Here are some “personal picks” that could see you through to the beginning of autumn when it starts to get cooler:

• Black or red handbag
• Short sleeved white shirt
• Denim walk shorts
• Jeans
• Ballet flats
• Knitted wrap dress

Have fun shopping, and have a super long weekend!

1. If you expect to have at least 2-3 more months of hot weather
2. If you are planning a warm weather holiday in the middle of winter
3. If you can make those summer items work for you in autumn

With specific reference to the last point, find guidelines below on how to make a few summer sale items more versatile and less seasonal:

• Girly tops are great on their own in summer with a pair of walk shorts; and just as sweet in autumn with jeans, boots and a fitted piece of knitwear or cropped jacket.
• Denim walk shorts, despite their breeziness, will be warm enough when it gets colder if you wear them with long boots, a turtle neck and a long sleeved cropped military jacket or coat.
• Fitted collared shirts with sleeves of any length can be layered with camisole underneath, cardigan or pullover on top and any form of jacket or coat over that. It’s an especially good idea to buy white.
• Knitted wrap dresses are sexy with heels, and just as gorgeous in autumn with long boots, a denim jacket or cropped piece of knitwear. Consider wearing a knitted knee length dress over a pair of leggings or jeans if you are a dash more daring.
• Jailbird striped knitted tops are still a big statement next season, and can certainly be layered appropriately for chilly temperatures.
• Any black, cream, grey or red item of clothing is going to keep you current now and in the next 6 months. 
• Jeans are always a good investment!

Reinventing our summer items in autumn outfits is one way to get the most out of our wardrobe.

The versatile walk short (left) and jailbird stripe pullover (right) work for both summer and autumn/winter dressing.

Have a go at putting this fresh new look together – it will not disappoint.

Nautical stripes from Nordstrom (navy) and Bebe (red).

• Layer for the plane trip – it might be hot at home and even hotter at your destination; but it’s always cold on that aeroplane. Smaller planes rarely carry blankets, so be sure take a piece of knitwear or jacket when you board.
• Condense your toiletries – glass is heavy, which makes popping your cosmetics into smaller plastic containers a super idea (you can get these at any travel shop). It’s also practical to have a filled toiletry bag on standby ready to pack at anytime. Keeping two of every cosmetic might be costly at the beginning, but extremely useful when you travel frequently and pack last minute. Consider doing the same for a first aid kit.
• Bring two pairs of shoes – you’ll need to pack a pair you can walk well in (see blog entry comfortable holiday feet) and a dressier pair for other occasions. Travel in your walking shoes.
• Plan your outfits – there is no way of getting around the “planning part” of what you need to pack. You need to prepare an outfit for every day and mix and match the pieces that you have selected accordingly. If your agenda is different at night, you’ll need to plan for that as well.
• Come up with a uniform – walk shorts, longer length tee’s and sandals is one example. Skirts, knit tops and thongs is another. You might want to combine the two and add a few layering garments to change your look.
• Remember your accessories – accessories articulate your sense of style and personality. Remember to pack the correct items for your clothing selection.
• Bring two bags – traveling with a large tote that zips up is best (pick pockets are always a concern). You’ll be able to keep so much in it. Bring a smaller bag along as well and make sure that that’s the one you pack.
• Take the kitchen sink if you travel by car – there is no need to pack lightly if you are traveling on the road. Pack 5 pairs of shoes and 3 extra outfits if you feel the need – it can all stay in the car anyway!

Lightweight crease resistant fabrics are key. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and hat – you are a tourist so it won’t matter if you look like one. Feel free to share any other traveling tips for warm weather holidays – I’m always keen to improve my packing skills.

• Macy’s July 4th Sale – starts today. There is nothing more summery then a dress – go to this department if you fancy the idea of that. Sandals are also a good option here.
• Banana Republic Summer Sale – has been on sale for a week (both men and women). They haven’t been looking their best this season, but still worth a look for the “modern classics” among us.
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (14 July) – mark your calendars! Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise and offer it at crazy prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This is when we can start shopping for autumn and winter. Stay tuned for Fall 2006/2007 tidbits so that we can make some savvy shopping decisions for this occasion.  

My top summer picks for all remain: walk shorts (dressy and casual), cropped jacket, knitted dress, longer length t-shirts and knitted tops, layering camisoles and tanks, metallic shoes, metallic belt, metallic bag.

Wearing socks and athletic shoes with jeans is unsightly and it’s even worse with shorts!  Is there such a thing as a comfortable yet stylish walking shoe? Absolutely. There are many fashionable and practical alternatives to the work-out sneaker:

• For jeans and casual pants, wear a “fashion sneaker”. Don’t wear thick colourful socks with these – opt for discreet ankle socks instead. If your pants are at the correct length (see perfect pant lengths please), you shouldn’t be revealing your socks – even when you sit or cross your legs.
• For walk shorts and skirts, wear a “dainty fashion sneaker”. It’s best to keep your sneaker looking more like a ballet shoe when you expose your legs. There are some super retro options at PF Flyers; otherwise any department store will stock what you are looking for.
• Pop in an insole. I like to get air foam insoles for extra comfort. They are available at any drugstore for a couple of dollars.
• Find a comfortable thong sandal. If you can wear thong sandals, try a cushioned version for walking if you don’t require arch support. I am more comfortable in these than in walking sandals with ankle straps. Ankle straps eventually chafe – throngs somehow seem more forgiving.

Fabulous feet deserve to fashionable and comfortable. Have a look at the dainty fashion sneaker options below – perfect for when you need to be light and quick on your feet.

PF Flyers has the nice dainty Lo Fi (and an online store).

Fashion sneakers from Nordstrom.

Bear the following in mind when cinching your waistline:

• Be careful if you are short waisted – it’s best to stay away from this look if you are very petite as this will make you look shorter.
• The size of your bust counts – if you have an ample bosom and tiny waist, opt for a narrow waist belt instead of a wide one.
• Your bottoms need to fit well – you can’t wear a waist belt over a top if your pants/skirt are big around your waist. Excess bulging fabric is unsightly. You’ll need to have them altered (which will still be cheaper than trying to find another pair of pants that fit you perfectly). The cost of this type of alteration varies ($20 -$35), but is very worthwhile.

How do we wear the new belted look:

• Over a shirt, girly top or long t-shirt
• Over a fitted jacket
• Over a pullover  

Have a look at the pictures below to get a better idea. It’s a cinch if you know what to do!

An assortment of belts (from Arden B. and Bebe) cinched at the waist over tops, blouses and dresses. I have found elasticized belts to be particularly comfortable.

The Gap started having their 50% off summer clearance sale on Wednesday. They haven’t been a destination place to shop this season, but their tanks are $9 and their denim Bermuda shorts are especially good for petites

Express is clearing most of their summer stock – T’s for $10, shirts for $15, pants and jeans for $20. They’ve also got nice lined jackets at half price in black, white and brown.

Lane Bryant is knocking 30-60% off their summer prices at the moment for those of you size 14 and over. Their walk shorts are beautiful at $19 and $29 – both career and casual. Swimsuits, tank tops, girly tops, T’s, accessories and underwear are all well worth a look.

Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale for Men starts today. Stock up for Dad’s for Father’s Day!

A little preview for autumn – black is back with a vengeance. If you see something black on sale that could take you through to autumn, buy it. Have a great shopping weekend.

Yes, leggings are back – but you won’t necessarily need to wear them to be stylish, irrespective of how current you have chosen to be.

• Leggings are for the hipless, skinny and under 25. This very junior look is inappropriate for anyone older no matter how fabulous their body. At 33, Kate Moss gets away with wearing leggings because she is a fashion muse and supermodel.
• When fashion repeats itself, it’s always with an upgrade. Leggings aren’t worn the same way this season as they were back in their hay day. They’re being worn under micro mini skirts – more like footless tights then pants. When matched with pretty ballet flats and a few layered t-shirts, it’s a sweet look for the tiny teeny bopper. If 15 inch micro minis are going to be worn; they might as well be worn with leggings underneath them.

Embrace the new legging look if you are young enough to do so. If not – appreciate their novelty on someone else and continue to feel confident and current in your elegant boot cuts.

Leggings worn under micro minis like footless tights from Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom and Macy’s.

• Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale (note: this is not the Anniversary sale) starts Wednesday 7 June and doors will open at 8.30am.
• Clarks (British shoe brand built for comfort) is having their annual 40% off summer sale.
• Urban Outfitters have started their summer sale. This is not a shop for the currently classic or contemporary among us – this is for the ultra trendy urbanite! If you do feel that the apparel is too hip, I thoroughly recommend their accessories.
• Ann Taylor Loft is giving 60% off most of their summer lines. Their petites department has been especially good this season. With the Gap having been disappointing over the last year this is a good place to get basics, especially for business casual attire. Their bottoms seem to be especially flattering for pretty pear shaped ladies.

Be mindful of what you buy on sale at this stage of the season, but have fun filling in the gaps of your summer wardrobe.