The post on bathing norms generated passionate debate in the comments section. The general feeling was that bathing daily is not essential, but it’s not professional or stylishly acceptable to have body odour.

According to the Wikipedia entry on body odour, it is the smell of bacteria growing on the body. Perspiration itself is almost completely odourless to human beings, but the bacteria multiply rapidly in the presence of moisture and the smell is therefore associated with perspiration.

Case closed. Since body odour is indication of bacteria, we can safely assume that it is unhygienic. Not so fast! As the NYT article, “The Great Unwashed“, points out, some amount of bacteria on our skin actually helps to strengthen the immune system. Bathing too frequently, or wearing antiperspirants that kill the bacteria, interrupts this natural process.

Then there’s the whiff itself. Personally I find it unpleasant, but not everyone does. I have read about and met people who like their own body odour, and people who aren’t bothered by the body odour of people around them. It is definitely more of a taboo in some cultures than others.

Like most things, it is probably a question of balance. A certain amount of bacteria that reinforces the immune system, but not enough to become unhygienic. A certain level of natural scent that is socially acceptable, but not enough to be an unpleasant odour to other people.

What are your thoughts? And if there is a friend, family member or work colleague who in your judgment crosses the line between natural scent and body odour, will you discuss it with them?

Last Saturday Greg and I spent part of the day enjoying our local Seattle neighbourhood. We love walking, so we traveled on foot despite iffy weather. It stayed dry, but I would have been prepared for a downpour, having opted for flat weatherproof boots worn over Gap Leans with umbrella on hand.

It’s starting to get chilly and I easily feel the cold, so packing on the layers is essential. I matched my practical and casual cold weather “leans-tucked-into-boots” uniform with a roomy, drop waist, grey pinstriped sheath dress layered over a black button down shirt. I topped it off with an old retro cobalt blue coat, allowing the French cuffed sleeves of the shirt to peak out from under the sleeves of the coat. I do not mind wearing a shorter sleeved coat over a long sleeved top if the layers are low contrast. I added a cream and black polka dot scarf to the inside of the collar, cravat style, too keep things cozy. The cream also breaks up the severity of the black shirt against my face.

We had lunch at the La Cote Creperie, which is small and simple with wonderful food. Then it was off to the Essential Bakery for fresh bread and the pet supply store a few doors down to replenish Jasmine and Rosie’s supply of chewable bones. As besotted pet owners our doggies get far too many treats!

This ensemble is relatively monochromatic compared to the bright casual outfits I normally wear. Although the coat is vibrant, the ensemble lacks bold contrasts. But hubby likes this look a lot and I enjoy the change.

There are more solids than patterns in my wardrobe, but I do love patterned blouses, dresses and scarves. I can appreciate all sorts of designs, but when it comes to my own style I generally stick to abstract florals and geometrics. On myself I prefer them bold and bright, but I also like softer edges and more subtle palettes on others.

Since my favourite pattern is still a crisp, clean polka dot, I’m siding with Team Geometric. But it was close! Abstract florals and geometric patterns are represented equally in my wardrobe.

Over to you. Are you Team Floral or Team Geometric? Tell us why. No batting for both Teams I’m afraid. But you can sit this one out on the bench if you don’t wear patterns, or prefer other designs. Perhaps you’re Team Stripe, Team Animal, Team Paisley or Team Plaid?

This time of year is especially fun with my clients because its the season to twirl around in party dresses. We’re either shopping for more occasion outfits, or refreshing the look of existing party frocks by changing up the rest of the outfit.

I absolutely love making last year’s party dress feel like new and here’s how I go about it. In some instances I’ll apply a few of the changes at once, and at other times go with one single update:

1. Swap out the jewelry: Wear statement earrings with a cuff or bracelet instead of a necklace. Or vice versa.
2. Add satin, lace or velvet opera gloves: Very retro. Add a cocktail ring.
3. Throw in a new pair of shoes: Went metallic or black last year? Try a colour or animal print this year.
4. Change the clutch: Opt for something crisp and modern if vintage was your look last season. Or opt for a retro style instead of a classic one. Change the colour and size of the evening bag. Go sparkly instead of plain. Go matte instead of patent. Sport a dainty chain handle handbag. Sport a wristlet
5. Change the hosiery: Try lacy patterns instead of micro fishnets. Add sparkly hose.
6. Think past the classic woolly pashmina type cover-up: There are many more fun and updated ways to cover-up a party dress. Think cropped or long tuxedo jackets, short faux fur coats, soft sequin jackets, satin boleros, capelets and strong shouldered velvet blazers.
7. Add a cropped leather jacket: Crazy idea, but I love the vibe. I’m aching to wear my cropped black biker jacket over my retro 50’s style ball gown. I’ll pile on the pearls, step into red Kate Spade pumps, add fun hose and a vintage clutch.
8. Change your hairstyle: If you wore it down, stick it up and vice versa. Add a pretty hair accessory.
9. Change your make-up and nail colour: Combine smoky eyes with light coloured lipstick. Sport ruby lips and dark nail polish.
10. Wear the dress backwards: Another crazy idea but it can work. A friend of mine wore one of her formal dresses backwards because the neckline was too low, and it looked fabulous.

If you’re not going to a formal party event this year, you can still use some of these tips to refresh a more casual party ensemble. Remixing is the name of the game.