Elle Magazine has compiled a list of the fifty best boutiques in the US. In 50 States of Shopping they explain which brands to look out for and why each store is worth a squizz

On Shopkeepers ardent shoppers tell us a bit about themselves, list their favourite bricks-and-mortar stores and explain why they love to shop there. Of course the shopkeepers get a say too, each of their posts feature basic information about the store they work at and profiles on its customers and merchandise. A relaxing way to discover some new brands and shops to explore next.

From Swedish label Acne publishing a bi-annual magazine to high-street chain Cos who have been bringing out an in-house glossy since 2007, increasingly, labels are producing their own “brand literature” as a means of translating their vision and inspirations to their customers. Do you like to browse through store publications?

Fab Links from Our Members

On the YLF forum we talk a lot about tailoring items to achieve perfect fit, that’s why this discussion of alterations on Corporette caught Makrame’s attention. The comments include many recommendations for tailors in specific locations in the US and Canada… A wealth of information.

Angie says that nobody does leather like Salvatore Ferragamo. She highly recommends browsing the brand’s Spring 2013 Collection because there is artistic calm amidst the chaos of these crisp outfits.

Ann in New England recommends the Library Journal’s column Sartorial Splendor: Falling into Fashion, with reviews of six books in which fashion plays an integral role.

In Building a Remixable Wardrobe, Part 3 – The Importance of Colored Bottoms, blogger Audrey writes: “A collection of seven pieces will provide more remixing options if they include three tops and four bottoms rather than six tops and one bottom.”  Laurinda points out that this could come in handy while packing a minimal travel wardrobe.

Joy enjoyed Tina Gaudoin’s ramblings on the small stuff that you need for everyday sartorial satisfaction, especially the comments about bare faces. Turns out Tina also likes clutches, just like Angie!

With the weather about to change, Une femme d’un certain âge has compiled some smart suggestions on how to use scarves to fix all kinds of wardrobe ailments. Nice tip, Carole.

Here on YLF I try to be consistent in using “wardrobe” when I mean the contents of your closet, and “closet” when I’m referring to the place where you keep your wardrobe. And I mean “closet” in a very general sense. It might be a walk-in wardrobe, one or more cupboards, an armoire and chest of drawers, or even some portable clothes racks. 

All sorts of factors affect how we edit and add to our wardrobes. From our lifestyles, climates and body types, to environmental norms, budgets and style personas. And here’s another factor to consider. How does the nature of your closet affect what you keep and purchase? 

Generally, I see a pattern with my clientele. Those with limited closet space have smaller wardrobes, which makes for a stricter editing and shopping policy. Those with huge walk-in wardrobes have larger wardrobes because they can store more items. This makes their editing and shopping process more forgiving. 

That said, I also have clients with small closets who have large wardrobes because they store items elsewhere and swap things out with the changing seasons. They prefer to have lots of stuff, do less laundry, and not repeat outfits all that often. Conversely, I have clients with huge closets and small wardrobes because they are minimalist by nature. They prefer to wear the same outfits over and over again and do more laundry. 

This brings us to your closet goals, and whether they are strict or flexible despite the size of your closet. My closet goals are extremely strict. I share half of a small walk-in wardrobe with hubby and it stores my entire wardrobe apart from outerwear that I keep in the coat closet, and undies, socks and hosiery that I keep in a chest of drawers. I also store my ball gown elsewhere because the tulle skirt is bulky. I do not swap out clothing and footwear for the changing seasons, or keep wardrobe items (aside from the ball gown) in other storage spaces. I even store my necklaces in my closet.

As you can see above, each hanger in my closet has a distinct slot so I can’t add more hangers to my closet even if I wanted to. I don’t have the same compartmental restrictions for my footwear, handbag and folding spaces, but I’m disciplined about keeping the inventory down so that I do not overfill the space. My closet goal is to keep my entire wardrobe apart from basics and outerwear in my walk-in wardrobe. No spreading out the contents to other cupboards so that I can store more stuff. I could easily use the empty cupboard in the guest room and utilize the ample space in the garage and under the beds to store items that can be swapped out with the seasons. But I choose not to because I like to see my wardrobe in a single glance, and do not want too many options to choose from.

So my closet goal has a significant impact on my editing and shopping habits. I have to exercise the-one-in-one-out wardrobe principle if I want to keep my wardrobe at this size, which is perfect for me. My closet goal simplifies my style, and satisfies my control freak gene. This in turn gives me a sense of calm when I walk into my closet to choose an outfit.   

What are your closet goals? Does the nature of your wardrobe storage situation influence the way you edit and add to your wardrobe?

Here are a few more photos from the shoot we did at Alki Beach for my post this morning on slouchy skinnies and high-low style. We initially left them out because it felt like the post was getting out of control, but then thought: why not post them separately?

And here are the two photos that Greg made into one. He didn’t tell me about it so I did the same double take a lot of you did when he sent me the photos for the post.

Sears recently asked me to create an ensemble using one or two items from their range. Although we are big Sears shoppers (almost every major appliance in our house was bought at Sears because we love their after sales service), I have never shopped at Sears for clothing. But in the spirit of not leaving a retail stone unturned I decided to give it a bash. 15 minutes after arriving at the Sears in Seattle I had two great finds: the Covington metallic turtleneck and the Canyon River Blues skinny jeans. 

Prices at Sears are very reasonable. The Covington turtleneck is $19.99, and for that you get a garment with interesting stitch detail, sufficient sleeve length for my extra-long arms and a neat collar that fits snugly around my neck. And, most important of all, no itch. Regular YLF readers will know that I value premium items that I can use for many seasons, but once you have a good foundation of wardrobe essentials there is also a place for taking a chance on some fun, inexpensive items. And I’m very happy mixing a very wide range of price points in a single outfit. 

Low prices also mean that you can afford to experiment with new looks, with less to lose if they don’t end up working. I’ve been inspired to create a slouchy skinny jeans silhouette after seeing what I call the “baggy-fitted-look” that was so popular at Fashion Week. I sized up TWO sizes on Canyon River Blue’s Curvy Skinny jeans to create a roomy skinny jeans silhouette that was similar to the one I saw on the runways. 

The results of sizing up? The crotch point has dropped a few inches, which has also given the jeans a lower rise. The waistband is huge, the seat poufs out when you sit down, and there is room all over the legs with ample hem scrunch. The sized up effect is very different to the body con skinnies that have ruled retail stores and my wardrobe for years. These are a more boyish fit, which works with my tomboy style tendencies. 

Now, baggy skinnies are not everyone’s cup of tea because of the droopy crotch point and less than riveting rear fit. But to my eye, the silhouette looks fresh. I actually prefer wearing low rise jeans and trousers, and my goodness I find the fit so comfortable. I’ve already road tested these skinnies and their 1% spandex content means that they do not bag out at all.

I’ve put together two outfits using the jeans, one of which also uses the turtleneck. They combine old and new items from my wardrobe at varying price points, thereby creating a real mixture of high and low. The ensemble collage shows some of the exact pieces that I’m wearing, as well as good substitutes for the items that are no longer available.

Leather garments and footwear in all shades of white were all over fashion week runways and are set to be huge trends for Spring 2013, as are sheer fabrications in both brights and pastels. Inspired by those trends I matched the new slouchy skinnies (number 7 in the ensemble collage) with an old, sheer citron blouse (2 is similar), which I bought in a Soho boutique, and my favourite leather jacket (1 is similar), which happens to be white. I finished off the outfit with an off-white, polka dot Marc Jacobs belt (3), new snakeskin booties (9) that are already wardrobe workhorses, and a Chanel clutch (8 is similar) that I’ve had for 18 years. I’m into using my clutches as daytime handbags at the moment because the vibe feels extra modern and less fussy. Hence the decision to leave the satchel at home.

I have to wear a belt with these jeans so that they don’t fall down. That means tucking in my blouse for a more streamlined and polished effect. The waistband bunches a little at the back, but it’s not bad because the waist was quite fitted to start off with.  

Metallic clothing is on trend now and probably will be for a while. That, and my magpie gene, drew me to the turtleneck (5). For the second, warmer outfit, I tucked in the turtleneck and threw on a brown studded belt (6 is similar) to create a low colour contrast between the top and the bottom. Visually, this creates a longer line than the high contrast jeans-belt-blouse combination in the first outfit. I added my old Rag & Bone wool military blazer (4 is similar) as an extra layer. I used the same snakeskin booties and clutch handbag. My jewelry-free style means the remaining accessories are wedding ring, watch and specs. That’s it. 

This was a successful jeans experiment. I love my slouchy skinnies because they change up the mood of all the outfits that I previously based on body con skinny jeans. Tapered legs are so practical in Seattle climate, so this inexpensive addition to my wardrobe has given me many new outfit options for Fall and Winter.