This week, I enjoyed reading this article about Mums dishing out style advice, and how some tenets of fashion wisdom are passed on from generation to generation:

“Always Accessorize & 5 Other Fashion Lessons My Mom Taught Me.” I thought this part fitted in nicely with Angie’s post yesterday on defying your environmental norm if that’s your preference:

“Like my mother, I’ve often been met with the following question: ‘What are you all dressed up for?’ This would bother me when I was a child, and I’d often ask my mom to change me into something more casual. But as I’ve grown older, I understand that what looks like being ‘overdressed’ to others has always been a way for the women in my family to assert their personhood, especially in a world that may otherwise seek to stifle it. Now, I’m proud to be extra whenever the moment calls for it.”

Fab Links from Our Members

April loved looking at all these shoe storage ideas, even if some are deeply impractical.

This thoughtful essay really articulated Roberta’s suspicions that she’s veered towards being too matchy-matchy, and what the difference is between matching and coordinating.

Suz has been making her way through the last season of ‘Articles of Interest’ and loving every show. She found the episode about the Corduroy Appreciation Club very funny and particularly apt for those who love this fabric on cold Winter days. You can see associated images on the Substack.

Nuancedream is a big fan of corduroy too, and enjoyed this Guardian article on how to stay sharp while sporting double corduroy.

BlueJay directs us to this article, from a menswear perspective (but relevant to everyone), discussing how to build a sustainable wardrobe. She particularly enjoyed the advice about creating “emotional durability” by building attachment and having items that we continue to love and wear. 

Kyle thought this was interesting: The LA Times theorizes that malls may not be dead after all, thanks to a generation of young people that yearns for connection.

Here’s the NY Times Best Underwear Review for 2024. Angie says: “I have to agree that Tommy John rocks! Those are the knickers I wear, although a prettier version with a bit of lace. Well worth the price. Fits, lasts, looks good, feels good, and launders well.”

Here are 8 ways to prevent, or at least minimize hat hair this Winter. Especially useful for curly and oily hair. Angie says: “I’m generally a fan of dry shampoo, and apparently it’s a way to spruce up hat hair that lies flat. I’m trying it!”

Suntiger wanted to share this video about a simplified version of Kibbe — with only 3 types! She adds: “It’s a little odd cause what they call ‘straight’ is what I call curvy, and ‘wavy’ body types are straight-figured — but the style recommendations are helpful.”

She also liked this video about the difference between deep and dark seasons, which are often used interchangeably but are not the same.

Your environmental norm is created by the people around you and their expectations. Defy the norm by being different: dressier, brighter, trendier, or edgier. Or conform if it makes you feel more at ease. Choose the option that’s most aligned with your goals. 

It can become easier to challenge your environmental norm as one gets older. Confidence and authenticity often increase with age. Confidence makes it easier to sport a daring outfit with greater conviction, which in turn tempers negative reactions.

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for your choices. Bravely defy your environmental norm if that makes you happy. But don’t feel pressured into being different just for the sake of it. The world will be a better place if we all wear what makes us happy.

UK-based Samantha Riley (52) documents her outfits on her Instagram account, 40fashionandlifestyle. She is a Modern Classic dresser who isn’t afraid of vibrant colours, and likes to add on-trend and retro touches to her polished outfits. 

“My style has most definitely changed over the last few years, I would say that I now dress more for my body shape as opposed to the most current trends, and what may suit somebody else may not be flattering for me, or you, so it’s important to get to know what suits you and your body shape. I am still learning myself every day, and I think it’s important to create a capsule wardrobe with basic pieces that you can wear every day and style by adding accessories that will elevate the look more. I love to wear colour also, really makes me feel brighter and feel good, but again that depends on your skin tone. Certain colours suit certain people. I am a Spring, so black doesn’t look good against my face, but if I added a red scarf or red lipstick then it would work more. Its about playing and trying different colours against your face to get to see what will suit you.”

Samantha is bringing a burst of happy colour to a rainy day with her bright orange, faux-fur-lined raincoat. She’s wearing it over mid-wash ankle-length jeans and Breton top with navy, mocha, and orange stripes. They are a perfect match for the cosy coat, thus pulling the look together. White high-top sneakers match the white in the tee, and add further lightness. A ribbed navy hat with playful pom-pom works well with the colour palette. Soft coppery lipstick is the polished finishing touch.

Samantha’s elegant maxi dress looks like a work of art with its abstract print in gorgeous shades of pink, lavender, aqua, black, brown, and blue. The A-line silhouette with flowing skirt creates movement, while the blouson sleeves add subtle volume. A black belt with statement silver grommets accentuates our 5”4’ blogger’s waistline. On-trend, pointy-toe tan suede cowboy boots lengthen the leg line and add a touch of casual western integrity.

Red, black, and white is a classic colour combo that never fails to pack a punch. Here, Samantha has tucked a dressy white lacy blouse with ruffle detail into casual black wide leg trousers, which lengthens the leg line from the hips upward. She dresses up these base layers with a vibrant tomato red blazer in a tailored fit. By adding white platform sneakers, our blogger creates a Sporty Luxe vibe. A compact black chain-strap crossbody and red lipstick are the glam and dressy finishing touches.

With the sassy beret, faux-leather coat, and high-vamped shooties, Samantha’s outfit has a fun “female sleuth from the 1920’s” vibe. Our blogger is wearing a cream sweater over a bias-cut, asymmetrical satin slip skirt that is bang on-trend. The gold lamé adds glamorous shine. She tops it off with a tailored, below-the-knee burgundy croc-embossed coat that adds textural interest, and tempers the volume of the skirt. The navy beret looks fab with our blogger’s blonde hair and the rest of the colour palette. Ink pointy-toe shooties lengthen the leg line and repeat the croc-embossed pattern of the coat.

I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of Samantha’s wonderful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to visit her Instagram account for more outfit inspiration.

I bought this BAGSMART tote bag for $25 to use as my carry-on for plane travel. I put it through its paces and it passed with flying colours. It’s very lightweight, roomy, robust, tear-resistant, made of weatherproof fabric, and folds into a square. The zippers glide and the straps lie quite comfortably on your shoulder. It has outside compartments, a secret top compartment, and one small pocket on the inside. Watch the video to see the compartments and the size of the tote.

I bought the beige, which is the first cream tote in the collection. It got a little dirty after many flights and train trips so I popped it in the washing machine. It launders well on the delicates cycle. Quick to dry and does not crease. It can work well as a work, school, or gym bag, or whenever you need a robust tote with a zipper closure. Makes a nice gift too.