Pearls in all their forms are by far my favourite piece of jewelry. There isn’t a lady that I’ve seen or dressed who doesn’t look perfect in pearls. A classic strand might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but pearl necklaces come in an abundance of shapes, sizes, styles, colours and lengths. Beaded pearl necklaces needn’t represent the familiar “Jackie–O” vision – they can be funky too. The key lies not only in what strand you choose, but how you combine them with your outfit. Think outside the box.

• Choose oversized pearls for a more playful look
• Choose stands that are combined with plastic beads or other types of stones
• Wear pearls with a biker jacket
• Wear pearls casually with jeans, fashion sneakers and layered tops

Whenever I’m stuck on how to accessorize – I reach for either my short chunky pearl choker, or my oversized longer set as a last resort. However, pearls are often also my first choice because they seem to offer what designer Carolina Herrera calls a ”neutral finishing touch”.

Body warmer: a sleeveless cropped jacket 

I have only ever known this item as a “body warmer” in the fashion industry – precisely because its function is to keep your torso warm. However, I believe that these funky urban items are also referred to as “vests” here in America. Skiers, snowboarders, equestrians and hikers are used to wearing this item for practical purposes while engaging in sport – perhaps in polar fleece or down. This season, designers have taken the liberty of making them a fashion statement (but not in polar fleece dear Seattleites!).

They are available in an assortment of fabrics, colours and silhouettes and depending on your age, lifestyle and fashion persona – there will be an appropriate option for you. Body warmers are casual items that are best paired with jeans, casual pants, corduroys and casual skirts. They are modern, practical, often reversible, and the perfect layering item for pretty pear shaped body types. Add a body warmer to your wardrobe this autumn and feel sporty with style.

These body warmers with an urban edge are from Nordstrom.

Apply just enough to stain your lips, and no more. It’s when you apply too much at once that it smears and ends up everywhere else. As obvious as this may sound, I see women with lipstick on their teeth, face and clothing all the time because they simply use too much. The key is to make sure that your lips are moist before you apply your lipstick. That way, you’ll require only a thin layer to feel hydrated.

Licking your lips is not the type of moisture that you are after. You need one of the lip balms or moisturizers sold at the cosmetic stand in a department store. Apply this first and the smallest amount of lipstick will glide over your lips like butter. Your lip colour will look natural and you won’t run the risk of looking like a clown.

One of summer’s hottest must-have items was the knitted jersey dress – either in a wrap, mock wrap, empire or a-line style. Top designer Diane von Furstenberg created this flattering design and there’s plenty of mileage for the item as the weather gets colder. Below are three easy and fashion-forward ways to extend your summer knitted jersey dresses into Autumn: 

• For the modern classic – add knee high boots, hose and a cropped jacket or cardigan
• For the fashionista – add footless tights or leggings and heels or ballet flats
• For the daring urbanite – add skinny, straight leg or boot cut jeans, heels and a chunky chain

For extra warmth wear a knitted camisole underneath. Try one in a contrasting colour for a bit of extra interest. The different combinations not only prevent you from getting bored with your clothes, but can give you the extra edge that you might be looking for. Remember that your ensemble doesn’t need to match in order to work.

Reinvent these knitted jersey dresses from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to create a fresh look for Autumn.

Patent leather (both real and fake) is one of the biggest statements in accessories this season. It’s very 80’s, very retro, and always very Chanel. Black patent items are the most obvious choice and easiest to wear; but don’t let that stop you from considering other colours, such as red, burgundy, grey, green, brown or yellow. Belts, wallets and ballet flats are super everyday easy-to-wear choices in any form of patent. Trenches, handbags, long boots, hair bands and gloves are a little more edgy, but just as fabulous. Remember, that one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective ways to accomplish a stylish appearance is through accessories. Capture this season’s fashion moment by adding high gloss to your ensemble – you’ll be sure to make an impact.

Bebe has an excellent range of patent accessories.

Patent shoes from Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Most department and chain stores here in America are having their Autumn blow-out sales right now. Soon, stores will be full of heavy winter clothing and Christmas merchandise, and your chances to buy transitional clothing for milder temperatures will be gone.

• Gap and Gap Body – you’ll find sweats, comfy knits and underwear marked down 60-70%. Remember not to ignore this portion of your wardrobe – checking your underwear regularly and lounging with style increase your style quotient.
• Express – this is where you’ll find shirts and skinny jeans for $20, tailored lined jackets for $50 and knitted tops and camisoles for between $10 and $15. It’s a good place to go and get a few pieces to complete your androgynous look if your budget is tight.
• Eddie Bauer – the store is good for those of you that are after a more roomy fit on top. Longer length knitted tops and knitwear are on sale for $30 - $50. If you are looking for the odd basic to match with a more styled item - you might just find it here.
• Anne Taylor and Banana Republic – these stores are super for mainstream updated modern classic fashion. It’s the place to shop for no nonsense business casual basics of excellent quality. Suiting is half price at the moment.
• Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters – if you like to flirt with fashion or are an urbanite at heart – their retro and rock chic styling will be of interest to you. Anthropolgie tends to be expensive for the quality that you are getting – but their sale racks are well worth a look for girly tops, jackets and cocktail dresses at 30-40% off.

For info on what’s trendy this autumn, click on the category item “Autumn 2006” on the side bar. This might help you define your shopping list before you brave those sales. Remember to shop with a plan!

Masculine tailoring with a feminine twist is a strong direction for Autumn and Winter. It’s one of my favourite trends and I’ll spend a few blog entries talking about how menswear-inspired fashions make for an extremely alluring style for ladies.

Pinstriped and herringbone check (plaid) suiting, tuxedo jackets, trench coats,  slouchy wide legged pants, cigarette pants, baggy knitwear, waistcoats (vests), crisp collared white shirts, spectator shoes and neckties are key pieces for this trend. If you’re not fond of pants then tulip, bubble, pencil skirts and shift dresses will work just as well.

The best things about the androgynous look:

• There are pieces suited to every body type
• Wearing single elements of the trend is just as effective as multiple ones
• It’s a refreshing look for the office
• It’s a stylish alternative to the cocktail dress for the Christmas party season

The look can be dressed up or down, and how you pull the various elements together is completely your choice. No matter how you choose to match your androgynous items together, retaining that “lady-like” edge is a must. It’s simply done by keeping those jackets form fitting, adding stacked heels and a pretty clutch bag.

Department stores like Dillard’s and Saks are well stocked with the androgynous look.

Vancouver (Canada) is as good a shopping destination for gents as it is for ladies. Bearing in mind that boys need to buy better, my selection of top shopping destinations for gents is a little more high-end then those for ladies. “Throw away” fashion is not for men who need to hold on to their items for more than a season. Quality is therefore of utmost importance.

Hot shopping spots for gents in Vancouver:

• Mexx – A trendy Dutch based chain that caters to the contemporary yet practical and sophisticated man. The Dutch are officially the tallest people in the world and as a result, pant lengths and top lengths are a bit longer then the norm. Their smart casual items are especially strong.
• French Connection – A British-based high fashion chain store that offers an urban and edgy lifestyle of clothing. The quality is superb and the look outstanding. I was most impressed with what I saw there this season, and their service was excellent. 
• Esprit – A German-based commercial chain store that offers excellent contemporary casual basics with a sporty flavour. Shirting and knitwear are especially good here.
• Hudson Bay – A Canadian-based department store that is not unlike Macy’s in the US. Their basement level is an absolute goldmine for menswear, featuring affordable brands such as Springfield (Spanish), Code Bleu (Canadian) and Point Zero (British). There is a lot to see and the risk of becoming overwhelmed is high. But bargains are plentiful and it’s well worth a look if you have a bit of time.
• Aldo’s & Feet First – Good places for mainstream shoe selections. Fashion sneakers and casual slip-ons are in wide assortment.
• Club Monaco – A Canadian-based high fashion chain store that offers trendy clothing for gentlemen who are fairly slim. Cuts are narrow and styles are hip. It’s a nice place to shop if you enjoy flirting with fashion.
• Harry Rosen – An ultra swanky Canadian department store for men. It offers the best in branded merchandise such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Armani. It covers all lifestyles from suiting to casual wear, and is my number one shopping hot spot for gents over the age of 30 who are happy to spend a bit extra. Their merchandise is modern, sophisticated and distinguished. The staff, like their clothing, is impeccable. Your shopping experience will be a beautiful one.

All of these stores are either on or within walking distance of Robson Street. Have fun shopping in this super city.

Vancouver (Canada) is a brilliant shopping destination for both ladies and gents. If you are ever in this pretty city, be sure to set aside a few hours for efficient and effective retail therapy. There’s something to suit every budget and lifestyle. I tend to flock to my favourite stores whenever I go, but was pleased to discover a few new hot spots on a recent trip.

Hot shopping spots for ladies in Vancouver:

• ZARA – Spanish-based Zara remains outstanding for sophisticated and affordable European fashion. Get there early if you are shopping over the weekend because fitting rooms and cashier queues are long and tedious. Customer service is not a strong point in this store (shop assistants will neither get you sizes nor keep items on hold for you); but it’s worth persevering if you manage to get there as their doors open. 
• Le Chateau – Canada’s equivalent to world famous H&M. Styling is young, but well designed and at unbeatable prices.  Sizes run from 0 to 16 and it’s worth a look despite your age. There are 3 branches within a few minutes of each other by foot and each branch seems to offer different merchandise. Sales assistants are extremely helpful.
• Dynamite – Truly dynamite! The store offers smart casual and denim friendly fashion at cheap prices. Structured jackets at $37 and styled knitted tops at $23 were a pleasant surprise. You might need to go up a size as sizes are small.
• French Connection – A British based high fashion chain store that seems to have become a lot more affordable. The look is urban and edgy and the quality superb. Their styles always seem to offer something “extra”.  
• Plenty – A Canadian boutique with lots of sass. Prices are a little higher, but if you are looking for something out of the ordinary– you’ll probably find it here.
• Accessorize – A British based chain store that can’t be beat when it comes to fun costume jewelry, hats, scarves and evening bags. It’s the perfect place to stock up on inexpensive small gifts.
• Jacob – A Canadian-based chain store that specializes in modern classic business casual dressing. The clothing is impeccable and its prices can be compared to that of Ann Taylor. It’s an excellent place to invest in good basics.
• Mexx – A trendy Dutch based chain store that’s especially good for women in their 30’s and upwards. Styles are chic, tailored and fairly smart. Mexx targets the working woman who can’t wear jeans to work. Prices are a little more than mainstream chain stores, but worth it of you find something that you love.
• Aldo’s and Feet First – Good places for mainstream shoe selections.
• Holt Renfrew – An ultra swanky Canadian department store full of the best that retail has to offer. Its magnificent interior is adorned with designer labels and lavish fixtures. If clothing is not where you want to spend your money, head straight for the footwear and handbag department – you won’t be disappointed.

All of these stores are either on or within walking distance of Robson Street. Stay tuned for how gents can fare just as well in this wonderful shopping haven.

Our bras and panties are not made to last. Panties that get tumble dried have their lives shortened considerably because excessive heat causes shrinkage and wears out the fabric and elastic. Bras (and hopefully you are not tumble drying them) tend to lose their elasticity with age. Multiple hooks on the back of a bra will allow you to tighten your under-bust as your bra ages, but not indefinitely.

Our bodies also change over time. Pregnancy, breast feeding, weaning, loosing or gaining weight, and aging alters our body shape. The size of our underwear needs to change along with our bodies. 

When you do your seasonal closet cleanup, remember to clean out your underwear drawers as well. My suggestion is that you have at least 4 everyday bras, and at least 10 everyday panties that are comfortable and fit you perfectly (this excludes underwear for sports or special occasions).

Be sure to check your underwear regularly for fit and wear. Good dressing starts from the inside out.