Clarks is doing great things this season. Comfortable and good looking sandal styles like the Raasas, Country Meadow and Smooch are great buys, and now there’s also a sweet little peep-toed number called the “Diamond Heart”. Its oversized button and chunky stacked heel are deliciously retro in flavour. The top stitching adds a nice casual element to the look. The broad ankle strap is not for everyone, but if that’s not an issue, it’s soft and buttery like most leather uppers on Clarks footwear.

It is available in US sizes 5 to 12 across three colours that I find equally appealing. The black is urban and strong, the metallic is pretty and versatile, the beige is unique and probably the most retro looking of them all. Which colour do you like best?

I’m cutting right to the chase by suggesting a list of 20 seasonal “must haves” before we’ve discussed all trends in detail. That will give you more time to adjust to the looks you’re not sure about yet. Who knows, items that are a “no way” today might tickle your fancy later.

The list cuts across all body types, age groups and budgets. It’s a question of finding the right style at the right price, AND wearing it in an age appropriate and flattering way that works for you. So unless you’re vehemently opposed to the aesthetic, try to keep an open mind and give these trends a bash. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

1. White bottoms: I say this every hot weather season! White jeans, pants, skirts, walk shorts, clamdiggers or dresses freshen up a warm weather look in the best possible way. It’s worth investing in great basic white bottoms because you’ll wear them every Spring and Summer.
2. Polka dots: Large, small, evenly sized or variegated, polka dots are one of the hottest prints right now. Think spots on soft blouses, dresses, skirts, lightweight scarves or cotton cardigans. Although they are particularly trendy this season, for me polka dots are always in fashion.
3. Denim shirt: A bit of 90’s fun never hurt anyone. Denim shirts are versatile and edgy. Think preppy chambray instead of denim if that’s more your style.
4. Tunic shirts: Another versatile item that can be worn either tailored or roomy. White is my top suggestion but colours and black work well too. Black works especially well when matched with white bottoms.
5. Floral printed dresses: In true 90’s fashion, small scale ditsy florals are all the rage. But any type of floral dress is fab. I’m still all over abstract floral designs, so that’s what I’ll be wearing when I give geometric prints a rest.
6. Flouncy skirts: Short A-line skirts are becoming more popular, so think flirty, flippy and fun breezy floral or polka dot skirts for hot days. But pencil skirts are always on trend, so don’t think that you’ll have to give up those anytime soon.
7. Leggings: My goodness. There is no stopping the trend. Solid black with zipper or stirrup details are still personal favourites, but grey, denim and patterned leggings can be just as sweet.
8. Walk shorts: You can’t go wrong with this classic item in denim, white or coloured twill.
9. Clamdiggers: I’ve had my clams for four years and continue to wear them like a basic. There seem to be loads of premium denim clamdiggers available, but few at lower price points. So purchase cheaper capris and shorten them to a flattering length.
10. Jailbird stripes: Nautical themes are big every year because stripes are classic. Great to wear with white bottoms and under a denim shirt.
11. Something lilac or/and coral: As a tribute to the ice-cream tones of the 90’s, an item or accessory in a light or deep lilac or coral is nostalgic.
12. A utilitarian piece: Military and safari inspired items are everywhere. Cargo pocket pants are hard to wear but military jackets, tops and shirt dresses are not. Think beyond beige and olive if they don’t work with your skin tone and purchase black, navy and light brown in these styles instead. Colours will also work.
13. Boyfriend blazer: A completely mainstream style that looks like it’s here to stay.
14. Lacy camisole: Interpreting the “boudoir trend” is alluring. Try a bit of lace under a denim shirt and treat yourself to a lacy bra.
15. Low heels: Kitten heels and low wedges are trending. Stock up if you like the heel height.
16. Flesh toned shoes: Skin toned shoes are popular and very flattering. A must in every wardrobe for their versatility and leg lengthening effects.
17. Caged shoes: Heeled or flat, it’s all about a strappy shoe that looks like a cage around the foot. Think of styles like the Sofft Vanessa and the Clarks Smooch for comfortable options.
18. Colourful beads: Turquoise glass or plastic beads get my top vote but all colours are fab including white beads.
19. Blue-hued handbag: Since handbags are my favourite accessory and turquoise is a hot colour this season, no one needs to convince me that I need a turquoise handbag. But if turquoise is not your colour, think cobalt, ink, and teal. And it’s fab to wear a blue handbag with blue jeans.
20. Weathered brown belt: I’m seeing this style of belt in many collections. From the runway shows at Fashion Week right down to the catalogue models of Banana Republic and H&M. Nice worn with both casual and dressy outfits.

The more daring might add the following to their must have list:  asymmetrical pieces (top, dress or skirt), strong or bold shouldered jackets (that’s with extended shoulder pads), ruched sleeve tops and blouses, tapered ankle length pants, chunky bangled arm candy, harem pants, slouchy high-waisted pleated pants, a sequined day item, camouflage, short-shorts, colour-blocked dresses, denim shoes, denim handbags and heeled clogs.

In some instances, items will double duty for Spring and Autumn. In other instances, items are classics and you’ll use them season after season. So how does the list look, ladies? What’s on your Spring and Summer shopping list?

Pear shaped gals tend to battle with the fit of straight sheath dresses. When the dress fits on top, it’s too snug on the bottom. When it fits on the bottom, it’s too roomy on top. Usually the solution is to purchase a sheath dress that fits well around the hip and thigh area, then have the top section altered to fit the shoulder and bust line. Or purchase a non-sheath A-line dress silhouette that’s tailored on top and roomy on the bottom by way of design.

But sometimes, you come across a sheath dress that’s perfect for those who are a little heavier on the bottom. And that’s the pretty periwinkle and black Michael Kors printed sheath dress below. Fully lined, well made and in a luxurious cotton spandex. It’s smart enough to dress up for a day wedding, or take you comfortably through a business formal day with a jacket. Alternatively, I’d throw my denim jacket or biker jacket over these dresses for casual edge. Lots of possibilities!

The periwinkle dress on the right is available for petites online and for regular sizes in store. It’s also got a bit of length for the tall gals. Regular length gals might even get away with wearing petites because of this extra length.

I haven’t had the polka dot dress on clients yet, so I’m not certain that it’s exactly the same Michael Kors, sheath dress fit. But it’s probably quite close, different necklines notwithstanding.

Today’s post is written by YLF forum member and recessionista blogger, Khris (“chewyspaghetti”) who lives in the California desert with hubby and two fab kids. Khris impresses me with her fabulous and effortlessly casual, Mum on the go style. Her outfits always show personality, verve and just the right amount of edge. But what impresses me even more is Khris’s commitment to losing 100 pounds, AND keeping it off. Every time Khris posts an outfit on the forum she looks smaller than she did before. So without further ado, here is rapidly shrinking Khris and her story.

About a year and a half ago I began to be concerned with my health. I have been heavy my entire life, and my body was starting to show the strain. I decided that I was not prepared to live with an illness that my weight had caused, and I set about to make changes in my life. I had lost weight before. Five years ago, I lost about 25 pounds. I did it by eating a low carb diet and exercising, but I was not able to maintain the loss.

But I started trying again. The first thing was to have a goal in mind, and that needed to be a big one. At that point (according to every chart or calculator that I could find on the internet) I was Medically Obese – meaning 100 pounds overweight. I figured that if I were 100 pounds overweight, then I should lose that 100 pounds and not be overweight for the first time in my adult life. I didn’t have any experience with normal weight ranges, so I did some investigation on the internet and spoke to my doctor to make sure that was an attainable goal. With assurances in hand, I set about my journey. I set a goal of losing only 1 pound per week, knowing that it would take me two years to reach my goal. I wanted to make slow lifestyle changes and build upon them. I knew that whatever I did to lose the weight, I would have to continue to do in order to maintain it- and maintenance was my ultimate goal.

Weight loss has changed me in ways that I would never have imagined. I have discovered that I have reservoirs of perseverance previously untapped. It has not been an easy journey, and it has not been smooth; but it has been deeply rewarding. I am creating a whole new relationship with food and exercise, and my body as well. I can only hope that when I reach my goal (*when*- not if), these changes will have solidified. I am currently 61 pounds into my weight loss, with 39 more pounds to go. I’ve dropped 6 pants sizes, and about a size and two widths in shoes.

I had always been interested in fashion and clothing, but my weight loss (which was rapid at the beginning) required me to replace my entire wardrobe from season to season. I decided that this was a good opportunity to be a little more adventurous with my choices, knowing that things would only fit for a limited amount of time. I discovered You Look Fab, and began reading it daily. In no time at all, the forum at You Look Fab became not only a source of inspiration, but a sounding board for my changing body. Often, my eyes and brain needed time to catch up with my body. I was not always able to recognize in the mirror what others could see more plainly- be it shape, fit, or change.

I did not just lose weight, but my shape changed dramatically. I had to learn how to dress a completely new body, and discover my style as a normal sized person. The struggle has been as much mental and emotional as it was physical. The wonderful ladies on the You Look Fab forum have been a huge source of encouragement and support through this process, and I continue to cherish their input and feedback on fashion and weight loss as well as other subjects.

Remember that you can read more about Khris on her blog: Chewy Spaghetti.