It’s hard to give strict guidelines for selecting the sunglasses that will work best for you. With variables such as face outline, eyebrows, cheekbones, eye-width, complexion, age and fashion persona to consider, I find it impossible to generalize. But I do feel that there are three key factors to consider when making your decision:

• Proportions are important. Oversized sunglasses remain a huge fashion statement, but they look silly when they are too big for your face. Larger and taller women have the dimensions to pull off the oversized sunglasses look well because a balance is struck. The bigger you are, the bigger you can sport your accessories. So if you’re small boned and petite, watch how oversized you go with your sunglasses.
• Your eyebrows frame your face. In most cases it makes sense for your shades or specs to follow the same line as your eyebrows. I tend to prefer it when eyebrows are covered by sunglasses because this makes a cleaner statement.
• Contrast is striking. Pairing a round face with angular sunglasses (shades that have rims with sharp points) works really well. A similar contrast is created when pointy facial features are paired with rounder sunglasses. Striking differences are appealing and eye-catching and somehow I’m always drawn to them. The same way polka dots are superbly complimented by rectangular handbags.

While there are always exceptions to the rule, these factors may help to narrow down your choices from the extensive selection of available sunglasses.

Both models wear the oversized look well. I’m a sucker for classic retro black shades.

Well Seattleites, a genie has granted our wish. Mega-funky and ultra-affordable Swedish retail giant H&M announced that they will be opening a store at U-Village in Spring 2008. It’s about time! Ideally, I’d have preferred the store’s location to be downtown because traffic around the University District can be brutal. But I’m not complaining. I shall be counting down the days as my fashion feet move even faster. Check out the announcement on Facebook (you will need to log in to see the page). Thanks to a friend for spotting this and letting me know.

Yesterday’s post on leggings started a great discussion in the comments, so I thought I’d follow up with more information on how to apply this trend. I have seen all body types and ages pull off this look with style. From sizes 0 to 28 and petites to tall, it can be done. Here are some guidelines that might help:

• Dress or tunic style. You’ll want a dress that doesn’t cling and show through the detail of the leggings underneath. Thicker jersey knits, spandex knit blends and mesh work best. Fancier silk sack dresses will also work when paired with a heel. A-line patterned styles with empire cuts and front-knots work particularly well because they’re forgiving on the hip, tummy and thigh area. Straighter shift styles work well for those with apple and rectangular body types.
• Dress or tunic length. If you have slim thighs, wear your dress/tunic as short as mid-thigh length and no shorter. If you’re leg-shy or carry a little extra on your thighs, wear your dress around the knee (either just above, on, or just below). Do not wear leggings without wearing an extra long top, or as a substitute for pants. Those nightmarish ‘80’s fashion days are over.
• Leggings length. I like leggings best when they stop on the widest part of your calf because accentuating a shapely calf muscle is flattering. Somehow, this length seems to work whether you have small or big calves. Wearing leggings that stop below your knees but above your calf muscle will also work. Wearing them ankle length looks best paired with a high heel. Most leggings are ankle length which means that you’ll need to scrunch them up to your best length. This automatically makes them more opaque, which gives you extra coverage.
• Legging types. There are plenty of options to choose from. Footless tights are cheap and made of nylon. Brands like Hue, DKNY and Frenchi in plain colours will cost you between $6-$12 and you’ll find those in the hosiery section of any department store. Cotton lycra leggings will cost a little more ($22-$40) and you’ll find them scattered amongst the clothing. Once you get the dress right, you’ll get way with spending $6 on leggings.
• Shoe options. The look works with both flats and heels and will depend on your preference. If you feel a little flat-footed and short, opt for a heel. Ballet flats, wedges, fancy thong sandals and shoes with chunky heels are my favourite footwear combination for this look.

It’s fun to try a different look, especially if you feel in a bit of a rut with the clothes in your wardrobe, so give leggings a bash. If you still feel that the look is not quite “you”, you’ll at least have had a bash at something new.

A-line front-knot and empire cut dresses (left) are a “default” option for the leggings look. Sack dresses (right) also work magically with leggings (I personally prefer this combination with a small heel).

Last Spring I popped the revival of the ‘80’s leggings fashion fad into the “teenybopper box”. But this year I can’t seem to get enough of the look. The adapted trend can be worn in a flattering and age-appropriate way. The revival of dresses, minis and tunics this season have given leggings a stylish return. I’ll give you 7 reasons why you should spend $7 and get yourself a pair to experiment:

1. They tone down the “dressy” aspect of wearing a dress. Match leggings with a jersey dress, add some flats and you’re ready for anything.
2. They give you coverage if you are skin-shy about your legs.
3. They are incredibly comfortable. Pairing a sturdy dress with leggings feels like you’re wearing sweats and a top instead of a frock. 
4. They add an interesting layering element to your ensemble. Choose a colour that co-ordinates with your dress or top and be playful with patterns and colours if you dare. If not, stick to black.
5. They keep you warm when the air-conditioning is freezing.
6. They are inexpensive, and an easy way of injecting the right amount of “right now” into your wardrobe.
7. They are a great transitional item for Autumn. Add leggings and a cropped jacket or cardigan to an existing dress and you’re hip for when temperatures start to cool.

Don’t get caught up with the notion that you need to have thin legs to wear leggings. All they do is peek out from under your mid-thigh or knee-length dress or tunic. Make sure that what you wear on top is flattering and the leggings look will fall into place. This dynamic duo is best with knitted dresses and tunics, but certain sturdy woven styles can also work. Last week, I was thrilled to see my ready-to-pop pregnant friend in a gorgeous vintage empire-cut maternity dress that she had matched with black leggings and wedges – she never looked better!

When I’ve introduced this ultra-comfy look to my clients, they haven’t looked back.