As you might have gathered from the length of my “raves” list yesterday, there was little this season that we couldn’t adapt to suit who we are. As always, it’s a matter of knowing how to sift through new trends in order to add just enough of “right now” to our existing wardrobe. Here are the items that didn’t make it through my filter:

• Hectic high heels that soared at 3½ inches or more were the order of the day. Many of them were beautiful, but most were impossible to walk in. While ballet flats were also in abundance, there was virtually nothing fabulous in-between. I’d have enjoyed seeing a wider selection of 1½ to 2 inch heels.
• Hippie tops were everywhere and often unflattering. While easy swing tops can be adorable, the wrong empire-cut top will do little for your look. Well endowed women battled with the empire seam cutting straight across their bust line instead of sitting comfortably underneath the bust. Also, these tops often stopped just above the widest part of your thighs which made them impossible for the pretty pears among us. In general, shoulder lines were sloppy and back ties were too long and frequently juvenile-looking.
• Black and white and other neutrals, like brown, tan and navy, continued to play a significant part in modern-classic and urban collections. Red shone through as a bright basic, but that was it. I love the clean and classic black and white look, but I would have also loved see a colourful assortment of clothing beyond the eclectic and boho-inspired styles.
• Crocs emerged a lot earlier than Spring 2007, but they certainly got a lot of attention over this last season. The company is doing exceptionally well and “making massive fistfuls of money with its wacky little shoes”. The trademark plastic molded shoes have their place, but it isn’t as everyday footwear when you’re out in public.

There were also a couple of missed retail opportunities:

• A deeper assortment of fabulous shrugs, cropped V-neck cardigans and tasteful bolero jackets might have made a killing if they were available alongside the multitudes of sleeveless dresses. The additional cover-up would have made frocks more wearable for work and air-conditioned environments. 
• Pants without side entry pockets are universally more flattering. It was a tall order finding pants  (especially white pants) without any pockets this season.

Overall, it was a fabulous season, but feel free to attack Spring and Summer 2007 a little more before we close the door and concentrate on Autumn. What do you think was missing this season?

Beautiful shoes with insanely high heels.

Most of us still have a good few months of warm weather to enjoy, but we’ve seen the last of Spring and Summer in store. It’s that crazy retail cycle again. Autumn collections are in full swing and, as ever, I am champing at the bit to talk about them. But first, some final thoughts on the last 6 months of fashion.  

Here are my raves (hold off on the rants…we’ll tackle them tomorrow).

• Dresses, dresses, dresses were everywhere. From jersey to chiffon, empire to sack, and casual to smart, dresses look fab on all body types. They’re perfect for hot weather and an easy all-in-one item to throw on. It’s been a great resurgence of the quintessential feminine piece.
• Yellow and cobalt  were “new” retro 80’s brights and a breath of fresh air amongst the neutrals.
• Longer length tops and tunics were perfect for skinnies, leggings, straight legs and boot cuts. Tunics and dresses over pants are a uniform in my wardrobe because they’re elegant, flattering, comfortable and versatile. If short tops become fashionable again, I might need to stay stuck in this decade.
• Swing tops that were easy to wear and forgiving on the mid-section get my thumbs up if they didn’t make you look pregnant when you weren’t. 
• Voluminous sleeves were dramatic, 40’s and girly. What’s not to love?
• Trapeze jackets worn over longer-length fitted tops and paired with slim bottoms were a new look. This watershed silhouette change became more mainstream this season and it’s nice to see something very new.
• Skinnies and slim pants were the best match for voluminous tops and tunics. After my initial trepidation a year ago, I have grown to appreciate skinnies again.
• Leggings with dresses were an unexpected hit, and a good look for Autumn.
• Waist belts remained an inexpensive way of adding that “of-the-moment” look to an existing ensemble.
• Patent in all it’s hues was a cheerful update from Winter and a wonderful way of adding colour and depth to a neutral outfit.
• Polka dots were fun!
• Ballet flats worked especially well with skinnies and leggings. A fashionable and comfy flat is always fab. 
• Bright accessories added lots of excitement.
• Clutches were the “it”  bag and a refreshing streamlined change to slouchy hobos.
• Black and white. Despite the overdose it continues to be a striking combination.

Now that our eyes have adapted to the fundamental changes in fashion over the last year, it’s time to embrace the trends that we like and make them wearable for our body type. What were your favourite trends this season?

It seems appropriate to close the season with bright footwear and accessories.

Voluminous, blousy swing or trapeze tops are everywhere this season. Styles in heavier draping fabrics without overt empire seams are particularly forgiving for those of us with a little extra around the mid-section (say goodbye to that muffin top). Ensuring that these tops fit snugly across the shoulders is essential as a strong shoulder line is always flattering. Swing tops are best paired with slimmer bottoms like skinnies, straight legs, boot cuts, pencil skirts and walk shorts (because volume on volume doesn’t work). They’re a youthful, flirty and airy element to add to  your Summer wardrobe for hot, hot days.

Casual (on the left) and smarter (on the right) swing tops from Banana Republic and Nordstrom.

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).

For those of you off to shop the sales today, don’t be tempted by anything that’s just “okay”. You have to love what you buy and it has to work with what you already have in your wardrobe. If you’re pressed for time, head straight to the following places:

• Macy’s dress department for bargain dress prices for occasions like graduations, reunions, weddings and summer holidays.
• Macy’s shoe and handbag department, because designer brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Coach get reduced for Memorial Day weekend.
• Express, where camisoles are $12.50 until Tuesday.

If you don’t get to the shops today, there are many other bargain opportunities just around the corner. You’ll find end of season sales everywhere over the next five weeks and there’s always Nordstrom’s Half Yearly sale on 14 June. Happy shopping!

Thong sandals, wedge heels and white duffle bag, all on sale at Macy’s.

Your shapely bust, small waist and full bottom fill out the right dress perfectly. By defining your waist and keeping your necklines low, you’ll find lots of frocks that flatter your curves.

Some guidelines to follow when shopping for that perfect dress:

• Look for styles in draped fabrics that skim over and accentuate your curves.
• Keep your waist a focal point. You’ll look “blocky” if you don’t define your mid section, so avoid “of the moment” sack dresses and straight sheath styles. 
• Choose dresses with scooped, oval, sweetheart or V-necklines that elongate your frame and flatter your bust line.
• Look for styles with vertical seam details such as princess lines and vertical insets.
• Keep the bodice simple if you’re busty (avoid ruffles and fussy details around the bust area that end up making you look top heavy).
• Knee length dresses are best and wearing heels will enhance your leg line.
• Choose bias cuts, shaped sheaths, shirtwaisters, V-neck halters, wraps and strapless styles.

Hour glass body types should always have dresses in their wardrobe because they look fabulous in frocks. Make the most of Spring’s  dress season!

Halter, fitted strappy sheath and A-line knee length dresses appropriate for hourglass body types (Dillards).

Chunky cuffs and bangles in resin, wood, Lucite, plastic or glistening metallics have made a comeback. It’s another ‘70’s and ‘80’s trend with a modern twist. I adore this accessory because it makes a simple statement: a single or superb set of bangles on a bare arm is all you need to finish your outfit off appropriately.

I personally find bulky bangles cumbersome and impractical to wear. I suppose I’m just more of watch and ring type of gal. But if cuffs and bangles are your choice, remember to keep them in proportion to your size. The fuller and taller you are, the larger you can sport your jewelry. Cuffs and bangles are fun and flirty with sleeveless dresses and a nice alternative to necklaces in Summer. Quite the eye-catching ornament.

An assortment of cuffs and bangles from Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.

I had given up on all ultra-trendy shoes this season because soaring heels and wobbly wedges don’t make my feet happy. And then I found a shoe that stepped up to the plate. It’s a Franco Sarto patent, sling-back, peek-toed, cork wedge sandal. I’d bypassed this pretty shoe several times, assuming that it would be uncomfortable and impossible to walk in.

Then a client of mine (with equally finicky feet) insisted that they were worth a try. And they were. I’m delighted to have found a pair of fun, fashion-forward sandals that are stable and comfortable for about 4 hours. They don’t meet my “8-hour-shoe” grade, but they certainly beat dressy strappy heels that barely make it to the 2 hour mark. These wedges have satisfied the fashionista component of my fashion persona. There is hope for those of us with fussy feet!

The Franco Sarto patent wedge is available at most department stores in an assortment of colours for around $90.00.

From baby pink and antique rose, to bubblegum and fuchsia, pink is the colour many of our mothers dressed us in when we were little. This season it’s a fashion colour that’s back on the map. Purple is a shade that we don’t see as often, but it’s making a subtle statement too (and I have a hunch that purple is going to feature for Autumn).

There are pink-purples (hot shades) and blue-purples (cold shades) and preferences are personal. I prefer “pinker” purples like magenta and jewel tones because I love to pair those shades with green and yellow. I also tend to like cerise pink with red and orange. These vivid color combinations remind me of magnificent Indian saris and Japanese kimonos. Ironically, colours that clash can often work in harmony.

If you prefer to sport one bright at a time, hot pinks and purples are fabulous with denim blue, white, black and tan for Spring. Remember to sport an eye-catching pink or purple accessory instead of an item of clothing if thinking pink is not quite your style.

No, they don’t. While I can’t argue that white or cream pants are practical (one wear and in the wash they go), they’re stylish regardless of your size. The important factors are the fit and the ensemble. Here are guidelines for choosing a perfect pair of white or cream pants:

• Choose a shaped waistband that’s lower in front than at the back. A wider waistband (about one and half inches) gives our bodies that extra bit of structure around the tummy area.
• Keep the front plain (no pleats) and the pockets off. Side entry pockets or any type of patch pocket tends to show through the front of light pants. Flatter fronts keep your fit smooth and streamlined underneath your tops.
• Make sure that white pants made of softer fabrications like viscose, silk, rayon and linen-blends are lined.
• Consider denim and thick cotton twills in white/cream. These fabrics don’t need to be lined and the classic “5-pocket styling” works well.
• Stick to boot cut leg openings as the most versatile and flattering option.

Striking contrast is key to creating a stylish ensemble with white pants. Match them up with a dark top and shoes and your look will pop.

All women can look incredible in the right pair of white pants. Get your head around the fact that white is a modern update on black, and that it doesn’t make you look fat.

Excellent white and denim pant silhouettes from Ann Taylor and Nordstrom.