Goldenpig loves this black Chanel-style vintage princess coat worn by Solanah from Vixen Vintage. One word: KILLER. 

Mo likes the retrospective of different red pant looks on J’s Everyday Fashion. It’s good inspiration if you’re stuck on how to wear your own bright denim. 

Jonesy loved reading about the annual London Tweed Run in Susie Bubble’s blog. Everyone gets dressed up in old timey tweed outfits and leisurely rides around on bicycles saying things like “Good day, sir.” I’m in. How about you? 

Michelle was at a party recently and ran into a delightful man who has a real interest in formal dress for men. He’s since developed a great web resource on this very topic called the Black Tie Guide, which is a gentleman’s guide to evening wear. 

Suz enjoyed this BBC video about Toronto’s thriving vintage clothing scene. If you watch to the end, as a bonus you’ll be introduced to a group of people who combine their love of vintage fashion with their love of cycling. Makes for a really interesting take on cycling style.

Bella likes this little post on 4 ways to knot a belt because it offers several options depending on the length of the belt. 

I recently wrote about pairing lumberjack plaid with sequins and Kyle would like to point out Atlantic Pacific’s breathtaking interpretation. Forum member Taylor actually linked to the same outfit when she commented on my post. 

Inge, who has diaries and organizers on her mind at the moment, was intrigued that Alice Temperley is working with Filofax to create two limited edition organisers. The launch is planned for London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2012.

Vildy liked Rae’s great photo tutorial on how proportion changes a look.

Scarlet recently found a blog called “I want to be her” by Andrea Linett, formerly creative director of Lucky. Scarlet likes the format, and wants to be this lady.

Kappy found that DPi, “The Most Diverse Printer” makes custom printed scarves in silk and cotton based on your own design. Best of all, they will do single quantities for reasonable prices.  

Laurinda couldn’t help but smile when Gertie from Gertie’s New Blog For Better Sewing finished sewing a robin’s egg blue raglan sleeve coat from Vogue’s 1952 New Book for Better Sewing. 

Theory and Practice found this cool video on how to successfully apply dramatic cat eye make-up without botching things up. 

Veteran forum member Michelle, who has been blind since infancy, will make you see style in a whole new way. Check out her interview on Inside Out Style. Michelle is inspirational to say the least.  

This is what I will be wearing to our holiday parties this year. In fact, I’ve already worn the ensemble without the topper to our first holiday do a couple of weeks ago. Although I still love the idea of wearing flashy trousers to fancy occasions, I had already bought this dress from Zara. It’s warm and comfortable, fits well and has sleeves. 

When I look back at my holiday ensemble from this time last year, it’s clear that my February style epiphany has had an impact. Stripping down my outfits to fewer elements, wearing virtually no accessories, sticking to clean lines and simple silhouettes feels so very right for this leg of my style journey. I am Team Minimal all the way. 

This metallic dress is a good example of sparkle sans the sequins. It has lurex thread running through the nylon polycotton blend, giving it its shine. With this amount of sparkle, there is no need for extra bling. As much as I like sequined garments, a lurex-rich fabrication is more subtle, comfortable and less scratchy for my fussy skin. When I saw this dress it was love at first sight. The high neckline, long sleeves and midi length are right up my style alley. 

This frock looks nice with an assortment of my toppers, from faux fur vest and biker jacket, to pinstripe grey suit blazer and sparkly black quilted wrap. But I was in the mood for “extra-simple” so I opted for my cropped black tuxedo blazer. As strange as it sounds, I don’t only scrunch my sleeves to add textural interest to the outfit. I also like to expose my forearms and wrists. Others like to bare a bit of leg — I like to bare a bit of forearm. 

The finishing touches to the outfit are neutral because tomato red and animal print are my virtual neutrals. My red Kate Spade pumps, which you’ve seen many times, are still my favourite party shoes despite being five years old. I have switched to Team Gold, so gold watch and wedding ring it is. Black micro fishnets are still my number one choice of formal hose along with retro black specs.

I’m also wearing a new, warm toned short strap clutch that I bought during my research for one clutch to rule them all. I’m in a very lady-like style mood this year, so the design of this handbag tickled my toes. I enjoy wearing it both as a true clutch and shoulder bag.  

My party make-up is on, which means extra blush and red lipstick along with the usual daily mascara and eyebrow pencil. All that’s left to do is spread the good cheer! 

Clutches have gained popularity because they combine a modern and retro appeal. And there is something very appealing about their relatively small size and strapless simplicity. Like all fabulous bags, clutches are the crowning jewel that can take an outfit to the next level. They are an ideal match for formal wear, but work just as well in smart casual ensembles. These days, you don’t need to reserve clutches for fancy occasions. 

Clutch handbags derive their name from the way you carry them. You “clutch” the top of the bag instead of using a strap or handle. For this reason, clutches are somewhat impractical because you lose the use of one hand. Reducing practicality even further, clutch handbags are usually small because it’s harder to clutch a bag that’s big and heavy. 

The good news is that clutch silhouettes needn’t be all that impractical. They won’t take the place of a large everyday shoulder bag, but if you choose wisely, you’ll find roomier styles, some even with an additional hands free option.

If you’re not a bag lady like me, you can purchase one clutch handbag to work with most, if not all, of your dressy outfits. If this is your plan then you will need to carefully prioritize your needs. Here are some examples to help you through this thought process.

Style: The Wristlet

Clutches with wrist straps are generally easier to carry than ones without. You’re also less likely to lose the bag if it’s looped onto your wrist!

Comfort: The Top Handle Clutch

This type of clutch has a built-in top handle that makes it easier to hold. This specific style has a cut-out handle, but top handles come in all sorts of attachments. This clutch is quite big so you’ll fit more into it than just your credit card, lipstick, keys and phone. 

Versatility: The Short Strap Clutch

A short detachable shoulder strap works miracles. Tuck the strap away for a clean cut “clutch look”, or use the strap by either holding onto it with your hand, or draping it over your shoulder for a hands-free solution. This particular clutch has two compartments, which makes for more room.

Compactness: The Small Package Clutch

Extra small clutches have their advantages. Their size allows you to carry them in the palm of your hand like a small package, which can be more comfortable than clutching a larger bag. You’ll only fit the bare essentials into something this small, so this style often ends up functioning more like a wallet.

Convenience: The Long Strap Clutch

This style is like the short strap clutch but has a longer detachable strap. The longer strap allows you to carry it over your shoulder, AND across your body like a cross body bag. The round bottom design of this particular clutch makes it roomier than flat clutches.

Capacity: The Convertible Clutch

The design on this style of clutch allows it to be folded out and carried like a small tote. This particular example has a casual canvas edge that successfully dresses down a formal outfit. Patent or metallic versions will dress up an outfit.

Once you’ve decided which clutch style works best for you, choose a versatile colour or pattern. For example, metallics are extremely versatile and contrast brilliantly against a black outfit. Black clutches work well against outfits that aren’t black. Animal print, and that includes snakeskin, is bold but works with a multitude of looks. If texture is your thing, opt for interesting tactile fabrications like feathers, beading, embroidery and embossing. I prefer clutches in dressier and shinier fabrications because I have the magpie gene, but clutches also come in casual fabrications like distressed leathers. But if you’re only after ONE clutch, opt for a dressy style so that you have that base covered.

Which style of clutch works for you? Do you wear clutch handbags with more casual outfits, or do you reserve them for dressy occasions? 

You are on Team Tall Boot if you prefer to wear mid-calf, knee-high or taller boots. You are on Team Ankle Boot if you prefer to wear ankle boots and booties. 

Boots are my favourite type of footwear and in Seattle, I can almost wear them throughout the year. I have many pairs of flat and low heeled boots ranging from very short shooties and booties, to ankle lengths, mid-calf heights, knee-high and over the knee styles. I adore boots and my feet love them too. 

I enjoy wearing tall boots over jeans and with skirts or dresses. The combination is dramatic, practical, cozy and very comfortable. I also love to wear short boots and booties with trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. Boots can create both a classic and fashion forward edge to your look. Some lasses say that there is nothing more fabulous than a killer pair of high heeled pumps, but I feel precisely that way about a killer pair of boots. Furthermore, if I need to wear a 12-hour or more walking shoe, boots are the way to go. I find some of my boots more comfortable than athletic shoes. 

I am hopelessly devoted to ALL my boots. I cannot choose between their lengths because they fulfill different needs and vibes. Some are classic, others are edgy. Some are dressy, others are casual. Some are essential for bad weather, while others are more decorative. Some are a fast “slip on and go”, while others take a while to fit over jeans. I have no choice but to sit this one out on the bench. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Tall Boot or Team Ankle Boot? Tell us why and no batting for both sides.