If you dislike wearing thongs (g-string underwear) like I do, you’ll be happy to know that there is a thong out there that’s more than bearable. The brand is called “hanky panky”, and after a few minutes of having it on, I had completely forgotten my concerns of discomfort. It’s made of stretch lace and is “one size fits all”. It has a 100% cotton gusset and you can select either the high or low rise option. The high rise option worked well with my low rise pants, which was surprising.

I’m not a complete convert – I still prefer my boy shorts underwear – but after giving the hanky panky a grueling trial it’s definitely the thong that I would recommend for ensuring that those panty lines remain invisible. You’ll find this brand of underwear at any department store.

The hanky panky thong in an assortment of colours from Nordstrom.

With dress codes at work becoming more casual, the tendency to “under dress” is rife. While, arriving at a beach party in a suit and heels is clearly the wrong attire. Having style also has to do with dressing appropriately for an occasion. Overdressed people often look out of place, but then so do those that make no effort.

Consider the following:

• Overdressing is the safer option – if you are unsure of the dress code for a particular occasion (even if it’s a dinner party with friends), it’s always a better to overdress. Not only is it respectful to your host, but who doesn’t want to be the best dressed person in the room.
• Good grooming is imperative – be well groomed when you wear casual clothing. Casual dressing is no excuse for looking sloppy, wrinkled or unclean.
• Watch the accessories – accessories are key to making you look either overdressed or underdressed. Dress them down for a casual occasion and dress them up for a more formal one. Pay particular attention to your shoes – heels will always be dressier.  

It’s important to understand the difference between being “polished” and being “dressed up”. Done up hair, too much make-up, and over accessorizing is distasteful, but a polished look is perfect for every occasion.

Nothing articulates your sense of style better then your choice of accessories. Unlike most women, shoes are not my favourite accessory – bags are. They effortlessly pop a boring outfit into the next season. They are practical and don’t always need to be expensive. What is not to love about bags?

Despite an abundance of variation, bags can be classified. Here’s the way I do it:

• Tote – a large bag with fairly short handles that you can either hold with your hands or carry on your shoulder
• Hobo – a large or small soft bag that slouches when you hold it
• Shopper – a casual tote usually made out of canvas with additional zips and compartments on the outside
• Messenger or Sling – a large or small bag with a long strap that can be slung over your shoulder and across your front
• Hard handle – a small bag with hard handles that you hold on to
• Satchel – a horizontal bag with many outsize zips and pockets
• Duffel – a cylindrical shaped bag with handles
• Frame – a rigid boxy bag that has a metal frame inside of it with straps of any length
• Clutch – a small slim bag that is meant to be clutched with your fingers
• Wristlet – a very small bag with a handle that loops around your wrist
• Mini – a very small bag that is a version of any of the above

There is no such thing as “one useful bag that fits all”. There are many occasions that deserve a specific bag. As you acquire a bag collection, you’ll need to become disciplined about swapping them out when necessary – perhaps even daily. It’s therefore best to keep the contents to a minimum!

 
       Tote                             Hobo                            Shopper
                    
     Wristlet                                                  Clutch

  Satchel                            Frame                            Messenger

We can start shopping for autumn! It’s my favourite season and shopping for it is merely the cherry on the top. It’s always difficult to select what to buy so far ahead of time, but hopefully the process can be made a bit easier for you with a list of the hot items for the season. Remember to be mindful of your body type, budget, lifestyle and fashion persona when you read the list – it’s very broad. Make savvy choices about what shapes and trends work best for you.

The hot list:

• Long black boots – equestrian and military influences are strong. Wear them over skinny pants or underneath skirts.
• The “ankle bootie” – this is the “it shoe” for the season. It’s a high heeled little boot that finishes delicately over your ankle bones. It’s supposed to be worn under skirts with tights or with any type of pant.
• Anything patent – think black, grey, red and brown in just about anything that you can find.
• Leopard prints – whether its gloves, a scarf, hat, belt, bag or shoe; if you like it and its leopard – buy it.
• Bubble skirts – they’ll be more drapy then when we saw them 25 years ago and therefore more flattering. 
• Capes – for the very daring. This is stylish if you wear them cropped.
• Menswear pants – in checks and plaids, this will be elegant the wider they are on leg – very Katherine Hepburn.
• Skinny jeans – for the boyish bodies among us to wear with heels; otherwise to tuck into your long boots. 
• Military jacket/coat – dare I say it, but preferably in black.
• Faux fur neck trims – on any jacket, coat or accessory.
• Hounds tooth – (small black and white check) also in absolutely anything that you like.
• Big bag – if you don’t already own a big black or red bag, do not hesitate.
• Anything colourful – anything colourful that you love is going to be good idea. Brightening up the darkness of the season ahead will be fabulous.

If you are in the USA, then you can kick off your shopping at their amazing Anniversary Sale. Pay for your items in the menswear or homeware departments to save time.  Doors open at 7am on Friday morning and you can be out by 9am if you focus.