Cats continue to inspire designers as cat motifs and shapes appear on all sorts of wardrobe items. This selection is for those who are besotted with kitties. 

• Leopard Intarsia Knit Cashmere Sweater: Its short length and fluid fit makes it ideal for pencil skirts, full skirts, bootcut trousers, or slouchy trouser styles. 
• Love By Design Kitty Pattern Sweater: A swing top for those who like mauve. 
• Alice & Olivia Sequin Cat Merino Wool Sweater: A little graphic daytime sparkle to match with black bottoms. 
• Moschino Cheap & Chic Catwalk Cashmere Sweater: Not so cheap, but playfully chic and beautifully made. Crisp and luxurious. 
• Halogen Crewneck Sweater: Plain and simple can be best. 
• Marc Jacobs Rue Cat Intarsia Sweater: An abstract design which is even nicer in person. Arty and chic. 
• BP. Cat Ear Ring: A ring with cat ears. 
• Zero Gravity Meow iPhone 5 Case: Increase the style quotient of your iPhone with this pretty face. 
• Marc Jacobs Dynamite Rue Cat Stud Earrings: Adorably chic. 
• Evelyn K Cat Ear Beanie: Feline warmth on your head, just for fun. 
• Quay Kitti Sunglasses: Retro cat eyes with lots of spunk. Available in five colours. 
• Tom Ford Nastasya 56mm Sunglasses: Another pair of cat eye frames that are as modern as they are retro. Sleek, refined and beautifully designed. 
• Charlotte Olympia Kitty Clutch: The ultimate conversational and avant-garde piece. 

I believe that with a sophisticated support act, kitty wardrobe items can be worn at any age. They are playful, fashionable, whimsical and make your heart happy if you love cats.

Stay-at-home Mum and fulltime blogger Kimberly Smith (34) lives in upstate New York and began Penny Pincher Fashion because she is passionate about encouraging women to look stylish without spending a fortune. Her style is crisp, pretty and girly with the occasional preppy touch. She is a high heels gal at heart, and uses Modern Classic pieces, interesting jewellery and her fab collection of footwear to create outfits that are polished and elegant:

“My style has changed so much since the inception of my blog. I find myself gravitating towards a more modern, streamlined silhouette now and I definitely favor tailored pieces since they work well for my body type. I’d say my style is classic, feminine and sophisticated.”

Kimberly often reaches for classic items as the go-to building blocks for her outfits. Both the sassy cropped jacket and crewneck sweater are examples of traditional tailored fit. She then adds in a good dose of modern with the faux leather pants, which with their sleek shiny texture also create outfit depth. Sporting earth tones from head to toe ensures visual coherence, but it’s not just the Autumnal colour palette that screams Fall here. Opting for texture-rich fabrics like the sleek leather look (trousers and Zara handbag) and tweedy jacket further enhances the Fall vibe. Our blogger is a fan of neutrals like cream, black and white, but these rich browns and the mossy olive green look just as flattering on her, don’t you think? Chunky, baroque-looking jewellery and a plaid infinity scarf finish off the outfit.

The first thing I noticed was the timeless, well-fitting coat with beautiful military style detailing. Such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Then it struck me how all the elements in this outfit effectively play off against each other. Kimberly is de-bombshelling her curve-hugging leather pencil skirt by pairing it with a very fun sassy sweatshirt. I adore the graphic vibe of the XL heart. Plus, notice how it perfectly ties together the entire outfit because the black is repeated in the high-heeled black booties and the sleek skirt. At the same time the leather skirt helps to dress up the inherently casual plaid shirt, resulting in a modern look that is both playful and polished. The accessories too are well-chosen, with the mixed metal chain link necklaces and bracelets picking up the colour of the coat and sweatshirt, and the red satchel echoing the subtle red in the shirt. The cream hat looks cosy and emphasizes Kimberly’s soft wavy ‘do, while the red lippy packs a cheerful punch on a snowy day.

My word, isn’t this the prettiest bomber you have ever seen! It’s the combination of the delicate see-through effect and romantic red and pink flowers. So fun, fresh and feminine. Bombers are often made of more substantial fabrics, but here the lightweight material collapses back onto the body in a very flattering way. Lovely for warmer weather. The peony red top matches the colours in the floral print jacket, the ruffles further enhance the romantic vibe. I like how Kimberly lets the happy flowers do all the talking by sporting simple skinny jeans and fashion-forward nude ankle strap pumps. Her trusted cognac Zara tote, chunky gold bracelets and aviator sunnies add subtle sheen and texture.

A strong minimalist look after my own heart. When trying out new trends, like the sporty bomber jacket here, Kimberly likes to mix them with classic pieces to make sure she still feels like herself. She kept the high-contrast mixed media jacket refined by picking one in a neutral colour palette. The black sleeves emphasize the crispness of the dressy button-down. Turning up the cuffs of the shirt creates a subtle colour block effect, which almost makes you think the jacket is three-toned instead of two-toned. Clever! Slim-fitting boyfriend jeans also contribute to the overall streamlined silhouette. The girly red pumps — gorgeous with the rest of the colour palette — are a fab ladylike accent. Throw in a strap-free spunky animal print clutch and sleek silver cuff and you are good to go.

Kimberly got most of these fab items on sale. Her tip for finding affordable and stylish pieces when you don’t have time to constantly monitor sites for the best deals:

“Subscribe by email to your favorite retailers so you get alerted of sales and specials they are running. Sometimes if you visit a site and add items to your cart but don’t check out that same day, you will get an email in your inbox offering a discount incentive to purchase.”

Many of us struggle with dressing for hot temps when layering is not always an option. Well, this sweet Summertime look proves you don’t need a lot of pieces to create a stylish outfit. Just throw on an easy dress, add a great pair of trendy shoes, pick a fun clutch, and you are good to go. Jewellery or a topper are wonderful extras, but by no means essential to get you out the door looking put together and fab. Case in point: the embroidery on Kimberly’s little white frock offers built-in textural interest. The tan lace-up sandals give this look its fashion-forward edge, while the colour is repeated in the nude clutch with studded detailing. They also provide some toughness against the girly dress, as does the camo jacket. A juxtaposition that is played down again by the braided hair, sporting girly bling and turning up the collar of the jacket.

Putting together striking denim looks is definitely Kimberly’s strong suit, and this ladylike tomboy outfit has stolen my heart. The proportions are exactly right, with the longer length black blazer hitting at the hip, and the dreamy ankle strap pumps elongating the leg line of the rolled up jeans. The tailored blazer is a classic with stretch that makes layering a breeze. This outfit gets it boyish ruggedness from the cropped, light wash denim jacket and distressed boyfriend jeans. Turning up the collar of the blazer and jacket, and faux tucking the grey turtleneck adds extra structure. Lots of yellow and rose gold arm candy, and that delightful colour blocked clutch perfectly complement this polished tomboy look. 

Hop on over to Kimberly’s blog to browse the rest of her archives and to get shopping tips from our budget-conscious blogger, or find out what inspires her on Pinterest. But first let us know in the comments what you think about her Modern Classic outfits.

You are on Team Cashmere if you prefer cashmere to merino wool and vice versa. Note that any style of knitwear counts. We are choosing a yarn preference and not a silhouette preference. 

I have a lot of cashmere and merino wool knitwear because I live in a chilly city and feel cold at the drop of a hat. I love both types of yarn, which are equally represented in my wardrobe across many colours and patterns. I adore cashmere because it’s extremely luxurious and does not itch. Cashmere pullovers speak to me in simple, fluid, high-necked, welted styles where the fabric and colour does the talking, and the style is secondary. Versatile, cozy, minimalist and beautiful. 

I love fine gauge merino wool knitwear in stripes, argyles, checks and polka dots. Or solids. Merino wool is more prone to scratching and itching than cashmere, so I have to look a little harder for yarns that work with my fussy skin. I will find more interesting and affordable knitwear styles in merino wool than in cashmere so my love for the yarn is just as great. 

I can’t choose a side so I’m sitting this one out on the bench with parsnip and leak soup, garlic bread, and lemon curdy pud. Over to you. Do you bat for Team Cashmere or Team Merino Wool? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

My clients like to have a few casual pants alternatives to jeans for Autumn and Winter. Stay-at-home Mums who often wear jeans several times a week are especially interested in a few non-denim alternatives that are extra casual when skirts and dresses won’t do. Fortunately, there are many non-denim options this season in both soft and rigid fabrications, solids and patterns, and tighter and looser fits. 

The options below can be worn with casual and weatherproof footwear despite them not being shown that way. Think tall boots, booties, mid-calf boots, oxfords and fashionable sneakers. Think slipper flats, peep-toe booties, d’Orsay flats and loafers if your Winters are mild. 

Ponte Pants

Soft, stretchy, cozy, practical and usually black. Wear them in the same way you wear skinny jeans, and opt for a thick fabrication for extra structure. Ponte pants are ideal for plane and car travel because of their comfort factor and non-crease integrity.

Camouflage  Pants

This is one way to sport the ongoing military trend. Remember that camouflage print can be subtle and is available in shades of grey and blue if olives and khaki are not your thing. Camo pants have been surprisingly popular with my clientele, who wear them with simple sleek booties, moto boots, or slipper flats. Size up and wear a belt if you’re after a fluid fit.

Leather Pants

Pleather can be substituted for leather as a more affordable option. Leather or pleather track pants are the roomy alternative, and look great dressed up and down. Pleather or leather jeggings are the sleek version, and very comfortable in mixed media styles that incorporate Ponte knit. Black is widely available, but I’ve seen shades of brown, ink and burgundy too. If you’re a little rock ‘n’ roll and enjoy a bit of edge with the pretty, try this style.

Upscale Track Pants

Oh-so-trendy and sporty upscale track pants must be worn with fashion forward intention so that you don’t look and feel overly sloppy. Add a welted pullover, structured topper and leather booties. Adding wedge sneakers to upscale track pants might be a little too sporty.

Jeggings

Jeggings are available in many fabrications, across all colours and patterns. Stretchy corduroy and velveteen jeggings are popular with my clients and worn with knee-high boots, and slightly longer tops and sweaters. Some styles are elasticated at the waist, and some have constructed waistbands and fly fronts. Choose thicker fabric for more structure.

Cargo Pants

This style of combat pant is harder to find at the moment because most available styles are in camouflage patterns. Cargo pants can be roomy or tight, and are ideal for warmer Winter climates where they can be rolled at the hems and worn with booties or flats.

Checked Pants

This is my favourite non-denim casual pants option because I love tartan and enjoy wearing bold, patterned bottoms. A little punk, a little ’80s, punchy, and very fun. Sleek stretchy styles are fab with short and tall boots, and a solid sweater. Roomy styles are great with short boots, sassy sneakers and oxfords. By all means pattern mix the top and bottom if that’s your cup of tea.

Patterned Twill Pants

These styles are usually made of cotton-rich fabrics with stretch, like twill. Some styles have a woolly flannel texture because the fabric has been brushed to create a cozy feeling against the skin. But most fabrics are hard and crisp to the touch.

Ponte pants, corduroy jeggings, checked pants and camo pants are the winning non-denim casual pant styles amongst my clientele. For the wet and cold Seattle climate they are extra practical in tapered styles, because hems and feet stay dry throughout the day. 

If none of these options appeal to you, but you’d like a change from blue jeans, try waxed denim, patterned denim, white jeans, or jeans in colours like grey, black and burgundy. Most styles are available in skinny, straight and boyfriend cuts. And if tapered legs aren’t your thing, haul out those bootcuts or trouser jeans and change things up that way.