Awesome Aqua Ankle Boots

A new outfit from Janie Medley of Medley Style, whom we introduced to YLF in March 2023.

Janie dazzles in a below-the-knee fitted turtleneck dress and show-stopping aqua ankle boots. The dress’s photograpic print in autumnal shades of brown, green, cream, blue, and black draws the eye up and down, and looks like a beautiful modern work of art. The vibrant aqua of our blogger’s pointy-toed stacked high-heel ankle boots is unexpected and adds heaps of happy pizzazz. For outside, she pops on an on-trend fluid fit emerald wool coat that makes the aqua boots stand out even more. The cream quilted bag with chain strap echoes the cream in the dress. Janie’s brown hat and big hoop earrings fit the colour palette and are the flamboyant finishing touches.

Janie Medley - 1

Janie Medley - 2

Washing Sneakers in the Machine

Forum member RunCarla shared how she washed her Ecco sneakers in the washing machine with great results. I usually wash my sneakers by hand, which is effective but tedious. Based on Carla’s good results, I tried this for my own Eccos. 

First, I cleaned the bottoms of the sneakers by hand to minimize any accumulation of dirt in the machine. Then I removed the laces and footbeds, and popped them into a small gauze laundry bag. I put the metallic sneakers into another laundry bag, then washed the lot with a load of towels on the “delicates” cycle with gentle detergent, hoping for the best.

They came out looking fabulous! The soles aren’t completely clean, but the laces and leather look new. The laces were dry in an hour, but the footbeds and the sneakers themselves took a couple more days. I plan to do the same with two pairs of white Ecco sneakers.

I’m not sure how frequently you can wash sneakers in the machine without ruining them, but I’m thinking I’ll do mine once a year. Have you tried washing sneakers in the washing machine, and if so, what were the results?

Outfit Formula: Scarves for Fall

As Autumn hits the northern hemisphere, it’s time to pull out the scarves, and possibly refresh your scarf capsule. Scarves come in many sizes, fabrics, weights, colours and patterns. Some are small, square, silky, smooth, lightweight, refined, and neutral. Others are large, bulky, thick, textured, and non-neutral. 

On to some Autumn outfit combinations that incorporate scarves. Some outfits might also work well for your Winter.

1. Large Statement Scarf

This is an extremely easy outfit to pull together. In a colour palette that is to your taste, combine a top with a bottom and pair of shoes that work together. Choose neutrals or non-neutrals. Add a scarf that repeats all or some of the colours of the clothing, and Bob’s your uncle. Usually, the scarf is the focal point of the outfit and makes a statement. Here a black pair of leather trousers is paired with an earthy toffee sweater. Black flats match the black bottoms. An autumnal burnt orange patterned scarf that incorporates the tan and black of the clothing components is draped over the top. A bag in any of the colours of the scarf will complete the look.

Large Statement Scarf

Here are more examples of the outfit formula. Sometimes, the colours of the scarf are NOT repeated in the clothing components. Instead, they blend, are complementary, and work well anyway. Drape the scarf or knot it in a way that works for you.

Nordstrom
Square Wool Scarf
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Nordstrom
Square Wool Scarf
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Zara
Printed Scarf
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Zara
Printed Scarf
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Esprit
Gemêleerde sjaal
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2. Matching Knitwear and Scarf

A patterned scarf can perfectly match a patterned item of knitwear to create a delicious set as is shown here. These sets are hard to find, but gaining momentum. If you knit, you can create a set yourself, and throw in a pair of matching socks. The set is easy to wear with a pair of jeans and boots. Or choose a skirt or pair of pants if that’s more your style.

Matching Knitwear and Scarf

3. Small Silky Scarf

You might prefer to wear a small silky scarf that isn’t as bulky like in the examples shown here. Some are square and some are oblong. They can be folded and knotted with a square knot, or folded into a triangle and worn muffler style. They can also be worn inside shirts and blouses like a cravat.

I like wearing scarves, and usually wear warm woolly ones in cold weather as a statement accessory, but more importantly as a way to insulate and keep warm as I brave the outside elements. Nothing keeps the chill off my neck and chest as effectively as a thick and well-knotted scarf. This Fall, I’m liking the idea of wearing a small and silky equestrian scarf as part of my horse capsule. I’ll enjoy finding just the right one.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Fab Finds: Bags and Brown

Fall and Winter collections are in full swing in the northern hemisphere, with lots more in the pipeline. Generally, I’m seeing a larger assortment of silhouettes, colours, natural fibres, textures, and dress codes. For a change, things aren’t predominately neutral, casual, oversized, and with a high polyester content. Welcome changes! Note that some items are on flash sale.

1. Aimee Kestenberg Handbags

I’ve highlighted Aimee Kestenberg bags before for good reason. They are generally well-made, robust leather bags that go the distance. They aren’t too heavy, and showcase an assortment of zippers and pockets that are practical and well-positioned. The bags strike an interesting balance between a structured dressy vibe, and a slouchier casual one. Many styles can be converted to a hands-free crossbody. Many of the bags come with silver hardware, which has been harder to find these days. Each style comes in a large assortment of colours, of which some are unique like metallic lavender, sage, chartreuse and teal. Click the links to browse the different colour options.

2. Fab Brown Items

Chocolate brown in cooler and warmer tones is trending, so stock up if you bat for Team Brown. These items have either been winners on my clients, or they have good online reviews. Some items come in colours other than brown too.

Notably, brown camisoles, and especially those with lace, are a rare find. The ones from Uwila Warrior which go up to a 3XL, and Hanky Panky are a worth a look. The Ilse Jacobsen rain slicker has a fab Scandi vibe and runs big.

The Wit & Wisdom SkyRise Pants are girdling, forgiving on the midsection, and a very subtle textured plaid. They feel like a substantial Ponte but aren’t clingy. Great drape, very comfy, and come in petites. I got them. In my regular size they are full-length and slouchier on me than on the model. 

The Vuori hoodie is super soft and unique with the white trim. The Sanctuary Plaid Crops are knitted and a great dressier work-from-home option. The AllSaints Butterfly Print Skirt is lightweight and gorgeous, works on a curvier bottom half, but will need a press when you get it. COS cashmere is pricey and in my experience one of the best around. My COS cashmere pullovers have lasted well and look great many years later. And the AllSaints Metallic Dress has a gorgeous and unique black lace insert and runs small.

Aritzia
Wilfred carrot pant
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COS
Pure Cashmere Sweater
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COS
Leather Crossbody Bag
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Prevent the Orphaned Skirt

It’s tricky to find a skirt-top pairing that looks and feels great. As a result, many skirts are languishing in closets because we don’t have a top to wear with them. Prevent this problem by thinking ahead. Insist that you have at least one top for every new skirt. 

No Skirts Without Tops

Pairing flared skirts with the right tops is harder when you don’t tuck the top. Shorter, untucked fitted (or fluid) tops are easier. So are tops with banded bottoms. And button-through shirts, where the ends are tied into a square knot around the waist.

There are exceptions. Top options for skirts are easier if you’re into less structured proportions. And there are those with the discipline and skill set to purchase a skirt knowing that in time they’ll find the perfect top to pair it with.