Outstanding Outfit Bloggers

Relaxed Casual in California

26-year old Alexa from Fabes Fashion hails from Germany and currently lives in Los Angeles. Her style is casual and relaxed. She combines girly with boho, and enjoys a tomboy and rocker look too. She loves to wear ripped white jeans with fun tops, and sports hats regularly. Her long locks, big smile and beautiful green eyes are her trademarks.

Alexa - 1

This Summer-y look is the perfect embodiment of Alexa’s casual, relaxed style. Our blogger loves to wear ripped white jeans that give her outfits a RATE (rough around the edges) vibe. This is partly tempered by the fact that they are white, which adds back a level of polish. An on trend off-the-shoulder peasant top with pastel geometric print creates a pretty ‘70s boho effect. The billowy bell sleeves and drapey volume provide flattering proportions with the skinny jeans. A dressy tan tote and fab flat sandals with eye-catching pearl embellishments are the polished finishing touches.

Alexa - 2

A fun take on a column of colour. Our blogger has paired her favourite distressed jeans with a V-neck cover-up worn as a blouse. The lace trim detailing and Alexa’s long sleek hair are the feminine touches. The oversized denim jacket with embroidered patches and low-top Converse create a playful tomboy vibe. The olive sneakers, blue denim, colourful souvenir patches and Alexa’s bright lipstick make a vibrant impact. Sporting white on the top and bottom creates a long lean line and is useful for making the harder-to-style oversized jacket instantly wearable. Rolling the sleeves adds structure to the outfit.

Alexa - 3

Alexa’s stunning floral print dress undoubtedly steals the show. The simple above-the-knee A-line style accentuates her shapely legs. I especially love how the bold floral pattern is only partly coloured-in, giving it the air of an unfinished aquarel painting. Beautiful! Light taupe stacked heel cage sandals and Alexa’s body art peeking through add soft edge. The nude-for-her colour further elongates the leg line. Alexa’s neon pink lipstick emphasizes her gorgeous green eyes even more. A colour blocked envelope clutch in soft neutrals complements the look. Our blogger’s pinned back wavy hair is the romantic finishing touch.

Alexa - 4

A jumpsuit in a striking colour doesn’t need extra bells and whistles. The rusty red is flattering against Alexa’s skintone. The combination with the cool-toned pink lipstick is a little unexpected. Opting for a fluid fit helps to not overwhelm the wearer. The V-neckline, rolled hems and sleeves, and the belt with metal buckle also provide structure. Pairing the jumpsuit with heavier footwear like these black cut-out block-heeled booties creates a playful utilitarian vibe. The black felt fedora bookends the shoes, and Alexa’s long locks add girly charm.

Alexa - 5

I call this one Pretty Boho Rocker. The ripped skinny jeans, black booties, long cardigan, fedora, and chain strap bag make up the Boho Rocker part of the outfit. The white and pink striped boat neck tee, in combination with white jeans and pastel pink lippy, soften the look. Pairing the tee and jeans with a maxi cardigan creates drama, but the fine gauge knit and structured fit on the shoulders and arms prevent it from becoming overwhelming. The light with dark grey ombré effect subtly echoes the striped tee. Together with the suede booties, felt hat and quilted bag it provides subtle textural interest. The high-contrast black footwear creates an extra horizontal line which is offset by high heels and the vertical integrity of the long cardigan.

Alexa - 6

Alexa - 6

A simple tee and jeans look is elevated by incorporating colour, pattern and texture. Alexa is wearing her trademark distressed skinnies with an Aztec print crew neck T-shirt. The mix of colours and patterns creates outfit depth. The tasseled hemline, the knot detailing on her tote bag, and braided sandals add lots of texture. A banded fedora adds flair and is a great way to shield yourself from the Californian sun. Bright red lipstick and rosy cheeks finish off this casual Summertime look.

Let us know in the comments what you think of Alexa’s fun, relaxed style. You can also browse the rest of her outfits over at Fabes Fashion, or find out what inspires her on Pinterest.

My New Caudalie Skincare Products

I have clear, dry, sensitive skin that enjoys excessive moisture and hydration. After invaluable advice from a dermatologist six years ago, I changed my skincare routine to one that was simple and inexpensive and, hands down, works best for me. My skin has suffered terribly using expensive skincare products in the past, and I shan’t be making that mistake again. 

After being very impressed with Caudalie’s Gentle Buffing Cream, I decided to try three more of their products:

Two weeks in and I’m a complete Caudalie convert. My skin feels smooth, soft and nourished, and looks adequately dewy (or “shiny like an apple” as I prefer to describe it.) These Caudalie products are even better for my skin than the Eucerin cleanser and moisturizer I’ve been using for years.  

Caudalie products are apparently eco-friendly and paraben-free. You won’t find chemicals like phenoxyethanol, paraffin, sodium laureth sulfate, phthalates and mineral oils in the skincare range. The products are gentle and pure. Their scent is fresh and healthy. They have an assortment of products to suit varying skin types so take your pick. Caudalie will go down as my beauty find of the year.

The Matchy Mismatched Earring

People have worn mismatched earrings forever. It’s a handy and practical thing to do when you’ve lost an earring in a matching set but rather fancy the earrings. You can wear the remaining earring in one ear, and wear whatever you like in the other. 

These days, as a nod to the oh-so-popular asymmetrical trend, you can purchase sets of mismatched earrings that match in some way. The design of each earring in the set is deliberately different, yet the pair clearly belong together. Mismatched yet matching. The collection here provides good examples of the look.

Matchy mismatched earring sets can be delicate or chunky, large or small, studded or dangly, costume or fine, casual or dressy, and simple or complex. The visual effect is interesting, intentional and makes others do a double take, especially when the set is large and very visible.

Look at how well these celebrities pull off the trend. Twiggy’s architectural, colourful and graphic asymmetrical earring statement takes my breath away. WOW. Halle Berry’s refined, classic and delicate rendition is a more practical and pretty “everyday” option that matches her sparkly eyes. It also creates a fab juxtaposition with her spiky hair. Gwyneth Paltrow’s dressy ear bling follows the asymmetrical line of her hair and blends into her complexion. It’s interesting that she chose to wear the stud on the bare ear and the chandelier style on the side where her hair sweeps over her shoulder. 

TwiggyHalleGwyneth

Related to the matchy mismatched earring trend is wearing ONE statement earring with no earrings in the other ear. Jewellery designers are creating one-earring ranges precisely for this purpose. In this case, you can wear the solitary statement earring as the designer intended, or find a mate that matches from your earring capsule at home if that’s more your cup of tea. 

I don’t wear earrings at all, but I enjoy keeping up to date with what’s on trend. I love the matchy mismatched earring trend because it looks intentional, modern and fresh. Wearing one statement earring in your ear looks less polished somehow, especially when you can see the bare pierced hole in the other ear. It would also invite people – like my darling Dad – to let you know that you’d lost the other earring. That said, it’s been very fashionable for men to wear one earring for decades. I guess I’m simply more accustomed to seeing men wear one earring than women. But I’m sure it will become the new normal before long, just like it’s become the new normal for men to wear a pair of earrings these days. 

Over to you. What do you think of the matchy mismatched earring trend, and would you wear the look? What do you think of wearing one statement earring and leaving the other ear earring-free?

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: Coral, Blush, Cream, Taupe & Ink Blue

This ensemble was inspired by a capsule collection I saw in Banana Republic last week. It combines four neutrals — cream, taupe, ink blue, and denim — with two colours — coral and blush. The result is a fresh, Summery, rich and versatile set of outfits. 

Banana Republic

By all means create your own mix-and-match capsule around this colour palette. Use patterns and solids, or solids alone. Patterns can be represented in items such as tops, dresses, scarves, skirts or pants. For starters, think of ways to combine coral, blush, cream, taupe, denim & ink blue with the items that you have in your wardrobe. You don’t need to combine all the colours in one outfit, but you can combine three to five of them. I’ve started the ball rolling with four renditions. There is a blush bag for every rendition to represent that colour of the palette, and either topper can be worn over the four outfits. 

Ensemble: Coral, Blush, Cream, Taupe & Ink Blue

Jeans, Coral Top & Cream Jacket

This is the easiest outfit to pull together if you wear coral. Combine a coral top with blue jeans and a cream topper like a blazer, vest or cardigan. Finish off the outfit with taupe, cream, blush or metallic footwear that works with the style of the jeans. Remember that the blush footwear matches the blush bag. 

Taupe Dress Plus Pattern

Combine a solid or patterned taupe dress with a scarf in the colour palette of the ensemble. I’ve used a cream, coral and denim scarf to bring in some blue. Top things off with a cream, coral or blue denim jacket. Add taupe, cream or blush footwear that works with the style of the dress.

Coral Skirt & Cream Top

Choose a solid or patterned coral skirt in a style that tickles your fancy. Add a cream top that works with the skirt. Leave it at that and add blush footwear and bag. Cream or denim jacket is optional. Of course, metallic, cream and taupe footwear will work too. 

Ink Blue Pants, Blush Top & Denim Jacket 

Combine ink blue pants with a blush top and blue denim or cream jacket. Add ink blue or blush footwear to work with the bag. I’ve omitted the coral from this rendition for those who do not wear coral. You can add a coral bag if you like the colour, but don’t like to wear it close to your face. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

Add five more tops that can be worn with these outfits and you’ll have a complete business casual capsule in the palette. The jeans will work for casual Fridays.

Link Love: This Year’s Jewellery Trends

After reading Angie’s recent post on big earrings, I was curious to see which other trends are making waves in the jewellery world this year:

Fab Links from Our Members

Skylurker found this round-up of ’90s runway shows interesting, especially since there’s currently a ’90s revival.

What if the true cost of your clothing purchases included the price(s) of the ones that didn’t work out, or the cost of returns you had to pay for? Vildy thought this is an interesting way of looking at things.

She also enjoyed this other post about sunk costs on the same thrifting blog which explains a “trap” many of us have probably fallen into once or twice: If you’ve invested money in something, you are tempted to hold on to that item because it makes you feel like your money is still worth something.