Nancylee would like to introduce you to Threadflip, where you can sell clothes and accessories as well buy items from others. Great for after closet cleanouts.

Inge loved the matchy-matchy outfits posted by Miss Moss. They made us both smile.

Christieanne says that the blogger behind Surely Sonsy is inspiring her to wear a pencil skirt. Gorgeous! 

Goldenpig liked Wardrobe Oxygen’s advice on what to to pack for a sightseeing and tropical vacation. Coincidentally, I wrote a post just after that about a beachwear ensemble that includes kaftans and cover-ups. Beach fun is in the air. 

Last but not least, this lady featured on the Sartorialist makes me want flat white oxfords more than ever. 

I liked blinding neon back in the early ’80s and wore it from time to time. But when neon resurfaced in 2009, I gave it a thumbs down. Now that it’s back with a vengeance for 2012, I love neon more than ever before. 

I boil my change of heart down to three things. First, we were so starved of bright colours for several retail seasons that I find myself eating them ALL up while the going is good. Second, this time round neon has been integrated into fashion in a more wearable way. As a trim, accessory, or accent with neutrals. Third, today’s neon is not all as blindingly bright as it was a couple of years ago. Some retailers are showing neon with a pastel twist. 

I don’t own ’80s style neon that’s so bright you need to wear shades. But I do wear extremely bright citron (citrus + neon) wardrobe items that will pass for “today’s neon”. Citron is one of my favourite colours and wearing it makes me feel extra happy and energized for the day. 

I particularly like the way neon has been used to colour block neutral shoes and clothing this season. Neon trims and accents look modern, summery and cheerful when paired with a subdued beige or blush. I also love the idea of a small neon clutch because it’s a lively little parcel of energy.

I am a yay vote. Today’s neon, especially citron, in just the right shade, doses and wardrobe items looks fresh, crisp and just a little mouth watering. I particularly love it mixed with neutrals, used as a trim, or worn as one statement piece like a blazer, bag, skirt or blouse. 

Do you like today’s neon? Will you wear it? Or do you wish it would go away.

It’s a season of colour and pattern. Time to pick a team! You are on Team Colour if you prefer wearing solid coloured (non-neutral) wardrobe items to patterned wardrobe items. You are on Team Pattern if you prefer wearing patterned wardrobe items rather than solid, non-neutral coloured items. Note: The patterns include neutrals but the solids are non-neutral. Furthermore, we are talking ALL wardrobe items: clothing, footwear and accessories. 

This is a hard one. I love wearing solid coloured wardrobe pieces, as well as patterned clothing, footwear and accessories. I like to mix up solids with patterns. I like to pattern mix. I  like to wear solid brights from head to toe, and I like to wear solid colours with solid neutrals. I can’t choose so I’m back on the bench like I was last week. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Colour or Team Pattern? Tell us why and no batting for both teams.

Polyester gets a bum rap in the style world and I often end up sticking up for the man made fibre. In 2007, I wrote a post on how polyester has its place and my perspective hasn’t changed since then. 

There’s a lot to like about items made of polyester blended with cotton, rayon, silk, wool and linen. It’s the polyester component that gives the garment drape, stability during the laundry cycle, and a more crease-resistant finish. It also brings down the price of the garment. Natural fibres do not possess these appealing attributes.  

I’ll take my polyester love a step further. I’m so impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that I bought at Zara this year. They are inexpensive, machine washable, drape like a dream, look pristine, do not require ironing and their crease resistance makes them perfect for traveling. I was also impressed with the woven 100% polyester blouses that the Loft stocked last year. My clients bought up a storm, and they laundered and lasted really well. Thanks to updated technology, the quality of woven polyester seems to have improved. And the more affordable price, especially when compared to silk, can’t be beat. 

Of course, 100% polyester can look nasty and flammable, especially in jersey knits. The fabrication does not breathe in the same way that natural fibres do despite its appealing attributes. This is what puts most people off polyester clothing to start off with. 

At the end of the day, as much as I love natural fibres, I ALSO bat for Team Polyester, especially when it’s blended with natural fibres. In the right fabric ratios and in the right items, polyester is fabulous. I’m grateful that the fibre exists!

Of course, a big question that I haven’t touched on is the ecological impact of this synthetic fabric. Michelle recently examined cotton’s impact on the environment, and she’s working on polyester for the next article in her series on eco-fashion. I’m looking forward to hearing what she learned.

Over to you. Do you wear 100% polyester clothing? Do you wear polyester blended clothing? Or is polyester a big no-no for your style?