Book Nook: Quirky Corner

You know that one item in your closet you love dearly? The sartorial outsider that you feel expresses your personality to a T, and that you wouldn’t want to give up for all the money in the world, even if it’s not your “usual style”?

That happens with books too. There we have all these amazing, unexpected, offbeat titles, that aren’t necessarily the perfect fit for our “standard” bookstore categories, but nonetheless deserve a place in the spotlight. We want them to feel right at home in YLF Books too, so that’s why we’ve created our Quirky Corner just for them. 

Be prepared to get your socks charmed off by the protagonists in our first quirky title. The Catwalk Cats share a house with Vogue’s creative director Grace Coddington and her partner Didier Malige. Want to take a guess at who’s the boss chez Maison Coddington? Or maybe you’ve been feeling a litte uninspired in the kitchen lately? Then the American Fashion Cookbook – 100 Designers’ Best Recipes might be just the thing to rekindle your culinary fire.

The intriguing A Shade of Red – One Lipstick and One Hundred Women is a new addition to the Personal Stories section. Photographer and writer Alyson Fox travelled the country to photograph one hundred very different women all wearing the same shade of bright red lipstick. This is the visual account of her journey.

New Giveaway

In last week’s Book Nook we announced that we’ll be reading 100 Ideas that Changed Fashion, written by Harriet Worsley, for the YLF Book Club. Well, today we have a fun surprise in store for you: Laurence King Publishing has kindly offered to give away five copies of the book! The competition will run until Thursday 10 November and we’re chuffed that it is open to all our readers worldwide. So don’t forget to visit our Competitions section and answer the giveaway question for a chance to win one of the five copies.

Regular Scarves Versus Infinity Scarves

You can tie a regular scarf into all sorts of styles using different knots, tucking the ends away or leaving them to hang down the front of the body. This makes them very versatile. The thing is, you have to know how to tie the knots!

The infinity scarf, on the other hand, couldn’t be easier to wear. It’s “ends” are joined or knitted together, making a tubular form with no ends and no knot required. It has one main look, where you wrap it around your neck once, twice or three times like a muffler. Some infinity scarves can be wrapped like a capelet, which Sal is doing with an Eileen Fisher scarf in this outfit.

Infinity scarves tend to look more casual because they work best in knits that allow them to stretch over the head with ease. Regular scarves are often non-stretch and woven, and therefore dressier, especially when they’re silky in texture.

Infinity scarves are also quite bulky, while regular scarves can be small, or lie very flat against the body. 

I bat for Team Dressy and Team Woven, so it makes sense that I have many regular scarves and not one infinity scarf. But there is lots to appreciate about an infinity scarf and I completely understand the appeal. What is your take on the pros and cons of regular and infinity scarves?

By the way, veteran forum member Nicoleb hand knits infinity scarves and sells them in her Etsy store, nickichicki. Her scarves are as adorable as she is, so be sure to stop by.

  

Regular scarves on the left, and infinity scarves on the right.

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Link Love from YLF Members

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.

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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30 Top Picks from the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

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. 

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NORDSTROM - Shop the Half-Yearly Sale for women & kids.

Team Short or Team Long Fingernails

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.