A cardigan (cardi for short) is a piece of knitwear that buttons or ties in the front as opposed to a pullover which is “pulled over” the head. There is more to this item than the traditional V-neck button-through style that forms the outer layer of twinsets (these types of cardis can look shapeless and matronly). Cardis with hip and interesting design details are in abundance this season. They can be smart or casual, classic or funky, plain or patterned, fine or chunky and long or short.

The right shape cardi adds the perfect Autumn dimension to an existing Summer outfit…

• With dresses: Match a cropped cardi with a fit-and-flare dress, and a long A-line cardi with minis and sack dress styles.
• With blouses or shirts: Pop a cardi over a sleeveless or narrow-sleeved romantic blouse or streamlined shirt. Blouses and shirts with billowing sleeves bunch up underneath cardis with fitted sleeves and this looks unsightly. If you have a traditional cardi style in your closet, try cinching it in at the waist with a wide belt for an updated look for the office.
• With knitted tops or camisoles: Layer just about any cardi style over a knitted top or camisole, and enjoy the versatility of this extra layer.

I personally prefer finely knitted styles to chunky versions because they’re the more adaptable choice. Fine knit cardis can be dressed either up and down, or layered underneath jackets. They’re also slimming because they’re not as bulky. Choose your cardigans wisely and they shall give you great joy. My wardrobe does not function without them.

These fine knit cardigans look smarter and are therefore more office appropriate.

Cardigans with Chunkier knit stitches are more casual and super with jeans or casual dresses.

A traditional cardigan style (left) is instantly updated with a wide waist belt. Long A-line cardigan silhouettes are great with A-line dresses or pants.

Summer is “officially” over in the northern hemisphere, and with that comes cooler temperatures. Over the next set of posts I’m going to talk about Autumn bridging pieces. These are pieces that increase the ROI of items already in your closet, thereby making your transition from Summer wardrobe to Autumn wardrobe cost effective. In some instances you will have all of the pieces and it’s just a question of putting them together; in other instances you might need to purchase a piece or two.

Here are some of your options:

• Layering up an existing Summer ensemble with a cardigan, which is available in all shapes, sizes and stitch types and is far from boring or frumpy.
• Layering up a Summer dress can end up becoming the most versatile and interesting option in your wardrobe.
• Adding a vest (or “waistcoat”) is a particularly fashionable choice this season and a trendy twist on office wear.
• Re-inventing a Summer ensemble with the appropriate accessories like hose, tights, scarves, hats, handbags and closed shoes can add the perfect Autumn dimension.

We’ll discuss each of these in more detail over the next few days so that you can get the best bang for your fashion buck as temperatures begin to cool. Particularly if your fashion budget is tight, a thoughtful bridging strategy is the way to go.

Tell us about your own bridging strategies in the comments.

Last season was all about the ankle bootie; this season is all about the Oxford. Once again it’s not quite a pump and not quite a boot, but somewhere in between. I thoroughly enjoy fashion trends that take a masculine silhouette and give them a feminine twist. This sassy lace-up is the perfect example and forms part of the androgynous trend you’ll be seeing more of as the season unfolds. Ideal for knee-length dresses, skirts, skinnies, suits, jeans and wide leg pants, the old-school Oxford will give any Autumn outfit a completely new and hip edge. If you fancy the style, it’s definitely the shoe to make an existing business casual wardrobe pop.

This particular ped is a 70’s flashback. I remember my late mother gliding through the streets of Hong Kong in a mushroom suede and patent pair much like the Steve Madden Oxford Pump (top left below). How she strode through a bustling city in shoes like that with children in tow and crowds to dodge remains a mystery. Impressive. As soaring heel heights continue to trend, my fashion hope is that this somewhat conservative looking “it” shoe comes out with a conservative heel height. A stable 2-inch stacked heel would be fab. My eyes are peeled!

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.

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.

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.

Spanish actress and style maven Penelope Cruz and her equally gorgeous sister Monica uncovered their new clothing line in Spain last week. They’ve had a stab at designing part of an Autumn/Winter 2007 line for Spanish design house Mango (MNG). The collection is due to launch on 16 September alongside a fab advertising  campaign that features the stunning Spanish beauties themselves. Penelope Cruz has a superb sense of style and I’m champing at the bit with curiosity. I can’t wait to see these products hanging in one of my very favourite and affordable places to shop. Watch out rival Spanish retail giant Zara… Mango’s Cruzing with style.

If you live in the USA (or happen to be visiting in late July), mark your calendars! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday, July 20. For those of you unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2007 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. Meredeth at Noveau Image has a super post explaining the origins of this renowned shopping event.
 
I was able to get a “sneak peak” at most of their sale offerings last week and here is my hot list of exceptional items by department.

Narrative: This department is best during the anniversary sale. You’ll see lots of short cropped leather biker jackets, woolen swing coats, trenches and  black and white hounds tooth. Hot items:   

• “Via Spiga” black single-breasted belted coat with cracked black patent trim $199
• “Gallery” single-breasted modern microfiber belted trench coat available in black, tan, burnt orange, khaki and brown. For $98 this item is my hottest pick because a trench is forever fashionable
• “Laundry” ivory satin belted puffer jacket perfect for casual settings and après ski.

Individualist: If classy career wear is on your list, make a bee-line for this department. You’ll  see neutrals and jewel tones and lots of A-line silhouettes. Hot items:

• All suiting by “ Classique Entier”, “BCBG”, “Laundry” and “Trina Turk”
• Modern classic slacks by “Wowyn” for $107
• “Charles Gray” trapeze coats in grey, black and tan for $235

T.B.D: Denim and denim friendly items always make this department attractive. You’ll see a continuation of hippy chic easy swing tops, trapeze tunics and empire cuts. Hot items:

• “Halogen” corduroy three-quarter-sleeved cropped  jackets with adorable ’50’s inspired detailing available in an assortment of colours for $58
• “Halogen” brushed cotton long sleeved peplum jacket available in an assortment of colours for $72
• “Halogen” voluminous microfiber trench available in black and khaki for $84
• Wide-legged extra dark blue denim  “7 for all Mankind” jeans for $109

Point of View: This department is more affordable than Individualist and a good stop for both casual and career wear. Hot items:

• All “Semantics” suiting. Their cropped trapeze style jackets are fabulous for $84
• “Live a little” checked bell sleeve jacket for $52
• “David Kahn” jeans for $129
• “Nine West” tunic knitwear for between $49 -$69
• “Michael Kors” cream swing cardigan for $65

Shoes: This is usually the area that I head for first, but I was disappointed with their sale offerings this year. There is nothing wildly enticing if you have your basics for Spring and Autumn covered. But if you are in the market for basics, you might be interested in these options:

• “Franco Sarto” ankle boots available in both black and brown for $64
• “Steve Madden” black riding boots for $94
• “Coach” tan and cream fashion sneakers for $64
• “Paul Green” black riding boots for $250
• “Tasha” Patent car shoes for $150

Petite Focus: This is the best department at this year’s anniversary sale. My favorites are too many to list. Be sure to spend time here if you are a petite. 

Savvy: This is usually my favourite department at Nordstrom, but unfortunately no great shakes with their sale offerings this year and sadly, nothing here makes my hot list.

B.P: This area is always worth a look if you’re young,  ultra trendy, and happy to spend money on  a fashion fad.  Be mindful of the quality in this area though, it’s “throw away fashion at a price”.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on July 20, 21 and 22. Doors open at 7am ladies… keep those fashion feet moving!

Palettes…

• Purples – eggplant, magenta, peacock blue
• Reds – crimson, bordeaux, scarlet, tomato and fire engine red
• Greens – chartreuse, apple and Irish green
• Black –futuristic woven metallic threads, sequins and lots of texture

Styles…

• Put your dresses away because it’s all about pants: Jodhpurs, wide-legs, skinnies and cropped
• Puffy everything: sleeves, dresses, skirts, pants and jackets
• Hourglass everything: nothing low slung …wide, wide, wide belts
• Lantern skirts and pencil skirts
• Novelty coats
• Oxford shoes and spectators
• Riding boots: fringe last year and a now a deep trend
• Framed  bags
• Rectangular rings
• Patent, patent, patent

Lots of new twists on watershed trends that started coming through last Autumn. We are used to the look. After all, fashion is an adaptation of the eye.