Team Burgundy or Team Brown

We’re kicking off 2026 with a poll. You bat for Team Burgundy if you prefer wearing burgundy to brown, and vice versa. Note that all types of very dark and deep reds count, including bordeaux, oxblood, wine and maroon. All types of browns count too, like toffee, cognac, whiskey, and chocolate. 

Burgundy has been an all time favourite colour on YLF. My clients much enjoy wearing it. Brown, and dark brown in-particular, is THE on trend colour of the season. Over the years, people have missed browns at retail (as well as other earth tones), and are pleased with their return. Both burgundies and browns are popular colour choices across wardrobe items. Today you pick a side, and I’ll go first.

I like burgundy, and have burgundy items in my wardrobe. They are older, in great condition, and I enjoy wearing them. My favourite suit is burgundy:

I have many more brown items in my wardrobe, especially in the toffee, cognac and whiskey spectrum of brown. I prefer wearing toffee and cognac to burgundy, which is why it’s more represented in my wardrobe. It’s lighter, more versatile with the colour palettes of my wardrobe, and a good match with my dark blonde hair. I bat for Team Brown.

Furla
Furla Miastella
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Over to you. Do you bat for Team Burgundy or Team Brown? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams. If you wear neither or can’t pick a side, you’re Team Bench. I’m serving Swiss chard and sweet and spicy peppadew chicken stew with hot crusty bread, onion and gorgonzola tart, and gluten-free white chocolate biscuits for dessert.

Happy New Year!

It’s 2026, which marks my thirty-fourth year working as a fashion and style professional. It also marks our twenty-third year of living in the US, and the twentieth year of YLF. I plan to celebrate two decades of YLF and my style consulting business throughout the year. My hope is to have YLF gatherings in Seattle, and in other parts of the US. Nothing has been planned yet, so stay tuned for details as I figure things out.

At the end of last year, I listened to an audio book, “Let Them” by Mel Robbins. It was recommended by a dear friend and I found it worthwhile. Very simply put, the book lays out a two-part mantra “Let Them, Let Me,” which encourages people to stop trying to control or change others because it’s a battle you won’t win. Instead focus on what you can control, like your reactions, boundaries, and choices. By shifting focus back to your own values, goals, and well-being, you build resilience, confidence, and a more intentional life, rather than being reactive to others. The book is full of very relatable stories, situations and emotions. I’m recommending it if the topic interests you, and you haven’t read it yet.

As always, I encourage you to sport a style that reflects your personality, sartorial preferences, values, lifestyle, and the weather. Prioritize comfort, what you enjoy wearing, and what makes you feel attractive and empowered. Let your signature style be the anchor that grounds your outfits. Nothing is dated when you and your outfit project confidence, ease, a pulled together look, and intention..

Wishing you a year filled with whatever gives fashion and style meaning in your life. May it bring good health, laughter, new adventures, enjoyable trips, memorable occasions, meaningful friendships, lots of YLF social gatherings, and mornings that begin with peace in your heart.

Happy Holidays!

This is the last post for 2025. September, October and November go by in a flash because we’re extra busy. We are very ready for some down time, and I bet you are too. 

Christmas and New Year will be extra special in our newly remodeled loft. The decorations are up! Our elegant and cerebral little Sam, and beautiful and feisty tiny Jo are ready for action. Christmas morning is a hyperactive present opening and squeaky toy frenzy, which can’t come soon enough for our Yorkies. Extra treats are welcome too.

Skyline

Sofa

Seattle is especially atmospheric at this time of year, and we love it. We look forward to old holiday traditions and create a few new ones. We eat stollen almost daily in December, and always dine at Nishino on Christmas Eve. We watch holiday movies that night, and host Christmas with dear friends the next day. We do lots of socializing, eating out, cooking, baking, walking, reading, and puzzling at this time of year. We take the doggies on outdoorsy Winter adventures, dance to our favourite music, catch up with friends and family abroad, sleep in, and relax in front of the tele. We’ll be dressing up, as well as keeping it casual and cosy. I’ll reflect on all the good things that happened during the year, and count my blessings.

It’s our 29th wedding anniversary today and festivities are in full swing. We wish you a happy, safe, peaceful and festive end of the year. Laugh, love, and rest. Blog posts will commence on January 2nd.

Sam

Jo

Sam and Jo

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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Outfit Formula: Bits of Leopard

This is the last outfit formula post of the year. It’s about an iconic classic that’s having a fashion moment, which is a trend in itself. I love seeing classics have their on-trend time because it strengthens the idea that any item can be remixed and styled in a current or new-to-you way these days. The concept that items date, is itself dated. This encourages us to hang onto items longer, and makes for a bustling secondhand market.

We see neutral leopard (and cheetah) print wardrobe items every season because the pattern is a classic. You might enjoy wearing it in a subtle way, if wearing the pattern boldly is not your cup of tea. The outfits below provide some inspiration. Because leopard prints are neutrally versatile, feel free to change the colour palettes of the these outfits to suit your sartorial preferences.

1. Bag

A powder blue cardigan is paired with a pair of dark chocolate brown trousers. A leopard print bag adds an interesting and vibrant touch. It’s fun how the bag complements the tortoiseshell buttons of the cardigan. I see brown or cream shoes complete the look. Pretty.

Bag

2. Belt

A pair of black leather pants is combined with a semi-tucked black lace blouse. A leopard belt breaks up the column of black. Dark grey leopard print pumps add just enough interest to make you do a double take because they are more subtle than the belt. Dark and romantic.

Belt

3. Boots

Tall leopard print boots are hardly subtle, but they are at the bottom of the outfit and away from the face. To my eye, that’s less bold than wearing a big leopard print coat. Here the boots are combined with a burgundy dress and burgundy patent bag. Earthy and rich.

Boots

4. Scarf

Last, a pair of cropped cream trousers is combined with a taupe sweater. A taupe and tweed coat tops the pairing. A leopard scarf adds a pattern mixed effect. Cream loafers are paired with black socks that match the black in the scarf and the model’s hair. Add jewellery, bag, watch, and eyewear as desired.

Scarf

Outfit Formula: Plaid Skirts and Riding Boots

We see plaid skirts in a variety of lengths every season. One way to make them more wearable in cool weather is to pair them with insulating footwear like booties, dressy knee-high boots, western boots, or stompy mid-calf ‘90s boots. Since equestrian boots are having a fashion moment, the idea is to pair flat black or brown riding boots with solid and patterned skirts too. 

Plaid (tartan or check) skirts in heavier fabrics have an autumnal and wintery vibe. If you have a pair of tall riding boots and a plaid skirt – try wearing them together. Onto some outfit inspiration:

1. Greys, White and Black

A grey and black flared and handkerchief hem plaid skirt is combined with a tight white tee and grey pullover. You can see the white tee peak out from underneath the pullover to create layering interest. A slouchy black bag matches black riding boots and the model’s hair. A slouchy grey beanie works with the palette. A silver pendant necklace adds some shine.

Greys, White and Black

2. Berries, Browns and Cream

A soft and flowing cream and brown plaid skirt is paired with a taupe turtleneck, which picks up one of the browns in the plaid. A guave pink barn jacket with burgundy trim is thrown over the top. It’s mismatched, yet complements the palette. The gingham trim on the sleeves adds a pattern mixed touch. Chocolate riding boots match the brown in the skirt. Add a bag in a shade of brown or burgundy.

Berries, Browns and Cream

3. Sage, Black, Red and Cream

A sage, black, red and cream sequin plaid skirt is combined with a cream welted polo sweater. Its bejeweled buttons add bling to the look. Black riding boots match the model’s hair and the black in the plaid. Add a bag that works with the palette.

Sage, Black, Red and Cream

4. Navy, Grey, Black and Red

A navy, red, gold and white tiered plaid skirt with asymmetrical hem is combined with a cropped charcoal pullover. Black stompy lug sole boots are the shoes of choice instead of tall black riding boots. Visible pearl grey socks peek out from the top og the boots, which match the beanie. A big bag works with the boots. Add jewellery, eyewear, topper, watch and eyewear as desired.

Navy, Grey, Black and Red

Of course, feel free to wear tall riding boots with plaid dresses too.