Preppy Stripe with Soft Edge

A new outfit from Ashley of Fancy Stuff and Pretty Things, whom we introduced to YLF in September 2014.

Sporting a dress over cropped jeans is a fun way to wear your favourite dresses when it’s too chilly to go bare-legged — or when dresses are a tad short. For this Soft Edge Casual look, Ashley paired an above-the-knee shirtdress with cuffed straight-legged jeans. The tonal, low-contrast blue stripe against the dark wash denim creates a long, lean line. The slightly longer hem in the back adds a playful touch. Ashley juxtaposes the preppy stripe with edgy black open-backed pumps. The back tie, slanted block heel and on trend square round toe make for eye-catching peds. Her structured black tote complements the footwear perfectly. A gold pendant and cuff bracelet, bright red lipstick, and our blogger’s polished bob are the simple yet effective finishing touches.

Ashley - 2

Ashley - 1

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A More Comfortable Yoga Outfit

I love yoga, but I do not enjoy wearing yoga clothes. I change into them at the very last minute, and change out of them as soon as I get home after class. I don’t like the way workout wear looks, or how it feels. Tight spandex from top to toe is my worst. I have no explanation for the intolerance really, but it means that I procrastinate terribly when the time comes to replenish items in my yoga capsule.

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon Zella’s Stellar High Waist Crop Leggings in mint. I liked the fabric more than the regular stuff you get at Lululemon and Athleta. It’s very soft and silky, and feels like you’re wearing a cotton-silk blend instead of polyester spandex. The gauzy insets are fun, the high waist sufficiently secure for yoga poses, the ruching unique, and the colour is pretty (darker in person). They run big so size down. They handle beautifully in the washer and dryer, and are available in an assortment of colours. 

I tried on Zella’s Adventure Hooded Pullover in black to wear with the yoga leggings. It also feels quite silky, and most importantly – isn’t skintight. The roomier fit allows me to wear a black cotton camisole underneath, which is great because I like the feeling of that fabric against my skin. The mesh insets are ventilating and so is the fit of the top. It works well for a “Yin”, “Hatha” or “Slow Flow” yoga class. I wouldn’t recommend it for a fast “Vinyasa” class because the hood flaps about too much. It runs big so size down, and is available in an assortment of colours.

I won’t go so far as to say that I feel fabulous in this yoga outfit, but it’s better than my other yoga gear. It feels less synthetic, less tight, and I can wear a cotton camisole under the top. It’s a step in the right direction.

The collection below shows the same items in some alternative colours. There are lots of pastels in workout wear this year, which I think is a nice change, especially if you wear pastels with black and grey. 

Too Tall in Heels

A style without heels is not a compromise. Flats and low heels are on trend and considered thoroughly modern and hip these days. I couldn’t be happier about fashion’s emphasis on practical footwear since I seldom find heels higher than an inch and a half comfortable. 

But it’s not a lack of foot comfort that prevents some of my clients from wearing heeled shoes. They simply feel too tall when wearing heels. They are uncomfortable towering over most of their friends, colleagues, the teachers of their children, people in a crowd, and in some cases their significant others. Some of these clients are tall (5ft 9 and taller), but some are regular height (around 5ft 6). 

After thinking about it, I realized that wearing heels so that you’re taller than most is a lot like defying your environmental norm. Blending in by keeping your height closer to the heights of those around you can make you feel more at ease, less self-conscious and more confident. 

At 5ft 6, I’m not a tall person. Back in the day when I occasionally wore three inch heels I don’t remember feeling too tall in them. Do you feel too tall in heels?

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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Ensemble: Denim Shirt & Bootcuts or Bell-Bottoms

ExampleI stumbled across this outfit and thought it was a fab modern classic that looks awfully fresh at the moment. Combine FULL-LENGTH bootcuts or bell-bottoms with a denim shirt, dressy shoes, dressy bag and jewellery. Easy. 

The outfit on the model is dark, but you can add light denim or chambray to the mix, and throw in bright accessories too.

Here are the components of the ensemble:

Denim Shirt: A classic denim shirt is one way to go. If that’s not your thing, try a soft light blue chambray shirt, or a denim top that is not a shirt. Tuck, semi-tuck, or wear the top untucked. Scrunch long sleeves.

Bootcuts or Bell-bottoms: Choose a pair of full-length bootcuts or bell-bottoms in a denim or trouser fabrication. Bell-bottoms are more flared at the hems than bootcuts, but both styles are fitted on the hips and thighs, unlike wide legs that are wide from thigh to hem. Choose black, blue denim or white denim. Wearing the same blue denim wash on the top and bottom is an acquired taste, and totally fashionable. Make sure the hems are no shorter than a quarter of an inch off the ground WITH footwear. 

Footwear: Choose shoes that work with the bootcuts or bell-bottoms. Heels with pointy toe boxes are a good match because they peek out from under the hems in an effective way. Heel heights needn’t be high at all. An inch an a half will do just fine. 

Accessories: Finish off the look with a dressy bag in a neutral, colour or pattern. Add a belt and scarf if you like. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. 

Ensemble: Denim Shirt & Bootcuts or Bellbottoms

I can shop my closet for this ensemble a few times over, which you can see in the collection of items below. I can throw in an assortment of bags in neutrals and colours, and chunky white pearls too.

Weekly Roundup: COS Picks

Inge joined me while I was in the Netherlands last week and one thing we did was to take a look around COS. Their merchandise looks especially good this season, and quite different to other retailers. They are known for their architectural silhouettes, oversized fits, solid colour palette, unusual neutrals, and ultra modern Scandinavian flair. An acquired taste, but always worth a look. 

Inge came home with a fun cobalt and white striped jersey top, and navy dress with pleated hems. The dress is absolutely STUNNING on Inge, who promptly wore it the next day with black cut-out leggings, pearls, denim jacket, crossbody bag, and fashion sneakers. I came home with a light blue textured knit jumper that is as crisp as it is polished and pretty. There were many items we liked and fitted on. Here are the ones that caught my eye. Most of the items run quite large. Be sure to browse all the colour options. 

  • COS Top with front drape detail: A fab draped top for a shorter torso, but can work for a longer torso too. Works on an assortment of body types with a regular or smaller bust. Fitted in front, but swingy at the back. Unique.
  • COS Asymmetric drape top: An excellent top for apple-shaped body types. Dressy in black. Casual in grey.
  • COS Knitted top with soft folds: Great for Team Mustard, and works as well for a pear shape as it does for an apple shape.
  • COS Glass bead necklace: A lightweight lucite pendant adds a futuristic touch to an outfit.
  • COS Wire choker with pendants: A great necklace for V-necklines.
  • COS Curved drape top: A good shape for a short-necked apple-shaped body type with a larger bust.
  • COS Pleated cuff and hem top: Super elegant blouse to wear over trousers. Runs big. Works best on those who can fill out the shoulders and bust.
  • COS Drape collar A-line top: Arty Glam Fabness. Works on a range of body types. More streamlined than you think.
  • COS Striped jersey top: A simple striped tee with a very flattering neckline. Works exceptionally well on a larger bust. More fitted in person. Fab classic in a fun colour.
  • COS Wide draped top: A glam Modern Retro draped top for a short apple with a large bust. Too short for tall gals.
  • COS Collarless coat with belt: Fun fitted kimono jacket that's best on tall gals with a broad shoulder line.
  • COS Oversized cotton parka: Oversized anorak for Team Tall. Works best on those who can fill it out.
  • COS Flared sleeve dress: Super cute fluted sleeve frock that works well on straighter petites.
  • COS Dress with pleated hems: An elegant dress that works extremely well on a larger bust and curvy top half. Can work on a curvier bottom half too. Slimming and streamlined. Works best on those who can fill it out. Less orange in person.
  • COS Circle cut layer dress: Architectural Sack Dress Fabness. Works best on an apple, rectangle or inverted triangle body type.
  • COS Textured knit jumper: A simple chunky pullover in a thick cotton knit. Heavy and luxurious. Fluid fit. The smallest size will fit a US 0.
  • COS Dress with pleated hems: An elegant dress that works extremely well on a larger bust, wider biceps, and curvy top half. Can work on a curvier bottom half too. Slimming and streamlined. Works best on those who can fill it out. (The model can't fill out the silhouette, hence it doesn't look great on her). Less blue and more slate in person.
  • COS Unstructured shopper bag: An arty shopper that's comfortable to wear on the shoulder. Nice if you wear a lot of black and white. Not as bulky in person. Casual.
  • COS Top with gathered shoulder detail: A sculptural statement piece that makes you look wider on the shoulder. The olive is warm and you have to be okay with flattening your curves. Works well on an apple or rectangular body type with a smaller bust. Arty, unique and bold.

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