It’s been a long time since we exchanged thoughts on clothing care, so that’s what we’re going to do today. I’ll start the ball rolling by sharing my laundry strategy. I’ll also preface by saying that I bat for Team Polished, so I go to great lengths to keep our clothes looking pristine. This helps me to achieve a crisp and clean style. 

On to how we launder clothes! 

• I believe that frequent laundering ruins your clothes. So if something is clean and still smells fresh after use, I rehang and wear it again, and again.
• I don’t use fabric softener because it doesn’t make enough of a difference. And using one less chemical is better.
• I never physically handwash anything. The closest I get is a “handwash cycle” on our machine that is very delicate.
• I actually use the handwash cycle for everything that goes into our machine. I find that a gentle cycle saves our clothes.
• I machine wash my bras in a mesh bag, again, using the handwash cycle. 
• I wash everything in cold water to avoid shrinkage and maintain colour vibrancy. 
• I only use the dryer for underpants, camisoles, socks and sleepwear. Excessive heat wears down clothing, shrinks them, ruins the fit of jeans, and just makes wardrobe items look less pristine over time. 
• I hang-dry clothes and bras that have gone through a laundry cycle in an empty closet in the guest room. 
• I do NOT like ironing, but I love the effect of pressed clothing, so I persevere. I iron some of our jeans, and a few of our pullovers and tops. If some of my already worn items need a quick press so that they look fresh and “new”, I’ll do that too. 
• I take all my silk blouses, our shirts, trousers, jackets, coats and most of our knitwear to the cleaners. That way I do not need to iron them, and they come back looking better than if I had laundered them. 

Over to you. What’s your laundry strategy?

Legwear can be conceptual art in itself. Just look at these cheeky Penti Climbing up tights by Kenan Doğulu. Or perhap sporting the New York City subway map on your thighs is more your thing?

How would you feel about a socks or shirts carpet for your living room floor? Israeli designer Keren Shiker “transforms everyday materials you find around the home into warm, fuzzy rugs by using her ‘obsessive repetitiveness of a single product’ idea”.

If you don’t like socks showing when wearing pumps, but your legs are perpetually cold, then Keysocks might be the answer. Quite a nifty idea, don’t you think?

Fab Links from Our Members

Annagybe discovered Part Nouveau, a blog with beautiful visuals that seamlessly marries fashion with history.

Kat from Corporette explores the pros and cons of wearing Geek Chic Eyewear to the office. Angie recommends that you read the interesting comments too.

For all of us who have recently lost a pet, Kalli wanted to link to this touching photo special about the relationship between photographer Hiroyuki Ito and his cat Meeno.

Jane Birkin, still considered by many the epitome of effortless style, shows a darker, more self-centered part of herself in this interview, says Vildy — a reminder not to envy people who seem to be effortlessly sailing through life.

These 5 Strategies to Get Rid of Clutter on The Everyday Minimalist really spoke to Ramya.

Deb has been following renowned makeup artist Lisa Eldridge for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed her interview on the Today Show site.

Here’s a summary of my posts on skirt fit and styling in one place for easy access. We’ll cover basic skirt silhouettes, flattering lengths, and how best to match them with tops and footwear. 

Silhouettes

Generally, skirts can either be straight or flared and both shapes are equally great. Here’s the lowdown on the forever classic pencil skirt, which is best worn in a tailored or body con fit. Full skirts evoke a myriad of emotions. To some they convey flirty fabness, whereas to others they are prissy, overly sweet and juvenile. 

Pear and inverted triangle body types wear flared skirts particularly well, but there is a flared skirt style for everyone. Pencil skirts work on all body types, but the fit on the waist and down the side seams might need to be altered. Sometimes we need to taper the hems to create a more flattering visual effect.

Speaking of waist adjustments, here’s how to stop those skirts from shifting around your midsection. And although this is not essential, shapewear can smooth out your skirt silhouette. 

Lengths

Most women find skirt lengths around the knee the most flattering. For some this means above the kneecap, whereas for others it’s on or just below the knee. This length makes sense because the knee marks the midway point on your leg, thereby achieving balanced visual proportions. The midi skirt, although it’s my favourite skirt length, can cause feelings of dumpy frump. Here’s how I address midi skirt apprehension and some more details on how to wear midi skirts with sass. Casual maxi skirts aren’t my favourite skirt length and here are the reasons for my point of view. 

Pairing Skirts with Tops

Here are five basic top styles to wear with skirts. Pencil skirts are easy to pair with tops because wearing body con, tailored and oversized fits with a sleek bottom makes for a flattering combination. Flared skirts, on the other hand, are often orphaned because they tend to be trickier to match with the right top. The short and fitted untucked top is flop proof with a flared skirt, and here are 13 more top pairings for full skirts.

Wearing cropped sweaters with skirts is another great look. And here’s how to wear coats over flared skirts. 

Pencil skirts can look very “bombshell”, which has its pros and cons. If you don’t feel like showcasing all your curves, here’s how to take the bombshell out of a pencil skirt. You can further de-bombshell a pencil skirt by wearing it with a chunky knit pullover.

Pairing Skirts with Footwear 

Wearing skirts with tall boots requires finding the right combination of skirt, skin and boots. Here’s more on achieving a flattering look with skirts and tall boots.

Wearing booties with skirts has revolutionized the boot and skirt business. Here are basic guidelines on how to achieve flattering proportions. But despite these guidelines, many feel that wearing booties with skirts is not for them. We thrashed out those thoughts again three years later, and shooties have become a great footwear alternative to the bootie. But the jury is still out on whether wearing booties and shooties with visible bare legs is flattering.

And don’t ever think that you can’t wear flats with skirts. Of course you can. 

Last but not least, enforce the skirt rule when you purchase a new skirt. No more orphans! 

If you have any questions about skirt fit, skirt lengths or how to wear skirts with tops and footwear, feel free to post them in the comments section and let’s get you sorted.

I love a bit of lace in my wardrobe. I think of it as retro and romantic, rather than frilly, twee or Edwardian. These lace pieces are quite modern, or at least can be paired with modern pieces so as to NOT look prissy and precious.

• Latitude Femme Oxford: This Italian brand of footwear is divine. Soft, comfortable and unique. Here’s a super Summer oxford with cutouts. Quite arty. 
• Pretty Polly Dotty Lace Spot Tights: A softer take on the graphic oversized polka dot. 
• Karen Kane Beaded Lace Scarf Top (Plus): Alluring and breezy, yet covered. Fab dressed up or down, and an ideal way to de-bombshell a pencil skirt. 
• Anyi Lu Tessa Pump: Anyi Lu makes this sandal every year and it’s comfortable – even my own fussy feet did not complain. A beautifully made shoe that is well worth the price. 
• Camo & Lace Circle Scarf: Fun mix of tough and femme. 
• DVF Scotia Lace Skirt: Remember how hard it is to find a decent lace skirt when you’re looking for it? Well, here’s a great option that’s fab for weddings and holiday attire. 
• Tadashi Shoji Matte A-Line Jersey Dress: So pretty, and the skirt’s movement is sublime. Bless that elusive knee-covering length. 
• DVF Avani Mixed Media Top: I saw one of the sales associates wear this darling and it went onto my wish list. Perfect with a leather skirt, shorts or pants. It needs a black camisole and you are done. 
• Milly Lace Coat: Wearing longer length toppers over shorter bottoms is directional, although still a fringe statement. I love the versatility of this chic lace topper, which can be worn in both a classic and fashion forward way. 
• Adrianna Papell Lace & Knit Dress (Plus): Every time one of my clients pops on this frock, I have to catch my breath. It truly is stunning. 
• Hinge Mixed Media Lace Sleeve Shirt: A super mix of strict shirting and retro lace. The result is playful chic. 
• Olivia Moon Lace Sleeve Sweatshirt: The sassy sweatshirt is one of the trends this year. Scrunch the sleeves and you can literally wear it with any bottom 
• Kay Celine V-Neck Embroidered Mesh Sheath Dress: I had to finish off the lace list with Retro Elegance. Tailored and timeless. 

Do you like to wear a little lace? If so, how is lace represented in your wardrobe. Or do you find lace overly sweet and femme no matter what.