Have a Gamine Summer Even When Fashion says Long and Baggy

 

Dear friends. If you favour neat, fitted clothes and hemlines at the knee or slightly above, you have been out of luck for the last few years.

Or have you?

I realised just a couple of years ago that I look best in gamine styles. Since then, I've built a nice little wardrobe featuring old and new finds, and accessories that help to pull the look together.

Best Skirts for Summer

 And #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends.  I'm in my happy place today with a skirt that is exactly the right length for me, and suits my style personality.  

I have several midi length skirts, but for a short waisted petite, 5'4 and seemingly shrinking, they're not always the most flattering, even if they are "on trend."

I've decided to dispense with on trend in favour of what suits me.  As I discussed in my post on how I resolved my brief clothes crisis,  I'm favouring shorter skirts and cute retro dresses as they're what I like to wear.  If I had a formal style analysis, I might be defined as gamine. 

Boden have long produced their "fun skirts" which are perfect for my requirements and readily available pre-loved.  I bought this one on eBay and it's lined with pockets. I'm wearing it with a lime cotton tee and light turquoise short tie wrap, both Kettlewell. Vinted is another good source. Short tie wraps are brilliant for creating a waist, and the right proportion for me with this length of skirt. I'm wearing nude tights and rose gold flat shoes from Boden  (they have a similar style in stock at the moment). 

I must confess I only wear lipstick on rare occasions, when I'm going "out out," but the difference it makes is astonishing. If you choose the right shade, it brightens your whole face.  I'm wearing True Coral by Look Fabulous Forever, which is warm toned.  They helpfully label their lipsticks as warm, cool or neutral, as does my other favourite purveyor of lipstick, Lisa Eldridge. 

Makeup details:  Lisa Eldridge Skin Enhancing Tint (shade 7), Studio London Blusher in Inner Glow, Huda Beauty concealer in Coconut Flakes, Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift in Deep Brown, Code Beautiful Lid Lift Enhance, Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black, True Coral lipstick by Look Fabulous Forever. 

I've bought a couple more Boden skirts plus a couple of retro dresses, and reckon my wardrobe is ready for summer.  If you want some advice on finding the best skirt length and shape for you, try my handy guide to skirts. 

How is your wardrobe fixed for the new season?  Happy with it or seeing a few gaps?  Do tell in the comments. You'll find the comments box beyond the link-up and favourites. 

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NOW IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR WOW ON!    

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LAST WEEK'S FAVOURITES

Fashion Favourite:  Tulle Overlay - Whimsical Style by Mireille of Chez Mirelle 

Recipe Favourite:  The Best Caesar Pasta Salad by Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest 

LIFESTYLE FAVOURITE:  The human dynamo that is Debbie from Deb's World with What's Been on My April Calendar

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In Love with Vintage Retro

 And #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. Apologies for not being around last Wednesday, particularly to those bloggers who probably came looking for the link-up a few times.

As I explained in my post Tell Us About Personal Style, I was having a bit of a style crisis. It happens to us all, even seasoned bloggers.

Finding My Inner Gamine with Collar and Brogues

& WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. I had a very brief style analysis back in the 80s at a corporate women's event, and was told I am a "gamine." No further insights.  Over the years I didn't stick to this style: firstly, it's often hard to find gamine clothing, and secondly, it's associated with petite, very slim women, and during the 90s and early 2000s,  I was not slim, as you can see here.

But now I've started to reclaim the gamine look.  

Finding Your Own Style

 

Dear friends. Today we're talking style personalities.  What's yours?  You may have had a consultation and discovered your prescription,  or you may have discovered what works for you over time.  It's a good thing to know because it saves you time and costly mistakes.