I’ve been promoting micro-check pants as a stylish alternative to jeans for ages, but I have the impression that many people still have their doubts. Perhaps they need to see more people sport these pants and adjust their eyes to the style. Although micro-check pants are a typical Euro look, they are hard to find in the US. This no doubt contributes to the lack of adoption.

For me, micro-check pants are indispensable. They’re fabulous when paired with the right pieces and my wardrobe would not be the same without them. I have three pairs, but the casual cream and black checked skinnies that you see below are my hands down favourite casual pants. They’re soft, stretchy, flattering and loads of fun. I can wear them with different moods and in several combinations. Here are three examples:

1. Classic: add an immaculate button-down for a streamlined look.
2. Retro: add a voluminous jacket for a 50’s vibe.
3. Edgy: add a biker jacket for a bit of tough girl sass.

It doesn’t stop there. Add a graphic T and waistcoat, sport a cowl neck top with a V-neck cardigan, or match up a knitted top with a denim jacket. The possibilities are endless. I wear black, red, yellow or cream ballet flats with these pants most of the time, but occasionally I’ll add a pair of pumps. You could also wear Converse sneakers if the hems are boot cut or wider. This particular pair is skinny so I don’t wear them with Converse (that’s too young looking for a 38 year old).

I bought these pants in Spain last year, so you probably won’t find the exact same pair. My clients got lucky at Talbots, Facconable and Macys last season. This season I’ve seen similar pairs at Euro stores in the US like Zara, H&M, French Connection, and Esprit. And I’ve just spotted a fabulous pair at Club Monaco that has my name all over them.

Thanks to your helpful comments on how to combat extra dry facial skin, my face looks and feels much better. After trying many of the products that were recommended and several others, I’m down to the following routine: taking fish oil capsules, drinking a little more water, using jojoba oil twice a day with super rich moisturizers AND applying Vaseline to my nose and cheek area daily.

I stopped using olive oil because I couldn’t handle the smell. Popping it into a jar with rosemary or lavender to mask the smell didn’t help either (I either reeked of roast chicken or a herb garden). I then tried products with olive oil as an ingredient to see if that worked. I also tried pure Shea butter, cocoa butter, Aquafor, apricot oil and coconut oil. The odour was an improvement, but the products weren’t effective. In desperation, I’m back to using old faithful and dirt-cheap petroleum jelly. If I leave it out and use only the other products I mentioned, my skin is still dry.

So what is a gal to do? The result of adding Vaseline to my facial routine is glowing (and I don’t mind the smell). But many of you are dead set against Vaseline because it’s not good for our health or environment. How bad can it be?

Today is the third installment in my quest to hold out as long as possible with my existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself with new accessories that liven up my wardrobe and lift my spirits (refresh your memory with the first two installments here and here).

I’m not particularly partial to florals on fabric unless they’re abstract patterns, but I love floral motifs on accessories. So my heart skipped a beat when I saw this turquoise belt. It was the perfect way to add this season’s it colour to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.

I’m amazed at the versatility of this belt. It works well over last season’s knitwear, blouses and dresses, and it’s going to work equally well over old jackets, knitted tops and basic button downs. I could easily wear this belt with different outfits every day for two consecutive weeks without feeling bored.

I love turquoise with white, yellow, green and red, but can’t help reliving my 80’s memories by wearing it with bright pink. With my current frames the turquoise belt picks up the turquoise on the inside of my specs. I love that. It’s an interesting, subtle detail that will make me want to wear this belt more frequently.

This belt is bold, so in most instances I don’t wear it with other accessories that make a big statement. Only my watch, wedding band, specs and handbag. My chunky pearls work when I incorporate a plain white shirt or blouse, but that’s it. I don’t want to look like Christmas tree.

Belts are not for everyone and the ornate integrity of this style might rule it out for you. But I love them and this one is true to my individual style. It’s modern, retro, trendy, professional and fun at the same time. If you’re a belt wearer, adding a new belt each season is a cost effective way to look and feel fashionably refreshed.

I got particularly lucky with the price of this surprisingly well made belt. One would expect an accessory in this price range to look cheap and nasty, but it doesn’t. It’s virtually an exact copy of the belt styles Anne Fontaine had in her collection last Spring, which cost $300 a pop. Mine cost $34. Fabulous. It passes quality AND budget control.

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.