J. Crew is offering an assortment of wonderful washed-wool scarves and the picture below does not do them justice. Solid colours, ombre, or polka dots for $49 to $59. There are at least 20 different options to select from in stores at the moment and it’s well worth a look. Don’t let the uninspiring picture and lack of online choices put you off.

I have a wool allergy that makes me come out in a bad rash when I wear it close to my skin. But I’m willing to try items with a wool composition on the off chance that I can comfortably sport the item without breaking out in hives. I own a few wool pashminas that do not itch and this has given me hope.

I loved these scarves when I saw them in J. Crew and promptly tested one in store. I walked around looking at their merchandise for 10 minutes with the scarf Euro-looped around my neck. No hives, no fuss and best of all, a subtle fringe that I won’t need to remove. I was sold.

The scarves are very lightweight and come with a swing ticket that suggests three ways of tying them: “choker style”, “simple ascot” and “hacking knot”. Nice one J. Crew. If it isn’t too cold in your neck of the woods, wait a while and score this little gem when it goes on sale.

I saw green, coral, yellow, raspberry, turquoise, cream and black solid colours. There were blue, green, taupe, pink, grey and yellow ombre versions, and black, cherry, yellow and orange solids with cream polka dots. I came home with the black and cream polka dot and the client I was with bought the green one.

This look is fringe, very fringe. I can’t think of a more dramatic pair of peds than high-heeled, over-the-knee boots. The Chanel pair Anne Hathaway wore in “The Devil Wears Prada” caused quite a stir.

I’m on the fence about the look. Part of me feels that a black, pointy-toed and stiletto heeled pair looks trashy and just far too much leather for one outfit. Throw patent into the mix and it’s dominatrix deluxe. But another part of me feels that a flat, suede pair in a colour other than black might be fun if you have the gams. A pair like the taupe ones below could be sweet under a shorter flowy dress with tights, or over skinny jeans with girly blouse. The pair worn with the pink tights looks equestrian and I rather like that look too.

Help me decide whether over-the-knee boots are sassy, or unstylish. Is there a way of making them look effortlessly chic, or will they always scream fashion victim?

I adore clothing, shoes and accessories with interesting textures because they add aesthetic appeal and depth to an ensemble. Textures generate charm because they create contrast (the same way bold colours can do so). A monochromatic outfit looks infinitely better when the items are texture-rich.

A recent Nordstrom catalog did a brilliant job of summarizing ways in which you can add texture to your Autumn and Winter wardrobe. Here’s the lowdown (their categories, my words):

1. A feminine blouse with ruffles creates a strong contrast against wools and tweeds. If ruffles aren’t your thing, try blouses in iridescent fabrications, lace, jacquards or satin.
2. Booties with patent, mock croc, sueded or distressed leather trims do wonders to enhance an outfit.
3. Coats made of mottled tweeds or abstract jacquards stand out. So do coats with leather trims and fabrics with sheen and luster.
4. Cheeky pencil skirts with kick-pleats, cascading waterfall ruffles and front ruching details look three-dimensional. Purchase them in interesting fabrics and you’ve taken texture to the top.
5. Trousers in menswear fabrics like checks and tweeds are retro and scream Autumn.
6. Soft knit sweater dresses are luscious against stiff, structured woven sateen trenches. Add sueded boots and you’re in business.
7. Cropped jackets in leather, tartan, velvet and boiled wool look particularly good against stiff jeans.
8. Hosiery is the easiest way to add texture to a skirt or frock ensemble. Think delicate florals, geometric shapes, antique lace, crocodile patterns or micro fishnets.
9. Simpler embossed or quilted satchels are a nice change to plain leather handbags with excessive hardware. I love cracked patent, but rice-paper pleather is just as fab.
10. Statement jewelry like cuffs with oversized stones, antique brooches or vintage glass rings are alternative ways of adding decorative texture to your look.

For some reason Nordies have left scarves off their list. I’m adding them in because they can add a super contrasting texture to an outfit. I personally like something soft and silky with leather or pleather jackets.

I love outfits with interesting textures. It’s my preferred way of dressing because I’m a sucker for nice fabric. One of my personal wardrobe rules is that if I’m going to buy an item in a neutral colour, it has to be textured. It prevents me from getting bored with the item and gives rise to neutral ensembles with loads of sass.

Mixing and matching textures to create a contrast: (1) tweed and patent with denim, (2) shine with denim, (3) satin with leather and (4) ruffles with wool.

I wear a camisole virtually every day. My favourite brand and style, perhaps surprisingly, is the BP. stretch camisole from the junior department at Nordstrom for $12 a piece.

These camis are made of a rich cotton-spandex and bound with a pretty sateen. They come in about 20 different solid colours and have sufficient length for layering if you’re petite or regular height. The neckline is pretty high and the fabric stability is impressive. They don’t have a shelf bra and are as soft and comfy as can be.

They run a little small, so go up a size. I’ve triplicated my black and white camis and bought a few other colours. Despite getting washed and tumble-dried frequently, they have lasted quite well. It’s a win.

Which are your current favourite camisole brands and why?

Nordstrom offers additional colours at store level. Unfortunately, there are only six shades to choose from online.