Closing the Neckline Gap

I like wearing classic, crisp stripes in Spring and Summer, so Boden’s Tresco Stripe Pullover was instantly attractive. I ordered the ink blue and yellow combination. It came last week and I’ve already worn it twice because it’s fabulous. The cotton-cashmere blend fabric is soft, drapey, lightweight and screams Spring. The fluid cut is great over flared crops. And the party at the back — a colour blocked button stand with dainty buttons — is a lovely extra. 

I am however, extremely fussy about the cut of necklines on my body type. My long neck, narrow shoulder line, regular size bust, and very short hair look best in a high neckline, or a lower neckline that covers the shoulder neck point (like the collar of a shirt.) I lose important-to-me outfit structure when these design details are not in place. This lovely pullover would have been returned had I not been able to fill the gap of the neckline with a chunky pearl necklace or a festive scarf. In fact, thanks to the Maximalism trend, I like wearing my pearl necklace AND scarf together with the striped pullover. See the exact items from my wardrobe in this collection. 

Broad shoulders fill out wide necklines more effectively than narrow shoulders. So the same boat neck on the model sits higher on her than it sits on me. My short string of chunky pearls creates coverage, adding that necessary bit of structure to the outfit. A scarf adds even more coverage. The difference with the pearls especially is subtle, but it makes a huge difference to the way I see and feel about the top. 

So the next time you love an item with a slightly too wide neck, think of wearing it with a chunky necklace or a scarf.

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Playful Classics & Rainbow Hair

Jennie Lamm (47) lives in Spartanburg, SC, and works as an Executive Assistant. She documents her outfits over at A Pocketful of Polka Dots. Her edgy rainbow hair is the focal point of her style, and makes a statement no matter what she wears. Jennie’s relatable style is Modern Classic and on trend. She also remixes Boho and the occasional Preppy touch into her style. Our petite blogger likes a good bargain, loves colour and is not afraid of patterns.

“My current style is quite eclectic, as I enjoy trying out new trends and pushing myself to think outside my normal style box in ways I never considered before. I am quite fond of contrast dressing — pairing hard and soft pieces, mixing fun graphic tees with my office wear, or throwing on heels and a blazer with my shorts. I am thrilled to be involved with a wonderful group of fellow over 40 bloggers — The Fab 40’s — where I am creatively challenged each month with a theme and it has truly helped me grow sartorially, as well as finding inspiration from my fellow group members. However, I do have to admit I lean towards a classic, polished look when I am left to my own devices.

My sartorial choices have made an impact on my life in other areas, as well. I was in my early forties making changes to my life all around, and choosing to start dressing differently at first did not seem that important. Except it was. It unearthed a different creative side to me I had not recognized before. To be stopped by strangers on the street with compliments on my outfit, or shoes certainly boosted my confidence level. I am known as our office fashionista. Then there is also my blog and how nice it is to hear from other real women who find my style inspiring.”

Jennie 1

Jennie found this patterned shift dress too short to wear on its own, so she has repurposed it as a tunic. For colder days she pairs the Boho tunic with fleece-lined leggings and flat suede over-the-knee boots. The leggings echo the tunic’s black background, while the tan boots pick up the gold and neutral shades. The V-neckline and asymmetrical drape across the front create vertical integrity. So does the long necklace. A stack of thin gold-toned bangles, big sunnies, and pale pink lipstick finish off the look. Finally, Jennie’s bright pink hair makes a statement in all her outfits.

Jennie 2

A simple black tee and blue boyfriend jeans are the starting point for this on trend casual look. Jennie uses a crocheted gilet with Boho vibe as a third piece to pull the outfit together and make it extra fashionable. The long gilet streamlines the look and creates textural interest. The scoop neckline and bare arms break up the expanse of black up top. A silver statement necklace adds a touch of Hard Edge. The contrasting brown wedge heel on Jennie’s sandal works beautifully with the outfit’s blue and black colour palette, and pick up the warmth in our blogger’s red hair.

Jennie 3

Our 5’2″ blogger adores colour, but also wears a monochromatic look with the best of them. Here the different shades of grey and texture-rich materials make for an elegant ladylike look. Jennie is wearing a pleated velvet midi skirt with a soft wool V-neck sweater with flattering dolman sleeves. The tonal lace cami peeking out above the sweater creates an alluring touch. Sheer black hose looks polished and lengthens the leg line. Grey patterned pointy toe pumps further elongate the leg line and add elegant pizzazz. Jennie’s diamanté necklace fills in the V-neckline and adds dressy bling. Her bright raspberry pink hair and lippie create colourful edge.

When asked if she approaches putting together outfits differently now that she is sporting bright rainbow hair, Jennie said:

“My hair — hmm… Once I started my style transition one of the very first things I did was get a pixie cut. My first bold choice. It didn’t take long for me to move on to my ever continuing journey with color, which has been fun. Initially when I chose red hair I shied away from wearing red, as I wasn’t sure how to do it properly, not being a natural redhead. Then I was asked to participate in a collaboration showing how redheads wear red, forcing me to look at all the red hanging in my closet. I loved the look I presented so much — It encouraged me to defy all of the old rules and go for an in your face, I Will wear red, and as much as I want attitude. Except for that brief period of time, I don’t believe I have altered how I approach building my looks.”

Jennie 4

Skinny jeans and a cosy duffel coat in a fun grey and red plaid is an easy-to-put-together look for busy casual days. It’s hard to see in the photo, but Jennie has paired the skinnies with a long-sleeved teal top with high-low hemline in the exact same colour as her scarf. As a matter of fact, the top came with the pretty patterned scarf. How’s that for easy accessorizing! The red in the coat picks up Jennie’s hair colour, and the scarf makes for fun pattern mixing. Rolling the jeans showcases whiskey-coloured booties that add a touch of warmth to the cool colour palette. A black newsboy cap is the playful finishing touch.

Jennie 5

Aren’t the different shades of brown delightful! They look extra rich with our blogger’s bright red hair. Jennie built this polished casual dress outfit around a simple black knit dress. Adding black fleece-lined tights keeps her gams warm, and elongates the leg line under the black dress. A moto-style leather jacket in reddish brown dresses up the look and gives it a Sporty touch at the same time. Refined high-heeled pointy toe booties add sassy elegance. A brown and cream leopard print scarf and oversized sunnies are the accessories of choice.

Jennie 6

An explosion of happy Spring colours to make you smile. Jennie dresses down a one-of-a-kind statement coat with intricate floral embroidery in bright colours. She’s paired it with blue boyfriend jeans and a grass green scoop neck top that echoes the green in the coat. A long necklace in different shades of green is wrapped around her neck twice, and fits the outfit’s aesthetic beautifully. Jennie isn’t one to shy away from extra colour so she’s added a pair of shocking pink ankle strap ballet flats that amp up the girly factor. Bright pink lipstick and our blogger’s wavy ‘do fit the vibe of this feminine Modern Classic look perfectly.

What do you think of Jennie’s fun and colourful style. Let us know in the comments, and then check out the rest of her outfits on her blog, A Pocketful of Polka Dots.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

The Trouser Trade-off

I love wearing dressier trousers, and have a good assortment of them in my wardrobe. You can see the exact items in the collection below. Generally, I wear the first four pairs in Autumn and Winter, and the other five in Spring and Summer. I wear the black cropped flares, red trousers, and floral pants year round when the weather is mild. 

I feel great in trousers. Better than I do in jeans. They are dressier, more comfortable, and I think they look more flattering. Yet I reach for blue and white jeans a lot more often for two reasons.

  1. Jeans are easier and cheaper to maintain: This is the bigger reason of the two. I can throw jeans into the laundry, air-dry them, and give them a quick press. All but one of my pairs of trousers needs to be dry-cleaned, which is more costly and less convenient. 
  2. Jeans don’t crease: I don’t reach for my blush and citron trousers as much because they crease during the day, which drives me bananas. It’s a shame because they’re fun styles that look wonderful at the start of the day. The other seven pairs, on the other hand, are remarkably robust and barely crease at all. In fact three of them are crease-resistant. 

I could restrict myself to crease-resistant trouser fabrics, but I don’t want to limit my trouser purchases to machine washable styles when the ones that require dry cleaning fit better, feel better, are a more interesting silhouette, and look more pristine. Because of my line of work, I am extra particular about outfit polish and how things fit. If that’s off, I’m going to be unhappy with my outfit. So dry-cleaning is a fact of life.

I do want to break out of the habit of wearing jeans several times a week when I could choose a pair of fabulous trousers. In fact, it’s going to be one of my style goals this year to wear trousers more frequentlyI’ll do the dry-cleaning because life is too short to not wear the items that make you happy. Of course machine washable styles will be my first choice as I add more trousers to my wardrobe. But I will not choose a machine washable style over a dry-cleanable one just because it’s easier to maintain. It has to look and feel just as good.

Roundups

Simpler Items

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

Read More

Assorted Items

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

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

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

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

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

Read More

Hints of Spring

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

Read More

Dressier Items

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

Read More

Non-Neutral Mascara

Let’s talk about mascara that is not black or brown. The collection below showcases great examples of non-neutral mascara colours, like blue, green, burgundy and purple. 

I used to wear green mascara in the ‘80s, and went back to using black and dark brown for decades after that. Two years ago, on an absolute whim, I decided to try blue mascara, and haven’t looked back. It’s quite subtle, but less so in sunlight. I enjoy how the blue looks more fresh, alive, modern, and interesting. It also looks work appropriate and polished, and not as if I’m going to a costume party. I like neon mascara in the right context and setting, but in my line of work, I need to create a relatable style that looks professional. I’ll leave the lime green mascara for the ‘80s party. 

Although I have green eyes, I prefer blue mascara. They make my eyes look more green. I’m hooked on Yves Saint Laurent’s Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara in “Extreme Blue” and “ Deep Night”. I complement it with Laura Mercier’s Tightline Cake Eyeliner in bleu marine, which I use to tightline my top lashes only. Tightlining effectively is all about the right brush, and I recommend NARS #46 Push Eyeliner brush to do just that. I layer lots of mascara onto my lashes to create a vibrant and visible colour. Here are the exact products that I use daily. 

I’ve been encouraging clients to give non-neutral mascara a go if they haven’t already done so. So far, everyone is enjoying the change. Client Karen who is 76 years young has light green eyes, and wears light purple mascara to perfection. Inge, who is on the YLF team, has hazel eyes and wears dark purple mascara with the best of them. Shades of purple mascara work well with green and hazel eyes. An executive client with big brown eyes looks fabulous in burgundy mascara. Clients with black hair and dark brown eyes look amazing with blue or burgundy mascara. And of course, blue eyes look fab with blue mascara, and green or hazel eyes look fab with green mascara. 

You shouldn’t feel restricted with your choice of mascara colour. You don’t need to match it to the colour of your eyes, or stick to neutral colours. Visit a cosmetic counter and have fun trying different colours. Choose the one you like best and run with it. Non-neutral mascara can be a great and affordable way to refresh your style. 

Who else is wearing non-neutral mascara, or wants to give it a whirl?

And if you’re in the United States, we at YLF hope you are enjoying Presidents’ Day.

Weekly Roundup: Embroidery & Floral

Spring 2017 is unfolding in brick-and-mortar stores, and the trends are coming through with gusto. Embellishment, florals, ruffles, texture, and flounces are strong. I can see a few more tailored pieces too. Here are some items that caught my eye as I’ve started refreshing Spring wardrobes with clients. 

  • Nine West Brianyah: These work best for low volume feet although regular volume feet should give them a chance. My long toes were crammed into the toe box in my regular size, so I sized up half a size and added an insole, which worked. The suede is nice and soft. The buckles are a little finicky to fasten so be patient. Pretty ped, great colours, manageable heel height, and good price.
  • Jen7 Floral Print Stretch Ankle Skinny Jeans (Vintage Garden): Substantial fabric that is super soft, thick, and not overly stretchy. Works well on a curvier fit. Size down if you're straight on the hips and thighs.
  • BLANKNYC Embroidered Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A vegan moto with maximal embroidery that suits a range of body types. Best suited to those who wear cool colours. Runs small. Sleeves are too long for petites. Read the rave reviews.
  • SARTO By Franco Sarto 'Jolette' Penny Loafer (Women): An excellent and well-made modern classic loafer. Gorgeous quality, and looks designer. Runs big so size down half a size. Fits an orthotic. Works for an assortment of foot shapes. Available in NINE colours and in wide widths. Very deserving of the rave reviews.
  • Ted Baker London Small Gem Gardens Nylon Tote: A floral bag with a Hard Edge in a classic "Longchamp" silhouette. A fun juxtaposition.
  • Nine West Pianobar: A good ink blue ankle strap pump with glitzy heel. Works for low and regular volume feet. Soft suede, and moderately roomy toe box.
  • Anthropologie Flora Foldover Clutch: Floral Water Colour Fabness.
  • Anthropologie Embroidered Field Jacket: The masculine and military integrity of this jacket is tempered by the embroidery. I love the asymmetrical placement of the embellishment.
  • Anthropologie Wanderer Cargo Pants: These work quite well on a curvier figure if you size up. Nice fit on a straighter figure in your true size. Good drape. The pattern is darker and less bold in person.
  • CeCe Scallop Stripe Peplum Top: Good peplum for curvier body types. Might run a size big. Silky texture. Good for hot weather.
  • Anthropologie Pilcro Hyphen Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans: Size down in these jeans for a tailored fit, otherwise wear them TTS to create a baggy look like the model. Soft yet weighty fabric. Fun Maximal patches.
  • Anthropologie Pilcro Embroidered Denim Jacket: Great embroidered denim jacket with a very shaped torso. Sleeves are long, and it might run a size small. Soft and stretchy for extra comfort.
  • Banana Republic Military Full Sleeve Jacket: The lantern sleeves on this jacket make it look more interesting than a regular military jacket. Avant-garde.
  • Madewell Cali Demi Boot Jeans (Fenton Wash): AMAZING high-waisted jeans. Great fit. They're soft so the waistband won't cut into your tummy, but they don't bag out either. A pretty bright light blue denim for Summer, and I adore the button fly. Fits both a curvier and straighter figure. You can trim the frayed unravelling at the bottom if that's too much tough. It was for me, so I got a little scissor-happy after they followed me home.
  • CeCe Handkerchief Hem Floral Print Blouse: A flirty and roomy handkerchief blouse in an oversized Poppy print screams Spring. The silhouette is a repeat from last year and it drapes like a dream.
  • Zara Polka Dot Shirt Dress: The photo does not do this tunic justice. It's nice to wear over cropped jeans. It has a lovely asymmetrical front gathered inset which you can't see all that well in the photo, but it looks interesting and modern. Runs big.
  • Zara Tulip Print Blouse: A garden floral wrap blouse for those with a defined waist. Lovely over bootcuts, wide trousers, or a pencil skirt.
  • Zara Oversized Printed Bomber Jacket: Fun on trend long bomber jacket that works well on an assortment of body types. It's great on a curvier figure, although you may not have thought so. Fun botanical pattern with sporty stripe detailing on the ribbing. Nice juxtaposition of Soft & Sporty, and Masculine & Feminine.
  • Madewell Denim Tie Neck Shirtdress: Fabulous fitted denim dress WITH sleeves and length. Soft and stretchy. The placement of the buttons is genius - NO gaping at all. Read the rave reviews.
  • Madewell Fiesta Paisley Silk Bell Sleeve Top: The drape of the fabric makes the flounces on this blouse a lot more subtle. Luxurious. Gorgeous over black ankle pants. Works on an assortment of body types.
  • Madewell Brownstone Side Button Sweater: One of the best boxy pullovers I've seen. Genius drape and cut. You'll have to try it on to see what I mean. Luxurious heavy-weight cotton knit. Excellent over high-waisted denim. The colours are muted and moody in person.

You can see my descriptions alongside the items on the collection page.