This was the third and final event we attended during our recent trip to Chicago. After attending the absolutely divine morning wedding and luncheon, we had some time to take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s house and studio before going back to the hotel to change for the evening banquet. 

Greg and I were focused on the ceremony earlier in the day as the main event, and we underestimated how dressy the banquet was going to be. What we thought was going to be a fancy, yet relaxed dinner, was actually a full blown, lavish banquet in a large ballroom. There were hundreds of people in attendance, all dressed to the nines in the most spectacular Indian attire. I was mesmerized by the utterly gorgeous outfits! And we both felt quite underdressed. 

I wore a sparkly grey midi dress, which is the same frock that I wore for the holidays last year. But a long formal gown would not have been out of place. I matched it up with a silky patterned blazer in a similar neutral colour palette. I changed up the vibe by sporting the blazer both buttoned and unbuttoned.

I wore the same red patent heels and carried the same clutch as I did for the second event. I also kept the specs, watch, wedding ring and hose just the same. I brightened up the lipstick and that was that. 

Every item in this outfit was shiny, from the frock and blazer, to the bag and shoes. And while I was not dressed to the nines, I was sparkly. I also felt extremely pattern-mixed against the carpet of the banqueting hall!

We flew back home to our Yorkie Rosie the next morning. As much as I love dressing up, I was also relieved to be back in socks and casual boots for the plane trip after sporting high heels for three events in a row. We had a fantastic time in Chicago, and are looking forward to visiting the wonderful city again soon. 

Astrid enjoyed an informative post by No Signposts in the Sea on how to buy a good pair of trousers. 

MaryK and I both liked Already Pretty’s post on being too old to have fun with fashion. YLF’s number one rule is to have fun with fashion AT ANY AGE. Sally and I both feel very strongly about the fact that you are never to old to have fun with fashion. Currently, my 74 year old client is having more fun with fashion than she has ever had before. 

Cora recommends reading about garment quality control on Empty Emptor. 

Ironkurtain found this uncomplimentary New York Times article about top Spanish clothing retailer Zara very interesting.  

Kappy loves the festive collection of Bass shoes that are designed by Rachel Antonoff.

Emily found a fun slideshow of Mad Men Fashion on Slate. 

Have you ever wondered who put Americans in jeans and t-shirts? Well, Laurinda found out how this all started in the Etsy blog.

Annygybe informs us via an article in Women’s Wear Daily that Swedish budget retailer H&M is doing a luxury line. I’m interested to see how this will unfold. 

Inge found a fab article in The Guardian on Autumn and Winter 2012 trends that we can wear right now. Of particular interest was the map-printed dress. How conversational! 

Vildy likes Constanza Pascolata’s style sensibility on Women of Style because she has a great way of feminizing masculine pieces. 

mm88 recommends these 10 Great Clothing Tricks in 60 Seconds from Lifehacker. Very fab, especially for blokes. 

Jonesy found these jazzy suits for women on Stylesight ultra inspiring.  

Debora informs us that Club Monaco merchandise is now available online. Finally! 

Having attended a fun and festive rehearsal dinner on Saturday night, it was off to the wedding ceremony the next morning on what was an extraordinarily warm Chicago Spring day. This was the main event and it was held at the gorgeous Columbus Park Refectory, which somehow manages to be spacious and cozy at the same time. The sun shone through the high ceiling windows, spreading it’s warmth and glow throughout the day. 

Morning weddings aren’t as formal as evening weddings, so I kept the vibe of this outfit a touch relaxed. I stuck to the same neutral palette of grey, white, bone and black, only this time I added tomato red footwear and retro clutch.

I matched a very fitted polka dot midi skirt with a drapey scarf printed blouse as a nod to this season’s pattern mixing trend. This skirt is SO fitted (the length restricting my movement even more), that I hobbled along taking pigeon steps in my three inch heels whenever I moved about the venue. But the ensemble was fine for a seated wedding and reception where there was no need to charge around like I usually do. 

My aim was to take the bombshell out of the pencil skirt, so I created a voluminous effect on top by tucking a boxy blouse into the fitted skirt. I’m so impressed with how the pattern on the seams of the blouse match up, and how the underside of the collar is pattern matched too. If ever there was a blouse to “scrunch, pop and button up”, this is it. 

I left off all jewelry other than my gold watch and wedding ring because one of my style goals is to be minimal and streamlined. Micro fishnet hose created the right texture on my lower legs. I also threw on a darker shade of lipstick to bring out the light colours of the blouse. I swapped out my specs for a black retro pair and was ready to celebrate the festivities with friends. 

The Islamic wedding event featured the most breathtaking assortment of Indian ensembles. WOW. Most of the men, women and kids were dressed in heavily embellished Indian clothing which was a sheer feast for my eyes. So, so, so beautiful. Truly, my outfit paled in comparison. But I was very comfortable, felt fab, and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful day.

Time to clean out your closet and assemble those “closet orphans”: They might become another woman’s treasure at the upcoming YLF Seattle clothes and accessories swap meet, which will take place on Saturday, May 5 from 11am till 1pm in Seattle’s Seward Park neighborhood.

Past events have been a blast, with YLF regulars and newcomers getting together to swap clothes, shoes, and accessories while socializing and catching up with Angie (who will also be happy to assist with style advice.)

If you’re not sure whether a clothes swap is “for you”, here is a quick recap of why you want to participate:

1. It’s a great way to refresh your wardrobe. I typically come away with items I never had on my list of things to look for and that I might never have proactively shopped for in a store. I love them exactly for that reason: They are unexpected finds, bonus clothes, “extras”. Since the items are free, I can take a risk and grab something that’s a little less typical for my style and just experiment with a new color, a new cut, etc.
2. It’s a super way to clean out your closet. Angie writes a lot about the importance of “closet editing” and not holding on to clothes that you know (deep down you know you know!) you will not wear again. Many of us are too busy or just feel hassled by the thought of consigning our clothes, and sometimes you know a fashionable friend would really dig that item. Clothes swaps breathe new life into clothes that are still in great shape but don’t fit you anymore, were bad impulse purchases you instantly regretted but never took back to the store, are just “not you”, or for whatever reason have become closet orphans.
3. It’s truly “green”. The most eco-friendly clothing is recycled clothing. Rather than buying a new sweater, try scoring one at a swap. And I can tell you from experience that it is so rewarding to see someone else trying on an item you brought, loving it, and walking away with it as their new favorite wardrobe addition.
4. It’s fun! Allowing yourself to socialize for an hour or two with other women who enjoy clothes and fashion is a treat. I have fond memories of past clothes swaps, the giggles in front of the mirror, the compliments as well as the kind but honest advice to steer away from an item, and the delight at meeting women in person whom you previously only knew online. You will likely find that you have lots to talk about and might walk away with a new friend. Bonus!

Participating is free and easy: Just bring at least 5 items of clothing (clean and in good condition) plus unlimited shoes, bags, and accessories that you don’t longer want or need and that may work for someone else. Send email to swap@youlookfab.com and provide your full name and preferred email address, and you’ll receive an eVite with more information, address and directions etc.

If you’ve never attended a clothes swap before, this post will set the stage. And if you’re a YLF reader outside the Seattle area and are interested in hosting your own swap party, check out these tips for hosts.

Hope to swap with you soon!