Summer Lemming-Aid (Pic heavy)

Does your summer style lack sizzle? 

Well grab your wine spritzer and take a good long sip. Because really, nothing could be simpler. To add pizzazz to your wardrobe, all you need to do is go shopping with YLF in mind! 

Copy Angie’s ensembles (casual linen; ultra casual blue and white; pink and olive; ink, brown, grey, black; white sneakers.)


Join Janet (and Jackie) in singing the blues, with the GAP’s camo BF shorts. 

Share Shevia’s excitement about some black&white brogues…or pointy toed ankle straps with heels. Boyish, feminine -- it's all good! (Extra points for cognac accents...). 


Sport a sack-like shirtdress — like Angie! 

Let it shine…like texstyle and Beth. (What would I ever have done without my pewter belt and Bernia gladiators this summer???)

Or sashay along in sarong shorts, like Janet. 

Let the cat out of the bag, like Rae, Mary, and Vicki.  

Apply Angie’s favoured fix — add white! Snip with your scissors to make your jeans the length you’d like. (Janet did that, too....) 

In fact, make it a column of white! Shannon & Ornella & Elizabeth will show you how. 

While you're at it, join the J. Crew linen tee and linen sweater brigade, along with Gaylene, Sveta, Elizabeth, Tanya, Inge -- and many more. 

Vivify like Viva and Angie with a J. Crew tux shirt (best shirt ever). 


Go “tubing” — along with Shannon, Mo, Ms. KK, MaryK, Sveta, Tanya, Diana, Joy, abc, and who knows how many other rabid VC fans!  (Do it in white sneakers for an extra jolt of 2014.)  Question: was there every a skirt that worked so well for so many body types and so many different styles? I seriously doubt it. 

Cruise along in J. Crew linen pants...

Follow Sveta's scintillating lead. When all your shopping is done, yes, ALL of it -- shop once more at the GAP’s 30% off sale and snap up the grey linen trousers. Because two new pairs of linen J. Crew pants are just not enough!! 

There you have it. 18 ways....and counting....to make you want to hug your closet. 

If you read this far, thanks for indulging me. This is the first year in my life when I have actually ENJOYED getting dressed and ENJOYED shopping in the summer.  (Maybe even a little too much, LOL.) 

And this is my way of saying THANK YOU!!!  

If my fall closet is even half as much fun, it's going to be an amazing season!





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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

65 Comments

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Brilliant Suz!! I love all of these & where you found your inspiration :)

  • JAileen replied 9 years ago

    I can see why you enjoy getting dressed - because you have lots of options, all of which make you look fab!

  • Peri replied 9 years ago

    Can't even pick a favorite, too many favorites. No wonder you had fun in your summer closet!

  • E replied 9 years ago

    You're so fun Suz! :D

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    So fun and fab! You look brilliant.

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    I'm going to be a lemming, favorite this post and copy at least half of these!

  • Joy replied 9 years ago

    Thank you for spreading fun and smiles.  From your photos it is obvious that you have perfected shopping for summer and the fluid fit. 

  • Windchime replied 9 years ago

    Fab, creative writing, Suz, not to mention outfit creation! No wonder you enjoyed dressing this summer, if you were pulling on outfits like these every day. I'll raise my wine spritzer to continued YLF inspiration (of which you are a major part) as we move into fall.

  • MsMary replied 9 years ago

    Wow, wow, wow!  So stylish, so fab, so happy!  What a feast for the eyes!!

  • dianne replied 9 years ago

    Fab posting - I loved all of your summer outfits!!

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Indulging you?! Thank you for indulging us! What a treat Suz (both pictures and prose)! (And of course I was flattered to be mentioned and delighted to see our brogues in action!) My favorites are all of them and especially ones I can copy asap!

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    Aww, you're so cute! Sweet recognitions.

  • Debbie replied 9 years ago

    Stunning summer outfits!

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    No Suz - THANK YOU for being such a sport and entertaining writer to boot!
    I think this was your BEST FASHION SUMMER EVER and I immensely enjoy seeing and learning from your outfits.

  • Gigi replied 9 years ago

    Pass the lemming-aid! :)

    When shopping for a new capsule, it's easy to get caught up in what will combine with what. But you're right—Angie's ensembles can give us inspiration. So often I think of those ensembles as what to do with the wardrobe you've already got, but if you find an ensemble that appeals to you, you could use it to fill out your shopping list. :)

    Great oufits, Suz. I love how you were able to repeat so many pieces to create very different outfits!

  • Gaylene replied 9 years ago

    *laughing*

    Well done, Suz, both in the ode to YLF and in looking fabulous this summer!

  • Missey replied 9 years ago

    Holy mackinole!  So many choices, so little time...you look lovely and have done well!

  • Alana in Canada replied 9 years ago

    Wow! You're my inspiration! Please, do pass that lemming-aid. Stunning, Suz.

  • columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

    Thanks for an uplifting and very fun post Suz! I definitely think you should do olive and pink more often, it's very fab! I love all the stripes and shades of blue too.

  • geargirl replied 9 years ago

    AMAZING! Brilliant work! 

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    What a fun post.   It sounds like such a journey for you - it is great that you are in such a good place with your wardrobe - it shows!!!

  • Ingunn replied 9 years ago

    Suz, you are truly fab! Thank you for sharing this. It sums up everything I love about YLF perfectly. I can't pick a favorite outfit of yours here, but I know that you have developed a signature style that is so very you, and I love every piece in your wardrobe. What an inspiration you are!

  • Sharon replied 9 years ago

    You look amazing in all of them. I am bookmarking so I can copy when summer arrives here. xx

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    Wow, thanks for summing up all of your (and YLF's) brilliant summer looks, Suz! It's very inspiring and great to see all together in one post. We'll come back for refference many time more, so pls don't remove the picties, if possible:-).

  • kerry replied 9 years ago

    So fun to read! Your writing, attention to detail and MEMORY are incredible! And those outfits? Absolutely inspirational. I want to learn how to stylishly, comfortably and practically shop and dress like you!

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    Wow. Just beautiful, both as individual outfits and as an entire Summer wardrobe.

  • Mona replied 9 years ago

    I will need extra wine to calm down the excitement I am feeling looking at your gorgeous summer wardrobe. You have just made my day with this post. It is a treat to open up a post and look at your sizzling summer style in one place. I am so happy that you have enjoyed summer shopping this year.
    I am going to drink more lemming aid if you do a post like this at the end of Fall.

  • Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

    OMGoodness Suz, this is a fantastic post.  Hilarious to read (thanks for the mentions, :) ) and a major treat to scroll through the outfits.  I think I can EXACTLY or very close, copy about half a dozen of them.  (Who's the lemming again??) And I'm sure I will come end of Aug, early September, as I don't tend to wear long sleeves in the summer, so these are perfect late summer outfits for me, when I want a titch more coverage, but am still desperately hanging onto the last vestiges of the season.

    But it really is wonderful to see the same items show up again and again, worn in different ways.  A reminder that a cohesive wardrobe is the goal, and to enjoy the pieces you love while you love them. 

    Raising my glass of lemming-aid to you....

    (And kicking my lemming self once again for not at least trying that Zara striped shirt... )

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Aw...thank you, everyone! Again, it is I who need to thank all of YOU. And also, there are lots of outfits I neglected to mention that I equally loved...my memory is sadly  not that great, kerry....  

    I would really have liked to link directly to the outfits I was talking about, but then I realized it would take me a day to track down all those threads. I encourage all of you to do exactly that, though! 

    This is not all my summer outfits but it's a good representation of my at-home style, along with a few others. 

    Elizabeth, the long sleeves are a real departure for me in summer, too. It's because it has been so much cooler in Ontario than usual. That may partly explain why I've enjoyed dressing more, too. It gives more options, you know? 

    It was at least 5 degrees warmer overall in Nova Scotia than it was in Ontario the week we were there. When our summers are usually stinkin' hot and humid like a Maritimer could never believe!! 

  • viva replied 9 years ago

    Beyond the beyond

  • Janet replied 9 years ago

    :-) What a totally fun post!

    I agree, your style is firing on all cylinders this summer -- I'm feeling similarly about my summer wardrobe, for the first time probably ever! It's so great that we have had so many fashionable, comfortable options for summer this year, and that we have the YLF community to draw inspiration from. Thanks for sharing this, Suz!

  • Lisa replied 9 years ago

    A great post.  I am enjoying your recap of outfits.  I see some classic styles (crisp shirts, bermuda shorts) with fun colors (pink, olive) and whimsical prints (cat shirt) and my favorite the drape of things (cropped trousers, the midi length skirt, the black jumpsuit with the denim jacket).  You have nailed your style this summer and it's been fun to watch!  I hope fall is just as good for you!

  • Transcona Shannon replied 9 years ago

    Suz - you are a true inspiration - both as a Fabber and as a human being.

    You have cultivated an exquisite summer wardrobe with beautiful pieces that work incredibly well for all aspects of your busy life. Pat yourself on the back beautiful lady :)

  • BethL replied 9 years ago

    Brava, Suz! I read this post with such delight. I do love your writing. You truly look gorgeous in each and every one of your outfits. I've had a fair amount of the lemming-aid myself (thanks for the mention - I'm *so* happy with my sandals), and I've had a much easier time dressing this summer, too. What I like most is how flattering these outfits are to different body types. Also, they are just so uncomplicated. Thanks for echoing my own thoughts in such a brilliant way.

  • Emily replied 9 years ago

    This was a fun read, and you are just gosh-darn beautiful!  The outfits are obviously also fab.  :)

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    Great outfits!  You have a great summer wardrobe!  I can't even pick a favorite they're all so good.

  • texstyle replied 9 years ago

    What a treat to wake up to this morning Suz!  Beautiful Lady (check) Fab Summer Styles (check) Fantastic Inspiration (check) Entertaining Writing (check). I'm really blown away by how many great outfits you've just showcased here and love how you gave the fun details about them.

    Thank you for sharing your wardrobe and inspiration!

  • citygirldc replied 9 years ago

    You are an inspiration to me. The outfits are perfect on you and I should look at your posts when I have those moments when I have "nothing"  to wear.

  • Nicole D replied 9 years ago

    You say lemming, I say inspired! You have captured the essence of The YLF community magic. Every outfit is a winner, just like you.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    Killer to the power of Killer

    Sizzling Summer Sensational Suz. 


    Suz, you are truly an example of "style shining from within". You radiate an inner glow and strength no matter what. Your incredible attitude, wisdom and warmth go way beyond your killer style. These qualities shine on everyone around you each day, which is a gift to us all. 

    You are INCREDIBLE. 
    Much love. xo

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Angie, I am blushing bright red!! 

    Thanks so much for your very sweet words and most of all your shining example. 

  • Mo replied 9 years ago

    So cute!  I can just feel the enthusiasm.  And for summer no less!  Good on you :)

  • keruchina replied 9 years ago

    These look great! You have figured out a fabulous formula that works for you.

    I'm particularly struck by the belts. Where did you get them?

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Keruchina. 

    The pewter metallic belt is from Fossil; I got it at The Bay (Canadian dept. store). 

    The cognac belt is from a consignment shop in Toronto; it's originally from Italy. 

    The white belt is a cheap "made in China" belt found at a costume store. 

    The taupe belt is from Mexx a few years ago. 

    The raspberry belt is from GAP. 

    Sorry, no links because they are all older. 

  • Aziraphale replied 9 years ago

    Suz, you are just SO CUTE. You are stunning in every picture! I agree that the stripe tube skirt is fab on many people. I wish I had one. I also particularly like the grey, black and white outfit with pony pumps, and the sheer white sweater with rolled-up grey pants and silver sandals. So breezy and effortlessly chic!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Look at you, sharing all the glory with YLF and mentioning everyone by name! That is so like you, and one of the many reasons you are so loved here dear Suz. 

    I'm so happy you had such a stellar wardrobe to dress from and the cooler weather to really enjoy it. Yay! You look so happy and fabulous in every picture. I hope these lovelies will last you many Summer seasons. :)

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    The pleasure was all mine, Darling Suz. How fun it is for ME to see you enjoy shopping and have fun with your Summer style. xo

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    It seems that some of us come to YLF with a plan to find prettier, cooler clothes.  We try new things and learn to be bold, but, if we pay attention and begin building wardrobes for our real lives, we arrive at a place where our personal style allows us to express ourselves simply, but with great individuality and strength --- presenting a consistent self with many different facets, instead of a woman trying to fit the culture around her.

    You are a trailblazer in personal style, Suz.  All of these looks harmonize with your lifestyle and your lovely features.  An item can be simple, but fit, fabric and color have been artfully chosen, and the sum is greater than the parts.  There is plenty of interest, but you are the star.  I'm attempting the same trail, and find your posts so encouraging! 

  • replied 9 years ago

    I'm sooooo late to this thread (blame holiday packing) but I am wowed!!!!

    Suz, you are an absolute star! I love each and every one of these. Can I be like you when I grow up? Added to favourites :)

  • deb replied 9 years ago

    Love this, thanks for the recap!!!

  • Gracie replied 9 years ago

    What a great post - you are truly inspiring!  So glad your wardrobe was in a very good place for summer and I hope you keep enjoying all your fab recent purchases for a long time and showing up how you mix them up. I didn't spot any of my lemming items, but I'm slower to adopt and follow.

  • Neel replied 9 years ago

    Omg Suz!!! What stunner set of outfits and all so very Suz even if all of them were inspired by X. Wow! I am in awe. No words. No more words!

  • Lyn D. replied 9 years ago

    Thank-you Suz!
    I now have the perfect set of Fab pics and inspiration to see me through our coming S/S with style :)

  • lynn replied 9 years ago

    Wow! That was fun to read and enjoy your outfits! You have great legs too! My favorite is the blue sack dress but you look adorable in every single picture. Thanks for sharing!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ha, Lynn. Great legs. That is the joke of the century. My legs are stubby! But thanks to YLF I know how to disguise it and work with what I've got.  :)

  • Tanya replied 9 years ago

    Wow, what an amazing post Suz!  I can not say what I enjoyed more, the wonderul writing or the photos of your amazing outfits.  You seem to be having quite a summer.

    I am also finding that I am really enjoying my wardrobe this summer, possibly as much as ever in such heat.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Tanya, your wardrobe and mine have a LOT of overlaps, so no wonder you're enjoying yours! :)  And thank you, as ever, for the inspiration.

  • pil replied 9 years ago

    Honestly, Suz, this is such a stunning array of outfits that I have *plonked* and I can't get up :)

    P.S. What Beth Ann said.

  • Aubergine replied 9 years ago

    Love the outfits, love the write-up, and love the sentiments!

  • Eliza replied 9 years ago

    Suz- what is more amazing: your way with words, your warmth or your fashion savvy? I will bench warm before I choose only one. YLF and I love your summer summary. Huge tribute to all!

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    You've become a master self-stylist!  It's a lot of fun to see it all together.  My favorites are you in the striped pencil skirt.  Just because you look so very very good in that silhouette! 

  • krishnidoux replied 9 years ago

    What a GREAT post, Suz. And I feel exactly like you.
    You look so fab in these pics, no wonder you are enjoying summer so much!
    Hugs to you.

  • Karie replied 9 years ago

    What a great post, Suz! You look fantastic in every outfit. Count me in on the VC tube parade as I love wearing mine. I NEVER thought I would wear a tube skirt, but the VC's are very comfy and dare I say, flattering.

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    What a joy to read and a feast for the eyes to peruse your photos!! Fantastic compilation!! Thanks SO much for sharing, Suz! You are effortlessly chic and I love.every.single.outfit on you. Wow. I'd like to print out the collage and post it in my closet for inspiration. Seriously. Going back to browse at your photos. 

  • Vicki replied 9 years ago

    Toasting your summer salute to all and the way you shine your light and style. You are a master at shopping and outfit creation and I love them all, Suz! Lifting my wine spritzer to you. Cheers!

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