Havaianas asked me to create Summer ensembles with their new closed toe footwear collection. I really like the ballerina espadrille and classic espadrille from their new line because they bring back fond memories of when I wore basic white espadrilles in the ’80s. The modern Havaianas versions are better than what I wore back then because they’ve got the spongey Havaianas flip flop sole that’s pretty comfy. 

Two uber casual outfits come to mind with flat closed toe canvas espadrilles. One is with a dress, and the other with a pair of shorts. Both ensemble formulas are great for the park, a picnic, the seaside, a barbecue, or any other extremely casual setting. 

I’ve paired a bright casual midi dress with lime green Origine Ballerinas because we’re diving into Summer with bright happy colours. I added a gauzy extra lightweight Summer scarf for interest, AND because Summer scarves can feel quite soothing in the heat. As a nod to this season’s pattern frenzy, I chose a casual canvas striped tote, which picks up the canvas of the espadrilles. Add a fun straw hat, eyewear, watch and jewelry as desired. 

The shorts ensemble is neutral and even more casual. I’ve paired an oversized on trend sleeved t-shirt with a pair of denim short shorts. I love how the roominess and coverage of the Tee takes “the sexy” out of the shorts – much like how you can de-bombshell a pencil skirt. Semi tuck the tee for more shape if that tickles your fancy. The Havaianas Origine Espadrille in navy adds a classic touch. I’ve chosen an eco friendly canvas tote with a fun vintage design to complement the espadrilles, and a fedora, eyewear and leather cuff to finish off the outfit.

I sow the seed of an outfit idea with these formulas. The next important step is to substitute the items so that they are to YOUR taste and in line with YOUR style persona. Perhaps you’d prefer a mini dress and denim vest. Leave off the scarf. Add a crossbody bag in a weathered brown leather. Perhaps you’d prefer wearing longer denim shorts, clamdiggers, or boyfriend jeans. Throw in a fitted Tee if that’s more your look. Tuck in the top and add a belt. Wear a peasant blouse instead of a t-shirt. Leave off the hat. Sport a necklace. Get those creative outfit juices flowing!

Espadrilles in this post:

I turn 42 today and I’m celebrating with two extraordinary, one-of-a-kind gentlemen who mean more to me than they could possibly imagine. I feel blessed, loved and very grateful. What more could a gal ask for. 

Well. Like most, I enjoy and appreciate a pretty present too. Who doesn’t! The two special men in my life went to town spoiling me rotten this year and I’m still recovering from their generosity. A lace blouse from my dear Papa and a skirt from Valentino’s RED prêt-à-porter line from Greg. WOW. 

Both retro girly items are right up my alley because they’re classic investment pieces that will stand the test of time. Dress them up or down, mix and match them with denim and edge, wear them in fun ways, in lady-like ways, in strict ways, or with a menswear inspired support act. The more I think about these pieces the more possibilities I see before me. They are going to provide years of outfit fun and are truly gifts that will keep on giving. 

I have a thing for lace, which is why it was love at first sight when I saw this blouse. Its tailored yet boxy silhouette, sleeve length and cropped look were just what I was looking for. And the scalloped edges on the neckline and hems are a pretty finishing touch. I like how the blouse hangs away from the torso, but that the camisole underneath is contoured and shaped. Great drape and juxtaposition. 

I was unsure about the skirt when it caught my attention from the hanger. Then Greg, who was birthday shopping with me, looked my way and said, “That’s very pretty. You should try it on”. So I did. And I couldn’t stop twirling around in the dressing room because the skirt moves with a mind of its own. The swingy inset godets make me so happy! They flap and flirt as you stride and for that reason alone it’s a fun skirt to wear. As soon as Greg saw my reaction he said: “That’s very, very nice. Right. You love that skirt. We’re definitely getting that one”. 

I combined the two birthday items into one outfit because they’re retro, romantic and lady like. Their fitted yet loose silhouettes speak to me, which is a theme in most of my outfits these days. I originally wore my red stacked high heels with the outfit, but Greg preferred the dainty two toned wedges from Japan. So that was that. Good thing I have an in-house fashion stylist to advise me when I’m unsure about my footwear pairings.  

I finished off the look with long knotted vintage pearls to showcase the scalloped neckline, an old red retro clutch, silver watch, red lips and cats-eye specs. I’d have left off the necklace if I’d worn a belt or non-black bottoms. But the all black outfit required softening, which made pearls an obvious choice. 

My soft, minimal, somewhat masculine and covered look for Summer is being augmented with a bit of retro romance and leg exposure. I’ll aways be a Chanel and Valentino gal at heart, so this outfit, with its oozing classic vibe, just feels right. 

Big thank you to Greg, Papa, Rosie (and Jasmine who is always in my heart), for making today extra special. I will think of you even more each time I wear these luxurious and beautiful wardrobe pieces. I am a very lucky lace and Valentino lady. 

I just popped Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, the impressive film adaptation of John le Carré’s famous espionage novel, into YLF Books. It’s the early 1970s, the Cold War is in full swing, and MI6 has reason to believe there is a Soviet mole in the highest echelon of the British Secret Intelligence Service. His treachery has already blown some of their vital operations and their best networks. “Brought out of retirement to expose the potential mole, veteran spy George Smiley is the only one who can be trusted to expose one of their own. Or can he? As the emotional and physical stress take their toll on the high-ranking suspects, Smiley is forced into the ultimate international spy game where everyone’s motives are in question.”

This was one of my best movies of 2011. Top-notch acting by British heavyweights Gary Oldman, John Hurt and Colin Firth. A plot line that requires a good deal of thought. Suspense slowly building, and the oppressive atmosphere of everyone suspecting everyone cleverly emphasized by the gloomy, soulless decor at SIS headquarters. And then there’s the main characters’ wardrobes. Absolutely spot on! From the conservative dark-coloured suits Control and Smiley are sporting, over Bill Haydon’s more dandy-esque outfits, to the casual leather jacket Jim Prideaux prefers for undercover action…

To be sure, there has never been a shortage of well-clad gentlemen on TV and the silver screen. I could go on and on about all the actors who have rocked my sartorial boat over the years, but here’s my personal top 5:

1. Big screen legend Cary Grant in his iconic grey three-button suit, as worn in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller North by Northwest. With a nod to other Hollywood legends such as Gregory Peck and Gene Kelly, who always looked impeccable and handsome in all their movies.
2. Michael Caine sporting a splendid three-piece suit, sharp shirts, black trench and buckets of attitude in Get Carter. Come to think of it, I do seem to have a soft spot for rogues and gangsters in sleekly cut suits, à la Reservoir Dogs, for example.
3. John Lurie’s 1980s hipster style in Stranger Than Paradise – understated cool with patterned shirts, black fedora, sunglasses, suspenders and grandpa cardigan. 
4. James Bond in a tux! From Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, wouldn’t you agree that every single actor portraying debonair 007 has cut a dashing figure wearing a tuxedo?
5. Benedict Cumberbatch in the latest reincarnation of Sherlock Holmes. Tailored shirts, bespoke suits, full-length wool coat, tweed accents and traditional dressing gown – this is exactly how I imagined the master of deduction would be solving crimes in the 21st century.

Your turn now. Who gets your vote for best dressed male character in the movies?

There is something about an ultra shiny lip that makes for a sumptuous, attractive and alluring effect. One way to add the shine without adding colour is lip gloss. It is another layer of polish that contributes to a well groomed look. And it can make your lips look more full. 

But the gloss also has its drawbacks. For example, the texture of lip gloss feels awful, which is why I prefer to wear lipstick. It’s terribly sticky and unless someone can recommend a truly NON-STICKY gloss, I will never wear it again. It is also a recipe for disaster when you have long loose hair and it’s windy out. And I think when women already have full lips, the gloss can make them look too full.

That’s my take on the good and bad of lip gloss. What’s yours?