This item has wafted in and out fashion for decades and we’ve probably all had one at some point. Now more than ever I’m finding the perfect denim jacket an indispensable wardrobe item and have started to encourage most of my clients to get one.

It’s an extremely effective casual cover-up for dresses and skirt ensembles (remember these formulas?). Casual cover-ups like cardigans are sweet and stylish, but a sassy little denim jacket adds easy-going spunk. It’s the perfect way to dress down a dressy frock or skirt. The contrast of the two looks is especially appealing.

You’re after a tailored and relatively short denim jacket. It won’t look cheeky if it’s long and roomy. The back has to be streamlined too. Both dark and light washes will work (dark washes are smart casual whereas lighter washes are casual) and there is room for both in your wardrobe. You also don’t need to stick to the original “Levis Strauss” styling if you’d prefer something else, like a biker or blazer look. I highly recommend a bit of stretch for extra comfort.

Don’t underestimate the power of altering a denim jacket. I have a Diesel denim jacket that’s 10 years old and it looks exactly like the bluefly style (top left above). It is dark denim, stretchy and superbly made. But it was roomy so I had it tailored for $45 about 18 months ago and now it’s perfect. It was money well spent because I’ll have it forever.

Go get a denim jacket if you don’t have one already. I’m declaring it an edgy and versatile item for all body types and age groups. I have clients approaching 70 who are looking sensational in streamlined denim jackets. You can’t go wrong.

An assortment of denim jackets: the “original” denim jacket look, biker styles, faded options, cleaner lines, darker washes, super cropped versions and everything in-between. You’ll pick one up for a song if you look hard enough.

This one is particularly adorable.

The largest clothing manufacturer in the United States has taken fashion advertising to another level. Over the years, it has made a point of posing models in highly provocative and overtly sexual positions for its advertising campaigns. Nudity is fine too, and the retailer even went as far as hiring porn stars to showcase a new range of underwear and socks at the end of 2008. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

The controversy goes beyond risqué advertising. American Apparel CEO Dov Charney has been accused of sexual harassment, and the company is reportedly being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Take a look at these eye-catching American apparel ads (warning: this may not be safe for work) and let’s hear your thoughts on this very controversial form of marketing. I’m sure you have a lot to say.

It’s “boyfriend” everything at the moment. First the cardigan and now the jeans, thanks to Katie Holmes and her stylist. With the new “boyfriend jean” the shape of denim has expanded beyond the four main silhouettes (skinny, straight, boot cut and wide-leg) for 2009.

Boyfriend jeans are supposed to look baggy, worn and distressed, although some versions are less so. The style is usually rolled up at the hem and worn with heels for a final feminine touch. The look reminds me a little of when us gals wore men’s Levis 501’s in the 80’s. Baggy crotches, turned up hems and belted waistbands were so in back then. The look has been revived and updated. Celebrities in Hollywood are all over the trend.

The style can be adorable worn with flats or a small heel on a preteen and teenager. They seem like an arty, hip and cool expression for that age group. Cute (don’t shoot me, Mums). But for anyone older I vote for giving this trend a miss. Maybe I’m getting old, but I am so over ripped jeans of any description. It’s not a stylish look. How do you vote?

Clothes swap parties are great, but unless there are items in your size and to your liking, you will come home empty handed. Ideally you need to find a person or group of people with a compatible style and size (or size they used to be). The forum members found just that and in the spirit of saving money and the environment by repurposing current wardrobe orphans, they started successfully swapping clothes, footwear, handbags and accessories with each other for free.

It all started when forum member Tanya received a pair of jeans in the wrong rinse and offered to send them to forum member Maya. Maya ended up paying Tanya for this particular swap because the jeans were brand new. But the incident sparked a recycling trend in the forum that is gathering momentum.

Our YLF gathering in Manhattan was no exception. Here are some of the swaps we did:

• Tanya had several ill-fitting blouses that she brought for Maya.
• Maya brought Swann Flats for me because they were too large and fell off her feet when she walked. I’ve been trying to triplicate these but my size was sold out, so I really scored.
• Laura brought a jacket for Tanya (it was too tight on her) and a coral sweater for Maya. She also brought me a pretty black skirt that will fit well when I’ve had it altered at the side seams.
• I brought Tanya a scarf that worked better with her skin tone than mine. I brought Maya a vegan yellow sling bag and my first white watch. I also passed along a funky necklace to Laura because I’m a pearl gal at heart.

It was a stylish, cost saving and win-win situation for all. Not to mention fabulous fun. Laura wore her “new” necklace that evening and on the plane back home (I love it). Tanya sported her scarf next work day. Maya instantly used her yellow tote and wore her white watch on the way out of the restaurant. It’ll be a while before I can go sockless and wear ballet flats, but I’ve been prancing around in my new peds at home.

Give clothes swapping a try with friends and family. Alternatively, post your items on the forum and it won’t be long before you’ll have takers and receive treasures in return.

Swapping in Manhattan. Sign up to the forum today to start participating in the fun online.