October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a time to reflect on how cancer has affected those close to me. I’m wearing lots of pink, the official colour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and dedicating this particular post to four extraordinary women. My precious Mum who died of liver cancer, and whose stunning style and affectionate spirit I see and feel before me daily. My very special Mum in Law, a cancer survivor, and role model in every way. She is visiting from South Africa at the moment and it’s a treat to have her close by. And two friends, who are extremely upbeat, strong and courageous as they soldier through difficult cancer treatments. I’m inspired by their strength and send them healing thoughts. 

A pink wool coat was the first thing on my cold weather shopping list. I bat for Team Coat, and have the climate to wear the heck out of them for six months of the year. At first I wanted a blush coat because my blush moto jacket is so versatile, and a pastel addition to my coat capsule would be fresh and different. I also wasn’t sure whether I wanted to go tailored and ladylike like my red coat, or slightly oversized and androgynous along the lines of the man coat trend.

Well, the decision was made as soon as I tried on Joseph’s Long Wool Man Coat in shocking pink. It was love at first sight, the colour makes me happier than blush, and it’s so impeccably made it makes me cry. The clean lines, crisp integrity, low stance, luxurious fabric, refined lapels, angular drape and simplicity suit my style persona. The roomy straight fit looks modern, and the way it moves when left open as I stride feels magical.

It’s also fun that my man coat is in a girly colour. And last, both my late Mum and my Mum in Law love this shade of pink, which makes it all the more special to sport in their honour. It is the perfect pink coat for me, and I’m in heaven with my splurge of the year. 

One of my favourite parts about the coat is the black underside of the collar, which creates a colour blocked effect when popped. It adds visual interest and changes the look. Fun to wear the collar both up and down.

The fit of the coat is intentionally oversized so that’s why the sleeves are long and the fit a little boxy all over. It does not nip in at the waist at all. But it’s tailored on the shoulders, slim on the hip and fairly streamlined on the sleeves, providing ample structure for my slight frame. 

For the pink coat’s first outing, I paired it with a short and cheeky cashmere polka dot pullover that I bought at this year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It brings out the ’80s integrity of the coat, which as an ’80s gal at heart, makes me smile. I like the way the graphic round polka dot tickles the strict straight lines of the coat, and is repeated in the buttons.

These are my favourite wool trousers of all time. They are from Theory’s collection last season (I’m wearing them in other outfits here, here and here). They are baggy with scrunch, but not slouchy, and very comfortable. I’m refreshing their look with a cropped and faux tucked fluid pullover. And as a nod to the matchy-matchy trend, popped on a polka dot belt just for fun.

I finished off the outfit with cream booties to repeat the cream of the pullover and bookend my hair. Although I prefer pointy toe footwear, wearing round toes is still fine by me. The simple black patent doctor’s satchel is worn and falling apart, but I love it dearly, so it’s going to be threadbare by the time I pass it on. And besides, I get a kick out of wearing something old and a bit battered with something brand spanking new. Black specs, gold watch and wedding ring are all I need in the accessory department. Outfit happiness factor is through the roof. 

Team Pink, please join me in wearing pink in October to show our support for those fighting cancer. We will remember fondly those who have passed away, stand strong with those who are fighting now, and celebrate with the many survivors. 

Finally, please visit the NBCAM website to find links to many resources with more information on breast cancer.

This one is for Team Color Block. There is something about a colour blocked outfit that looks modern and graphic, especially when the items are blocked in or with black and white. Some items look sporty, and others look Mod. Remember that colour blocked items needn’t be high contrast. Items blocked in tonal and low contrast colours are just as fab. 

• Trouve Mixed Media Coat: Oversized yet tailored. A little mixed media and military flair goes a long way to making a dull grey coat look interesting. 
• Vince Camuto Faux Leather Collar Plaid Blazer: A fluid tuxedo blazer with low stance in classic plaid. I was wowed by its fit. Clean, angular lines. 
• Dolce Vita Loafer Flat: Comfortable and minimalist. Works for a wider foot. 
• Karen Kane Stripe A-Line Dress: Sporty, casual, easy and sleeved. A no-brainer with tall black boots or booties. Thick, drapey, and non-clingy. 
• Karen Kane Louvre Dress: This one is suited to a short neck and full bust. Shaped but not clingy. Add pumps or boots, a coat, and you’re good to go. 
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Bella Crewneck Cashmere & Silk Sweater: Bold and simple. 
• Theory Adashi K Crop Jacket: Woven, fluid and drapes like a dream. The cropped length makes it an easy match for skirts and dresses.
• Hue Colorblock knee-high socks: Toasty blocking for knee-high boots. 
• Isaac Mizrahi Lucille Satchel: Forest green bags are hard to find, so that’s my top pick in this versatile satchel. 
• Sole Society Dalia Colorblock Tote: Great for traveling. There’s an interior zipped-up section that functions as a removable clutch. Handy. 
• Vince Camuto Max Leather Crossbody Bag: Structured and ladylike. 
• Two Tone Wool Felt Fedora: A cute hat to brave mild elements. Nice mix of dressy and casual. 
• Aquatalia by Marvin K Quaint Boot: Completely weatherproof — and I mean puddle-proof. Beautifully made, comfortable and tailored on the ankle. Runs half a size small.  

Colour blocking creates an interesting outfit without the patterns. I’m a big fan.

Overalls, or dungarees as I am used to calling them, have been a fringe trend for about a year. And I mean super fringe. You might know the bib-front style all too well because you wore dungarees as a child. They’ve been coming through in casual farmer-esque denim, as well as dressier leather, pleather, silky fabrications and drapey polyester blends. Some styles are oversized and some are tailored. 

The point is to wear dungarees with a relatively thin under-layering piece, fluid or fitted, sleeved or sleeveless, solid or patterned. If you like you can also layer a topper over the whole lot. The pictures below are great examples of the look. 

The overall effect of dungarees is casual, and especially so when paired with a tee and sneakers. That way of styling the piece is my least favourite. I much prefer the dungaree vibe when ladylike, girly and dressy elements are added into the mix, like heeled boots, refined pumps, elegant sandals, dressy bags, arm candy, cascading long locks and lipstick. To my eye that’s a more fun and fab juxtaposition of elements, and new way of wearing the item. 

My first reaction to seeing dungarees, especially in denim, was that the trend is reserved for kids and teens. But I soon changed my mind because as with most trends, effective outfit execution is everything. It’s how people wear what, when and where that gives them a stylish advantage. So before you formulate an opinion about dungarees, take a peek at these stylish outfits in action:

• Simple, bright and very polished. I love the pointy toe pumps and addition of the blazer and structured clutch. A beautiful outfit.

• Fashion forward, chic and elegant. The narrow cut and dressier fabric of the dungarees makes all the difference, as does matching them with dainty shoes and bag. Genius outfit.

• Midriff-baring with a pile of pearls, red nail polish, and mirrored shades. Cute deluxe.

• Round shouldered edge with structured bag, pretty points and long coat. Fabulous.

• Oversized and rough around the edges with classic hat, flowing topper, and bejeweled wrists. Creative and different (I’m ignoring the flip flops).

The downside to wearing dungarees, and any style of jumpsuit or romper, is that they’re impractical in the restroom. A deal breaker in itself. At least with dungarees, you keep the top part of your body warm with the layering piece.

I’m not actively searching for dungarees at all. But if a dressier pair crossed my shopping path, I’d be tempted to try them on. They’re a fun piece that can be worn with a dressy support act that makes them look more sophisticated. So for that reason, I’m in. Over to you. What’s your take on overalls and dungarees?

Cobalt and burgundy merchandise is in high supply this season, and most of my clients like both colours. Some wear burgundy with cobalt. Why not! So we’re picking sides between the colours, and I have no idea which one will win. 

I don’t wear burgundy at all. My nod to the trending colour is a patch of it on a very bright twinset, and that’s it. When it comes to red, I am devoted to bright tomato. It conjures up all sorts of happy feelings when I see it and I’m even more excited about the prospect of wearing it with blush pink. I do love burgundy on others though. Some of my friends and clients look utterly delicious in the colour. 

I like cobalt, and love to wear it with black and shades of white. It’s also great with shades of orange and ink blue. I am without a doubt Team Cobalt.

Over to you. Are you Team Burgundy or Team Cobalt? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. But if you’re sitting this one out on the bench, there’s hot cocoa and buttery shortbread to snack on.