This is the third in a series of ensembles that I’m creating for Havaianas. For this one I chose their Slim Geometric flip flop design, which was inspired by the Portuguese tiles that adorn the facades of old colonial houses in Brazil. 

Flip flops are ideal for hot beach and pool settings because they are extremely casual, waterproof, ventilating, and slip on and off in less than two ticks. 

This beach and pool outfit formula is more casual than the kaftan look, and it’s easy to put together. First, you’ll need a flared knitted skirt with an elasticated waistband for easy  pull on and pull off action. Surprisingly, you can find these types of skirts at sporting goods stores. Choose your desired length, colour, solid or pattern. I’ve chosen an on trend emerald high-low skirt as one option, and a more classic, longer black fit-and-flare skirt as a second option. These skirts are practical, comfortable and double up as a swimsuit cover-up.

Add a fitted t-shirt or tank top over the skirt, wearing your swimsuit under the ensemble. I’ve chosen a white tee because I love white, but feel free to choose any colour. Add a cropped sleeveless denim vest as a third layer, and I vote faded for an extra relaxed vibe. It’s also fun to wear the denim vest over your swimsuit as a cover-up. 

Lastly, add a pair of flip flops, eyewear, sunhat and beach tote. I chose aviators because I adore RayBans. I chose a canvas cap as an alternative to a straw hat with a wide brim, just to change things up. I threw in a patterned tote because stripes are a nautical classic. Pack a set of underwear so that you can change out of your wet swimsuit on the way home. Bob’s your uncle: You’re ready for a day at the beach or pool.   

As with all the outfit formulas, absorb the concept and substitute the items with ones that are more to your taste. Wearing a pair of cut off shorts, tee or tank, and flip flops is an extremely popular outfit combination for the beach and pool these days. But remember those easy breezy skirts too! 

Nordstrom asked me to build four ensembles using items from their Anniversary Sale. The first in the series saw me sport a semi-structured trouser look. The second was fun loving Meredith in a bold blazer and boots. Today it’s sweet and spirited Phoebe’s turn to model some of her favourite sale purchases. You met dear friend and client Phoebe on YLF last year, and she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. 

Phoebe loves colourful and patterned clothing and embraced it in full force for Spring in Summer. Yet when we preselected together at the sale, we were unexpectedly feeling the neutrals to refresh her look for Fall. It’s interesting how the tables turned from one season to the next! 

The soft leather skirt and bootie outfit formula screams “Phoebe” because she is a fashionable dresser who likes to wear dramatic pieces with a big dose of lady-like and just the right amount of edge. To recreate the look, you’ll need a leather or leather-trimmed skirt, a soft blouse and sleek heeled booties.

We both cast our eyes on Diane von Furstenberg’s Bairly Louche Blouse (1) and knew then and there that it was a winner. The flouncy sleeve appealed to Phoebe’s bohemian style streak, and its versatility was perfect. Wear it with edgy pieces, jeans or business separates to create an assortment of vibes. Tuck it in or wear it untucked. All versions are fab. 

Phoebe discovered how much she enjoyed wearing pencil midi skirts this year, feeling on trend and elegant in the longer length. At a petite height, the Classiques Entier Sunmosa Mixed Media Skirt (2) finished perfectly below the knee. Its leather trim was even more appealing than a full leather skirt. Pairing it with a soft top gives the outfit a romantic integrity. 

Phoebe was looking to replace a pair of black booties that had seen better days, which made Aquatalia by Marvin K’s Royal Weatherproof Bootie (3) a slam dunk. Perfect for rainy Seattle. The comfort level is fab and the sleek fit on the ankle is the cherry on top. Phoebe prefers a sleek ankle-fitting heeled bootie when she pairs them with skirts and dresses because it makes her feel more elongated and streamlined. Be sure to check out the suede version and all the colours.

When I saw Betsey Johnson’s Animal Print Capelet (4), I knew that Phoebe would love it. Capelets are her thing and so is animal print and drama. I suggested popping it over the leather-rich pencil skirt and blouse combination because the juxtaposition of the varying fabric textures is interesting. Also, mixing the retro vibe of the capelet with the severity of the modern bootie is fun. And a little bit of on trend pattern mixing doesn’t hurt either. 

Phoebe always finishes off her outfits with a large watch, dainty bracelet and either statement earrings or a statement necklace. We chose gold gypsy earrings (similar to these ones) (5) to bring out the gold streaks in her gorgeous hair. Her metals are mixed, but that’s just fine with us. 

This outfit formula sows the seed of an idea. Now it’s up to you to substitute the items and make the look reflect your style. Swap out the blouse for a soft high-low sweater. Wear pumps instead of booties. Add hosiery. Wear a tailored wool blazer instead of a capelet. Shorten the length of the skirt. Experiment! 

This year Nordstrom asked me to build four ensembles using items from their Anniversary Sale. The first in the series saw me sport a semi-structured trouser look. Today we bring back the delightful, bubbly and gorgeous Meredith to show off her favourite sale finds. You met my dear friend and client Meredith last year when she modeled her 40th birthday purchases for YLF. She oozes energy and warmth that definitely comes through in her style, and jumps off this computer screen. 

The bold blazer, top and boots formula is extremely well suited to a Seattle Fall because it’s casual yet pulled together, uber comfortable, and keeps you cozy and dry. You’ll need a pair of jeans or trousers that you can tuck into boots, a fun top, and a statement blazer.

We headed straight for the Vince Camuto assortment when we preselected together at the sale because Meredith has had success with the brand before. “Vince Camuto is my friend”, she said. Meredith wanted a boyish blazer for Fall, so I suggested the One Button Blazer in teal (1). Single button blazer styling feels modern right now, don’t you think? The colour of the jacket is lighter and brighter in real life than it is on Nordstrom’s website. It has a flattering, contoured fit, clean lines, cute striped lining, and ample stretch. That’s why it was Meredith’s favourite anniversary sale purchase.

The Vince Camuto Bandage Top (2) also struck a chord with Meredith because it fits her lovely curvy body exceptionally well, but does not cling. She bought the top in red, a teal and black stripe, AND is considering getting it in plain black too because it’s that versatile. 

I nudged Meredith out of her comfort zone to try the red top with the teal jacket. She had envisioned wearing the teal blazer with a teal striped or solid black top. Or the red top with a black blazer. Of course, those options will look wonderful, but so does the red matched with the teal, especially on a grey Seattle day. Red is Meredith’s favourite colour so I was not surprised when she warmed up to the bold colour combination. We added one of Meredith’s conversational necklaces, a wise gold owl, to finish off the look because quirky necklaces are part of her signature style. The burnished owl pedant (3) above is not the exact same necklace, but it is quite similar.

Meredith is wearing a pair of Gap skinny jeans (4) with Blondo’s Vergara Boot (5). The stretchy top portion fits both a narrow and a wide calf because it moulds to the shape of your leg. Genius! Meredith said, “These boots are just what I need to fit over my muscular calves!”

The fact that they are 100% puddle proof is a big selling point, but it was the fit and comfort level that sealed the deal. 

With a romantic head of curls that bounce to the beat of her effervescent persona, this tailored outfit formula is an Autumn uniform for Meredith. She’s favouring jackets to cardigans for Fall, and experimenting with new colour combinations and tomboy styles. 

This outfit formula can be tweaked in all sorts of ways to suit your style preferences. Wear shorter boots and checked skinny jeans. Or a turtle neck, black ponte pants and a bold tweed blazer. Swap out the necklace for a scarf. Wear a printed shirt instead of a knit top. Wear long tweed shorts instead of jeans. Wear slouchy trousers with boots. Make the look your own!

Daughter Anika thought that Mom looked rather spiffy too, and was out there with Greg taking photos of our fab model. I love it.

I was delighted when Nordstrom asked me to put together a series of Fall outfits using items from their Anniversary Sale – after all this is my favourite sale of the year. So I’m kicking off the series with an outfit formula that incorporates some of my own sale purchases. Later this week, you’ll see a few of my clients rock Fall outfit formulas their way. 

The unstructured trend is as big as the structured trend, which feels fashionably liberating don’t you think? I love tailored items but loosey-goosey looks are just as close to my heart because voluminous silhouettes scream playful fun. So it makes sense that the outfit combinations that I fancy most at the moment are the ones that pair structure with flowing volume. The effect feels MODERN. I like to call these types of outfits “Semi-Structured”.

You’ll need a structured pair of trousers with tapered or straight leg hems. A slight bootcut will also work. Nothing too  tight or flared. Add a voluminous top, like a big tee, soft boxy blouse, a high-low knitted top or pullover. The tapered trousers provide the structure for the unstructured top, creating a comfortable match made in heaven.

Only Mine’s Zip Back Wool & Cashmere Sweater (1) is my first high-low hemmed top and I’m smitten. It’s that dropped shoulder seam with a narrow sleeve that sealed the deal because I find it more flattering than a dolman sleeve. The back zipper, rich purple hue and non-itchy wool were further great selling points. The high-low hemline is a vitally important structure building tool because it exposes the structured trousers. Cover them up and the outfit is less polished and chic. The same can be achieved with straight hemmed voluminous tops by semi-tucking the fronts. 

Theory’s Yanette Copnehagen Pants (2) are structured and a tighter fit on the model then they are on me. That’s because I like a looser trouser fit, and longer hems that create a slouch in the leg line.  Although I personally prefer full length tapered trousers that scrunch at the hem, this is not a prerequisite for the look. By all means keep the silhouette more streamlined and shorter like in the photo. 

Leave the ensemble just like that, or add a scarf, necklace or other jewelry for more interest. I’ve added the grey Halogen Fitzgerald Challis Scarf (3) because I like purple matched with green. Add footwear like pumps, shooties, loafers, peep-toes or booties. I’ve chosen Sam Edelman’s Petty Python Bootie (4) because it bookends the colour of my blonde hair, adds outfit texture, and is my favourite heel height. I’m going to be wearing these little booties with an assortment of trouser and jeans styles this season.

As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items that are more to your taste. Perhaps you’ll wear patterned trousers with a semi-tucked boxy silk blouse. Or straight leg cigarette trousers with a high-low t-shirt. Or peep-toe booties and a bib necklace.

The semi–structured trouser look could work in an office environment when the items are fairly dressy, and on days when a structured jacket is not required. Or you could wear the look when you’ve had your fill of jeans, which is where I’ve been heading for a while.