Fashion designer and style icon Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971) revolutionized women’s fashion. It was her daring 1930’s trouser designs that made pants and pant suits a stylish, everyday alternative for lasses like us. Coco Chanel gave us the freedom to wear pants.

I can’t imagine my wardrobe without jeans, pants and cropped pants. They are the quintessential practical solution. As much as I like to throw dresses and skirts into the mix, I’m in pants more often. It’s probably a 70:30 split in favour of pants. The ratio might be closer to 50:50 if the weather co-operated. I wear skirts more frequently in Autumn and Winter because I can match them with hose and knee-high boots.

I have friends and clients who prefer to wear skirts and dresses. In fact, some of them never wear pants or jeans. My impression is that they are in the minority. What’s your ratio? I’ll bet most of you wear pants, jeans and cropped pants more often than skirts and dresses. Surprise me.

The cover on the left shows Coco Chanel inspired trouser designs. They’re a little short in length, but I’ll cut Coco some slack. I’m grateful she liberated women’s fashion. I enjoyed the biography of Coco Chanel on the right. Although I appreciate many different design houses, Chanel has always been my favourite. Also, Coco and I share the same obsession for pearls.

Mark your calendars if you live in the US, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday 18th July. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it’s when Nordstrom previews their new season merchandise (Autumn 2008 collections) and offers it at insane prices for two weeks only. Prices are marked up again after the sale period. This event officially kicks off the American Autumn retail season (my favourite shopping time of the year).

You’ll score if you approach the sale with a plan. It’s an ideal time to purchase high ticket statement pieces for less. Make a beeline for the following:

• Premium denim: Get to the T.B.D. department and look for brands like Seven for all Mankind, Paige Premium, Hudson, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky and L.A.M.B.. You’ll find loads of styles at 40% off.
• Designer pieces: Look for unusual investment pieces in the Individualist, Savvy and Via C departments. I like to look at brands like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, ISSA London, DVB, Chloe and Theory.
• Coats: The Narrative department stocks a fabulous assortment of coats, both casual and dressy. But coats are scattered throughout the store so be sure to look at all departments. Don’t come home with a black wool coat. The look is tired and impractical.
• Jackets: You’ll find a variety of sensational jackets in every department. They’re the perfect Autumn layering piece over Summer knitted tops and blouses.
• Shoes and Boots: Stuart Weitzman, Donald J Pliner, Frye, Cole Haan, Max Studio and Kate Spade suddenly became a little more affordable. Take a look at those brands first and then move onto the rest.
• Handbags: Most handbags at Nordstrom are designer. If you covet a particular brand, now is the time to get a good deal. Don’t ignore the cheaper in-house “Nordstrom” brand either. I’ve got a cracked cream patent flat tote by “Nordstrom” that’s a favourite.
• Scarves: I’ve learned to spend time in this accessory area. Airy, lightweight cashmere wraps that I use as scarves are usually quite expensive. There’s always a good assortment at Anniversary Sale time.

Each Nordstrom department will have a selection of sale items. From cosmetics and lingerie, to active wear, home wear, watches and petites. Basics and bridging pieces are on sale in each clothing department too, but you’ll find those everywhere throughout the season. It’s not a train smash if you bypass basics and stick to statement pieces.

The first few days of the sale are chaotic and Nordstrom stores will hold special Anniversary Sale hours on 18, 19 and 20 July. Doors open at 7am at the downtown Seattle flagship. You know where I’ll be tomorrow morning.

Heidi Klum presented this product on the Oprah show recently and to quote Oprah herself : “no more muffin tops”.

The Yummie Tummie is a body contouring camisole that discretely slims the midsection. It’s better than a conventional camisole because of a stretchy stiff spandex panel across the midriff. Unlike conventional shapewear, this item is not supposed to be hidden. It acts as a visible layering piece under a jacket, top or dress. But there’s nothing stopping you from covering it up. It’s available in a variety of styles, sizes and lengths in most department stores and online. It’s versatility is key, but you pay for it at $62 apiece.

I haven’t personally fitted one on, but have seen it’s positive effects first hand with my clients. It works and is worth a try if you’re prepared to wear shapewear.

I suggest shapewear to my clients as a last resort. We first try to find clothing that flatters without shapewear, because that’s the more comfortable option and one less item to think about. But I do have clients who are happy wearing shapewear daily and it does make a visual difference.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would see it again in a heartbeat. But the fashion did not meet my expectations.

In the TV series Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) was famous for her over-the-top haute couture and theatrical “Sex and the City” style. It was coveted by fashionistas everywhere. Unfortunately Carrie’s movie style leaves me cold. Unflattering voluminous floral frocks and trapeze coats, gaudy accessories, maxi dresses, an awful Vivienne Westwood wedding gown and loads of real fur ruled her look.

There were some looks I enjoyed:

• A purple, high-neck, short sheath dress with black stud belt and stacked gladiator sandals. It had a plunging back and Carrie’s black bra peaked through. I didn’t like that part, but I loved the dress. She wore this outfit when she said goodbye to the penthouse apartment that wasn’t to be.
• A turquoise, tailored, knee-length frock with uber long kimono sleeves. Carrie wore it to Charlotte’s baby shower.
• A Christian Lacroix wedding gown with black sash and pearls. Carrie modeled it on the Vogue wedding dress shoot. My heart sank when she chose the Vivienne Westwood frock instead.

The best part of Carrie’s movie style was a long strand of chunky pearls that accompanied half her outfits. Even to bed! I also appreciated her cutting edge footwear style because they were walking works of art and she sported them effortlessly.

Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) gets my vote for best dressed and most stylish in the movie. She was absolutely radiant and her ensembles were for the most part tastefully eclectic. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) comes in second and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) stone last.

Did you like Carrie’s fashion and style? Which character would you rate as best dressed?