Changing it Up

Change is a good thing, right? So, the next time you wear a suit grab your Faire Isle sweater and try something new. My Mother made this chunky grey tweed FI sweater that I’ve styled with this menswear pinstripe suit, Nina Perenna. I like how the variegated grey tones from the sweater pick up the dark ground and the thin stripe from the suit. Initially, I was concerned that the intensity of my overall look would get disrupted by the sweater pattern, but my smart Mom used a creme colour yarn rather than the predictable optic white. Her style sensibilities knew the muted colour would bring enough attention to the pattern and be much easier on the eye.

As for my sling backs, Martinez Valero, and handbag, Carla Mancini, I’ve kept them in basic black because I’ve a lot of pattern going on between my suit and sweater. I’ve also kept my jewelry to a minimum with French back pearl earrings and rhinestone ankle bracelet, Melinda Maria Jewelry, for a little Holiday sparkle and of course my Ray Ban sunglasses.

*style-tip: changing it up pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to think rather than dressing in auto-pilot.

Don’t Forget Your Spring/Summer Shine

High shine and bold brights have been and are still going strong since Spring. Does that mean we just forget about all those gorgeous pieces from Spring/Summer as we transition our wardrobe to Holiday? I say, NO! And I encourage you to say the same. My electric blue suit, Zara, from Spring is a perfect addition to my Holiday wardrobe and its got all the necessary elements – big bold colour, high shine, flowy textured fabric and the cropped wide leg is perfect with the highest heal, Sam Edelman, to a flat. This suit can be worn with a beautiful solid or print blouse, a t-shirt, a sweater or a sequin sweater vest, vintage, like this.

Because my look is heavy on the shine, I want to keep my accessories to a minimum with a pair of pearl earrings a pearl pendant necklace and a rhinestone ankle bracelet, Melinda Maria Jewelry, for an extra pop of bling. If you’re anything like me, you buy things that you really love and love to wear so why not extend their seasonal lifespan? Obviously, not all garments can transition but the pieces that will really broaden your wardrobe and hopefully inspire you to broaden your styling skills.

*style-tip: have a look at what you bought this year and see what items can make a comeback for Holiday.

*please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you