I’m closing the week with a few tidbits of information relating to clothing sizes that you might find interesting.

Catwalk models seldom wear a US size 0 or 2. They usually wear a size 4. I first learned this when I had to draft the patterns and make the clothes to fit catwalk models for my final exam at Fashion Design School. Later as a fashion buyer I would sometimes be personally fitting items onto models for a runway show, or providing the marketing department with products for the advertising photo shoots. Ramp models are around 6 feet tall with broad shoulders (a body type prerequisite). This body type fits a larger clothing size than you might expect.

Size 4 is important beyond the catwalk. Manufacturers produce samples for fashion buyers and in the case of regular sizes these are usually a size US 4 or 6. So if you are a size 4 or 6, you’ll score at sample sales. Of course, the sample sizes are different for plus sizes and maternity.

Fit mannequins, the mannequins that design rooms use to fit their samples, come in different shapes and size specifications. For example, the dimensions of a US size 4 fit mannequin at Zara is different to an Ann Taylor size 4 fit mannequin, which is different again to a Marc Jacobs size 4 fit mannequin. There isn’t one universal set of fit mannequins, and that’s one reason why sizes and fit are not standardized across the industry.

As I covered in an earlier post, US sizes 6 to 10 are the most purchased sizes in America, but the most common size is 14.

If anyone else has some sizing related trivia to share, lets hear it!

Today we’re kicking off a regular Thursday afternoon feature. Each week I’m going to ask our forum members to share their recent finds on the web relating to fashion and style, and then I will collect them in a post like this one.

To kick things off, I’d like to congratulate Imogen from Inside Out Style with the launch of her new ebook called “The Finishing Touch”. It teaches us how to successfully accessorize an outfit through great visuals and easy to understand tips. Very well done, Imogen!

This sassy petite blogger made an impression on MaryK because she is super chic and wears lots of colour.

MNSara and Alaskagirl loved Sal’s great and controversial post on body hair issues.

Jonsey thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous parade of Mens Fashion at the Milan Spring Shows.

Deadfleurette‘s minimal and anti-consumer approach to fashion was en eye opener for Kate.

Wimbledon fever has gripped the UK, says RoseandJoan. She enjoyed this retrospective of past fashions from the tournament.

Inge enjoyed this photographer’s telling of her Mum’s life story through carefully selected items from her stylish wardrobe.

Michelle was most impressed by this video on hair styling conundrums.

Modgrl, enjoyed these images of flattering cuts, pretty prints and retro styling.

Annagybe says that Donatella Versace is eating her words after insisting that she would not do a diffusion line for H&M.

Refinery29 proves plus size fashion rules wrong. Desmo April and I both love that.

Here’s another fabulous petite blogger who has an especially good resources section, says Suz.

Patty enjoyed this classic beauty face off between Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

For Sarah, this balance of soft and sweet, and bold and edgy was sheer eye candy.

Sparky found out that bell bottoms were inspired by Navy uniforms and that many aspects of Chanel were inspired by military dress. Who knew!

Taylor adores Karla’s Closet because Karla always looks sensational. But there was a special shout out here because this dress reminded her of me. I’m flattered!

I hope you enjoyed this wonderful roundup as much as I did. If you see something interesting on the web be sure to let me know when we collect next week’s links on the forum.

A journalist and a photographer from the Seattle Times visited us for an in-home interview because YLF will be mentioned in one of their upcoming features. Part of the article will include photographs of me in fall outfits so we also did a photo shoot on the nearby Madrona high street. Both Janet and photographer Ellen were so, so nice and awfully patient. We had a ball.

Sunny warm weather has finally reached Seattle and I didn’t need to cover up to the extent that I normally do (I bat for Team Cold). I wanted to wear something simple, strong and chic that reflected the heart of my style. That way I would feel comfortable and confident answering interview questions, while at the same time expressing my fashion persona. I chose to wear some golden oldies that are still wardrobe favourites.

Since it was an in-home interview, smart casual was the way to go. I would have felt awkward in anything more formal. Not too casual though, because I am not a casual dresser. I chose zippered skinny jeans and paired them with my very best button down shirt of all time. It’s a cream Anne Fontaine that I bought in Paris about three years ago. I LOVE THIS SHIRT. Everything about it makes me feel fabulous, from the fabric and fit, to the colour and the cut of the sleeves.

I had my hair cut recently and it’s the shortest cut ever. With hair so short, I wanted to add more girly details to the outfit than I normally do. Layered pearls, gold watch, dramatic black specs and five year old lazer cut cream wedge sling backs did the trick.

You will have to imagine the outfit with dark skinny jeans because I’m wearing clamdiggers in the photos. It had warmed up by the time we took them later that day, and this is what I wore as we walked to dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant. I can’t tell you how nice it was to finally bare my lilly white legs in toasty weather.

This is a poll about whether your body temperature runs hot or cold, which actually affects your style choices.

You are on Team Hot when your internal thermostat runs warm. You like to wear fewer layers because you don’t really feel the cold. You can wear sandals and lightweight tops when it’s still fairly chilly outside. You seldom complain that you feel cold, but are more likely to complain that you are hot.

You are on Team Cold when your internal thermostat runs cold. You cover up quite a bit because you are sensitive to feeling cold. You handle warmer temperatures pretty well. And it has to be really hot for you to wear sandals and sleeveless items, otherwise you are happy to layer multiple pieces in order to keep warm.

I am on Team Cold. I am constantly covering up because I feel cold, and I absolutely cannot handle freezing cold air-conditioning. I’m the gal who can wear jeans and leggings in 80 degree weather. I can wear ballet flats and pumps when it’s in the 90’s. When others comfortably wear sleeveless dresses, I’m the one covering up with a denim jacket. I’m always finding “the warm spot” wherever I am.

Over to you. Are you on Team Hot or Team Cold? Tell us why, and no batting for both Teams. You might find that you run neither hot or cold, in which case you bat for Team Temperate.