My recent post on shopping rage spurred intriguing comments, many of which addressed the professionalism of sales associates. So I thought it would be interesting to talk about what makes the ideal sales associate.

As a customer I get annoyed when the sales associates hover over me, especially in the fitting room. And equally annoyed when I can’t find an associate to help out with sizes or at the tills. It must be quite hard to strike the perfect balance between being both attentive AND leaving customers to their own devices. Also, I’m sure that sales associates have their fair share of nightmarish customers!

Generally I’ve found the sales associates here in the US a breath of fresh air. They are for the most part very friendly and helpful. I guess that’s what I look for in a good sales associate when I’m shopping in stores, either for myself or with clients. I quite like to be greeted by a sales associate upon entering the store, but it’s not essential. Then I prefer to be left alone while I browse until I ask for assistance. Once I ask for assistance, I expect to be assisted promptly, competently and courteously.

Over to you. What do you look for in a good sales associate? Do you like to be showered with attention upon entering the store? Or do you prefer to be left alone? Does it make a difference when the associate is friendly, or are you indifferent to their mood as long as they are helpful and efficient?

If you are a sales associate, I’d love to hear your opinion too.

Jackets are just as important as trench coats and coats at this time of year, and here’s why:

1. A jacket provides adequate warmth and coverage in warmer climates where there is no need for a wool coat or trench coat.
2. Jackets are ample when you’re commuting from one heated environment into another and don’t need to venture out into the elements. For example, traveling from heated home to heated car to heated shopping mall may not require a coat.
3. The more sleek jacket styles layer well under coats and this is something I do all the time. That way you still look tailored when you  take off your coat indoors. There’s nothing quite like a jacket to make an outfit feel pulled together!
4. You need jackets in different weights when you have cold Springs and cool Summers, like we often do in Seattle.

Here are my top jacket picks right now, some of which are on sale:

1. muubaa Belted Biker Leather Jacket: This style makes a nice change to the endless supply of regular biker jackets in stores at the moment. Love the belt detailing and it’s offered in two colours.
2. Vero Moda Zip Detail Peplem Jacket: Adorably different and full of 80’s fun.
3. DKNYC Ponte Motorcycle Jacket: If woven biker jackets are hard to fit, try a knitted version for stretchy comfort.
4. Max & Cleo Short Sleeve Satin Bolero: Think beyond regular Pashmina type cover-ups for party dresses. This type of retro jacket feels more updated.
5. INC Puff Sleeve Zip Front Ruffle Jacket: It might look like “a lot of jacket” but it’s quite flattering once on the body. It’s a knit and will stretch in all the right places. Cozy.
6. Banana Republic Bouclé Zip Jacket: A versatile piece both for the office and to wear with jeans. Great to dress up or down and rather Mad Men inspired.
7. BB Dakota Matheson Sharp Shouldered Blazer: A gorgeous 80’s inspired look. Fashion forward and fun.
8. Free People Sargeant’s Short Jacket: This one’s almost like a cardigan and perfect for casual Mums on the go. Will layer well under coats too.
9. Gabriella Rocha Tyedye Pleather Jacket: I can get behind this tie-dye. It’s really more of an ombre effect but very interesting.
10. Gabriella Rocha Brown Bomber Jacket: Not what I would call a bomber jacket but its sweet and in a beautiful rich chestnut brown.
11. Hy & Dot Chiffon Trim Military Blazer: A softer and more casual military style jacket available in two colours.
12. Kenneth Cole New York Velvet Jacket: So many 70’s inspired looks around and on the horizon. I like the sharp shouldered integrity of this one giving it more of an 80’s flair.
13. Sanctuary Uniform Belted Jacket: A different kind of military look.
14. Steve Madden Cadet Jacket: Could be sweet over skirts and dresses just to change things up.
15. Sejour Faux Suede Shawl Collar Jacket (Plus): The tuxedo detailing is gorgeous as is the fabric. Structured but lightweight.
16. Halogen Liquid Velvet Jacket (Plus): Start the nod to 70’s fashion early with a soft velvet blazer. Luxurious, hip and fun. Dress it up or down.
17. Lucky brand Kennedy Plaid Jacket: Casually retro in a fun and modern way.

Go Team Jackets!

Often people resist the purchase of a military-inspired item in fear of it looking dated too quickly. But I don’t think military items go out of style. At the moment they happen to be trending, which is why there are military style coats and jackets everywhere. Rest assured you’ll look just as fab wearing them several years down the line as you do now.

There’s something classic and timeless about the military look, which is why it’s available at least in small doses each season. Some items are dramatically military, whereas others have more subtle inspiration. If you are worried about the item becoming dated, opt for subtle military detailing instead of something overly recognizable.

I have a few several-year-old military jackets and coats that come out to play every season. I might refresh their look by remixing outfit combinations and accessories, but I never stop wearing my military jackets. They might not always be in fashion, but they are always in style.

It was a public holiday in the US last Thursday, which meant catching up on errands and working from home. My outfit for the day had to be casual and extra comfortable. Granted, my casual outfits are dressier than most. But style is a celebration of individuality and this is my casual.

The day started early with a trip to the vet for Jasmine, one of our little Yorkies. It wasn’t raining so I could wear bootcut jeans with my much loved, apple green Miz Mooz Carlito Cowboy boots. No soggy hems! These jeans are one of the first items of clothing I bought when we came to  America seven years ago and they are still going strong. They are AG’s Angel fit premium denim with a wider cut leg. I’m feeling quite hip in them since the resurgence of 70’s fashion.

You can’t see the grey jumper I popped over the jeans, but it’s the twist cashmere sweater from this year’s Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale (I’m always so happy to find knitwear that doesn’t itch). I covered up with an another wardrobe item I’ve had for years – a 70’s inspired leather jacket with faux fur trim. I topped off the look with colourful scarf, cobalt blue snake skin patent satchel and was out the door with doggie in tow.

After dropping off Jasmine I continued the errand run with grocery shopping and a trip to the UPS store. In the afternoon Greg and I walked to one of our locals, the Hi Spot Cafe, for a late lunch (we took these pictures in a park that we passed on the way). Oh how I love, love, love Autumn. I will miss the rustle of the leaves when they are gone.

Back home, the scarf, jacket and shoes came off and the slippers went back on. With tea and biscuits on hand it was off to work at my computer for the rest of the afternoon.