What are “gladiator thongs”? I am being asked this question frequently and thought it best to clarify because I refer to them quite often. No, this isn’t a style of underwear that was popular in Roman times. It is a sandal.

Thong sandal: generic term used to describe a sandal that has a strap of sorts between your big and second toe. “Flip-flops” are a type of thong.

The gladiator thong is a Grecian/Roman inspired flat style sandal (Russell Crowe must have been quite the inspiration!). Because of its versatility, this thong is the “it” sandal for summer. It will cover many bases because you’ll be able to dress it up or down:

• Kick your swimwear up a notch – pretty beaded thongs are a lot more “Saint Tropez” then plastic flip flops.
• Kick your jeans up a notch – substitute heels for pretty metallic thongs – you’ll look more relaxed, yet just as lady-like.
• Ideal for white pants – gladiator thongs are the perfect summer sandal for white pants.
• Super with walk shorts – they’ll instantly dress up a pair of walk shorts if you add a cropped jacket as well.
• Good for dresses – I’ve also found them ideal for flirty knee length dresses – just enough prettiness and without the heel.

Flat, slightly wedged, bejeweled, beaded, metallic, strappy, lace-up or ethnic – gladiator thongs are stylish this season and it’s a good idea to have a pair in your wardrobe. If you’re only after one pair, I’d recommend a metal. Update those flip flops, show off that glossy pedicure and love your pretty feet!

Examples of Gladiator things from Nine West, who have started their summer sale.

Weddings, graduations, summer parties and warmer weather bring on the desire and need to wear dresses. For many, along with that comes a spotlight on those extra curvy areas around the tummy, thigh and bottom. The ultimate solution is a pair of contouring undies which have a built in lift. There will be no room for cellulite to make its presence felt and you’ll feel supported in all those areas that previously made you feel exposed. The extra-thick lycra redistributes your flesh, giving the appearance that you are slimmer than you actually are. All skin imperfections are smoothed out and you’ll be able to slip on the thinnest of fabrics with confidence.

You have quite a few contour control options. Here are the two I recommend:

• Spanx are probably the most popular and are offered in a variety of forms (options for pregnant Mums-to-be are also available).Their thicker waistbands may have the tendency to cut into your flesh and “roll” rather like what panty hose can do.
• DKNY body shapers are without waistband and therefore prevent any cutting and “waistband rolling” to occur. I have a friend who has tried them all and she maintains that these by far the most comfortable.

It might take you ten minutes to get into one of these body shapers, but the results are magical and well worth it. Bottoms up ladies!

Spanx contour control underwear (best-seller at Nordstrom), Spanx for pregnant ladies, and DKNY body shaper, all available from Nordstrom.

Most of us know when clothing and accessories match each other, and when they don’t. It’s less clear to us when clothing and accessories don’t match, but they do “work”. Mismatching stylishly is at the heart of retro European style. Designers and stylists do it frequently (albeit a bit over the top at times). Done correctly, mismatching will increase your style quotient. Done distastefully, it can be disastrous.

Here are a few tangible ways to mismatch with style:

• Don’t match your shoes with your bag – throw in a bright green bag with your silver shoes, jeans and layered tops.
• Don’t match your shoes with your outfit – instead of wearing a perfectly matching pair of black sling backs with your white slacks, black top and gold bag, throw in a pair of bright yellow or purple heels instead. Don’t worry about repeating that colour anywhere else – it works.
• Mix patterns – different printed items of clothing work well together if the fabrics and colours are similar. Next time you think of putting a plain white top with your multi colored skirt, try making a subtle floral blouse in the same colours work instead.
• Mismatch your last layer – whether it’s a jacket, cardigan or extra t-shirt, try adding an extra colour into the mix of your outfit with the last layer that you put on (e.g. light brown bottoms worn with a darker brown and cream knit top would welcome a red jacket, bronze shoes and green bag).
• Colours that clash can work – wear red shoes with your pink dress, pop a purple top over an emerald green one, mix burgundy with orange and chartreuse – beautiful!

Think out of the box about how to mix and match the clothes in your wardrobe, but make sure that you don’t mismatch too many items at once. There will always have to be something pulling your look together – sometimes it can be the colour of your hair, or a single accessory.

Having a go at “mismatching” items that work prevents me from getting bored with the clothing in my wardrobe!

As a personal dresser for DFSS, I attended a “bra seminar” about a year ago that was hosted by Chantelle (French Lingerie Company) at Nordstrom. It was brilliant!

Fact #1: Over 60% of women worldwide wear the incorrect bra size.

Generally speaking, women are wearing their cup sizes too small and their under-band widths too wide. If you thought you were a 36C, chances are that you’re a 34D. This is a common fault I encounter with the people I dress – most of them are initially horrified to be put into double and triple D’s after busting out of their C cups, but they’re happy with the results.

Fact #2: Cup sizes on bras are not created equally.

A “C” cup on a 38C is much larger than the “C” cup on a 32C. Do not be caught up with sizes ladies – going up a cup or two in your bra will often give you better shape and therefore instant gratification. Your bra should be the most important item in your wardrobe if you are a D cup or beyond.

Fact #3: A professional fitting could change your life.

Kiss spillage, knife cutting straps and lack of cleavage goodbye by getting yourself professionally fitted for the correct bra. Weight change, pregnancy, age and mastectomies change the shape of our bosom. Having yourself correctly fitted as often as these changes occur is ideal.

Nordstrom has perfected this service. Bra’s come in all shapes, sizes, colours and fabrics and their sales assistants are quick to spot what is best for your bosom shape, saving you a lot of time and hassle. In fact, subsequent to the Chantelle seminar, Oprah featured Nordstrom bras and their expert fitting assistants on one of her shows.

Whether it’s to enhance, minimize or lift – the right bra can transform your shape completely. Prioritize this on your shopping list if you haven’t already done so.