Jessie Artigue (29) is a creative consultant and fashion blogger operating from NYC who documents her outfits over at Style & Pepper. She loves accessories, high heels and breathing new life into vintage treasures. Her style is maximal, ladylike and eclectic with boho influences and the occasional preppy touch:

“My style seems to evolves day to day more than year to year! I like to describe my style as being a smile-inducing mix of modern trends and vintage pieces, and more than having a defined ‘look’ — I dress to express my moods and fit my daily needs and events.”

It’s always fun to see how other people are wearing pieces that are hanging in your own closet. I have this exact sweater, and adore the cheerfully eclectic look our blogger has created with it. Vintage fan Jessie has a real knack for putting together fashion-forward outfits with those one-of-a kind thrift pieces. The vibrant shawl collar tapestry coat is undoubtedly the star of the show. What a statement piece! By pairing the retro floral print with timeless stripes, and sizing up on a pair of straight leg jeans to get the boyfriend jeans effect, Jessie achieves that on-trend feel that is one of her style trademarks. She’s a maximalist in the jewellery department. Here, the multi-layered necklace and pale pink and black round stone bracelets pick up the colours in the simple two-toned pointy toe pumps. The red hobo bag fits the relaxed vibe of the look, and the sweet vintage hat adds a little cheeky je-ne-sais-quoi.

A sweet outfit to celebrate the start of Spring. Jessie is de-bombshelling a pair of adorable short shorts by pairing them with an untucked soft top, casual denim jacket and flat footwear. A flirty and romantic look. And bless our high heel loving blogger for sporting these beautiful rose gold flat ankle strap sandals! The ladylike cream petal tank and silk material of the floral shorts have a flowy feel. Jessie creates structure by scrunching the jacket sleeves and showing some forearm. Outfit depth is achieved by adding texture via the petals on the tank and the dark straw fedora. Jessie’s long hair flowing out from under the hat further enhances that effect. The brown tote introduces another colour into the mix, and lots of arm candy consisting of a watch and chunky cuff bracelets in black, yellow, white and rose gold, finish off the look.

I have a soft spot for chunky knit turtleneck jumpers with extra large collars. They are not the easiest to pull off because of their overwhelming effect. However, wearing this oversized sweater with streamlined straight leg jeans does the trick nicely. The colour block panels and leopard print tote bag add spunk to the outfit. I love the light-wash denim with the tans and browns. It’s modern and soothing at the same time. The dark burguny hat adds floppy flair, the lace-up booties a dash of urban ruggedness. For jewellery-loving Jessie, the outfit wouldn’t be complete without two long craft-style necklaces and a big pile of bangles. Fun tip: if you want to fake a shorter hairdo, just tuck in the ends of your hair into the neck opening of your jumper.

This post is an opportunity to celebrate the most important style related thing you’ve done so far this year. It can be anything at all: An epiphany about your style preferences. The fact that you finally edited your closet. Doing laundry more regularly. Wearing more colour. Wearing fewer patterns. Appreciating your curves. Or that you simply wore the heck out of your clothes. I’ll go first. 

I’m miserable when I feel cold, so I’m pleased to report that I finally have a good assortment of tops that keep me warm and happy. I wear wool-blend knitwear for at least seven months of the year, and linen and cotton knitwear in warmer weather. As much as I love silky blouses, they have a very short lifespan for my style because I don’t like to wear them layered under knitwear.

So I focused on building up my knitwear capsule by adding more merino wool, cashmere and chunky knits, while admiring all those pretty silky blouses on the racks from afar. I even went to Santa Monica in September and came home with three woolly pullovers despite the temptation to purchase blouses in the glorious Southern California weather. 

I’m finally starting to overcome my shopping weakness of purchasing tops that are too lightweight. So I’m patting myself on the back for making practical top purchases. I love wearing my warm knitwear and having a larger assortment!

Time for me to pat your back. What made the difference to your style this year? 

Adding a pair of fabulous dressy shoes and clutch handbag to an outfit is one way to lift its style quotient. It injects a dose of modern refinement into the ensemble that looks feminine and current. The dressy shoe and clutch complement is NOT restricted to dressy skirt, frock and formal trouser ensembles. We’re talking about all sorts of outfits. Even ones that incorporate casual items, like distressed jeans, short shorts, T-shirts, upscale sweatshirts, dungarees, and silky track pants.

Visuals speak louder than words so take a peek at these greatly varying outfits that all have one thing in common — they put the dressy shoe and clutch complement into stylish action: 

• Fluid trousers and mandarin collared blouse. 
• Two-piece white dress with opaques and head scarf.
• Voluminous white-out with oversized moto and baggy trousers. 
• Slouchy trousers and sweatshirt. 
• A feathered coat dress. 
• Distressed boyfriend jeans and pajama shirt. 
• Cobalt two-piece dress with orange trim. 
• Skinnies, fluid sweater, and baseball cap. 
• Full skirt with bomber jacket and socks. 
• Patterned skinnies and moto jacket. 
• Shredded jeans and sweatshirt. 
• Leather dungarees and sweatshirt. 
• Sleeved romper.

All but one of these street style looks showcases high heels, but I want to reassure the non-heel and low heel wearers that dressy shoes needn’t be high heeled. Three of the outfits below showcase dressy flats. Also, a two inch heel can be “your version” of high heels. 

The complement works well with casual outfits, so it’s handy to have it represented in your wardrobe in case you need to dress up, but not look too dressed up. Add the complement to jeans and a fluid sweater or top and you’re ready for a casual party. 

I love the daytime clutch, but fully understand that you might find a shoulder bag or cross body bag more practical. In that case, reserve the dressy shoe and clutch complement for fancier occasions or evenings out.

A pair of gorgeous black trousers made my list of practical and fabulous party separates. Alice & Olivia’s Boot Cut Pants with Wide Waistband are one option, either in grey or black. Their drape is sublime, the pocket positioning flattering, and the wide waistband pretty girdling. I love that they are flared, but not overwhelming. I sized up for a fluid fit because, to my eye, the roominess is extra chic.  

I’ve had these in black for a couple of years, and they’re right up there with my favourite Theory trousers. They feel magical when I wear them because they’re luxurious and fit well. I reach for these trousers over and over again when I’m after a dressier trouser look that keeps me warm and comfortable. I’ve shown them in outfits with a tucked shirt, voluminous lace layers, and with an oversized drape front blouse. I also like them matched with a trendy cropped chunky knit pullover, or swingy pullover. They are versatile and never let me down. 

The good news for tall gals who want to wear them with heels is that the inseams are very long. The bad news is that they only go up to a size 10, which is a great pity. I wish they were also available in larger sizes.