LA Story: Hit the Road….

Sleeves! The slow transition from Fall to Spring to Summer is still a little “iffy”, here in LA. One day it’s in the 60s and the next in the high 80s so what’s a girl to wear? A sleeveless sweater vest of course. Our bodies get the warmth of the knit and our arms can get a little sun and if it cools down, we can throw on a jacket. My sweater vest, Tahari, has a lot going for it starting with its trending brown colour. The particular shade is rich chocolatey and will look great with a Summer tan. If styled right, the oversized rib-knit collar will help give the illusion of a broader shoulder like a “T”. That means the lower body appears more straight up and down.

I’m using my off-white high-rise wide leg jeans, Zara, to make that happen. Normally, this would be a curious combo because big on top and on the bottom tends to make us look short and squat. As you can see, my torso and legs line up with no breaks until my sweater collar and just below my knee where the jeans get wide. I’ve surrounded my light jeans with brown flip-flops, Havana’s, a brown handbag, vintage Gucci, and a brown headscarf, YSL. This styling technique directs the eye towards the bottom half of my body that I’ve made look long and lean by going with a high-rise jean in a light colour.  My look is relaxed casual comfortable and perfect for my day and for the crazy unpredictable weather.

style-tip: finding new ways of taking our seasonal items forward will sharpen your styling skills and expand your wardrobe without spending $.

Style Story: Sense and Sensibility

My style sensibilities are consistent. Whether I’m dressed up or more casually, there’s a common thread that’s clearly identifiable. I tend not to gravitate towards girlie colours or items that are too cute or sweet. Having said that…I’m on my way to an afternoon tea for a friend’s birthday. This particular group of women are a little more conservative, in regard to style, so I thought I’d push my boundaries in the form of this fullish inverted pleat skirt, Amazon. The silhouette is so not my style, but the shape has a retro lady-like vibe and is exactly what I’m going for. The smudgy water colour print in a range of bright pinks blues and neutrals feels somewhat modern.

It would be way too easy to go with a cardigan, pumps and a regular strand of pearls because I’d feel like I was in costume. I styled my skirt with a white linen blouse, Velvet, that tones down the shine of the satin skirt and helps make my look more casual less stuffy. My creme coloured chunky platform sandals, Steve Madden, give me the height to pull off the skirt and bring some weight to ground my look. I went with a strand of large misshapen South Sea pearls and, like my shoes, are an unpredictable choice. My look comes together with a light blue twill beaded clutch, vintage. It incorporates my colours adds texture and the twill fabric brings another casual element to the mix that helps me feel like… me.

pro-tip: stretching your style sensibilities can be a challenge but you can, own it, when you stay true to yourself.

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