J. Crew is offering an assortment of wonderful washed-wool scarves and the picture below does not do them justice. Solid colours, ombre, or polka dots for $49 to $59. There are at least 20 different options to select from in stores at the moment and it’s well worth a look. Don’t let the uninspiring picture and lack of online choices put you off.

I have a wool allergy that makes me come out in a bad rash when I wear it close to my skin. But I’m willing to try items with a wool composition on the off chance that I can comfortably sport the item without breaking out in hives. I own a few wool pashminas that do not itch and this has given me hope.

I loved these scarves when I saw them in J. Crew and promptly tested one in store. I walked around looking at their merchandise for 10 minutes with the scarf Euro-looped around my neck. No hives, no fuss and best of all, a subtle fringe that I won’t need to remove. I was sold.

The scarves are very lightweight and come with a swing ticket that suggests three ways of tying them: “choker style”, “simple ascot” and “hacking knot”. Nice one J. Crew. If it isn’t too cold in your neck of the woods, wait a while and score this little gem when it goes on sale.

I saw green, coral, yellow, raspberry, turquoise, cream and black solid colours. There were blue, green, taupe, pink, grey and yellow ombre versions, and black, cherry, yellow and orange solids with cream polka dots. I came home with the black and cream polka dot and the client I was with bought the green one.

Skinny belts that are too long can still work if you use this shortening technique. It’s nifty and one I’m sure you’ve seen before.

Wrap the long, dangling end around the part of the belt that’s on your waist and pull it through to create “a knotted effect”. Pull the knot tightly and the belt stays put all day.

If the ends of the belt are too short to knot, but long enough to dangle, use double sided tape or Velcro adhesives to keep the belt end in place. Having belts professionally shortened by a cobbler is another route to go. But if you’re short on time like I was last week, knotting works just fine.

Scarves are a fabulous transitional accessory as your look moves from Summer to Autumn. I see scarves more than any other accessory whenever I’m in Europe. For me they are a wonderful colour vehicle and a way to keep warm in a chilly climate (I’m also never without one on a long flight).

Tying a square scarf “muffler style” is hot this season. But instead of tucking the ends under, it is key to leave them exposed on either side of the shoulder. I like the look and I’ve seen several women sport it successfully. The appearance is relaxed and makes quite a statement. It’s especially flattering on women with shorter necks because the cowl effect creates the illusion of a longer neckline.

The muffler style doesn’t look great on me because my giraffe neck needs shortening as opposed to elongation. The scarf also doesn’t stay put because there’s no knot tying involved, and I don’t like to fuss with my outfit during the day. So I’m sticking to the Euro loop. The scarf doesn’t move and I love the vertical appeal.

Give scarves a bash if you’re not in the habit of wearing them. They are practical in transitional weather and can bring new life to an unexciting outfit.

Scarves don’t need to be woolly. Cotton and linen scarves are an ideal option if you live in a warmer climate, or run hot quickly. They’ll give you an appropriate Autumn look without the warmth.

More and more men and women are omitting watches from their wardrobes because they can check the time on their mobile phone.

I feel naked without a watch. It is a no-nonsense accessory that completes a look like no mobile phone can. In fact, I have several watches that I like to change daily, weekly and seasonally. It’s a fun and subtle way to mix-up an ensemble. There are signs that phones are becoming stylish too, but I’m not convinced that they will be fashion accessories in quite the same way as my chunky white watch.

And the watch on my wrist is more convenient. This may have something to do with the fact that I’m a little obsessed with the time. I look at my watch 100 times a day and can’t imagine having to reach for my cell phone instead. In my life, wearing a watch is as practical and necessary as putting on specs.

Perhaps I am old fashioned, and the mobile phone is replacing the watch as the single piece of technology that is with you all the time. Do you view your phone as a functional, but fashionable accessory? Has it replaced your watch?

It’s extremely important to sport a healthy handbag. One way of ensuring this is to carry a simple flat tote that’s no deeper than one to four inches. You’ll keep the dramatic and fashionable effect of the oversized-tote-look, but without the weight (if you’re disciplined about keeping the contents of your handbag to a minimum). Hardware, bells and whistles, slouchy styles and wide handbags tend to be bulky and heavy, especially if they’re leather.

If you stick to a slim, streamlined tote that’s no bigger than the size of your upper body, you might be pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to stride comfortably as you go about your day. This style of tote was all over the streets of San of Francisco when I visited earlier this year. Urbanites like to keep it practical, funky and stylish. My type of handbag.

When a handbag is simple, let the colour and fabrication do the talking. Patent or cracked patent leather or faux leather adds depth to this look and are my favourite options.

A very stylish German friend 10 years my senior wears an oversized white ceramic Chanel watch that I have admired the day it was gifted to her. She wears it every day instead of a wedding ring and it’s very much part of her signature style.

I never thought I could wear bulky watches, let alone white ones, because I have dainty wrists and pale skin. But then another friend of mine with equally dainty wrists got herself a funky white and titanium watch and it looked great. I was inspired and bought a more refined, less sporty version (alas, not the porcelain Chanel watch that I covet).

It’s my everyday watch and I love it. My retro silver watches are resting as I enjoy the crisp and modern elements of this new accessory. It makes my outfits feel extra Summery and matches my pearl necklaces. It’s like wearing an iPod on your wrist. Good arm candy.

I’m glad I saw past my preconceived ideas and gave the white-watch-look a chance. I thank my friends for the inspiration.

Storing necklaces in a jewelry box is not the best solution unless…

1. there are compartments big enough to hold each necklace separately and
2. the full contents of the box is visible at all times.

I’ve found jewelry box storage for necklaces to cause endless tangling and chaos. I forget what I have and refrain from wearing anything that requires straightening out. Ideally, necklaces would be hung tangle-free in an area where you can see them as you get dressed.

I have an inexpensive, convenient solution for my everyday fashion necklaces. I’ve hung a tie-rack horizontally on the wall of my walk-in wardrobe and each hook holds a few necklaces. A hook rack will also work and so will hanging necklaces on nails on the inside of your closet door. No untangling, effortless access, constant visibility and easy accessorizing. What a pleasure.

I much prefer the aesthetic of pretty jewelry boxes, but the messy inaccessibility of my necklaces drove me batty.  Seeing as I don’t wear earrings or bracelets, my jewelry box is home to my rings and nothing else.

A long scarf that’s “pulled through a loop” or tied in any other way so that the ends form a vertical line down the front of your body has a slimming effect. Worn this way, the scarf creates a long lean line that is surprisingly flattering. Remember to think of a scarf as an item that you can add to your ensemble on mild Autumn and Winter days without a coat. The scarf is often the first accessory to come out in Europe when it gets chilly (before a jacket or coat), so don’t feel that you have to save the item for freezing temperatures.

I love everything about scarves. They keep me warm and elongated, add colour to my outfit and complete the look. I keep my scarf pulled through a loop because that works best for my style (the blue scarf on the right), but here are more ways to tie a scarf in keeping with its vertical appeal.

Black opaques are all the rage this season, but sheer black hose can often look more flattering. There is something about the translucency of sheer hose (either in black or a colour) that is leg slimming and leg lengthening. I include sheer hose with self colored patterns (like spots or diamonds) in this category.

This is not to say that opaques, thicker ribbed tights, and patterned tights won’t look great when they complement an outfit. Sheer black hose was often a favourite choice with my clients this season, particularly for the additional coverage they offer in both everyday and party wear ensembles.

My point is that with all the exciting hose to choose from, we forget about simple sheer hose. And I definitely feel prettier in sheer black hose as opposed to thick tights. So don’t feel compelled to wear elaborate hose when the simple things in life are often best.

Semi-opaque tights are easy to find and most brands will do the trick. A fab pair of plain black opaque tights, on the other hand, are a little harder to find. Few brands seem to have the thickness and the perfectly matte look that I’m after. After much trial and error, I’ve narrowed it down to two options:

• Nordstrom Opaque Control Tops ($10)
• Spanx Tight-end Tights ($24)

I used to enjoy DKNY opaque tights, but this season they seem thinner than before. If you’re leg shy about wearing an above the knee skirt or dress, you’ll want opaque’s that are as substantial as a pair of skinny pants. And you’ll get even better coverage if you go up a size and wear a second pair.

Thick dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering up and staying warm in a short party dress when it’s freezing outside.

Thick, silky, matte opaque’s paired perfectly with party dresses.