Most of us are pressed for time when it comes to getting ready in the morning. Realistically, we have up to half an hour and that includes fussing with our hair. One of the most reliable style shortcuts is an excellent hair stylist. I am the first to admit that fabulous hair stylists are not easy to find. It took me 3 bad haircuts at 3 different salons here in America before I stumbled across somebody who gave me a haircut that satisfied me completely.

Loyalty is often a problem when it comes to switching hair stylists. Even if we have never been happy with their work, we invariably feel awful leaving the people who have been cutting our hair for years. It’s hard. However, you deserve a decent haircut!

You need a hair stylist who will give you a cut that works best for your hair type. Opting for a time-intensive, sleek flat ironed layered hair style is a bad idea when you have wavy and wispy fine hair. It may look wonderful at the salon, but won’t after the 10 minutes that you have to spend on your hair each morning. Tying it back into a ponytail everyday is also not the solution. The answer is simply an excellent haircut that will last you at least 6 weeks.

If you don’t have one now, begin your search for a good hair stylist today. If you see someone walking down the street with a good haircut – ask them for the name of their hair stylist. Remember that there is no such thing as bad hair – only a bad haircut.

The androgynous look is a fun way to dress for work if your dress code forbids denim. You won’t need to go all out to pull the look off as single elements of the trend will be just as effective. Follow the steps below and put together a look that suits you:

• Pants and walk shorts – wide legs or slim legs are the fashion forward cut for trousers and shorts. Choose a plain, pinstripe or micro check in black, grey or navy. Wide legs are best for pear shapes while slim legs are best apple shapes.
• Shirts – white-collared shirts are an easy option and pinstriped versions a little more edgy. They need to be form fitting and can be left either hanging out, or tucked in and finished off with a skinny belt.
• Waistcoat (vest) – wear them buttoned up over your collared shirt for shape.
• Necktie – add a necktie if you dare!
• Jacket – tailored and worn either as part of your pantsuit or as a separate item. They can be worn over your shirt and waistcoat combination, or just over a shirt and necktie combination. 
• Knitwear – either a fitted V-neck pullover or cardigan can be worn over a shirt and tie combination instead of a waistcoat or jacket. A black turtleneck worn underneath a collared shirt makes for a very sleek, ‘70’s look.
• Coat – a fitted trench or wool coat in any plain colour will work because the rest of your ensemble is neutral.
• Shoes – ultra feminine shoes are the best option. Think high heels, patent leather and spectator styles.
• Accessories – keep jewelry to a minimum as simplicity is essential. A patent clutch is a good feminine choice of handbag.

Get suited and booted after a summer season of flirtatious dresses – it is just as alluring.

Be inspired by these dressy androgynous looks from La Redoute, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom and Macys.

Undergarment T: a neat, form-fitting short or long sleeved t-shirt that’s found in the underwear area of a department or chain store.

It is not an outerwear garment and should not be confused with one. The T usually consists of combed cotton (richer and softer then normal cotton) and sometimes a percentage of lycra for added comfort. Its neckline is high, narrow and immaculate. It can have either a cru or V-neck and is available in a range of colours. White is the most popular and versatile colour; but black, grey and blue are close seconds.

It’s an essential item for men all year round because it is:

• Practical – it soaks up perspiration and prevents unsightly underarm patches. It’s also an extra layer for warmth.
• Comfortable – it’s nice to have a soft and stretchy knitted item close to your body before you add a shirt, pullover, sweater or outergarment T.
• Pristine – it makes you look neat, well groomed and put together – it’s like a “finishing touch”.
• Interesting – it adds an extra bit of interest to an ensemble as a layering garment.

Plain outerwear T’s bought in the clothing sections of stores do not do the same job. They aren’t as soft, fitted or pristine-looking which is precisely the point. Undergarment T’s should always be worn underneath collared shirts, styled knitted T’s, sweaters and other knitwear items. If you live in North America – Banana Republic has the best assortment.

Here are undergarment Ts from Banana Republic layered underneath shirts and knitwear. The neat, high neckline is an important part of the look.

Pearls in all their forms are by far my favourite piece of jewelry. There isn’t a lady that I’ve seen or dressed who doesn’t look perfect in pearls. A classic strand might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but pearl necklaces come in an abundance of shapes, sizes, styles, colours and lengths. Beaded pearl necklaces needn’t represent the familiar “Jackie–O” vision – they can be funky too. The key lies not only in what strand you choose, but how you combine them with your outfit. Think outside the box.

• Choose oversized pearls for a more playful look
• Choose stands that are combined with plastic beads or other types of stones
• Wear pearls with a biker jacket
• Wear pearls casually with jeans, fashion sneakers and layered tops

Whenever I’m stuck on how to accessorize – I reach for either my short chunky pearl choker, or my oversized longer set as a last resort. However, pearls are often also my first choice because they seem to offer what designer Carolina Herrera calls a “neutral finishing touch”.