Panties (or knickers and undies as I like to call them) are an incredibly personal thing. What works for one person might not work for another. I’ve found that there is absolutely no panty preference consistency with my clients. Everyone is into something different and is usually looking for an improved version of what they currently have. For comfort reasons, style and fabric are of extreme importance, not to mention price, durability and  aesthetics. Some prefer cotton-rich bikini cuts or synthetic high-cuts, while others prefer lacy thongs. Some prefer neutrals whereas others prefer colours. With such an abundance of panty variety, it seems insane that we still struggle to find that perfect pair.

My preference is boyshorts. I love the coverage that this style provides and enjoy their retro flavour. For a while I wore Jockey’s modern modal brief. Then I switched to Soma’s boyshorts which were great until the dryer started stretching them out. I have since discovered Nordstrom underwear brand “Shimera” and I’m hooked. I can’t get enough of their boyshorts.  They are seamless, lightweight and stay put. So far, they launder well too, so I’m stocking up for my happy buns.

What do you look for in panties? Care to share your fab panty finds?

The price isn’t bad either (you’ll save $2 per pair if you purchase three at a time).

One way to increase the variety in your business casual wardrobe is to add more skirts and dresses into the mix, especially if dress slacks are your staple. Skirts and dresses REALLY change up your look because the silhouette variety for these items is greater than it is for slacks. Also, wearing skirts and dresses in the colder months allows you to have additional fun with hosiery and boots. Slacks, on the other hand, tend to hide hose, knee-high boots and bootie detailing. What a shame!

For most of my clients, my friends, and YLF forum members, dress slacks or pants are regarded as the easy, practical and comfortable business casual option. I have lost count of the number of times I have heard statements like…

“I don’t look good in skirts and dresses”

“I can’t wear hose because it is uncomfortable”

“My legs don’t look good enough to expose them”

“I can’t wear skirts and dresses because I don’t like high heels”

These are seldom true.

All women look fabulous in the right skirts and dresses. You’ll get used to wearing and liking nice hose. And dressy flats or one inch wedged heels are perfectly acceptable peds for business casual. As far as comfort goes, I’m personally more comfortable in a skirt or dress than dress slacks. In fact, I seldom wear pants for biz casual. If I’m not wearing a suit or cigarette pants, I’m in a skirt or frock.

Help me understand why so many women get into the dress pants rut. Is it about fitting into an environmental norm? Will your peers and superiors take you more seriously when you wear pants? Do you find skirt and dress outfits hard to combine?

For $49.95 (39.95 Euros), the quality of this trench coat cannot be beat. Unbelievable. Fabulously durable poly-cotton, neat topstitching, great drape, robust lining and above all, a flattering silhouette. Flop-proof design features like a V-shaped revere collar, waist defining tie belt, long sleeves and side entry pockets are what make this trench coat instantly attractive on most body types. The style also has a slightly A-line bottom half which gives it a fun retro flavor. Delicious in Spring’s new coral, or in an urban black.

High prices do not guarantee superior quality (especially when it comes to knitted fabrics) and low prices do not automatically imply shoddy quality. So you need to develop a discerning eye and judge the quality of a product for yourself.

Another win for H&M. My quality control bar is high, but this inexpensive trench passes with flying colours.

The links take you to H&M in Europe, but American shoppers will also find this trench in stores.

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber produced from naturally occurring polymers. It’s a killer fiber and one that I actively seek out in both woven and knitted items of clothing because of its superior drape, substance and luster.

The positive properties of rayon are especially noticeable in rayon-rich knitted tops. They feel as soft and cool against the body as natural fibers like cotton and silk, but they don’t cling because the fabric is weighty and substantial. This prevents the dreaded midriff muffin top cling. Also, synthetic fibers are more stable than natural fibers. So items made of rayon retain their shape after laundering, whereas often, cotton knit garments stretch out of shape. And the added sheen on the fiber is a plus because it makes for a more pristine garment.

These tried and tested knitted rayon garments are flattering on the body. Look at the drape on those sleeves! Delicious.