At this time of year, those of us who celebrate Christmas spend a lot of energy thinking about gifts for other people. So let’s take a selfish moment to think about ourselves. What would you like to see under the Christmas tree with your name on it?

You can keep your wish list to all things style and fashion if you like, but feel free to share every last detail. I’ll go first:

• Puffer coat – I actually know this is under the tree because I put it there. Sometimes, you need to be a little extra assertive.
• Knitwear, knitwear, knitwear – it takes a long time to warm up in Seattle and extra knitwear is always a wardrobe welcome.
• Cashmere lined leather gloves – A pair in black (like these) is just what I’m looking for. I’ve tried them, they fit perfectly in length and width and  do not itch. They’ll make a nice neutral change to my thermal lined mustard leather gloves that have seen better days.
• Red wine glasses – I keep breaking them so we are down to two, which was a little embarrassing at our last dinner party.
• Cheese knives – An assortment of the miniature individual ones that spread soft cheese would be good.

At the rate at which it has been snowing in Seattle, I might need to add a pair of snow boots to this list. Also, gifts like teapots, citrusy scented candles, cookbooks, delicatessen food products and exquisite olive oil always make me smile. I hope you’re listening Santa Claus. I promise I’ve been nice all year.

Ok, over to you. What’s on your list?

A suit is not a wardrobe essential but in many instances it’s a useful item to have at your disposal. The following suit-friendly situations spring to mind:

• Formal interviews and presentations
• Reserved business settings
• Cocktail parties (a suit can look alluring if matched with the right pieces)
• Desk to dinner occasions
• Fancy nights out
• Theater and auctions
• Funerals

Think further than the traditional, black wool crepe pants suit paired with a white button down shirt and black pointy-toed pumps (unless that is precisely what the setting calls for). You have several alternatives, including skirt suits, interesting fabric textures, attractive style detailing and a colour that isn’t black.

If you don’t need to conform to a conservative dress code, take your suit look to the next level by dressing it up in cheeky ways:

• Wear it on its own with a pretty camisole or shimmery top
• Add a skinny belt to the natural waist for an eclectic vibe
• Throw in fishnets or textured hose for a bit of edge
• Go to town with funky accessories, shoes and handbags
• Create a fun androgynous look and watch those heads turn

Nowadays, suits are seldom a look or wardrobe item of choice. And if you’re required to wear one frequently (e.g. for work), you’ll probably gravitate towards a completely different look for other occasions. But I’m defending the suit. It can be a practical, easy and flop-proof option if you think outside the box with the ensemble. Especially as you get older, because it is such an elegant option. A woman in a fabulous suit looks killer.

The pictures below illustrate the point that suits can look far from boring and severe. The belts, the texture of the fabrics, the addition of feminine layering and the boldness of the accessories and shoes creates a completely different suit mood. I have a baby pinstripe black pants suit that I love. It comes out from time to time with a ruffle top, belt, tomato red pumps and zebra print clutch. I’d love to add an interesting skirt suit to my wardrobe as well. Maybe I’ll score one on sale in the next couple of weeks.

(1) A modern, minimalist monochromatic Calvin Klein-esque skirt suit belted to perfection with patent that adds just enough texture to the black-on-black ensemble. (2) A belted cream boucle skirt suit with hose and peep-toe pumps. (3) A romantically styled textured skirt suit with lacy camisole, stockings and of the moment booties. (4) A classic black skirt suit made of an unexpected black crinkle sateen, matched with over the top ankle strapped pumps. (5) A classic one-button pants suit in a bold grey gangster pinstripe matched with an alluring shawl collar top. (6) A traditional black pants suit comes to life with a bright shiny blouse, belt and chunky eye-catching necklace.

I tend to prefer fine gauge knitwear because it is universally flattering and has the following advantages when incorporated into an ensemble:

• It creates a streamlined visual effect
• It is easy to layer
• It is very versatile (can be dressed up or down)

Chunky knitwear can look nice and is potentially warmer, but it’s also a little harder to wear. In my view chunky knitwear has the following disadvantages:

• It creates a bulky appearance (you tend to look bigger than you are)
• It is hard to layer
• It offers a predominantly casual look

Do you stick to fine gauge knitwear to keep your look sleek and smart? Or do you prefer chunky knitwear? If so, please come to its defense!

Examples of chunky knitwear.

I was not excited by the shape of this cardigan until I tried it on. I’ve subsequently fitted it onto other people with equally good results. There is something about its drapy integrity, dipped back, and curved hem that’s flattering and forgiving for both curvy and straighter body types. And it’s wide neck welt adds extra vertical interest which is somehow streamlining.

Wear the curved hem tunic cardigan loose for a breezy casual look, or belted for added waist definition. It works well over pants and skirts, and layered over button down shirts or fine gauge form fitting knits. If you are going to wear this look unbelted, remember to keep the bottom half of your outfit sleek. I prefer this style of cardigan with streamlined sleeves because the volume in the torso is sufficient. Too much volume in one garment is tricky to wear and a nuisance to fit under a coat.

This style is a nice alternative if you couldn’t get the boyfriend style to work. I say give it bash if you love cardigans and are after a newer and more arty look.

I bought the grey style on the right in a moss green last week. It’s not the best quality, but the silhouette looks great belted over a tailored black button down. Unfortunately it’s not available online anymore, but you’ll find it (or similar styles) in stores.

Fishnet stockings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I understand the resistance. They can look awful if the holes of “the net” are large and the net itself is loosely woven and lumpy. Those are the versions to bypass.

What you’re after is micro fishnets. The holes are small and tightly woven, and the nylon is fine and pretty. You can barely see that you’re wearing fishnets and the overall effect on your legs is more of a textured sheen. The look is sophisticated and a little unexpected. I’ll go so far as to say that a classy pair of fishnets works with everything and on anyone. Totally flop proof.

Fishnets tend to be a smarter look, but they can be dressed down pretty effectively. They are ideal with a denim skirt, flat casual knee-high boots and basic knitwear. I also like to pair them with my 20 eyelet Docs. Don’t think that you need to stick to black either. Brown, grey and nude fishnets are just as great.

My favourite brand of micro fishnets are by Oroblu. They’re expensive at $19 a pair, but they last and they look sensational. DKNY has just brought out a great micro fishnet option this season. Packaged in a flat gold box (the luxury collection), you’ll find them in most department stores. They cost $17 and offer the same Oroblu effect. If you live in the UK and have a Marks & Spencer close by, be sure to head for their hosiery department. They sell fabulous plain micro fishnets and versions with polka dots. So fun!

Give them a try. They kick all sorts of outfits up a notch and make an affordable and stylish little Christmas present.

I haven’t tried these Wolfords, but they look like a great pair of micro fishnets. At $40 they are quite pricey.

Coming up with gift ideas gets tougher each year, especially when budgets are tight. If you’re stuck, think of it as an opportunity to help someone increase their style quotient. It’s an ideal time to nudge people in the right direction.

• Replace neglected wardrobe items: Socks, underwear, loungewear, sleepwear, workout wear and camisoles are items we use regularly but aren’t fun to purchase. It’s hard to spend a limited budget on items that aren’t always visible to the public eye. Solve the problem by having Santa pick up the tab for these basics.
• Introduce a new beauty product: Items like mascara, nail polish, lipstick, gloss, crème blush, eye-brow kit and moisturizer are inexpensive and can make a huge difference. Jojoba oil is my new skincare jackpot and I highly recommend it for dry facial skin ($7 for 4 oz).
• Evangelize the power of accessories: Hats, scarves, belts, bags, specs, watches, umbrellas, gloves, wallets, hosiery and jewelry make for effective statement pieces. It’s wise to invest in these while sales are going strong.
• Recommend a professional bra fitting: Style starts with the best bra. Suggest a fitting to a friend or family member if you suspect that their size and style isn’t correct. Make it a date over lunch and contribute to the purchase of a fabulous bra. (This one’s a little more personal but I’m sure you’ll use your discretion).
• Treat a loved one to a haircut: A good haircut is therapeutic and often a quick, effective style fix.
• Offer to clean out a closet: Set someone free of their wardrobe shackles by helping to edit their closet. Make it a fun event with lots of dress-up as they go down memory lane.
• Propose a great pair of jeans and contribute to its purchase: There is loads of information on our forum about the best jeans for different body types. Help someone find killer jeans and pave the way to flop proof smart casual dressing.
• Share the secrets to happy feet: Introduce the inexpensive joys of foot comfort through insoles, shoe stretching and moleskin.
• Stock up on style books: “The Pocket Stylist” by Kendal Farr is still my top recommendation.
• Create a boot care kit: Rescue boots from sad wardrobe situations one Christmas present at a time.

Of course, style is a very personal matter and some of the options above are quite intimate. Most of them imply that there is room for improvement. This is sensitive territory so make sure you have the right relationship to give the gift of style.

I’m sure we could all  use a creative boost in this department and I’d love to hear more about your gift giving plan.  Let the brainstorm begin.

Top handbag designers like Gucci, Longchamp, Etro and Louis Vuitton have brought back the miniature dressy backpack as the new “it” handbag. You know what that means. Give it a season and we’ll start to see the look filtering down to mainstream retail.

I remember when dressy backpacks were all the rage in the 90’s. The much coveted black nylon Prada mini backpack was copied and available everywhere. They were advertised as being “comfortable and practical”, but for me they were neither. I didn’t enjoy being strapped into the backpack and found it annoyingly inconvenient to retrieve its contents.

But horses for courses. If you enjoyed the style of a dressy backpack in the 90’s, you’re in for a treat. Watch as they filter back into fashion.

Remember these backpacks from way back when? I wonder which other 90’s trends we should expect to make a comeback.

I love the look of a lass in a fabulous hat, but you might need to persevere if you aren’t one of those people who looks naturally good in headgear. The shape of a hat alters the size of your head and face in relation to the rest of your body, which can make it tricky. It’s a question of trying on several styles to see which works. Berets, newsboys, cabbies, cloches, buckets, caps, fedoras and beanies, there’s a look for everyone if the proportions, fabrication, style and colour are spot on.

I like it best when there is hair peaking though from underneath the hat. Lasses with long hair wear hats particularly well and I think it’s because the abundance of hair adds balance, softness and interest to the look. I look awful in most hats because I have a small head and very short hair. Hats seem to overwhelm my facial features. But this does not prevent me from wearing one when it’s freezing cold. Hats, like scarves and gloves, keep you wonderfully warm. I’ll happily forego a little aesthetic for extra warmth.

I hope you’re wearing hats if you look great in headgear. They make a superb statement and can become part of your signature look. It doesn’t need to be freezing in order to wear them either. Often in Europe, people gravitate towards hats and scarves before a Winter coat.

A few of my favourite hat styles: beret, knitted cap, slouchy cabbie, fitted cabbie, newsboy and cloche. Hats are such a fun accessory. If I looked good in a hat (and my hair behaved after wearing one), I’d be all over the look.

Eighties superhero-style latex leggings are once again a fashion statement. I’ve seen them in all the colours and can scarcely believe they’ve made a comeback.

I saw two relatively young fashion industry professionals wearing the black ones a couple of months ago. They incorporated their glossy vinyls into an uber-tailored, sophisticated, daytime work look. Wearing impeccable jackets, fabulous blouses and killer heels with their second skins, they just about got away with it.

So what’s the verdict on the slick sheen, ladies. Are they stove-piping hot – or not?

I’m pretty sure latex leggings are a fad. I’ll eat my words if we see them again next season. Time will tell.

Australian Envirosax makes my favourite eco-friendly shopping bag at the moment. It’s attractive, compact, portable and lightweight. It’s made of a durable waterproof polyester, holds up to 44 lbs and rolls up into an impressively small 1.4 oz package. You‘ll hardly notice its presence in your handbag.

Spread the environmental message with style with reusable eco-chic shopping bags. For $8.50, or $37.95 for a series of five, they make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts and items to put into gift packages you’re sending abroad.

The envirosac is offered in a variety of design options and colours for both adults and children. I like the graphic monochromatic series and stocked up on these over the weekend. If these particular eco friendly shopping bags don’t tickle your fancy, there are plenty of others to choose from.