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. 

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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. 

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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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Ensemble: Plush Vest

This ensemble was inspired by our cool and grey Fall weather, which made me want a cuddly and soft plush vest. I saw this outfit from J.Crew and liked how the layering and tucked tops changed things up. Of course, plush or faux fur vests come in all sorts of silhouettes and colours, and this is just one version. Nice to layer with, and a fun bit of textural drama to add to an outfit.

Faux Fur Vest

There are countless ways to wear a plush vest. Here are two renditions to get the style juices flowing. The one on the left is dressy, while the one on the right is casual. 

Romantic Goth

If you’re going to wear black from head to toe, wear it TEXTURED from head to toe for a maximal and less flat effect. Combine black cropped pants or a leather skirt with a black lace blouse, plush vest, and patent black footwear. Or throw in some gold footwear, and make sure your bag has maximal detailing, like a pattern or embroidery. Finish off the look with a choker. 

Preppy Equestrian 

Combine jeans with a turtleneck, plaid shirt and plush vest. Tuck or semi-tuck the layers into the jeans. High-rise jeans look particularly fresh at the moment. Finish off the look with riding boots or loafers, and casual tote or satchel. I’ve chosen black, denim and gold as the colour palette, but feel free to use any palette at all. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.Ensemble: Plush Vest

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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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Your Blue Denim Wash Preferences

For many years I preferred a very light denim wash because I loved the light blue. No rips or tears, but subtle distressing was okay. A light blue denim was pretty to my eye, did not rub off onto your clothes or hands, had a visual softness to it that tickled my fancy, and instantly added a light element to my outfit. It looked great paired with white (my favourite neutral), and created a fun bold contrast with black and ink blue. I like light denim paired with tomato red, shocking pink and citron — my happy colours — and enjoyed how their relaxed vibe dressed down a dressy support act. Here are my light blue jeans. 

Then half way through this year, I suddenly began to prefer very dark blue denim washes (a deep indigo wash). I can’t think of a reason for the shift other than that the wash looks fresh to my eye, is fresh for my style, and I needed the change. No rips, tears, and as far as possible — no distressing. I’m talking about quite a flat dark denim that is crisp and quite dressy. I added two pairs to my denim capsule this year, which you can see in the collection, and I might add a third pair. Thankfully, the dark denim dye on these jeans does not rub off at all. 

I love the denim washes and styles in the pictures below, but would adjust the length of the wide leg silhouette.

ACNE STUDIOS Row Raw Cropped Mid-rise Straight-leg JeansVANESSA SEWARD Alabama High-rise Straight-leg JeansCALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Cropped High-rise Flared

What are your wash preferences for blue denim and why?

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Nordstrom Roundup: Hints of Fall

Autumn is on the way, and for many it’s a favourite time of year. Cooler temperatures, gorgeous foliage, spicy colours, muted tones, jackets, covered footwear, textured clothing, and interesting layers. Here are some items that tickled my fancy, some of which have been winners on clients. It’s nice to see forest green and earth tones make a comeback. It also strikes me how many of the items have a high longevity factor. 

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