This timeless and “of the moment” outfit can take you almost everywhere. It’s forever-fashionable, casually comfortable, effortlessly chic, unfussy and safe. It cuts across age, fashion persona and body type because it’s adaptable. It’s what I call the “flop-proof outfit” and it is based on a simple formula:

smart denim + shirt or girly top + jacket + heels + statement bag

You can adapt these components a little further to suit your style and the season:  

• Keep it classic with simpler silhouettes if you are a little older
• Add the “it” a-line jacket if you are a trendy fashionista
• Match up a boho babydoll if you like hippy chic
• Sport the collegiate look with argyles and pinstripes
• Stay avant guard if you prefer to dress in designer brands

T-shirts and sneakers are not the right items to add to this particular mix, because they take way the sophisticated element that you want to convey. This flop-proof way of dressing will take you to dinner parties, school functions, date nights, luncheons, smart casual events, less formal work days and most evenings out. Use accessories to dress the items up or down.
 
Now that smarter denim and trouser jeans have become an acceptable part of most dress codes, it’s wise to take advantage of this versatile way of dressing. Start introducing this tried and tested formula into your wardrobe and you won’t go wrong. 

Trendy

Classic

Bohemian

Sporty Avant Guard

Different variations on the “flop-proof” outfit theme.

You should. The right bra gives you curves and slims you down. Start with your bra drawer when you spring clean and weed out over the next few months. You need at least 5 fabulous, everyday bras that give you the comfort, shape and support that you need to feel like a bombshell everyday.

Make sure…

• that you wear an underwire if you are a C-cup or larger, because you’ll need the support.
• that you actually wear a bra and not just a camisole if you are small-breasted, because even small assets need enhancing. A camisole cannot give you the definition that a bra can.

Treat yourself to a Valentine’s Day gift today and buy a bra that you love.

 Styles from Bare Necessities and Nordstrom that might whet your (and that special someone else’s) appetite.

Being fit and healthy is an important goal, but on the way there you can visually lose 10 of those extra pounds just by putting your clothes together in the right way. Here’s how:

• Wear the right bra – this is where good style starts. Boosting your bust with the correct brassier accentuates your waistline by giving you curves in all the right places. 
• Wear clothes that fit – do not disguise your shape under baggy items (you’ll look larger). Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves, without being overly clingy, are the most flattering. Your clothes should be tight enough so that people can see that you are a woman; and loose enough so that people can see that you are lady.
• Wear clothes best suited to your body type – whether you are a pear, apple, rectangle, hourglass or inverted triangle, refresh your memory on which shapes are best for you before you make your Spring shopping list.
• Dress to show up your best features – make the nicest part of your body the focal point of your outfit. Shorter skirts for super legs, low necklines for pretty cleavages and sleeveless tanks for toned arms.
• Wear sturdier fabrics – heavier fabrics that have drape and body will smooth and narrow your silhouette.
• Wear heels – a  pair of heels slims down your curves by adding height. This works especially well when your pants are the correct length.
• Scale down if you are petite – make sure you scale down the size of prints and pockets so they don’t overpower your figure if you are 5’3” or below.
• Layer – wearing the correct pieces on top of one another works miracles. The extra interest of layers creates the camouflage where you need it most.  
• Leave your jacket unbuttoned – the vertical line that is created when jackets and coats are left unbuttoned is slimming.
• Wear V-necks – the shape of the V draws attention to your waistline and elongates the neck. A collared shirt left unbuttoned at the top will have the same impact.
• Stand up straight – never underestimate the positive effect of good posture.

Think about these things when you get dressed in the morning, when you add new items to your wardrobe, and when you weed out your closet for the new season. It’ll soon become habit and you’ll look fab all the time.

It’s at the Grammys where you’ll see celebrities (and their stylists) have plenty of fun with fashion. Creative and quirky musicians try not to take themselves too seriously as they break red carpet fashion rules in their edgy and daring outfits. Artistic license, a sense of humour and lots of skin make this award show the over-the-top fashion event that it is.

Ladies raised their metallic hemlines while gents sported tuxedos with bling and sneakers. Poufy pony tails, tattoos, body piercings, braces, punk hairstyles and far too much make-up are perfectly acceptable at the Grammys. With an explosion of funky individuality, long elegant dresses seemed tame and boring by comparison. But those are the ones that made my favourites list:

• LeAnne Rimes in a Grecian chocolate brown Monique Luillier was graceful and goddess-like.
• Carrie Underwood was a pretty barbie doll picture in her romantic metallic dress and cascading blonde curls
• Shakira tamed her wild locks in her flawless classic red strapless Carolina Herrera
• Jennifer Hudson embraced her curves and showed just enough skin in her simple red halter-neck dress
• Christina Ricci was striking in her diagonal vintage creation

Few seemed to pull off the mini dress stylishly, but my vote goes to Ciara in her short jewel-encrusted  baby-doll halter dress. And just for fun, Imogene Heap and OK Go get my vote for most outrageous.

Elegance amongst the flair and daring that separates the Grammys from other award ceremonies this season.