From time to time, people receive compliments about one of their physical features or their personal style. After a while a pattern emerges as repeated similar compliments merge with their own self perception and become the things they regard as their strong points. It isn’t necessarily conceited, but similar compliments in future are not unexpected.

And then there is the completely unexpected compliment. This happened to me a few months ago when a very sweet friend, who was looking at my outfit pictures, randomly sent email just to tell me that I had “beautiful knees”. Oh my goodness, I thought. I had never viewed my knees as anything but somewhat knobbly, and well, just there in the middle of my legs. How gracious and thoughtful of my friend to let me know how she felt. It may seem silly, but I now see them in a new light.

Inspired and touched by this exchange, I promptly emailed two other friends and gave them a sincere compliment. Who knows, maybe one of my compliments was even unexpected. It got me thinking about the supportive chain of positive body image that might result if everyone did the same.

Have you received an unexpected compliment about a physical feature or your personal style? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. 

Sunny days, fiery foliage, crisp air, hearty soups, boots, jackets, scarves, not to mention the very best merchandise in retail stores. Autumn in Seattle is particularly gorgeous and it’s my favourite time of year. 

Our outfits change as the weather cools and that in itself provides the opportunity to refresh your style. Most of my clients like to add what I call “bridging pieces” to their Fall wardrobes. These are items that bridge the gap between two seasons. By adding Autumn bridging pieces to Spring and Summery outfits, you’ll stretch them further, thereby ensuring a bigger bang for your fashion buck. 

Below is a list of my top 10 Bridging Pieces for this Fall, cutting across all age groups, body types, lifestyles and budgets.

Faux Fur Vest

Don’t just think of this item as a casual bohemian piece that you pop over a tee or empire cut top. Think of it as a glam and retro ’70s item that works over dressy frocks and skirts, and with silky pussy bow blouses or soft drapey trousers (tapered and flare leg).  

Tweed Waistcoat  

Another ’70s and equestrian inspired item that looks really cool when paired with modern pieces like wedge heels and slouchy tapered trousers. I also like tweed waistcoats over graphic tees and soft blouses with graphic patterns. If you can’t see past the English countryside integrity of the tweed, go for leather/pleather, shearling, or classic pinstripe waistcoats instead.

Blazer

A cropped or longer tailored blazer is a powerful wardrobe essential. It takes an outfit from drab to fab on all body types like nobody’s business. If classic blazers are not your thing, think quirky pinstriped fabrications, sharp shoulders,  asymmetrical cuts, and tuxedo styles. There is lots to love in the world of blazers, the perfect Autumn cover-up for a sleeveless top. 

Leather Jacket

We have spoken about leather jackets for several seasons, both as a casual item and workplace look. No need to wear moto styling or black leather if that’s not your cup of tea. There are plenty of softer versions available both in real and faux leather. Leather blazers are making a comeback, as are long leather coats. Deliciously retro. 

Cape

Autumn is perfect for capes because hopefully, it’s not quite cold enough for a wool Winter coat. Refresh your memory on eliminating cape fear. 

Ankle Length Leggings

I am a huge leggings fan because they add a modern edge to outfits, not to mention a warm and comfortable one too. I like the look best when you can see the ankle hem of the leggings with pumps, ballet flats or sandals. You lose the charm of leggings if you cover them up with boots, unless that is precisely your intention!  

Knee-High Boots

Another wardrobe essential that grounds your outfit with drama and vertical integrity. Match knee-high boots on bare legs with dresses, skirts, short shorts, tweed shorts, bermudas and clamdiggers. Think knee-high boots that are both slouchy and sleek, casual and dressy, flat and heeled, neutral and non-neurtal, light and dark. 

Booties

Create a modern classic look by wearing them under bootcut trousers and jeans. Pair them with skinnies and straight legs for a fashion forward vibe. Sport them on bare legs with cropped trousers/jeans, harem pants, skirts and dresses for an edgier look. The bootie knows no bounds.  

Scarves

Messy or neat, the scarf is a superb accessory that screams Autumn both in woolly and silky fabrications. Wear it inside or outside a shirt collar, over a sheath dress or tee, or with a jacket. Its a super colour vehicle.  

Headgear

Think tweedy newsboy caps, felt bowlers and floppy hats, berets and retro cloches. Please consider wearing a hat if you have bobbed or long hair. It looks divine and so few people wear wonderful hats these days. 

Neutral, Non-Black Handbag

If you’re up for the change from bright Summer handbags, sport a brown, chestnut, taupe, cream, grey or animal print bag for Autumn. They create an especially attractive contrast against dark outfits and tops. 

I deliberately left cardigans off this list because fashion retail has just about killed the item by saturating the market with it. However, I must give credit where it’s due: cardigans are still stylish and undoubtedly make an effective and comfortable Autumn bridging piece. 

Flick through Ann Taylor Loft’s “Style Closet” to get good visuals of these bridging prices in outfit action.

You are on Team Black if you prefer to wear black. You are on Team White if you prefer to wear White. Note that white includes all shades of white like bone, off-white, ivory and cream. You can still pick a side if you don’t wear either black or shades of white by choosing the option that most tickles your fancy. But no batting for both Teams. 

I cannot choose a side in this poll. My black tops are as important as my white tops. My cream outwear gets as much wear as my black outerwear. My cream, white and black boots are all wardrobe workhorses. My style would not function without cream pearls and handbags, nor would it function without cropped black jackets. I am a true black & white gal, favouring one no more than the other. 

So I’m out of this game. But I’m on the sidelines cheering on both sides with great enthusiasm. Over to you. Are you Team Black or Team White? Remember to tell us why.

The fashion industry has finally recognized our right to cover arms. It’s not that we don’t enjoy sleeveless dresses, but enough with the perpetual cardigan-cover-up. We want to wear Autumn and Winter dresses sans the extra indoor layers. 

Frocks with longer sleeves and hem lengths are abundant. Here are my top picks so far this season. I have fitted most of these dresses on women’s bodies and have been very pleased with the results.  

• Jones New York Short Sleeve Leaf Printed Dress: The colours are unexpectedly divine, the ruching flattering, and the length of the sleeves sublime. This is an ideal midi length for petites, and a super just-above-the-knee length for regular and taller gals. 
• Jones New York Shirred-Side Sheath Dress: An alluring yet covered LBD is a good idea, and this one fits the bill. Easy to pack and comfy to wear. 
• Nine West Faux Wrap Jersey Dress: The jewel tones are delightful as is the abstract print. The front drapes in a unique way that I have not seen before on a faux wrap dress. It’s also available in petites at Macys.
• Vince Camuto Ruched Animal Print Scrunch Neck Dress: It’s form fitting so don’t be alarmed. It accentuates the curves on a curvy gal, and creates curves on a straighter gal. Super fab over ankle length leggings and booties too. 
• Donna Morgan Belted Stretch Jersey Dress: Love the raspberry colour and the spot on trend pleats and dolman sleeves. The wide belt can be swapped out for a narrower one, and it’s also available in petites.  
• Eliza J Ponte Knit Shift Dress: Mod meets ’80s fun. It’s especially great on petites and super flattering on pear shaped gals. The substantial fabric is just what we need on a chilly day. It’s excellent over skinnies and leggings if the hemline is too short.  Also comes in a deep purple and plus sizes. 
• Maggy London Colorblock Ponte Knit Dress: This dress is wow on an hourglass who fills out the silhouette. Love the modern ’80s take on this statement style. 
• Calvin Klein Print Faux Wrap Dress: This is a glam yet earthy ’70s dress with a delicious abstract pattern. Think of it with chestnut wedge boots, a faux fur vest and pendant necklace. Also available in plus sizes. 
• Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Faux Wrap Jersey Dress: A modern incarnation of ’40s movie star magic. Impeccable drape. Read the rave reviews and click through the colour options. 
• Eliza J Tie Neck Chiffon Dress: I adore the elegance of this hip dress. Add a wide belt to the smocked waistband, and anything from cage heels and platform pumps, to stacked knee-high boots and booties for your feet.  
• Tracy Reese Ruched Dress: This Autumn midi dress silhouette is a personal favourite because it’s super straight, high-necked, and long sleeved. I LOVE the pattern. It creeps up when walking at a fast pace, but stride a little slower and it stays in position. 
• ASOS Midi Dress in Embroidered Lurex: Beautifully ’70s in the very best way. Layer over a faux fur waistcoat and watch those heads turn. 
• Karen Kane Animal Wrap Top Dress: This frock is as comfy as sweats. It both hides and accentuates curves depending on your preference. Super animal print.  
• Ralph Lauren V-neck Sweater Dress: Another elegant take on a ’70s inspired style. This was a longish midi length on my stunning petite client. It’s super fab on the knee for gals with gams too. The most perfect sleeve length ever. 
• Presley Skye ‘Lindsay’ Silk Crepe de Chîne Dress: This is a very on-trend dress and I am in love with the look. It’s fab with a skinny belt and high heeled stacked pumps for classic gals. And wonderfully edgy with socks in sandals for cutting edge gals. 

It’s important to think laterally about how to style these dresses as you browse the links because the possibilities are endless. First: you can dress them both up or down. Second: footwear, jewelry, handbags, headgear, hosiery and your hairstyle go a long way to define the ultimate vibe of the outfit, be it modern classic, retro, romantic, edgy or fashion forward. I can’t stress this point enough – it’s HOW you style an item that makes the difference.