Fashion experts and style books suggest that you should only add something to your wardrobe if you can wear it in three to five different ways. That way you’re assured of adding a versatile piece that gives you the best bang for your fashion buck. This shopping strategy encourages wardrobe efficiency, creativity and above all, value for money.

I used to feel the need to make a new item earn its place in my wardrobe by working it into as many ensembles as possible, but over the years I’ve changed my approach. These days my wardrobe workhorses work their buns off as I haul them into endless combinations, but I also have several items that I only like to wear in one, perhaps two outfits. Items like shirt dresses, sack dresses, some sheaths and a few skirts, jackets and blouses often fall into this category. I no longer feel the pressure of having to mix and match excessively in order to reach the so called desired 5 ways. If an item looks its best in one or two ensembles, then those are the  combinations that I’ll stick to. I don’t have more clothes as a result of not fulfilling the required outfit combination minimum. I simply wear the same outfit combination more often. And I’m perfectly happy to do that!

Perhaps I don’t get bored with my clothes as quickly as I used to. Perhaps I’m doing a better job of selecting items that have style staying power. Perhaps my incessant “need” for purchasing beautiful handbags keeps the outfit combination pressure at bay (adding a new handbag to my wardrobe makes my outfit combinations feel new).

We’ll leave occasion wear out of the discussion, seeing as no one expects you to wear a cocktail dress or ball gown in five different ensembles. For the rest of your wardrobe, do you feel the need to make an item work in three to five different ways before you make the purchase?  Do you feel that an item is orphaned if you can only wear it in one or two outfits?

We can’t be guaranteed quality wardrobe items, no matter what we pay for them. Whether it’s Old Navy, Banana Republic, Marc Jacobs or Chanel, across the board of fashion brands and price points quality will slip at some point because the retail industry just doesn’t make things the way it used to.

The world wants lower prices, which means that manufacturers and retailers cut corners in order to achieve optimum profits. We can return inferior quality problems, but that’s not the solution I’m looking for. When I purchase something I expect it to last for at least a season. And I expect better-end merchandise to look fabulous and last for many seasons. I think those are fair expectations.

I’m not alone in this point of view — my recent rant about quality evoked passionate and frustrated comments from many readers. What can be done about the spiral of inconsistent retail quality? Can things improve? Will new technology allow lower prices and better quality. If so, why hasn’t it done so to date? I’m more skeptical than optimistic, but I would love to hear your thoughts on how the industry could turn this around.

I take quality seriously and I’m prepared to pay for it. But I might need to settle for today’s level of inconsistent quality and that’s an unpleasant thought.

Chanel-esque jackets are an acquired taste. You’ll either appreciate their versatility because they can be worn in both classic and spunky ways, dressed up or down. Or, you’ll think they look mature and dowdy no matter what. I fall into the former camp and vote Yay with a capital Y.

I like the little darlings worn in many different ways. From spunky and edgy combinations with jeans, studs, zips and biker boots, right up to the most classic of ensembles with a pencil skirt. I have a strong shouldered, classic Chanel-esque jacket that I like to pair with edgy bottoms like jodhpur jeans, zippered skinnies and biker booties. I’m sure that as I get older I’ll appreciate the classic pencil skirt combination more and more.

Gals in their 20’s can rock a Chanel-esque tweed jacket and so can ladies in their 70’s and 80s. This item has become one of fashion’s true classics, which is why Karl Lagerfeld pumps out several variations on the theme for Chanel each season. The important question is… would you wear one?

Authentic Chanel jackets cost thousands of dollars, which is a lot to pay for an item of clothing. But every season there are plenty Chanel-inspired jackets that deliver the vibe without breaking the bank. The two new Autumn jackets from Express pictured above are a great starting point (don’t be put off by chain-hardwear because that comes right off). I also saw several gorgeous tweed, Chanel-esque jackets at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale when I preselected yesterday. If you like what you see above, be sure to take a look.

Mark your calendars! This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (NAS) starts on Friday 16 July and runs through to 1st of August. For those unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews brand new Autumn and Winter collections and offers them at excellent prices for two weeks only (usually between 40% and 60% off). Prices are marked up again after the sale period.

This is my favourite sale of the year because the merchandise is hot off the fashion presses. It’s much more fun getting items at reduced prices at the start of a new retail season than waiting for end of season sales. Rest assured if you live in hot weather most of the year, the NAS also offers plenty of lightweight options.

I hope we have another brilliant NAS as because some sale years are definitely better than others. Last year was particularly good and will be hard to match.

The sale requires a little forethought and planning so refer back to these insider tips on how best to prep. I will share my favourite NAS items in a post on the 16th July so that you can navigate the sale a little easier and focus in on the best killer items for your style.

If you have a Nordstrom Card, make an appointment to preselect for the sale as soon as possible. Some stores will allow preselections sans a card so if you’re determined to preselect you’ll probably be able to. I’m preselecting with my clients right now and for the rest of the week. I’m excited to share my finds with you, AND nab a few killer pieces myself.