This Autumn season is for purple lovers. The writing was on the wall towards the end of the Spring 2007 season when glimpses of vivid violet started appearing in very small doses amongst the multitudes of black, white, red, yellow and cobalt items in stores. I distinctly remember seeing a magnificent, bright purple suede Prada ballet flat at Nordstrom in May. It stood out like a sore thumb and this was a sign. When top designers introduce “a new colour” into their collections at the end of a season, fashion buyers often test a few items of that new colour in stores almost immediately. This is precisely what happened to “it” colours like yellow and cobalt a few seasons ago. The early experiments make it possible to spot future colour trends. This was the basis of my hunch about purple being big for Autumn and sure enough, it’s by far the most popular jewel tone. There’s purple clothing everywhere at the moment.

This particular shade of blue-purple is the colour that reminds me most of my Flashdance 80’s fashion days. I personally like it best with magenta, warm mustard yellow, grey and black (but not all at once). Love it or loath it, purple is the “it” colour this season and its richness has certainly spiced up Autumn’s traditionally dark palette. If head-to-toe in this royal hue is a little too much for you, sport a shoe or handbag in purple instead.

Naturalizer footwear is known for it’s comfort and fit rather than it’s aesthetic appeal. Traditional walking shoes with bulky rubber soles, round toes and topstitching were the norm until recently when designs become more feminine and refined. I popped into a Naturalizer store in Chicago last week and was delighted with what I saw. Alongside their usual casual and conservative styles, was a wonderful assortment of trendy 2-inch heeled pumps, boots and funky flats that you could walk around in with ease all day. The best part about this news is the price points. You’re looking at anything from $39 to $69 for a pair of shoes and $60 -$130 for a pair of boots. Naturalizer certainly gives Taryn Rose a run for her money at more than $450 a pop! Has affordable fashion and comfort become a reality?

A selection of Naturalizer’s hot new Autumn arrivals. I came home with a pair of the flat Mary Janes in black and cream patent (same style as the picture on the top right above). They are my new “8-hour” Autumn shoe.

Stylists and image consultants often swear by the fact that you’ll lengthen your legs by wearing the same colour shoes and legwear. While I agree with this style tip, as a strict rule it can get boring, especially if your daily dress is business casual. Contrasting the colour of your footwear with your pants or jeans is striking and makes an outfit pop.

I believe that lengthening your legs has more to do with the fit and length of your pants, and the style of your shoes. If your pants are bootcut, flared or wide (not skinny), and they skim the surface of the ground when you wear heels, you’ll achieve that long lean vertical line despite the colour of your shoes. And pointy toed peds will elongate this line even further .

By all means sport an alternative colour shoe to your legwear if you fancy that idea. You don’t need to have long slim gams to pull off the look if you adhere to other important leg-lengthening rules. Adding contrasting and eye-catching shoes to a classic ensemble is a perfect way to keep your look hip when current trends aren’t your cup of tea.

We’ve just got back from five fabulous days in Chicago where friends of ours got married beneath the stars at the Adler Planetarium. Magical wedding moments, delectable food, splendid architecture and spectacular shopping made for a great getaway and we enjoyed every moment.

The Magnificent Mile is Chicago’s most fashionable street and the place to be if you have shopping time to spare. The ultra wide boulevard is lined with exclusive designer shops like Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci that stand side by side more affordable chain stores like Guess, Mango, French Connection, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and the Gap. Department stores like Saks, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom were beautiful and well worth a browse (schedule and pocket permitting).

I had my favourites amongst the overwhelming choice of retailers along the Mile:

• The brand new 3-story-high Hugo Boss store was a highlight. I’m a true Boss fan when it comes to a modern, understated and perfectly tailored look for gents and the shopping experience here was sublime.
• French Canadian store Carriere specializes in unique career wear suiting and I loved the finish of these garments. Classic button down shirts and jackets with insanely funky design detailing tickled my fancy.
• With their keen prices, good old H&M seldom disappoints and remains the best place to get a cheap fashion fix.

Off the Mile along State Street is the most lavish Macy’s I’ve ever seen. Originally a Chicago department store called Marshall Field’s, the store takes up the entire block and reminds me of world renown Parisian department store Galleries Lafayette. The stores most unexpected interior feature is it’s pretty Tiffany Mosaic Dome. There is also an adorable doggie section that boasts a range of elaborate doggie day beds, one of which we nearly flew home with us.

My impression of Chicago is a positive one. Hot and humid weather conditions made dresses, city walk shorts, swing tops and peep-toed shoes an urban uniform amongst locals. Dress codes sizzled at night as glitzy, alluring mini dresses matched with the highest of heels became standard evening attire. I saw a high style quotient in the short time that I was there and enjoyed taking in the view.

The Magnificent Mile.

Having a sense of style is somehow a mixture of looking both timeless and “of-the-moment”. While choosing to remain classic is stylish, you’ll need to incorporate a certain level of “right-now” into your look to keep it current and fab. So what do you do when you don’t like, or can’t afford, the new trends?

Here’s how to keep it in vogue when you bypass trends:

• Stick to tailored items. The watershed changes in fashion silhouettes over the last year are not for everyone (or at least, not until our eyes have adapted to the changes). Ignore the voluminous look and stick to clothing that skims the contour of your body because chic tailoring is universally flattering and always fashionable.
• Integrate the new fashion colour. If you love cobalt blue, but can’t see yourself wearing trapeze jackets, sack dresses and swing tops, try it as an accessory or in a classic clothing piece instead. Camisoles, button down shirts, layering knit tops and costume jewelry are safe and inexpensive ways of packing the right amount of punch per season.
• Add the “it” style of jeans. This boils down to either skinnies, straight-leg cuts or wide-leg cuts this season. Choose what’s best for your body type and modify your look.
• Invest in a great pair of shoes. You’ll always make a stylish statement with a wonderful pair of peds. Dressing well is about getting the details right and this detail is particularly important.
• Buy the bag of the season. You won’t go wrong with patent and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can get a perfectly great option for $50 at places like Aldo, Gap, Macy’s and the BP department at Nordstrom.
• Try a new hairstyle. Add an edge with a new cut or spot of colour.
• Change your specs. If you wear glasses, make sure that they are the best pair that you can afford. I can’t stress enough how important this is. The eye is drawn upwards when we speak and nothing is more effective than a pair of perfectly eye-catching specs. Leave the clothes and invest in the most important accessory that you own.
• Try a new shade of lipstick. If you normally go neutral, try a brick red, magenta or bronze instead.

Actress Jennifer Aniston epitomizes the stylish modern classic. While she’s probably never stuck for cash, she’s chosen to keep her look tailored, simple, current and neutral. She’ll update seasonally with the most current pair of jeans, white shirt, black pants, black shoes, new handbag, sunglasses and a variation on the hairstyle. She usually leaves it at that and always looks fab. Sometimes you won’t like the new trend, and sometimes it won’t like you. Either way, it’s possible to look hip by choosing the correct items in a given season.

Jewel toned sapphire patent tote, teal ballet flats and dark straight-leg jeans are an inexpensive and modern classic combo from the Gap that will have you looking hip straight way. These items are also offered in neutral shades if that’s your preference.

Lounging sweats are everywhere, but it’s not easy to find ones that are flattering, fun and hold up well in the wash. I am particularly fussy with loungewear because I will not settle for anything that’s drab, ill-fitting and badly made (remember ladies that we lounge with style). While fab yoga and athletic gear will also work, they’re not my choice for superb stay-at-home comfort.  I prefer baggy, wide-legged, ultra soft, 100% cotton terry cloth as opposed to anything remotely clingy and synthetic. Satisfying my comfort criteria is a tall order when you still want to feel attractive in your sweats.

This season, Victoria’s Secret did the trick with their “loungey, lazy and fit-tastic” sweatpants and hoodie-top options. The pants are low-ish in the rise but wide, long and luxurious all the same (good for those with long legs). If long sweats are too warm for your climate, try the shorts option instead. I have those too and highly recommend them. The hoodie-tops are loose yet tailored and the perfect length. These sweats come in an assortment of colours (e.g. navy, grey and yellow), so don’t be put off by the pink if that’s not your cup of tea. Think beyond buying  a matching set of sweats and mix up the colours a little for a more edgy ensemble.

I would never have thought to look for my loungewear at Victoria’s Secret, which just goes to show that you should never rule out a retailer. I’m delighted with my new sets of sweats and wear them every day.

Fit-tastic, loungey sweats from Victoria’s Secret.

The pear shape is the most represented female body type, so it’s no surprise that “The pretty pear” is still one of the most popular posts on youlookfab. Originally posted more than a year ago, however, the guidelines are due for an update. The key is still balancing the difference between the top and bottom part of your body. We can achieve this by drawing attention upward, de-emphasizing the bottom part of your body and elongating your legs.

Drawing attention upwards:

• Wear the best possible bra. Giving your bust line the shape and support it needs will define your waist and create curves in all the right places.
• Strive to create an “A-line” silhouette with your clothing. You look exceptional in dresses and should take advantage of this ultra-feminine look all year round.
• Always wear slim fitting tops, sweaters, cardigans and button down shirts. Choose styles that define your waist and show off your torso. Boxy trapeze jackets continue to be all the rage and you can absolutely wear them (despite the fact that this goes against the rules) if you keep them cropped, fitted snugly at the shoulders and matched with a longer and slim layer underneath.
• Wear V-neck tops and create V-neck shapes with your layers. V-shapes elongate your neck and draw attention to your slim midsection giving definition where you want it.
• Keep your shoulder line strong and refrain from wearing items with “a sloppy shoulder line”. It’s imperative that your clothing fits you properly on your shoulders because the eye is drawn to definition.
• Select tops, knitwear, jackets and coats with interest. Tops with wide cuffs, bell sleeves, ruffles, embellishment, rushing, vertical seaming detail, large collar/lapels, wraps and princess lines are good choices. These design features naturally deflect the eye upwards. The voluminous sleeve trend was made for you.
• The length of your tops should either catch you just below your hipbone or around the knee. Avoid lengths that finish straight over your bottom or straight across your thighs. You can sport the leggings look with the right A-line dress because this look is about the dress and not the leggings.
• Layer your garments. Pop longer length camisoles underneath your knitted tops and shirts. They should finish just above your crotch point. Pop a fitted shorter jacket or sweater as a third layer over these layers for the most flattering effect. The layers automatically create a visual balance between the top and bottom half of your body.
• Accessorize the top part of your body well, with necklaces, specs, earrings, hair clips (but not all together). Sport one statement accessory at a time.
• Consider wearing a waist belt over your tops for extra definition. Wear your belt a little lower if you’re short-waisted.

“De-emphasizing” the bottom and elongating your legs:

• Keep your bottom choices simple and structured, thereby saving all the visual interest for your tops. No cargo pockets, waistband details, side entry pockets, pleats, drawstrings, elastication or hip embellishments. Curvy women can wear skinnies, if you match them with A-line tunics, dresses and heels. Trust me, it’s a fab look!
• Keep the front part of your pants free of detail and your rise mid in length (not too high or low). Make sure that there is enough ease through the hip and thigh. Fabrics with stretch are your best bet.
• Keep the hems of your pants wide (boot cut or flared) if you’re not sporting “the skinnies and tunics” silhouette. Pants that skim along the contour of your thighs always work best.
• Keep walk shorts straight from the thigh down and knee-length (like a cullotte) and avoid lengths shorter than this.
• Don’t force yourself to wear pants and jeans if you look and feel fabulous in skirts and dresses. Knee length A-line skirts with vertical panel seaming are best. Stay clear of bias-cut skirts and pencil skirts. Ankle length A-line styles work particularly well for tall pear-shaped gals.
• Wear pointy-toed shoes (if you can) with pants that are wide at the hem to elongate the leg.
• Wearing some sort of heel (even if it’s just an inch) whenever you can will give you the height that automatically slims down curves. Simple rule: the curvier your bottom, the longer and wider you’ll need to wear your pants and the higher you’ll need to wear your heel to balance out your silhouette. This is especially effective if you sport the correct pants length (hems should skim the surface of the ground).
• Be mindful of shoes with ankle straps. They might break the long vertical line that you are trying to create.
• Wearing heeled knee high boots that are slim at the ankle with skirts or dresses in cooler weather is a great leg-flattering look.

There’s lots of glorious fashion ahead of us for Autumn and I’m looking forward to talking about how you can adopt each new look for your body type.

If you’re a ballet flat fan, then an ornate and sparkly version is your Autumn update. In line with all things glamorous, glossy, dramatic and eye-catching this season, this shoe is a must if your Summers are long and your Winters are mild. Say goodbye to basics and hello to oversized buckles, tactile quilting, piping, chain detailing, jumbo jewels and pretty bows. They’re perfect with jeans, slacks, skirts, dresses and leggings when you’re after a practical look that’s a touch more posh. These peds are particularly good with a dark pair of straight-leg jeans because it shows the shoe off at it’s best. Great for errands, shopping, running around and any other activity that requires an 8-hour shoe. Sensible style at it’s best.

An assortment of neutral and jewel-toned decorative ballet flats.

While it might seem odd to buy clothing to have altered, it’s a good idea. People who have perfectly fitting clothing do not necessarily have perfect bodies. They have competent tailors. I have most of my pants altered at the waist because it’s virtually impossible to get a waistband to fit when you have a slight sway back. Some alterations are absolutely worth the expense while others are not. Before you purchase a garment that doesn’t fit perfectly, be sure to weigh up the cost of the alteration against the price of the garment itself.

Of course, prices will vary. But here are ball park estimates for common alteration jobs based on my experience in the United States:

• Seam repair $3 - $5
• Hems on pants, skirts and sleeves $12 - $15
• Hems on jeans $15 - $20
• Hems on pants with cuffs $15 - $18
• Hems on dresses $15 - $18
• Waist on pants $15 - $25
• Waist on un-lined jackets, blouses, shirts and tops $12 - $30
• Zipper replacement $12 - $15
• General tapering of garments at the side seams and sleeves and dress-strap adjustments $10 - $18

Alterations get expensive when lining is involved. Any adjustments in the shoulder line and armhole are achievable, but will cost a pretty penny because they are labour intensive. In my experience, this type of alteration on a women’s garment is not worth the expense. If the item doesn’t fit you properly on your shoulder line – don’t buy it. Men’s suiting is the exception because it’s standard to have a men’s suit altered for free when you make the purchase. Note that American stores like Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J. Crew will offer to hem regular priced merchandise for free. Most stores in Hong Kong are happy to do any alteration for free.

It’s worth every penny if alterations are minor and affordable (like hem, sleeve and waist adjustments), because perfect fit is a crucial component of dressing well. When garments don’t fit perfectly straight off the rack, remember that it’s never our body type that’s the problem… it’s the clothing. Altering them is often the best way to go.

In your experience, how does pricing compare with my estimates above?

It’s easier to do dress business casual when you can pull your ensemble together with a sassy jacket. You’ll get away with wearing just about anything underneath if your jacket is fab and you won’t be taking it off. But what do you do when it’s too hot to wear a jacket, but you still need to look professional? It’s all about incorporating the right amount of tailoring and finishing the look off with punchy accessories.

Here are some guidelines for keeping it cool and chic:

• Blouses become your best friend because they’re airy and versatile. Leave them voluminous if you prefer that look and keep it streamlined with straight leg pants on the bottom. Add a waist belt for a bit of extra tailoring and pop a camisole underneath for added interest or if the fabric is sheer.
• Wrap-tie shirts are a modern-classic choice and forgiving around the mid-section. Ann Taylor has perfected these.
• Better-end styled knitted tops that are dressed up with eye-catching accessories and tailored bottoms will give you all the polish that you need.
• Wearing knee-length skirts and tailored walk shorts instead of slacks automatically keeps you air-conditioned.
• Consider sleeveless work-appropriate day dresses with cropped cover-ups if necessary.
• Carry a statement handbag even if you end up sitting at a desk most of the day. You’ll want to make the best impression when you do occasionally see clients.
• Finish it off with dressy open-toed sandals, sling backs or wedges and make sure that those feet are buffed.
• Finally, on fabrics: pure woven cottons, raw silks and linens will keep you cool but crease uncontrollably, so opt for fabric blends instead.

Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!

These trendy blouse options are suited to a less conservative environment. They will have you looking professional, polished and appropriate, even as temperatures soar. Enjoy their versatility and wear them under jackets when it starts to cool down.