I usually like the Gap for socks, but this season the roll top boot sock from Hue is my favourite. I look for fairly thin, wool-free socks that stay up the whole day and these socks pretty much fit the bill. I like to wear them with oxfords, boots and Converse. I also wear them over hose when wearing boots with skirts for extra snuggly comfort.

The pairs that I purchased are not available online, but the Hue tweed roll top socks shown below are close enough. Mine are black with a grey tipped roll top and described as the “jeans sock”. They are also available in grey, brown and burgundy. Nordstrom is offering them at a discount right now. The original price of 3 for $15 is down to $11. A fab deal, so I stocked up.

Remember to give your sock wardrobe some attention (it’s easy to neglect inexpensive basics like these). Socks make fabulous stocking stuffers even though the gift has become clichéd.

Sock preferences vary. Some like them thick, long and woolly; others prefer them thin, short and cotton-rich. What’s your sock preference and why?

Spring 2009 catwalk collections were full of harem pants: pants that are baggy on top and tapered at the bottom. A few fashion forward Euro chain stores like Topshop, H&M, French Connection and Zara have started testing the look in stores right now. I wonder what the reaction to this trend has been and whether the look will continue into Spring.

Genies and MC Hammer spring  to mind when I see harem pants (watch his video to refresh your memory). And yes, you guessed it, all the styles have either gathered or pleated fronts. So what’s the verdict on the look. Will our eyes adjust to their retro appeal, or will they look ridiculous forever?

An article in the October issue of fashion magazine Grazia was food for thought. A recent survey conducted in Britain’s tough economic climate revealed that “one in three women forgo food to spend cash on clothes and make-up”. The term “fashiorexic” was used to describe a fashionista who would rather cut her food budget – eating out less frequently, physically eating less and purchasing at inexpensive grocery stores – than her fashion allowance.

Forgoing nutrition for fashion is scary and certainly not acceptable, but the article does raise an interesting question about the lengths to which people will go to keep their existing shopping habits alive. Eating out at restaurants as a couple or family can be expensive. Once you’ve slapped on a tip, paid for parking and possibly a babysitter, you’re out of pocket the same amount of money you could have spent on a premium pair of jeans. A restaurant experience is short lived, whereas an item for your wardrobe is not.

I’d love to hear how you feel. Would you give up your food lifestyle to keep the fashion dollars flowing? Would you happily curb spending on other luxuries like vacations, spa treatments, gym memberships and entertainment to fund your fashion fix? How far would you go balance your style budget?

I’m giving wide waist-cinching belts a rest and wearing my skinny belt collection more frequently at the moment (I needed a change). Skinny belts are less bulky to wear under jackets and coats at this time of year, and easy to adjust if the length is too long.

Adding a skinny belt to an outfit creates texture, layering interest, added waist-definition and if you like, a pop of colour. They are particularly effective when worn over the following items:

• cardigan (both short and longer lengths)
• jacket, or coat
• soft, silky knit or woven blouse
• tailored button-down shirt
• dress, or tunic
• high-waisted pants and skirts

I’ve found that positioning the belt fairly high on the natural waist is key. This prevents the “blouson effect” thereby keeping the torso streamlined (few women get away with blouson-ing their tops with a skinny belt). The silhouette is flop proof if you keep the look sleek on top.

Wearing a skinny belt a little lower and looser when you’re short-waisted is in theory the right thing to do. But I haven’t minded short-waisted gals wearing skinny belts on their natural waist. It resembles an empire cut, which looks adorable. Bustier gals should try skinny belts too, because they are usually a better option than wider waist belts. The look can work with the right top or dress (low neck, ample length and tailored torso).

You’ll find skinny belts everywhere and at every price. They are a creative and cost-effective way of adding variety to your existing ensemble mix. Trust me, you don’t need to be skinny to wear a skinny belt.

(1) Boyfriend cardigan worn closed with skinny belt, (2) Cropped cardigan worn open with skinny belt, (3) Knitted top with double skinny belt, (4) Knitwear with bowed skinny belt (nice for fancier occasions), (5) Skirt and tucked-in top, (6) Pants and tucked-in blouse, (7) Dress and skinny belt, (8) Tunic and skinny belt.