We’re half way through this year’s warm weather collections, so let’s analyze what’s been in stores so far.

My rants:

• Merchandise seems a little more dull than usual: There’s nothing really new and exciting. Aside from accessories and footwear, I haven’t felt compelled to purchase anything (I don’t know whether that’s good or bad). The Spring forecast had me particularly excited about cropped military jackets and the perfect cream biker, but zilch so far. I suspect that retailers are keeping stocks low as a reaction to the recession. I’ll gladly support the economy, but I need a good reason to purchase something.
• Shortage of one to two inch heeled shoes: It’s the same story, either sky scrapers or flats and nothing in-between. Don’t get me started on the comfort issue.
• Shortage of washable cotton dresses: Most of the flattering and fabulous dresses are either dry clean only, or in a polyester that does not repel heat. The washable cotton dresses are either too skimpy, short, dowdy or childlike. We need an assortment of hip, wearable, knee–length, age-appropriate casual cotton frocks with coverage in the right places.
• Shortage of lightweight casual jackets: Loads of trenches, plenty of formal blazers and countless cardigans, but very little else as a cover-up option. I guess it’s not a jacket season. This is fine if you live in warm weather, but not so fab when Spring is chilly.
• Maxi dress epidemic: They are everywhere and you know how I feel about them.

My raves:

• Everything is going for a song: I have never seen a fashion season as heavily discounted as this one. So many bargains! I scored another wonderful accessory purchase at the Macy’s one day sale yesterday, marked down 70%.
• Strong 80’s flair: I can’t help but love that this era is making a stylish comeback. It makes me smile.
• Deeper assortment of high-rise jeans: This has been a comfortable and girdling saving grace.
• Sea of green, yellow and turquoise: It’s nice to see how this fresh Summer palette has been embraced by retailers and consumers.
• Banded tops: This is the only product that has really peaked my interest this season. The banded style is not for everyone because it does not show off the waistline. But it’s definitely worth a try if you like the voluminous look and are self conscious about your mid-section. The right banded style can be comfy, forgiving, interesting and very 80’s.

Over to you. What are your thoughts on the trends and fashions that have been on offer so far? I’m especially interested in your views If you don’t live in America.

So far so good. My inexpensive accessory splurge has made it easy to resist the temptation of purchasing clothing. Instead I have purchased an off-white tote, a yellow spring scarf, a casual necklace, and a turquoise belt with floral detail. Today I am adding a second Spring scarf into the mix.

I get bored of wearing the same types of items in the same ensemble combination day after day. So I switch out the style of my bottoms and tops frequently. For example: in one week I’ll go from wearing jeans and skirts with boots, to sporting frocks and pants with pumps. Mixing it up, plus the addition of a new accessory helps me feel fashionably recharged.

Most tops can accommodate a Spring scarf (if the top has a shirt collar, be sure to wear it inside the collar to avoid looking dowdy). Add to that a variety of scarf shapes, patterns and colours, and the possibilities are endless. A different scarf tied in a different way conveys a totally different mood: from arty and playful, to strict and authoritative. Take your pick.

It’s usually a choice of scarf OR chunky necklace, but I’m wearing both in the bottom two photographs. In these instances the ensemble works because I’m wearing a single layer of clothing and no earrings. If I’d added a necklace to the top two outfits, I’d have lost that clean-cut look. The visual interest of the layering plus the scarf provides ample texture. No necklace required.

The cool, crisp and lightweight integrity of a silk, viscose, rayon or cotton-rich Spring scarf gives it a long lifespan. So don’t restrict this accessory to cold Spring days when it can be comfortably sported over sleeveless tops as temperatures start to rise. Even in hot weather the scarf could be a useful addition in chilly air-conditioned environments.

I bought this scarf from Macy’s and, coincidentally, their online store is running promotions on many of their scarves.

Today is the third installment in my quest to hold out as long as possible with my existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself with new accessories that liven up my wardrobe and lift my spirits (refresh your memory with the first two installments here and here).

I’m not particularly partial to florals on fabric unless they’re abstract patterns, but I love floral motifs on accessories. So my heart skipped a beat when I saw this turquoise belt. It was the perfect way to add this season’s it colour to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.

I’m amazed at the versatility of this belt. It works well over last season’s knitwear, blouses and dresses, and it’s going to work equally well over old jackets, knitted tops and basic button downs. I could easily wear this belt with different outfits every day for two consecutive weeks without feeling bored.

I love turquoise with white, yellow, green and red, but can’t help reliving my 80’s memories by wearing it with bright pink. With my current frames the turquoise belt picks up the turquoise on the inside of my specs. I love that. It’s an interesting, subtle detail that will make me want to wear this belt more frequently.

This belt is bold, so in most instances I don’t wear it with other accessories that make a big statement. Only my watch, wedding band, specs and handbag. My chunky pearls work when I incorporate a plain white shirt or blouse, but that’s it. I don’t want to look like Christmas tree.

Belts are not for everyone and the ornate integrity of this style might rule it out for you. But I love them and this one is true to my individual style. It’s modern, retro, trendy, professional and fun at the same time. If you’re a belt wearer, adding a new belt each season is a cost effective way to look and feel fashionably refreshed.

I got particularly lucky with the price of this surprisingly well made belt. One would expect an accessory in this price range to look cheap and nasty, but it doesn’t. It’s virtually an exact copy of the belt styles Anne Fontaine had in her collection last Spring, which cost $300 a pop. Mine cost $34. Fabulous. It passes quality AND budget control.

Finding an effective layering top to wear under cardigans and jackets is not easy. It has to be the right length, colour, fabric, style and price point. You don’t want a top that’s too bulky on the sleeve. And an interesting neckline is essential because it creates texture and contrast, important elements of the layered ensemble’s visual appeal. I’ve found that cowl necks make brilliant layering pieces, especially when worn under V-neck cardigans.

Express has a winning cowl neck for Spring. The fabric is substantial, stretchy and soft. The fit is pretty good for different body types (I have tried it with several clients) and the neckline is superb. The cowl itself has an adorable gather up the back seam that allows you to adjust its volume. Make it stand up if you have a long neck, and flatten it out for shorter necks. This cowl works well for bustier lasses too. It lies comfortably above the bust giving the bosom a flattering silhouette.

Don’t be put off if sleeveless is not your thing. This is a layering top and a sleeveless item is just what you need for a smooth effect on the arms when you layer over with a cardigan. The fabric is a good weight so it shouldn’t be clingy, but even if it does cling around the mid section, this will level out when you add the next clothing layer.

The top comes in assortment of solid colours and prints like zebra and floral. At $29.50 for solids and $34.50 for prints, it’s quite the bargain once you add a discount coupon.

After wearing neck-covering knitwear with long chunky necklaces in Winter, I’m ready for lower necklines and short necklaces. It’s refreshing to show some skin for a change and wearing lower necklines instantly sparks off my urge to purchase a fresh set of short chunky beads or eye-catching pendants. Enter Spring update #3 (I described #1 and #2 earlier this week).

I normally wear necklaces that incorporate some form of pearl, but occasionally I step out and sport a pearl-less piece that feels just as fab. This dear little arty glass pendant is a fun addition to my wardrobe. I smiled as soon as I saw it because it mirrors my Spring mood. I replaced its original cheap silver chain with a leather cord to give it a more modern, graphic appeal.

The fun, informal edge of this playful accessory makes my old clothes blossom. At a price point of $15, it’s amazing how it has refreshed my existing smart casual and casual ensembles. Mums-on-the-go I hope you’re listening. An interesting pendant looped through a leather cord is an unfussy addition, but adds an excellent textural dimension to a simple, casual outfit.

Apart from the new necklace, everything I’m wearing is between one and six seasons old (handbags included). I hope that this inspires you to start building your accessory collection. And once you start, remember to actually wear the accessories that you’ve purchased!

You will normally find one or two pairs of ankle length pants in the classic ladies wear area, but this season they’re a trendy fashion statement. I’m having an apoplexy.

There is nothing more leg-shortening than a pair of pants cropped to around the ankle (especially if you have short legs to begin with). Unless you are extremely tall and slim, wear super high heels and have legs that go on for miles, STAY AWAY from this silhouette. Trying to portray the ever so popular “Audrey Hepburn in cropped black pants” look from the movie Funny Face is a bad idea unless you have a bod like Audrey (5′ 8″ and built like a string bean). In my opinion, even our Audrey would have looked better if she’d worn heels with these particular pants, or if her hems were shortened to midway up the calf.

There are only two instances in which ankle length pants can look remotely OK on us regular-shaped gals: extra-tapered skinny jeans with high heels and leggings worn with tunics. Skinny jeans with a bit of ankle scrunch and leggings that end around the calf are still more flattering, but if you’re determined to wear something ankle length, these options can work.

I don’t often vehemently oppose a style of clothing, but wearing pants cropped to the ankle is style suicide for most women. It’s so, so unflattering. Don’t look dumpy when you have the option of looking slender and fabulous.

The only ankle length pants in this assortment that I can live with are the denim skinnies with high heeled pumps on the right. Everyone else looks like they have very short legs. Awful.

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.

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.

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.