We are heading for a very somber new season. The autumn/winter 2006/2007 catwalk collections were as dark as the ace of spades. Where white was the biggest fashion colour for Summer; black will be its counterpart for the 6 months that follow. My best description for the new autumn/winter season at the moment is “dramatic gothic glamour meets ‘80’s urban punk chic”.

If you love colour, get the most out of your pretty summer colours while you can. Prepare yourself for a season of theatrical ladylike refinement mixed with lots of urban cool. New Yorkers and Londoners will be in their element. You’ll see strong military influences, equestrian sophistication, skirts that swing and faux fur embellished coats cut in unusual shapes. Fortunately, they’ll still be lots of metal around to soften an otherwise very hard look.

There are rules that will help you look better in a dark palette (e.g. the only way to wear black from heard to toe successfully is with lots of texture). And there will be solutions for those of us that don’t fancy looking like gangsters all the time. I’ll be posting some targeted new season shopping suggestions for The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale next week – stay tuned!

Rise: The distance between the crotch and the waistband in pants, shorts, or underwear (both front and back)

Stylists have been advocating lower rises for years because they make your bottom look smaller (in fact a lower rise can halve the side of your derrière instantly). Over the seasons, rises have become ultra low, making the appearance of “bottom cleavage” the next problem (solved with the emergence of longer length T’s this Spring/Summer).

However, if you are carrying a little extra weight around your midsection (especially after child birth), a higher rise is a good option. I have begun to dress women with post baby belly in jeans and slacks like these. The rise should be just below your navel (not above it), and the waistband curved flat onto your waist. If the waistband stands away at the back, have it altered for $20 instead of using a belt. Belts will add bulk to the area you are trying to flatten out.  Avoid any form of pleat and this type of waist construction will act like an effective girdle (and will be a lot easier to put on then Spanx).

The trick is to find styles with higher rises that are not tapered at the leg. I’ve had success popping ladies into the options below:  

• Original boot cut jeans from Gap
• “Laura” and “Ann” fits at Ann Taylor Loft
• “Audrey” and “Margo” fits at Ann Taylor

Unfortunately your bottom will appear larger with higher rise pants, but if you keep your tops un-tucked and over your hip bone, you’ll be able to create the illusion of a smaller tighter tush!

Higher rise slacks from Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft. Jeans from Gap.

French, Italian, British and American designers dominate the catwalk scene; but it’s the Spanish that are best at interpreting these trends and turning them into commercial fashion for retail. Let me introduce you to one of the most successful retail chains in the world – Zara. This Spanish chain store is part of the Inditex group – one of the largest fashion retail groups worldwide. Almost 86% of their staff are women with women occupying 54% of the executive, technical and managerial positions.

“Zara offers the latest trends in international fashion in an environment of thought-out design”.  You’ll find these stores in the main commercial areas of cities across Europe, America and Asia. Zara offers women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Their clothing is not meant to last forever and some describe it as “throw-away fashion”, but who wants to pay the earth for a fashion fad? That said, I have classics in my closet from Zara that are at least 3 years old and going strong.

Their enormous success can be attributed to many factors. What stands out for the consumer is the exclusivity of their product. They never offer more then 10 items in the same style, which can drive you crazy if they don’t have your size, but will prevent you from looking like someone else when you walk down the street. There isn’t another retailer that offers the same level of trendy fashion with the elegance and sophistication that Zara does. Their designs and colour direction are always a cut above the rest, but without burning a hole in your wallet. If you are a regular size and passionate about fashion – you need to shop here. It’s one of my very favourite places to buy up a storm.

Zara stores are predominantly located in Europe, Asia and South America. There are Zara stores in many American cities, but for those of you in the Pacific Northwest – Vancouver, Canada is your best bet.

The colours of stars and stripes herself are a big fashion statement this summer. Red, white and navy have evolved from a classic staple into a trendy look of nautical striped tops, white bottoms and red patent accessories.

Have a go at putting this fresh new look together – it will not disappoint.

Nautical stripes from Nordstrom (navy) and Bebe (red).