This outfit is basic, casual, practical and comfortable. With the addition of a scarf it’s the type of look I’ll wear on a flight or sight seeing in mild weather. I’ll also wear it on a day jam packed with errands, or when I’m working at home. 

I find stretchy cigarette pants like these Real Skinnies from the Gap more comfortable than jeans because they are extra soft. They are ideal for traveling. I prefer to wear my only t-shirt as a sweater so that’s why I’ve layered it over a denim shirt. This particular tee is thick so it works well worn over button down shirts. No grinning effect of buttons and breast pockets. Surprisingly, my striped “sweater” gets lots of wear so I’m looking to duplicate it with a real sweater in a similar stripe. I think I’ve found just the right one, and will add it to my closet as a new wardrobe essential. I’ve come to enjoy a simple high necked striped sweater more than I thought I would.

The shirt, tee and pants are modern classics, but the bag and shoes are not. The shoes are on-trend slipper flats in an animal print. They have been my go-to shoe this Summer, which is why they are already worn on the toe tips. The bag is more avant-garde with its unique chain detailing. Although the non-classic parts of the outfit add an interesting element to the look, I’m also content substituting them for classic two toned ballet flats and a cream tote. That would amplify the classic integrity of the outfit, which is fine by me.

I couldn’t resist the matchy-matchyness of my black and white specs, complete with striped temples. Why not! Apart from a watch and wedding ring, the outfit is jewelry-free – although the chains on the strap of the bag are like a “body necklace”. My cream trench goes over the lot to keep me cozy when it’s chilly in the morning and evening. 

Apart from the shoes, these items are several seasons old. And I still wear them frequently. It’s comforting to like your old wardrobe items as much as your brand new goodies, don’t you think? It’s also satisfying to enjoy wearing a very basic outfit as much as a more dramatic, trendy and fashion forward one. Basic does not have to mean boring.

As much as I love fashion photography, I also have a huge soft spot for fashion illustration. From René Gruau‘s vibrant and bold illustrations for Elle, Vogue and Marie Claire to the whimsical and stunning work of people like Katie Rodgers, Kelly Smith and Danny Roberts, there are scores of talented artists who each have developed their own very recognizable style. From black and white drawings, minimalist sketches consisting of only a few angular pencil strokes to exquisitely elaborate paintings exploding with colour — I thoroughly enjoy them all for the brilliant works of art they are. But also because they add an extra dimension to my own creative style process.

For me both art forms spark the imagination in different ways. My brain seems to process the information on two separate levels, which helps me get more out of all the images I collect. I often pick up on other details depending if I’m looking at a picture or an outfit drawing: a certain colour nuance, the pleats in a skirt, textural accents, lines, shapes, proportions and silhouettes. So I like to rely on a mix of both to really get those creative juices flowing and to come up with a personal interpretation of the latest trends, or to put together my own outfits.

Do you have a clear preference for either fashion photography or fashion illustrations? And do you feel that drawings are just as helpful when you are in need of some outfit inspiration?

Now in YLF Books

Artist and fashion designer Lorraine Geiger became fascinated with the style trends that emerged during the second half of the twentieth century. To create a lasting testament to the creative and original individuals who started these trends, she decided to record them as they went about their daily lives during the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. The result is this book, Fashion: Fads & Fantasies, with sketches of real people in their true mode of dress. The drawings are accompanied by essays about these decades of “fashion revolt” and come with the original captions that describe the outfits in context.

These pieces were great on a few of my clients last week and are well worth a look. They also work well together in one outfit. 

The Gibson Equestrian Blazer is knitted, comfortable and great for casual settings. It has a fun back pleated detail and stay-in-place scrunched sleeves. I found that the back detail looked especially good on those who could fill it out. The curved hemline is flattering. For the most part it fits true to size. Surprisingly, the regular size works quite well on petites. It also comes in maroon and blush, but unfortunately those colours are not available online.  

The Sam Edelman Lisle Bootie comes in four colours but the red gets my top vote because dark red is the colour of the season. The rose gold zipper is a nice finishing touch. Its stacked low-ish heel is stable, and the footbed quite comfortable. They might run half a size big. These are Frye look-a-likes at half the price. 

The Halogen Ballet Neck Stretch Model Tee is super soft, long and ideal for ladies with shorter necks. Its length allows you to scrunch the sides so that it does not cling. It’s a super casual layering piece and fab pattern mixing tool. The tee is also available in solids, but the micro stripe has more personality. You might need to size up. 

Autumn is on the way which means layers, boots, scarves and jackets. Summer in Seattle is far too short, but I’m excited to wear my Autumn clothes again. Are you? 

Did you know that you can use a salad spinner as a sweater dryer? That using lip balm will help keep your shoelaces secure, or that spraying starch on white sneakers will keep dirt and grime at bay? Real Simple lists 75 clothing care tips and tricks that might come in very handy one day.

If you are looking for greener alternatives to dry cleaning, then check out these nine ways to wash your delicates from EcoSalon.

Do stretched-out cuffs on your favourite sweaters drive you batty? This easy three-step video shows us how to reshape pullovers and get them back in shipshape condition.

Fab Links from Our Members

Nadya in so many ways admires this enterprising bride and the dress she knitted for her special day.

Even though Annagybe is not on Team Polka Dot, she would happily carry one of these Yayoi Kusama for Louis Vuitton bags.

Laurinda likes these fashion accessories made from skateboard decks and recycled skateboard materials. She hopes that the eyeglass frames will be available for purchase soon.

New York Magazine did a round-up of the 50 most scandalous dresses in history (warning: some are quite graphic and probably not suitable for work). Angie thought the mix very interesting.

Joy reports that Interactive Product Group recently released “Fashion Hazard”, a new videogame set in the fashion world. It is described as a sort of Indiana Jones meets the runway, and the developers believe it fills a gap in their industry: action games with feminine appeal.

As a former plus-size MaryK is always happy to see lots of options in all size ranges. She points us to this Los Angeles Times article about how clothing lines are finally waking up to the plus-size market, and also enjoyed this feature about JilRo, a new Los Angeles plus-sized line.