There are four seasons in a calendar year, but only two seasons in the clothing retail year. The fashion industry focuses on Spring and Autumn collections. Here’s what this means for the Northern Hemisphere (this is basically inverted South of the Equator):

• Spring is about the warmer seasons. The collections run from February to June. July, at the end of the season, is the biggest sale month. You’ll find real Summer merchandise in stores from April onwards.
• Autumn (or Fall) is about the cooler months. The collections run from August to December and January is the big Sale month. Winter merchandise is in stores from October onwards.

You won’t hear designers and buyers referring to Summer and Winter collections because in the fashion world, they don’t exist! Summer merchandise is included in the Spring Collection, while Winter merchandise is packaged with the Autumn collection. When the fashion industry refers to the Spring trends, this includes Summer (and the same holds true for Autumn and Winter).

From a retail perspective in the Northern Hemisphere, we’ll soon be putting Spring 2007 to bed as Autumn collections start to hit shelves in mid-July. Stay tuned for what’s in store for us for Fall!

Your shapely bust, small waist and full bottom fill out the right dress perfectly. By defining your waist and keeping your necklines low, you’ll find lots of frocks that flatter your curves.

Some guidelines to follow when shopping for that perfect dress:

• Look for styles in draped fabrics that skim over and accentuate your curves.
• Keep your waist a focal point. You’ll look “blocky” if you don’t define your mid section, so avoid “of the moment” sack dresses and straight sheath styles. 
• Choose dresses with scooped, oval, sweetheart or V-necklines that elongate your frame and flatter your bust line.
• Look for styles with vertical seam details such as princess lines and vertical insets.
• Keep the bodice simple if you’re busty (avoid ruffles and fussy details around the bust area that end up making you look top heavy).
• Knee length dresses are best and wearing heels will enhance your leg line.
• Choose bias cuts, shaped sheaths, shirtwaisters, V-neck halters, wraps and strapless styles.

Hour glass body types should always have dresses in their wardrobe because they look fabulous in frocks. Make the most of Spring’s  dress season!

Halter, fitted strappy sheath and A-line knee length dresses appropriate for hourglass body types (Dillards).

Buying a swimsuit doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Skimpy bikinis that look fabulous on hangers and mannequins but make you feel fat and self conscious are not the answer.

My opinion has not changed since I set out the bare facts in last year’s blog postings on swimwear (part 1 and part 2). Everybody looks great in the right one-piece. Add a dainty wrap to the ensemble and you’ll feel confident and comfortable, and look stylish and alluring.

“Miraclesuit” is a brand of swimwear that’s designed to flatter. Their suits are lined and made of thick, drapey fabric that gives your body the control and support that you need. Their V-shaped necklines elongate your frame; while their ruching details camouflage the midsection. Their backs are scooped for an extra bit of sass.

If you’re self conscious about body realities like stretch marks, “back fat” , dormant tummy muscles, or a large bust, then this is the cozzie for you. A beautiful one-piece with a wrap is flop-proof for the beach.

Flattering one-piece Miraclesuits are available at department stores for about $140. That’s expensive, but feeling confident in your cozzie is worth the investment. 

Chunky cuffs and bangles in resin, wood, Lucite, plastic or glistening metallics have made a comeback. It’s another ‘70’s and ‘80’s trend with a modern twist. I adore this accessory because it makes a simple statement: a single or superb set of bangles on a bare arm is all you need to finish your outfit off appropriately.

I personally find bulky bangles cumbersome and impractical to wear. I suppose I’m just more of watch and ring type of gal. But if cuffs and bangles are your choice, remember to keep them in proportion to your size. The fuller and taller you are, the larger you can sport your jewelry. Cuffs and bangles are fun and flirty with sleeveless dresses and a nice alternative to necklaces in Summer. Quite the eye-catching ornament.

An assortment of cuffs and bangles from Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.