Today we’re checking back in with Scotland-based Amber McNaught of Forever Amber, whom we first featured in July 2014. Since then she’s had a baby, and continues to have fun with fashion and do her own thing. Her style is as bold, Modern Classic and polished as ever. And she is still rocking polka dots and long red locks.

Amber dresses up a casual T-shirt dress with a Modern Classic blazer. A T-shirt dress is an easy pull-on-and-go option. The midi length is on-trend, and the black and white stripe adds visual interest to the look. Popping over a tailored blazer in white as “the third piece” adds crisp polish. Our blogger’s white sneakers add a Sporty Luxe vibe, while the straw bag with happy slogan gives it a relaxed Summer vibe. Amber’s go-to bright red lipstick and equally bright nail polish are the jazzy finishing touches.

The biker jacket in a rich shade of cognac complements Amber’s stunning red locks perfectly. She’s wearing blue skinny jeans with side zippers and a cropped cable-knit sweater that lengthens the leg line. The faux suede jacket trimmed with faux fur adds luxe drama and is the star of the show. Our blogger’s kept the rest of the outfit very simple with block-heeled suede booties that match the jacket, and a textured satchel that also echoes the sassy jacket and Amber’s hair. Adding big sunnies and red lippy and she is ready to go.

Our blogger’s love of polka dots continues unabashedly. The bias-cut skirt in striking forest green swooshes elegantly, while the cream sweater picks up the colour of the polka dots. The vertical self stripes on the sweater and the above-the-hip length help lengthen the leg line when wearing a midi skirt with calf-length booties. Opting for nude-for-her suede and wearing matching hosiery does the same. The laces on the stiletto booties give them a charming Victorian vibe. A white satchel with gold hardware and cat’s eye sunnies are the accessories of choice.

I love how the soft pinks soften the harsher black and make Amber’s red hair pop even more. She’s created a column of colour by pairing a black slogan sweatshirt with black ankle-length jeans. The white with black sneakers echo the colours of the sweatshirt and contribute to the casual vibe. Our blogger then dresses up the outfit with a tailored classic trench in a beautiful blush pink. Her big bow bag in a slightly less saturated shade of pink adds even more polish. Glam oversized sunnies and coral lipstick work brilliantly with the rest of the outfit.

Another super fun polka dot skirt, this one in a stretchy jersey fabric that’s lovely for warm Summer days. Our just under 5’4″ blogger went with the petite for this particular skirt and it is still a “true” midi on her. She’s paired it with a simple white tee that she’s knotted so that it comes up just under the waist. This creates a long lean line. The white Converse sneakers make a second appearance, and pick up the white in the skirt and tee. Red lipstick, black sunglasses and a fun fedora finish off the look.

Retro preppy in red, blue, and white for a day at the seaside. Amber is sporting a lightweight ribbed sweater that just hits the waistband of the trousers, giving it a tucked effect. The fabulous tapered blue and white gingham trousers are ankle length, which draws extra attention to Amber’s dainty red ballet flats. They’re such a cheerful addition to the blue and white, and match her trademark red lipstick to perfection. Cat’s eye sunglasses are all that’s needed to complete the look.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Amber’s beautiful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out her blog where you can browse the rest of her outfits.

Today we’re checking back in with Scotland-based Amber McNaught of Forever Amber, whom we first featured in July 2014. Since then she’s had a baby, and continues to have fun with fashion and do her own thing. Her style is as bold, Modern Classic and polished as ever. And she is still rocking polka dots and long red locks.

Amber dresses up a casual T-shirt dress with a Modern Classic blazer. A T-shirt dress is an easy pull-on-and-go option. The midi length is on-trend, and the black and white stripe adds visual interest to the look. Popping over a tailored blazer in white as “the third piece” adds crisp polish. Our blogger’s white sneakers add a Sporty Luxe vibe, while the straw bag with happy slogan gives it a relaxed Summer vibe. Amber’s go-to bright red lipstick and equally bright nail polish are the jazzy finishing touches.

The biker jacket in a rich shade of cognac complements Amber’s stunning red locks perfectly. She’s wearing blue skinny jeans with side zippers and a cropped cable-knit sweater that lengthens the leg line. The faux suede jacket trimmed with faux fur adds luxe drama and is the star of the show. Our blogger’s kept the rest of the outfit very simple with block-heeled suede booties that match the jacket, and a textured satchel that also echoes the sassy jacket and Amber’s hair. Adding big sunnies and red lippy and she is ready to go.

Our blogger’s love of polka dots continues unabashedly. The bias-cut skirt in striking forest green swooshes elegantly, while the cream sweater picks up the colour of the polka dots. The vertical self stripes on the sweater and the above-the-hip length help lengthen the leg line when wearing a midi skirt with calf-length booties. Opting for nude-for-her suede and wearing matching hosiery does the same. The laces on the stiletto booties give them a charming Victorian vibe. A white satchel with gold hardware and cat’s eye sunnies are the accessories of choice.

I love how the soft pinks soften the harsher black and make Amber’s red hair pop even more. She’s created a column of colour by pairing a black slogan sweatshirt with black ankle-length jeans. The white with black sneakers echo the colours of the sweatshirt and contribute to the casual vibe. Our blogger then dresses up the outfit with a tailored classic trench in a beautiful blush pink. Her big bow bag in a slightly less saturated shade of pink adds even more polish. Glam oversized sunnies and coral lipstick work brilliantly with the rest of the outfit.

Another super fun polka dot skirt, this one in a stretchy jersey fabric that’s lovely for warm Summer days. Our just under 5’4″ blogger went with the petite for this particular skirt and it is still a “true” midi on her. She’s paired it with a simple white tee that she’s knotted so that it comes up just under the waist. This creates a long lean line. The white Converse sneakers make a second appearance, and pick up the white in the skirt and tee. Red lipstick, black sunglasses and a fun fedora finish off the look.

Retro preppy in red, blue, and white for a day at the seaside. Amber is sporting a lightweight ribbed sweater that just hits the waistband of the trousers, giving it a tucked effect. The fabulous tapered blue and white gingham trousers are ankle length, which draws extra attention to Amber’s dainty red ballet flats. They’re such a cheerful addition to the blue and white, and match her trademark red lipstick to perfection. Cat’s eye sunglasses are all that’s needed to complete the look.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of Amber’s beautiful outfits. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out her blog where you can browse the rest of her outfits.

From headbands to barrettes to hair slides, Fashionista reports that the humble hair accessory is making a comeback.

 Refinery29 found us “27 barrettes that’ve come a long way from ’90s butterfly hair clips.”

The Guardian gives us satin headbands, silk bows, and beaded clips.

Did you see the return of hair bows coming?

Ever since Kate Middleton started wearing them, more and more headbands have popped up in stores. Here’s some visual inspiration if you’re not sure how to pull it off yourself.

Fab Links from Our Members

La Pedestrienne found this article on the changing landscape of work-appropriate attire interesting: “If there’s one thing the fashion industry loves more than uncomfortable shoes, it’s a bit of drama.”

April wanted to share this round-up of long-sleeved swimsuits.

Laura (rhubarbgirl) directs us to this article about ASOS’s new return policy, and about the environmental impact of returns in general.

Shevia thought this was an interesting reminder of how the other half lives.

JAileen enjoyed this article about the woman who designed for Barbie for 36 years. The pictures are wonderful.

Joy liked the ideas in this YouTube tutorial for tying a shirt.

Angie thinks this new fat-positive TV series staring Aidy Bryant from Saturday Night Live looks very interesting.

Runcarla loves Katie Sturino and her blog, the12ishstyle: “This young woman is fabulous and funny! She is relentless at doing brilliant copycat outfits of celebrities for real-life bodies in the 12-18 size range. She calls them SSTLS — Super Size The Looks. As she says ‘get your confidence on!’”

These items have been winners on my casual and smart casual clients recently. They are simple, but with design detailing that makes them more interesting than a simple essential. Most of the items are neutral, but some offer colour options.

• &.LAYERED Tie Front Sweatshirt: This knit top looks cuter in person. Better than a simple tee, and less sporty than a sweatshirt. A little flirty and very comfortable. Available in neutrals and stripes. Might run a little big.
• Frye Women’s Billy 70750 Shootie: A fab Spring shootie to lighten and brighten outfits. Great quality and comfy for regular volume feet. After a little breaking in, your feet will thank you.
• Karen Kane Asymmetrical Twist Front Dress: A flattering and very comfy dress on those who can fill it out. Easy to launder and fab in motion. Comes in black and plus sizes.
• Rag & Bone Mason Stripe Top: A nice ribbed pullover for cobalt lovers. Despite the stripes and high neckline, it works well on a larger bust. Lovely quality and fab under jackets. Comes in another colourway.
• Finn Comfort Ikebukuro: An extremely well made and comfortable sneaker for high-volume feet and bunions that need arch support. The chunkiness has a ’90s integrity. Available in colours and patterns.
• Boden Arabella Sweatshirt: A crisp and dressier sweatshirt with a rainbow party on the back as well as on the sleeves. Check out the back! Lovely fluid fit with a curved back hem. Better than basic. It earned a place in my wardrobe because it’s quite structured and crisp. It became an instant wardrobe workhorse with my tomato red jeans for very casual days. Comes in other neutrals and a polka dot.
• Boden Sara Denim Dress: Dress this beauty up with heels and ballet flats, or down with sneakers and slides. Works on a straighter and curvier figure. Elegant length. It’s 100% cotton denim with no give or stretch, but it IS quite soft. Runs a size big, so might need to size down.
• Boden Leonie Ponte Midi Dress: Super soft and traditionally flattering. Gorgeous on a curvy body type. I saw this dress on a US18 with a large bust, and it took my breath away. Elegant and playful. Comes in green. Easy to launder.
• Boden Wren Biker Jacket: This item was restocked up to a US16 because it flew off the shelves the first time round. It’s a 100% cotton moto in a tailored fit with subtle hardware and BLUE. Unique, versatile, well made and flattering. Replaces a denim jacket.
• Caslon Luna Pointy Toe Flat: A classic flat with rave reviews that can work on a higher volume foot. Lots of colours and patterns, of which the suede versions are the most comfortable.
• Everlane The Chore Jacket: A trendy chore jacket with a good fit and at a good price. It’s more refined than the average workwear topper, thanks to fab fabric, flat patch pockets and streamlined fit. Comes in neutrals. Read the rave reviews.
• Donald J Pliner Britini Sandal: A comfy ’90s sandal for regular volume feet. If you wear a lot of black and want a Summer update – try this sandal.
• Madewell Flower Statement Earrings: Flower Power Statement Earring Fabness.
• Madewell The Brady Block Heel Bootie: These are a repeat style because they’re very comfortable, hip, and look great on the foot. Best on regular volume feet. A great way to update for Spring and Summer.
• Madewell Gingham Peplum Button Down Shirt: A masculine shirt with frilly charm. Lovely quality, fluid fit, and best on a straighter body type. Fun with white bottoms.
• Topshop Tortoiseshell Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress: Mesh dresses are crease-resistant, lightweight, easy to launder, comfortable, and great for travel. This silhouette is structured yet fluid. Quite fitted on the torso and sleeves so you have to be okay with that. A little earthier in person. The lining does not go all the way down the dress, which makes it quite breezy, Might need to size up.
• Madewell Hillside Daisies Peekaboo Sleeve Midi Dress: A fab ’90s inspired dress that works well on a curvier body type. Add combat boots, tough topper or long cardi, and Bob’s your uncle.
• Boden Ayla Jersey Top: Super cute boho-lite jersey top that’s 100% cotton and super breezy, easy to wear, and pretty. Dressier and more interesting than a basic tee.
• SCOTCH & SODA Scotch & Soda Smocked Shirt | Nordstrom: This is the best tie-front top I’ve seen and fitted so far. The fabric is gorgeous, and the fit is flattering on most body types. Substantial, and a quality piece.The diagonal sleeves work well on a larger bust. Great with skirts. Comes in white on the Scotch & Soda website.
• SCOTCH & SODA Ruffle Sleeve Tie Front Cotton Dress: Emerald Green Shirt Dressy Fabness. The exuberant sleeves and front yoke detailing make it more than basic. Fab length and nice gently curved hem. 100% cotton.
• SCOTCH & SODA Midi Wrap Dress: Gorgeous wrap midi with more coverage than the usual wrap dress. It has interesting gathering and ruching detailing that is more streamlining than you expect. Works on both a curvier and straighter figure.
• Loft Peplum Open Hoodie: Super cute open hoodie with a peplum party at the back. Comes in olive and grey.
• Loft Floral Embroidered Sweater: Chilly Spring Sweater Fabness. Runs a size big.
• Boden Arabella Sweatshirt: A well made and ultra crisp sweatshirt that can be worn as a fun casual top with jeans. It has a longer, curved back that’s flattering.
• Boden Isabella Lace Back Top: Much more interesting than a basic tee, if you enjoy wearing a pretty top. Check out the eyelet party at the back. Comes in colours on the Boden website. White is quite opaque.
• J.Crew Garment-dyed hoodie sweatshirt: The tapered hem on this hoodie makes it look a lot more crisp and tidy than a regular sweatshirt. I styled it with white pearls, a pastel floral raincoat, cropped jeans and pink sneaks for a client last week, and she loved her refreshed look. We pulled the hood out and draped it over the collar of the raincoat. Looking casually swish in 2019.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

This top is for skirt wearers who don’t want to wear fitted tops or tucked tops with skirts, culottes or wide crops. The tie-front top is a good solution, because you wear it over bottoms thereby covering some of the waist and midsection bits. The fluid fit is breezy on hot days, and will fit an assortment of body types. The tie provides structure by shortening the length of the top, and tapering the fit to showcase the contour of the body.

Of course, you can wear tie-front tops with jeans, pants and shorts as the stock photos show. But since skirts languish in closets when they don’t have tops to wear with them, I’m emphasizing how well the tie-front top can work with straight, A-line and flared skirts.

The tie-front top comes in all sorts of colours, patterns, fabrics, and with assorted necklines and sleeve styles. Some versions are dressier than others. The style of the tie and length of the top can vary too. Some are longer, thereby covering more of the midsection. Some finish on the waist, while others expose the midsection. Some ties tie to the side. Take your pick.

The V-necklines are particularly flattering on petites, shorter necks, and larger busts. The knits are usually easier to launder than woven versions, but the wovens look more crisp. The button-through style is not problematic for curvy figures with larger busts because of the fluid fit and structure created with the tie.

Try the tie-front top if you have orphaned Summer skirts. Make sure the length is right so that you’re confident with the fit on the midsection. You might need to size down if the fit is too blouson-y.

Spring and Summer collections are in full swing, and I’m happy to see longer length dresses, skirts with movement, and tops that don’t drown the wearer. Here are this week’s picks across an assortment of items, lifestyles and price points. 

• 1901 Pleated Polo Midi Skirt: The most streamlined pleated skirt I’ve seen so far. It wowed me when a client combined it with an assortment of navy and white striped tops and white sneaks. SUPER cute and comfy.
• 1901 Longline Cardigan: This long line cardigan has a uniquely voluminous back, and sharp white piping. Lovely fabric. Read the rave reviews.
• ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Pull-On Silk Skirt: This skirt looks better in person, and works best on a curvier figure. It can be dressed up tor down, and looks luxe no matter what. Gorgeous fabric and length. Elegant in motion.
• Rag & Bone Felix Stripe Silk Wrap Top: A fab blouse for a curvier figure with a larger bust, shorter waist, and shorter neck. Wear it over slim or flared bottoms. Runs big and is very lightweight. Comes in solids.
• Rag & Bone ‘Boyfriend’ Leather Belt: Teal Belt Fabness.
• 1901 Tie Front Poplin Shirt: A shirt that works well over flared or straight skirts, or bottoms with higher rises. Fluid yet structured, and forgiving on midsection bits. Suits a range of body types.
• Zella Ella Satin Bomber Jacket: Sporty Bomber Fabness. Fun back ruched sleeve detailing, and comes in bone.
• Boden Silk Shirt: I’ve been off silk blouses until I tried this one because it’s a cut above the rest. Gorgeously luxe fabric and fit. The armholes aren’t too low, and the shape is fluid but flowing in a way that I don’t look like I’m wearing a tent. The curved hemline helps too. I’m wearing this blouse OUT and untucked over tomato red jeans which is atypical. The vertical integrity of the colour blocking is striking, and makes all the difference. Comes in a few patterns, and the length is quite long.
• Gentle Souls By Kenneth Cole Lavern: Extremely comfortable and on-trend slides for regular volume feet.
• PIKOLINOS Mykonos W1G-0757CL: The Sporty Sandal trend is alive and well in this less athletic version. Chunky in a refined way on the foot. Very comfortable and works best on regular volume feet.
• Dansko Susie Platform Sandal: A fab slip-on sandal for wider and higher volume feet. Lots of arch support. Comes in black and tan.
• Dansko Adrianne Sneaker: Lilac sneakers fabness for those who like cushioning insoles with lots of arch support.
• Dansko Lou Ankle Strap Sandal: Teal Ankle Strap Fabness. Comfy and lots of arch support. Works best on regular and higher volume feet.
• Reiss Joanne Check Stretch Cotton Blend Pants: Fun pants to dress up or down for work or play. Gorgeous quality and fabric in an unusual earthy Spring/Summer check. Lightweight. Nice mid-rise. Crease-resistant, and fab with cream, black, navy and mustard. Luxe fabric.
• Vince Satin Silk Tee: This blouse looks better in person and on a figure that can fill it out. Good on a shorter waist, and works well on a fuller bust. The front slit detailing creates an architectural integrity that does not come through in the photo. Comes in four colours. Lovely fabric. Excellent dressed up with ankle pants and accessories. Drapes like a dream. Luxe fabric.
• Vince Tossed Poppy Pleated Blouse: This blouse looks better in person and on a figure that can fill it out. Good on a shorter waist, and works well on a fuller bust. Crease-resistant and architectural. Comes in cream.
• Boss Ivala Stretch Silk Blouse: This looks less tent-y and better in person IF you can fill it out with broader shoulders and a larger bust. Good on a shorter neck too. Comes in ivory. Sleeves can easily be shortened.
• Reiss Colleen Polo Pocket Sweater: Gorgeous crisp and pretty piece that is badly styled here. It’s quite long and has a substantial welt, so it looks GREAT worn over slimmer pants and jeans. It’s not supposed to be tucked! More cream in person, and might run a size small.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Bike shorts worn as casual and smart casual wear are a fringe trend. As an extension of the Sporty Luxe and Athleisure trends, it makes sense that the item is having its fashion moment. If leggings can be worn as pants these days, why shouldn’t bike shorts be mainstream. 

Most trendy bike shorts are black, but come in colours and patterns too. They don’t have the padded seat and crotch area like real cycling shorts, but are rather a much shorter version of leggings. Fabric is thick, substantial and opaque.

The idea is not to look like you’re going to the gym or climbing on your road bike when styling them. Wear them with regular casual wear like tees, shirts, blouses, knitwear, hoodies, denim jackets, bombers and casual footwear. Or dress them up with a blazer, top, heels and bling.

The collection below provides examples of the look.

You can go to town styling bike shorts in a fashion forward way, like the outfits here, with a turtleneck, leather blazer, sporty sandals worn with socks, and transparent bag. Or belt a long blazer with a waist-cinching belt and add a pair of booties.

I like the bike shorts trend because it looks different and new. I prefer the dressier outfits because of the interesting juxtapositions. If you enjoy showcasing your legs, this is one way to go. Like leggings, bike shorts are easy to fit and you can choose a length. I like them just above he knee cap. I am a yay for this trend on others. That said, I’m a nay for myself because I don’t wear shorts, and I loathe the feeling of body-con spandex clothing on my body.

What do you think of the bike shorts trend? Do you like it, and would you wear it?

You bat for Team Cropped Pants when you prefer to wear pants and jeans cropped to a length that finishes above the ankle or shorter. Rolling or cuffing the hems of bottoms to showcase a bare ankle or shoe counts as cropped bottoms. You bat for Team Full-Length Bottoms when you prefer to wear bottoms that completely cover the ankle.

I like to wear cropped bottoms across all sorts of silhouettes because they are practical in rainy Seattle (no soggy hems). The cropped length showcases fun footwear, looks great with flats (my choice of footwear), and exposes an alluring ankle bone. Cropped bottoms also look seasonally in sync with Spring and Summer.

I like to wear full-length bootcut and bell-bottom jeans and pants at floor skimming lengths with a very low heel or sneakers because the swoosh of the flared fabric on the lower leg is elegant. The silhouette lengthens the leg line, looks traditionally flattering, and can create a fun ‘70s vibe. I also like to wear-full length skinnies and straight legs with ballet flats and loafers in warmer weather.

I have more cropped bottoms than full-length bottoms in my wardrobe at the moment because cropped lengths have been relentless at retail. Full-length bottoms are much harder to find, but I expect them to make a comeback. I enjoy both sets of lengths equally, so I’m sitting this one out on the bench with salmon curry, rice, pickled veg, and lemon fairy cakes with cream cheese icing.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Cropped or Team Full-Length Bottoms? Tell us why and no batting for both teams. Feel free to join me on the bench if you can’t pick a side.

Footwear hybrids are a component of modern fashion and have trended for a while. For example, mainstream sandal booties are part sandal and part bootie. Sock booties are part sock and part boot, and shooties are part loafer/oxford, and part bootie. You get the idea. 

Since sneakers are the shoe of our fashion era, it makes sense that shoe styles are combined with sneaker detailing to create a new look hybrid. For Spring and Summer, sandals are being combined with sporty sneaker details like: chunky rubber platform heels, velcro fastenings, spongy perforations, gauzy insets, chunky laces, plastic vamps, rubbery wedges, elastic straps, lug soles, eyelets, and canvas straps. The collection shows examples of the vibe.

Eileen Fisher’s Sport Platform Sandal was one of the first versions to go mainstream, and I have many, many happy clients in the style. A repeat top pick and fab find for years with good reason because it’s an extremely comfortable, breezy and on-trend walking shoe. Trendier clients though, have moved on to the next more dramatic level of the sporty sandal.

There are many interpretations of the trend, and the visual effect varies greatly. Some versions are more refined, others are extremely chunky, and there’s everything in between. Birkenstock made the iconic Arizona in plastic for their version of the trend. Plastic pool slides and flip-flops are looking fancier each season, and Fly London are milking the
quirky-chunky–sporty integrity of their brand. Tevas and Chacos – which are authentic “gear” shoes – have been elevated to make a fashion statement. With the way fashion is going, their fashion moment was bound to happen and it doesn’t surprise me.

The idea is to wear sporty sandals with just about anything, much like you would wear sneakers these days. Sporty sandals are simply the breezier version of sneakers. The more jarring the combination and irregular the juxtaposition, the more fashion-forward and trend-setting the outfit. For example, here are sporty sandals worn with a dressier shorts suit.

Personally, I’m a refined footwear gal with very low-volume feet, so even if sporty sandals were my thing – they wouldn’t fit or suit the shape of my feet. Too wide and heavy, and too casual for my sartorial preferences. I don’t wear sandals that frequently, but when I do, I stick to narrow, lightweight, flat, dainty, dressy and classic designs because they go the distance for my urban walking lifestyle, and suit my style. But of course, I’m thrilled that the trends are supporting our needs for comfortable and happy feet by making items like sporty sandals a fashion statement, AND that you can wear them however you want to. Almost anything goes these days if you wear something with verve, intention and confidence – and that is empowering. I like the sporty sandal trend for others. How about you?