I love the look of natural shiny skin, and make-up that is “barely visible”, so as a result my make-up routine is very light. I wear a little tinted moisturizer, a dusting of blush, mascara, eyebrow pencil, nude lipstick, and that’s it. I never wear eyeshadow, bronzer, eyeliner, lipliner, gloss, concealer and dark lipstick. If I didn’t look brighter, more polished, and alive with a little make-up, I’d probably skip the routine entirely and concentrate purely on skincare products.

That said I absolutely believe that there is a time and place for heavier make-up, and that’s in front of the camera or under any type of strong lighting. I’ve learned that I have to apply twice as much make-up for my own YLF outfit photo shoots if I want to look my normal self in the photos. I look completely washed out when I wear the usual bare minimum. 

The same goes for clients when I prep them for photo shoots or events that involve professional photo taking. They can’t believe they’re wearing so much more make-up. I reassure them by saying that they’ll thank me for my heavy hand when they see the photos. 

I recently had make-up professionally applied when a camera crew filmed me for an upcoming smartphone advertisement for LG. I have never worn as much make-up in my life, and it was touched up throughout the day to maintain the effect. Every time I looked in the mirror, I was shocked to see my made-up face. But as soon as I saw some of the photo and camera footage, the make-up looked natural and spot on. 

If you’re posing for professional photographs, video or the like, my suggestion is to apply extra make-up if you normally wear a little or none at all. You may dread the look in real life, but it’s probably going to look dead right in the photos or video.

This combination might be too informal for work, in which case wear it in more casual settings. It’s virtually flop proof and works well in air conditioning. 

Boyfriend Jeans + Summer Jacket + Semi Tucked Layering Top + Belt + Statement Sandals

These items represent components of the smart casual outfit formula. Semi tuck or faux tuck the tops, and mix and match as you please. 

1. Vince Camuto Leaf Eyelet Blazer: If you’re looking for a slightly retro all Summer blazer that’s tailored and versatile – this could be it. It’s also fab over Summer frocks because of its length and fitted shape. I vote acid green, but the black might be more your thing. Runs true to size, and is fab on petites. 
2. Sejour Barre Tweed Jacket (Plus): A fresh textured jacket with a sleek modern cut. I like the diagonal direction of the stripes on the neckline. 
3. Free People Cutwork Linen Blend Jacket: Boho, pretty, and a little bomber-esque. Great on a short neck and full bust when worn open. 
4. Sejour Ruched Cotton Tee (Plus): A flattering and versatile wardrobe essential. Stunning colours.
5. Splendid Deep V Half Sleeve Tee: Here’s another V-neck, which these days are a rarity. Nice sleeve length. 
6. Topshop Fleck Tee: An oversized shape for those who like to semi tuck with slouch. 
7. AG Tomboy Crop Stretch Jeans (Blue Crush): These roll a little shorter than most boyfriend jeans and are dark denim. Read the rave reviews. 
8. Mavi Emma Slim Boyfriend Jeans (Summer Nolita): These roll a little longer than most boyfriend jeans, and are fab for Fall. 
9. Michael Kors Logo Charm Metallic Leather Belt: One of the few wide metallic belts available this season, which is why it makes my top picks list for the second time.  
10. Fossil Perforated Leather Belt: A refined bohemian belt in a pretty tan, but also available in black. 
11. Gentle Souls Sundae Sandal: A chunky glitzy ’70s baby platform that’s extremely comfortable.
12. Ramona T-Strap Sandal: This wedge is more refined and very structured on the foot. Read the rave reviews.

Substitute the sandals for pumps, and the tee for a shirt or blouse if that’s more your style. The version with the shirt and pointy toe pumps has been my Summer uniform with and without the topper.

Catherine Summers (40) of Not Dressed As Lamb is a woman who does not shy away from colour. In fact, she has made it part of her striking signature style. Maximal but not cluttered, bold pattern mixing, high heels, statement jewellery, beautifully defined eyebrows and creating big impact outfits without breaking the bank are some of her other fashion trademarks. While contemplating her style future before turning 40, this online shopping expert realized she wanted to avoid the mutton dressed as lamb trap. And so the name of her blog was born. Interestingly her colourful style evolution actually began to take shape years before: 

“The main change in my style over the years is how I’ve weaned myself off black. I remember thinking about 10-12 years ago that I’d love to be one of those people that wears bright colours all the time — so I just made a concerted effort to buy less black and more colour! I’d never tried mixing patterns before seeing other bloggers doing it (which is where I get most of my inspiration from). I’ve also expanded my shoes and accessories collection enormously with some very colourful statement pieces… like a lot of women I’m rapidly running out of storage space. I hope I become one of those wildly dressed old ladies — I’d love to be wearing crazy colours and patterns with a ton of jewellery when I’m 90… not let up on the brights and pattern mixing, in other words!”

Fedora, beanie, wide brimmed straw hat, trilby, bowler… I don’t think Catherine has ever met a hat she couldn’t rock. She has an awesome collection of headwear, and this animal print cutie is utterly charming. Paired with the belted cape it adds instant pizzazz. The waist definition provides structure and makes it easier to wear. Picking a hot pink jumper to go with the wine red skinnies may be a somewhat unusual choice for some, but not for our “Queen of Clash”, who expertly mixes cool shades with warm tones without batting an eyelid. Great job also bookending her hair with the tan high-heeled boots and colour-blocked bag.

The harem pants make this dressy look. Together with the wool striped fabric of the shoes they add a delightful oriental touch to an evening outfit, worn to a birthday dinner. Elegant and festive with a twist. I kept admiring how the pants are just loose enough on the thigh area, and lovely and billowy around the ankles. So imagine my surprise when I discovered this is a clever DIY trick, obtained by putting elastics around the hems. Catherine gravitates towards black for going-out looks, but her signature use of colour is still there. One would never guess that the striped blazer and round toe platform pumps were bought on separate occasions. They really do form the perfect matchy-matchy pair. The oversized white envelope clutch adds modern crispness, while the metallic two tone chunky bubble necklace and Catherine’s red locks finish off the look. My personal favourite, without a doubt!

Monochromatic retro elegance. The most subdued outfit of the bunch, but it clearly still has Catherine’s trademark flair written all over it. This ton-sur-ton Winter white outfit showcases her talent to create vintage looking ensembles with new and contemporary pieces. The flowy wide-legged trousers and belted jacket with blouson sleeves give it a 1940s feel, don’t you think? It’s romantic and texture-rich thanks to the use of cosy looking items like the knit wool hat, chunky knit sweater and corduroy jacket. The splashes of pale yellow in the python shopper and Catherine’s striking red tresses provide all the colour this outfit needs. Fantastic detail: these are actually Catherine’s wedding trousers. When you browse her blog you’ll see that she’s a genius at remixing them in very creative ways. Absolutely brilliant!

Does this girl know how to throw an arm candy party or what! Catherine has no qualms sporting several watches at once and piling on the accessories on the other arm too. Love it. Although the top and skirt are both contemporary items, this outfit has a decidedly vintage air. I was immediately drawn to the clean lines and strong graphic feel of this look. Then charmed by how it’s softened it up with one simple detail: the romantic lace trim on the black camisole, reinforcing the retro vibe. The sheerness of the modern colour-blocked shirt is an alluring touch, the chevron print a bold, unusual colour combo. And what an eye for detail. Notice how the sharp angle of the chevron shape is echoed in the eye-catching triangular earrings and the spiked bracelets on her right arm.

A predominantly pale colour palette gets a kick from Catherine’s expert pattern mixing skills. For her super sleuth look she’s paired a preppy red and white gingham button-down with chinos in a romantic floral print. Silver is the metal of choice for artfully arranged watches, bracelets, rings and a chunky necklace. Of course every self-respecting PI needs a trench coat. Catherine’s opted for a classic beige version and comfy cream brogues, ideal for snooping around the British countryside. The geek chic specs were an eBay find, logical when you know this budget-conscious blogger does 95% of her shopping online. Not a hint of hard-boiled detective in the finishing touches either, but a cheery colour-blocked tote and small pearl stud earrings playing up the girly feel of this Nancy-Drew-in-the-countryside look. 

This casual yet put together outfit for a day of cold weather sightseeing proves once again that Catherine is a master colour mixer. The rust coloured sweater and her favourite cognac boots look beautiful with the grey skinnies. The colours of the jumper and jeans are cleverly repeated in the large felt colour-blocked tote, which, together with the mixed-media coat with fur trim gives this outfit plenty of textural interest. Nothing is left to coincidence, as Catherine then throws in extra colour with the bright pink and purple plaid scarf. It enhances the richness of the existing colour palette and looks gorgeous against her red hair. Fab 70s inspired boho with modern sass.

Hop on over to Not Dressed As Lamb to browse the rest of Catherine’s outfit archive, you’ll be welcomed by an explosion of colour and pattern. Brush up on your photography skills with her Photo Tips Friday blog posts, find out how to become an expert eBay shopper or discover what inspires Catherine through her pinboards. But first let us know what you find inspiring about Catherine’s eclectic style.

This is an example of an outfit that I might wear on appointments with a business casual client. It’s trendier and a tad more casual than my dress and jacket formula and pencil skirt and shirt combination, but just as appropriate. I’d also wear this outfit out to dinner, during fashion week, or when I’m on my feet for fourteen hours during pre-selections for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because it’s that comfortable. Trousers are truly more comfortable than a pair of tight jeans in my book, but I might be in the minority with that opinion. 

All I’ve done here is change out the top and bag, and left the rest exactly the same as when I paired the same wide leg trousers with a cream eyelet shirt and red bag last year. Both outfits demonstrate the power of the classics – the classic item here being the black wide leg trousers. The previous outfit with the tailored cream shirt is modern classic from head to toe. This rendition is trendier because it incorporates an oversized draped blouse and a sporty daytime clutch.

It was love at first sight when I saw the black and cream checked fold front blouse. It’s essentially a collared shirt — one of the three styles of top that I wear — in an oversized cut in one of my favourite neutrals and pattern. It therefore had potential despite my dainty shoulder line and long neck, which require ample structure in order for tops and jackets to look good. The smallest size still needed alteration, but I could do it myself at home in two ticks. I removed the front snaps and repositioned the V-neckline so that it fit tighter on my shoulder and higher on my chest and around my neck, thereby creating more structure around the area where I need it most. I stitched down the new position of the neckline with three tacking stitches on the front wrap part of the blouse. The wrap does not fall open, and I’m structured in the right place. All sorted. 

I do not require waist and bust definition to feel fabulous in an outfit, so the loosey-goosey torso fit on this blouse is just fine with me. I barely look like I have a bust and my midriff disappears in the silhouette. To some this is an unflattering silhouette, and that’s understandable. To my eye the proportions look fresh and are a nice change from wearing a tailored top with these trousers. Scrunching the sleeves to expose forearm skin adds extra structure to the blouse. 

The blouse was showcased untucked and half-tucked online, but I like to wear the blouse fully tucked. I like the visual effect of a pattern mixed belt and kimono-esque vibe, which you lose when you leave the front untucked. Plus it feels dressier when I tuck my tops and I prefer that. The half-tuck might be more fashionable right now, but for my style persona the top feels more right when it’s tucked, and sometimes you just have to go with that. 

That said, wearing the shirt half-tucked does showcase the belt, and I like to wear the blouse that way from time to time just to change things up. And it’s the first top I have ever worn half-tucked, because if I am not tucking I prefer to faux-tuck my tops.

I finished off the outfit with low heeled cream and black wedges, citron clutch, gold watch, wedding ring and retro specs. I do not like to layer anything over this blouse because it looks best sans topper. It’s a great top for hot weather because it’s made of natural fibres and the fit is breezy. Thankfully, our warm weather has arrived and all that’s left to do is wear the heck out of my new blouse before it takes a vacation in my closet till next Summer.