her wavy ‘do to bookend the sandals. Adrienne’s doggy Cash in his cute plaid stroller knows he is stealing the show!

Adrienne - 4

An on-trend dress-over-jeans outfit. Adrienne has layered an olive midi shirt dress over skinny jeans. The cognac obi-style belt creates waist definition and adds structure. Leaving part of the buttons unbuttoned creates an alluring effect. Rolling the dark wash jeans showcases her high-heeled sandals with laser cut-out detailing. Opting for earth-toned footwear that matches the belt ties the look together. The leather cuff bracelet and brown and cognac clutch amplify that effect. Adrienne’s wavy hair is a little shorter here and adds a romantic touch. Fun cocktail rings, a long statement pendant with contrasting emerald stone and our blogger’s trusted hoop earrings finish off the look.

Adrienne - 5

Combining a baby-doll dress with a denim poncho and over-the-knee boots makes for a fashion-forward look. Here, Adrienne uses the crisp white pleated dress with stand-up collar as her base layer. Keeping the length above the knee tempers the volume of the fun frock. It also creates an exposed area of skin between the top of the boots and the hem of the dress, which showcases the style of the fab suede boots. Keeping the colour low contrast against her skintone lengthens the leg line. You don’t see denim ponchos all that often, and I love how this short-sleeved version adds instant casual drama. Adrienne’s trademark earrings, her lovely smile, dark wavy hair and raspberry lippy are the beautiful finishing touches.

Adrienne - 6

The collarless faux fur coat with vivid patchwork pattern is undoubtedly the star of the show. Adrienne has kept the rest of the outfit in black and white, which makes the exuberant colours pop even more. Underneath the eye-catching topper our blogger is wearing a white button-down tunic with peplum hemline. She’s layered over a black cropped tank top that tempers the volume of the shirt. Black jeans are tucked into high-heeled biker booties with large gold grommets for a touch of Hard Edge. Our blogger’s romantic curls with a nod to the 1920s add feminine softness. Brownish-red lipstick and big silver hoops complete the look.

Let us know what you think of Adrienne’s eclectic and playful style in the comments. You can also browse the rest of her outfits on her blog, or check out her pinboards for more visual inspiration.

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