If you are up for it, head straight to the Macy’s dress department this weekend. They’re having a crazy sale and many of their frocks are between 25% and 75% off. I know that this particular department store can be overwhelming, but if you focus on getting yourself to the dress floor (and the dress floor only), you might manage.

Look for brands like Maggy London, Donna Ricco, the Max, Shelli Segal, London Times, Westonwear, Jones NY, Donna Morgan and Max & Cleo. Generally, I’ve found Macy’s to have the best selection of affordable dresses for every age and body type. It’s a dress season ladies and bargains are bountiful. I had a spot of luck there myself yesterday.

I’m writing about pant lengths again (my pet peeve). Unless you’re a skinny teenager, in your twenties or Kate Moss, refrain from wearing short shorts. Do not believe what fashion magazines tell you about this item being the hottest look for Summer. No matter how firm and fabulous your legs are, you need youth on your side to pull off this look.

Walk shorts that finish at the knee (either just above, on, or just below) remains the most flattering length for any woman because your legs look their longest and slimmest at this point. Raise that hemline to reveal a significant portion of your bare thighs and you’re dressing inappropriately for your age. You’ll get away with wearing short shorts for running and cycling when you’re older because it’s important to wear the correct gear when engaging in a sporting activity. But this is where I draw the line. Mutton dressed like lamb is unstylish. Keep it chic, classy and knee-length.

Walk shorts at the perfect length and short shorts for younger ladies with slim, shapely legs.

Wearing the right outfit can make a big difference on a long flight. Many hours in a cramped environment with different climates at your origin, destination and in the air makes for tricky choices. And while comfort is paramount, looking scruffy is not acceptable (no sweats or tracksuits please!). You will also want to think about those few minutes of chaos at the security checkpoint.

Here are some guidelines for being both sensible and stylish: 

• Don’t wear light colors that show up dirt and grime.
• Wear wrinkle resistant tops like stretchy jersey and mesh knits that you can wash as soon as you arrive. Their quick-drying and crease free nature is an added advantage. Stay clear of rigid linens and 100% cottons that crumple and don’t stretch.
• Wear stretch jeans or stretch pants and avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of a belt (one less thing to worry about as you move through security).
• Dress in layers and be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout your journey. Start of with a camisole or tank top so that you can peel right off to this last layer if you need to. Top it off with a wrinkle free knitted top, cardigan, hoodie or stretchy jacket. Wear a trench coat instead of a jacket and look uber chic.
• Wear soft underwear and avoid scratchy lace and underwire discomfort.
• Avoid high heels and stick to flat slip-ons like fashion sneakers, ballet flats or loafers. Pack a pair of socks for the flight if you’re not wearing them when you board.
• Bring along a pashmina that doubles up as a blanket. 
• Pack a fresh top to change into just before you land.
• Carry a large dressy tote that zips up on top as your handbag option. It can double up as your everyday handbag on holiday.

Dressing appropriately and practically when you travel on long flights is essential. Travel economy but look first class!

Part of me encourages you to have plenty of frocks because there’s nothing quite as feminine as the perfect dress. But dresses aren’t always the most sensible solution. Running after small children, commuting long distances by foot and rushing around on a busy day often demands a practical pair of pants, jeans or walk shorts. Wearing the right shoes with dresses is an added consideration (which might increase your preference for pants when you have finicky feet).

A wardrobe full of dresses isn’t necessary unless you love them. But it’s a good idea to have at least the following two that make you feel great and can be whipped out of your wardrobe at a moment’s notice: 

1. Formal dress – formal occasions creep up unexpectedly and it’s frustrating to scramble about at the last minute because you have nothing to wear. You therefore need something that serves as a Little Black Dress in your closet. It doesn’t need to be black, plain or long. You’ll have filled the gap as long as the frock is dressy, flattering and versatile.
2. Day dress – wearing a casual frock instead of jeans, pants or walk shorts on a glorious summer day always makes a lovely change. Day dresses can be worn absolutely anywhere. Don’t feel that you need an occasion to wear a dress. Make a statement with a  flirty frock whilst you work or play and watch those heads turn.

Check you wardrobe and make sure that you have at least two dresses that fit the bill. It’ll make you feel fabulous and fabulously prepared when the need arises. 

The bra baby is a “revolutionary new washing system that protects your finest intimate apparel from the wear and tear of the washing machine”. It’s like a hard, plastic, oval egg shell that encages the bra and prevents it from being squashed, stretched and agitated during washer/dryer spin cycles.

This sounds like a good idea for the washing machine, but I’d still refrain from putting my bras in the dryer. Elastic does not like excessive heat no matter how well you protect it on the outside. The heat causes elastic fibers to contract and then break down, making them lose their elasticity (which is also why we should never tumble dry our jeans).

Good bras can cost up to $90 a piece and caring for them is essential. At $19.95 for two, the bra baby might be worth the expense (as long as you continue to hang-dry your bras).  I’ve been using the bra bag for years, but perhaps it’s time to update the way I baby my bras. Have you tried the bra baby? If so, leave a comment and let us know how it worked out.

The height of the average American women is about 5 feet and 4 inches. This leaves her with ample shopping opportunity for pants in  petite and regular departments where inseam measurements range from 29 to 32 inches. But what are the options for the tall girl who stands at 5 feet 8 inches and taller? It’s even harder for her to shop for pants when she wears heels and wants to sport the correct pant length.

European chain stores are an option because they generally manufacture regular pants with longer inseams from 33 to 34 inches (the average European women is taller), but there are bottom options for tall girls in the US too:

• David Kahn jeans have inseams of 35 to 36 inches
• Other denim brands like DKNY Soho, Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, Mavi, Joes,  Fidelity,  Seven for all Mankind, Silver and Paige come in longer lengths with inseams of up to 36 inches
• Gap, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor Loft stock items in longer lengths (34 to 36 inch inseams)
• Victoria Secret’s regular pant lengths finish at 34 to 39 inches
• Express has on-line purchasing options for pants with inseam measurements of 35 inches
• Brands like Womyn, Jones NY,  Marc Jacobs and  Goldsign make pants with seam lengths that vary from 34 to 37 inches

If these inseams are still too short, try the Tall Girl shop and Long Legs where the inseams are as long as 38 inches. Stand tall and embrace your height!

Goldsign wide legged pants with 37 inch inseams (Nordstrom), Joe jeans with 35 inch inseams (Nordstrom) and Gap khakis with 36 inch inseams.

End-of-season sales are here. It’s your last chance to make savvy Summer wardrobe choices before Autumn collections hit stores. Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of fashion blunders by purchasing poorly during sale time. But I’ve learnt from my mistakes, and from my experience as a buyer and stylist. Here are some guidelines to help you shop effectively:

1. Shop with a plan. Make a list of what you need and then shop the sales to find them.
2. Spend more money on shoes and handbags. Accessories pack a lot of punch. They can make a $60 outfit look designer.
3. Black can be better. Items made of cheap fabrications often look better in darker colours (like black and brown) as opposed to brights like fuchsia, purple and apple green.
4. Don’t buy expensive trendy pieces. Go cheap on items that are fashion fads. They’ll start falling apart after a season, in time for you to update with what’s next.
5. Beware of outlet shopping. Their prices aren’t always cheaper than sale prices at department stores. Also, outlets carry last season’s merchandise (with the exception of The Rack). Don’t update your wardrobe with dated items.
6. Keep expectations low at thrift stores. Secondhand stores can be fashion goldmines if you’re patient. You’ll usually have the best luck when you least expect it, so go in with a low expectation. 
7. Shop as often as possible. Perusing stores without actually buying anything will educate you on what’s available. Most mainstream merchandise is marked down after 8 weeks. That way you can anticipate sales and score.
8. Don’t be seduced by low prices. A low price does not necessarily equal a good buy. Refrain from buying anything unless you love it and it matches what you have in your wardrobe. You need to be even more discerning when you shop the sales because return policies are stickier and inventory is more scarce. 
9. Consider full-price items. If you buy cheap items that you never wear, then all you did was waste your money. If you love an item because it makes you feel fabulous but it wasn’t on sale, buy it. It’ll end up becoming a bargain because you wore it constantly and the cost-per-wear will whittle down to nothing.
10. Never shop when you’re hungry or tired. You’ll end up loosing focus and making bad decisions.

Everybody loves a bargain, but don’t feel that you need to get everything on sale. You’re worth full price.

There is no such thing as “one-bag-fits-all”. A heavy black satchel looks wrong with flirty summer attire;  while a whimsical straw tote is odd with a heavy winter coat. If bags aren’t your thing, you can limit your handbag inventory down to a complement of three, one of which is the a Spring/Summer bag.

You have options when it comes to warm weather bags:

• Printed canvas – perfect for a summer vacation in any array of appealing patterns, shapes and cotton-rich fabrications.
• Bright colours – add a colourful dimension to your ensemble in either plain or patent.
• White – freshen up any Spring/Summer outfit with white accessories.
• Sporty stripe – a punchy, crisp and sophisticated alternative for the “neutral gals” among us.
• Straw – the beach-inspired style has a distinctive urban edge (but remember that some straw bags can be scratchy).
• Metallic – silver, bronze and gold bags remain a versatile choice. Sport them futuristically or in rustic woven weaves.

Sunshine and hot temperatures are about adding a fun element to your wardrobe. Consider a cheerful handbag to match the mood.

Printed canvas (Fossil), straw (Monsac), sporty stripe (DKNY).

Red patent and metallic (Kate Spade) and white Satchel (Kenneth Cole Reaction).

Espadrilles are forever fashionable. They’re the perfect ultra casual (yet sophisticated) Summer shoe. Their raffia-wrapped wedge heels make them particularly “of this fashion moment”, and this season there’s an array of styles and colors to choose from. But most of them are either too high or hopelessly uncomfortable.

So the quest to find a fashionable yet comfortable and affordable pair of shoes continues. While none of them make it to my “6 to 8 hour”  mark, there happen to be a few “4 hour” options around. They’re perfect with dresses, skirts and knee length walk shorts. Have a peek below and perhaps they’ll meet your all-day requirement. (And remember not to wear them in the rain).

Espadrilles by Andre Assous, British footwear giant Clarks, and Born (available at Nordstrom and Zappos.com).

As an inverted triangle, you are a rare breed (less then 1% of the female population). Your broad, square shoulders, narrow hips, straight waist and slim limbs give you plenty of options when it comes to dresses, but you’ll still need to think about how they affect your body. You’ll want to wear dress silhouettes that soften the line of your shoulders and create curvature from the hips down.

Some guidelines on how to find that perfect dress:

• Choose dresses with straps that hit close to your neck. This will narrow your shoulder line.
• Keep your necklines scooped, sweetheart or V-shaped. This will lengthen your neck and balance out the broadness on top. V-neck halter dresses are the perfect solution.
• Wear full circle skirts that flare out and retain their shape.
• Avoid dresses with cap sleeves and tapered skirts as they will accentuate your broad top and narrow bottom.
• Dresses that are dark on top and light on the bottom will help create a visual balance.
• Strapless and tunic styles are also good options. Tailored sleeveless sheath styles will work if the shoulder measurements are short and close to the neck (allowing you to show your shoulder bone).
• You’re the only body type that can wear dresses with broad horizontal stripes.

That wraps up my blog posts on the best dress shapes for different body types. Feel free to ask questions if you’re still unsure about which dress silhouette is best for you. No more excuses ladies, we can all look fab in the right type of dress!

Yoked tunic dress and halter styles with full skirts narrow the shoulder line (Nordstrom).

Strapless styles and horizontal stripes balance out the silhouette (Macy’s and Nordstrom).