Accessories are still the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to accomplish a stylish and current appearance. Choose them wisely and your style quotient sky rockets. Leave them out and you’re not realizing your true stylish potential. I often spend time in accessory departments, discovering new ways to update my style and the styles of my clients. It’s always a fun and interesting process.

Some accessories are closer to my heart than others. So here are my top five accessory categories, a list that has been constant for the last ten years:

1. Handbags
2. Chunky pearl necklaces
3. Scarves
4. Spectacles
5. Watches

I also love belts, barrettes and brooches but there was only room for five on my list. I used to love cocktail rings, but lost interest after finding the perfect pearl ring that became the only ring I want to wear other than my wedding band. I do not wear earrings or sunglasses and hardly wear bracelets (I do admire them on others though). Hair accessories and hats are fun, but my short crop does not do the look justice.

Over to you. Rank your favourite accessories one through five. I’m very interested to see the range of your responses.

If my previous posts weren’t enough to convince you that leggings are fab, here are some more reasons to give them a chance:

• They give short frocks and skirts new life: Leggings rescue items that are a tad too short, making them wearable and current.
• They can go casual or smart: Leggings are generally casual and look superb with flats. But they look just as good with heels and a fancy frock or skirt, thereby adding an interesting and arty dimension to an outfit.
• They are an alternative to jeans and clamdiggers: Choose leggings as an alternative to the casual bottoms that you normally wear.
• They flatter all calf shapes: Surprisingly, leggings add shape to unshapely calves like mine. They also accentuate and streamline a curvier calf. It’s a win.
• They cross all boundaries: They are suitable for all body types when worn correctly. Plenty of ladies in their 40’s, 50’s and 60s are rocking this look with sophistication and sass.

If basic leggings weren’t your cup of tea, perhaps some of the new trends will get you on board. From extra-long, over the heel styling and stirrup detailing, to zipper trims, lace insets, button snaps and self-coloured textured designs. There’s loads of variety in stores at the moment so take your pick.

Be sure to look in both hosiery and clothing sections because you’ll find leggings in both store areas. You will find them in both cotton and nylon. I’m happy with either fabrication, as long as the leggings are thick and offer sufficient coverage.

Some examples of the new detailing. I have recently added a pair with zipper trims to my basic assortment and I’m excited to try the stirrup variety next.

Although we in the Northern hemisphere still have a good few months of hot weather in store for us, it won’t be long before the first Autumn collections hit stores. We’ll start getting glimpses of the new season mid July.

Here’s a preview of what you can expect to see:

• Rocker influenced designs: Biker and bomber jackets, zipper detailing, studs, fingerless gloves, lots and lots of leather and leatherette accessories and clothing. I love this trend, especially since the look and quality of faux leather improves each season. Faux leather is vegan, less expensive, easier to maintain, fairly weather resistant and lightweight. It’s a win.
• Shoulder-padded silhouettes: The 80’s inspirations continue with exaggerated shoulder lines. I am going to give this trend another go if the right piece tickles my fancy.
• Daytime shine: This look has been trending for years but I just don’t see it becoming mainstream. Other than patent shoes and bags, I perceive an overall resistance to wearing daytime sparkle. Subtle lurex threads that run through natural fibers are popular, but that’s about it.
• Bright Pink: The colour of the season.
• Golden hues: From sour citron to green chartreuse. Brilliant. These are amongst my favourite colours of all time and I’ll be stocking up.
• Voluminous banded tops: One of the few silhouettes that excited me this year and I’m happy to see that more is on the way. I’d love to see knitwear in banded top styling.
• Leg-o-mutton sleeves: As the name implies, this type of sleeve is very full and puffy at the crown, but gathers in and tapers at the forearm with a cuff. Could be fun.
• Peplum jackets: Nice.
• Ankle-length super skinny pants: They work when you’re very slim, long in the leg AND wear four inch heels.
• Leggings: A great look for us all.
• Monotone ensembles: This trend lends itself to colder weather because warm handle fabrics are rich in texture, which is key to making a monochromatic outfit look fab.
• Mini and knee-length skirts: Glad to see that flop-proof knee-length silhouettes will be a trendy option.
• Opaque legs: I’m not a fan of the look as I prefer to have fun with self-colour textured sheer hose with pumps and boots. I’d rather wear a pair of leggings, or black-black skinny jeans to get a similar effect.
• Blanket coats: Doesn’t sound so fab, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see a prototype.
• Cocoon coats: An 80’s inspired look that is voluminous and sack-like over the body, but with the volume reined back in with a welt at the hem. The look can be cute and I look forward to seeing the new season’s examples.
• Velvet: In the right item and quality, velvet and velveteen is lovely.
• Booties, booties and more booties: Fabulous.
• Bondage boots: Thigh-high boots worn over skinnies, leggings and tights.
• Massive necklaces: This competes with my cold weather scarf wearing obsession, so no massive necklaces for me.
• Fur stoles: I might like this trend if the look is retro and the fur is faux.

I’m always excited to see how the new season unfolds, but I particularly enjoy thinking about how I’m going to refresh, evolve and update my style for Autumn and Winter. Here in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, these are my dominant seasons. Autumn and Winter clothing form the bulk of my wardrobe.

It’s a big sale weekend. Here are some great bargains from our affiliates:

• Macy’s: Memorial Day Sale, Free Shipping with $99 Purchase (until May 25)
• Nordstrom: 33% Off during the Half-Yearly Sale
• Boden: 15% Off Plus Free Shipping and Returns (until July 2)
• Saks Fifth Avenue: Free Shipping with code SHIPSPR9 (until May 27)
• Lucky Brand: Swimsuits 30% Off
• Piperlime: 30% Off Select Items, Free Shipping and Returns (until May 31)
• Esprit: 10% Off
• Armani Exchange: Additional 20% off Women’s Sale Items
• Bebe: Up to 30% Off Sale Merchandise

Note that many retailers now maintain a permanent range of clearance sale items in their online stores. Boden, for example, has items for up to 70% off in their clearance area.