July Purchases and WIW - YouLookFab Forum

July has been a mostly wet and wintery month here. We had the school holidays early in the month but I worked through - with the exception of a long weekend staying at home to host a memorial for my Mum to sprinkle her ashes.

Clothing wise, I have added two essential purchases, although I am counting one to my winter 5 piece French Wardrobe system.

I added an olive rain jacket made by Rains, bought locally but I think they are a Danish brand. A practical but stylish option. I haven't thrown out my aged turquoise raincoat but it is on it's last legs.

I also added a Merino sweater made in NZ by Standard Issue. I really spent too long pondering the colour as I wanted a lighter colour - I have been avoiding grey but actually light grey is good on me and this has been a very easy addition to my closet.

I am considering a blazer but will take my time to choose the perfect one. Aside from that, I am open to any amazing wildcards but also wanting to not add anything really until spring.

My wardrobe is still sitting between 90-100 pieces for all clothes, shoes and bags (outside activewear and gear, or accessories).

I am thinking of doing a 10x10 challenge for the next two work weeks, incorporating a couple of pieces that I haven't been wearing at all. I would include clothing and shoes in the 10 but not bags and outerwear....

I did think that there are about 10 pieces in my wardrobe that I could probably edit out quite easily because I am very rarely wearing them - but something is holding me back......

Here are some WIW from the last few month.

- the lace dress and fur have been seen before and were from a very small birthday dinner (pic 7-8).
- there is a casual Friday look with leggings and a bomber jacket (first pic)
- all the rest are work looks. I am struggling a bit with these white work trousers with tops and shoe combinations. I don't think they look very flattering here at all. And I am still learning scarf tying - I am a very slow pupil.

Feedback and ideas are welcome - especially about the white trousers, how should I style them.

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Custom Find

by Sal

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4 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Have you tried wearing the dressy black ankle boots with the white bottoms? They would ‘bookend’ any dark top - like the black one in the second pic of the first image set, as well as dark blue, green, or brown. You could also try the white bottoms with the beige boots and grey sweater, using the beige scarf or a grey and beige scarf (if you have one) for a tonal combination.

What about looking for a tweed blazer that pulls brown, black, grey, and maybe maroon?

Jenn

(website)

I just love seeing your outfits, Sal. They make me happy. How about pairing the white with the new gray sweater and that yellow scarf? (Have you shown us that scarf before?! I adore it!) They also might look nice with your blush oxfords.

Sal

Thanks Carla - I have worn those black boots with them, not the camel which might work!!

I have considered a tweed blazer but it might skew a bit seasonal for me - I want something I could wear on a cooler summer day or night... (I may also be falling into my trap of wanting one jacket to rule them all when that is unrealistic!)

Thanks Jenn. The mustard scarf is a few years ago (a gift from the US actually) but I think this is the first wear this year... (it is massive and I am not talented at draping scarves......) The grey will work with the pants - the blush oxfords I wasn't sure about. I should probably do an outfit lab.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You're always so thoughtful, eloquent, down to earth, level-headed, and strategic Sal. Always a pleasure to read your musings.

Nice new purchases! I can see them work seamlessly into your mix.

I LOVE the middle outfit in pic #1 with the light pants. Wow! Absolutely KILLER. You rock a bomber too! My next fave is the middle outfit in #3. Soooo gorgeous!

I'm with Jenn on loving the mustard scarf! Fab with the new grey sweater.

Bijou

It is so fun to see you winter outfits which range from sporty weekend, off to work and dressy party outfits. Your outfits are interesting and have a relaxed elegance to them. You and Jenn are the masters of building well curated wardrobes. I like how thoughtful you are with each new addition.

Jaime

Great outfits all around! I like the white trousers outfit, but for a change you could add something white or light near your face (scarf, jewelry). Love the blue/teal jacket. Always happy to see you in faux fur too!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Your outfits look great! I especially like the lace dress and the glam look you've created for the birthday party. I also really like the white trousers on you and think they are super cool with the sneakers and leather jacket. Like Jenn, I thought they would be nice with your light oxfords and maybe with the pink pullover in outfit 5.

I like how you are wearing your scarves. The way you have the yellow one is one of my go-to methods for scarf-wearing. That same technique can work with the scarf you are wearing in the last photo, which I really like, btw. And I like how you've tied that one high and centered it, which I wouldn't have thought of! I also like how you've worn the smaller scarf in outfit 6; it functions as a statement necklace would.

With scarves, I have basically two techniques that I use, and I alternate them depending on whether I want to create a long line down the front (as you've done in the last photo) or create more of an open-jacket effect with the long ends of the scarf down the sides, as you've done with the yellow one. To put the scarf down the center, I do what's called the "classic loop," #3 on this site: create a long length of scarf, then fold it in two to make a shorter length, put it around my neck and pull the ends through the loop.

Thanks Firecracker. I will do some experimentation. I am always in a real rush in the morning not because it is early but I never leave enough time to get ready (sometimes because of YLF procrastination).

Thanks Shevia - I do feel I do a lot of remixing and that sometimes my outfits might be boring. I need to play around with these trousers a bit - I think my eye has adjusted to a shorter top or tucked top now....

Thanks Bijou. I don't see myself as good as Jenn at that but I do think I am improving. This year (partly planned, partly because of Covid) I have been very deliberate in filling gaps. I actually think I have almost finished that so I now want to add a bit more fun back in. My summer looks are more fun than my winter ones.

Thank you Angie:) I struggle to feel good in winter looks, but I am doing better than other winters. Getting lighter pieces has helped, inspired by you.

Star

Love the yellow scarf and the way you have draped it. The colour near you face really suits you.

rachylou

I like your purchases! And I like the white trousers; I think they’re flattering. I feel an optic white handbag would put a fine edge on the outfit, but it’s not really necessary.

nemosmom

I love your considered approach to your additions and edits, and, my gosh, can you ever rock a scarf!!

Sal, you LOOK great in your Winter looks! Never better! Could have fooled me

And humbled to have inspired you.

notsaf

I agree with Jenn: love that yellow scarf!

Liesbeth

You have already gotten great suggestions for styling the white trousers. I prefer you in medium contrast outfits so would definitely like to see them with the grey sweater.
Congrats on the Rains coat. You're right, it's a Danish or Swedish brand, Scandinavian anyway, and I can vouch for their practicality in a downpour :).

Thanks Star - I enjoy the bright colour in winter too.

Rachy - I agree, a white bag would be good. I don't have one though..

NemosMom - I rely on scarves a lot in winter but I can feel a bit messy in one with my hair..

Thanks Angie:)

Thank you Notsaf - I will wear this scarf again this week for Jenn and yourself.

Liesbeth - I probably agree that high contrast is not my best (if I absolutely nail the pieces it can work but I think I am a medium contrast person in colouring). The Rains coat is lovely and quite smart too.

Anonymous

Sal that pink and gold really flatters you! Love the combo. And per another thread of yours, yes, will round up my kimonos to show you.

Minaminu

Fab outfits! you look great in these winter looks!

Thanks Minaminu- I don't feel my best in winter looks but am improving. I am trying to wear less black near my face.....

Thanks Jenna - Angie inspired me with pink and gold a few years ago with a sweater and skirt combo she added. I am trying to be more adventurous with colour combinations.

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