Hello Sunshine

Here in London, we are never very sure about the weather. I am a bit of a lazy pessimist so I don’t unpack my real summer clothes until we know we are having a summer.

Now I have unpacked the truly tropical pieces in my wardrobe and carefully packed away my winter cashmere in moth balls, dry cleaned my coats.  I stepped back and evaluated my stuff.  Many tanks and t-shirts I use for layering must go.  Of course, before I throw anything away, I try to dye the faded blacks and revived the dingy whites.  Still with all my replenishing work, there are holes in my summer closet.

My summer staples are:

1. Dresses – I love dresses as you only have to put on one garment, no matching.  I do use t -shirts and tanks as under layers and cardigans on top.  One of my favourite boutiques for dresses is Baby Celyon. They  are a small company that does amazing dresses.  My absolute favourite design is the Caren dress. I have it in a couple of colours and always gets compliments.  I also have quite good luck with the usual suspects, H&M, Zara and COS.

2. Tanks and tshirts – I have two ports of call for these, my first stop is always American Apparel Good quality, inexpensive stuff.  I try to stop myself from spending too much on semi disposable (short lifetime) clothing.  If I am looking for a shape that AA doesn’t have, recently I have rediscovered Petit Bateau. They do have that French eye for cut, especially when doing necklines.

I guess you are noticing that all these vendors are on-line.  Yes, I must confess that I don’t really like shopping for myself, even as a former fashion stylist.  I like having a uniform of sorts for everyday wear.

Another shocking fact – I hate going to the sales.  Many of my Personal Finance colleagues have been writing great articles about how to shop the sales.  I just can’t, when I do go to the sales, I make fashion mistakes.  I see potential in garments, that at full price, I would not have looked at.  The lure of the discount is too much for me and my credit card.  When I do shop the sales, I always go with a list and do my best not to deviate from it.

3. Leggings – I am an Eighties throwback, which thankfully is in style this season.  I LOVE Tabio, the Japanese hosiery company. They do well fitting, long wearing leggings that don’t bag or sag.  I have even ventured into other colours besides my trust black.

4. Accessories – To give my staples a bit of zing, I accessorize.  Chunky bangles, handbags, sandals (they’re my fashion weakness), sunglasses and a good manicure pedicure can all change a basic outfit into something interesting.