Layout

Brooch Style for Fall & Winter

— by Angie
on September 10, 2015

As Inge mentioned in the Link Love post last week, brooches are making a comeback. Designers like Chanel, Prada, Suno and Balenciaga accessorized all sorts of outfits with brooches for Fall Ready-to-Wear 2015 as a nod to Retro Futurism. Outfit maximalism is just as trendy as outfit minimalism these days. Love that.  

Brooches cover a range of personas. Vintage, quirky, modern, shiny, matte, bold, subtle, delicate, chunky, hard, soft, neutral, colourful, casual, dressy or abstract, so take your pick. There’s something conversational and playful about a brooch which makes them a fun jewellery item. They are also good pieces to pick up at consignment stores.

Saks Fifth Avenue
Kenneth Jay Lane Anemone Flower Pin
$75.00
View Info
Top Pick
1
Yoox
Pinko Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
4
Saks Fifth Avenue
Alexis Bittar Sport Deco Lucite & Crystal Jelly Belly Poodle Pin
$445.00 $311.50
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
4
Yoox
Kenneth Jay Lane Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
6
Yoox
TRU TRUSSARDI Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
Nina 'Janice' Faux Pearl & Crystal Brooch
$44.00
View Info
Top Pick
1
Yoox
DSQUARED2 Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
3
Yoox
HOSS INTROPIA Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
3
Yoox
TRU TRUSSARDI Brooch
View Info
Top Pick
4
Saks Fifth Avenue
Oscar De La Renta Fern Brooch
$195.00 $136.50
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
2
The Outnet
Kenneth Jay Lane Gunmetal-plated crystal brooch
View Info
Top Pick
5
Nordstrom
Nina 'Jadira' Star Statement Pin
$38.00
View Info
Top Pick
7
The Outnet
Oscar De La Renta Gold-tone enamel brooch
View Info
Top Pick
4
Nordstrom
Nina 'Jaela' Faux Pearl & Crystal Brooch
$48.00
View Info
Top Pick
3
Bloomingdale's
Alexis Bittar Lucite Swarovski Crystal-Encrusted Broken Heart Pin
View Info
Top Pick
5

Think of all sorts of ways to incorporate brooches into your outfits. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Outnet
Valentino Brooch-embellished stretch linen and silk-blend cardigan
View Info
Top Pick
3

I was inspired by the brooches on the pullover to the right, thinking how easily the look could be recreated with a similar item of knitwear. The concept would also work with a tie-front or pussy bow blouse. The effect is much like wearing a necklace without the chain. 

I wore brooches to death in the ‘80s because Duran Duran’s new wave looks inspired my brooch style enormously back then. I skipped the brooch trend for twenty years, but had a ball with floral pins in the early 00’s. It seems I need at least a decade to pass before I add brooches back into my style because I’m feeling them again. They look fresh! They can liven up the appearance of pullovers like the ones below.

Nordstrom
Classiques Entier V-Neck Merino Sweater with Detachable Scarf
$168.00 $83.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
7
Club Monaco
Arlietta Split-Back Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
4
Nordstrom
Classiques Entier V-Neck Merino Sweater with Detachable Scarf
$168.00 $83.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
2

The V-neck sweater with detachable scarf is begging for a brooch to complement it (pinned onto the knotted part of the scarf). And the right brooch might make me feel happier about wearing charcoal grey. I just have to think about how the right brooch will work with my modern apple green specs. I’m thinking vintage and gold for a fun juxtaposition.

Over to you. Are you inspired to wear brooches for Fall and Winter?

Accessories · Autumn 2015 · Winter 2015/2016
66 comments · Add a comment

Weekly Roundup: Fitted Knitwear Items

— by Angie
on September 9, 2015

Amidst a sea of fashionably fluid and oversized knitwear — which is going into its fourth season — fitted silhouettes look fresh. Note: stay away from these silhouettes if you don’t like to define the waist because they cling to the midsection. The peplums are more forgiving because they do not cling as much from the waist to the hip. 

Here’s an assortment that’s hot off the press for Fall. Be sure to browse through all the colour options.

Nordstrom
Ellen Tracy Two-Tone Rib Knit Pullover (Regular & Petite)
$89.50 $40.27
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
5
Nordstrom
Classiques Entier V-Neck Merino Sweater with Detachable Scarf
$168.00 $83.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
7
Nordstrom
Topshop Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
$48.00 $28.79
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
2
Express
Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
2
Express
Marl Fitted V-neck Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
3
Neiman Marcus
Ballerina Wrap-Front Sweater, Ivory
View Info
Top Pick
6
Amazon
Sofie Women's 100% Cashmere Peplum Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
5
Shopbop
Ballerina Wrap Sweater
$268.00 $187.60
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
3
Bloomingdale's
Vince Camuto Color Block Ribbed Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
4
Nordstrom
Ted Baker London 'Mereda' Cable Knit Peplum Sweater
$185.00 $110.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
6
Bloomingdale's
AQUA Cashmere Camo Crewneck Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
T By Alexander Wang Long Sleeve Fitted Turtleneck Sweater
$195.00
View Info
Top Pick
2
Nordstrom
Halogen Side Zip Tunic (Plus Size)
$78.00 $46.80
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
6
Massimo Dutti
Sweater With A V-neck In The Back
View Info
Top Pick
6
Nordstrom
Vince Camuto Tie Neck Sweater
$89.00 $53.40
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
7
Bloomingdale's
AQUA Cashmere Turtleneck Cold Shoulder Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
3

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

Knitwear · Lists
35 comments · Add a comment

How Internal and External Factors Impact Your Style

— by Angie
on September 9, 2015

In the course of helping many clients find their style and create functional wardrobes I’ve found that a moderate amount of analysis and planning is useful. Too much can lead to analysis paralysis, which takes the fun out of dressing and evolving your style. Too little and you’ll shop based purely on emotion and end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. I’m all for emotional shopping but it has to be organized. 

I’ve also found that it is useful to think about the factors that affect your style in two groups. The internal factors are about you. The external factors are about your context. Here’s the way I like to break it down.

INTERNAL

Style Preferences

Your aesthetic taste in terms of silhouette, colour, fabric, pattern, texture and design detailing is subjective, and can be wildly different from one person to another. Your style preferences attract you to items before you’ve even tried them on. 

Body Type

Although body type dressing guidelines have relaxed over time, we can’t help but be somewhat attracted to clothing, footwear and accessories that create conventionally flattering proportions. That said, creating outfit proportions that are “just flattering enough” is the more modern approach and quite liberating. It’s empowering to know that these days we can be stylish creating all sorts of proportions and irregular outfit juxtapositions by manipulating the guidelines for body type dressing. 

Outfit Variety

Over the years, I’ve found that a person’s need for outfit variety — or lack thereof — has a noticeable impact on their style. Those who enjoy outfit variety have a greater assortment of silhouettes, fabrications, textures, patterns and colours in their wardrobe. They also generally react faster to trends because they want to add “newness” to their look right away. The opposite holds true for “uniform dressers” and those who are disinterested in trends.  

EXTERNAL

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle is the most important factor that affects your style. Someone who works in a business formal or business casual environment has a different set of wardrobe needs to a stay-at-home Mum or somebody who works from home. How and where you socialize will also have an impact on your style, as will the extent to which you travel, attend formal events, and play sports. A common mistake I see is a wardrobe that was created for an imaginary lifestyle. 

Climate

Your climate is the second most important factor to consider because it’s best to be practical about your wardrobe choices. That way you’re prepared for the elements and comfortable throughout the day. For example, no matter how much you might love to wear floor sweeping flared trousers with pointy toe heels, they’re really unsuited to wet and snowy weather. By the same token, creating an extensive capsule of outerwear for a tropical climate is a waste of time and money. 

Environment

Sometimes the expectations of people around you can have a big effect on your style. I refer to this as your environmental norm. It includes cultural norms, workplace norms and even the expectations of your social circle. Everyone has to decide the extent to which they want to conform to their environmental norm or challenge it. You may choose to sometimes conform and sometimes challenge. There is no right or wrong here, but it is useful to acknowledge your environmental norm and factor it into your style decisions.

Budget

Although style is not a price tag, your budget will impact your style choices. Within your budget you can decide the size of your wardrobe, the rate at which you can refresh your style, and the amount you choose to spend per item. Although your income level can definitely put a cap on your budget, I find that income and budget aren’t always directly related. Each of my clients is pretty unique in the way that they approach setting a budget for wardrobe purchases.

It is never too late to start thinking about how these factors impact your style. My clients differ greatly in their appetite for this sort of analysis. For some of them it’s very informal, and something we touch on briefly while we shop and create outfits. Others love the analysis of thinking about these factors in great detail and then mapping them to their current wardrobe and their shopping strategy. Either way, thinking about how the internal and external factors affect your style is important.

Wardrobe Planning
57 comments · Add a comment
Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

Read More

Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

Read More

Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

Read More

Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

Read More

Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

Read More

Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

Read More

Dramatic Asymmetrical Lines

— by Inge
on September 8, 2015

A new outfit from Kelly Tucker of Alterations Needed, whom we introduced to YLF in July 2013.

Kelly wore this showstopper of a dress to a friend’s wedding. The dramatic asymmetric hem and gathered side make for a unique silhouette. The strict architectural lines create a fab juxtaposition with Kelly’s soft curls. The navy looks beautiful with her brown locks. Our blogger had the sleeves shortened and slimmed, altered the shoulder, bust and waist, and hemmed this Theory shirtdress to fit her 4′ 11″ petite frame to perfection. Major alterations, but so worth it. The black with gold leather belt and pebbled leather envelope clutch add a bit of hard edge. The slinky ankle strap sandals provide a sleek feminine touch. A simple gold necklace, link bracelet and light blue nail polish subtly complement this eye-catching party look.

Kelly Tucker - 1

Kelly Tucker - 2

Outfit Bloggers
22 comments · Add a comment

Three Trendy Pullovers to Wear with Bootcut Trousers

— by Angie
on September 8, 2015

I recently suggested bootcut trousers with trendy blouses for Summer. But now that Fall is on the horizon, I’ve been helping clients jazz up their bootcut trousers with trendy pullovers for the office, events, or out to dinner. 

Remember that bootcuts are fitted on the thigh, which creates plenty of structure to pair them with roomy tops. Feel free to pair these pullovers with bootcut jeans for casual settings too. Dramatic, romantic, fashionable and comfortable. 

1. Ruffled Pullovers

Ruffles look fresh this season, probably because they’ve been scarce for seven years. Think beyond the ruffled blouse and go for a roomy pullover with a ruffled hem. Mixed media options are fun because they are texturally interesting. Fitted ruffles on the waist like peplums are another option, as are ruffles that cascade diagonally down the front and back of the pullovers. Create a low contrast between the trousers and pullover if you’re concerned with the top creating a horizontally cutting line across the body, or looking short in the leg. 

Nordstrom
Chelsea28 Pleated Hem Sweater
$89.00 $53.40
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
17
Nordstrom
Tibi Layered Peplum Pullover
$365.00 $149.97
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
3
Nordstrom
Karen Kane Lace Inset Sweater (Plus Size)
$110.00 $66.00
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
2
Nordstrom
Ivanka Trump Jacquard Knit Peplum Top
$89.00 $53.40
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
3
Shopbop
Contrast V Neck Sweater
$450.00 $315.00
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
3
H&M
Ruffled Turtleneck
View Info
Top Pick
2
Farfetch
Le Ciel Bleu Ruffle Detailing Sweater - Restir - Farfetch.com
View Info
Top Pick
2
Farfetch
Erika Cavallini Semi Couture Ruffle Cardigan - Jean Pierre Bua - Farfetch.com
View Info
Top Pick
1

2. High-Low Pullovers

Roomy pullovers with high-low hemlines are excellent to pair with bootcuts because the shorter front provides further structure to the outfit. Styles run the gamut with fronts that are dramatically shorter than the back and others where the difference is more subtle. Fits can be fairly streamlined through the torso, or fashionably oversized.

Nordstrom
Karen Kane Lightweight High/Low Cardigan
$99.00 $59.40
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
7
Karen Millen
PLEAT BACK JUMPER
View Info
Top Pick
4
Banana Republic
High/Low Sleeveless Turtleneck Tunic
$98.00 $59.99
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
5
Banana Republic
Mixed-Media Cropped Pullover
$89.50 $69.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
5
Nordstrom
Classiques Entier Merino High/Low Poncho
$298.00 $148.97
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
4
Bloomingdale's
Red Haute Striped Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
4
Bloomingdale's
Phase Eight Sweater - Margo Print Knit
View Info
Top Pick
5
Neiman Marcus
High-Low Knit Sweater, Suntan
View Info
Top Pick
2
Shopbop
Bella Pullover
$138.00 $96.60
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
2
JC Penney
Worthington Long-Sleeve Layered High-Low Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
2
Neiman Marcus Last Call
Crewneck High-Low Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
1
 

3. Asymmetrical Pullovers 

Pullovers with asymmetrical front hemlines are the most avant-garde pairing of the three, and just as fab. Silhouettes can be long or short, tailored or boxy, and any colour or pattern. Keep the contrast between the top and bottom low if you’re after more vertical integrity in your outfit. 

Bloomingdale's
C by Bloomingdale's Striped Asymmetric Cashmere Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
5
Neiman Marcus
One-Sleeve Cashmere Asymmetric Poncho
View Info
Top Pick
4
Saks Off 5th
Adrienne Vittadini Asymmetric Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
3
Bloomingdale's
C by Bloomingdale's Asymmetric Hem Cashmere Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
5
JC Penney
Worthington Long-Sleeve Asymmetrical Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
5
Neiman Marcus
Vienna Turtleneck Asymmetric Sweater & Karis Stretch Flannel Slim Pants
View Info
Top Pick
7
Nordstrom
St. John Collection Asymmetrical Merino Wool Sweater
$595.00 $237.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
1
Nordstrom
Stella McCartney Ribbed Wool Sweater
$935.00 $373.98
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
4
Neiman Marcus
Ombre Cashmere Asymmetric Sweater
View Info
Top Pick
6
Nordstrom
Joie 'Tambrel' Asymmetrical Sweater Tunic
$298.00
View Info
Top Pick
2
Nordstrom
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Asymmetrical Turtleneck Sweater
$398.00
View Info
Top Pick
1
Nordstrom
Sejour Asymmetrical Cotton Blend V-Neck Poncho (Plus Size)
$69.00 $41.40
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
1
Nordstrom
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Pima Cotton & Silk Turtleneck Sweater
$378.00 $225.90
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
16
Nordstrom
Halogen Asymmetrical Hem Tunic Sweater (Online Only)
$68.00 $33.97
Sale
View Info
Top Pick
25
 

Finishing off the look with a short chunky statement necklace or funky pendant necklace adds polish to high-low and asymmetrical sweaters. Dressy pointy toe heels —  a slam dunk with flared hems — add further polish. 

You’re after a roomy cocoon coat, cape, poncho, swing coat or man coat as the topper if the pullovers are chunky. But my clients seem to be managing just fine layering with trench coats, trapeze jackets, peacoats and leather jackets over fine gauge knitwear. A short jacket looks best over these styles of pullover when it creates a low contrast against the top. If it creates a high contrast, wear it over a column of colour. 

Business Casual · Career Wear · Tops
40 comments · Add a comment