Finding an effective layering top to wear under cardigans and jackets is not easy. It has to be the right length, colour, fabric, style and price point. You don’t want a top that’s too bulky on the sleeve. And an interesting neckline is essential because it creates texture and contrast, important elements of the layered ensemble’s visual appeal. I’ve found that cowl necks make brilliant layering pieces, especially when worn under V-neck cardigans.

Express has a winning cowl neck for Spring. The fabric is substantial, stretchy and soft. The fit is pretty good for different body types (I have tried it with several clients) and the neckline is superb. The cowl itself has an adorable gather up the back seam that allows you to adjust its volume. Make it stand up if you have a long neck, and flatten it out for shorter necks. This cowl works well for bustier lasses too. It lies comfortably above the bust giving the bosom a flattering silhouette.

Don’t be put off if sleeveless is not your thing. This is a layering top and a sleeveless item is just what you need for a smooth effect on the arms when you layer over with a cardigan. The fabric is a good weight so it shouldn’t be clingy, but even if it does cling around the mid section, this will level out when you add the next clothing layer.

The top comes in assortment of solid colours and prints like zebra and floral. At $29.50 for solids and $34.50 for prints, it’s quite the bargain once you add a discount coupon.

Gripes about sizing and fit came through loud and clear when we brainstormed about improving fashion retail. Here are some examples:

“I wish for consistent sizing from store to store so that you’d never be puzzled as to why you were a 4 in one store, a 6 in another, and a 2 in the next – and would never be made to feel bad about it either”

“I hate having to take the size I think I am plus a size up and a size down for each item into the dressing room with me”.

“My biggest wish is that brands would have consistent sizing”.

“I wish for consistency in sizing of all clothing”

“The biggest item on my retail wish list is consistent sizing” .

I hear you on the fit challenges (I experience them too), but I’m siding with the retail industry on this one. As someone who dresses every body type from size 00 to 34 for a living, I am extremely grateful that sizes are inconsistent across different retailers and brands. It means that we can all find garments to fit our unique bodies. Unlike men, woman were blessed with curves that make us anything but standardized. You can’t have a set of standardized clothing sizes without a set of standardized bodies. It’s as simple as that.

This variety does have a downside: the inconvenience of visiting several stores, taking multiple items into the dressing room, and trying on a few different sizes before you find the right one. But if you go to this trouble, focusing on the fit for your body instead of the size on the label, you will be happier in the end. The key is to view size as a starting point or guideline.

The bottom line? I don’t think there is a way to eliminate inconsistent sizing and fit challenges. As an ex-fashion buyer, I know that most retailers try hard to give you a well fitting garment. The reality is that they aren’t perfect and we aren’t standardized, so instead we have to think of ways to work around the problem. I liked Sal’s solution best:

“Free tailoring for full-priced merchandise, and tailoring at a discount for sale items”.

If all retailers were geared up to custom tailor off-the-rack garments for free or for a pittance, we’d have far less to grumble about.

After wearing neck-covering knitwear with long chunky necklaces in Winter, I’m ready for lower necklines and short necklaces. It’s refreshing to show some skin for a change and wearing lower necklines instantly sparks off my urge to purchase a fresh set of short chunky beads or eye-catching pendants. Enter Spring update #3 (I described #1 and #2 earlier this week).

I normally wear necklaces that incorporate some form of pearl, but occasionally I step out and sport a pearl-less piece that feels just as fab. This dear little arty glass pendant is a fun addition to my wardrobe. I smiled as soon as I saw it because it mirrors my Spring mood. I replaced its original cheap silver chain with a leather cord to give it a more modern, graphic appeal.

The fun, informal edge of this playful accessory makes my old clothes blossom. At a price point of $15, it’s amazing how it has refreshed my existing smart casual and casual ensembles. Mums-on-the-go I hope you’re listening. An interesting pendant looped through a leather cord is an unfussy addition, but adds an excellent textural dimension to a simple, casual outfit.

Apart from the new necklace, everything I’m wearing is between one and six seasons old (handbags included). I hope that this inspires you to start building your accessory collection. And once you start, remember to actually wear the accessories that you’ve purchased!

You will normally find one or two pairs of ankle length pants in the classic ladies wear area, but this season they’re a trendy fashion statement. I’m having an apoplexy.

There is nothing more leg-shortening than a pair of pants cropped to around the ankle (especially if you have short legs to begin with). Unless you are extremely tall and slim, wear super high heels and have legs that go on for miles, STAY AWAY from this silhouette. Trying to portray the ever so popular “Audrey Hepburn in cropped black pants” look from the movie Funny Face is a bad idea unless you have a bod like Audrey (5′ 8″ and built like a string bean). In my opinion, even our Audrey would have looked better if she’d worn heels with these particular pants, or if her hems were shortened to midway up the calf.

There are only two instances in which ankle length pants can look remotely OK on us regular-shaped gals: extra-tapered skinny jeans with high heels and leggings worn with tunics. Skinny jeans with a bit of ankle scrunch and leggings that end around the calf are still more flattering, but if you’re determined to wear something ankle length, these options can work.

I don’t often vehemently oppose a style of clothing, but wearing pants cropped to the ankle is style suicide for most women. It’s so, so unflattering. Don’t look dumpy when you have the option of looking slender and fabulous.

The only ankle length pants in this assortment that I can live with are the denim skinnies with high heeled pumps on the right. Everyone else looks like they have very short legs. Awful.