Apply just enough to stain your lips, and no more. It’s when you apply too much at once that it smears and ends up everywhere else. As obvious as this may sound, I see women with lipstick on their teeth, face and clothing all the time because they simply use too much. The key is to make sure that your lips are moist before you apply your lipstick. That way, you’ll require only a thin layer to feel hydrated.

Licking your lips is not the type of moisture that you are after. You need one of the lip balms or moisturizers sold at the cosmetic stand in a department store. Apply this first and the smallest amount of lipstick will glide over your lips like butter. Your lip colour will look natural and you won’t run the risk of looking like a clown.

One of summer’s hottest must-have items was the knitted jersey dress – either in a wrap, mock wrap, empire or a-line style. Top designer Diane von Furstenberg created this flattering design and there’s plenty of mileage for the item as the weather gets colder. Below are three easy and fashion-forward ways to extend your summer knitted jersey dresses into Autumn: 

• For the modern classic – add knee high boots, hose and a cropped jacket or cardigan
• For the fashionista – add footless tights or leggings and heels or ballet flats
• For the daring urbanite – add skinny, straight leg or boot cut jeans, heels and a chunky chain

For extra warmth wear a knitted camisole underneath. Try one in a contrasting colour for a bit of extra interest. The different combinations not only prevent you from getting bored with your clothes, but can give you the extra edge that you might be looking for. Remember that your ensemble doesn’t need to match in order to work.

Reinvent these knitted jersey dresses from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to create a fresh look for Autumn.

Patent leather (both real and fake) is one of the biggest statements in accessories this season. It’s very 80’s, very retro, and always very Chanel. Black patent items are the most obvious choice and easiest to wear; but don’t let that stop you from considering other colours, such as red, burgundy, grey, green, brown or yellow. Belts, wallets and ballet flats are super everyday easy-to-wear choices in any form of patent. Trenches, handbags, long boots, hair bands and gloves are a little more edgy, but just as fabulous. Remember, that one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective ways to accomplish a stylish appearance is through accessories. Capture this season’s fashion moment by adding high gloss to your ensemble – you’ll be sure to make an impact.

Bebe has an excellent range of patent accessories.

Patent shoes from Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Most department and chain stores here in America are having their Autumn blow-out sales right now. Soon, stores will be full of heavy winter clothing and Christmas merchandise, and your chances to buy transitional clothing for milder temperatures will be gone.

• Gap and Gap Body – you’ll find sweats, comfy knits and underwear marked down 60-70%. Remember not to ignore this portion of your wardrobe – checking your underwear regularly and lounging with style increase your style quotient.
• Express – this is where you’ll find shirts and skinny jeans for $20, tailored lined jackets for $50 and knitted tops and camisoles for between $10 and $15. It’s a good place to go and get a few pieces to complete your androgynous look if your budget is tight.
• Eddie Bauer – the store is good for those of you that are after a more roomy fit on top. Longer length knitted tops and knitwear are on sale for $30 – $50. If you are looking for the odd basic to match with a more styled item – you might just find it here.
• Anne Taylor and Banana Republic – these stores are super for mainstream updated modern classic fashion. It’s the place to shop for no nonsense business casual basics of excellent quality. Suiting is half price at the moment.
• Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters – if you like to flirt with fashion or are an urbanite at heart – their retro and rock chic styling will be of interest to you. Anthropolgie tends to be expensive for the quality that you are getting – but their sale racks are well worth a look for girly tops, jackets and cocktail dresses at 30-40% off.

For info on what’s trendy this autumn, click on the category item “Autumn 2006” on the side bar. This might help you define your shopping list before you brave those sales. Remember to shop with a plan!