I had my heart set on photographing this new-to-me smart casual outfit combination, so I wore it despite the wet and windy weather. Taking the pictures was a little challenging. Venturing out when the rain briefly slowed to a drizzle did not prevent my flares from getting soggy, my specs and hair from getting wet, and my fringe from frizzing. I was also concerned about messing up my cream boots and coat. All factors making this a great example of what NOT to wear on a very wet Seattle day. That said, I did recently wear this outfit on a beautifully crisp and dry Autumn day and I loved it. 

I’ve had my Love Story Jeans for a while, but have only featured them once on YLF. This is not at all an indication of how frequently I wear them (or the version I have of the same jeans in white.) They are my go-to dressy jeans and I love them — in part because my in-house fashion stylist Greg thinks fitted flares are elegant, fun and flattering.

              

My treasured Love Storys were the first pair of jeans to refresh my jeans capsule. They were quite the change from my exclusively tapered jeans style and I haven’t looked back. They are dramatic and deliciously ‘70s. And since I’m thoroughly enjoying adding Retro touches to my style this year, they’re getting even more wear than last year. They also feel luxurious worn at the extra long length. As long as I wear them in dry weather, we are good to go.

Flared hems beg to be paired with pointy toe footwear because the toe boxes peak out really well. Bookending my hair and picking up the Winter white in the rest of the outfit made a new pair of speckled Matisse Nugent booties a good match. I’ve had the exact same boots in leopard print for years, wearing them into the ground because they’re very comfortable and versatile. Getting a second pair in a different shade of neutral made lots of sense. 

I’m not usually drawn to Fair Isle knitwear, but unexpectedly fell for this jumper at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Its colours are repeated in my hair, and the trendy tapered sleeve length resembles fingerless gloves. The horizontal pattern broadens my narrow shoulder line and my long neck likes the high neckline. Plus it’s ultra warm, soft and cozy despite the cropped length. I like Winter white paired with this shade of blue because the effect is pretty. 

My six year old military Winter white coat is a favourite that gets worn quite a bit each year. It’s amazing how well the quality has held up. No stains, pilling, puckered edges from dry cleaning, or tears in the lining. Not as much as a loose button. I like how the coat pulls together the rest of the Winter white in the outfit. And an outfit rich in Winter white makes me happy — even in the rain. 

I chose an old cream patterned belt because the oval belt buckle adds another ‘70s touch, and the pattern gels with the Fair Isle. Gold bag, green specs and my wedding ring are all I need in the jewellery department. I did leave off my big gold watch because it bulges under the sleeves of the pullover. 

Wearing fitted flared jeans with cropped knitwear, belt, boots and wool coat is another one of my new Fall and Winter uniforms — weather permitting of course.  It’s a more tailored look that defines the contour of my body. Quite a different vibe from wearing baggy knitwear and boyfriend jeans for the last three years. When I noted that I look more curvy in this outfit, Greg said with enthusiasm, “That’s GREAT!”. So I felt fabulous despite my soggy hems.

Alber Elbaz has been discharged at Lanvin, an Olivia Palermo collection for Nordstrom, and more fashion news that caught our attention this week.

• This startup company is offering its pregnant employees a $2,000 stipend for maternity clothes.
• A new exhibition at the Museum at FIT will explore the role fashion has played in fairy tales.
• After 14 years, Alber Elbaz has been discharged from his position as creative director of Lanvin.
• Olivia Palermo is designing a clothing collection for Nordstrom’s in-house label Chelsea 28.
• The Fashion Institute of Technology is organizing “The Hand of Fashion“, a series of conversations about sustainability in fashion.
• Diesel has teamed up with Dutch brand Bugaboo for a second stroller customized by the Italian brand.
• Zara is launching its first studio collection for men.

Fashion Quote of the Day

While browsing through articles announcing the news about Alber Elbaz, I came across this quote from the designer that spoke to me:

“Loudness is the new cool, and not only in fashion, you know. I prefer whispering. I think it goes deeper, and I think it stays longer.”

It’s not often that a wardrobe item makes it past the seven year mark. Our style preferences change, our lifestyles change, our weight fluctuates, and often the quality of the piece does not hold up for longer than five years. Yet some wardrobe items do earn a place in your closet for many years. 

These are the pieces in my wardrobe that have made it past the seven year mark and are still in regular rotation.

• I’ve had the black parka for eleven years, although it was exiled to a holding zone for six of them. 
• I’ve had the mixed media black L.A.M.B jacket for eight years and wear it very regularly because of the tailored fit, luxurious quality, and interesting design.
• The black moto with silver trim is ten years old and comes in handy when I need a cropped jacket to create interesting and flattering proportions. It’s a classic.
• The cream leather jacket was a present from Greg eight years ago that I wear frequently in white-out ensembles. Another classic.
• I’ve had the zippered skinnies for seven years and I’m wearing them more regularly this year now that I’m back to tucking jeans into boots.
• The polkadot blouse is a seven year old darling with great drape. I like wearing it with my new light grey moto jeans, which injects newness into the ensemble.
• The rust ‘70s jacket has been mine for 10 years and has become my go-to ultra casual topper for milder weather.
• And last, the Chanel clutch is twenty-two years old, and comes out on special occasions. 

In an era of throwaway fashion and where purging our closets to minimal status is popular, it makes me feel GREAT that I’ve had these pieces for years and am still wearing them with a happy heart. Their quality has held up really well. I’ve also got a slew of six year old pieces — like my beloved Valentino handbag — that will join this collection next year. 

Three cheers for wardrobe golden oldies that haven’t let you down. Join me in celebrating YOUR golden oldies in the comments section.

The Fashion Spot shows us five ways to wear tweed right now, and throws in some fun shopping tips. I wouldn’t say no to this Mango tweed flap clutch.

In August, T Magazine rounded up a few examples of how “the traditional menswear fabric has been nipped and tucked to new feminine proportions.” I especially loved the Moncler sweater and skirt, and the Michael Kors cape.

I also enjoyed this in-depth article on how Harris Tweed — all the weaving is still done by hand, in private homes — has been saved from the brink of extinction.

Fab Links from Our Members

Astrid really liked this Conscious Shopping Guide with the Zero-Waste Buying diagram because it moves the emphasis away from buying.

Laurinda appreciated how Janice at The Vivienne Files shows how the thoughtful addition of a couple of items can up the elegance factor of a utilitarian down vest.

With Angie’s steampunk tribute in mind, L’Abeille wanted to share this Mad Max Power Wheels costume.

“The ones where a woman with gravity-defying rollered curls is doing that one-small-step-for-mankind leap across an imaginary puddle.” Vildy was charmed by how Jess Cartner-Morley based her ’70s daytime outfit on the Charlie perfume advertisements, and loves this quote because she likes clothing lookbooks or catalogues best when they show women striding confidently.

Salt-sea enjoyed this post on how to tell whether a trend is going to last.

Robin loves the idea of incorporating her love of books into her outfits with a pair of bookish tights, but isn’t sure she’s brave enough to draw attention to her legs like that. “Would you?” she asks.

Angela K is intrigued by the Llynda More boot concept that lets you transform one pair of boots into 30 different styles.