It’s my YLF tradition to dedicate our Mother’s Day post to my late Mum, who to this day has had the largest and most meaningful influence on my style, my positive body image, and the way I perceive fashion. 

Colours and patterns define the look of 2012 so I thought it fitting to share how much of those style preferences we share (or shared) with our Mothers. As far as non-neutrals go, Mum and I had vastly different colour preferences. She was an earthy, spice-toned gal, favouring coppers, rust, burnt orange, forest green, burgundy and mustard yellow. She also adored deep teal, light blue, antique pink, baby pink, salmon pink, sage green, emerald green, and blush. By contrast, I’m into crisp clear brights like tomato red, citron yellow, apple green, shocking pink and rich turquoise. Chalk and cheese. 

But when it came to the neutral side of the colour spectrum, Mum and I were kindred spirits. Mum LOVED black and white (or cream) outfit combinations — and so do I. When it came to denim, she only ever wore white jeans, and always had a slew of white and cream shirts and blouses, as well as black knitwear. I can’t ever remember Mum wearing black from head to toe, but wearing black with white or cream was a signature look. Both in solids and in patterns, and always paired with bold gold jewelry. 

Mum and I also had similar pattern preferences, favouring geometrics over everything else. We both loved polka dots, stripes, ginghams and checks, but adored a fab floral, animal print and swirly abstract design too. Mum also loved paisley prints, which don’t tickle my fancy quite as much. But I really liked the batik paisleys that she wore from Indonesia, the country where she was born and spent the first 18 years of her life.

The pictures above show Mum in 1979, hosting our annual Spring party in our home in Hong Kong. She enjoyed cooking and would spend days preparing a splendid “rijsttafel” for up to 30 guests. She’d often have the outfit for that occasion tailor made, which was a common thing to do back in those days when you lived in Hong Kong. True to her style persona, she wore a dressy black and white geometric patterned frock with emerald and gold jewelry. So very glam, polished and elegant as always. But she knew how to have fun too, breaking into song at some point in the evening. 

Well. I almost made it through writing this post without bursting into tears, but it’s this final bit that gets me every time: Mama, I am so grateful for your guidance, backbone, candor, fiery personality and unconditional love. You secured my confidence as I was growing up, constantly making me feel special and loved. You were also completely honest when things were not to your liking. And although I only started appreciating it later on in life, I really appreciated that too. It’s tragic that you are no longer with us today, but know that you are always in my heart and mind. I think of you a little harder when I wear my black and white ensembles, and I hereby dedicate them ALL to you. 

Although I lost my Mum quite young at age 29, I was grown up and married by that time. I have friends who lost their mothers when they were still in primary school, and that breaks my heart because I cherished time with my Mum the most when I was little and in my teen years. So this post is also dedicated to those who lost their mothers at a very young age. Right now, our Mums are lounging on their big white fluffy clouds watching over us in their special way.

We at YLF wish you and all Mothers a very happy Mother’s Day.

Diana loved Audi’s light and stylish travel capsule that she packed for a two week trip to Europe, which included two loads of laundry along the way. Diana also enjoyed the contrast with my no-laundry policy and more heavily packed travel capsule for our recent trip to Japan. 

Aida suggests browsing through these photos from LIFE magazine if you want to catch a glimpse of what lasses and lads wore to high school in 1969. 

Inge says that according to T Magazine, loose leather pants are on the fashion horizon. I say bring on the slouch, baby. 

Ironkurtin recently read in the New York Times that Amazon plans to make a leap into the high end of the fashion pool. 

Kiwichick recommends reading Styling You’s article about dressing for the school run. 

Mac read on on Passage des Perles that brown is the next big colour for pearls. 

Anne says to look at this super cool bra that was recently unveiled in Japan. Ideal for very hot weather. 

Vildy suggests browsing through the Telegraph to see what the fashion pack wore to the 2012 Met Ball. Alexa Chung looks amazing in a Marc Jacobs design, while the one and only Marc Jacobs sported lace from head to toe. 

Here are several pairs of toasty loafers from the Trend Hunter that made Laurinda smile. I think they’d be  yummy with a generous dose of butter and marmalade. 

Sylvie, who loves corsets and velvet skirts, enjoys how the Corp Goth incorporates Victorian elements into her corporate dress code. 

Annagybe liked Sally’s post on Already Pretty where she interviewed bloggers about dressing within a defined aesthetic.

My favorite moments during last weekend’s YLF clothing swap occurred in the group dressing room. Everyone was trying on loads of items, but we all spent just as much time and effort helping others to find a gem or two. There was encouragement and squeals of delight when things looked great.

This top looks fabulous on you! It hugs you in all the right places and the color is sooo flattering against your skin tone.

There was also constructive feedback when it was requested.

Your hunch is right: This might just not be the best cut for you. You can do better!

When something was a perfect 10, the crowd got stern.

You MUST leave with this skirt and wear it tomorrow!

And when something was off and seemed beyond the powers of a skilled tailor, someone was equally crisp in her verdict.

Put it back. Move on. You want a GREAT jacket, not one whose color is to die for but that is too wide in the shoulders and too short in the sleeves.

These types of exchanges epitomize the spirit of YouLookFab: generous praise, supportive feedback, and always, always, the desire to help others look and feel their best.

A few items literally got swapped around in the dressing room several times until the perfect new owner was found. Someone had brought a stunning purple shift dress – the color was beautiful, the cut was classic, the dress seemed so versatile, and many of us wanted to try it on. I went first and was very sad to see that it was just a smidgen too tight and a bit too long for my torso. As much as I tried pulling in my belly and lengthening my spine, I had to admit that it just did not work – and then immediately made it my mission to ensure this beautiful dress would find its rightful owner. I passed it to Sally, knowing how much she likes purple, but alas, on her the dress was too big and too long. Off again it went, and then Aida piped up and wanted to try it. And lo and behold, it was PERFECT on Aida! We all cheered when we saw how beautifully the dress fit and suited her, and how pretty the color looked on her.

I’m happy to say I still found a dress I loved as well: A very fun and funky black and cream swirl pattern dress with a blousy top and a wide bright green sash-like self-belt. Stephanie brought it, and when she saw me trying it on and loving it immediately, she did a little happy dance and kept telling me how tickled she was that I enjoyed her dress. This joy in seeing others going home with your former closet orphan — and a big smile on their face — is so rewarding; Jane also called this her favorite part about a clothes swap.  

We didn’t spend ALL our time in the dressing room. When welcoming the over 25 attendees to the swap, I expressed my hope that we would spend as much time socializing as we would trying on clothes, and I think we did well, judging from the happy chatter filling the room and the hugs that were exchanged between old and new friends. I hope many women felt similar to myself after the event: excited about some awesome additions to my closet, happy about having reconnected with old friends and meeting new people, and grateful for all this stylish fun Angie and YouLookFab enable. One thing is for sure: We’ll make the YLF Spring Clothes Swap an annual tradition! See you all next year!

Here is an assortment of my favourite denim jackets that won’t break the bank, all tried and tested on clients. A few of the styles are seasonal basics that retailers carry every year, which means I’m not the only one who gives them a big thumbs up. Read the reviews. Some of my clients are wearing their Levis Trucker jackets into their fifth year, and their KUT and Jag jackets into their third and fourth years. Love that.

The keys to a fabulous denim jacket are (1) a tailored fit and (2) a somewhat cropped length, and these styles fit the bill. Be sure to browse through all the wash and colour options: 

• American Eagle Denim jacket: Runs small and is particularly great for petites. Very faded and distressed. 
• BP Essential Denim Jacket: Also runs small and comes in a variety of washes. 
• KUT from the Kloth Denim Jacket: Runs a little bigger and is excellent for a curvier gal. 
• Express Oiler Denim Jacket: Runs small and is really fitted. 
• Old Navy Women’s Plus Size Denim Jacket: A great shape that runs true to size. The pocket position is particularly flattering if you have a larger bust. 
• Levis Juniors Denim Trucker Jacket: The classic and runs large. It’s not as fitted as some the other styles but well worth a look. 
• Jag Jeans Denim Jacket (Petite): Runs true to size and is a great basic for both petites and regular sized gals who like their denim jackets extra cropped.
• Gap 1969 Denim Jacket: Another classic that’s a little more fitted than the Levis Trucker.  

If you don’t mind spending more on a denim jacket, I also highly recommend looking at this season’s styles by Paige Premium, Hudson, Rag & Bone, J Brand, Diesel, AG and Club Monaco. Some of them are super soft and have a little stretch for extra comfort. Feel free to add to my list in the comments section.