I call this colour emerald, but here in the US it’s also referred to as “Kelly green”. Orange is the colour of the season, but emerald is not far behind. 

I prefer emerald with shades of blue, like ink blue, French blue, denim blue and cobalt. I also love it with white. Emerald is so very fresh, and matching it with blues and white make it look and feel even fresher to my eye. Emerald is also amazing matched with purple and a bright happy yellow. 

I love emerald green and will wear it in any wardrobe item. I currently have three emerald green goodies in my wardrobe: a retro jacket, a vintage handbag, and a clutch. And I have my late Mother’s vintage emerald jewelry. While it’s on trend, it is a great time to add more emerald to my style. 

Over to you. Do you wear this shade of green? How do you combine emerald with other colours? Will you sport emerald as an accessory? Or is it just not for you. 

Just before the holidays I mentioned that Nostalgia in Vogue might make a fun present. This anthology, compiled by Features Director Eve MacSweeney, celebrates the 10th birthday of the famous “Nostalgia” columns. Essays based on stunning fashion photographs, paired with coming-of-age stories and artists’ personal musings on life’s big themes.

In The One Hundred – A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, Nina Garcia shares the one hundred pieces that have become her wardrobe essentials. A style guide intended as a source of inspiration, rather than the ultimate must-haves list, to help you develop your trademark style.

While preparing the YLF entry for Mrs. Garcia’s book, I kept going back and forth between the two cover options. The hardcover with simple light grey background and black and pink lettering, and the colourful shoes and bags of the paperback version. In the end, the paperback won. Ruben Toledo’s illustration gives a fun taste of the playful drawings inside, and perfectly reflects this style guide’s tone and message.

It got me thinking though. Do looks matter with books? After all, this is one area where content trumps appearance, right. Yet, I admit to poring over web archives with beautifully designed covers. I have spent time tracking down the original version of a book just because the reprint cover wasn’t wowing me. No movie tie-in editions in my shopping cart if I can avoid it. And am I the only one who’s not amused when a publisher suddenly changes design themes bang in the middle of a favourite series?

Seems I’ve developed very specific style criteria for my bookshelves too. I like my covers strong and bold, with clean simple lines and an element of surprise thrown into the mix. I definitely smell a whiff of Modern Classic with minimalist tendencies here… Come to think of it, all this might match my overall style persona more than I realized.

How do your style preferences affect your book purchases? Or is there really no connection at all? And just for fun, tell us which Nina cover you would have picked.

Here’s a little lightweight weekend browsing. I’ve seen all these items on bodies and can vouch for their fit and fabrications. Be sure to take a look at all the colour options. 

• DV by Dolce Vita ‘Jamison’ Boot: The orange and the teal colourways just about launched me into orbit, AND they are comfortable. Add an insole for extra cushioning. If Spring is chilly in your neck of the woods, this type of footwear is a great way to stay warm and refresh your look. Remember that waterproofing spray works wonders. Size up half a size. 
• Wit and Wisdom Skinny Jeans: High girdling rise, dark wash, soft denim and quite stretchy. Size down a size. 
• Olivia Moon Knit Blazer (Plus): Casual and comfortable, but still quite tailored. Nice colour. 
• KUT from the Kloth Denim Jacket: Fab wardrobe workhorse.  
• Vince Camuto Ruffle Sleeve Blouse: I am generally off ruffles, but the sleeves of this blouse are stunning. Looks much better on the body than on the hanger. The ruffles move as you stride and it’s awfully romantic. Perfect with leather bottoms. 
• MICHAEL Michael Kors Metallic Linen Anorak (Plus): I love this glitzy, yet sporty topper. It’s interesting, relaxed and trendy. 
• AE Denim Jacket: This jacket is fab for petites. It runs small and is significantly cropped. 
• 1969 Pocket Shirt: A denim shirt with micro polka dots. Sublime! I popped this onto a friend yesterday and we both squealed with glee. It’s well made, has stretch, and runs large so size down. 
• Striped Buttoned Boatneck T: A superb and versatile classic. 
• Gold Button Sweater Jacket: At last. A change from the basic cardigan. Super fit and fab fabric handle. Orange gets my top vote but I’m warning you — it’s really bright (the orange is sold out online, so check in stores). 
• Heritage Shimmer Cardigan: This looks amazing and vintage-y over a denim shirt or sheer blouse. The photo does not do the item justice. I vote taupe, but the cocoon looks fabulous over a white top.
• Soft-Wash Denim Shirt: I have this denim shirt and adore it. It’s rugged, dark, plain and pretty roomy, although the side seams are shaped. I love buttoning this shirt all the way to the top. Runs true to size. 
• Perfect Shirt in Gingham: Crisp and ideal for pattern and texture mixing. 
• Polly Popover in Stripe Crepe de Chine: It is tunic length, although that does not come across in the photo. Stunning drape and perfectly boxy. This will be mine as soon as the weather warms up. 
• Ultimate Double Weave Hourglass Jacket: This jacket has a gorgeous ’80s power suit appeal. It looks as though it’s double breasted, but it’s single breasted. It’s also quite stretchy so the comfort factor is there. Work it into this outfit formula and you’ll be set. 
• Leather Trim Short Sleeve Topper: It’s not an easy style to wear because it’s quite severe, stiff and voluminous. But if you can make it work, it’s devastatingly dramatic and mod. I much preferred this topper closed as opposed to unzipped. 
• Promenade Coat: Cheerful, chic and very polished. Looks even better buttoned up. 

I’ve had my fill of cropped and ankle length pants and it’s only the start of the season. This item is hard to wear in a flattering way and it’s EVERYWHERE. Complete retail overkill. 

Rae thinks that this Burberry turquoise and orange leather trench coat is too awesome for words. I totally agree. 

Debora invites you to take a peek into Vera Wang’s minimalist Los Angeles home. The  legendary fashion designer, who is one of my all time favourite style icons, also poses in a swimsuit at age 62. Killer doesn’t even begin to describe this phenomenal lady. And do notice the perfect length of her trousers. 

MaryK recommends feasting your eyes on candy by taking a browse through the fabulous images on Patonism. 

Isabel says that there was nothing new in Allure’s roundup of the 11 hottest haircuts.

Gingko loves these photos of Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde has been labeled as the most fashionable woman in finance because her clothing is both interesting and fits beautifully. 

Mochi enjoyed this video of very stylish older women who live in New York City. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face. 

HelenofCanada liked the pure silliness of these celebrity couples in matchy-matchy outfits. 

Mo likes J’s positive spirit on J’s Everyday Fashion when she posted about outfit failures. 

Inge likes Ines de la Fressange’s top picks of favourite children’s stores in Paris. Who says that toddlers have to wear pink and blue. 

Laurinda was amazed at how the price of our clothing has dropped since the 1930’s, but the number of items in our wardrobe has gone up. Read all about this interesting phenomenon in The History of the Cheap Dress. 

Ironkurtain likes Luxirare’s new half-sleeve leather hoodie jacket creation, and how the designer mixes it into a wardrobe capsule. What impresses me even more than the fabulous jacket is how the designer mixes classic items like a blue button down shirt, iconic Wayfarers and grey cashmere sweater into her very cool and modern look. LOVE it. 

Sarah is inspired to add pastel mint green to her Spring wardrobe after loving the Mad for Mint post on Little Girl, Big World. 

Suz liked how No Signposts in the Sea reflects back on a year of shopping and the value of tracking our purchases.