At the start of each new retail season I update my wardrobe with accessories before I purchase clothing. Accessories make a simple, bold statement that can make boring old clothes from seasons past feel fresh and updated. With the right accessory you can capture a new trend at the fraction of of the cost of the full ensemble.

So I kicked off the Spring season by purchasing two items that have been on my shopping list for years: a yellow and white, smart casual, Spring scarf, and an off-white, non-patent handbag. I managed to find them both this year and I’m thrilled with how they’ve vividly integrated and updated my wardrobe.

The scarf is made of a soft, viscose-linen blend and is just the right shape. I like to wear this type of scarf inside the collar of a button-down shirt, or over a knitted top. I tie a Spring scarf once, loosely around my neck, so that the ends look long and streamlined down the front of my body.

You’re after a lightweight scarf in a crisp fabric and cheerful colour to signal that Spring is in the air. Woolly scarves seem too Wintery. Don’t be put off if my particular scarf is not to your taste, because they come in all shapes, sizes, colours and price points. Old Navy and Target are selling Spring scarves for $12 at the moment.

The second item, a perfect off-white tote complete with Chanel-esque bow, was a lucky find at the right price point. I bought it a few weeks ago when we were in New York City and carried it to my NBC Today Show interview. Like my white watch, the new bag magically transforms my transitional look to clean, crisp and modern. It’s wildly versatile and I have to stop myself from wearing it with everything.

During this recession I’m on more of a mission than ever to take advantage of the power of accessories. I plan to hold out as long as possible with my existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself occasionally with a new accessory that livens up my wardrobe and lifts my spirits. It’s going to be an interesting challenge and I’ll keep you posted. Let’s save some money!

I love the versatility of dark wash jeans because you can dress them up or down. They form an integral part of the smart casual dress code, but look just as good with Converse sneakers, casual boots or casual sandals when you’re after a more laid-back and informal look.

But I’m intrigued by the abundance of faded vintage washes that are in stores this season. These washes aren’t nearly as bleached as the faded blues we saw last year, but they’re definitely more distressed than normal blue-black and double stonewash rinses.

I can’t help but wonder if the comeback of faded jeans is a deliberate effort by the fashion industry to reflect our tough economic times. For one thing, they are cheaper to produce and can therefore be discounted while still maintaining the same margin. Perhaps they also resonate with the mood of recession-weary consumers. These jeans convey a sense of humility. They are a metaphor for losing the frills, getting back to basics and working hard to turn things around.

I like the new distressed washes for one overriding practical reason – I’m sick of blue dye rubbing off onto my hands, legs, camisole, handbag and shoes. No amount of vinegar and dye setting solution seems to rectify the problem completely with some of my dark pairs of jeans. For that reason alone, I’ll be purchasing a pair of faded vintage wash jeans the next time I need to replenish my denim collection.

An assortment of faded vintage wash premium jeans. I’m hoping to make this look work for the smart casual dress code if I step up the dressy factor with other elements of the ensemble (at the moment dark, un-faded jeans are a smart casual dressing prerequisite). I have some experimenting to do. I’ll get back to you on whether my efforts were successful.

I believe that our “outer style” conveys a powerful, non-verbal message about our “inner style”. The way in which we present ourselves has the power to convey a great deal about our personality, outlook and self image.

As a stylist with a background in psychology, I’ve thought a lot about what I would like my personal style to say about me. After all, anyone can buy fashion, but style you have to own. So I aspire to communicate the following qualities through the way that I dress:

• Modern: I am urban. I like to try new things, have a contemporary outlook on life and strive to have an open mind. I express these attributes by being an early fashion adopter, wearing daring colour combinations and sporting a contemporary haircut and current pair of specs.
• Trendy: I love fashion and enjoy putting my ensembles together in new and creative ways.
• Professional: It’s very important to me that I am credible and authoritative in the field of style and fashion. Looking polished, sophisticated, fresh and tidy conveys that I am an organized, disciplined and efficient professional. I’m also a bit of a neat-freak, so it makes perfect sense that this comes through in my style.
• Fun: I’m a cheerful and enthusiastic person who is passionate about life. This is why I like to wear happy colours and make bold fashion statements.
• Modest: I deliberately never wear revealing clothing (I scored zero for bombshell in my style profile). I am exuberant, but I have a private, earnest and serious side to me. Keeping my attire modest feels right.
• Practical: Adding a practical and unflashy dimension to my style not only suits me because I’m a practical person by nature, but also conveys that I am approachable and down to earth.

An important aspect of your individual style is the way you balance these different elements. For example, if I go overboard on the fun dimension I probably won’t convey that I am a professional. Of course, the balance also depends on the occasion. Professional, modest and practical will be more evident if I’m dressing for a sober meeting with business partners. Modern and trendy will come out more when I am meeting with other fashion industry professionals. But the elements are always there to some degree, contributing to a recognizable, signature style.

The beauty of an individual style is that it can evolve as we evolve. I often have clients seeking my services when they want to express something new about themselves through the way they put themselves together. This is one of the most fun parts of my job because I love helping people find a style that matches their personality and aesthetic preferences.

Now over to you. What would you like to express about yourself through your style and how successful have you been at conveying that unwritten message?

The writing was on the wall when I saw an abundance of turquoise in Paris couture windows. Sure enough, it’s about a year later and the mainstream stores are full of turquoise product for Spring 2009. And the turquoise I saw recently in New York couture windows tells me that the shade is going to be around for a while.

I haven’t always loved turquoise the way I love green, red, yellow and cream. My fondness for the colour started last year when I got a new pair of specs, which are black and white on the outside and bright turquoise on the inside. Bingo. Since then I have been mesmerized by turquoise and have incorporated it into my wardrobe mix.

Turquoise is happening in all its hues and I like them all. From dark bluish tones to light greenish tints, both saturated and muted and everything in-between. I love to pair turquoise with white and yellow because it’s fresh and screams warm weather fun. I also like turquoise with black and white, green, or tomato red. Even if your complexion doesn’t allow you to wear turquoise close to your face, you can still use it as an accent.

I have turquoise knitwear, woolly scarves, a check jacket and a dress. I’m in the market for a turquoise blouse, Summer jacket, Spring scarf and handbag. And if I don’t find these items this year, there will always be Spring 2010. But a bit of uplifting turquoise product will be especially welcome right now, so my fingers are crossed.

The different hues of turquoise. Clockwise from the top left: classic blazer, printed scarves, metallic snake skin belt, watch, satchel and silk blouse.

It’s time to update the guidelines on how to dress for your body type. But before I readdress each body type in detail I need to clarify a few starting assumptions and explain the body type identification process:

There are five YLF body types

The pretty pear, adorable apple, racy rectangle, hot hourglass and statuesque inverted triangle should be familiar to YLF readers. After years of thinking through body type dressing and working with many, many different womanly figures, I still believe that these rudimentary categories best define the female form. But putting yourself into a body type category is merely a starting point. Once you know your body type, you need to do the next layer of analysis.

You might have a secondary body type

If you tend towards more than one body type you need to consider the guidelines of both. For example, you could be an hourglass with a curvier thigh area, in which case you would tend towards a pear shape. Or, if you’re an hourglass with a strong shoulder line, you’d tend towards an inverted triangle. I’m an hourglass with fewer curves so I tend towards a rectangle.

Body type modifiers add more detail

People with the same body type will still have different bodies. There are many other details that we need to consider when thinking about how best to adorn our bodies. Enter what I call the body type modifiers, such as bust size, height, shoulder width, neck length, leg length, ankle shape, short waist, long waist, calf circumference, rise size and being extra curvy.

Body types can change over time

This can happen naturally as we get older, but sometimes weight loss or gain can alter your body type more rapidly. For example, you might tend towards an apple or pear shape instead of being a typical hourglass when you gain weight in the thigh or mid riff area. By the same token when you lose weight, these are the areas that straighten out and you’re back to being an hourglass.

Identify your body type

The best way to identify your body type is to stand in front of a mirror in jeans or leggings and a form fitting top and analyze your silhouette from the front. Check how your hip width compares to your shoulder width (bust measurement does not play a part at this stage). Check whether you have a defined waistline. It might not be as easy as you think, so if you get stuck, post a picture of yourself on the forum and we’ll help you out.

This is the season for everything styled “the boyfriend” way. Boyfriend cardigans, jeans and watches are now joined by the boyfriend blazer, and that’s as 80’s inspired as it gets. This style should be familiar to anyone who was a teenager or adult during the mid to late 80’s, because it was the look of the decade (for men too).

Most modern pieces with an 80’s influence have been redesigned to look more flattering, but aside from a softer shoulder the boyfriend blazer is largely unchanged. It is oversized and longer in length with prominent shoulders and narrow lapels (many of the styles actually have shoulder pads). The silhouette is untailored and pretty baggy all over. The break line of the jacket is low, which makes the buttons fasten low on the torso. The sleeves are rolled or scrunched up to the elbow to show off contrast lining. I’ve seen lots of contrast pinstripe linings so far, but no paisleys like we had in 1985.

I was instantly attracted to the boyfriend blazer because I associate the look with hip and cool teenage years listening to Duran Duran and Depeche mode. Thinking back to that time makes me smile. But the unstructured integrity of the style is not instantly flattering because it hides the waist and encourages a sloppy shoulder line. Nevertheless, I believe that the right boyfriend blazer can look stylish, retro and arty if it’s worn with tailored basics like great jeans, a button down shirt or graphic T and a feminine shoe.

My guess is that it will take a while for people to re-adapt their eyes to the baggy jacket look, if they do so at all. Most of us are conditioned to feeling fabulous in a perfectly fitting and flop proof structured jacket that shows off the waistline. Have your eyes adapted?

An assortment of unstructured boyfriend blazers that are just as roomy at the back as they are from the front. I have a strong preference for this look with the contrast lining on the sleeves because it adds textured interest to the style. It’s a deal breaker without it.

I love the look of gladiator sandals and I’m envious of the lasses that wear them so effortlessly. But gladiators were not an option for my feet. No matter how hard I tried, I could never find sandals that were comfortable. Straps would cut into my skin and rub blisters after half an hour no matter what. So two years ago I made a decision to stop wearing sandals.

That changed last week when I stumbled across the “Brulee” sandal by British footwear brand Clarks. My sandal prayers were answered. Soft, soft, soft straps, elastic strap inserts, a cushioning and shock absorbing foot bed and roomy toe box. Add the one-inch, utterly adorable little cork wedge heel and mainstream gladiator look and you have a phenomenal sandal.

It’s still too cold to put this sandal through its paces (ideally, they need an 8-hour shopping day test run), but I did wear them around my heated home for three hours, occasionally charging up and down the stairs running after Rosie and Jasmine. They felt really good so I have high hopes that they will make it to the 6 to 8 hour mark. Unbelievable.

This sandal is also available in patent leather that is not nearly as soft as the colour options shown above. Remember that you’ll be able to stretch the toe box if it’s too snug because the leather is buttery. An expensive sandal at $90, but it’s better to have one pair of perfect sandals than three cheaper pairs that don’t go the distance.

Welcome! I’m Angie Cox and I’m a fashion stylist. I co-created youlookfab.com to break down the complex subject of fashion and style into bite size pieces that you can apply every day. We also have an active forum where you can post questions about fashion and style and receive helpful advice from a supportive community.

YLF covers a wide range of topics and after almost three years of activity there are a large set of archives to navigate. Here are some starting points to make that a little easier.

Categories

There are more than 50 categories of blog posts (see the sidebar on the right), but body type, instant style tips, individual style, color and closet organization are some of the more important ones.

Popular Posts

Judging by the comments they generated, here are some of the most popular blog posts:

• Olive oil: a safe solution for dry skin?
• The corduroy debate
• Sex sells with American Apparel
• Brainstorm: improving the world of retail fashion
• Flip flops: yea or nay for everyday
• Your pants to skirt & dress ratio
• How many pairs of jeans do you own?
• Classic Uggs: fashion or gear?
• Harem pants: the rise of the low crotch

Posts on flop proof outfits have also been particularly popular:

• The flop-proof outfit
• The flop-proof outfit for casual Fridays (and beyond)
• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #1
• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #2
• Mom on the go: flop-proof outfit #3
• Roadtesting Angie’s mom-on-the-go formulas

Join the community…

With gatherings, clothes swap events, and reviews, the YLF community is getting more and more involved over time. You too can join the community:

• Sign up for the forum
• Subscribe to daily updates

Look good, feel fabulous!

This site is for everyone because having a sense of style and looking good is within everyone’s grasp. Style is not an age, budget or dress size. It’s something that can be learnt once you understand what flatters your body and works for your lifestyle. My life is dedicated to helping people to increase their style quotient in effortless and practical ways because looking good makes you feel fabulous. Who doesn’t want to feel fabulous? And when you feel fabulous, you look even better.

Update: the segment is now online at msnbc.com.

I was excited and flattered when Kim Cornett, a producer on NBC’s Today Show, asked me to interview for a segment on their weekend edition. I accepted the invitation and before you know it, Greg and I were booked on a flight back to New York City. The prospect of being nervous and inarticulate on camera had not sunken in yet. I had a TV outfit to worry about! What was more important than that?

Kim advised against wearing black or white on camera. Uh oh. An edgy, black and white eye-catching outfit was precisely what I had in mind. Now what? Enter my media-savvy, documentary producer friend Laurel, who knows what works best on camera. Colours! Laurel came over and we finalized my outfit in twenty minutes. It was easy because there is no shortage of colour in my wardrobe, and because I had already decided on a pencil skirt and tailored jacket. I was at peace with leaving some of my edgier style off camera. It was important that my appearance appealed to a wide audience, and erring on the side of modern-classic for this occasion seemed like a good decision.

I opted for a super sleek charcoal grey pencil skirt, black ruffle collared shirt, retro emerald green trapeze jacket, micro fishnets,  zebra print skinny belt and off-white knee-high go-go boots (I guess I couldn’t resist a bit of edge). Adding my chunky pearl necklace from Hong Kong to complete the outfit was a no-brainer. I felt fabulous and true to my style and self.

I am tense on camera, so once the outfit was sorted it was on to a bit of media training. Greg was a wonderful coach and we role played the interview situation at home to calm my nerves. We had loads of fun and laughed up a storm during practice takes.

This process was extremely helpful. By the time interview day came I felt cool, calm and collected. After several cups of tea and an almond croissant that morning, Greg and I headed off to NBC Studios in Rockefeller Center. While waiting in the lobby we bumped into Jimmy Fallon who was working with Kim on a special to promote his new show (he has taken over Conan O’Brien’s slot as Conan takes over from Jay Leno). So fab.

Everyone at NBC was approachable, professional and organized. The whole experience was low key and ran like clockwork. It was amazing to see the inside of a recording studio. There are many, many, many wires! I took my place on a director’s chair and we started to set up, ensuring that the sound and visual quality was up to scratch.

Kim instantly had me feeling at ease and when one of the crew attached a microphone to my jacket, the experience suddenly felt real. It was just me under the spotlights, shot from the shoulders up, while Kim asked interview questions from behind the camera. I could actually see myself on camera while we were shooting, which was interesting. Greg stood in the recording studio with me, taking loads of pictures. I felt extra supported knowing that he was right there.

The interview took half an hour to shoot, but the actual segment is only a few minutes long. I enjoyed every second of the interview, yakking about a subject that I am passionate about. It was a brilliant experience and I can’t wait to see the edited version. The segment will air tomorrow, Saturday 7 March, on NBC’s Today Show between 8am and 9am.

Note that the weekend edition of the Today Show may be aired at a different time to the weekday edition in your area. In Seattle it starts just after 4am PST, which puts my segment some time after 5am (TiVo time!).

Update: the segment is now online at msnbc.com.

Thank you for having me Kim and NBC.

It’s not about one particular shade of green this Spring season – it’s about all of them. From rich emeralds, citrusy limes and forest greens, to apple, pear, mint, sage, jade, shamrock, pistachio, chartreuse and olive. Saturated, pastel or muted, there’s probably a shade of green for you. But if you’re still not convinced you look good in green, sport it through accessories, handbags or footwear instead of close to your face.

I like greens when they are blindingly bright, super sour (like citron), or in a shade of olive. I like to pair different shades of green with one or a few of the following colours: yellow, turquoise, cobalt, purple, white, cream, charcoal and black. I loved how Laura used emerald green in one of her Mum-on-the-go outfits. It screams Spring in a clean and fresh way.

I do not like green paired with red because it can look Christmas-y. I also tend to stay away from pairing emerald green with navy or ink blue because that feels too nautical. But these particular colour combinations do work and can look fab if you like them.

I have a wardrobe full of timeless citrusy green and olive tops, knitwear and scarves. I have apple and lime green handbags and a brand new emerald snakeskin clutch. I’d love to add an emerald or apple green blouse, dress and skinny belt, and I might add a pair of green shoes too. Fun green items lift my spirits so they’re definitely on my shopping list.

It is nice to see various shades of green alongside the sea of coral and jewel tones in stores. Variety and choice are the spice of life. Clockwise starting at the top left: Apple green hooded trench, chartreuse cropped water resistant trench, shamrock and turquoise muffler scarf, pear piped belt, pear wristlet, emerald cardigan and emerald belt.