People watching is always great fun, and checking out what cyclists are wearing in the city is currently top of my mind, as I’m considering getting my own Oma bike. That’s why this NYT article on smart footwear style and the new bike sharing programme caught my attention.

Since the start of the NYC Citibike programme, retailers are seeing more interest in fashionable bike helmets. Over the past few years, bike accessories designers have also upped their game and they are coming out with more attractive and colourful options.

Biking in style is a popular subject on Pinterest too. Doesn’t browsing boards like “Bike Style“, and pins from people like “Jo Blue” and “Ony Peweh” make you want to take your wheels out for a spin right this second?

Fab Links from Our Members

Deborah really enjoyed this blog post on Sea of Ghosts in which Australian jewellery designer Alicia Hannah Naomi muses over curating the perfect wardrobe.

Sally talks about being a tattooed person, and as someone who does not have any tattoos, Angie finds her thoughts on the subject very interesting.

Bill Cunningham discussing black and white outfits for solstice in NYC is such a treat. Suz loves the Irish crochet lace, and rightly points out that “his voice alone makes this video worth it! He is so audibly delighted with what he’s seeing.”

On Movie Star Makeover, Kay offers in-depth analysis of movie star style and how it intersected with their career ambitions. Vildy also loves how she interprets what she thinks costume designers were going for.

Last but not least, Ironkurtin recommends watching this video in which Dustin Hoffman talks about his realization about what women experience from his time on Tootsie.

Yesterday was the first day of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pre-selection. The sale actually starts on July 19, but if you are a Nordstrom cardholder you can make an appointment with a sales assistant to see the merchandise in store and make purchases before the 19th.

This year, for the first time, Nordstrom is allowing everyone to see the sale items online before the sale starts. 

A few quick tips:

1. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement, but beware of buying things you don’t need. Rather, make a few informed purchases.
2. Of course the focus will be on wonderful designer garments and statement pieces, but don’t forget underwear. This is a great time to get quality underwear at 40% off.
3. Don’t worry too much that items are out of stock. As the sale goes on many of them will re-appear as other people return them.

I will still do my traditional roundup of top picks with more information when the sale starts on the 19th, but as a preview here are the boot styles I saw yesterday that will make the list:

• Stuart Weitzman ‘Panache’ Boot

• Munro ‘Robyn’ Boot (also in burgundy)

• Donald J Pliner ‘Tillie’ Bootie

• Clarks ‘Rosepoint Dew’ Bootie

• Stuart Weitzman ‘Setaside’ Boot (also in leather and textile)

• Joe’s ‘Saki’ Boot

Enjoy!

Some of my Mom-on-the-Go clients were pushed out of their comfort zone for Summer when I suggested that they occasionally swap out their boyfriend jeans, denim cut-offs and shorts for a knitted tube pencil skirt. Some of them said, “you’ve got to be kidding, Angie!”, to which I replied, “I’m dead serious”. The outfit formula was a success, and offers a great alternative to denim bottoms. 

The trick is to find an extremely comfortable jersey knit pencil skirt, like Vince Camuto’s midi tube skirt, which is also available in plus. Dress it down further by pairing it with a relaxed and comfortable support act. And Bob’s your uncle.

Here are the components: 

• Casual Knitted Tube Skirt: Keep it soft and stretchy so that it’s easy to stride, and feels as comfy as pajamas. Choose the length that works for you. My clients have stuck to knee-length, or just above the knee. I’ve chosen a fashionable bold stripe, but any pattern or solid is fab. 
• Casual Top: De-bombshell the skirt by wearing it with a roomy drapey T-shirt like the navy one shown here. A T-shirt tank top is a no-brainer and so is a breezy sleeveless swing top. A pullover in a slubby linen knit is another option. Pattern mix the top and bottom if desired. 
• Casual Shoes: Lots of options! Converse sneakers, distressed laceless oxfords, slipper flats, ballet flats and boat shoes are casual closed shoe options. Ankle strap sandals, wedge sandals, espadrilles and thong sandals are breezier options. 
• Casual Bag: Wicker bag, slouchy hobo, Cambridge satchel, small crossbody or fun canvas tote get my top votes.

Finish off the outfit with jewellery, watch, eyewear, or a straw hat. I’ve chosen neutrals and pastels, but do change up the colour palette to suit your style preferences. It’s a great outfit for a hot Summer day, so no topper required. But a denim vest or jacket would be a great addition.

Furthermore, if “inner thigh rubbing” is problematic when wearing skirts without hosiery, there are plenty of solutions to keep you comfortable and our forum members have some great suggestions.

These fashionable booties can be worn in Summer, and transition magically into Fall when the temperatures are still warm. It’s amazing how a high vamped bootie with exposed toes adds a little edge to your outfit. Totally fab with dresses, skirts, cropped pants and shorts. 

• Jeffery Campbell Produce Open Toe Bootie: A little sci-fi metallic if the black is not your cup of tea. 
• Anyi Lu Wedge Bootie: A beautifully made bootie with a stable low wedge heel and classic tassel. The comfort level is off the charts. 
• Paul Green Passion Bootie: This is more of a versatile shootie. Fab for business casual and very cushioning. Read the rave reviews. 
• Paul Green Pandora Peep Toe Bootie: A little chunkier and more relaxed than the shootie. Works well on both a high and low volume foot. 

Remember that BodyGlide can work wonders if your toes rub in peep toe styles. Paint your toenails a contrasting colour, or keep them tonal with the bootie.