Here is my hotlist after a quick scan of the markdowns at American mainstream retailers today (in-store and online):

• The best bargain in town is an iridescent black/brown trench coat from Banana Republic. Marked down to $119, it’s perfect for every occasion – from desk to dinner, cocktail, work or smart casual dressing. It’s posh, polished, effortlessly chic and won’t date.
• For pristine modern-classic business attire, Ann Taylor can’t be beat. Their black, grey and pinstriped suiting is half price and well worth a look. Immaculately tailored coats are 60% off and will probably be reduced further. Their petites area is particularly good and everything is on sale.
• For little black dresses, cocktail wear and dressy separates, take yourself off to BCBG for something extra special, and to Ann Taylor Loft and Forth & Towne for something a little more mainstream. Don’t be caught with nothing to wear when a formal Spring or Summer occasion comes your way. Save money, time and effort by buying your outfit now.
• If you’re still interested in buying high fashion merchandise for the tail end of winter – Express is best for knitwear, t-shirts and collared shirts.   

These are just a few of the good deals out there.

Trench coat from Banana Republic ($119), cocktail dresses from Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft ($49.99, marked down from $179).

Most retailers went on sale the day after Christmas. With Autumn and Winter collections reduced by at least 50%, this can be a good opportunity to buy what you missed during the season. However, do not be seduced by fads at bargain prices that only have a couple of months of fashion life left in them. I like to shop for items that I can fashionably wear into Spring or next winter.

High ROI (return on investment) purchases you should consider:

• Tailored coat in a basic colour
• Tailored black jacket
• White collared shirts, romantic ruffle blouses, voluminous blouses and tunics
• Cigarette pants
• Black or black pinstripe suits
• Cocktail wear – especially little black dresses
• Ballet flats and wedge shoes
• Evening clutch bag
• Animal printed and metallic accessories

Low ROI purchases you should leave behind:

• Bubble skirts
• Leggings
• Tartan and hounds tooth jackets/coats

Think twice about:

• Red items – while red will not feature as a fashion colour for Spring 2007, it’s still an excellent basic colour to have in your wardrobe. Red is like black, white, cream, grey and tan. This is completely your call. 
• Black items – while black will always be fashionable to wear, it is not a fashion colour for Spring. Don’t duplicate black items in your closet just because they’re on sale – beware the black rut. 

Remember to shop with a plan and to leave the items that do not absolutely work for you behind. Have fun finding great bargains!

It’s important for the largest part of your wardrobe and seasonal fashion budget to reflect the dominant seasons where you live.

Examples from the three corners of the USA: 

• Hot Florida – Spring/Summer collections will dominate
• Cool Seattle – Autumn/Winter collections will dominate
• Extreme New York – you’ll spread your budget equally over both collections since it can get as hot as it can cold.

This year I made the mistake of going overboard on the great sleeveless styles that were so popular in the summer collections. Living in cool Seattle, I ended up wearing them once or twice before they were banished to the back of my wardrobe. And if you live in a predominantly warm climate – an assortment of coats is futile despite how much you love to wear them.

Of course, if you are a frequent traveler this will also affect your budget allocation. Do a quick assessment of your wardrobe – does it reflect your climatic demands? Are you allocating your budget effectively?

Black – stylish, chic, versatile, slimming and sophisticated – is often our first choice when it comes to a woolen winter coat. However, for pet owners, busy Mums and frequent travelers, there couldn’t be a less practical choice. Black shows dog and cat hair, lint and drool more than any other colour. Not a good thing when our goal is to look polished.

What are the alternatives?

Choose printed patterns, tweedy weaves or mottled plain colours instead. These choices will divert the eye’s attention away from the odd stain you are bound to incur. Lint and pet hair are barely noticeable on fabric that is already busy.

Keep your black coat for special occasions and invest in something more hard-wearing for everyday use. Keep it tailored and you will still look chic.

Practical and stylish: “mottled” grey (Marc Jacobs) and plain brown (DKNY) herringbone tweed coat selections, available at Nordstrom.

Enjoy the day’s festivities with style. Christmas is a great opportunity to wear red, one of the season’s biggest fashion colours (if red clothing is too strong a statement, consider an accessory instead).

Whatever holidays you celebrate this festive season, we at YouLookFab wish you a healthy and happy time.

Remember that when we lounge at home – we lounge in style and in comfort. The same holds true for our feet. These days many people have a “no shoes” rule indoors, but walking around in socks can be hard on the feet. Fabulous slippers are an excellent solution.

While most slippers look cozy and inviting, very few offer additional arch support. This is where brands like Dearfoams are different. Many of their styles combine an arch supporting insole with a durable molded foot-bed. Their slippers therefore offer maximum comfort whilst you live your busy life at home.

They have a simple, yet super selection for ladies, gents and kids. It might even make a nice gift with Christmas a few days away.

Assorted options from Dearfoams. Their online store probably can’t deliver in time for Christmas day, but these products are also available at the big department stores.

Stores usually go on 50%-80% off sales after Christmas. Not this year. I was surprised to see that Anne Taylor Loft and the Gap have already slashed their prices considerably.

• Ann Taylor Loft has reduced most of their party wear and accessories. Cashmere is 50% off; pullovers and cardigans are between $30-$40; knit tops are selling from $13 onwards.
• Gap is having an insane sale (a reaction to poor sales performance of late?). Most T-shirts are between $4-$10; hats and scarves between $7- $12; knitwear between $14-$18 and heavy winter coats for about $70. Note that in store discounts are deeper than those online (at the time of this post). 

Be sure to check out these sales if you can brave the crowds of last-minute Christmas shoppers.

Palettes…

• Warm – Pink, pomegranate, orange and yellow
• Cold – Cobalt blue
• Monochrome – Black, white and grey
• Earthy – Earth tones and blush

Styles…

• Dresses the “it” item
• One-piece dressing rules
• Separates an endangered species
• Volume stronger than ever
• Waistlines wherever you want them
• Romantic ruffles reign
• Trousers wide and soft
• Ballet flats and chunky wedges again

Lots of new colours and shapes to be excited about in the New Year!

Flimsy party dresses won’t keep you warm on chilly nights. Long dresses might help, but a coat is the real solution. Dressy trenches and structured winter coats are ideal. You’ll achieve the longest and leanest looking line with coats that are the same length as your dress, or longer. The same holds true for coats worn on top of skirts. Coats that fall shorter than the hem of your skirt or dress are not quite as flattering. While we can’t always buy separate coats for separate outfits, you should be be mindful of this if you happen to be looking for a new coat and you wear lots of skirts and dresses in winter.

Max Studio demonstrates a good line for coats worn over dresses.

I encourage you to invest in a statement piece each season. It is that one item that will cost you more than you are accustomed to spending, but makes you feel magical and glorious each time you wear it.

My statement piece is usually a bag, pair of shoes or coat, but yours might be something else. Jewelry is a good option. It’s usually an eye-catching piece in an unconventional style, shape or colour.

I have not once regretted the higher price that I have paid for this special item. Chosen wisely, the statement piece…

• Is a spectacular item that generates many compliments and makes you look and feel extra fabulous.
• Is a good return on investment. You will wear it often (as often as possible) and the cost per wear will whittle down to nothing.

If you haven’t yet purchased this season’s statement piece, be sure to remind Father Christmas!