Fashion News Roundup: December 2016

This last roundup of the year brings us Pantone’s colour for 2017, Pinterest’s top trends predictions and more fashion news that made headlines in December.

  • Pantone has picked greenery — “a yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring” — as the colour for 2017.
  • Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, has passed away at age 66.
  • China Machado, who in 1959 became the first non-white model to be featured in Harper’s Bazaar and who paved the way for diversity, also died earlier this month.
  • Christina Binkley, style columnist at The Wall Street Journal, is leaving the paper after 23 years.
  • Pinterest’s in-house data team predicts that backless footwear, bell sleeves, and patches and stickers on gadgets and clothing will be among the top trends for 2017.
  • Make-up artist Bobbi Brown is stepping down from her eponymous brand.
  • Nike is expanding its range of plus-size activewear to more than 200 products in 2017.

Fun Fashion Fact

Did you know that the first duffle coats were commissioned by the Royal British Navy “to keep sailors dry and warm through sea-faring conditions in the 1890s.” The toggle closures were easier to handle with gloved hands, and the generous hoods could fit over navy-issue hats. It is said that the weather-proof coats were named after the Belgian city of Duffel, which was well-known at the time for making a thick, black wool textile of the same name. 

Trusted Preppy Brands for Men

Check out our list of “right brands” for the “right clothes”. You’re not preppy enough if you don’t have some items from these trusted preppy brands.

Ralph Lauren is the master of preppy. It all started with their Polo Shirt which is approximately $85 USD each. Not only their polo shirts are popular but also their ski parkas, suits, shirts and a bunch of other preppy essentials that you must have in your closet.

Vineyard Vines was founded in 1998 and they are proclaimed the second best preppy store because of their printed critter tie. They also have a ton of casual-styled springtime outfits for men. Since then, they’ve expanded their range to preppy women as well. From rainbow neck ties to stuff in baby seal prints, they’ve got it all.

The Brooks Brothers is one of the oldest preppy stores to ever survive. They became famous after their Oxford cotton button-down shirt were worn by the cast of the movie Gatsby, but also the author of the book himself, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Also ex-president of the US JFK wore a couple of Brooks Brothers. Their company was founded in 1818.

You’re not preppy enough if you don’t have boat shoes. Sperry is the biggest supplier of boat shoes ever. It’s the ultimate preppy must-have. It will guarantee you a spot at any school with men and women hockey squads. Well, who doesn’t want that?

J. Press was founded in 1902 at Yale after their knit wears were practically in demand for Ivy-league schools. Their famous piece of clothing is the shaggy dog sweater and it costs around $230 USD.

Smathers & Branson’s claim to preppy fame is their needlepoint belt which retails for $165 USD. They have custom pants-holder-uppers that will give you a sloppy evidence of prep youth.

Tommy Hilfiger was founded in 1982 and was often ignored but now their outfits are clawing its way back to schools. Their rugby shirt helped them become one of the most trusted preppy brands in the world.

Lacoste is a favorite amongst tennis and lacrosse players. The croc polo has been in this world for more than three decades. What are preppy people’s favorite sports? A little bit of tennis and a little bit of lacrosse, and a little bit of more.

If you want to find the perfect chinos, head to J.Crew now. Their missing 1 and a half inch of chinos is the ultimate exposure for “missing socks”. And if you don’t quite get it, preppy men aren’t really a fan of socks.

You certainly need a good pair of boots if you head to ski trips and countryside trips that require a lot of walking, you’re going to need L.L. Bean’s bean boots. They make their boots by hand with handcrafted stitching and detailing. These boots are super special because of their waterproof protection of rubber combined with the comfort of leather that will shed rain and snow.

South America's best Pride parades

South America knows how to throw a party, and when it comes to gay pride, the region puts some of the biggest celebrations in the world, drawing activists and revelers from around the globe to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in living color. The festivities easily rival those in North America and West Europe, and they will pull you in with their kaleidoscopic energy and messages of love and acceptance.

South America is home to some of the world’s largest Pride parades © Victor Moriyama/Getty Images

Although most countries in South America have very conservative attitudes about homosexuality, largely due to the strong influence of the Catholic Church, most have developed quite progressive LGBTQ friendly laws, and have gay pride events taking place each year.

In celebration of gay pride month, we’ve pulled together a list of the best gay pride parades in South America.

São Paulo’s Pride parade is considered to be the world’s largest © Rubenschavez / Getty Images

São Paulo Pride – Brazil

Forget Madrid, New York, San Francisco, London and Toronto – São Paulo Pride is the largest gay pride festival in the world. It’s been recognized as such in the Guinness Book of World Records, and São Paulo’s festival is way ahead of the pack with an estimated attendance of 3 to 5 million people each year.

The Parada do Orgulho LGBT de São Paulo takes place every year in May or June. It began in 1997 with just 2,000 participants as a modest event to increase visibility of the LGBTQ community and has grown significantly since. Despite its size and popularity, the parade continues to project a strong socio/political message: the 2016 slogan was “Gender identity law, NOW! Everyone together against transphobia!” and the 2017 slogan was “Regardless of our beliefs, no religion is law! Together for a secular state!”

The parade makes its way through the city’s main artery, Avenida Paulista, eventually reaching Praça Roosevelt, where revelers will be welcomed for a public concert. Our best advice is to arrive earlier in the day to get a good spot outside São Paulo’s Museum of Art (MASP) on Avenida Paulista. After the festivities, most will head to Brazil’s biggest gay club The Week.

Winged revelers kiss during Rio de Janeiro’s Pride parade on Copacabana Beach © CARL DE SOUZA / Getty Images

Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

Rio’s Pride, although not as big as São Paulo’s, is just as fun. The city’s parade is one big, colorful party on the famous Copacabana beach, and you’ll find a carnival-like, samba-fueled atmosphere all over town. The celebrations go into the early hours of the next day, and different neighborhoods – like the North Rio district of Madureira – even have their own mini-parades taking place alongside the main one.

While Rio Pride has historically taken place during the summer month of November, the 2018 Pride was moved to September. After the main parade, partygoers will move on to Papa G club, where the crowds spill onto the street outside.

Pride-goers join the parade in Buenos Aires © JUAN MABROMATA / Getty Images

Buenos Aires – Argentina

The Marcha del Orgullo a Pride is Argentina’s largest LGBTQ event. It initially began as a protest march in 1992 and was attended by just 300 people, most wearing masks to conceal their identity. Today it has grown to become one of the most popular gay pride parades in South America, hosting 100,000-200,000 people from all over the world each year.

The parade takes place on the first or second Saturday of November and starts just outside the famous Casa Rosada in the Plaza de Mayo. The party then makes its way up the 11 blocks of Avenida de Mayo to the Plaza Congreso, where a public concert takes place. If you’re in town for Pride, make sure to check out and the Queer Tango Festival and the Asterisco Film Festival, which celebrates sexual diversity with its cinema series.

Buenos Aires has a vibrant gay scene, and the rich tango culture in San Telmo is home to many queer milongas (tango dance halls). Interesting fact: at its inception in the 1880s, tango was originally danced between two men in the back alleys of Buenos Aires. Over the past 20 years, there has been a revival of the queer tango culture in the city, especially at the La Marshall and Tango Queer Milongas, which each offer classes for the LGTBQ community.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community take part in the Gay Pride Parade in Bogotá, Colombia © GUILLERMO LEGARIA / GettyImages

Bogotá Pride – Colombia

Colombia has massively evolved over the past decade into one of the safest and most progressive destinations in South America. Gay marriage was legalized here in 2016 and same-sex adoption was made legal in 2015. The first gay pride march in Colombia took place in Bogotá as early as 1982, with just 32 people marching and nearly 100 policemen attending for crowd control. The parade ceased for several years before taking place again in 1997, after which it became an annual event.

Today Gay Pride Day is celebrated throughout the country in late June and early July, with parades taking place in most of the big cities. The biggest is the Orgullo Gay march in Bogotá, which attracts over 50,000 people and stretches from Parque Nacional to Plaza de Bolivar, where political speeches are followed by live music.

Music and dance are at the core essence of Colombian culture – this is, after all, the country that gave us Shakira, Maluma, Carlos Vives and J Balvin – and Bogotá Pride really delivers on the party vibe. The city is home to the largest gay club in South America, Theatron, and this is where revelers go to enjoy the celebration’s biggest party; the huge nightclub complex has 13 different gay clubs spread over 5 floors, and it can hold around 5,000 people. Each one has its own theme – one room is devoted to 1980s hits, another to salsa music, there’s one for men only, another just for women, and more!

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Sporty Luxe with Orange Animal Print

A new outfit from Catherine Summers of Not Dressed As Lamb, whom we introduced to YLF in June 2013.

A bold and bright coat is a wonderful idea when Spring is cold and you’re done with dark Winter outerwear. Keeping the rest of the outfit neutral lets this showstopper orange animal print topper do all the talking. Opting for light neutral colours and soft fabrics like the cosy chunky turtleneck and jersey trousers gives the outfit a luxurious feel. So do the taupe leather driving gloves and deep red satchel. The wide-legged trousers paired with white sneakers provide the Sporty Luxe touch. Catherine’s wavy ‘do peeking out from under her fedora adds further softness. Fun finishing touch: bright pink lipstick that clashes harmoniously with Catherine’s orange coat and red locks.

Save

Save

Save

Top 10 truly Phuket dishes

From upscale seafood to downmarket Russian, just about any cuisine is available on Phuket island, one of Thailand’s biggest destinations. But what do the locals eat?

The answer is much more complicated than pàt tai, as Phuket was a cosmopolitan mixing pot long before the package tourists and sun worshippers started coming.

Thai cuisine has multicultural influences that can vary from province to province © Geet Theerawat / Shutterstock

European traders have been visiting the island since the 16th century, and Chinese and Muslim traders for even longer. But the tin mining boom of the early 20th century brought the biggest and most influential influx of immigrants: Hokkien and Cantonese Chinese, many of whom came via Penang in Malaysia. They introduced their regional Chinese cuisines, but also Malay and Baba-Nyonya dishes, the latter a unique blend of Southeast Asian and Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques.

Pàt, or stir-fries, were introduced in Thailand by the Chinese © topten22photo / Shutterstock

As a result, the food of Phuket stems from a jumble of influences that has no counterpart elsewhere in Thailand. In Phuket, pork rules, and soy sauce is prized over fish sauce – ostensibly both a result of the Chinese touch. And the Penang connection has also led to a handful of dishes from India, England and Portugal earning a foothold.

Here are 10 classic Phuket dishes to sink your teeth into. Some can be found across the island, but Phuket Town, the island’s inland capital, is where you’ll find the best versions.

A warm bowl of savoury Mee Hokkien, a Chinese-origin dish found across Phuket © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Mee hokkien (mèe hók·kêe·an)

‘Hokkien-style noodles’ is one of the most ubiquitous Phuket dishes. Vendors across the island, especially in Phuket Town, flash-fry round, hearty wheat-and-egg noodles with seafood, slices of pork, greens and an almost gravy-like broth. If you’re feeling decadent, you can ask for your bowl to be garnished with a just-cooked egg. Like many dishes of Hokkien origin, it is savoury and mild.

Loba is a Phuket favourite, typically made with pork offal © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Loba (loh·)

One of Phuket’s most beloved dishes is also probably its most intimidating to visitors. Loba combines pork offal – head, heart, lungs, intestines, tongue – braised in five spice powder, with savoury deep-fried items such as spring rolls, shrimp fritters and stuffed tofu. The two disparate dishes are linked by a sweet/spicy dip. You can mix-and-match your choices, so don’t fret if braised pork face isn’t exactly your jam. This Chinese dish is available at stalls and informal restaurants in Phuket Town.

Oh tao is a spicy batter mixture often found at street stalls in Phuket Town © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Oh tao (oh đôw)

Oh tao takes the form of eggs, cubes of taro root, deep-fried pork rinds and tiny oysters fried together in a sticky, spicy batter – think Thailand’s famous fried mussel pancake on steroids. This hearty dish is thought to trace back to Chinese tin miners. You can find oh tao on offer at street stalls in Phuket Town and elsewhere on the island.

Oh eaw is Phuket’s answer to shaved ice, a gelatinous, vibrant local dessert © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Oh eaw (oh ăa·ou)

Shaved ice is a virtually universal dessert, but Phuket’s hyper-sweet, brightly coloured, beloved version stands out from the crowd. This icy dessert includes gelatinous cubes made from banana starch and kidney beans, which are a dessert ingredient in Thailand. Hard to find outside of Phuket, grab a bowl from stalls in Phuket Town.

Moo hong is a sweet pork dish with both Chinese and local influences © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Moo hong (mŏo hong)

Moo hong takes the form of fatty cuts of pork braised in palm or brown sugar and sweet soy sauce with garlic and black pepper. It’s one of the headlining dishes of the Baba-Nyonya genre, a blend of Chinese and local cooking styles and ingredients, and can be found at slightly more upscale restaurants across the island, such as Raya.

A dip recipe that varies among provinces, Phuket’s nam prik kung siap combines shrimp paste, fresh chilies, lime juice, sugar and smoked shrimp © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Naam prik kung siap (nám prík gûng sèe·ap)

Thailand is home to countless varieties of nam phrik, chili-based dips with varying recipes from province to province. Phuket’s contribution to the genre combines shrimp paste, fresh chilies, lime juice, sugar and, most notably, the eponymous smoked shrimp. As elsewhere, the dish is served with a platter of fresh and par-boiled herbs and vegetables. Grab a plate at Phuket Town restaurants such as One Chun.

Roti, a flaky ‘pancake’, is a Phuket breakfast option © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Roti (roh·đee)

These flaky Thai-Muslim ‘pancakes’ can be found in many regions in Thailand. In Phuket, cooks tear the roti into shreds, creating a crispy heap that’s crowned with a fried egg and accompanied by a small bowl of fragrant curry broth – one of the best breakfasts in the country. Long standing Abdul’s Roti Shop in Phuket Town is a great place to start the day Phuket-style.

Khanom jeen, a kind of spicy seafood curry, is a typical, beloved breakfast plate in Phuket © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Khanom jeen (kà·nŏm jeen)

Thin, round rice noodles served with curry-like toppings form a common base for dishes found across Thailand. But the people of Phuket are particularly fanatical about khanom jeen – a breakfast staple on the island. The favourite local topping is nam ya pu, a spicy coconut milk-based soup with crab, served southern-style with a huge selection of herbs, vegetables, fruit and seasonings that are meant to be mixed with the noodles and curry. This is dished up at informal restaurants and stalls across Phuket.

Mee hun, fried noodles in soy sauce served with pork broth, is said to have been invented on Phuket © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Mee hun (mèe hûn)

Comprising of thin, round rice noodles fried with soy sauce and served with a small bowl of pork broth, this dish has all the makings of a Chinese origin story. However, local legend says it was invented on Phuket. Wherever it originated, Phuket’s the place to get a delicious helping, at a few long-standing restaurants and stalls in Phuket Town.

Apong is Phuket’s rendition of a crepe, made with rice flour and sweetened © Austin Bush / Lonely Planet

Apong (ah·þóng)

This is the local version of south Indian appom, a thin, crispy crepe-like flatbread made from rice flour. On Phuket, it’s made with a pinch (or more) of sugar, and is served as breakfast or a sweet snack, usually from street vendors.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Outfit Ideas to Wear to a Broadway Show

While there isn’t really a dress code for Broadway shows, you should still dress up and make a night out of it. It’s such a special treat and a great experience. In NYC, a Broadway show is at the top of the entertainment list. So consider wearing appropriate attire for the show. Read on to know what the proper etiquette for a show is and outfit ideas.

 

If you’re a fan of strong scents like the Chanel no5, Estee Lauder Beautiful and many more, consider wearing another scent because some people are very sensitive to fragrances, especially if you’re going to be sitting super close to strangers.

 

Casual clothing is appropriate if you’re going to watch modern shows. So if you’re attending an opening performance and premiere, which are known to be monumentally large-scale production that includes walking in red carpets, wear formal attire.

 

It’s important to show up on time, especially if your seat is in the middle and you need to get past the others before you get there. If you arrive late, ushers of the show will give you a seat at the back and you’ll have to wait by the second act until you get to your assigned seat.

 

Don’t dress super casual. You’ll get raised eyebrows when you wear a tee and shorts. You could try going for a smart casual look or a nice dress.

 

Please put your phone in silent mode or just simply turn it off. People whose phone will ring in the middle of the show will immediately be escorted out of the theater. Also, it will be so distracting to others and for the actors performing as well.

 

Don’t leave until the show is over. Wait until the curtain call and then you can leave. It’s very rude and they’d be quite insulted since they’ve worked extremely hard just to entertain you. Besides, you paid more or less $100 for the show so why not finish it?

 

If you’re going to bringing kids to the show, before the show starts – feed them, take them to the bathroom and explain to them what will happen during the show. It’s best to get seats near the exit in case something comes up like one will throw a tantrum.

 

If you’re bringing a coat, leave them at the coat check since the seats in Broadway are small. They have not much leg room.

 

Foods and drinks are available at the lobby. Before the show and during intermission, get yourself some refreshments. Snacks aren’t allowed in the theater since it the sound of crunch and sipping is distracting to others.

 

Most important thing is to applaud in an appropriate time. If you’re friend’s part of the show and his scene comes up, refrain from whistling, screaming and cheering like you’re watching a football game.

 

Extreme Shoe Duplication

With increasingly fussy feet, I’m down to wearing heels that are between half and one and a half inches. One inch heels are my favourite. My collection of two and two and a half inch pumps and booties are no longer wearable except as “sitting shoes”. Since I’m on the go most of the time, that won’t work. So I’m making footwear a purchasing priority this year. 

I’m taking it one retail season at a time and being very picky and extra careful about the shoes that earn a place in my closet. Thankfully, the trends are on my side at the moment, with flats being very fashionable. I also adore a stable low block heel. Comfortable, flat or low-heeled casual shoes aren’t that hard to find, but their dressy cousins are. With patience and the decision to duplicate to a level that was outside my comfort zone, I found what I needed. 

I prefer to wear closed-toe shoes in warm and hot weather for a myriad of reasons, which is why I had a moderate collection of higher heeled pumps and ankle strap pumps. They were perfect for working with clients, date night, events, and other social occasions. Now that I’ve said goodbye to wearing heels that high for client appointments and most social occasions, I needed a dressy flat substitute. Enter the Franco Sarto Jolette Penny Loafer. Sized down, they fit my low volume feet perfectly and are very comfortable. 

I bought the loafers in red because I was in the mood for red shoes. After road-testing them in Spring and loving them, I duplicated in white because my old white Paul Green loafers were finished. I travelled to see my Dad in the Netherlands with the white loafers, and they REALLY go the distance. I reach for them more than the red because white flats are a wardrobe essential for my style. The white scuffs more easily than the red, so they’ll look shabby faster. So a month ago, I decided to duplicate the white loafers so that I have a pristine pair ready to go next year.

Two weeks ago, I also decided to get a pair of the same loafers in blush because I’m enjoying my blush sneakers enormously (but can’t see clients in sneakers). This brings me to a grand total of THREE pairs of the same loafer in a range of colours that are in rotation at the same time, and a new pair of white in reserve for next year. 

This type of shoe duplication is new to me. I’ve duplicated a pair to have it in reserve for the next season fairly regularly, but haven’t duplicated the same style in different colours and worn them during the same season. I thought long and hard about the duplication because I don’t want to get bored of the style, or have orphaned colours, but so far it’s working out well. I’m reaching for them frequently because they work with most of my Spring and Summer outfits. They look good with cropped straight and flared jeans/pants, wide leg crops, shirt dresses, and patterned cigarette pants. They are perfect for client shopping days because they’re very comfortable AND dressy. I’m wearing them as a substitute for pumps. 

It helps that I’ve built accessory complements with the loafers, making them easy to incorporate into outfits. I thoroughly enjoy the look of a modern classic and refined penny loafer, so I’m not tiring of the style.

I tried to make the Gucci loafer work, but it’s too wide for my feet no matter what I did to doctor the style. I had a pair of white Salvatore Ferragamo loafers at one point, but the buckles fell off so I haven’t been keen to try them again. I feel lucky to have found the more affordable Franco Sarto Jolettes, because they create a similar vibe and are very versatile.

For me, this is extreme shoe duplication, and very much an experiment. I haven’t regretted duplicating a pair of comfortable shoes yet, so I’m hopeful that the strategy works. It does make things very easy, but whether I’m sick of loafers in four months or have an orphaned blush pair remains to be seen. I’ll update you at the beginning of Autumn. In the meantime, you can call me Loafer Gal, and I’m curious to hear about your footwear duplication strategies.

Beginner’s Guide to Wearing Vintage

One thing you must never do when you want to sport a vintage look is by not wearing a full head-to-toe vintage look. Aren’t you worried you’re going to look like you’re in a costume for a Halloween party in April?

Photo Credit
Wearing vintage outfits is very popular. There are a ton of things to choose from and there’s always a vintage style for everyone. One place you can head to when shopping for vintage clothes are your local thrift shops.

Photo Credit
By then, you’ll be able to create perfect modern and retro inspired looks that will leave the fashionistas around you swooning.


Photo Credit
Vintage shopping is one of the cheapest and the most eco-friendly way to get on with the trends you love.

Photo Credit
Finding vintage pieces that will fit you nicely can be a little tricky. So having tailoring skills or knowing somebody who can sew for you is kind of important. Also, if you don’t have both, you can always opt for vintage accessories.

Photo Credit
If you got something out of a thrift store, you can easily modify it and make it more you. For example, you replace the buttons on a vintage coat with something more modern and by styling it with a belt or adding a scarf.

Photo Credit
When you get comfortable with the style, you can add more to complete your ensemble. Try to look for beautiful pieces that you can incorporate into your wardrobe.

Photo Credit
Avoid wearing vintage in an awful condition. Just because it’s vintage, doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to wear ratty-looking clothes with holes in them. It’s not great to see visible damages into those clothes. Stains, tears, missing parts – should be avoided.

Photo Credit
Don’t go for pieces that scream the year they were made.

Photo Credit
Vintage-inspired pieces are also considerable. They cost more than the prices in thrift shops but these inspired pieces are great alternative to true vintage. You don’t even have to worry about them because they’re in good quality and in great condition.

Photo Credit
But it’s nothing more like going to vintage shops and every garment you choose tells a different story of a different time and a different owner.

Photo Credit
Wearing clothes from vintage store will feel like you’re wearing an objet d’art or a memento from somebody else’s adventures.

And isn’t it satisfying knowing that what you’re wearing isn’t something anyone can just go and pick up at a chain store – but something really rare and unique?

Photo Credit
Just remember this – it’s all in the balance. Mix of modern, mix of old = more wearable look while giving your new pieces a bit of an edge

Ensemble: Modern Audrey

This ensemble was inspired by last month’s featured blogger Rosamarie, who combined a column of black with dressy loafers, scarf and statement bag. It’s an easy outfit to pull together, and one that you might be able to shop for in your closet right away. To my eye it’s the pops of contrasting colour that make the look. It’s one that is particularly suited to those with black or dark brown hair. There is something about a column of black and black footwear that works really well with very dark hair. 

I’ve shown two renditions of the look, and red and green as the pops of colour. Feel free to choose any accent colours to combine with the black. Here are the components of the outfit:

Black Ankle Pants: Choose a pair of fitted black ankle pants that are tapered, straight or flared at the hem. Two to three inches above the ankle bone is a good length. Any longer and you’ll look like you’re wearing “high water pants” that are neither here nor there. Make sure the length of your crops looks intentional, ESPECIALLY when wearing flats with the look. Petites watch out, and ensure that the pants are sufficiently short. 

Black Top: Choose a solid pullover or knitted top — fitted, fluid or oversized — with a neckline of your choice to create the column of black. The neckline needs to be low enough to tie a scarf onto bare skin. Wear it untucked. 

Dressy Loafers or Oxfords: Add a pair of black dressy oxfords or loafers. Heeled or flat Mary Janes will also work, and will add to the Modern Retro vibe of the outfit. By all means, add a pair of non-neutral shoes to the mix. This could be super cute if it picks up the colours in your accessories. 

Add sheer black knee-highs or dainty trouser socks to keep your feet and ankles warm. If you like, you could also play around with a subtle patterned sock, but that will dress down the outfit. 

Topper: Top the outfit off with a neutral or coloured wool coat, trench coat, or moto jacket. 

Dressy Accessories: A silky square scarf is a must and makes the look. Tie it in a reef or square knot snugly against the neck, making sure the ends lie flat (this post on knot tying shows you how to do that). If you have a shorter neck, tie the knot loosely around the neck, and wear a top with a V-neckline. Finish off the look with a dressy non-neutral bag in a solid or pattern that matches the scarf. The match is not a must, but will help pull the outfit together. Add jewellery, eyewear and watch as desired. 

I would wear these outfits minus the black footwear. I would choose red, cream or gold to complement my pale complexion. I’d also amp up the brights and wear pearls with the scarf. How about you?

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

What to Wear to a Kiddie Party

Were you given the task to accompany your little sister, brother, niece, nephew or cousin to his or her friend’s birthday party this weekend? This post is all about finding nice and cool outfit ideas which are appropriate for both daytime indoor and outdoor party. The outfits below are kid-friendly, cute and just something really appropriate.

 

Since it’s quite warm, you’d want something comfortable. Try a tank top and skorts paired with sandals.

 

Also, stripes and floral is a pretty combination. It’s casual and stylish at the same time.

 

You might also want to try wearing a shirt dress. It’s versatile and appropriate for the event. Easily mix it with oxford shoes or any comfortable shoes you like.

 

Wear a cropped top with your jeans but make sure to add a loose cardigan so you wouldn’t be showing too much skin.

 

Wear a cute pastel romper and incorporate a denim vest into it so it’ll look more put together. Finish the look with flat pointed-toe shoes.

 

The perfect top to wear with your baggy jeans is a sleeveless top and a pair of sneakers. It’s too laid-back, relaxed and comfy.

 

A crochet dress with sandals is a nice choice especially if it’s a warm and sunny afternoon. Complete the look with brown gladiators and layered necklace so you’re ensemble wouldn’t look so plain.

 

If you’re going to be wearing shorts and a tank top, wear cute shoes for a trendy look.

 

White pencil mini skirt, mint top and white trainers for a sporty and girly vibe.

 

Wear a plain top if you’re going to be wearing printed pants. You don’t want to look too over-the-top so it’s a good idea to keep it simple.