By answering a few simple questions, Zafu.com will “find the perfect jeans for you”. I had read about this site in InStyle magazine and decided to give them a bash. I was skeptical, but to my surprise their recommendations for my body type were rather accurate. Their comprehensive recommendations covered 3 brands and cuts of denim that I actually have hanging in my cupboard. If you are at a complete loss when it comes to buying the best jeans for your body type, try this completely free site. It’s frustrating to try on jeans for hours and feel like you’re never going to get a pair that fit. Zafu narrows down the search before you’ve stepped into a store and that’s fab.

Whether you wear a two-piece or one-piece bathing costume (swimsuit, or “cozzie”), a classy cover-up is essential. It’s stylish to conceal when you head out for a snack at a beach restaurant or poolside bar. There are plenty of slip-on coverage options that’ll have you looking both alluring and appropriate.

• Sarongs and Pareos are simple wraps that tie at the waist and cover the tummy and thigh area. It’s my favourite choice on a very hot day.
• Slip dresses are mini frocks that slip over the head. Empire, halter and strapless styles are most common.
• Tunics and Kaftans remind me of St. Tropez and the Bahamas. These collarless long sleeved tops are made of flimsy fabrics and are usually embellished or exotic in pattern.
• Tie front tops or robes are made of jersey knit, terry cloth or crinkle cotton and have some sort of front tie detail.
• Board shorts or cropped pants are much like surfing shorts and yoga pants. They’re probably the most practical option if you intend to do lots of walking.

A great cozzie can last for years and changing your cover-up is an excellent way of renewing it’s look.

Top row: kaftan, cropped knitted pants, tie-front top and halter slip dress.
Bottom row: sarong and tunics.

This exotic skin (real or faux) has slithered onto just about everything. Snakeskin bags, shoes, belts, headbands, wallets, bangles and watch straps are trending big time. Items such as these are a modern or retro classic and make my forever fashionable list. My favourite aspects of this trend are that it is season-less and makes a statement. Add a snakeskin accessory to a plain ensemble and you’ve kicked it up a notch. In both neutral and colourful tones, it is sure to give your outfit bite.

Snakeskin accessories from Kenneth Cole and Lydell NYC (available at Nordstrom).

Finding a pair of fashionable, affordable and comfortable shoes remains a challenge. It’s especially problematic in Summer when shoes are strappy, unsupportive and generally less soothing on the soles. Closed shoes tend to be more comfy (at least when we pad them up with insoles they can be).

I like to grade a shoe by the amount of time that you can walk in them. “8-hour shoes” are shoes that you can walk around in comfortably the whole day. 8-hour shoes do not pass the grade if you wear them the whole day sitting at your desk. In order to qualify, you need to put a pair of shoes through their paces, which means running errands,  shopping, commuting on foot, watching children and running around at work. Below are styles that have been tried and tested the full 8 hours (either by myself or by my clients) and pass with flying colours. I hope that you derive as much joy from these painless shoe options as I have. Who says that you can’t rush around in style when you have fussy feet!

Onex wedge mules (these shoes are as soft as butter), Clarks espadrilles and Franco Sarto metallic sandals.

Converse All Stars (my favourite shoe to run around in), Converse Mary Janes and Me Too peep toe flats (especially good for wide feet).