The Pentagon on Wednesday said it is rotating military personnel in Africa in favor of a leaner force presence, amid reports officials were mulling a major troop reduction.

Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Pentagon sending smaller troop force to Africa Top Armed Services Committee Republican: Vindman’s ‘career needs to proceed based on his talents and abilities’ MORE is sending a portion of the Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) to Africa in the coming weeks, “reducing the demand for brigade combat teams to conduct security force assistance operations there,” Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said in a statement on Wednesday.

The move “allows the Army to return elements of an infantry brigade from the 101st Airborne Division back to its home base of Ft. Campbell, Ky.”

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The New York Times first reported in December that Esper was considering a major reduction of U.S. troops from West Africa in order to shift forces and focus to better counter Russian and Chinese aggression.

The contingent on the continent includes several hundred American service members deployed in Somalia, Niger, Chad and Mali, who are there to train and assist security forces to contain extremist Islamic groups including Boko Haram and those that pledge loyalty to ISIS and al Qaeda. The United States also helps support French forces on the continent.

But lawmakers in January pushed back on the idea of a reduction over concerns that terrorist and extremist groups would grow in the region without U.S. forces present there to quell them.

“The Secretary of Defense has been conducting a comprehensive review of DoD forces, programs and activities within each Combatant Command to ensure alignment with the National Defense Strategy’s priorities,” Farah said.

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“As part of this review and in order to better compete with China and Russia in Africa, the Secretary is directing the deployment of elements” of the brigade, which will “train, advise, and assist missions in spotlight African countries.”

Esper, who is in Brussels this week for a NATO meeting, told reporters traveling with him on Tuesday that the purpose of the move is to “get the force sizing right, that the activities, the actions and tasks [are] right in each theater of command.”

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Esper added that he will press European nations to fill the void should the U.S. take a step back on the continent.

“Our European partners, there’s room for them to step up in Africa. And to do more,” he said.

Army Africa commander Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier, meanwhile, said Wednesday that the U.S. will not abandon its African partners.

“We’re not walking away. We are still engaged,” Cloutier told reporters.

Roughly 6,000 U.S. military personnel are currently in Africa. 

Former White House chief of staff John KellyJohn Francis KellyMORE condemned President TrumpDonald John TrumpBiden assures supporters the primary is still ‘wide open’ in lengthy phone call: report Warren: We are watching a descent into authoritarianism Collins: Trump ‘angered by impeachment’ MORE’s controversial comments calling some Mexican migrants “rapists” and criminals, saying they’re “overwhelmingly good people” looking for jobs in the United States.

Kelly, who also served as the Secretary of Homeland Security, told an audience at Drew University on Wednesday that he disapproved of Trump’s rhetoric about migrants when he announced his presidential bid.

Trump famously declared some migrants coming into the U.S. from Mexico as “rapists” and criminals.

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“In fact, they’re overwhelmingly good people … They’re not all rapists and they’re not all murderers. And it’s wrong to characterize them that way,” Kelly said, according to The Atlantic. “I disagreed with the president a number of times.” 

While serving as a Cabinet member in charge of the Department of Homeland Security, Kelly was responsible for advancing Trump’s immigration plan, which included his long-promised border wall.

Kelly, however, told the crowd that he disagreed with the president’s proposal to build a barrier “from sea to shining sea.”

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The former Trump official has previously condemned Trump’s proposed structure spanning the entire U.S.-Mexico border, calling it a “waste of money” in March 2019. 

The Atlantic noted that Kelly made several remarks against the president during his Q&A, including praising the impeachment witness who was ousted from his job on the National Security Council.

“He did exactly what we teach them to do from cradle to grave,” Kelly said of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman. “He went and told his boss what he just heard.”

Kelly was selected as chief of staff in July 2017 to bring order to Trump’s chaotic White House, but their relationship gradually deteriorated as the president pushed back on the retired Marine Corps general’s constraints.

He left the position at the end of 2018 and was replaced by Mick MulvaneyJohn (Mick) Michael MulvaneyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Sanders, Buttigieg set for Granite State showdown Business groups try to avoid partisan crossfire Mick Mulvaney’s job security looks strong following impeachment MORE, the current acting chief of staff. 

Welcome to Wednesday’s Overnight Health Care.

The House Ways and Means Committee passed its own version of surprise billing legislation today, and the president of a powerful doctor’s association and a Nevada union are separately warning against Medicare for All.

Let’s start with the committee vote in the House…

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Surprise billing fix sails through Ways and Means

The Ways and Means Committee passed its own version of surprise billing legislation Wednesday, one day after the Education and Labor Committee approved a competing bill. 

The Ways and Means version passed by a voice vote.

Context: Congress wants to end the practice of surprise billing, which can happen to patients who go to an in-network hospital or emergency room but are treated by an out-of-network doctor. When insurers don’t pay the full amount, providers often bill patients for the remainder. 

While lawmakers agree insurers should pay these bills, a debate is brewing over how much they should have to pay providers for their services. 

The big difference: The Ways and Means proposal, which is viewed as being more provider friendly, would give the decision on how much the insurer should pay the doctor to an outside arbiter. 

The Education and Labor bill, which passed the committee 32-13 on Tuesday, would set the payment rate based on the median amount paid for that service in the geographic area, with the option of going to arbitration for some higher-cost bills. Insurers favor this approach. 

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The bill is similar to one that passed the Energy and Commerce Committee last year. 

What’s next: Leaders have to reconcile the differences between the three bills and hope to include it in a spending bill that Congress must pass by May 22. 

 

Wednesday, February 26: America’s Opioid Epidemic: Lessons Learned & A Way Forward 

Join The Hill on Wednesday, February 26th in downtown Washington, D.C. as we host a conversation about expanding access to treatment and helping those battling opioid addiction begin the journey toward long-term recovery. We will be speaking with Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rep. David JoyceDavid Patrick JoyceOvernight Health Care: Rival surprise billing fix sails through House panel | Powerful Nevada union warns against Sanders health plan | Cruise ship denied entry over coronavirus fears to dock in Cambodia Overnight Health Care: House panel advances legislation on surprise medical bills | Planned Parenthood, ACLU sue over Trump abortion coverage rule | CDC identifies 13th US patient with coronavirus Overnight Health Care — Presented by Partnership for America’s Health Care Future — House to condemn Trump plan for Medicaid block grants | Chinese doctor who warned of coronavirus dies | CDC ships coronavirus tests MORE (R-Ohio) and Rep. Paul TonkoPaul David TonkoOvernight Health Care: Rival surprise billing fix sails through House panel | Powerful Nevada union warns against Sanders health plan | Cruise ship denied entry over coronavirus fears to dock in Cambodia Overnight Health Care: House panel advances legislation on surprise medical bills | Planned Parenthood, ACLU sue over Trump abortion coverage rule | CDC identifies 13th US patient with coronavirus Experts criticize EPA Lead and Copper Rule revisions MORE (D-N.Y.). RSVP today! 

 

American Medical Association president warns against ‘one-size-fits-all’ single-payer system

The president of the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s leading doctors group, criticized Medicare for All as a “one-size-fits all solution” on Wednesday, but acknowledged that some doctors, particularly younger ones, support the idea. 

“We just don’t think a one-size-fits-all solution works,” Dr. Patrice Harris told The Hill when asked about a Medicare for All, single-payer system. 

“And so, we believe that there should be choice for patient, choice for physician, and there should be a plurality of available options, but absolutely having a strong safety net,” she added in the interview at the group’s national advocacy conference in Washington.  

Watch out for shifts though: The House of Delegates of the AMA, narrowly voted down a measure to drop the organization’s decades-long opposition to a single-payer system last year, by a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent. 

But attitudes among doctors could be changing. Asked if younger doctors are more open to single-payer, Harris said, “I’ve seen that, I’ve witnessed that.”

“I think there are folks of all, you know, age ranges and specialties that might support that,” she added. “But again, that’s the beauty of the AMA and our democratic process and our value of diverse thoughts and opinions.”

Read more here.

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Powerful Nevada union warns against Sanders health plan

A possible warning sign for Sanders in Nevada: The powerful Culinary Union in Nevada is warning that Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersBiden assures supporters the primary is still ‘wide open’ in lengthy phone call: report Limbaugh on Buttigieg: ‘America’s still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage’ CNN announces Democratic town halls in Nevada MORE‘s (I-Vt.) “Medicare for All” plan would “end” their health care plan. 

The warning comes in a flyer distributed by the union and obtained by The Nevada Independent. The flyer describes Sanders’s health care plan by saying it would “End Culinary Healthcare.” Under his Medicare for All plan, all private health insurance would be replaced with a government-run plan. 

Rivals looking for advantage: Pete ButtigiegPeter (Pete) Paul ButtigiegBiden assures supporters the primary is still ‘wide open’ in lengthy phone call: report Limbaugh on Buttigieg: ‘America’s still not ready to elect a gay guy kissing his husband on the debate stage’ CNN announces Democratic town halls in Nevada MORE, a more moderate rival to Sanders, sought to appeal to unions on health care on Wednesday. 

He is proposing an optional government-run health plan that would allow unions and others to keep their private health insurance if they want it. 

“There are 14 million union workers in America who have fought hard for strong, employer-provided health benefits,” Buttigieg tweeted. “Medicare for All Who Want It protects their plans and union members’ freedom to choose the coverage that’s best for them.”

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The Culinary Union released a statement late Wednesday. “Workers should have the right to choose to keep the healthcare Culinary Union members have built, sacrificed for, and went on strike for 6 years, 4 months, and 10 days to protect,” said Geoconda Argüello-Kline.

“It’s disappointing that Senator Sanders’ supporters have viciously attacked the Culinary Union and working families in Nevada simply because our union has provided facts on what certain healthcare proposals might do to take away the system of care we have built over 8 decades.”

Read more here.

 

Cruise ship denied entry by four governments will finally dock in Cambodia

A cruise ship will be allowed to dock in Cambodia after four other countries’ governments turned it away over concerns about coronavirus being spread by passengers.

Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines had previously turned away the MS Westerdam despite assurances from its operator, Holland America Line, that there were no confirmed cases of the virus among the 2,200 passengers and crew on the ship, The Associated Press reported.

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U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick MurphyPatrick Erin MurphyOvernight Health Care: Rival surprise billing fix sails through House panel | Powerful Nevada union warns against Sanders health plan | Cruise ship denied entry over coronavirus fears to dock in Cambodia Cruise ship denied entry by four governments to finally dock in Cambodia Lawmakers close to finalizing federal strategy to defend against cyberattacks MORE said Wednesday that Cambodian authorities would allow the ship, whose passengers include U.S. citizens, to dock at the port of Sihanoukville. “We have also coordinated with foreign embassies of other nationalities,” Murphy added.

The Westerdam is projected to arrive in the port Thursday morning, after which passengers will be able to transfer to charter flights to Phnom Penh and catch flights home, according to a statement from Holland America.

Read more here.

 

What we’re reading

Doctors push back as Congress takes aim at surprise medical bills (Kaiser Health News) 

Labs scramble to spot hidden coronavirus infections (Science Mag)

After a new version of a decades-old drug gets orphan status the price suddenly skyrockets (statnews.com)

 

State by state

Single payer health care is back on the table in California (Capital Public Radio News)

Ohio officials have no plan to seek federal block grant for Medicaid (The Columbus Dispatch)

New York lawmakers introduce bill to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage (Albany Times Union) 

Happy Wednesday and welcome to Overnight Defense. I’m Rebecca Kheel, and here’s your nightly guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the newsletter.

 

THE TOPLINE: The Senate has started debating the Iran war powers resolution.

Just before an initial procedural vote on the measure Wednesday, President TrumpDonald John TrumpBiden assures supporters the primary is still ‘wide open’ in lengthy phone call: report Warren: We are watching a descent into authoritarianism Collins: Trump ‘angered by impeachment’ MORE pressed the Senate to vote against the resolution, which seeks to rein in his ability to take military action against Iran without congressional approval.

Trump lamented that the resolution, which is scheduled to get a vote on Thursday and will likely pass with bipartisan support, would “show weakness.”

“It is very important for our Country’s SECURITY that the United States Senate not vote for the Iran War Powers Resolution. We are doing very well with Iran and this is not the time to show weakness,” Trump said in a series of tweets. “Americans overwhelmingly support our attack on terrorist Soleimani. If my hands were tied, Iran would have a field day. Sends a very bad signal.”

Trump suggested the resolution was merely an effort by Democrats “to embarrass the Republican Party,” even as multiple GOP senators are expected to vote for it.

The White House also issued an official statement of administration policy that said, unsurprisingly, Trump would veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

Republicans on board: In the initial procedural vote Wednesday, eight Republicans voted with Democrats to move forward with the resolution.

In all, the motion to proceed passed 51-45.

The Republicans “yes” votes were Sens. Lamar AlexanderAndrew (Lamar) Lamar AlexanderOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces How Lamar Alexander clouds the true meaning of the Constitution Impeachment fallout threatens to upend battle for Senate MORE (Tenn.), Susan CollinsSusan Margaret CollinsCollins: Trump ‘angered by impeachment’ Barr ensnared in Roger Stone firestorm Overnight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces MORE (Maine), Bill CassidyWilliam (Bill) Morgan CassidyOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Plan to probe Bidens sparks GOP divisions Trump urges Congress to pass bill allowing new parents to advance tax credits MORE (La.), Mike LeeMichael (Mike) Shumway LeeOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Booker, Merkley propose federal facial recognition moratorium Trump urges Senate to reject effort to reel in his Iran war powers MORE (Utah), Jerry MoranGerald (Jerry) MoranOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Trump urges Senate to reject effort to reel in his Iran war powers Overnight Defense: Trump says military may consider disciplining Vindman | Dems pick up another Republican for Iran war measure | Watchdog says over 2,000 people killed rebuilding Afghanistan MORE (Kan.), Lisa MurkowskiLisa Ann MurkowskiBarr ensnared in Roger Stone firestorm Overnight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Trump denies political interference in Stone case MORE (Alaska), Rand PaulRandal (Rand) Howard PaulBarr ensnared in Roger Stone firestorm Overnight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Trump urges Senate to reject effort to reel in his Iran war powers MORE (Ky.) and Todd YoungTodd Christopher YoungOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Trump urges Senate to reject effort to reel in his Iran war powers Overnight Defense: Trump says military may consider disciplining Vindman | Dems pick up another Republican for Iran war measure | Watchdog says over 2,000 people killed rebuilding Afghanistan MORE (Ind.).

That doesn’t necessarily mean all eight will support the measure in the final vote Thursday. But five have previously said they will, which is enough for the resolution to pass.

Those five are Collins, Lee, Paul, Moran and Young.

 

TOP REPUBLICAN SAYS MILITARY SHOULDN’T DISCIPLINE VINDMAN FOR TESTIMONY: The top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee said Wednesday it would not be appropriate for the military to take disciplinary action against Lt. Col. Alexander VindmanAlexander VindmanCollins: Trump ‘angered by impeachment’ Overnight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Top Armed Services Committee Republican: Vindman’s ‘career needs to proceed based on his talents and abilities’ MORE for his testimony during Trump’s impeachment.

“His career needs to proceed based on his talents and abilities,” Rep. Mac ThornberryWilliam (Mac) McClellan ThornberryOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Top Armed Services Committee Republican: Vindman’s ‘career needs to proceed based on his talents and abilities’ GOP Foreign Affairs leaders join pushback against potential troop drawdown in Africa MORE (R-Texas) told reporters about Vindman.

Pressed by The Hill if that means he thinks it would be inappropriate for the military to take disciplinary action against Vindman, Thornberry said, “based on his testimony before, yeah.”

“My point is, treat him just like anybody else,” Thornberry added.

Background: Thornberry was responding to comments President Trump made Tuesday.

Asked if the Pentagon should pursue further action against Vindman, Trump said it would be “up to the military.”

“But if you look at what happened, they’re going to certainly, I would imagine, take a look at that,” Trump said Tuesday in the Oval Office.

The Esper factor: Thornberry also pointed to Defense Secretary Mark EsperMark EsperOvernight Defense: Trump urges Senate to reject Iran war powers resolution | Top Republican says military shouldn’t discipline Vindman | Esper makes change to Africa forces Pentagon sending smaller troop force to Africa Top Armed Services Committee Republican: Vindman’s ‘career needs to proceed based on his talents and abilities’ MORE‘s comments last week that suggested the Pentagon would not punish Vindman.

At a news conference Friday, Esper told reporters that “we protect all of our persons, service members, from retribution or anything like that. We’ve already addressed that in policy and other means.”

Thornberry said he’s “counting on” Esper to keep his word.

“I’m counting on Esper to do what he said, and that is ensure there is no retribution,” Thornberry said. “And I guess the other part of that is that his future career will be judged just like any other service member, based on how well he performs.”

 

CHANGES FOR AFRICA FORCE: The Pentagon on Wednesday said it is rotating military personnel in Africa in favor of a leaner force presence, amid reports officials were mulling a major troop reduction.

Esper is sending a portion of the Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) to Africa in the coming weeks, “reducing the demand for brigade combat teams to conduct security force assistance operations there,” Pentagon spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said in a statement on Wednesday.

The move “allows the Army to return elements of an infantry brigade from the 101st Airborne Division back to its home base of Ft. Campbell, Ky.”

Context: The New York Times first reported in December that Esper was considering a major reduction of U.S. troops from West Africa in order to shift forces and focus to better counter Russian and Chinese aggression.

Roughly 6,000 U.S. military personnel are currently in Africa. 

The contingent on the continent includes several hundred American service members deployed in Somalia, Niger, Chad and Mali, who are there to train and assist security forces to contain extremist Islamic groups including Boko Haram and those that pledge loyalty to ISIS and al Qaeda. The United States also helps support French forces on the continent.

But lawmakers in January pushed back on the idea of a reduction over concerns that terrorist and extremist groups would grow in the region without U.S. forces present there to quell them.

Army Africa commander Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier, meanwhile, said Wednesday the U.S. will not abandon its African partners.

“We’re not walking away. We are still engaged,” Cloutier told reporters.

What the chairman thinks: Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim InhofeJames (Jim) Mountain InhofeDemocratic senators press Interior official over proposed changes to migratory bird protections GOP Foreign Affairs leaders join pushback against potential troop drawdown in Africa Democrats say Trump ceded right to block Bolton when he attacked him MORE (R-Okla.), who was instrumental in U.S Africa Command’s creation in 2007 and has been one of the vocal lawmakers against a drawdown there, said Wednesday he was “pleased” with the SFAB’s deployment.

“At the same time, the growing security threats in Africa – from terrorism to China and Russia – require additional capabilities that special operations and other troops currently serving there provide,” Inhofe added in a statement. “The SFAB should complement these critical forces, not replace them. I am waiting to see the details of what else the department is proposing for our AFRICOM troop presence on the continent and its critical role in supporting the National Defense Strategy.”

 

ON TAP FOR TOMORROW

A House Foreign Affairs Committee subpanel will hold a hearing on U.S. security assistance to Mexico at 9 a.m. at the Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172. https://bit.ly/2SjCTCV

Northern Command chief Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy and Strategic Command chief Adm. Charles Richard will testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee at 9:30 a.m. at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, room G-50. https://bit.ly/38oOFBz

A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee will hold a hearing on the “youth bulge” in Africa at 10 a.m. at Rayburn 2200. https://bit.ly/37mDKHt

 

ICYMI

— The Hill: US troops and pro-Syrian government militants clash, killing one Syrian

— The Hill: Trump looks to Africa to counter Iran

— The Hill: Peace Corps’ sudden decision to leave China stirs blowback

— The Hill: Opinion: Trump’s peace plan and the Gulf Arab States’ reaction

— Reuters: NATO to expand Iraq training mission in response to Trump

— The Washington Post: U.S. and Taliban negotiators to meet again following Trump approval

— Associated Press: US military downgrades efforts against extremists in Sahel

The Woolmark Company is launching 777 limited-edition ‘Knit Karl’ boxes
including Merino yarn, knitting needles, and patterns to create one of the
four designs imagined by Karl Lagerfeld, as a tribute to celebrate the
designer’s life and legacy.

Lagerfeld, first rose to fame after he won the 1954 Woolmark Prize in
the coat category, and since then the late designer and his namesake brand
have shared a longstanding relationship with Woolmark.

The limited-edition “do it yourself” boxes will include items to
hand knit an exclusive Australian Merino wool design and have been
developed by both Woolmark and the Karl Lagerfeld label, and will contain
one of four unisex Lagerfeld designs – a pullover, cap, headband or scarf.

To get your hands on one of the limited-edition ‘Knit Karl’ boxes, you
will need to take part in a digital scavenger hunt, searching for a unique
code for the chance to win. There are 777 knit boxes created, an ode to the
iconic designer’s favourite number, and the competition will run from
February 7 until March 7, with the exclusive codes to be entered at
www.knitkarl.com.

Woolmark unveils “do it yourself” Karl Lagerfeld knit boxes

“This entire year we have launched special projects and initiatives to
celebrate Karl’s life and legacy,” said Caroline Lebar, head of image and
communications at Karl Lagerfeld. “As Karl’s first-ever creation was for
the Woolmark Prize in 1954, it feels appropriate to celebrate his life with
this collaboration with The Woolmark Company.”

The Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough, added: “Our
relationship with the late Karl Lagerfeld dates back to 1954, when a young,
emerging designer presented a daffodil yellow wool coat to a prestigious
judging panel which included Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy.

“It is emotional that Karl Lagerfeld’s first major accomplishment was
with wool, as was one of his last projects. The Knit Karl box gives each
owner a unique experience that combines the pride of wearing a high-fashion
designer piece with the satisfaction of having created it themselves.”

The collaboration coincides with the news that all Karl Lagerfeld
knitwear will be made using Woolmark-certified premium wool, beginning with
the autumn/winter 2020 collection.

Images: courtesy of The Woolmark Company/Karl Lagerfeld

First, a big shout out to Banana Republic whose assortment has been stellar recently. Their knitwear, which I’ve tried, laundered and tested across various styles and colours for four months, is much better quality than it used to be. I took a risk purchasing knitwear from them again, and I’m glad I did. BR is also making great progress on size inclusivity, and are one of the few retailers offering petite sizes. A couple of weeks ago they launched a work wear range that is responsibly woven from recycled plastic bottles. Well done, Banana Republic!

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This week’s roundup is about relatively simple and affordable items that are easy to add to your style, yet make a refreshing difference. In other words, you’ll get a lot more for your fashion buck than you expect. It’s nice to see the colour-rich assortment too. 

1. Bella Vita Italy Sandal

I’m VERY thankful to brands like Bella Vita, Naturalizer and Munro who make good quality and comfortable shoes in classic and trendy silhouettes across a range of widths. Munro is comparatively pricey, but the other two less so. If it weren’t for these brands, I would not be able to wear sandals since I need a narrow width (and sometimes even the narrows are still too wide.) The Bella Vita Italy Sandal is what I call a no-nonsense Euro classic. Refined, comfortable, simple, neutral, not too trendy, well made, versatile, and practical. You see a similar look every season, and it doesn’t get old. I have these on order in white is a narrow width.

2. Banana Republic Striped Cotton Sweater

This is not a regular striped sweater. The back stripes are a little different to the front stripes, which creates a visually interesting effect on the top of the sleeves. The silhouette is cropped yet fluid so its great worn over wide crops and skirts without the need to tuck for waistline structure. It’s cotton-rich and machine-washable. The red stripe is combined with blush pink and that’s the one that earned a place in my wardrobe.

3. Wit & Wisdom Ab-solution Denim

I have many happy clients in Ab-solution denim bottoms because the fit is flattering and comfortable on most body types. The waistbands have a hidden elastic panel on the inside that shapes, smooths and lifts to create a streamlined silhouette. The rises aren’t too high, the denim doesn’t stretch out too much, and the soft fabric moulds to the contour of the body. I added the last pair of long dark denim shorts to my beach and pool capsule. They look great worn with a bikini top and open slouchy shirt plus sunnies, beach tote and slides.

4. B.P. Faux Leather Crossbody Bag

A useful and well made little faux leather crossbody at a good price that comes in three colours. It’s neat and tidy against the body, and isn’t too bulky. The flap is quite easy to manage. It’s great to carry as a second bag to work with a large tote or satchel. I vote light blue, especially if you have light blue eyes.

5. J.Crew Contrast Edge Woven Strap

These guitar straps are an effective way to add a little casual pizazz to an outfit. Simply swap out the shoulder strap of an existing crossbody or shoulder bag with one of these, and you’ve created a new vibe. They work well on small bags and larger bags because the straps are wide and comfortable. The hardware is a matte brushed gold and very subtle. The red is blocked with blush, and the dark neutral is navy. You can get them for a song with the on-so-frequent J.Crew flash discount, so I ordered all of them and am deciding which to keep. So far the red and yellow are strong contenders, which I will remix with all sorts of handbag colours.

6. Atheta Athleisure Joggers and Travel Pants

If you don’t enjoy traveling in jeans, shorts or leggings, try a pair of Athleta Atheleisure joggers or travel pants. Fits work for a range of body types, and the quality is great. Most of them are black, but some come in tan, brown, burgundy, navy, cream and olive. Sizes go up to a US16. They are made of technical fabric, don’t crease, are very comfy, wash well, and have an elastic or part elastic waist. Some styles are lined with a very cosy jersey.

7. Banana Republic Fuzzy Trucker Jacket

Oh, my word. What an enchanting little jacket! It’s stretchy, SUPER cosy, structured, soft, unique, and quite daring. The fit is great. Boxy, but moulds to the body in a flattering way. It’s well made, and the fuzz does not irritate my eye or nasal passages. The inside seams are bound and the buttons have a darling matte finish. The light blue launched me into orbit after working with the reds, citrons, whites, pinks and blues in my wardrobe so well. I wore it right away with last season’s light blue Furla that is a perfect colour match. Now I need shoes in the same shade of light blue. It’s a fearless and fun place in my wardrobe.

It’s story time. We’re going to share a few fashion cobwebs of the past that make us flatly refuse or at least very doubtful about wearing an item or a look again today. I’ll go first. 

Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I attended British schools for which we had to wear quite a formal school uniform. Along with a button down shirt, tie, pinafore, pullover, blazer and Clarks Mary Janes, was a pair of woolly ribbed tights. Grey for primary school, and brown for secondary school. These tights were absolutely AWFUL. Itchy, scratchy, and uncomfortable as all heck. They also slid down and bunched up around your feet. I was constantly tugging at my tights, and teachers would tell me to stop fidgeting. Since I grew up in hot countries, we didn’t have to wear Winter tights for long, and thankfully our Summer uniforms were a lot more bearable. The experience though, has put me off wearing thick tights for life, despite knowing that these days there are plenty of comfortable pairs. I will wear very thin, sheer and dainty hosiery, and that’s it.

My second example isn’t quite as extreme but made its mark nonetheless. Back in the ‘90s, chunky sneakers with enormous soles were all the range. They were the quintessential casual flatform, and a way to wear heels without arching the foot in a regular pair of heels. I loved the look for weekends, and that I didn’t need to arch my feet to wear heels. I bought a gorgeous black & white nylon pair with a matching mini back pack from Guess. The flatform sneakers looked super cute, but were extremely heavy, hard, and did not bend at the sole. They rubbed my feet raw and gave me foot cramps every time I wore them. That sneaker experience killed most forms of future flatform purchases, and I still won’t wear shoes that are heavy.

My chunky white Seinfeld sneakers are very lightweight and comfortable so they work well – so much so that I’ve duplicated them. But I’m surprised I purchased the Converse Gor-Tex Lugged Sole Hi-Top, given my past experience with that flatform sole. Granted, they’re just light enough, and the soles are flexible. That said, they aren’t as comfortable as my regular leather and fleece lined Converse hi-tops, and I probably won’t be buying lugged soles again.

Over to you. Share the fashion cobwebs of your past and how they are impacting your purchase decisions today.

Los Rojiblancos’ season is in danger of collapse, but their Argentine head coach is thinking only of going “game by game”

Diego Simeone has challenged Atletico Madrid to show they are “alive” when they resume La Liga duties against Granada on Saturday.

A miserable run of results, not helped by a number of key injuries, has left Atleti’s season in danger of derailing a little over a month into the new year.

Five games without a win, including a penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana final and a shock 2-1 Copa del Rey loss to Cultural Leonesa, has left Simeone’s side with only La Liga and the Champions League as potential trophies.

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They are far from favourites for success in either competition, given they sit 13 points off leaders Madrid in the top flight and must face holders Liverpool in the last 16 in Europe.

Simeone, who now considers every remaining match to be a final, wants his players to show their mettle over what could be a decisive few weeks of their season.

“We have all finals,” he told reporters on Friday. “We have a challenge and an important responsibility. We are going to compete with very good teams.

“We don’t go beyond taking things game by game – we’ve always believed in that. I expect a full stadium, understanding the situation of the team, and the team understanding the situation of the championship. That’s the most important thing.”

When asked about Madrid and Barcelona’s Copa exits this week, he added: “I’m very respectful of every team and I don’t give an opinion on situations that don’t involve us. I just think about improving and getting out of this dynamic, which isn’t so good. We have to show that we are alive.”

The good news for Atleti is that striker Diego Costa and midfielder Koke are close to returning.

A back problem has kept Costa sidelined since November, while Koke has only played once since December 14 due to hamstring issues.

Simeone hopes the comeback of a proven goalscorer and an influential playmaker can give his attack the lift they need.

“He’s coming back. We’ll see if he can play from the start,” he said of Koke.

“Technically, he’s a different footballer, he sees more than the others and we have more opportunities to create chances when he is on the pitch.

“Diego Costa has joined in with training this week. He’s looking forward to coming back and the doctors will determine his all-clear when it’s appropriate.

“It’s important for the group [to have him back] and when he returns, we’ll have a player who has always given us a lot.”

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Peggy la cochonne et Kermit la grenouille, c’est de l’histoire ancienne. On connaît désormais les raisons de leur séparation.

Au grand désarroi des fans, Peggy la cochonne et Kermit du Muppet Show annonçaient leur séparation au début du mois d’août. Sur sa page Facebook, Peggy déclarait : “Après de mûres réflexions et des querelles considérables, Kermit la grenouille et moi avons pris la difficile décision de mettre fin à notre relation romantique”. Ce dernier s’était aussi exprimé par le même canal, mettant fin à 39 ans d’histoire d’amour.

Aujourd’hui, on en connaît les raisons : les deux anciens amants ne s’accordaient pas sur la médiatisation de leur couple, selon les producteurs de l’émission Bill Prady et Bob Kushell qui l’expliquent à The Hollywood Reporter. “Peggy voulait être un couple médiatisé comme les Brangelina, et Kermit, un type tranquille du Mississipi, est content de passer une soirée à à la maison.”

“En les écoutant, j’ai eu l’impression qu’ils n’étaient plus ensemble. Ils restaient évasifs quand on leur posait des questions sur eux”, continue Bill Prady qui a eu l’idée de les séparer après une interview donnée par les deux marionnettes. Une série, diffusée sur ABC dès le 22 septembre, montrera les relations entre les personnages du Muppet Show avec un grand zoom sur celle du couple culte.

Léa Seydoux confirme son statut de star française courtisée à l’international. L’actrice rejoint l’écurie Marvel avec Channing Tatum.

À Hollywood, Léa Seydoux se trouve clairement sur la pente ascendante. À l’approche de la sortie du nouveau James Bond, Spectre, dont elle figure au casting avec Monica Belluci, le magazine spécialisé en cinéma Variety affirme qu’elle jouera prochainement dans un film de superhéros issu de l’univers des X-Men (écurie Marvel). Il s’agirait de Gambit, un mutant, incarné par Channing Tatum. Selon les informations du journal, la jolie blonde pourrait jouer le rôle de Bella, l’épouse du protagoniste dans les comics.

Après son rôle en 2009 dans Inglorious Basterds de Quentin Tarantino et surtout la Palme d’Or remporté par La vie d’Adèle, la carrière de Léa Seydoux est passée à l’étape supérieure. Elle est apparue dans The Grand Budapest Hotel de Wes Anderson, ainsi que dans The Lobster de Yorgos Lanthimos, présenté au dernier Festival de Cannes. Elle sera également à l’affiche du prochain film de Xavier Dolan, Juste la fin du monde, aux côtés de Maron Cotillard, Vincent Cassel, Gaspard Ulliel et Nathalie Baye.

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