After seeing forum member Shevia’s brilliant take on this gingham with white and cognac accents outfit, I had fun doing some reading on the history of gingham.

I also enjoyed seeing how six POPSUGAR editors styled five gingham shirts and one dress.

And I found extra inspiration on how to wear this fun pattern in current and on trend ways on these three pinboards: Lindsey Turner’s Gingham Style, Valley of the Shoes’ Gingham board, and last but not least, My Small Wardrobe Carelia’s Gingham pins.

Fab Links from Our Members

Fieldmouse found these hilarious guidelines for how to really dress for your body shape. 

These pattern mixes are for men’s Fall fashion, but Joy is inspired too. And so am I, Joy!

With the recent forum discussions about contrast dressing, milehighstyle (Linda) thought that Imogen’s blog post on Getting Your Value Contrast Levels Right might be helpful.

Journalist Esther Honig sent a photo of herself to 40 Photoshoppers from more than 25 countries with the request that they “make her beautiful”. While this is a limited survey, Laurinda thinks it presents an interesting sampling of what is considered “beautiful” around the world.

L’Abeille only recently discovered Mr Selfridge, the TV-series telling the story of the iconic London department store, on Netflix, and was hooked after one viewing. “Has anyone else seen it?”, she asks.

Ummlila came across Ladypockets, a blog that makes fun of all the tropes about trivializing the work of women in power by talking about their clothes and hairstyles, rather than the importance of their work. Ummlila adds that “the blog is indeed funny and relevant, but I agree with The New York Times that it does not hurt to show how women in power really dress, just so that there are appropriate role models out there”. 

Angie loved this roundup of Memorable White Shirt Moments Through the Decades. She’s going with Sharon and Uma as her best.

Angie also recommends this post on Already Pretty in which Sally asks the question: for whom are you dressing? The older Sally gets, the more she strives to dress only for herself.

I have a pair of mirrored silver flat oxfords that are extremely comfortable and that I love with all my heart. The laces and stitching are citron, and these were the design details that attracted me to the shoes in the first place. But earlier this year I woke up one morning and was suddenly off the laces. I yearned for a simpler silver shoe with fewer bells and whistles. So I began searching for a pair of laceless metallic flat oxfords. 

Later that day it dawned on me that I could shop my closet for the perfect pair of laceless flat oxfords if I just removed the citron laces from the pair I already owned. At first I was worried that the oxfords would slip off my feet without the laces, but the genius design has elastic inserts on the vamps of the shoes that keep them securely in place as I walk. Brilliant. 

I’ve been wearing my “new” laceless silver oxfords like ballet flats without socks or hose, and it’s worked out really well. I don’t think this will work for all oxfords, but it might be worth a try if you are in the mood to go laceless.

We’re on the cusp of Fall fashion, but there is still Summer merchandise in stores for the moment and most of it is on sale. Here’s an assortment of fun Summer items across a range of price points. Be sure to look through all the colour options. 

1. BCBG Emmaline High-Low Hem Pullover: Watermelon fabness on petites and regular height ladies. Excellent on a short waist. The back hem is long so consider yourself warned. 
2. BCBG Harlow Geometric Envelope Clutch: Clean, crisp and graphic. 
3. Blake Metallic Mesh Turn-Lock Clutch: If you’re a ‘70s Glam Gal, this shimmery little darling might be just your cup of tea. It shimmers in shades of blush and mint. 
4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Brighton Clutch: Here’s a brighter version at half the price. 
5. Zara Short Floral Print Blazer: Excellent on a large bust, short neck and broad shoulder line. Fantastic length on petites, and fun layered over the Emmaline high-low pullover. Runs small.
6. Zara Oversized Printed Sweatshirt: Stands away from the body in a fashion forward way. Stiff boxy fabness. 
7. Deux Lux X Lock Clutch: A small butterfly leather clutch with an unusual clasp. 
8. IIIBeCa West Broadway Satchel: Great casual leather satchel at a good price. Available in nine unusual colours. 
9. Kenneth Cole New York Bree Blouse (Petite): Breezy for hot weather and no camisole required. Great on petites and regular height ladies. 
10. Lafayette 148 New York Gathered Asymmetric Dress: A tailored sheath with a romantic touch, and enough length for taller gals. 
11. Robert Rodriguez Dandelion Twill Embroidered Jacket: An architectural feminine topper that works well over sleeveless dresses, trousers and jeans. 
12. Michael Kors Black Drape Front Blouse: Strict yet soft. Best on a long neck, small bust and straighter figure. 
13. DKNY Colorblock One Button Jacket: Bold and tailored for the office. Wear over a column of black. 

If your Summers are long, peek at the sale at BCBG, Neiman Marcus and the Rack because it won’t be long before stores are full of Fall fashion.

I am generally very strict about managing my closet. I use a one-in-one-out approach to make sure that I don’t grow out of my closet space over time, and items that I’m no longer wearing get passed on or go into an out of sight holding zone. But there are exceptions. These aren’t orphans — I know how to wear them and have plenty of items to wear with them. I keep them because it makes me happy to see them in my closet, or because I have a hunch that it won’t be long before they are back in rotation. Here are four examples that are in my closet right now.

First, I’ve had a vintage tomato red dress for thirteen years. I’ve worn it to three weddings and many a night out in the past. The last time I wore the frock was in 2010, when it was hot enough to do so and the setting was perfect. I have no intention of getting rid of that dress because I love it so much. Seeing the colour and its delicate fabric hang in my closet puts me into a good mood. I’m sure I’ll wear it again one day, when the moment and weather are just right. But for now, it’s serving its purpose by decorating my closet. 

Second, about three years ago I had a style epiphany and swore off all jewellery apart from watch and wedding ring. Before that I frequently wore chunky white faux pearl necklaces of all shapes and sizes. I still have them, and they make quite a visual statement where they hang on the hooks I installed for them. I have no intention of wearing these necklaces any time soon, but seeing them as I enter our closet makes me happy. White pearls will always hold a special place in my heart, so they’ve become sentimental. 

Third, I have two older white Anne Fontaine button-down shirts that I haven’t worn for years. They are very tailored and right now I prefer more fashionable fluid and oversized fits. So instead I gravitate towards my boxy white tuxedo shirts, or the Anne Fontaine shirts that are a little less fitted. But I’m keeping them in my closet because I know I’ll wear them again when I want a more tailored look.

And fourth, I have two pairs of Chie Mihara low-heeled pumps that are beautifully made and extremely comfortable. I don’t wear them because I’m off round toed pumps for now. But as Queen Fussy Feet, I generally don’t get rid of comfortable shoes unless they are falling apart or I’ve found a superior replacement. So they’re staying in my closet, waiting for my round toe pumps mood to return. 

I believe that closet edits are important, and I’m all about keeping my closet to a manageable size. But sometimes it’s a good idea to hold onto items that you have a hunch you might wear again in the not too distant future, or even just because they make you smile.