I do not wear sleeveless tops and dresses anymore because I found that they were always orphaned in my closet. I am happy to bare my arms and love the look of sleeveless wardrobe items, so the reasons they were languishing in my closet had nothing to with coverage or aesthetics. I just run too cold to feel comfortable baring my arms in Seattle, where it doesn’t get all that hot. And purchasing sleeveless tops just to layer over them for insulation seems a shame when the items look best worn on their own. 

Even in the heat, there is a third important reason that I don’t often go sleeveless. I like to cover up my arms and neck in the sun to protect my skin and keep it cool. I find that wearing a thin and very roomy sleeved linen, cotton or silk shirt with a popped collar and scrunched sleeves is beautifully breezy, and keeps me covered in all the right places. Wearing lightweight natural fibres is essential for maximum breathability, as is a fluid or oversized fit. I find the combination cooler and better for my ultra-sensitive skin. 

I have spent most of my life in hot Asian and African climates, and I wore sleeveless tops and dresses indoors a lot more back then. Arctic air conditioning was less of an issue than it is today. But I also remember covering up for the heat and sun in the right breathable fabrics and baggy silhouettes because that’s what my late Mother used to do. And I copied her. 

It struck me how in the hottest countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, people wear covered clothing for sun and heat protection. It may sound counterintuitive, but it makes complete sense to me because I do that too. I wonder whether this resonates with you? Or do you feel coolest and most comfortable in sleeveless tops and dresses on a hot and sunny day?

Anna Wintour named Editorial Director for Condé Nast, Mango’s plus-size line comes to the US, an activewear capsule collection designed by film director David Lynch, and more news from the fashion trenches this week.

• Here’s an unexpected fashion collaboration: Film director David Lynch has designed an activewear capsule collection for Live The Process. 
• “Violeta“, Mango’s on trend plus-size line is now also available in the United States.
• With 45 photos a new exhibition will allow us a peek into Coco Chanel’s Paris apartment, that has remained intact but is not open to the public.
• Target introduces “In a Snap“, an image recognition app for Apple devices that lets users shop Target print ads directly.
• Stella McCartney and Adidas are joining forces again to design the Team GB kit for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
• Lord & Taylor will launch two new concept shops this Autumn. Brand Assembly will focus on up-and-coming “advanced contemporary” designers. Birdcage will be all about home goods, jewellery, accessories and food.
• If you’re into TV-series like Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Orange Is the New Black, and Portlandia, then this Los Angeles exhibition is for you.
• Anna Wintour has been named Editorial Director for all Condé Nast titles.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that Levi’s reportedly refused product placement for the 1991 road movie Thelma & Louise? So the high-waisted jeans and other denim items Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis wore, had to be sourced from other brands.

This ensemble was inspired by four magnificent neutrals that are finally coming together for Fall 2014. We’ve seen black and grey dominate retail for many, many seasons. Dark blue made a stylish return a few years ago and continues to gain momentum. And brown is making a fashionable comeback after laying low for seven years. 

The point of the ensemble is to wear all four neutrals in one outfit. This is a very 2014 look because gone are the days when it was considered a faux pas to wear black with brown, or black with dark blue. Don’t worry about it. Just wear it. Pair a dark blue jacket or top with black shoes. Wear a chocolate top with a black skirt, grey footwear and ink bag. Combine a navy pullover with black trousers, charcoal jacket and cognac footwear and bag. The possibilities for this modern take on darker neutrals is endless, and are a great alternative to wearing black and grey from head to toe. 

I’ve shown a few combinations in the ensembles below, and threw in a print for good measure. I’ve chosen a warm and rich cognac because it’s my favourite shade of brown. But all shades of brown will work, as will all shades of grey. Denim blue can replace the ink if that makes things easier. 

Outfit on the Left 

Combine light or dark grey trousers with a dark blue top like a blouse, shirt, tee or pullover. Layer over a jacket in a false plain (black and grey tweed), or a black jacket. Finish off with brown footwear and bag. A black moto would work really well too. Or swap things around by wearing black trousers and a grey jacket.

Outfit in the Middle

The next rendition is a lot more casual because faded denim represents the blue in the ensemble. It’s probably the easiest to pull together with items from your closet. Combine a grey top with blue jeans and a black jacket. Add a cognac belt and bag, and your choice of ink, black or grey footwear. Any style of black jacket is fab. Or wear cognac footwear and belt with a black or ink bag. 

Outfit on the Right

The last rendition includes a pattern and a skirt. Combine a black skirt with a grey top and ink patterned jacket. Finish off with a cognac bag and black footwear. Or wear the ink pattern on the skirt with a black jacket. Dark brown accessories will work too. More subtle but just as fab. Note that the pattern is quite neutral, and doesn’t veer too far from the palette. 

Finish off the look with jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. An animal print in shades of brown like cheetah, snakeskin and leopard is a great way to incorporate the brown part of the ensemble. And last, here are two more outfits that incorporate all four neutrals, AND add white into the mix. Five neutrals in one outfit. I love it.

Have you ever used a fashion or beauty subscription service? Are you a fan? Then have a peek at StyleCaster’s roundup of The 8 Best Monthly Fashion Subscriptions that Deliver to Your Door.

For many people, the surprise element is one of the main selling points of subscription services, as you get to discover new brands and products each time a parcel arrives on your doorstep. However, for some, like The Guardian’s beauty writer Sali Hughes, that’s precisely what puts them off this type of service.

Popular beauty delivery company Birchbox, that started as an online subscription service, has recently opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Manhattan.

Not exclusively fashion-related, but I found this breakdown of 6 Rules to Live by When Starting a Subscription Business an interesting read.

Fab Links from Our Members

Kellygirl found this article about the Harvard Women’s Rugby Team posing for a photo series that celebrates body love and acceptance inspiring. “Lots of different body types, and every one of them fit and strong,” she added.

Anne likes red recommends listening to this radio report about textile testing at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Amber, who was recently featured on YLF, had a fun and “adventurous” day at the beach. Lyn* loves that both Amber and Angie represent their true selves on their blogs: “there’s nothing artificial and photoshopped to make them look like they have perfect lives.”

In this Refinery29 article, 8 French women share their secrets on how to look great every day. Angie thought it a very interesting read.

Alana in Canada reports that Anuschka over at Into Mind is offering a workbook for wardrobe building that will be available on August, 5.

Milehighstyle (Linda) and La Belle Demimondaine both loved Unfancy’s tip on how to add variety to a tiny wardrobe.

Ummlila points us to Vanity Sizing: Compare These 25 Retailers at Your Local Mall.

Prince George turned one on 22 July, and Women’s Wear Daily celebrated with a roundup of his first year’s fashions. MsMary says “he’s obviously following in the footsteps of his Mum and late grandmother.” And adds that “those chubby cheeks are the perfect accessory.”