It was all over designer collections, but didn’t filter down to mainstream. And with good reason because the paper-bag-waist skirt is hard to wear. A super slim, non-curvy body type, plus height, a smallish chest and great gams are the prerequisites.

I don’t think a short person with the rest of the goods will pull off this look. The paper-bag waistband needs a long torso so that the impact of a defined waistline is achieved. If the paper-bag part rides up too high, it’s unflattering. It’s also essential to tuck in the top and look great in poufy, gathered skirts (another look that’s hard to pull off).

I like the look on a boyish silhouette because it adds curve, interest and shape. The dramatic nature of the style makes for great catwalk appeal, but it’s best left as fringe fashion. I just can’t see it taking off in the real world where most women are shorter and curvier.

Haute Couture windows in Paris, London and Barcelona have displayed black-black skinny jeans for the past year. This trend was destined to filter down to prêt-a-porter collections and mainstream fashion in a matter of months. It has arrived.

Black-black skinnies are black. Not a faded black, dark grey or blue-black. They’re a true rich black which is as Gothic and punk rocker as it gets. I bypassed the grey denim trend last year, but feel I can do the black-black skinny jeans thing again.

I bought a pair a few weeks ago and I’m thrilled with them. Black-black skinny jeans are my preferred way of wearing black pants (I don’t own black slacks). They look great with ballet flats, chunky heeled red patent pumps and black booties. I also plan to wear them tucked into the slouchy chestnut knee-high boots that I hope to purchase later this year.

This is the next big denim trend. I highly recommend the look if you love skinny (or straight-leg) jeans. Trend setting YLF forum members Ana, Patience and Tanya are ahead of me. They’ve been sporting their black-black skinny jeans for a while! Thanks for the inspiration ladies. You look fab.

I bought the Marc Jacobs style on the left and they fit like a dream. It’s a super sleek and slimming look with black heeled booties.

Have you ever worn white jeans and stained them five minutes into your day? You are not alone. In my case it’s the adorable welcome of little wet Yorkie feet that often soils my cream trench, white pants and white shirts. You love the look but Murphy’s Law makes it unlikely that you will keep a white or light garment stain-free throughout the day.

I’ve resorted to carrying Tide-to-go in my handbag. It’s an on-the-go stain remover in the shape of a felt-tip pen. Rub the tip of the pen on the stain and it’s as good as gone half an hour later. It works well on most types of food and dirt stains, but not as well on ink and excessively greasy marks.

Tide-to-go has saved my outfit a number of times. Keep it in the car, an office drawer and take it along when you travel. It’s a nifty little trick at $3 a stick.

When I say “flip flops”, I’m not referring to stylish, structured, thong sandals. I’m talking about the ones with spongy, rubber-like soles and a rubber or canvas upper. When I was a child we called these “slops” (a well deserved name in my opinion). I fail to understand why they seem to be so extremely popular.

I’m all for casual thong sandals, but cheap, rubber flip flops look inappropriate and sloppy in everyday settings. Give them a miss unless you’re at the beach, lounging by a pool, relaxing at home, walking in a monsoon downpour, or waiting for toe nails to dry after a pedicure. You can do better. J Crew’s leather capri sandal is a good alternative.

I suspect I’m in the minority here, so please come to the defense of the flip flop if you think they have their merits. I doubt I’ll budge.