Let me preface this post by saying that silk tees do not need to be made of silk. They are often made of silk and polyester blends, which reduces the price and makes them machine washable. Fabric composition aside, this item looks “silky”, which is why we’re sticking to the “silk tee” descriptor. 

The silk tee, or T-shirt blouse, is a fab top for Spring and Summer. Silhouettes will vary, but they are generally woven, boxy and relaxed, sleeved, dressier than a knitted tee, less dressy than a blouse, comfy, and versatile. Much like a roomy shell top with arm coverage. Some tops are roomier than others. Some have ribbed necklines and chest pockets. Some have high-low hemlines and welts. Some have short sleeves, while others have three-quarter sleeves. Solid, plain or mixed media. They work tucked, semi-tucked and untucked. Fab with all trouser styles, jeans and shorts. Pretty great over a pencil skirt, and some styles will work over a full skirt. 

I’ve seen a mixed reaction to this item from my clients. Some love it. Some will only wear it as a layering piece. Others are warming up to the simplicity of the style, although at first glance thought it was a boring silhouette. Others aren’t into wearing boxy items. Some refuse to wear polyester and cannot justify the cost and laundry commitment to silk. Some like the concept but won’t wear high necklines, favouring V’s and deep scoops over crews and boatnecks. While others prefer to wear knitted tops full stop. 

I like this style of top, and plan to get one or two for Summer. I’m very attracted to their simplicity, boxy fit, dressy integrity, drape, and how they can be dressed up or down. I will need to find a cut that has a more streamlined or shorter sleeve because I tend to drown in huge unstructured sleeves.

What’s your verdict? Will you be wearing silk tees?

Most of my clients wear one piece suits and tankinis. Our go-to places to shop for them are Nordstrom, Lands End and Bare Necessities. Here’s a roundup of one piece suits from Nordstrom that have been winners this season. 

1. Seafolly Harlow Boyleg One Piece Swimsuit: I am in love with this brand of swimwear, which I believe is from Australia. If I needed a new one piece, this would be it. It has excellent coverage and support. It works well on a small and regular size bust line. 
2. Bleu Rod Beattie Zip It One Piece Swimsuit: So fabulously ’80s! Glam and sporty. It has good support, but not stellar support. And you have to be at peace with “uni-boob”. A flattering shape, and one I would consider myself if I was not smitten with the retro vibe of the above suit. 
3. Trina Turk Summer of Love One Piece Swimsuit: This one offers great support for the small busted gal. Happy, alluring, and comfortable. 
4. Miraclesuit Sanibel One Piece Swimsuit: This suit continues to be fabulous on those who want LOTS of support on the bust and midsection. It does not work well on small busted ladies. You have to be able to fill out this suit to make it work. 
5. Profile by Gottex Tutti Frutti Skirted One Piece Swim Dress: This has been the best suit of the year on my regular and small busted clients. It has a strap, but they did not show it in the photo. I am impressed with the “Profile” collection from Gottex and look forward to seeing more amazingly cut swimwear from this Israeli brand. 
6. Miraclesuit Rialto One Piece: It’s very flattering. Girdled, streamlined and comfortable. I wish we had more colour options though. 
7. La Blanca Sweetheart One Piece: This style continues to be a winner. It looks best on ladies who can fill out the bust and hips. It has worked on a smaller bust with a very broad shoulder line, but generally, I would not recommend this style to a small busted gal. Halter style suits are better for a small chest. 

Remember that you must size up at least one size in swimwear. I have clients who have sized up two sizes on Miraclesuits for extra length, and because they are very formfitting. Furthermore, you can have swimwear altered to fit. So if the straps are a little long, or you need to have extra support sewn into the cups, it’s a worthwhile investment for a quality suit.

I looked at the calendar yesterday and gasped. Greg and I had completely forgotten about YLF’s seventh birthday, which was a few days ago on April 5. I’m sentimental and nostalgic, so I really don’t like to forget this sort of thing. Our forgetfulness is certainly not an indication that YLF is becoming less important. Quite the contrary. But I guess that YLF has become such an integral part of our lives that we forget to stop, step back, and remember its history. Well. I’m going to do that today just for fun. 

As you’ve probably heard many times before, it all started seven and a half years ago with this exchange between Greg and I on a flight from New York to Seattle:

Greg: “You should start a blog.” 

Angie: “Okay!”

(pause)

Angie: “What’s a blog?”

I had a lot to say about fashion and style and began posting my daily thoughts on a tiny blog that was born on April 5, 2006. Greg created YLF for me while working full-time at Microsoft. I really didn’t imagine the full potential in those early days. And it took more than two years to reveal my identity on the blog because I did NOT want YLF to be about one person’s style, size, age and budget. YLF had to be about you, not me. I wanted it to be a place where we could ALL share our style challenges and triumphs, be creative, be mischievous, and most importantly, have fun and support each other along the way. Greg says we have reached this goal. 

Here we are seven years later. A tiny blog (complete with the caricature of me below) has evolved into a sophisticated fashion site with a very engaged and bustling community. In 2010 Greg left Microsoft to work on YLF full-time. Inge, a dear friend and longtime YLF supporter works with us part-time. Morgan, another dear friend, works with Greg on the iPhone and Android apps. And I continue to love working with my clients, writing content for YLF and chiming in on the forum. I am very proud that we haven’t missed a weekday post in seven years. Whether we are sick, traveling, super busy, heartbroken, or in crisis, the blog posts have gone out. I don’t know how we manage it sometimes, but there you have it. The YLF Team is a robust and well-oiled machine. 

I still kick myself sometimes. I never believed that YLF could become what it is today, but Greg, bless his heart, had the vision. And who knows how it will all unfold, but we are looking forward to the adventure. One thing is for sure. YLF would not exist without YOU. Your intelligence, compassion, energy, wit, wisdom and passion energize me each day. You inspire me to be a better person and enrich my life in infinite ways. For that I am most grateful. THANK YOU for your ongoing support.  

Cheers to another seven years!

Here are two dress styles that have been repeated season after season, and for good reason. They fit well, feel comfortable, and look good.  

• Nicole Miller Stretch Linen Sleeveless Tucked Dress: I used to think that Theory made the best sleeveless sheath dresses, but after I bought this dress in turquoise a few years ago, Nicole Miller deserves the accolade. It’s made of thick stretchy linen-viscose-spandex that drapes against the body without too much cling. The front and back tuck and ruching details make it more interesting, and forgiving, than a plain sheath. A great length! It’s available at Nordstrom in navy. 
• Rachel Pally Plus Size Knee-Length Printed Caftan Dress: Over the years, this dress has been available in solids and patterns. I’m blown away each time one of my plus size clients pops it on. Bohemian Elegance. Petites will need to have the length shortened because between the shape of the sleeves and the volume on the skirt, it is “a lot of dress”. But the back tie reins in the volume, while the cropped long sleeve and V-neckline add structure to the silhouette. Easy, breezy with just the right amount of chic tailoring. 

Both frocks can be dressed up or down with the right support act. I like to wear this sheath dress with a bomber jacket at the moment. It’s been a fun way to refresh its style.