A pair of casual knee- or calf-length weatherproof boots are a must if your Winters are cold and wet. They’re usually best worn over straight or skinny jeans, but under a casual dress or skirt with tights is also an option.

Causal tall boot selections are abundant this season.Take your pick of the following styles:

• Wellies are ideal for muddy playgrounds, farm settings and walks with the dogs. You might need to try on a few before you decide on a pair because rubber can be a little stiff around the ankle. I’ve found that wellies are most flattering when they are knee-length instead of calf-length, so be sure to try both looks.
• Lace-ups are rugged and sporty and a particularly good choice for those with narrow calves.
• Fleece-lined boots are cozy and toe toasting. Select a style with rubber heels and soles to keep the warmth in and the damp out.
• Faux fur styles are adorable and perfect for snowy après ski settings.
• Urban looks with rubber soles are versatile, utilitarian and the perfect Winter walking shoe.

Your look comes together quickly with a pair of great casual boots because they do all the talking. Add a flattering piece of knitwear, a casual parka or coat and a tote or sling bag and that’s it. Your outfit is functional, comfortable and stylish. Easy!

Lace-ups	Fleece-lined	Faux Fur

Faux Fur	Urban	Urban

Thank you for last week’s informative comments on Trinny & Susannah’s twelve body shape definitions. Overall, I’m left with the impression that people find them a little confusing. Perhaps the simpler approach of sticking to five simple categories is more effective after all.

Here are some additional thoughts on using body types to maximize your style quotient:

1. Don’t expect an exact match: Instead of boxing a person into one category, I prefer to suggest that they tend towards a particular body type. It is impossible to create a small set of shapes that matches all of our unique bodies, but a few rudimentary generalizations can be made to create rough guidelines.
2. Use the definitions as a starting point…: Even if you’re unsure about your exact body type, chances are high that you will at least tend towards one of my five categories. This makes for a good starting point. Once you understand the basics of what’s recommended for this shape, you can zone in on the specifics and concentrate on which cuts and fits look best.
3. ...but focus on your unique body: Whether you have a short or long neck, a large or small bust, a short or long waist and a flat or full tummy will all play a role. In the end it’s all about figuring out what looks best on your body rather than categorizing your body shape. Nicole’s comment sums this up perfectly.
4. Use multiple categories if necessary: Some people find similarities with more than one category. For example, you may tend towards an hourglass but your slightly fuller thighs have you also following some of the rules for the pretty pear. Note that some types are not compatible: you can’t be a mixture of the pretty pear and the inverted triangle because these shapes are completely opposite.
5. Rules are made to be broken: You might find that you can break some of your body type rules because you have a stronger feature that lets you “get away with it”. Again, body type is a starting point, but your unique body has the final word.

I enjoyed The Body Shape Bible because it addresses real women with real bodies. I don’t personally find Trinny and Susannah’s nomenclature offensive, but I can understand how some people might feel this way (after all, no-one likes thinking of themselves as a “brick”). The overall tone of what they are saying about ALL women’s bodies is positive and in no way harmful to any body image.

Pre-holiday sales are everywhere, which is unusual at this time of year. Getting the biggest bang for our fashion buck is always a goal so I’m not complaining. Here are my top sale picks prior to mega, post-holiday markdowns:

• J. Crew men’s merino and lamb’s wool pullovers are marked down to $29 – $69. Cashmere is 20-40% off for both gents and ladies. Dresses , T’s, jackets, sweats and pajamas are on sale too, so be sure to look further than knitwear.
• BCBG has 30-70% off most of their party wear, separates, shoes and accessories.
• Banana Republic traditionally goes on sale the day after Christmas, but quite a few of their knits, dresses, shirts and slacks are already 40% off. None of the good menswear is on sale yet so gents will have to wait untill Boxing Day.
• Macy’s Petites are marked down 25-40%. Party attire is not on sale, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets marked down before Christmas. Coats continue to be 40% off and there are great bargains throughout the store so be sure to take a look if you can brave the crowds.
• White House Black Market is offering 30-50% off selected party attire. Tasteful sparkly tops are going for as little at $29.
• Benetton has marked all their goods down 20%.
• Ann Taylor has half of their cashmere collection on sale for $99 and coats are 25% off. Selected dresses are 60% off.
• Old Navy and the Gap continue to mark down their merchandise 40% after 6 weeks and are worth a look, especially for kids and canines.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen markdowns quite this aggressive just before Christmas. Retailers in America normally mark everything down the day after Christmas, and in Europe it’s usually the 2nd of January. It’s no doubt a consequence of the poor performance we’ve been seeing recently in apparel retail. Although November was a good month, September was very weak and October was only marginally better.

Shop as the doors open or after 8pm to avoid holiday hustle and bustle… it’s busy out there people!

A few J. Crew bargains that might find themselves under your Christmas tree.

Wrapping paper, or gift wrap, is usually wrapped around a long cylindrical roll of cardboard. Save these rolls and cut them in half because they make superb long boot shapers. If you don’t have proper boot shapers, try this cheap trick instead (rolled up magazines are another cheap, but effective, option).

I stumbled across the new approach yesterday as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I had a new pair of boots that were in desperate need of shapers, so I temporarily used the wrapping paper roll to keep them upright and neat. That did the job perfectly and the rolls are now there to stay.