Although I wear trendy pieces, I don’t have enough youth on my side to wear certain fashionable looks that I simple adore. Top of that list is dressy short shorts with heels and a tuxedo jacket. The Budget Babe featured actress Amanda Seyfried in this look a month ago and I’m crazy about it. I’d entertain less glitzy and more smart casual takes on the combination too, like denim short shorts with a silky blouse, blazer and wedged pumps.

I do my version of the look with longer Bermuda shorts, but  the effect isn’t as cheeky. Oh well! That’s okay too. At least I get to admire the cheeky version on lasses younger than me.

Do you yearn to wear a particular look that you would wear if you were younger? Converse sneakers with dresses, string bikinis, 5-inch heels, lower tops? I don’t mean for this topic to be directed at women who are over the age of 40. If you’re in your 20’s or 30’s feel free to comment too!

Some women like lace and others don’t. I loved lace in the 80’s and then went through a stage of not liking it at all. Now I’m turning full circle and starting to appreciate outfits with pops of lace camisole peaking through.

A bit of lace in the right place does the covering trick when a neckline is too revealing. Of course, you have the option to wear lace-less camisoles and those are the ones I wear most of the time. But occasionally a triangle of lace adds textural interest to the outfit – especially when you’re matching the same color cami and top.

There are all sorts of creative ways to wear lace camisoles. These basic guidelines will help you get started if this is new territory for you:

• Camisoles with lace inserts: These are ideal for tops, blouses, shirts and dresses with V-neck openings. With this option you can choose to keep the camisole the same colour as the top, or create a contrast. Both looks are equally effective.
• Camisoles with lace hems: These look sweet layered under a shorter top, blouse or shirt. I especially like a straight lace hemmed camisole peeking out from under a curved hem blouse or shirt. Again, you have the option of keeping the camisole the same colour as the top or to create a contrast.
• All over lace camisoles: I like the look of these under sheer woven blouses or shirts. I prefer this type of pairing with low colour contrast between the camisole and the top, like a sheer black blouse worn with an all over black lace camisole. But that’s not a rule and you can go to town with the combinations.
• All over patterned camisoles with lace inserts: These look fab under thicker woven shirts and blouses. For example, a denim shirt looks great over a patterned and lace inserted camisole. Undo an extra shirt button or two and show it off.
• Demi lace camisoles: These work miracles when it’s really hot or when wearing a dress. No hem lines and less midsection coverage. Second Base makes super demi lace camisoles which might come in handy as temperatures start to rise.

In case you were wondering, you still need to wear a bra with a lace camisole. Flesh toned or a colour to match the camisole is a flop proof way to go.

Do you like a bit of lace peaking through from under the neckline of your top or dress? Or are you a lace-less camisole gal.

Clarks does it again offering us a 2-inch heel that you can walk in for 8-hours. The “Wellfleet” T-bar sandal has been getting rave reviews online and after slipping my feet into pair I understand why. These casual sandals are seriously some of the most comfortable I’ve had on my feet all season. They are SO lightweight you won’t believe it. Very cushioning and soft all over. A go-to sandal for hot weather with all sorts of casual outfits.

They are available in both suede and matte leather across five different colours. If you like their bohemian vibe be sure to treat your feet to this type of foot bed heaven. Very much worth $90.

If the Clarks are not to your taste, you might prefer the Børn ‘Marguerite’ Sandal. The straps aren’t quite as soft and the foot bed isn’t quite as cushioning but I still consider it a comfortable shoe. It’s a daintier and dressier looking sandal than the Wellfleet, which might be a better match for your style. It’s on sale for $59.90 and the silver gets my top vote because it’s very versatile for summer outfits.

At the start of Spring, I posted a list of must haves for Summer. 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 look you should give these trends a bash.

Several months later and with end-of-season sales in full swing, it’s times to share our progress. I’ll go first:

1. White bottoms: Check. I had three white bottoms and happily wear them season after season.
2. Polka dots: Check. I had several polka dot tops and dresses and added one more polka dot frock. But I’m not counting because I love polka dots and will wear them forever more.
3. Denim shirt: Check. Love my new denim shirt and especially enjoy wearing it in unexpected combinations.
4. Tunic shirts: Check. I added black and white tunic shirts and have absolutely loved them. I’m not overly thrilled with their quality though, so I’m already on the lookout for better-end versions just because I know I’ll carry on wearing the look for several more seasons.
5. Floral printed dresses: Check. I’m wearing floral frocks which are a couple of seasons old and they’re doing the trick.
6. Flouncy skirts: No luck. They’ve been too short, too ruffle-y and not to my taste. I’m disappointed with what I’ve seen in stores so far after being really excited about the upcoming trend.
7. Leggings: Check. Had a few pairs and added another cropped black pair with rouleau loop button detailing.
8. Walk shorts: Check. Had a denim pair and love wearing them with heels and jackets.
9. Clamdiggers: Check. Had two pairs and enjoy wearing them with boots and tunics.
10. Jailbird stripes: Check. The Melrose Street review saw to adding another one to my collection.
11. Something lilac or/and coral: No luck. Haven’t found a coral dress or blouse to my liking yet.
12. A utilitarian piece: Check. Had some items already, but also added a black shirt dress and denim shirt dress. Unfortunately the denim shirt dress was returned due to inferior quality.
13. Boyfriend blazer: Check. Came back from Amsterdam with a black extended shoulder boyfriend blazer which I haven’t stopped wearing.
14. Lacy camisole: Check. Had these too.
15. Low heels: Check. Discovered low heeled Fidji shoes and am stocking up.
16. Flesh toned shoes: Check. My new Fidji’s are a match for my skin tone and they’re on my feet a few times a week.
17. Caged shoes: Check. Last year’s styles are still going strong.
18. Colourful beads: Check. Bought a long string of turquoise glass beads and they’ve been fun to wear when my pearls rest.
19. Blue-hued handbag: Check. I had a snakeskin cobalt bag but never found the turquoise handbag of my dreams. So I stopped looking for a turquoise bag and opted for a neon green L.A.M.B bag instead.
20. Weathered brown belt: No luck. Every time I looked at brown belts my eye was drawn to something else. But I’m not giving up yet. I know I’ll enjoy this look once I find the right belt.

I also managed to find the perfect pair of silky black harem pants, jodhpur jeans, Kate Spade party pumps, cream Summer boots, an apple green cascading cardigan, champagne pearls and some fun blouses.

Your turn. How did you do?