I recently had a new piece of knitwear taken it at the waist. I took it to my alterations lady, who overlocked the side seams and re-steamed the garment for $10. I’m impressed with the results. It’s made a huge difference to the fit of the garment, making it less boxy and more streamlined. After the alteration it looks good both as is and belted at the waist.

Knitwear can be successfully altered at the side seams by a competent seamstress. In fact, I’ve never tried this, but you’ll probably be able to narrow the width of knitwear sleeves in the same way. This got me thinking. Are there ways to shorten the sleeve and hem lengths of knitwear? I’ve always thought that this can’t be done, but now I’m not so sure.

The knit biker jacket is a super option for those who like the biker look, but prefer the comfort of a sweater jacket. Stretchy and cozy like knitwear but with lots of spunk and edge.

You’ll find these types of knit biker jackets in woolen knits and cotton knits. They’re definitely more casual and less crisp looking than their woven counterparts but a nice product all the same. Wear them in the same way bring out the rock chick in you.

Time and time again I work with clients who have no full length mirror. But it’s essential that you have one. You need to judge your outfit in its entirety, seeing the full silhouette and judging whether the bottom half of your look works with the top half. Heaven forbid you’re walking around with pants that are too short because you can’t see all the way to the hem.

Ideally, a mounted or free standing, full-length mirror should be close to your closet. Great places for it to live are inside the closet itself, in the bedroom, or on the bathroom door. If it is in another part of the house, that’s ok too. At least you have the option of viewing your ensemble from head to toe before you venture out.

Consider purchasing a full length mirror immediately if you don’t have one already. They don’t need to be expensive and the smallest of apartments can store one successfully. No more climbing onto baths, sinks, chairs and tables to see the rest of you. It’s an easy problem to solve.

You guessed it. Another bit of 80’s flair that’s made a comeback. The double-wrap skinny belt brings back fond memories of having plastic studded versions in cobalt, red and white 25 years ago. I loved the look back then and I’m all for it again right now.

You can wrap the belt high or low around the waist depending on your preference. I like how it adds an interesting layering and textural dimension to an outfit and it’s certainly helped my old knitwear feel like new. The double wrap belt works well over shirts, knitted tops and dresses too. It is more comfortable than the single wrap skinny belt because it slouches more loosely around the body.

I recently purchased a skinny black studded style from Express, which was inexpensive by the time I had used a discount coupon. It didn’t fit so I first cut five inches off the end of the belt and then did my usual make-it-fit trick. I’m pleased with the outcome. The year is young, but the double-wrap belt is my favourite accessory of 2009.

Double-wrap belts are available in a range of price points (from Forever 21 to Bloomingdales). They work quite well on short-waisted women when worn a little lower down on the waist than shown in these pictures.