I seem to have created the impression that “black is not a YLF colour”. Let me set the record straight. It absolutely is. I love black and own many black pieces (like this dress and this biker jacket). So do many of my clients.

I don’t think our wardrobes function well without black pieces and some items look better in black than in any other colour. That being said, I’m not an unconditional advocate of black because it isn’t flop proof.

• Some people wear black well. Others don’t. People who don’t look good in black might prefer brown, grey, ink blue or white as “their black”.
• Falling back on black tops time and time again without adding a contrasting colour to your ensemble is dangerous. This is what I call the black rut and it is just too somber. Angelina Jolie is infamous for being in a black rut, but that has changed recently. She’s incorporating other neutrals and colour into her style mix and in my opinion looks much better for it.
• Wearing black from head-to-toe is hard to pull off. It can look stunning when the outfit is textured, but most of the time it’s a risk.

I do not mean to discourage you from purchasing black wardrobe items. They can be fab. Just ensure that black works for you, stay out of the rut, and incorporate texture when you wear it from head to toe.

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?