Tops with asymmetrical front knot detailing, like the styles below, are a handy silhouette to have in your wardrobe if you don’t like tucking tops into bottoms. The slanted hemline creates the oh-so-fashionable semi-tucked look without tucking the front of the top or exposing the waistband of your skirt, shorts, jeans or trousers. The magical diagonal line that is created in front of the body is flattering because it either straightens curves OR accentuates them, depending on your preference.

The good news is that you can create a similar knotted silhouette by using an elastic band on the front side of a top and tucking under the loop. Diane recently demonstrated the “knotted top trick” on our forum, photographing the steps involved. It’s dead simple and works on both knitted and woven tops. All you need is an elastic band and a top with a bit of length and volume.

The knotted effect gives a top and the outfit a little more structure by hinting at the waistline. It’s perfect for tempering the volume or shortening the length of a top to create a more flattering silhouette. Great for hourglass and pear shaped body types who like a little waist definition. Great for inverted triangle body types because it reins in the volume of a top that’s too wide on the hips. And good for apple shapes because the fit of the top remains sufficiently loose and is therefore forgiving on the midsection. 

A-line skirts, fit-and-flare skirts, pencil skirts and culottes tend to look best with tucked tops or untucked short fitted tops, which can be hard to find. The knotted top trick instantly transforms a longer and looser top into a great skirt top. Now that’s shopping your closet. Many thanks to Diane for coming up with this clever idea and showing us how it’s done.

A new documentary about the plus-size modelling world, Donna Karan is stepping down at Donna Karan International, sneakers made from ocean debris, and more news from the style trenches this week.

• Donna Karan is stepping down as chief designer of Donna Karan International to focus on her Urban Zen product line.
• A new documentary, Straight/Curve, will go behind the scenes of the plus-size modelling world.
• Grace Coddington has two books coming out: a reprint of her 2002 monograph, and a new one covering all of her later work that will be released in the Fall of 2016.
• Warby Parker continues to expand, and plans to open seven new brick-and-mortar stores this year.
• “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum examines the role the shoe has played in our society.
• Uniqlo has teamed up with UK fashion designer Hana Tajima for a “modest wear” collection that includes a range of hijabs.
• In collaboration with Parley for the Oceans, Adidas has created the world’s first sneakers made from ocean debris.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that the classic round brilliant is the most popular diamond cut for engagement rings, and that vivid pink — coloured diamonds are extremely rare — is the most sought after colour, according to Tiffany & Co’s chief gemologist Melvyn Kirtly.

This ensemble was inspired by Independence Day in the USA, which is usually a day of celebration with friends and family in casual attire. In that spirit I’ve put together four outfits that hint at the colour of the American flag in a subtle way. Instead of wearing red, white and blue, you’re choosing two of those colours. 

A Dress

Choose a casual dress in a shade of red, blue or white. A denim dress counts as a blue dress. Pair it with white footwear like sandals, sneakers, espadrilles or loafers. A pair of red shoes looks great with a blue or white dress. Finish off the look with a casual bag in any colour. I’ve chosen a  straw tote for an extra casual vibe. 

Blue Jeans & White Top

This rendition is the easiest to pull together. Combine blue jeans, trousers, shorts or a skirt with a white top, white footwear, and neutral bag. You could substitute the white footwear for red, but that would make the reference to the American flag less subtle. 

White bottoms & Blue Top 

Choose white shorts, jeans, trousers or a skirt and pair it with a blue top. The top needn’t be solid if patterns are your cup of tea. Finish off the look with white or blue shoes. I’ve chosen light blue sneakers to complement the ink and white in the rest of the outfit. Add jewellery, watch, eyewear and headgear as desired. A bandana tied to the handle of your bag is a sweet addition. 

We’re off to barbecue with friends for our July 4th, and although I’m not American, I’ll be wearing one of these flag-inspired outfit combinations. What will you be wearing?

This week, I’d like to share two thought-provoking pieces that go into how a certain aspect of your style or beauty regime can have a profound impact on your personal well-being or reflect the state of mind you are in.

Ann Brenoff, Senior Writer at The Huffington Post, wrote an interesting column about how handbags have marked her life stages:

“My life stages have always been marked by what I carry on my arm and as I inch closer to retirement, this is still proving to be the case. Right now, I am on the cusp of my oldest child leaving for college, my youngest one is just months away from driving, and my husband spends most of his free time studying those ‘best places to retire’ lists. My handbag selection perfectly reflects where I am in life: Confused, trying on a few new hats while being reluctant to let go of the past which is still technically the present.”

Over at Fashionista, Jude Chao explains how her elaborate Korean skincare routine helps her fight depression:

“When I’m deep in an episode and dreading every single simple task ahead of me, being truly present in myself becomes nearly impossible. I’m too lost in overblown anxiety. That’s why all the days blend together and why I have so few memories of my life at its lowest points. My lengthy Korean skincare ritual gives the present back to me twice a day, every day. Putting things on my face doesn’t just soothe and smooth my skin but my thoughts as well, letting me feel myself in myself in a pleasant, positive way.”

Fab Links from Our Members

Diana enjoyed this photo essay showing how L.L. Bean boots are made.

This article about movies for fashion lovers caught Diane G’s eye as she’s yet to see some of them. Audrey Hepburn fans are well catered for.

Aida found some interesting cut-out fashion sketches that use the world as their backdrop.

Approprio would like to share this video of the Issey Miyake 3D steam stretch concept, which she found mesmerizing to watch.

Sally discusses the value of a wardrobe holding area when she’s not entirely sure she wants to get rid of an item yet. Sounds very familiar, says Angie.

Author Linda really enjoyed this bra-fitting video. She adds that the comments are also fun to read.

Donna Karan is stepping down as chief designer for Donna Karan International. Aside from Danskogirl’s love of her design and aesthetics, she finds the business story interesting: How there’s no immediate successor, and that the main collection will be suspended with an increased focus on DKNY.

Marlene thought it was refreshing and reassuring to read that even professionals, like wardrobe stylist Jen Pinkston, cut corners in order to get themselves dressed every day.