We look for soft comfy knits that keep us warm and cozy as the weather cools. Say goodbye to button-down shirts and thin cotton T’s, and hello to easy, A-line knitted tunics this season. Wear them over jeans (skinny, straight or bootcut), or with a thick pair of leggings and knee-high boots. Knitted tunics also fall into the “sweater dress” category, so remember to look in the dress department if you can’t find them amongst the separates. They are best matched with trenches and coats that are knee length or longer if you’re after an additional extra layer for extra warmth.

Try on a cozy knitted tunic instead of a regular pullover if you’re looking for a stretchy knit that’s flattering and forgiving. Their tailored yet relaxed appeal ensures head to toe comfort with style… the perfect casual update for Mum on the go.

A selection of easy knitwear tunics from Nordstrom.

I’ve spent a fortune on socks in the past, hoping that the more I paid for a pair, the more they’d satisfy my simple sock needs. I’ve also gone to the other extreme of paying 99 cents at a local drugstore in hope that they might be the ones. All I want is a pair of cotton rich spandex socks that aren’t baggy at the heel and stay up the whole day. Unlike most people, I prefer to wear thin socks that are wool-free (unless I’m working out and wearing sports socks). If my feet are cold, I pop on 2 pairs. Socks with a wool content make my feet itchy and I find thick socks bulky and uncomfortable.

After a long search and much experimentation, I found my perfect socks at the Gap. I now buy all my socks there because they are the wool-free pairs that stay snug on my feet. They have also lasted the longest. I’m still wearing perfectly great Gap socks that I’ve had for 5 years – no holes and extra-robust elastic makes for a fab pair of socks. But horses for courses, so if you like the same types of socks that I do, I can recommend the Gap. I can’t find the specific socks that I have in mind online, but they are the patterned pairs (e.g. stripes and argyles) that are available in an assortment of colours. You’ll find them near the checkout counter for $4.

For a long time I wasn’t inspired by anything at J. Crew. I hadn’t been shopping there with clients for ages. That changed a few months ago when I discovered how super their women’s range was looking. Their colourful, preppy, modern-classic look is not for everyone, but certainly worth a look this season if that’s your style. Their cashmere special ($99 for a plain cru), wool coat assortment, dressy knitted tunics, trapeze cardigans, fine wale corduroy, checked wide-legged pants and cozy lounge knits really caught my eye. It’s a pity that their on-line shopping site does not do their clothing justice. You don’t seem to get the same impact when you browse on-line as you do when you browse in store. So reserve your judgment until you get to a store! J. Crew remains a price point above Banana Republic and they seldom go on sale, but their clothing is beautifully made and I’m happy to have them back on my shopping list.

Images from the J. Crew Autumn 2007 look book.

Patent is everywhere and it’s the third season in a row. From handbags to shoes, wallets to belts and jackets to jewelry, there’s no getting away from major gloss and shine this season. I like patent best when it’s cracked, distressed and textured. It’s the newer and edgier version of high shine at the moment and I love it’s urban appeal.

The trend is taken to new heights this Autumn with entire garments made of patent. Less extreme, but equally eye catching, are skirts, pants and coats that glisten graphically with patent trim. It seems that high shine has gone from fashion statement to fashion basic in less than 18 months. It’s quite the look in men’s and children’s shoes as well.

Patent remains one of the biggest trends around and I’d be surprised to see it diminish next year. How do you feel about the shine?

Fashion forward patent and cracked patent men’s shoes.