Like most months at YLF, July was a combination of posts about fashion trends and posts about functional style. It also saw the launch of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which runs until August 4 so there is still time to find bargains on Fall items in my list of top picks.

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This ensemble was inspired by a classic Summer combination: white with touches of brown. There are many, many possibilities, both in casual and dressier combinations, but I’ve put together four options to get you started. All shades of brown will work. And feel free to use cheetah, giraffe, or leopard print footwear and accessories as your nod to brown. 

White-Out with Brown Footwear and Bag

Choose a top and bottom in shades of white that work well together. I’ve chosen a pleated white midi skirt and sporty cropped pullover, but baggy linen pants are just as fab. Add brown footwear and a brown bag of your choice. I threw in a two-toned patterned bag, just for fun, and a pair of casual chocolate brown booties. Perhaps you’ll add a brown and white patterned scarf, or a brown hat. 

White Bottoms with White and Brown Patterned Top

You’ll need white bottoms and a patterned top in shades of white and brown. The patterned top can incorporate brown in a subtle way, like the pattern I chose here, which has a touch of taupe. Or go the bold brown and white pattern route. Patterns are a great way to cool down the palette for those who look best in cooler shades. 

I chose an A-line white skirt, and finished off the outfit with chocolate brown peep-toe booties and the same two-toned and patterned brown bag. Brown pumps or sandals are another way to go. 

White Bottoms with a Grey Tee and Brown Accents

I’ve snuck in a drapey grey tee and matched it with white jeans for those who aren’t into white-out. Again, the grey cools down the palette if warmer tones aren’t your thing. Partially tuck the front and add a belt in brown or a metallic. Roll the cuffs for a Summery vibe and finish off with brown footwear and bag. 

White Dress with Brown Accents

A casual white dress in a comfortable cotton screams Summer. Choose a style that tickles your fancy and wear brown gladiators, or ankle strap sandals. A cheetah skinny belt in a shade of brown is a lovely addition. A brown bag is the finishing touch.

Feel free to add jewellery, scarves, eyewear and hats as desired. Jewellery in shades of brown is great with this palette.

Here are a few street style shots of the outfit formula in action:  

• White shirt dress with cheetah gladiators and brown studded belt.  
• Oversized cream rib knit pullover and white skinnies with cognac belt and booties with tan tote.
• White jeans, white shirt, brown sandals, belt and patterned scarf.

The resurgence of brown for Fall 2014, and its rich inclusion in a cold weather neutral palette, have amped up the appeal of cognac wardrobe accents. Here are ten fun items to get your cognac juices flowing for Autumn.

1. J.Crew Studded Belt: A casual cognac belt with a subtle stud. Nice and different.
2. J.Crew Italian Leather Belt: A modern classic style with a dressier integrity.
3. Sam Edelman Petty: The Sam Edelman Petty is a repeat style that I find comfortable. It's a nice shade of cognac, and extra comfy with a cushioning insole. Read the rave reviews.
4. Frye Courtney Slip On: Fryes slip-on heeled loafers are a super combination of refined ruggedness. More rave reviews.
5. J.Crew Perforated Monk Strap Loafers: A dainty monk strap loafer in a light shade of cognac with fun brogue detailing.
6. J.Crew Classic Silk Blouse: A boyfriend silk blouse in a richer shade of rust that is gorgeous with bottoms in shades of blue.
7. Boden Isabel Jacket: A retro jacket in a graphic pattern. It's 100% cotton, so good for a warm Fall climate.
8. Prada Chelsea Boot (Women): Quite exclusive in the cognac colourway. They are a little less orange than in the photo. Refined Equestrian at its best. Well suited to low and regular volume feet and very comfy. Runs a size big like most Prada footwear. I saved up for these, and they are mine. I couldn't be happier with them.
9. Boden Chic Ankle Boot: Boden makes comfortable boots, especially when they are suede. An extra rich shade of cognac in a sleek style of bootie. Good on a higher volume foot.
10. Foley & Corinna City On A String Clutch: A clutch that converts into a crossbody in a bright shade of whiskey. Interesting.

Adding cognac accents was the first thing on my Fall shopping list. The recent addition of a Smythe jacket with cognac elbow patches to my wardrobe has kickstarted the process, so I’m well on my way.

Here is my finds collection if you would like to browse the list visually.

I developed spider veins on my thighs about fifteen years ago, just before I turned 30. It hit me quite hard because my Mum used to frequently call attention to her own spider veins saying how ugly they looked, and saying how lucky I was that I didn’t have them. Little did she know that her daughter was on the same track. 

For the next ten years, my spider veins weren’t very noticeable unless I wore a swimsuit, so I simply ignored them. I seldom wore shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than a few inches above the knee anyway, so it didn’t affect the way I dressed.

By age 40 I noticed that my spider veins had spread. They were especially noticeable above my knees and around my inner thighs. A year after that, they were very visible on the front of my shins, the backs of calves and on parts of my ankles. I wasn’t thrilled by how this made my legs look, but I was even more concerned about whether they were a danger to my health. A dermatologist reassured me that there was no danger at all, and also mentioned that I could have them removed. I didn’t act on this information immediately, but stored it away in the back of my mind. 

I made no effort to cover up my spider veins because I love to wear skirts, dresses, and knee-length shorts sans hosiery when the weather is warm. Greg was completely unfazed by them and for the most part, so was I. I’m not sure what others thought about my spider veins, but no one ever made me feel bad for having them. 

My thoughts did keep returning to the fact that I could have them removed, or at least minimize their visual effect. So two years ago I took the plunge and booked the procedure. And it was an awful experience that I hope to never repeat. Painful, tedious and expensive. I had to stop the procedure halfway through, it was that unpleasant. I had sores and bruises on my legs for months, and had to wear support hose for 6 weeks. After a couple of months, I could barely notice the difference, although sweet Greg said that the procedure did soften some of the lines. 

At 44, the spider veins on my legs are alive and well, and they have multiplied. But I’m no longer concerned about how they look because, truly, what does it matter? They’re just lines on my skin. They are part of who I am. If my Mama was alive today, I would tell her that too. I’m grateful that my legs are healthy and strong. I can power walk with the best of them, and my tree pose is improving all the time. Those things are more important than any visual blemish.

My spider veins do not affect my fashion choices, and I still don’t cover them up. I’m grateful to be in a better frame of mind now than I was at age 29. We can’t stop or reverse the physical changes that accompany aging, but we can change the way we think about those changes. That is empowering.