This ensemble is centered around a graphic T-shirt, which for lack of a better description, I’ve called the “nostalgic tee”. It’s nostalgic because it’s a graphic of something very close to your heart, like your favourite rock band, artist, album cover, city, painting, type of animal, television character, cartoon character or breed of dog. There are countless more examples, but you get the general idea. 

Of course, this type of T-shirt is juvenile, a little sloppy, and very casual. But it can be made to look stylish and age appropriate if you add a sophisticated edge to the look, and just have fun with the concept. 2013 fashion is all about creating irregular outfit juxtapositions, and this is one way to do it. 

I stuck to neutrals and added a little colour, both bright and pastel. But feel free to adapt the outfit formula to suit any colour palette. Although I have put the tee/topper combinations into 4 groups, you can actually mix and match all of them.

Here are the components:

• Nostalgic Tee: Pick a long or short sleeved nostalgic tee. I’ve found that photographic black and white versions tend to look the most “grown up”, but don’t let that stop you from wearing a colour or graphic that is not based on a photo. Try to find one that isn’t overly boxy for extra tailoring. But no worries if you can’t because the rest of the pieces will add structure. Tuck or untuck the tee. 
• Pencil Skirt: The classic, crisp, dressy and feminine allure of a pencil skirt creates a striking contrast against the teenybopper tee. That’s precisely why I did not add a full skirt, jeans or trousers into this mix. The pencil skirt creates the most dramatic juxtaposition. 
• Topper: Think moto jackets, bomber jackets, blazers, tux jackets, and leather trimmed utility and military jackets. You’re after luxurious fabrics and some tailoring in order to dress up the T-shirt and add extra chic. I left out the denim jacket because it’s a very casual option. Of course, if you’d prefer to add that to the mix, you’re welcome to do so. It will merely dress down the outfit. 
• Footwear: Dressy stilettos, cage heels, strappy sandals and ladylike pumps are girly shoes that work well with pencil skirts no matter what. They provide a nice contrast against the relaxed vibe of the tee as well as match the structure of the topper. But think out of the box with a pair of dressy slipper flats, ballet flats, refined sassy sneakers or platform wedges. Just for fun!
• Accessories: Finish off the ensemble with a dressy handbag — the modern clutch gets my vote — and jewelry as desired. A mini crossbody, chain handle bag and arm candy are other great options.

The juvenile nostalgic tee grew up when we matched it with dressy, refined and tailored pieces — the skirt, topper, shoes and bag. That’s what I mean by adding the “sophisticated edge”. The tee starts the ensemble with a little humour, and goodness knows we can all stand to laugh and smile more each day.

These items cover various price points as a nod to high-low style. Some are trendy, some avant-garde, while others are trusty modern classics. The non-premium jeans in particular have been winners with my clients this season. 

1. Mural Floral Print Tux Vest: Not tip-top quality, but a fun romantically androgynous piece. Check out the full floral back. 
2. RED Valentino Moto Rainboot: I have happy Seattle clients traipsing around in wet weather wearing these wellies. Tough, with a very girly bow. Stunning quality. 
3. RED Valentino Bow Leather Tote: A timeless tote that is worth the investment. Not super trendy nor overly classic. Just avant-garde, feminine, a little arty and very pretty. 
4. Jeffrey Campbell Ebba Sandal: A delightful knock-off of last season’s Balenciaga sandal. Beautifully trendy in this season’s top colour — white. If you can handle the high heel height, I’ll admire you from afar. 
5. Jag Jackson Straight Leg Slub Denim Jeans: If you’re after comfortable, non-premium, straight leg jeans sans distressing with a decent rise measurement, try these. They’ve been a hit with several clients because they are soft, comfortable, dark wash, thick and don’t bag out. 
6. Jag Lucy Bootcut Jeans (Plus): These aren’t as thick as the Jacksons but they fit a curvy hourglass like a dream. Ample structure with lots of comfort. Read the rave reviews. 
7. KUT Catherine Slim Boyfriend Jeans: These are great if you prefer to keep the boyfriend jeans vibe tailored and your bottom perky in the style. As with most pairs of white jeans, you might need to size up a size. Here they are in blue and in plus sizes.
8. Theyskens’ Theory Belcor Fliners Top: This is a gorgeously directional top! If the sleeve shape did not overwhelm my frame, it would be mine. It’s made of an odd rubbery mesh fabric that is stiff and does not drape at all. But it’s stunning nonetheless. Wear it with soft flowing bottoms for a delicious juxtaposition. 
9. Vince Camuto Lace Peplum Top: This style of top looks particularly good on an hourglass-y frame. Great drape and a fun colour. 
10. Vince Camuto Eliana Sandal: High-vamped, on trend, and surprisingly different in coral. Casually dressy. 
11. Ella Moss Kaycee Stripe Jacket: One button jackets with low stances are on trend. Wear them in a cropped tuxedo style and you’re even more on trend. This little number in a warm weather stripe is pretty fab. A little preppy with a big dose of modern. The collarless style is perfect on ladies with a short neck and/or broad shoulder line. 
12. Helmut Lang Smudge Print Poplin Jacket: I almost prefer this jacket zipped up, but it’s pretty fab worn open too. It has a very structured shoulder line that is further strengthened by the stiffness of the cotton fabric. A gorgeous avant-garde piece. 
13. Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B Metallic Tote: And last but not least, a modern classic tote with a high longevity quotient. I vote sci-fi silver for Spring and Summer.

It’s fun to mix the classics with trendy and avant-garde pieces in one outfit, and at the same time mix high and low style. This type of outfit formula is certainly one of my favourite ways to dress.

I bat for Team Polished and believe that lipstick (and mascara, shiny skin, and defined brows for that matter), are part of what defines a polished appearance. I find that a little lipstick goes a long way to adding definition to my style by brightening up my pale complexion, and dressing up my look. I definitely look more alive and healthy with lip treatment. So I love to wear lipstick and do so daily. I also keep my lips moisturized with lip balm. I cannot handle my lips feeling dry at any time, so I’m often applying either lipstick or balm to my lips. But seldom gloss because I don’t like the sticky texture. 

I’ve been a daily lipstick wearer for 20 years, ever since I started working in the Rag Trade. That said, I do not experiment with lip colours and brands at all. I find one lipstick colour and texture that I love and wear it for years. In 2011 I found a nude lipstick by MAC and have been wearing it every day since. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, right? 

The rest of my make-up routine is minimal and very subtle. My lip style has always been low contrast, light and soft. Usually a light coral of sorts or something in the peachy-brown family. Never anything too pink or purple because it looks harsh and unnatural against my skin tone. The only time I throw in a high contrast red lipstick is for formal occasions like weddings and holiday parties.

Lip style runs the gamut among my friends and clients. Some wear dark lipstick as a daily colour. Others prefer lighter shades. Some are occasional lipstick wearers. Some like to wear gloss instead, or opt for a stained lip balm. Some stick to natural lip balm. And some can’t stand lip treatment of any kind and prefer a completely naked lip. 

I feel naked without lip treatment, and must wear lipstick every day. I even need to feel a layer of lip balm on my lips before I fall asleep at night. That’s how much I need moisturized lips. What’s your lip style? Do you wear lipstick, gloss or balm daily because you feel that it improves your look? Or does it make little difference to you. Do you prefer a low or high contrasting colour on your lips? Or do you prefer your lips free of any kind of treatment? 

Here are four simple pieces, each with a little extra design detail. Wear them in Spring and straight on into Summer. Remember to look through all the colour options. 

• Banana Republic Shadow Stripe Pullover: A breezy covered option for warm temperatures. Cotton and texture rich, cozy soft, and casually chic. A super substitute for a tee, and fab on a fuller bust or broad shouldered lass. If crew necks have been driving you crazy, try this baby scoop neck for a change. It’s a tailored piece that isn’t clingy. 
• Marisa Cuffed Cropped Pants in Linen: I have happy, and shocked clients in these linen pants. The pleats are stitched down so they don’t pouf out around the tummy area like pleats normally do. And therein lies the beauty of the style. They have worked on both straight and curvy bodies, slim and fuller thighs. Roll up the cuffs to shorten the length and wear them in casual settings. Modern, on trend, lightweight and breezy. A great solution to staying covered in the heat if shorts aren’t your thing. Also available in taupe. Warning: you have to make peace with the linen crease. 
• Sam Edelman Sutton Sandal: A refined sandal with chunky straps. Pretty comfortable and versatile. Works best on a foot that can fill out the style. Not great on narrower “low volume” feet. 
• BCBGeneration Tabitha Clutch: A vegan friendly modern clutch.

Pop on these four items to create an easy and comfortable casual outfit. Wear the top untucked, semi tucked or tucked.