The US Apparel sector is having a hard time at the moment. Data from MasterCard spending and reports from the retailers themselves show that sales were weak this September. Consumer spending is down a little because of the rising gas prices and a difficult housing market; and unseasonally warm weather “quelled demand for fall fashions” in particular. Analysts also point out that the year on year comparison is tough (September 2006 was a particularly good month).

My own favourite American department store, Nordstrom (which normally beats Wall Street estimates), announced late last week that sales figures would rise less than expected. It is resorting to additional markdowns to reduce inventory levels. Smaller margins for Nordstrom means better prices for us, so there definitely is a silver lining for shoppers. Be on the lookout for good deals!

As an ex fashion buyer, I look to the merchandise when sales drop. While the other factors do have an undeniable impact on retail sales, the strength of the product is key. If the merchandise at Nordstrom was up to scratch in both in style and value this season, sales might not be so soft. I am a loyal Nordies girl and choose to spend many fashion dollars there, but I have not been as enticed lately. And the same holds true for my clients.

Let’s hope the sales are good and the floors are cleared to make space for the much anticipated holiday lines. It looks like the weather may start to lend a helping hand.

Bridging pieces allow you to refresh your wardrobe and increase the ROI of items you already own (because they “bridge” a gap in your closet). One effective bridging piece is a knitted top in a neutral or fashion colour. Renew your look fashionably and cost effectively by mixing a new knitted top with an existing jacket and pair of business casual slacks (or jeans).

Banana Republic took me by surprise last week. They have the best selection of bridging knitted tops at the moment. The choice of neckline (high or low), fabric composition (wool or cotton-rich), colour (basic or bright), style (classic or funky), length (short and long) and price point (affordable or cashmere) is impressive. There is something for everyone. Their fine knit gauges make these knitted tops doubly versatile because they suit both casual and business casual environments.

Get to Banana Republic soon if bridging pieces are on your shopping list. The stock is new and seems to be moving quickly.

A selection of assorted knitted tops from Banana Republic. Perfect for work and for weekends, dressed up or down.

We normally focus on their red carpet appearances, but I also admire certain celebrities for their everyday style. I may not personally aspire to their specific look (because fashion personas and body types differ), but I truly appreciate the way the following women dress and I enjoy looking at their everyday ensembles. They seem to adore fashion and always look fabulous.

Australian Style

• Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett have bodies like supermodels and can dress like they’re just off the catwalk. They mix classic, eclectic, retro and funky fashion with all the grace and elegance in the world.
• Naomi Watts likes to take fashion risks and pulls off the look well. She’s usually one of the first celebrities to try a new trend and I admire her courage.

European Style

• Penelope Cruz epitomizes smart and sophisticated Euro style. She manages to adapt cutting edge fashion trends in an effortless and unfussy way. She’s always sporting the hottest silhouette and colour, but never looks as though she’s trying too hard.

American Style

• Jennifer Aniston seldom takes a fashion risk and sticks to simple, uncomplicated, clean-cut lines in neutral shades. Her discipline to remain a staunch modern-classic is commendable and she has earned herself a distinctive signature look that suits her to a tee.
• Jessica Alba is young and wears fashion trends to their fullest. She has fun with what she wears and likes to mix pretty items with retro urban pieces.
• Beyonce and Gwen Stefani are pop stars who rock their glitzy yet tasteful styles. Their artistic fashion personas enable them to sport their over-the-top clothing choices with ease.

British Style

• Kate Moss doesn’t wear trends – she sets them. She continues to inspire top designers with her edgy, daring, and dramatic sense of style. There is no one who gets way with wearing what Kate Moss does and I enjoy her evolving and creative wardrobe concoctions.
• Sienna Miller isn’t quite Kate Moss, but she is a style icon in her own right. She’s the bo-ho urbanite and bold fashion risk-taker whose unusual clothing combinations always seem to work.

Sarah Jessica Parker has fallen off the radar. She looked fabulous in Sex and the City, but her dress sense seems to have gone astray since then. Whose celebrity style do you admire and why?

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.