This question was raised on the forum last week. Where do you allocate your budget for wardrobe items and style enhancers? Here are my priorities. First, the items that have to be top notch. Here I make no compromises:

• Specs: I wear specs all day. They are my number one accessory. The world would not look the same, and I would not look the same if my specs weren’t the best that I could afford.
• Bras: Wearing a great bra is where great style starts. I have been wearing Chantelle bras for 20 years because they look, fit and feel superb. They’ll last if you launder them with care.
• Premium jeans: Expensive jeans are worth the price (also see this thread on the forum).
• White shirts: I have learned that better-end white shirts and blouses last longer and look more pristine.
• Moisturizer: We only have one skin and looking after it should not be questioned.
• Sun block: Protecting fair skin from the sun is extremely important. I use Clarins UV Plus (SPF 40) which costs $40. It’s expensive but a little goes a long way.
• Fragrance: I love to wear a scent and it’s a big part of my signature style. I’ve been wearing the same fragrance for 10 years and still receive compliments daily. Angie would not be Angie if she didn’t wear Kenzo Flower.
• Haircut: A haircut can make or break your look.

Second, the items that are important to me, but for which I would consider a range of price and quality points. I believe that a fabulous avant-garde piece of exceptional quality has loads of mileage. You’ll find that the-cost-per-wear whittles down to nothing if you wear the item season after season. But low cost opportunities also have a place on this part of my list.

• Shoes and boots: My fussy feet are desperate for beautiful and comfortable peds, so paying a higher price is sometimes the only way I can satisfy this need. I have everything from designer Kate Spades to Me Too Swan flats. If the shoe fits my criteria, I’ll consider the price. But I’m just as happy wearing $39 Converse sneakers.
• Handbags: I can have more fun with bags than shoes, and I LOVE handbags. But a $20 yellow tote that I bought at the side of the road in Hong Kong makes me just as happy as a designer purchase.
• Jackets: A great jacket is always a statement, but I derive as much style joy from my H&M and Zara treasures as I do from my Rag & Bone and Nanette Lepore pieces.
• Trench coats and coats: I live in Seattle and frequently travel to Western Europe. Enough said.
• Swimsuits: I want to look and feel particularly good when I’m wearing a cozzie and this often means buying an expensive brand (especially when you’re a little older).

I will not spend money on knitted items and knitwear. I have done so in the past with great disappointment. Expensive knitwear still pills, and knits are generally unstable unless they are 100% polyester. These items tend to have a short life, which means I cannot justify the expense.

I expect our priorities to differ according to general preferences, lifestyles, geographical locations, body types and special needs. How do you allocate your style budget?

My skirts fit well when I’m standing still, but they shift around when I move. I end up with the front somewhere on my side after a minute of walking. It drives me batty. I’m constantly pulling skirts back into position. Once my ensemble is on, I don’t like to fuss with it.

The penny dropped when I realized my high-waisted skirts stay put. Their waistbands lie on my natural waist above my navel. I promptly took my skirts for alteration. I had their waistbands taken in, which moved the position of the waistband higher. The end result was fuller coverage and a snugger fit around the waist and tummy area. It worked like a charm.

The alteration costs about $15, which I found well worth the price. Your mileage may vary – the higher waist is a different style and not for everyone or every skirt. Also, beware of losing length. This alteration shortens a skirt by one or two inches, so make sure you have length to play with before you move up the waistband.

Do you battle with shifting skirts? Any other tips on how we can prevent this phenomenon?

Left: Skirts with lower waistbands like these tend to shift when I walk. I found that the silhouette of the skirt makes little difference (pencils and A-line styles both shift).

Right: Higher waistbands like these shift to a lesser extent. I tend to prefer skirts with higher waistbands because I find them more comfortable (whether I tuck in my top or leave it out).

I was surprised and delighted that the second flop-proof formula for Moms on the go went down as well as the first. I never expected casual skirts to be a hit. The third and final look in this series is about the casual dress. I expect this outfit to resonate less than the first two because dresses are often thought of as fussy and impractical.

Here are the new elements:

• Casual dress: You’re after a casual A-line day dress that finishes at the knee. Machine washable knits that hang dry are the easiest to maintain (polyester or poly blends). Woven cotton, cotton blends and linens are lovely but require ironing and are therefore more effort. By all means wear rayon and silk blends if you’re prepared to take laundry to the cleaners.
• Camisole: Add a cami for coverage if the neckline is too low. It can also act as an interesting colour vehicle.

The rest of the formula is identical, but I’ll reiterate it here for convenience:

• The best bra: Remember to refit annually or when your weight has changed significantly.
• Cropped cardigan: It’s often chilly in the morning, later at night, or in the air-conditioning. Adding a cropped cardi keeps the silhouette structured yet unfussy. It’s also easy to fold up and pop into a tote.
• Fab flats: Casual ballet flats, thong sandals, strappy comfort sandals, gladiators, slip-on sneakers, espadrilles or low wedges will do the trick. Stay away from anything too clumpy. There’s nothing stopping you from wearing a bit of a heel if you can run around in them. You know I draw the line at flip flops unless you’re in the appropriate setting.
• Handbag: Keep it healthy and make the size and shape work for you. A flat tote is the obvious choice, but if you need both hands free to attend to little ones, a sling bag is the solution.
• Accessories: If you wear specs sort them out first because they are your most important accessory. If you wear a watch, that’s next. Go for something with personality. Choose between statement necklaces or earrings but don’t wear both at the same time.

Breezy dresses are great for hot weather. They are one item of clothing to think about in the morning  (separates are two or more). A-line dresses are particularly good on pear shaped body types and a must on curvier gals. Would you sport this casual look?

You don’t need to be a stay-at-home-Mum to apply these dressing formulas. They’ll work for any casual setting. I singled out “Moms on the go” because I receive a huge volume of requests for this niche of lifestyle dressing. Remember not to get too hung up on the specific items I’ve posted if they’re not to your taste. Apply the formula according to your fashion persona and Bob’s your uncle.

Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear” shared five tips for looking your best in the August edition of People: Style Watch magazine:

1. Know yourself: “Accept your body type for what it is”. Embrace your size and find what works for you.
2. Fit is key: Once you have found the cuts that flatter your  body type, have them altered for perfect fit.
3. Don’t fall back on black: Other colours, like navy, charcoal grey and chocolate brown are also slimming. Also, cut is more important than colour.
4. Ignore labels: Brand and size labels are secondary. The fit of the garment is the important thing.
5. Good posture is essential: “Stand with your shoulders back, boobs out and tummy in.”

These are superb tips. I see some overlap with my post on how to look slimmer in your clothes. I also believe that polish makes a huge difference to one’s appearance. A fabulous haircut goes an especially long way.

There’s one other key ingredient to looking your best: confidence, an accessory that  can’t be bought. In most cases, you only look as good as you feel. Looking good makes you feel fabulous; but feeling fabulous makes you look even better.

The 80’s party was great and everyone looked fabulous. Thanks for joining in and making an effort to come in costume (80’s outfits were like costumes). In the process I learned a few things about America in the 80’s, from  Jean Nate and Love’s Baby Soft, to Ciao bags, Capezio shoes and Sweet Valley High.

The competition was tough, but here are the outfits that tickled me the most:

• 1st place is a tie between Keri and Antje. Your outfits are so OTT I can hardly stand it.
• 2nd place goes to Diane whose black buffalo check jumpsuit finished me off. To think that her son borrowed this outfit for his own costume party sent me into orbit.
• 3rd place goes to Dani, whose collegiate preppy Benetton look with Madonna touches brought back loads of memories. My Mum also loathed the rolled down socks.

Congratulations YLF’ers! As we saw in Style.com’s Fall trend report, the 80’s trend is far from over.

My favourite retail season has arrived and I’m excited to discuss what the next six months of fashion has to offer. We’re kicking off the new season with Style.com’s top 2008 Autumn trends:

• “Belle Curves”: It’s all about peplum details that spotlight the waist. A peplum is a flared extension of a jacket, dress or top that comes below the waistline. It’s very 40’s and 80’s. If you like waist-cinching belts, you’ll like this look. It’s the voluminous trend with a waistline. There are loads of different peplum styles so don’t give up after trying one example.
• “Country Life”: Tweeds, tartans, plaids and checks rule. These fabrics take on a series of moods, from equestrian vibes and Chanel-esque looks, to 80’s punk and schoolgirl uniform styles. I love them all.
• “The Long View”: Mid-calf skirts and floor grazing skirts are back. I do not like ankle length skirts, but I’m into the mid-calf length if the skirt design is funky and interesting. I was surprised to have picked up a Winter skirt this length in London last season and it’s become a favourite.
• “Minimalist Tendency”: The “less is more philosophy” at its best. The look is about architecturally structured clothing and fab shoes. No jewelry or accessories. I like the look on the right person, but it’s hard to pull off without the perfect piece. I’d also miss my pearls.
• “Superhero Worship”: I do not know how this trend will be translated into wearable fashion. We’re not sporting the Superman cape or the Wonder Women cuff and leotard. But I do fancy the idea of a shiny waist cinching belt and boots that can fly.
• “Winter Garden”: Prints of foliage, feathers and leaves are hot. I’m curious about this trend and reserve judgment until I see it in stores.

My dominant season is in full swing and I’m ready for boots and tartan. If you live in a warm climate, bring Autumn colours into the mix but keep the clothing lightweight. It’s nice to sport a different look when the season changes.

The strongest trend over the last few seasons has been the revival of ‘80’s street style. It’s hard to believe that “the decade of anti-fashion” serves as an inspiration to creative fashion designers today. But the key word is “inspiration”. The trends we see coming through today are a cut above the tasteless and unflattering ensembles most of us wore 20 to 25 years ago.

80’s fashion was awful in many respects, but I loved it at the time. So to mark the end of another season of 80’s revival, we’re throwing a virtual YLF party. Come as an 80’s icon or create your own deliciously dreadful 80’s outfit. I’ll be turned out much as I was in 1985:

• Shocking pink, boxy V-neck pullover tucked into high-waisted, tapered, ankle-length, front pleated white pants.
• Mile high shoulder pads, white plastic bangles, pink dangly earrings and a turquoise studded belt.
• Pink plastic, pointy picklewickers over thin white rolled down ankle socks for my feet.
• Neon pink lipstick, green eyeliner and teased, sprayed hair to finish off the look. I can barely see you through my curtain of a fringe.

Thankfully, the decade with the worst fashion had the best music. It’s a night of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Wham, U2, Ultravox, the Thomson Twins, Brian Ferry, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Simple Minds. Everyone’s invited, but first you have to share what you’ll be wearing. I will choose my favourite outfit and showcase it on the blog next week.

My raves list is always long. I find good things to say about every fashion season because it’s a matter of knowing how to sift through trends and make them work for you. These are the items that did not make it through my filter:

• Maxi dresses: The word “nightie’ springs to mind when I see someone in this style. Maxi dresses weren’t as big in America as they were in Europe. Thank goodness I live in America.
• Wide leg pants: They look great on the right body type but are generally hard to wear. There was too much of this product in US stores. Complete overkill. It’s interesting that this look did not take off in Europe.
• Empire cut tops: Another overkill. You can’t wear these tops if you’re busty and many of my clients “feel pregnant” in them. There was little else to choose from in mainstream fashion stores which makes for a poor tops season.
• Denim rises still too low: Higher rise pants were a fringe fashion statement, but generally mid rises on jeans were still too low. The best way to beat belly and back bulge is with a higher rise and layering techniques. Flattering rise measurements are still hard to find on premium jeans.
• Pants with side entry pockets: It’s great when 50% of all dress pants have pocket detailing. But when 90% of them do, it’s a challenge. Pants with clean, flat fronts look best on most body types. I wish fashion buyers would get this.
• Soaring heel heights: It’s the old story. Most fabulous looking shoes are uncomfortable and hard to walk in.
• Skirts and dresses generally too short: When petites start shopping in regular departments to gain 3 inches of length on a dress and skirt, you know items are too short. I’m all for mini’s as part of the fashion mix, but when most of the frocks are far above the knee there’s a problem.
• Too much trapeze: This little jacket makes a great retro fashion statement but moderation is key. I’m relieved to see them side by side with fitted jacket silhouettes for Autumn.

Missed opportunities:

• Shortage of skinny and straight leg jeans: Voluminous tops look best with sleek bottoms. Most voluminous tops were matched with wide leg pants because that’s what trending in bottoms. An awful look.
• Denim skirts and denim jackets: These no-brainer versatile items are always hard to find.
• Casual pants that aren’t jeans: We need casual micro-check pants!
• Short length tops to wear with skirts: A store that specializes in shorter tops to wear with orphan skirts would make a killing. I’d take all my clients there.

Bring on Spring and Summer 2008 rants ladies, and don’t hold back. We are putting this topic to rest today.

Some people loved the Maxi dress trend, but I wasn’t one of them. Just too much fabric for daytime in Summer.

End of season sales are drawing to a close and it won’t be long before stores are full of Autumn and Winter merchandise. We’ve seen the last of Summer collections even though most of you have months of hot weather to endure (it’s that crazy retail cycle again). If Summer is your dominant season, remember to stock up now.

You know the drill. YLF closes every retail season with a “best and worst”. Raves today, rants tomorrow. I enjoy hearing your final thoughts on the last six months of fashion. Here are my raves:

• White jeans: The ultimate warm weather bridging piece. Everything looks good with a pair of white bottoms.
• Clamdiggers: A versatile cropped pant option and the perfect answer to the Summer skinny.
• Shirt dresses: Great over skinnies or on their own. A classic piece that can be interpreted in a multitude of ways.
• Bright coloured clothing and accessories: We saw every bright colour this season. Yellow, citron and tomato red are personal favourites with turquoise in the wings. I hope turquoise is a big colour next Spring.
• Cardigans: It’s been the best cardigan season yet. Every colour, style, print and fabric composition was represented. This versatile item is a must in every wardrobe. Three cheers for fab cardigans.
• Spring trenches: I was impressed with the style and colour choices this season. There was a great assortment and retailers thought further than the classic black and tan belted looks. Bravo.
• Back and white: I love black, white and cream outfit combinations. It was great to have these choices alongside vibrant seas of colour in stores.
• Cracked patent: Love it’s urban edge. Long may it last.
• Voluminous trend: These silhouettes are liberating for the midriff area. Woman can look polished in looser styles if there’s strategic tailoring to other parts of the garment. I like having the voluminous trend alongside the body conscious trend. Ample choice in one fashion season is how it should be.
• Longer length tops and tunics: An elegant and comfortable look that I continue to love.
• Flat shoes: There was a superior assortment of comfortable flat shoes this year. The fact that I found three pairs is a miracle.
• Waist belts: They make for a great polished hour glass look.
• White accessories: White shoes, bags, belts and watches make a fresh and strong impact. My white watch, cream flats and cream trench are the best items I purchased this season.
• Wedges: The quintessential modern heel. I can’t imagine my wardrobe without a stable sassy wedge.
• Gladiators: A great way to dress down an outfit.
• The re-birth of Banana Republic: Their new design team is stellar. After years of boring product, they have never looked better.

Hopefully you found loads to rave about this season. Let’s hear about it in the comments.

A recent thread on the YLF forum labeled the $1,795 designer boots on the left below the “ugliest perversion of fashion ever made”. They certainly aren’t my style, but I can appreciate their edgy, daring, dramatic, gothic and grungy appeal. They look impeccably made, which for the price is the least you should expect.

On the right is what I would call an ugly shoe. Their five and a half inch stiletto heel looks like a weapon. The brand is called “Promiscuous” and this particular style has been labeled “Flirtatious”. It is described as an “overpoweringly sexy platform”. Somehow, I wouldn’t feel particularly alluring if I wore these. Do they scare you too?