It’s the middle of Summer in the US, so most places are either hot or very hot. A time to either hang in there and stay cool, or cover up in arctic air conditioning. If you are still shopping for warm weather, here are some items that have worked well on clients and forum members, or just caught my eye and have great reviews.

• Kurt Geiger Women's Burlington Ankle-Strap Pointed-Toe Pumps: A moderately comfy ankle strap pump for regular volume feet. Beautifully crisp. Runs small so size up.
• Boden Carrie Jersey Midi Dress: A good dress for Team Broad Shoulders & Shorter Neck. Flattering on curvy body types too. Plenty of length for tall gals. Comes in navy.
• Madewell Packable Mesa Straw Hat: A nice hat to pack for vacation because it's squash-resistant.
• J.Crew Pleated chambray midi skirt: This pleated skirt looks great on a curvy or rectangular figure. Not good on apple-shaped body types because of the defined waist. The structure of the stitched down pleats creates a lovely fit. Great length and might run small.
• Tumi Voyageur Jena Convertible Backpack: I'm a huge Tumi fan because of their commitment to "form follows function" and impeccable quality. This tote becomes a backpack and is as streamlined as can be.
• Dansko DanskoMinka: Comfy supportive clogs with excellent arch support. Very comfy. Can fit a higher volume foot, especially if you size up. Comes in black.
• Travel Bottles , Wedama Leakproof Silicone Travel Containers with 5 Pcs TSA Approved Squeezable 3/1.25oz Travel Bottles & Accessories for Cosmetic Shampoo Conditioner Lotion Soap...: A set of leakproof traveling containers for carry on toiletries. They are refillable with a wide lip. Soft and very squeezable so easy to use too. Looks pretty good.
• Tumi TumiVoyageur Canton Crossbody: A good looking, exceptionally nice quality, and practical casual crossbody that's Sporty Chic. Extremely comfy, lightweight and streamlined. Comes in seven colours.
• Naot NaotFiona: Extremely comfy and supportive sandals that fit an assortment of foot shapes, but not very low volume feet. Comes in four neutrals.
• Naot NaotFavorite: Fab smart casual sandal booties that are dressy enough for the office. Comfy, supportive and well made. Great with black cropped pants.
• Tumi TumiVoyageur Troy Crossbody: This type of crossbody bag is often too small. But leave it to Tumi to add the extra pouch in front that extends the volume and usability of the bag. Beautifully made and organized. Comes in black.
• Vallina Ankle Strap Sandal: These are relatively comfy, and with a darling block heel. Clean and simple. Can work on a lower volume foot of you size down. Comes in black and red.
• Moirina Stacked Platform Sandal: Trendy platform sandals that are quite comfy, and come in three colours. Great looking on the foot. They aren't that robust, so don't go pounding the pavements in them.
• Floreat Neoprene Pencil Skirt: A flattering form-fitting pencil skirt made of very substantial fabric that conceals lumpage and bumpage.
• Richmond Stretch Cotton Pencil Skirt: A lovely skirt for straight hips and thighs, and a larger waist. Comes in green.
• A-Line Midi Skirt: A good skirt for a curvy bottom half. Nice length and fun pattern for pattern mixing.
• Lizzy Asymmetrical Ruffle Hem Skirt: A trendy ruffled wrap skirt that I personally found a little short, but I am in the minority - especially if you're shorter than 5ft 6. It's fabulous on a curvy and rectangular figure with a defined waist. Best with a tucked top. Fab swoosh factor.
• Self Check Oversize Shirt: If you like wearing oversized architectural shirts with slim bottoms and dainty shoes - try this. It has interesting side and back detailing. Great geometric pattern.
• Itadara Houndstooth Peplum Top: A dressy and tailored peplum top for Team Curvy to wear over a pencil skirt or wide crops. Good with straight pants too.
• Palm Tank: Good top for those who can fill it out. Excellent on apple-shaped body types, a larger bust and shorter neck.
• Rose Album Graphic Tee: A very pricey boxy top. But if tees and skulls the McQueen way are your thing, give it a whirl and make a statement YOUR way.
• Flutter Sleeve Tee: A flutter sleeve tee that is great on broader shoulders, but works on narrow shoulders too. The white is not that see-through, and the cut looks fab semi-tucked.
• Drape Wrap Sleeveless Top: A great layering top for under jackets and blazers. Flattering, forgiving and comfortable. Fits an assortment of body types. Comes in three colours.
• Textured Foulard Ruched Sleeve Top: I have this in a navy stripe and love it. It's form-fitting, well-made and launders well. I love the sleeve detailing and streamlined look. Fab with white jeans.
• Tina Lenox Tartan Shirt: Impeccable quality and fit on a curvy body type. Look at how beautifully the diagonal stripes have been matched up the centre front. Size down.
• Eden Top: Slouchy Tee Fabness. Best on those who can fill it out. Size down.
• DREAM Song Skirt: A very comfy casual skirt that fits most body types and comes in a turquoise floral.
• Bayou Packable Squishee Fedora: A nice hat to pack for vacation because it's squash-resistant.
• Cargo Culottes: AMAZING trendy wide utility crops that work as well for a curvy figure as they do on a straight one. They drape beautifully, look dressier than the utility norm. They are NOT streamlined from the side because of the cut of the wrapped front, so consider yourself warned. Flattering in an avant-garde way, and gorgeous fabric.
• Amour Vert Amour Vert 'Agnes' Surplice Tank | Nordstrom: A fab top for those who enjoy showcasing their shoulders. Fluid yet structured and quite alluring. Might run large.
• Amour Vert Amour Vert 'Mayr' V-Neck Tee | Nordstrom: A good tee for a larger bust and shorter neck. Fluid yet structured on the hips which tempers the volume.
• Check Seersucker Button Up Shirt: If you enjoy classic crisp button-down shirts - try this. The fabric is SUBLIME. It's a crease-resistant seersucker that is soft to the touch. Very well made, and especially for the price. Size down.
• Sleeveless Cotton Chambray Shirtdress: A classic sleeveless shirtdress with plenty of length. No arm hole gaping. Best on a curvier figure because of the A-line shape. Size down.
• Gracie Bermuda Shorts: These PULL- ON Bermuda shorts are comfy and easy to wear. Fits an assortment of body types because they mould to the body, but do not cling. They stretch out during the day so don't order them roomy. They might run big unless you are very curvy. Comes in eight colours.

Go to the collection page if you would like to see the images alongside my descriptions.

Today I’m paying tribute to an INCREDIBLE wardrobe piece that is absolutely dripping with quality. Seven years ago when I was into all things Theory, I bought their Gabe Edition 2 Blazer in ink blue as a separate to wear with jeans, trousers and dresses. It’s a Modern Classic topper that’s on the fluid side of tailored, crisp in the extreme, lightweight, and very streamlined. It’s dressy yet relaxed, structured yet soft, professional yet comfortable, and strict yet versatile. The sleeves turn back to showcase contrast pinstriped lining, just for fun.

Over the years I’ve gone through phases of wearing the blue Theory blazer a lot, and not at all. It survived countless wardrobe edits during its dormant phase, because whenever I put it on to assess how I felt in it, my reaction was the same. I cannot let go of a piece that is impeccably made, fits like a dream, looks sharp, has a high longevity factor, and makes me happy.

Now I’m back to wearing the blazer more frequently because it has a dedicated spot in my travel capsule. It’s THE best topper to wear on long flights, and here’s why. I just came back from a trip to South Africa and wore the blazer on four very long flights and during long layovers at the airport. I wore the blazer for 32 hours straight on the way there, and again on the way back. I didn’t take it off at all at airports, on flights, or in the car. I slept, ate, read, watched movies, and hung out in it. It did not crease at all, which is mind-blowing! It repels lint and dirt, and is very robust. It looks every bit as fresh after hectic plane travel as it does straight after a visit to the cleaners. It’s super comfortable, flattering, and makes anything you wear with it look pulled together and dressy. I ran in it when I needed to get somewhere in a hurry, and I felt insulated in air conditioning. If this blazer isn’t the epitome of exceptional quality, fit, drape and fabric, I don’t know what is. I am in awe of this old topper, and will keep it until it falls apart.

Recently when travelling I wore the blazer over a long-sleeved knit top with floral pants, pearls, sneakers, specs and a crossbody. The exact items of my travel outfit are shown in the collection. I was able to launder the top and pants before I wore the exact same outfit to fly back home. The blazer hung in a closet to air out.

All these years later and the blazer is still available in black, grey, navy and burgundy. It’s a retail winner, and for good reason.

We’re kicking off the week with your make-up preferences. You bat for Team Bold Lip if you prefer to accentuate your lips instead of your eyes by wearing bolder lipstick and wearing very light eye make-up (or leaving it off entirely.) You bat for Team Bold Eye if you prefer to accentuate your eyes with mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, and wear subtle and soft lipstick (or no lippie at all.) Or maybe you enjoy accentuating your eyes AND wearing bolder lipstick and bat for Team Both.

I LOVE wearing mascara and tightlining my lids, and use a bright blue in both beauty products. I have big eyes and long lashes so wearing eye make-up brings out those features. Wearing blue eye make-up makes my eyes look greener. I don’t wear eyeshadow at all. I wore it once to my high school dance in 1987 and that was that. Never again. I have defined arched brows that I shape with brown eyebrow pencil. Adding eyeshadow to the mix feels and looks like too much eye make-up, especially since I wear bright red specs daily.

I LOVE lipstick, but keep it very soft, light, and subtle so that you can barely see it. Half the time I stick to glossy lip balm keeping my lips their natural colour. I used to wear red lippie for formal events at night a couple of times a year but don’t do that anymore either. I bat for Team Bold Eye and leave my lips soft, shiny and almost free of colour.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Bold Lip, Bold Eye, or Both?

Here are some Summer outfits that incorporate a lot of black, yet look light and interesting. The black is broken up a little or a lot (the latter is my visual preference.) If black is not your colour, create a similar vibe with your colours. Or add more black if that’s your thing.

1. Laced & Pretty Black

I think black lace is lovely in just about any wardrobe item in Summer. I adore the sheerness of the lace bomber here because the skin peeks through and adds interest to the pattern. The tight tank top with lace-front neck detailing adds further interest and some cleavage. Add a solid tank if showcasing cleavage is not your thing. Combine the top and topper with shorts, utility pants, jeans, a skirt, or harem pants, and footwear that works with the outfit. The lace bomber is fab over a sheath dress too.

2. Elegant & Sporty Black

I LOVE this outfit and tried to get it, but it’s gone in my size. The sleeved body-con and fairly dressy knit top creates a fun juxtaposition with the sporty stripe and crisp white sneakers. The length and movement of the skirt, structure, and subtle frills on the sleeve are what make the outfit look elegant to my eye. I can see my denim jacket and ballet flats work well here too.

3. Comfy Office Black

Long dressy and tailored knee-covering shorts or culottes are a great way to showcase the lower leg without wearing a dress or skirt. The boxy yet “just tailored enough” shirt creates an architectural vibe. The block heel sandals add a dressy integrity, and pumps could work well too. Add a little bling and you’re done. It’s a DIFFERENT look to wear to the office.

4. Hot-Weather Black

Casual black Summer dresses look fab when they showcase skin like this one by being sleeveless and slit at the sides. The elastic waist adds structure and streamlining, while the gathers are forgiving and casual. The platform Birkies are a fab trendy touch, and glam in the metal that matches the pendant necklace and cuff. The straw hat adds personality and sun protection. A GREAT and versatile look for a hot Summer’s day.