Fashion designer and style icon Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971) revolutionized women’s fashion. It was her daring 1930’s trouser designs that made pants and pant suits a stylish, everyday alternative for lasses like us. Coco Chanel gave us the freedom to wear pants.

I can’t imagine my wardrobe without jeans, pants and cropped pants. They are the quintessential practical solution. As much as I like to throw dresses and skirts into the mix, I’m in pants more often. It’s probably a 70:30 split in favour of pants. The ratio might be closer to 50:50 if the weather co-operated. I wear skirts more frequently in Autumn and Winter because I can match them with hose and knee-high boots.

I have friends and clients who prefer to wear skirts and dresses. In fact, some of them never wear pants or jeans. My impression is that they are in the minority. What’s your ratio? I’ll bet most of you wear pants, jeans and cropped pants more often than skirts and dresses. Surprise me.

The cover on the left shows Coco Chanel inspired trouser designs. They’re a little short in length, but I’ll cut Coco some slack. I’m grateful she liberated women’s fashion. I enjoyed the biography of Coco Chanel on the right. Although I appreciate many different design houses, Chanel has always been my favourite. Also, Coco and I share the same obsession for pearls.

Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).

You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:

• Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
• Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
• Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
• Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
• Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
• Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
• Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.

Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.

Heidi Klum presented this product on the Oprah show recently and to quote Oprah herself : “no more muffin tops”.

The Yummie Tummie is a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this item is not supposed to be hidden. It acts as a visible layering piece under a jacket, top or dress. But there’s nothing stopping you from covering it up. It’s available in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths in most department stores and online. It’s versatility is key, but you pay for it at $62 apiece.

I haven’t personally fitted one on, but have seen it’s positive effects first hand with my clients. It works and is worth a try if you’re prepared to wear shapewear.

I suggest shapewear to my clients as a last resort. We first try to find clothing that flatters without shapewear, because that’s the more comfortable option and one less item to think about. But I do have clients who are happy wearing shapewear daily and it does make a visual difference.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would see it again in a heartbeat. But the fashion did not meet my expectations.

In the TV series Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) was famous for her over-the-top haute couture and theatrical “Sex and the City” style. It was coveted by fashionistas everywhere. Unfortunately Carrie’s movie style leaves me cold. Unflattering voluminous floral frocks and trapeze coats, gaudy accessories, maxi dresses, an awful Vivienne Westwood wedding gown and loads of real fur ruled her look.

There were some looks I enjoyed:

• A purple, high-neck, short sheath dress with black stud belt and stacked gladiator sandals. It had a plunging back and Carrie’s black bra peaked through. I didn’t like that part, but I loved the dress. She wore this outfit when she said goodbye to the penthouse apartment that wasn’t to be.
• A turquoise, tailored, knee-length frock with uber long kimono sleeves. Carrie wore it to Charlotte’s baby shower.
• A Christian Lacroix wedding gown with black sash and pearls. Carrie modeled it on the Vogue wedding dress shoot. My heart sank when she chose the Vivienne Westwood frock instead.

The best part of Carrie’s movie style was a long strand of chunky pearls that accompanied half her outfits. Even to bed! I also appreciated her cutting edge footwear style because they were walking works of art and she sported them effortlessly.

Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) gets my vote for best dressed and most stylish in the movie. She was absolutely radiant and her ensembles were for the most part tastefully eclectic. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) comes in second and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) stone last.

Did you like Carrie’s fashion and style? Which character would you rate as best dressed?

If you wear closed toe slingback shoes, then the microfiber slingback liner by Hue is for you. It’s soft, comfortable and very discreet. The translucent strap around the heel is strong and stays put. This marvelous little invention has converted my “4-hour” wedges to “8 hour” shoes. Brilliant.

The slingback liner is available online or at department stores for $6. A small price to pay for happy feet.

These super-flat Sam Edelman slingbacks are extremely comfortable and the slingback liner works well in them.

I have a repressed teenage dream. A pair of boots. I’m not sure whether this brand meant anything in America, but rubber-soled and yellow-stitched, British Doc Martens were big in the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s in my neck of the woods. I owned a few of their less masculine looking shoes and lived in them for years. They matched everything in my wardrobe and felt like slippers.

But the Docs I truly wanted were off limits. I had my heart set on the 20 eyelet, classic knee-high black boot, but my mother thought they were absolutely hideous. Punks and goths owned this trend and there was no way Mum was going to approve the look for her wholesome daughter. Her stylish approval meant the world to me and I restrained myself from purchasing the boots of my dreams.

Now the Docs of my dreams are in my closet awaiting their Autumn debut (sorry Mum). I am champing at the bit to wear them. I love adding a hardcore edge to a feminine look. I can see them under my eclectic grey tartan skirt with an Anne Fontaine blouse, cropped biker jacket and chunky pearls. Or with tucked-in jeans, black turtle neck, red jacket and citron scarf. Throw in tweed and a ruffled top and it’s Equestrian all the way. My wardrobe possibilities for these boots are endless.

Do you have an inner fashion persona that needs to come out and influence your wardrobe, or a long standing fashion dream that you can finally fulfill?

The best features of these casual boots are their sturdy waterproof sole and high comfort level. They are perfect for traipsing around in Seattle rain. I’m thrilled that this British brand is back in my life.

Gladiators and strappy stacked sandals are the “it” styles for Summer 2008 footwear. Combine the two and you’ve got the next “it” sandal - the stacked gladiator. It’s hectically high, super strappy and hard to walk in for any length of time. It’s the shoe on Carrie Bradshaw’s feet in the recent “Sex and the City” movie. I have a hunch the trend is here to stay.

My feet hurt at the mere sight of these shoes, but I appreciate the look. Right now it’s uber hip paired with voluminous dresses, paper bag skirts and skinnies. The hardcore edge of the stacked gladiator creates a contrast with pretty dresses and skirts. That’s the uniqueness of the look which you either like or you don’t. Has your eye adapted to this look?

I have a hip client who can wear just about anything on her feet, and sports the silver snake skin, sling back style. She took one look at them on our shopping trip and said “those are fly!” With great excitement she wore them to work the next day with stone washed skinnies and a tomato red, belted, shirt dress tunic. I know she felt and looked fly.

The July 2008 issue of InStyle Magazine has a few lighthearted pages on Style Profiling. The article breaks “fashion personality” into five categories and uses five famous Cates/Kates as the role models to bring them to life. Answer 22 quick questions, tally the results, and your style is mapped to the five categories. Not to be taken too seriously of course, but the quiz was fun, and their categories are actually quite well thought out.

A. Naturalist (Cate Hudson):

“Your earthy inclinations mean you carried a reusable tote to the grocery store prior to Anya Hindmarch making it hip, and you wore ethnic tunics long before Etro turned them into a style must. Friends may tease you about the SIGG bottle you lug everywhere - but when you’re working your green-market magic in the kitchen, nobody’s complaining”.

B. Bombshell (Kate Bekinsale):

“Your sexy style signals, ‘look at me!’ - and that’s what happens when you’re wearing a curve-kissing Elie Saab dress, red alert lips and chiro-practically incorrect YSL saber heels. So there isn’t a sensible shoe in your closet, but who’s walking? You’d rather lounge at Katsuya Hollywood or cruise South Beach in a new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead coupe”.

C. Sophisticate (Cate Blanchett):

“Feminine but not frilly, seductive but not showy, you live for luxury but are allergic to bling. Grace Kelly is your ideal, and Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera are your sartorial guardian angels. Your friends so admire your impeccable taste they won’t even buy a bottle of wine before consulting you first. There’s a reason - you never miss”.

D. Trendster (Kate Moss):

“Lots of girls want your edgy look- that’s why they always copy you. But by the time they’re doing Kova $ T latex leggings, you’re already onto Balenciaga rubber dresses. Hey, you can’t help that your inner sensor is finely tuned to detect the next cool thing. Since your presence at any party confers instant grooviness, you’re always invited – usually to DJ.”

E. Romantic (Kate Bosworth):

“You love ruffles and bows and have never been afraid to show it. This year, fashion houses from Marchesa to Valentino to Proenza Schouler are catering to your ladylike leanings. A devotee of the arts, like manners you don’t care for today’s rather casual approach to fashion, but you’re far too polite to scold”.

My results tied “Sophisticate” and “Trendsetter” in first place, with “Romantic” not too far behind. I scored very low in the others, so I suppose that I’m the furthest thing from a natural bombshell. How do you think you’d score?

Last week the YLF forum passed 1000 registered members. It has attracted women of all ages, nationalities, body types, lifestyles and fashion personas. Whether it’s help with an outfit or purchase, a body type challenge, the chance to view a daily ensemble, or opinions about a preconceived style idea, questions are asked and answered swiftly, compassionately and effectively by astute and conscientious forum members.

Every so often a forum post starts something like this: “I’ve been lurking for a while and have finally plucked up the courage to post”. I applaud this courage. It’s not easy asking for feedback and sharing information. However, it’s not long before a newbie is welcomed, assisted and integrated into the group. If you’re new and haven’t posted yet, you’ll realize that we are all different, but very much the same. Maybe today is the day you will post for the first time.

I didn’t anticipate the extent to which I would enjoy the forum. It is so much fun! And I am in awe of the ongoing efforts of others to listen, help and learn. The sense of community is strong and the level of camaraderie heart warming. I have only met a handful of our forum members in person, but somehow feel connected to everyone. I hope to meet many more members in future.

Thank you for supporting the YLF forum. It would be nothing without your valuable and stylish contribution. And tell us about your experience. Has it helped you? Are there things we can do to improve the experience?

Ps. We have added the facility to tell a friend about YLF. Whether you use this form, or simply send an email of your own, please consider inviting other people to our community. The more, the merrier!

I saw a very stylish lady walk into our flagship Seattle Nordstrom store last week. She was probably in her late 50’s or early 60’s, petite and perfectly polished. She wore dark wash skinny jeans, a cropped, tailored grey and black micro-check, double-breasted jacket and black, round-toe ballet flats. She carried a simple, flat black patent tote and wore a chunky gold watch. Her hair was short, dark red, bobbed and with fringe. She wore dark red sunglasses with hooped gold earrings, and just a spot of make-up.

Wearing skinny jeans over the age of 50 does not give you instant style. But this lady happened to look really good in them and pulled off a smart casual look with taste and refinement. She embraced a few trends and made them work appropriately for her age and body type. The timeless and current aspects of her look blended perfectly. She did not come across as “trying too hard” or “dressing too young”. Her style was effortless, chic, put together and comfortable. I walked straight up to her and told her that I thought she looked fabulous.

I’m inspired whenever I see older women with a superb sense of style. It makes me look forward to evolving my own style over time. The most stylish women in Paris are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. This is also true of my own clientèle. If you are over 50, please share your style wisdom with us.

This Polyvore creation captures a similar feeling to the ensemble I describe above. Remember that the person’s dark red, bobbed hair was an accessory all on its own. It complemented the seemingly subtle, almost bland grey jacket really well. I dedicate this post to Judy and San, our stylish YLF forum members who are over the age of 50 and rock a pair of skinny jeans with the best of them.