We’re half way through this year’s warm weather collections, so let’s analyze what’s been in stores so far.

My rants:

• Merchandise seems a little more dull than usual: There’s nothing really new and exciting. Aside from accessories and footwear, I haven’t felt compelled to purchase anything (I don’t know whether that’s good or bad). The Spring forecast had me particularly excited about cropped military jackets and the perfect cream biker, but zilch so far. I suspect that retailers are keeping stocks low as a reaction to the recession. I’ll gladly support the economy, but I need a good reason to purchase something.
• Shortage of one to two inch heeled shoes: It’s the same story, either sky scrapers or flats and nothing in-between. Don’t get me started on the comfort issue.
• Shortage of washable cotton dresses: Most of the flattering and fabulous dresses are either dry clean only, or in a polyester that does not repel heat. The washable cotton dresses are either too skimpy, short, dowdy or childlike. We need an assortment of hip, wearable, knee–length, age-appropriate casual cotton frocks with coverage in the right places.
• Shortage of lightweight casual jackets: Loads of trenches, plenty of formal blazers and countless cardigans, but very little else as a cover-up option. I guess it’s not a jacket season. This is fine if you live in warm weather, but not so fab when Spring is chilly.
• Maxi dress epidemic: They are everywhere and you know how I feel about them.

My raves:

• Everything is going for a song: I have never seen a fashion season as heavily discounted as this one. So many bargains! I scored another wonderful accessory purchase at the Macy’s one day sale yesterday, marked down 70%.
• Strong 80’s flair: I can’t help but love that this era is making a stylish comeback. It makes me smile.
• Deeper assortment of high-rise jeans: This has been a comfortable and girdling saving grace.
• Sea of green, yellow and turquoise: It’s nice to see how this fresh Summer palette has been embraced by retailers and consumers.
• Banded tops: This is the only product that has really piqued my interest this season. The banded style is not for everyone because it does not show off the waistline. But it’s definitely worth a try if you like the voluminous look and are self conscious about your mid-section. The right banded style can be comfy, forgiving, interesting and very 80’s.

Over to you. What are your thoughts on the trends and fashions that have been on offer so far? I’m especially interested in your views If you don’t live in America.

Macy’s is having a one day sale tomorrow. Apparently they will be offering the lowest prices of the season, both in-store and online. Today is the preview day.

Total savings for sale items are between 40% and 70%, which represents an additional 25% on clearance sale prices, so there are real deals to be had. This is just another indicator of the hard times that retail is experiencing right now.

As tempting as these deals may be, remember that you shouldn’t be swayed by low prices. Don’t compromise your standards. And if your budget doesn’t permit sale shopping right now, rest assured that there will be many more opportunities like this one in future.

Scarves can look dowdy and uniform-like. The trick is to add a bit of edge to your look when sporting a scarf, and the knot is one way to do this. I often tie my scarf using a knot that I arrived at after ages of fiddling in front of the mirror one day. I call it the “Angie Knot”, but if it has a real name please let me know – I’m sure I’m not the first to use it.

I generally stay away from skinny oblong scarves and neckerchiefs because the shapes don’t offer enough volume and texture. My favourite scarf dimensions are 40 by 66 inches for a pashmina sized scarf, 23 by 60 inches for a large oblong scarf, and 34 by 34 inches for a large square scarf. Anything longer than 60 inches is usually too long unless you’re very tall. On the other hand, if you’re petite, you’re after a shorter scarf between 40 and 50 inches long. These are a little harder to find and you might need to hem the length.

Follow these steps to tie the Angie Knot:

1. Roll a large square scarf into a long worm, or scrunch up a rectangular scarf so that it resembles a worm. Place the scarf around the neck so that the side that does all the work hangs longer than the other side. You can also skew the scarf so that the hems are uneven. This will give you this waterfall effect. Fold right over left and pull that same right end back under the end that’s hanging in front of your body.
2. Take that same right end and loop it through the part of the scarf that’s around your neck and ABOVE the knot.
3. Pull down that right end and use the knot as a pulley to pull the knot vertically so that the knot looks tight, neat and appealing. This is the most important part, so fiddle till you get it right.
4. Lay both ends flat across the body, making sure that the ends are more or less even. Voila!

This style of knot works well with all sorts of fabrications, from wool, satin and rayon, to silk, viscose and cotton. The scarf stays put once it’s tied and is interesting to look at. Wear the scarf “cravat style” for a strict, professional and authoritative look, or wear it loosely on the décolletage for an arty and playful vibe. I sport both looks depending on my mood and the weather. With the warm Spring weather, I’ll be tying my cotton and silk scarf with a loose knot.

For a strict, authoritative look, roll a smaller scarf neatly before tying the knot, tie the knot close to the neck, and tuck the ends under your blouse or button down afterwards.

Charla Krupp’s New York Times best seller, “How Not to Look Old”, is an insightful and informative read (published in 2008). Formerly the beauty editor of Glamour and senior editor of InStyle magazine, Charla shares her expertise on looking 10 years younger, 10 pounds lighter and 10 times better in fast and effective ways. The information is detailed, tangible, easy to absorb, hands-on and unapologetic. Although I don’t agree with all of Charla’s opinions, this aspect of her book really resonated with me.

The chapters on personal style, fashion and wardrobe planning feature sidebars with succinct checklists that are food for thought. The list that intrigued me the most was “forbidden fashion items for every woman past the age of 30 who wants to look effortlessly chic and classy“. In other words, she considers these items “too young” for women over the age of 30.

Here is the list along with my 2 cents on the subject. I have highlighted the areas where I differ from Charla.

• Ankle bracelets: I generally agree, but some ladies wear an ankle bracelet with their national dress. An ankle bracelet looks perfectly appropriate with an Indian Sari, for example.
• Belly necklaces: I see Charla’s point. But you might get away with a belly necklace if you’re in superb shape (or if you’re a belly dancer).
• Body piercing: Agreed.
• Boy shorts: If this refers to underwear then I am guilty as charged, but I imagine that Charla is talking about what I call “hot pants”, or short shorts.If so, I agree.
• Collegiate sweats, T-shirts and caps: I wear adorable collegiate lounging sweats every day. They don’t leave the house and they fit well. Until I find a more grown-up substitute I’m sticking with these. I’m with Charla on the T’s and caps though.
• Colored cowboy boots: I’m not sure about this one. Perhaps the Texans can help me out.
• Crocs: Agreed. My age limit for this item is eight.
• Earmuffs: Looking sweet in earmuffs is achievable when you’re older than 30. I saw this look in NYC earlier this year and wished I also had a pair.
• Ear piercing in multiples: Agreed.
• Flip flops in the city: Agreed. In fact, I’m much stricter here. I say ban flip flops at any age when you’re in the city. It’s beachwear.
• Go-go boots: Guilty as charged. At 38 I love my go-go boots and feel that I pull them off with style. I hope to wear them for a little while longer.
• Leg warmers: Tough one. I have seen these work on older women who wore them over jeans and in boots.
• Micro mini dresses: Agreed.
• Mittens: Agreed.
• Nameplate necklaces: Agreed. But I have a friend in her early 30’s who wears one with style. I think it’s because she doesn’t look a day over 25.
• Newsboy caps: No age limit. I see women in their 50’s sport streamlined versions with style.
• Scrunchies: Agreed. My age limit on these is 14. I can hardly believe that my favourite chain store Club Monaco is selling them right now.
• Super low riding jeans: Agreed.
• Tattoos: This is difficult. If you have a tattoo, you’re stuck with it. Does Charla mean don’t get a tattoo after the age of 30?
• Tie-dye anything: I can see tie-dye tops working after 30 if you have a bohemian edge to your style.
• Tights in neon colours: Agreed.
• Toe-rings: As with ankle bracelets, you can sport these when you’re older if they are part of your national dress.
• Tube tops as stand-alones: Agreed.

Overall I think that 30 is too low as a cutoff point, even in some of the areas that I agree. After all, 40 is the new 30! Over to you. What are your thoughts on the items on Charla’s list? Do you think she’s left anything out?