No, they don’t. While I can’t argue that white or cream pants are practical (one wear and in the wash they go), they’re stylish regardless of your size. The important factors are the fit and the ensemble. Here are guidelines for choosing a perfect pair of white or cream pants:

• Choose a shaped waistband that’s lower in front than at the back. A wider waistband (about one and half inches) gives our bodies that extra bit of structure around the tummy area.
• Keep the front plain (no pleats) and the pockets off. Side entry pockets or any type of patch pocket tends to show through the front of light pants. Flatter fronts keep your fit smooth and streamlined underneath your tops.
• Make sure that white pants made of softer fabrications like viscose, silk, rayon and linen-blends are lined.
• Consider denim and thick cotton twills in white/cream. These fabrics don’t need to be lined and the classic “5-pocket styling” works well.
• Stick to boot cut leg openings as the most versatile and flattering option.

Striking contrast is key to creating a stylish ensemble with white pants. Match them up with a dark top and shoes and your look will pop.

All women can look incredible in the right pair of white pants. Get your head around the fact that white is a modern update on black, and that it doesn’t make you look fat.

Excellent white and denim pant silhouettes from Ann Taylor and Nordstrom.

Not at all. By adding the appropriate layer on top,  you can wear those little dresses and still feel warm. Here are some useful “cover-up” options: 

• Shrugs need to be cropped and snug.
• Cardigans are best cropped at the waist. Longer styles can look frumpy.
• Bolero jackets can be fitted or trapeze (A-line) in silhouette depending on the style of the dress. A-line dress styles look best with short fitted bolero jackets; while straighter sheath dress styles can be matched with either. 
• Denim jackets are a casual and urban choice (especially when the wash is dark). Proportions are most flattering when the jacket is short and fitted.

Thanks to my trusty cardigans and denim jacket, I’m out of my jeans and into a dress. The extra layer also works wonders if you tend to feel exposed showing so much skin. A flirty femimine frock is always fab.

Shrug (Ann Taylor), cropped cardigan (Banana Republic) and cropped bolero (Nordstrom).

Injecting the right amount of “right now” is important because being stylish is somehow a mixture of looking both timeless and “of-the-moment”.

Here is my list of Spring and Summer “must haves”:

• Day dress – it’s a “dress season” ladies. Get out of those jeans and wear casual dresses during the day for a more of-the-moment look. Dresses don’t need to be “dressy” items saved for weddings and formal occasions. Sport the right type of dress during the day and feel fabulously feminine.
• Cropped jacket – keep them unlined, lightweight, fitted and shorter in length and you’ll add that sophisticated element to an ensemble.
• Polka dots – there is a size and mood of polka dot for everyone. Think dresses, skirts, blousy tops and shoes when it comes to spots.
• Walk shorts – sport knee-length cropped pants as a more flattering option to leg-shortening capris. 
• Patent shoes – you won’t go wrong buying patent. It’s going to be around for at least another season.
• Something bright – whether it’s yellow, cobalt, green, coral, orange, purple or pink, make sure you have an item of clothing in a cheerful hue to brighten up your day. If you’re more of a neutral type of gal, accessorize with a bright instead.
• Anything red – the colour is in a class of it’s own. Red is forever beautiful and worth the investment.
• Silver shoes – it’s the metal of the moment because it’s versatile, futuristic and a good summer neutral.
• Wedges – it’s possible to feel fashionable and grounded in this season’s wedge sandals.

For the more adventurous fashionista, there’s Lucite, a day clutch, voluminous blouses, trapeze jackets, wide–legged pants, waist belts, head bands, platform shoes and lots of hippie chic. Remember to purchase white items when you shop because summer is all about white (not black). And don’t be afraid to try something new. You might be pleasantly surprised once you’ve adapted a current trend to suit your age, body type, lifestyle and budget.

It’s not too late to shop for Spring, and you’ll hit bargains along the way. Two months left to purchase warm weather clothing. Ready, set, shop, shop, shop!

Patent yellow tote (Nordstrom), red canvas carry all (Anthropologie), floral flats (Bakers) and silver wedges (Bakers).

Uber cheap and chic Swedish chain store H&M considers the U.S. “a key expansion market”. Rumour has it that the European favourite might occupy either the old Barney’s retail  space on 5th avenue or the current Kenneth Cole space on 6th avenue in downtown Seattle. H&M spokesperson Lisa Sandberg downplayed the gossip in the East Bay Business Journal (”Stylish H&M eyes Seattle“, May 4, 2007):

“There is nothing signed in Seattle or Washington state. We are not announcing any leases at this point.”

But she did also confirm that the company has been looking for sites in the area.

“Our real estate department is out scouting the country for the best locations.”

Edgy and urban Seattle would warmly welcome H&M’s fashion-forward and affordable merchandise, giving stores like Old Navy, the Gap and the Nordstrom’s B. P. department a run for their money. My fingers are crossed that H&M keeps it’s stylish eyes on Seattle.

Mothers Day is an opportunity to spoil our Mothers (and ourselves) with the gift of style. In keeping with the notion that stylish is a mixture of both timeless and of the moment, my top picks for for Mums are:

• A scent
• A bright pair of shoes or handbag
• A dazzling day dress
• A sassy new hairdo
• A white shirt
• A new pair of specs
• An updated pair of jeans

As I did last Mother’s Day, I’d like to dedicate this blog entry to my late Mother who remains one the most stylish women I’ve known. We at youlookfab wish you a magnificent and stylish Mother’s Day.

I would have thanked my Mum for being as wonderful as she was with a pair of red patent shoes, a bright yellow handbag or a bottle of YSL Opium.

Finding a fashionable, comfortable and affordable pair of shoes is a tall order. With my finicky feet this was my fashion challenge each season. And then I stumbled upon farylrobin, a sassy footwear company that was started 5 years ago by New Yorker Faryl Morse. In her words…

“Women are passionate about their shoes… and their independence. I started farylrobin with those two passions in mind.”

Farylrobin shoes are funky, playful and distinctive. As Faryl says…

“We try to make shoes that are so visually appealing to you that you think “I’ve got to have those!” The kind of shoe that makes you happy just thinking about putting them on. The kind that actually feels as satisfying on as it looks. Yes, you can have it all!”

Can we have it all when it comes to shoes? Looking at the customer comments on Zappos.com, I started to feel a glimmer of hope. “Comfortable” was a word that popped up frequently. So I ordered a pair. After traipsing around in them the whole day, I can genuinely recommend them to others. They are beautifully made, soft on your soles and cheerful to look at. I am delighted to be part if the farylrobin flock.

Farylrobin sandals and pumps cost between $115 and $150 and are available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Amazon.com and Zappos.com. The colourful 3-inch pumps shown above made my feet very happy.

Red started to trend for Autumn 2006. It wasn’t forecast as a major colour for Spring 2007, but it’s everywhere. Favorable reactions to the resurgence of the colour last season have kept the trend alive and kicking for a good while longer than expected.

There seem to be more red shoe and handbag options available than any other bright. This is nifty news because red is a basic colour. Alongside staples like black, white, cream, grey, brown and tan, there’s red. All colours can be matched with the right shade of red (it’s strangely glorious combined with pink and orange). If you prefer sticking to neutrals, remember that red also falls into this category. Sport maroon or paprika instead of fire engine red if the classic feels too bold. There is a shade of red for everyone, gents and children included.

Anything red (clothing or accessories) makes my “must have” list for Spring and Summer. Take advantage of the abundance of red product that’s on hand. It’s the perfect combination of timeless and “of the moment”.

Red bag (Nordstrom) and shoes (Zappos.com).

The start of a new season and the end of an old one calls for a little extra organization. It’s a good idea to get niggly wardrobe tasks out of the way so that you can shop in your closet for Spring and Summer. Below is a checklist that I’ve found useful:

• Take coats and knitwear to the cleaners so that they are ready to wear next season.
• Pack away ski and snow gear.
• Unpack warmer weather clothes if you store them to conserve closet space in Winter.
• Take shoes and boots to be re-soled and cleaned if necessary.
• Take clothing that needs to be altered to a tailor.
• Make sure that you are wearing the correct bra. The size of our bust changes due to weight loss/gain, age and breast feeding, and it’s imperative to keep up with these changes. 60% of all women are in the wrong bra size so make sure that you aren’t one of them.
• Check white clothes for yellow armpit stains and irremovable spots. If tilex won’t remove them, pass them along.
• Scrutinize your Spring and Summer clothing. The aim is to have a fluid wardrobe that’s brimming with flattering, wearable possibilities. If this is not the case, do some closet clean up.
• Get a pedicure. Sandals will be coming out for Spring and those feet need to look the part.

Have fun adding this season’s luster to existing favourites. You’ll be sure to strike up a bargain in the two months of Summer shopping that are left.

Camisoles are an extremely important part of your wardrobe. Cropped, rigid, highly lacy, shiny and often itchy cami’s sold in underwear departments are no longer the norm. The camisole has transformed into an unfussy, longer, softer, more stretchy and superbly comfortable item that’s part of everyday outerwear. After a proper bra fitting, finding a range of camisoles that work for you is the next step.

Camisoles are fabulous because…

• They smooth out your silhouette underneath your clothes, thereby giving you a slimmer and more polished appearance.
• They make an outfit more interesting when the top and bottom peak through from underneath (either through a contrasting colour or fabrication).
• They act as a flattering layering item by deflecting the eye to your upper body.
• They give you effective coverage when you bend over (both on top and bottom).
• They can make ultra trendy looks wearable.
• They keep you warm when it’s chilly.

There are countless options. From built in-bras, solids and prints, to v-necks, lace trims and breathable cotton-rich fabrications. Express, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a particularly good assortment at the moment. Try the concept if it’s new to you. If you already sport the look, ensure that you have a good collection. My wardrobe wouldn’t function without them.

Basic, longer camisoles are available alongside most clothing ranges.

As an adorable apple, your average to full bust, wide waist and slim legs look best in knee length dresses with straighter lines that elongate and skim over the curves of your upper body. For the most flattering effect, choose dress silhouettes that reinforce your hourglass shape, accentuate your shapely bust and highlight your lower legs.

• Empire lines with straight seams (not gathered) that emphasize the narrowest part of your torso. This will deflect the eye upward and away from your  natural waist.
• Sheath dresses with a bit of stretch for extra comfort. Keep the neckline low ( V or scooped) to lengthen the neck and look for sleeve details for variation.
• Shirtwaister dresses with pencil skirts, front ties and front-buttoning details that give you shape and structure.
• Printed wrap dresses that define your waist while the busyness of the print camouflages the tummy area.
• Draped dresses that deemphasize the midsection through design details like knots, pleats, ruffles and ruching.

Look for:

• Asymmetrical and handkerchief hemlines that deflect the eye away from the widest part of your body.
• Vertical seam details and diagonal lines that help elongate that unbroken line.

Avoid:

• Lengths that are mid-calf or longer. You’ll expose the best part of your body with a skirt that’s at the knee.
• Thin jersey knits that cling across the tummy area.

You won’t go wrong if you keep your dresses structured, stretchy, skimming and short. Sport them during the day and at night to bring out your most feminine side for Spring.

A printed wrap, a bias cut with vertical seaming (created through the ruffle detail) and diagonal lines, an empire cut with a straight seam and a draped dress with ruched waistband and front pleat detail (Nordstrom and Macy’s).