Several of my clients bought into the coloured jeans trend this year because it provides an excellent casual alternative to basic denim. Red, cobalt, and emerald green jeans have been favourites, and I purchased a coral pair in Spring. 

Although my clients were excited about the idea of fun bright jeans, they were also a little unsure about how to style them. As a result, I have spent many client hours creating outfits with bright jeans, combining both classic and edgy wardrobe components. The combination below was particularly popular because it’s easy, casual and comfortable.

The components:

Bright Jeans: Choose any colour and silhouette. From bright red to deep burgundy, and from blush pink to teal. Skinny, straight leg, and bootcut shapes are fab. 

Grey and White striped Top: A grey stripe compliments coloured jeans because it’s softer and less contrasting than a black and white stripe. I prefer to pair my coral jeans with grey and white layers because to my eye, this looks crisper and less harsh than black and white combinations. Of course, a bold black and white stripe can also look fab in some ensembles, especially ones with cobalt and red jeans. 

Striped tops are not your only option here. A grey (or black) and white argyle, polka dot or geometric patterned top can also work.

Casual grey topper: Again, I’m keeping the toppers grey because of the softening effect. A wool sweater coat hides dirt and lint, and is uber cozy. For a little more structure, a knitted fleece blazer or simple cardigan does the trick. Feel free to wear a woven topper if knitted versions are not your thing.

Short Slate Boots or Booties: Grey boots are ideal because they bookend the grey in the top part of the outfit, AND they can create a longer leg line. Black boots create a higher contrast against most bright jeans, which in turn shortens the line of the leg. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t wear black boots with coloured jeans. But if you do feel short-legged wearing black boots with bright jeans, try a lighter colour of footwear.

Casual Bag: I chose a cream satchel because white outfit additions amplify the clean and modern integrity of an ensemble. But by all means throw in any handbag colour that tickles your fancy. 

As with all outfit formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to personalize the formula and make it about YOUR style. For example, if you like to mix patterns, add a scarf. White pearls will pick up the white of the bag and stripe. Stick to earrings and a wrist watch for a more minimal look. Wear bangles. Wear a hat. Above all, have fun making this look your own.

Sometimes I daydream about strolling into a vintage clothing boutique and stumbling upon an entire row of perfectly fitting long-sleeved designer midi dresses. No going through endless racks first. They’re just there, waiting to come home with me. I daren’t even imagine what the sight of an authentic Chanel jacket in mint condition — very reasonably priced, of course — would do to me. Oh la la! I’d probably faint on the spot!.

In reality my second-hand shopping track record is nothing to write home about. Not for lack of trying, but I usually leave empty-handed. That’s why it always impresses me no end how the many savvy thrift and vintage shoppers on the YLF forum manage to snap up the most gorgeous pieces. I’ve often wondered how to go about it. Do you need a system? A good dose of luck? Or just tons and tons of patience? Do tell ladies, what is your number-one tip?

For all of us hoping to improve the chances of finding our very own treasure, I’ve added two shopping guides to the bookstore’s new Shopping Category. First we can brush up on our vintage clothing knowledge with Melody Fortier’s The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping. Many thanks to forum member Rosee, an accomplished “vintage fashion hound”, for pointing me in the direction of this charming little volume. Then we could hit the stores armed with The Fashionista’s Shopping Guide to the Galaxy of Discount New York Fashion, written by Sharyne Wolfe.

I’m also curious to hear what you like to do after a successful day of shopping, once you’ve modelled and put away your new goodies. Put up those tired feet and watch a movie perhaps? Well, with The Runaways, this week’s biopic about the 1970’s all-girl rock band formed around Joan Jett and Cherie Currie, you can linger in the past just a while longer. 

Black, and shades of white, tan, navy, grey and brown are undisputed neutral colours. They work well with each other and with colours. They often save the day when you’re having trouble finding the right colour pairing for a wardrobe item. Neutrals are versatile and powerful.

But sometimes you might find that certain non-neutral colours are just as versatile. So much so that they function as a neutral. For example, for my style tomato red is a neutral because it works with just about everything in my wardrobe. Granted, I like combining red with pink, orange and deeper shades of red, and these pairings are an acquired taste. For some of my clients, olive and eggplant are neutral colours. 

I’ll take it a step further and throw in two patterns that I’ve found to be so versatile that they too can function as a solid block of neutral colour if they are neutrally toned. The first is an animal print, and the second is a black and white polka dot (black background with white or cream dots). Perhaps this isn’t too surprising since these patterns are also versatile if you like to mix patterns. For some of my clients, neutrally toned stripes, glen plaids and houndstooth function like a solid neutral.  

Over to you. Do some non neutral colours function like versatile neutrals in your wardrobe? And how about patterns? Do some of those function as neutral solids?

Diana loved Kyla’s combination of moto jacket, patterned dress, and bootcut pants because it was really fun, a little unexpected, and very flattering. 

Goldenpig enjoyed Fast Company’s article on Anthropologie’s marketing strategy, a sophisticated promise of self discovery. 

Kappy was captivated by “Metamorphisis”, an article about the making of the world’s most coveted square. Remarkable workmanship.  

Rae loves this low-tech, low-budget solution to rogue zippers. Say goodbye to flying low, people. 

Custom shoes, anyone? From heel to toe, you select every detail. Kyle finds shoes of prey very intriguing.

Inge enjoyed browsing through Terry Graziano’s current hat collection. Terry sells fun custom-made hats that can be worn in different ways. A few of the styles are made of water resistant rainwear fabrics — great for non-umbrella using Seattleites.

Isis says that Nutcase makes bike helmets with cool designs, including one with an argyle pattern. She likes Modern Dots! 

Suz and the rest of YLF was thrilled to see Veteran forum member Kari featured on Inside Out Style. Her exciting colour combinations always make us smile, but her comments on wearing glasses bear special attention.

Laurinda recommends these easy to follow scarf tying tutorials. I really enjoyed watching them too. 

Pratt Fashion Design Students took on the challenge of creating fashionable nursing uniforms. This appealed to Anna who wears scrubs daily. 

I enjoyed the discussion over at Corporette about what nail colors are acceptable in a conservative office environment.