Link Love: Bra-Wearing Habits of American Women

After surveying 2,000 US women, a recent study by UK lingerie brand Rigby & Peller showed that 67% of American women wear the same bra every day, and 30% of women own a bra that is 10 years old.

Bra company ThirdLove has created the Breast Shape Dictionary, which helps you shop their site based on breast shape instead of just cup size.

InStyle editor Jennifer Davis selected and tested the best sport bras for a larger bust.

Fab Links from Our Members

Greenjeans lets us know that this Smithsonian piece on How Tuberculosis Shaped Victorian Fashion is a fascinating read.

Annagybe was amused by these works of micro-fiction, based on the Madewell Fall lookbook.

Angie thought that Sally’s post on style advice for the lost is well worth a read, and her guest post on textile recycling is extremely informative.

Isabel loves Stella Tennant and found it interesting that at 45 she is giving up hair dye. Isabel says: “I love it that these high-profile women who make their living in ‘beauty’ are rejecting the old notion of youthful attributes as the only notion of beauty.”

Isabel was also very impressed with LouLou Van Damme, who was also featured on That’s Not My Age.

Joy would like to know if you agree with Christine Smallwood’s thoughts about looking effortless beginning with hair, as described in her article “Effortles Hair? It’s Complicated“.

Kari enjoyed this blog post about white-on-white, intricate, Ukrainian embroidery from her favourite perfume blogger, Bois de Jasmin. Here’s the part that Kari found the most intriguing:

“Merezhka exists all over Ukraine, but its Poltava variant is marked by the use of rich floral patterns and white color. To create it, a master removes threads one by one, and then embroiders tiny stitches on the remaining fabric to create a pattern. The finished work looks like lace, and it’s done entirely by hand. The serrated edges on the collar and cuffs are also handmade. The ‘white on white’ technique doesn’t allow for any mistakes, and an error in counting even a single thread leaves the whole pattern crooked. Moreover, no knots are allowed in the finished work, and the reverse should look as neat as the face side. To give a design luminosity and form, threads of different weights and finishes are used, while the stitches are angled to let light catch the minute details.”

Weekly Roundup: Colourful Items

There is no need to give up wearing pastels, brights and jewel tones as we head into Autumn and Winter. As long as the weights of the items are seasonally appropriate — go for it. If you’re a neutral gal, by all means stick to that palette too. But if you like brights and pastels like I do — keep them alive year round.

On that note, here’s a selection of colourful items for cooler weather. I’ve thrown in some neutrals just for fun.

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

J.Crew
Tulle-hem top
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Top Pick
9
Yoox
87 VIC MATIĒ Ankle boot
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Top Pick
10

Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Minimal Neutrals With On Point Accessories

Los Angeles-based Fashion Blogger Jessica Windle (31) writes about style, health and beauty over at Jeans and a Teacup. Our blogger’s style is casual, modern classic and very relatable. She prefers neutral colours and low-contrast minimal outfits. Jessica uses interesting footwear and accessories to create visual interest, while her trademark dark locks and red lip add stylish contrast.

“My style has taken a more neutral, minimalist turn recently. When I first started my blog I tried out a little bit of everything but now I finally feel my style starting to settle down. I’ve realized that I reach for simple basics more often than colorful prints. I like that everything in my closet can be easily mixed and matched. It makes getting dressed so much easier!”

Jessica - 1

Jessica built this casual and polished Summer look around a pair or relased hem cropped skinny jeans and a boxy silk shirt. The drapey shirt is cropped to show the entire length of the jeans, which creates a long leg line. The short diagonal sleeves are modern and flattering. Feminine pointy toe lace-up flats fill the ankle gap and create structure. An eye-catching fluffy animal patterned clutch, her interesting wood watch, and the two-toned jeans add textural interest. Oversized gold mirrored sunnies and dainty layered necklace finish off the look.

Jessica - 2

Our blogger often combines several neutrals in one look, and prefers to keep things low-contrast, which works well with her minimal style persona. Here she is sporting elegant white pleated culottes with a drapey cotton gilet and knit V-neck sweater. Combining the wide, midi-length culottes with a cropped top and pointy toe pumps creates flattering proportions on 5’9″ Jessica. A lightweight topper like this on trend drapey gilet adds extra polish. The colour bookends the pearlescent blush pumps beautifully. Jessica’s dark brown locks and subtle raspberry lippie create visual interest. An oversized black hobo, and Jessica’s simple black pendant and wood watch are the accessories of choice.

When asked what she is most looking forward to for Fall/Winter 2016, Jessica replied:

“I’m loving the choker necklace trend. I actually made a DIY leather choker and it’s the perfect minimalist accessory to wear with pretty much anything! I love it with off the shoulder tops especially. And since summer basically lasts all year round in California I can keep wearing it like that! For cooler weather, choker necklaces would look great with a chunky knit sweater.”

Jessica - 3

Jessica - 3

Sporting interesting shoes with great design detailing is another way to spice up minimal looks. And Jessica has quite a few of those in her closet. The snakeskin patterned sides and heels on these ivory peep-toe sandals take this casual denim outfit to a whole new level. They work perfectly with Jessica’s crisp white skinnies and untucked soft chambray shirt with lived-in look. Another statement wood watch, this time in burgundy to match our blogger’s lipstick and toenails, and her black hobo bag from the previous outfit are the well-chosen finishing touches.

Jessica - 4

Modern Classic with Parisian flair. Jessica is wearing black slim-fit trousers with a grosgrain belt. Semi-tucking a fun striped tee showcases the belt, and lengthens the leg line when sporting cropped trousers. Throwing over a tailored cheeky denim jacket and popping the collar adds easy-going spunk. Refined black and white pointy toe loafers create graphic integrity and echo the stripes up top. Leave it to Jessica to get all the details right. Her long loose locks and fringe are reminiscent of Charlotte Gainsbourg. A small black satchel, black sunnies and Jessica’s go-to watch are all that’s needed in the accessories department.

Jessica - 5

Jessica - 5

The staggered hem jeans — the hem is shorter in the front, and longer in the back — in a light wash are the star of the show. They give the outfit its on trend vibe, and are a great way to showcase your footwear. Jessica has paired them with a white oversized collarless shirt. The linen fabric and boxy fit with diagonal sleeves is a breezy option for warm days. The shorter length also elongates the leg line. Her two-toned sandals in white and tan look super comfortable. Combined with her ponytail they add a sporty touch. The bamboo handbag — which has been a big hit in the blogosphere — is a reproduction of a classic Japanese picnic bag.

Jessica - 6

Jessica - 6

Hard Edge meets ’70s Boho. Jessica doesn’t wear pattern all that often, but sure makes an impact when she does. She’s semi-tucked a floral chiffon Boho blouse with smocked stand-up collar into black coated skinny jeans. The pointy toe black leather mules with thin wood heel add further edge, while the moody, baroque floral pattern is feminine fierce. Wearing her hair in a high ponytail showcases the entire collar of the blouse. Jessica finishes things off with her trademark red lip, and a clever spot of pattern mixing by adding in a beautiful blush envelope clutch with black speckles.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Jessica’s minimal style. Let us know in the comments, an then check out the rest of her outfits over at Jeans and a Teacup. Or browse her pinboards to discover more visual inspiration.

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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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A Casual Neutral Look for Less

I was browsing Net-a-Porter and liked the neutral outfit below for one of my clients. It combines flared cropped jeans with a solid statement blouse or architectural shirt, choker and very chunky and playful sneakers. She could add a trench coat or jacket for warmth, a satchel for her stuff, and enjoy a playful, trendy and comfortable look for Fall.

Look for Less

The Net-a-Porter pieces are wonderful, but you can also create the outfit with less expensive items. For example, there is a very similar chunky knotted sneaker at Nordstrom for $135. They come in black, white and blush (not metallic). They are A LOT of sneaker and might make you feel like Minnie Mouse, so consider yourself warned. Good for high volume feet and short toes. They’re quite comfortable, although a little heavy.

We can keep the denim premium with Joe’s Olivia flared crops at $189, throw in an arty poplin shirt from Zara for $50, and finish off the look with a Vanessa Mooney choker for $63. Here is the complete look for less.

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An Ink Gilet in LA with Sam

We took these pictures in Los Angeles a few weeks ago. Our Yorkshire Terrier Sam came on the trip and was as good as gold. He felt quite at home in the gardens of Pasadena and the beach fronts of Santa Monica. Our exemplary little traveller was also well behaved on our photo shoot, always checking things out in his very curious and engaged way. He made passers-by smile, children laugh, doggies wag their tails, and our trip that much more enjoyable. 

Bridge - Full

Bridge - Close

No more wavy hair! I cut three inches off my fringe and had the rest of my ‘do cut super short. The longer waves were fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the change. But eventually, the fringe got in the way of my specs (which I wear most of the day), in the way of yoga practice, and kept blowing over my face in the wind. It was driving me bananas so I said goodbye. Now, there is far less fuss and I’m quite relieved. My hair feels a little too short at the moment, but it will be exactly where I want it in a few weeks. 

Walkway - Pockets

Walkway - Close

Walkway - Full

This outfit showcases two of this year’s NAS purchases, both of which have been perfect for our transitional Autumn weather. Theory’s Tolleree Short Sleeve Cashmere Sweater in black,  and Rag & Bone’s Faye Longline Double Breasted Wool Blend Vest in ink blue have been frequently worn separately already, but also work well together. They seem somewhat seasonally confused, but they work extremely well in a moderate Seattle climate. In fact, I’m surprised at how versatile the gilet (a long vest) has been. It looks good layered over just about anything, adding a good dose of tailored structure, some warmth, and subtle drama to an outfit. I LOVE the pockets. The ink blue works well with black and all shades of white. 

Top - Full

Top - Close

I’m drawn to dark blue denim washes at the moment because I’m bored with how distressed denim has saturated the market. Refreshing my denim capsule with AG’s Jodi Crop Side Slit Jeans was a no-brainer and I couldn’t be happier with these jeans. Their tailored fit feels wonderful, the cropped length is perfect for my rainy climate and assortment of footwear, the side slits are unique, and the gold stitching is retro. Combined with the pullover and gilet, the flared crops create outfit proportions that feel fresh and new-to-me. I’m loving it. 

Bridge

My blonde hair and green specs break up the darkness of the outfit, but that wasn’t enough of a break to my eye. Adding cream booties, pearls, and a pearl grey satchel breaks up the heavy and dark vibe of the outfit even further. The light footwear also bookends my look. Most would have completed this outfit with black footwear, and left off the pearls. But since I’m generally not fond of head-to-toe dark outfits, breaking up the column of colour with light neutrals is a very important styling technique for me. 

The pullover, jeans and gilet are higher-end pieces that are fantastically cut, beautifully constructed, and made of luxe fabrications. They move and drape like a dream and I can’t help but feel luxurious and fabulous wearing them. But Sam wins best part of this outfit, hands down.

Sam

SMFD

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