Ornella was impressed with this amazing example of cashmere shawl restoration. Wow! Carole came across the same site, MaiTai’s Picture Book, and loved how scarves are tied differently in each outfit. 

Alaskagirl is fascinated by Kasmira’s comparison of her current style to that of five years ago. She discusses which items she kept and which she passed on. 

Inge thought that these tights from Patternity were both eye-catching and arty. 

Laurinda thinks that these 4 universally flattering clothing colours are good shades to keep in mind when expanding a wardrobe palette. She also thinks that they make good colours for blousey twinsets. 

Kyle says “pile on the bracelets“! Our very own Veteran forum member Taylor has been piling on bracelets for years, trademarking the trend. 

Joy was interested to see that certain designers are more wearable by older women according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Cocolion loves the chic country squire vibe of Jentine’s outfit. 

Dianthus found this article on change by Elsita of the Hidden Seed very interesting. 

Jonesy thinks it’s fascinating that our weight is seen by many as something shameful that needs to be kept hidden. Given this state of affairs, just stating one’s weight and measurements publicly as Sal does can seem like a radical act. 

Vildy felt justified when Imogen from InsideOutStyle suggested that you stop over cleaning your clothes. Apparently wool is antibacterial and therefore only needs to be washed every 14 wears! 

Vani is curious about Bootights, tights made especially for boots with built-in padded socks. I’m curious too. 

Mismaven wonders how many of us suffer from what Bridgette Raes calls the China Syndrome? I suffer from many things but China Syndrome is not one of them!

DressLover says that New York Fashion Week might once again be moving venues. Nordstrom might also be opening its first shop in NYC. At last!

Annagybe thinks that this sweater with a gold leather collar is super cute. 

Greg shared this video about the importance on Men’s Shoes according to Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon. I wholeheartedly agree and am happy to report that Greg passes the test with flying colours.

There are some great finds at Nordstrom’s end of Fall sale. Here is my top 30. Remember to click through all the colour options. 

1. Elliott Lucca ‘Roma’ Satchel: We’ve been seeing the best neutrally toned handbags this season that aren’t black. This style is beautifully structured in a relaxed way. I vote cafe au lait. 
2. Via Spiga ‘Madeline’ Ankle Boot: Amazing classic boots. Perfect for a narrow ankle and with frocks and dresses. 
3. Sister Moon Denim Jacket: A wardrobe staple. Also available in dark wash.
4. Donna Morgan Faux Wrap Jersey Dress (Plus): Sensational colour, good length, great fit and sleeved! 
5. Ellen Tracy Raincoat with Detachable Hood: Tall girls, this one looks very similar to a Burberry at a fraction of the price. 
6. Nine West Colorblock Shoulder Bag: This bag will perk up an all-black outfit in no time. And here’s the satchel version. 
7. Bebe Quilted Lambskin Leather Jacket: Runs small, but oh so cheeky. Fab length for over skirts and dresses.
8. Bellatrix Tie Neck Sheer Print Blouse (Plus): Pretty, ’70s and on-trend. 
9. Poetic Licence ‘Orient Express’ Pump: A great shoe for Spring or mild Winters. Superb with grey opaque tights. 
10. Trouvé ‘Skull’ Wool Scarf: An Alexander McQueen vibe. 
11. Stuart Weitzman ‘Cadet’ Over the Knee Boot: As comfy as slippers I tell you. I have these and count them amongst my most comfy shoes of all time. Also available in brown suede. 
12. Via Spiga Smocked Leather Jacket: Crisp, yet spunky, and great for a full bust line. Nicely waist defining. 
13. Trouvé Vintage Inspired Faux Leather Handbag: You’ll feel the Mad Men vibe wearing this baby.
14. Michael Kors Rectangle Case Chronograph Watch: Rectangular and rose gold makes a nice change. 
15. Nic + Zoe Buckle Wrap Top: Excellent on curvy gals. 
16. Patricia Nash ‘Barcelona’ Saddle Bag: Retro in a fun way and well made. 
17. Patricia Nash ‘Trento’ Satchel: A doctor’s satchel anyone? Love it. 
18. Donna Morgan Draped Jersey Knit Dress: Black, sleeved and could come in handy over the holidays. Dress it up or down and wear it with booties. 
19. MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Le Mouse’ Mousetrap Chain Bracelet: Who said that mice aren’t fun. 
20. Bailey 44 Knit Midi Skirt: Fabulous! Very form fitting and brilliant for taller gals. 
21. Josef Seibel ‘Marissa’ Mary Jane: I loved these shoes and almost bought them. But my Stuart Wetizman ballet flats won over them at the time of purchase.
22. T Tahari ‘Thelma’ Dress: A great basic sleeved sheath that’s just above the knee. 
23. Steve Madden ‘Hastt’ Ankle Bootie: Superb with hose if you can do the heel. 
24. MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘On Pocket’ Duffel Bag: Now here’s a black bag that looks streamlined and interesting. 
25. Calvin Klein Wing Collar Tweed Coat: Fab single breasted coats are rare. This one is simple and works well on a fuller bust. 
26. Free People ‘Plaid Cabin Woods’ Skirt: The All Saints vibe in blue. 
27. Vince Camuto Sequin Top: Great with leather or tweed bottoms. 
28. Rachel Roy Drape Back Dress: A dress with colour, sleeves and a bit of length. Nice for the office or for an occasion. 
29. Dr. Martens ‘Pascal’ Boot: Autumn Docs make me smile. 
30. Boutique 9 ‘Shale’ Bootie: I love the simple line of this boot. I vote blue and brown. 

Today’s poll depends on how you define long and short in this context. I’m going to define short fingernails as anything to the end of your fingertips. Anything longer and you fall into Team Long Fingernails. 

It is probably a rare stylistic preference in the fashion and style world, but I like the look of my fingernails when they are short. I have never had long finger nails and consider it part of my style to keep them as neat,  moisturized and short as possible. As soon as I see those white bits growing over the tips of my fingers, I’m off to clip my nails. The last time I used finger nail polish was on my wedding day — a pearly white that worked with my pearls. I am Team Short Fingernails sans nail polish.  

Over to you. Are you Team Long or Team Short Fingernails? Pick a side and tell us why. This is a personal style preference, so there is no right or wrong. 

Autumn is my absolute favourite time of year. Sunny days, crisp air, hot fresh bread, homemade soup and magnificent Fall foliage put me into a good mood no matter what. These photos were taken close to home and also provided the inspiration for this months background cover.

It’s no secret that both the awful and the fabulous elements of ’80s fashion hold a special place in my heart. Seeing modern incarnations of the decade over the last five seasons has made for some fun shopping experiences. Purchasing these charcoal tweed trousers was a great example. I was with dear friend Meredith, who is coincidentally as nostalgic about ’80s fashion as I am, when I saw these high-wasited tapered and pleated darlings with removable suspenders. I tried them on and bubbly Meredith said: “Oh! Soooo ’80’s! You’re not leaving this store without those pants, and you have to wear them with two toned shoes!”. I needed no convincing. The trousers fit like a dream and are ridiculously comfortable. 

I remember making a pair of turquoise checked trousers very similar to these in 1985 (age 15) under my Mum’s sewing supervision, just so that I could showcase my new hang ten suspenders. My needlework was terrible but I had so much fun wearing those badly made trousers. These grey tweed look-alikes were a completely emotional purchase, which makes them all the more special.

It has taken a trip down memory lane to rekindle my love for trousers. This is my second pair of pleated ’80s style trousers and I’d love to get a third in a bold checked pattern. THAT would truly be fab.

I am a black turtle neck gal so the top part of this outfit is a no brainer. I will also wear these pants with my black Anne Fontaine lace shirt and a few other blouses and colourful turtlenecks, keeping the look soft and tactile. I can leave off the suspenders to create a different look.

And then there’s my new Dr. Martens. I’ve had them for six days and already worn them 4 times, with trousers and dresses. A three inch heel is usually too high for me, but the platformed front reduced the pressure on the ball of my foot, making it a comfortable shoe. I wore them last week while shopping with a client and my feet did well for about 5 hours.

My faux fur vest is a retro, girly and dramatic contrast against the masculine trousers and chunky shoes. I also like topping off this outfit with trench coats and fitted blazers. I chose a slouchy red bag, instead of a structured one, to relax the strictness of the outfit. No accessories apart from my watch, wedding ring and specs (or sunglasses). I’m also wearing the nude lipstick from MAC that I spoke about last week.

This is not an elegant, sophisticated or professional outfit. It’s playful, boyish, a little gangster, and for some people Minnie Mouse will come to mind. I totally get that it might not be your cup of tea, and may even be a little over the top. But it’s really fun to wear and brings to mind fabulous fashion moments of 26 years ago. How can that not put a smile on my face.