Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

The Power of Polished Casual

Washington D.C.-based E (34) lives in Washington D.C. works as a marketing manager for a software company, and documents her outfits over at District of Chic. For the most part, her style is smart casual, polished, and quite minimal. She likes to mix Modern Classic pieces with on trend items, and sports the occasional Soft-Edged look. Our blogger is very much into cropped jeans and chokers at the moment, and uses clean-lined jewellery and fun footwear to add visual interest.

“My style is definitely eclectic – a little bit preppy, a little bit punk, sometimes more romantic and dark, and lately I even find myself going more minimal. It really depends on my mood. I also come from a somewhat artistic background so I’ve always been a sucker for interesting color combinations and eye-catching patterns.”

District of Chic - 1

District of Chic - 1

E is combining two statement pieces to create a dramatic look that she thought “invoked cosmopolitan bullfighter vibes”. To lengthen the leg line she’s tucked her eye-catching navy gingham blouse into black cropped flare trousers with bow-tie detailing. Flirty fun! The blouse’s stand-up collar emphasizes our blogger’s long neck. The structured fit on the shoulders tempers the volume of the on trend billowy ruffled sleeves. The two tassels on the leather satchel echo the bow ties on the trousers. Low-vamped pointy toe pumps further lengthen the leg line. Cat-eye sunnies, two multi-coloured bangles, watch and rings finish off the look.

District of Chic - 2

How divinely ’80s is this denim skirt outfit! E has tucked a simple white crew neck tee into a just-above-the knee distressed denim skirt. The light wash is reminiscent of ’80s stonewashed denim. But the star of the show is, of course, the asymmetrical leather studded jacket. The cut-away open neckline draws attention to the stud embellishments, while the tailored waist reins in the volume of the big shoulder pads. Black block-heeled sandals with buckles add a touch of Soft Edge. E’s sleek bob creates polish, and her cat eyeliner fits the vibe of this look perfectly.

District of Chic - 3

District of Chic - 3

E is sporting a pair of black and white triangle patterned shorts with a high-low hemline pullover. From the front this looks like a simple, minimal casual outfit, but our blogger has a surprise in store for us. The back of the sweater has lace-up detailing with fun oversized grommets, which takes the entire outfit up several notches. Unexpected party at the back, as Angie calls it! A sleek gold-toned choker necklace and bangle add visual interest in the front. Minimalist black cut-out leather slides complement the vibe of the outfit brilliantly. E’s trusted black Céline bag and oversized sunnies are the accessories of choice.

When asked if her approach to fashion and style has changed now that she’s a Mum, E replied:

“Though it pains me to admit it (because I’ve never been particularly practical when it comes to fashion), having a child has made me a little bit more sensible about how I dress. Having to chase an active toddler around, I’ve definitely come to appreciate a good pair of flats and fabrics that don’t stain. On the weekends, I often wear outfits that look equally good with sneakers or heels so I can easily transition from the playground to a restaurant.”

District of Chic - 4

Our blogger likes to wear neutrals but rocks pretty sherbet colours with equal pizzazz. For this casual polished look E has paired raw hem cropped straight leg jeans with a coral cable-knit sweater. Combining the boat neckline with a necktie choker and adding ankle strap flats gives the outfit a ballerina vibe, especially with 5’8″ tall E’s long limbs. The lace-up shoes close the gap on the ankle, while the cable knit detailing and blue velvet footwear create textural and visual interest. The black bag works well with the rest of the colour palette. E finishes things off with red lippie that complements the copper in her hair.

District of Chic - 5

A faux fur stole in a beautiful colour like this rich burnt orange is a great way to add oomph to a black Winter coat or an all black outfit. E is wearing a tailored wool coat over black skinny jeans, and uses accessories to make a subtle statement. The flat booties with metal-tipped fringe overlay and chain accents, and her compact mini envelope bag with gold metal detailing create a rocker vibe. The cat-eye sunnies and chic, cosy stole add glam. Fair isle gloves that match the stole’s colour are the playful finishing touch.

District of Chic - 6

Our blogger has polished casual outfits down pat. This denim-with-stripes look is extra fun because of the clever juxtaposition between the tomboy footwear and feminine scarf. E is wearing a navy and white striped sweater with relaxed skinnies. Adding a sharp-shouldered blazer that is the same length as the sweater makes the entire outfit look extra put together. The silver metallic oxfords work well with the blue and white colour palette. The elegantly tied vintage neckerchief is an easy way to do some subtle pattern mixing. I also lovethat E isn’t afraid of sporting her favourite bags very frequently.

Let us know what you think of E’s style, and then hop on over to District of Chic to browse the rest of her outfits. Or have a look at her pinboards for more visual inspiration.

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The ’90s Black Midi Skirt

The way I remember it, the ‘90s was about three skirt silhouettes: the short A-line, the straight calf-length pencil with side slit, and the voluminous midi. These skirts were for the most part black because that was THE colour of the mid to late ‘90s. 

The ’90s-inspired voluminous midi skirts below caught my attention at Zara. I think they’re fabulous for a few reasons:

  1. They look FRESH amidst a flooded retail market of knee-length pencil skirts and skater skirts. At last, we have something different. 
  2. They’re long, which means that with hosiery (or leggings) and boots, there’s the potential to feel cosy in cold weather without wearing jeans or trousers. 
  3. Some styles can look romantic, architectural, avant-garde and maximal.
  4. They look equally good on a straighter and a curvier figure. 
  5. They work well with on trend crop tops, short asymmetrical tops, and tucked tops.  
  6. They are great in motion, and have a fun “swoosh” factor.

Frilled SkirtMidi Skirt with Buckle

Sequinned Mesh SkirtPencil Skirt with Ruffle

Granted, they are easier to wear when you’re regular height or tall, because the lengths can overwhelm a short height. That said, if the length is slightly shorter and the silhouette more streamlined, petites are in business. 

If you like to wear black skirts and black boots, this could be a fun “new” look for you. What do you think?

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Link Love: Independent Boutiques

Racked explains why Oakland’s indie shopping scene is worth its own trip.

The New York Times lists four New York neighbourhoods that have many locally owned businesses.

If you prefer to shop online or if the brick-and-mortar stores are too far away, then here’s a list of small boutiques across the US with great online shops.

Fab Links from Our Members

Ledonna N. is loving this post about plus size fashion and maximal looks.

Milehighstyle (Linda) and MsMaven liked Brenda Kinsel’s advice for 60-year-olds, and think it can apply to women of any age. 

Christine Lagarde is a style icon for Joy. She says: “She wears lots of scarves, but, like Angie, she also likes pearls.”

Greenjeans found this article about Zara’s recipe for success very interesting.

Sally reminds us that you have to keep your wardrobe items in places where you see them. Angie couldn’t be in MORE agreement. You can’t wear items that you forgot you had!

Saint Bustier is inspiring Minimalist to look beyond menswear and Eileen Fisher for further options in dressing a body larger than most mainstream brands provide coverage for.  

She also enjoyed reading about Jenna Lyons’ ‘lunch uniform’.

Finally, Minimalist would like to share this handy holiday tipping guide.

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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Learn From My Shopping Mistakes

I help others shop for a living, but that doesn’t mean that I’m immune from making my own shopping mistakes. I’ve learned from them (sometimes the hard way), and I’ve become a more savvy and successful shopper because of it. Each season I have a wardrobe that I’m more in love with than the season before, but it’s taken time and patience to get there.

This is what I’ve learned:

1. Never Say Never When it Comes to Fashion

Keep an open mind and poison eye to a minimum when you shop for new-to-you pieces, because the item you thought you disliked last season, or even last month, might grow on you sooner than you think. This is especially important when you’re bored with your style, which is why I keep the trends flowing through my own seasonal purchases. 

2. Don’t Shop for an imaginary Climate

After living in hot and humid Hong Kong and Cape Town for most of my life, I was used to having a large inventory of what I call “proper Summer clothes”. I did not change my shopping habits when we moved to Europe and the US. As a result I amassed a lot of clothing that was inappropriate for my climate. It took me years to get that right because shopping for Spring fashion is my weakness. Now I keep a tight inventory of Summery items because I live in Seattle and run cold. 

3. Choose your Neutrals Carefully

I used to purchase lots of items in black and charcoal thinking that I would wear them because they’re neutral and “go with everything”. They were often orphaned because large doses of these two neutrals do not make me happy. Black footwear and outerwear especially does not make me happy. What does make me happy is large doses of light neutrals like cream and white, and dark neutrals like ink blue and navy. I’m also loving neutral earth tones like cognac and toffee, and there’s even a smattering of light pearl grey in the mix.

4. Keep The Colour Flowing

Getting the right assortment of neutrals is one thing, but an overly neutral wardrobe doesn’t make me happy either. I’ve learned to keep a stream of the right colours flowing through my purchases as I refresh for the season.

5. Prioritize Structured Items

Although I can be attracted to highly unstructured, very drapey, and avant-garde clothing items, it normally does not work on my slight frame and narrow shoulder line despite being 5ft 6. When I’ve purchased these items they languished in my closet, because I just don’t feel great in them. I look best in semi-structured and structured outfits, and that’s that. 

6. Focus on the ITEM not the Price

Many years ago, I used to be attracted to something because the price was right although the item was wrong. Allow this shopping habit to escalate, and you end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. And ironically, it’s a colossal waste of money. I’m happy to say that I do not wear sales goggles, and am a lot more discerning about whether the item will earn a spot in my wardrobe regardless of the price. 

7. Duplicate Items that are Signature to your Style

I believe in a moderate sized wardrobe, and as a result have learned that item duplication is a GOOD thing if the items are signature to your style. That’s why I rarely allow the fear of duplication to stop me from adding items like cream or white footwear, white jeans, lace dresses, chunky pearl necklaces, sour green toppers and tomato red tops to my wardrobe.

8. No Uncomfortable Footwear

Unless they are “siting shoes” for fancy occasions, no more heels higher than two inches. The Sam Edelman Okala pumps are the only exception because I can miraculously walk in those quite comfortably. For the rest, heels between half an inch and one and a half inches are best for me. 

9. Don’t Shop When You’re Not in the Mood

I’ve found that if I’m shopping when I’m hungry, tired, distracted or cold, I make bad decisions. I’m definitely more focused when I feel like shopping. 

10. When in Doubt, Ask a Friend or Significant Other

Find sounding boards whose opinions you trust. If I’m unsure about the way an item or outfit looks, my in-house fashion stylist (hubby Greg) helps me make the right decision. His fresh and objective eye is an invaluable resource. 

Over to you. What have you learned from your own shopping mistakes? 

Nordstrom Roundup: Black Friday Top Picks

These items caught my attention as I browsed Nordstrom’s Black Friday sales assortment. I have seen some of the picks in person, and fitted them onto clients. Some items are available in plus and petite sizes, and there are lots of colour options too. 

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