Last week I asked about the jeans in your closet. So many people shared detailed information that we thought it would be fun to summarize the results.

First of all, how many pairs of jeans do you own? The largest group of people own between one and 5 pairs, with almost the same number of people between 5 and 10 pairs. This seems reasonable if you wear jeans regularly. Note that there were also people at the extremes (one person had zero pairs, and another had 48), but those are excluded from the chart below.

On the color front, most people stuck to a dark blue wash, which is definitely the most versatile and cost effective choice. I was delighted to see that of the non-blue jeans, white and cream was the most popular choice. Black and grey followed soon after. I have a hunch that black-black jeans are going to make a comeback sometime soon.

Breakdown of non-blue jeans	Split between blue and non-blue jeans	Breakdown of blue washes

The chart below shows the brands that were mentioned three times or more. First surprise: There were more than 50 brands represented in our sample. Second surprise: the popularity of Levis amongst our top brand contenders. I have spent an exhausting amount of time in Levis stores trying unsuccessfully to fit myself and my clients into their jeans. They do have good fits for men though.

No surprises with the styles…

• Bootcuts were the forever flattering and fashionable favorite. They cut across, age, body type and fashion persona and are always a good, safe choice. It’s a rule: when in doubt, opt for boot cuts.
• Skinnies and straight legs were next in line. For some, straight legs are “their version of skinnies” because they offer a similar sleek silhouette. I’m happy to see this look gain popularity. It’s contemporary, mainstream and practical. You know I’m a big fan.
• Wide-legs and flares were less popular, which does not surprise me. It’s a hard look to wear.

Overall, a great mix of brands, styles, washes and duplications. Well done you stylish lot.

Most retailers are on sale and there are bargains to be had. If you’re short on warm weather clothing and your Summers are long, now is the time to stock up. I’d start off at Banana Republic and head over to Macy’s if you can brave the crowds.

You can also do end-of season shopping from the comfort of your keyboard. Here are some online sales to check out:

• Boden: Summer Collection Sale: Save up to 50%
• Macy’s: Summer Choice Sale: Save 10-50%
• Liz Claiborne: Beyond Summer Sale: Up to 75% off
• Piperlime: Lime Tag Sale: Up to 40% off
• Old Navy: Summer Loving Sale: Up to 50% off

Remember that it’s all too easy to waste money sale shopping. If you have everything you need, or if you’re on a shopping ban, give it a rest and wait for Autumn lines to hit the shelves.

Frocks are fabulous. They are the quintessential girly garment and make a statement on their own. But the statement needn’t be a dressy one. A dress can look as casual as a walk shorts and knit top ensemble. It’s all in the style, fabric and cut of the dress, and the items you pair it with.

I generally have a hard time getting clients to wear day dresses. Most of them feel the look is fussy, too dressed up, inappropriate, impractical and uncomfortable. Granted, you’ll get better coverage in a pair of pants if you spend your day rock climbing or playing on the floor with your children. But other than that, day dresses are a great casual alternative. They are perfect for a laid back brunch, a walk in the park, a stroll on the beach, relaxed social gatherings, informal site seeing and vacation pursuits, or any other day-to-day casual activity.

Here’s how to achieve the casual day dress look:

1. Select a comfortable A-line, knee-length silhouette that allows movement. Pass on styles that are tight and restrictive.
2. Opt for cotton rich fabrics and poly blends in knits and wovens. Stay away from shiny, luxurious fabrics and styles that give you a “naked feeling” (insufficient coverage).
3. Pair the dress with casual flats, espadrilles, casual wedges, thong sandals or gladiators. Stay away from dressy flats and heels unless you’re after a smart casual or business casual look.
4. Add a denim jacket, a string of casual beads or casual earrings.
5. A straw tote does wonders dressing down a day dress. Add this to the equation and you’re ready to picnic at Hyde Park.

Day dresses keep you cool and are perfect for hot weather. They are an easy option because it’s only one item of clothing to think about.

If you wear day dresses, help me to encourage others! Share your reasons for wearing them. If you’re still against the day dress look, share those feelings too. I hope to change your mind by the end of this season.

Cheeky, cropped cardigans are everywhere and were extremely popular on the streets of Paris. They make my must-have list this season as an indispensable, versatile, feminine layering piece. I get cold easily and having a few different styles and colours that I can pop over virtually anything has been a good investment.

But I’m onto something new (new for me – the look has been fringe fashion for a year now): the ‘80’s-inspired tubular tunic cardigan. In the ‘80’s we used to call them “grandpas” and shoved in shoulder pads for an extra boxy look (sad, but true). They’re called “boyfriend cardigans” this time around, sans les shoulder pads, and a little more fitted for shape.

I originally noticed the look in Barcelona and Paris, but it was a question of finding the right piece. Once I had, I was sold. I love the casual appeal of this garment. I wear my black version over a citron camisole with a (narrow or wide) waist–cinching belt and white or blue jeans. Keep the length of the cardigan a little shorter if you’re petite. It’s best to find a style that’s fairly fitted on the torso area and straight, rather than tapered in silhouette.

If you like a sleek profile, this look is definitely worth a bash.

I recently had a similar tubular tunic cardigan on a beautiful, ultra-stylish client who is in her late 60’s. The cardigan was black, with three-quarter sleeves and patch pockets. We completed the look with a broad safari-inspired belt, white jeans, black shoes and black patent handbag. She looked and felt perfect.