Happy Thanksgiving From the Cox Castle

I love the Thanksgiving holiday tradition of reflecting on the things that we are grateful for. One that always comes to mind is our wonderful group of long-time members, some of whom have been with YLF since its inception almost 10 years ago. You are the backbone and pulse of the YLF community. You are supportive, understanding and patient. You help new members find their way by sharing your own fashion and style experiences. You help us to troubleshoot technical issues. And you often make me laugh. The YLF community would not be the same without your expertise, charm, intuition, grace and tact. I can’t thank you enough for your loyalty and ongoing support.

This year I also want to thank my two boys, who mean more to me than I can put into words. Hubby Greg is my everything, is the best of everything, and lights up my life in every way. I am thankful for all that he is and does. He is my role model and best friend.

Our little Yorkie Sam beams a special love, warmth and brightness into our lives, in a way only doggies can do. His playfulness, affection and big personality make our house a home. I’m blessed with my incredible boys. 

Sam and Greg

Finally, this year Thanksgiving is particularly special because Greg’s Mum and Dad are visiting and we’ll be celebrating at home with them. Greg’s Mum and I are making some very special South African dishes and desserts, so it’s going to be Thanksgiving with a strong South African flavour.

Wishing you safe travels, a peaceful holiday weekend, and a very happy Thanksgiving.

Nordstrom Thanksgiving Sale: Designer Picks

Nordstrom started their sale early this year, and here are some designer items that piqued my interest. Most of the items are black because that’s how designer wear rolls these days — void of colour a lot of the time. 

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

Your Favourite Styles of Footwear

On this eve of Thanksgiving Day in the United Stated, let’s talk about our favourite types of footwear. There are no right or wrong styles. If the shoes make your feet and heart happy — they are killer shoes. 

I prefer bags to shoes, but my love for shoes runs quite deep too. In terms of aesthetics, I generally prefer a refined, sleek, simple, dainty and pretty shoe or boot with minimal or no hardware and trim. The ‘80s gal in me loves a pointy toe, although I also love a round square toe. Although I have a pair of chunky mid-calf moto boots, it’s only one pair that I wear in bad weather and taking our Yorkie Sam out for walks. They are more like gear than fashion. 

In terms of colours and patterns, I’m drawn to footwear in shades of white because they bookend my hair and look crisp. I also love cognac, metallic and animal print. I have very few pairs of dark shoes, but my old ink blue booties from Zara are workhorses. 

My footwear MUST be comfortable, and I make no exceptions apart from “sitting” party shoes that do not need to go very far. I like footwear that is lightweight, soft and cushioning, and creates a tailored and polished look on my feet. I like to wear flats with half inch heels, and my favourite heel height is one and half inches. I can wear up to two and half inch heels but prefer a lower heel. 

My favourite footwear styles are sleek booties with high vamps, high-vamped loafers, ankle strap pumps and flats, and tall riding boots. All closed-toe and fairly dressy. 

Over to you. How different are your footwear preferences to mine, and what are your favourite styles of footwear?

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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Tomato Red for Thanksgiving

I wanted to combine three tomato red wardrobe items in one outfit because the colour makes me very happy. Out with the twinset and in with the tripletset. Why not! Thanksgiving Day seems like a suitable occasion to debut the bright column of colour, because it’s festive, smart casual, and very comfortable. Just right for a day of cooking, eating, yakking and laughing with family and friends. 

The coat, pullover and trousers are from J.Crew, which is probably why the shades of red are a close match. I bought all three woollen items over the course of five years, and am impressed with the quality. The old coat is a wardrobe workhorse and still in great condition. The trousers have retained their colour, length and fit despite many trips to the cleaners. And the pullover has neither pilled nor shrunk. Good going, J.Crew. 

Coat Shoulders - Close

Coat - Walk

The fit of the pullover and trousers are gently fluid, which means a little roomier than tailored but not at all oversized. The coat is a tailored classic, but sufficiently roomy to fit over a chunky, fluid piece like this pullover.

Coat Front - Full

Coat - Side

I’m wearing the pullover over the trousers to create a jumpsuit effect. I left off the belt to keep the silhouette simple and loose around the midsection, which is a must after Thanksgiving Day dinner. I’m not sure I would like this combination as much in a neutral, but the effect in tomato red makes it feel special and different.

Coat Path

Each time I wear a pair of wool trousers instead of jeans I wonder why I don’t wear them more frequently. They are dressier, more streamlining, and more comfortable. I definitely need to wear my trousers more regularly because I adore their look and feel. 

Jumper & Bag - Side

Jumper & Bag - Close

Jumper & Bag - Front

I chose my cream pointy toe booties with black trim to complete the outfit for two reasons: They bookend my hair and pick up the black buttons on the coat. The gold clutch and red lipstick provide a festive finishing touch. No need for jewellery, other than a watch and wedding ring. I’ll be wearing my apple green specs indoors, but my tortoiseshell sunnies outside because it’s lovely and sunny this week.

Jumper - Front

Our beautiful blue skies have brought cold temperatures to Seattle, but I will be cozy and insulated in this outfit. I will also wear this outfit to shop with clients, because you don’t need a party to wear a festive outfit. And it’s fun when old wardrobe items come together to create a new outfit that’s right for this time of year.

Coat Shoulders - Full

Fab Finds: Festive Pieces

No need to save festive pieces for holiday parties. Wear them to work, on date night, or even out and about. Just for fun. Spread that holiday cheer and create your own holiday capsule to wear between now and January 2nd. Combine the items with denim if they seem too dressy. 

Here are some festive pieces that have piqued my interest recently, some of which worked well on my clients. They are sufficiently versatile to wear when the holidays are over. Some of the pieces are already on sale. I’ve got four of them myself, and am excited to incorporate them into all sorts of outfits. The collection Italian stretch turtleneck sweater in yellow. The A-line midi skirt in peach. The Ophelia strappy rose gold pumps and metallic rose gold fold over clutch.

  • J.Crew Martie pant in sequin herringbone: The slight sheen on a pair of cropped herringbone trousers is festive throughout Winter with a pair of high-shaft booties. Best suited to a straighter bottom half.
  • BCBGMAXAZRIA Arelia A-Line Coat: A repeat long blazer style that's stunning on a curvy body. Fab quality. Wear it over jeans, trousers or a sheath dress.
  • J.Crew Edged lace blouse: A pretty lace shirt with white cuffs and collar. Not scratchy. I love the scalloped hem and transparent sleeves. The body is lined. Best on a straighter figure and small or regular shape bust.
  • J.Crew Double-cloth collarless coat: A retro coat to wear over just about anything. Dress it up or down. It has a straight cut so consider yourself warned. Fab on a shorter neck and larger bust. Well made.
  • J.Crew Collection Italian stretch turtleneck sweater: The most impeccably made pullover I've seen all year. The quality blew me away. WOW. Thick, heavy and oversized. But the slightly tapered hem, tailored neckline, and shorter length provide just enough structure. The exposed back zipper is lovely too. Not good for a short neck and large bust. Runs a size big.
  • Corso Como Penny: Comfortable pumps. The soles are cushioning and the textured rose gold metallic is unique. Great price.
  • Aquatalia Ophelia: Beautifully dainty rose gold ankle strap pumps. Impeccable quality. Good for low volume feet. Not all that soft and cushioning, but fine for "sitting" occasions.
  • ASOS Metallic Fold Over Clutch Bag: A small rose gold clutch for the holidays to match rose gold footwear.
  • Fiorelli Tyra Fringed Clutch Bag: A red crossbody bag or clutch with interesting placement of fringe.
  • J.Crew Tippi leopard sweater: This simple animal print lightweight sweater was WOW on my size 12 client. Chic and versatile. Best on a larger bust and shorter neck.
  • BCBGMAXAZRIA Upas Cape: I gasped when my client tried this on in the dressing room. It was absolutely killer stunning WOW. Beautifully made. Architectural, dramatic and unique. Will not date. Comfortable and not nearly as fussy as it looks. A size large will fit a size 12, and it did so to perfection on my client who also has a curvy bust. She will wear it with black bottoms or jeans both for work and play. Wear it fastened or unfastened. A magical piece.
  • Topshop Faux Fur Double Breasted Cape: Rust Sherlock Holmes Fabness.
  • Vince Camuto Ombré Poncho Top: Ombréd Poncho Fabness. Size down.
  • Banana Republic Louisa Loafer: A versatile animal print slipper flat to wear right through to Spring.
  • Banana Republic Pearl Spike Necklace: Spiked pearls to soften a hard-edged outfit.
  • Banana Republic Textured Cable-Knit Crew Pullover: Cabled fringe for narrow shoulders and a small bust.
  • J.Crew Collection A-line midi skirt in Italian wool blend: A stunning A-line midi skirt for a defined waistline. Dressy. Must wear it with a fully or semi-tucked top to showcase the high-waisted belt detailing. The front slit is quite discreet because the skirt is roomy on the hem. Comes in three colours. The peach is cool-toned and more like a blush pink. Beautifully made.
  • KAS New York Zona Pencil Skirt: Burlesque Holiday Lace to wear with a black top. Tone down the boldness with a denim jacket if it's too hectic.
  • Boden Beatrice Mid Heel: Rose gold, low-heeled T-strap pumps to wear year round. Retro fabness with a modern integrity.

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