Sweet! That’s really the best word to describe this dear little bag. The London Fog ‘Lily’ Faux Leather Crossbody Bag is made of waterproof and vegan quilted faux leather. The size is large enough for essentials like wallet, keys, phone, lip balm, and tissues. The colours are happy and versatile. 

The chain shoulder strap also has a cream leather pad that you can’t see too clearly on the photos. It’s visible when worn across the body and makes the look of the handbag, dressing down the look in a good way and making it appropriate at any time of the day. It’s a nicely made number that  functions just as much as a necklace as it does handbag. Very fab. 

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I thought this would be fun. If we look hard enough, I’m sure we’ll find both similarities and differences. I’ll go first.

Style Similarities

Hubby Greg and I both love to wear specs, a wedding ring, black turtle necks, flat black boots, trench coats, skinny jeans, distressed denim jackets, tailored blazers, wool coats, cropped leather jackets and closed footwear with comfy socks. We both bat for Team Less is More, preferring simple outfits as opposed to complex combinations. Greg, like me, also enjoys wearing a beautifully made un-tucked woven shirt and scrunching the sleeves. In colder weather we are often “samies”, wearing our flat black boots with skinny jeans, black turtle neck and cropped leather jacket. Sometimes we both end up wearing our Docs and look like twins. Last but not least, we both have very short hair. 

Style Differences

Clearly, there are many similarities between my style and Greg’s. But there are also many differences. I love my watches and pearls and Greg bats for Team Phone and wears no accessories. I like to wear bright colours, white, cream and high contrasting neutrals, whereas Greg co-captains the Black Brigade with dark grey and blue thrown into the mix. Very occasionally he will throw in dark purple and deep blue red. Greg bats for Team Knit Top whereas I am woven all the way. Greg also bats for Team Fitted whereas I like to wear voluminous dresses and billowing blouses just as much as tailored items. Of course, I tend to look dressier than Greg most of the time.

Over to you. What are the similarities and differences between you and your partner’s style? If you aren’t currently in a relationship, describe the style of your ideal partner.

The cage heeled sandal is still very much the look of the moment, especially if you have several more months of hot Summer weather ahead of you. Vince Camuto’s Edita Sandal is great. Its narrow straps are surprisingly soft and comfortable. The heel is thick, yet refined. Nordstrom mentions a heel height of three inches, but it’s more like a two and half inch heel. The ankle strap is fairly well positioned and does not cut into the skin or your ankle bones. It runs true to size.

I have a number of happy clients in this ped. The low contrast of the khaki colour way has leg lengthening effects on bare legs, while the black version looks particularly good with full length black leggings or tapered trousers. Read the 30 raving reviews. Even sandal-phobic me liked the soft straps and manageable heel height.

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I often take my clients to Ann Taylor for five reasons: stellar quality, good fit, attractive merchandise, clean lines, and super discounts. Frequently, you can find an Ann Taylor discount coupon online or receive one in the post, AND they have great sales. 

Yes, Ann Taylor merchandise is fairly classic and careerwear takes up a huge chunk of their store floor. This handwriting should not necessarily deter you from browsing their items if that’s not your look. Believe it or not, client Bei-Jing with her bold, trendy and dramatic style adores Ann Taylor. We shop together once or twice a season and at least a third of Bei-Jing’s wardrobe comes from AT. And that’s because it’s not just about the style of an item, but HOW you wear it. 

Important guideline: Trendy items look sensational when they are grounded with the clean lines of classic items. Conversely, classic items become spunky when you add in a fashion forward support act.

My clients and I are especially enjoying what’s in Ann Taylor stores at the moment. Click through the styles and colour options for my top picks of their first Fall inputs: 

• Asymmetrical Drape Top: It looks particularly good in purple and black. Something that will take you from desk to dinner.
• Pleat Placket Shirt: Classic and tailored, and thank heavens sans ruffles. No camisole required and great on a hot day.
• Pocket Top:I didn’t think that this top would look smashing. My client wore this with black cigarette pants and heels and looked amazing. It has a cool cargo pocket and a slightly longer back hemline. I really like the sleeves. 
• Ballet Neck Top: This tee has a low-ish scooped back so be warned. It’s an amazing basic in a good quality knit over an assortment of colours. Great sleeve length. Super on it’s own or as a layering piece.   
• Crossover Halter Top: I bought this baby in three colours last week and have already worn them all. That’s how STARVED I am of nicely made and flattering garments with high necklines. I do not wear knitted tops, but this top made it through my style filter. I pop in my bra strapper and it’s perfect worn on it’s own or under a jacket. I love the drape and length. In fact, I’m wearing the red right now! It’s also available in a neutral pattern. 
• Striped Crossover Top: If you like to wear mock wrap tops, this one is worth a bash because it’s very flattering. I enjoyed wearing it back to front. 
• Stretch Slim Pants: Wow. Give these a try if you are curvy. Chances are high they will fit quite well.
• Denim Pencil Skirt: A nice little basic with good length and stretch. You might need to size down. 
• Chic Shirt Dress: My curvy client launched me into orbit when she filled out this frock to perfection. And it’s not clingy either. Wear the neckline open for the best effect. The ink blue colour is delicious.   
• Circles Pendant: Different! The layered chain effect is interesting. Comes in both metals.

Gone are the days when we copy a retail mannequin’s look from head to toe. Look at an item and think about how it could fit into your outfit, as a support act to the elements that define your personal style. “Fashion unites us, but style sets us apart”. There is such truth in these words. Allow a classic retailer like Ann Taylor to unite us, but wear the items YOUR way.