“White out” means wearing an outfit that is virtually white from head to toe, which includes footwear and accessories. So think of outfits with very low colour contrast, combining colours like white, off-white, bone, cream, very light tones of beige, nude, blush pink and silver grey. Metallic jewelry and footwear are key. Nude and light grey footwear are another option.

I vote yay, especially when the outfits are shades of texture-rich white and cream mixed with silver grey and pearls. The effect is soft, clean, pretty and Summery. I also love white dresses worn with metallic shoes and cream handbags. And I like the white out look both on pale and dark complexions.

I don’t wear the white out look often because I’m on Team High Colour Contrast. But when I do I keep things fairly bright by matching optical white and shimmery fabrics with metals. That way the outfit is still interesting and texture rich against my pale skin tone. I also wear a little more blush.

Over to you. Do you vote yay or nay. If you vote nay for yourself, do you like the white out look on others?

We are often encouraged to alter clothing in order to achieve “perfect fit”, and for the most part I agree with that thinking. But clothing alterations are not risk-free and they can also cost a pretty penny. It’s best to weigh up the options with each item before investing money and effort.

I’m in favour of the following clothing alterations because they are relatively simple, inexpensive, and make a huge difference to the overall fit of the garment:

• Hem shortening and lengthening
• Sleeve length shortening and lengthening
• Tapering waistband adjustment
• Button repositioning
• Shoulder strap shortening
• Sewing closed side entry pockets and removing pocket lining

I also encourage the alteration of formal attire like gowns and cocktail dresses, because a nip or a tuck in the right place can make all the difference. Anything beyond that requires a little more thought, especially when garments are fully lined.

I usually advise against shoulder width and coat narrowing alterations because they are costly and can turn out all wrong. Tapering items at the side seams is also a gamble, but can turn out quite well if the tailor is skilled. The same goes for leg width, sleeve and seat narrowing alterations. Go for it if you trust your tailor and you feel that the garment is worth the expense.

Twice I have paid for alterations that cost almost as much as the original price of the item. I was prepared to do this because the items are extremely difficult to find in the cut, size, colour and quality I was after. So I bit the bullet and luckily the alterations turned out fabulously and were worth it a million times over. However, I have also paid the earth to have a fancy button down shirt altered and the results were disastrous. I never wore the shirt again and ultimately passed it on.

Of course, the first prize is that you have a fairy godmother who magically sees to your alteration needs. Second prize is that you sew and are able alter anything yourself. The rest of us have to find a reliable tailor. Some stores in the US and in Hong Kong will hem for free with a full price purchase. Brilliant!

Although I’m generally disappointed with the current assortment of Spring and Summer blouses, Nordstrom recently brought in some new stock that looks much better. I saw all of these styles over the weekend, fitted them on a body or two, and we have some winners. In some cases the photo doesn’t do the blouse justice, so it’s best to see them in person. And be sure to look at all the colour options.

1. Bellatrix Silk Shirt: Clean, crisp, silky and sweet. A versatile silhouette that takes on multiple personalities depending on how it’s styled. Think of pairing it with anything from dressy trousers, jeans, and a pencil skirt to short shorts, cargo capris or tuck it into a flared skirt. I bought the silver, which looks delicious with white and gold. It’s not roomy around the bust so you might need to size up.
2. Hinge Handkerchief Hem Silk Shirt: It’s an exciting style if you like to wear voluminous blouses like I do.  I can’t adequately describe the arty integrity of this style with words so you’ll just have to try it on to feel its magic. It looks interesting from all angles. Soft, drapey and different (and also available in peach). Don’t be scared of the cropped front. Try it on!
3. Collective Concepts Tie Neck Silk Top: Romantic, pretty and very breezy, yet the cut is covered in all the right places. This blouse would be hanging in my closet if I lived in a warm climate. It’s simply gorgeous with white bottoms. It’s also available in this vintage inspired print and stocks are running out fast.
4. Bellatrix Pleated Silk Blouse: This style is particularly good for a fuller bust. It also comfortably glides over extra midriff bits. Read the raving reviews.
5. Free People Polka Dot Voile Tie Blouse: Here, bohemian style shakes hands with Kate Spade. Because this blouse is made of voile, it drapes in a more structured way. Cool! And the crisscross back ribbon detail is great. I especially love the flattering fit of the sleeves. Casual yet pulled together. A clever design.
6. Daniel Rainn Darcy Top: The vintage integrity of this blouse is appealing. I can see it dressed up for business casual with trousers or a pencil skirt. Or dressed down with jeans. It’s quite low in front so a camisole is essential.
7. Sandra Ingrish Ruffled Polka Dot Blouse: This is for you if you live in a hot climate because it’s made of cotton and does not require a camisole. It’s also machine washable and roomy on the bust.
8. Casual Studio Sheer Pleated Blouse: Fresh and tropical. Make sure you wear one colour both on the top and bottom because it’s ultra-sheer. Adore the pintucks.
9. Casual Studio Soutache Trim Blouse: Who says you can’t wear Autumn colours in the Spring. Wear it with olive bottoms and soften the vibe of skinny cargos – I love that contrast. Good on a full bust.
10. AK Anne Klein Sleeveless Abstract Print Blouse: If you like ruffles, give this blouse a bash. It works without a camisole and is machine washable. Great for business travel and perfect under a blazer. Nice with a pair of casual bottoms too. It’s  also available in ink blue and a very dainty animal print.

Sure, you’ll find stunning blouses for over $350, but that’s not budget-friendly, but these are beautiful blouses at fairly mainstream prices.

This post contains affiliate links.

This is the third in a series of 4 posts brought to you by Nordstrom.com: Think Less Buttoned-Up—it’s a New 9 to 5.

It’s harder to pull together a professional outfit when commuting on foot because you have to account for the elements and make sure those pretty little feet are happy. But with a little extra forethought, there are always solutions. The goals are to feel comfortable while you commute, and look polished upon arrival.

The outfits below illustrate a commuter-friendly business casual week day option and a casual Friday alternative. We’ll leave variables like snow and very heavy rain out of the equation because those elements require more specialized items.

Weekday Business Casual

• Bottoms:  No one is stopping you from wearing skirts and dresses, but most of my clients prefer the practical trouser option when commuting on foot. The Anne Olivia stripe trousers pants from the Loft are great (also available in tall and petite). Pinstripes are a chic classic, and to my eye a little more interesting than a pair of solid black pants.
• Top: Fine gauge sweaters, blouses or button down shirts are comfortable layers under a jacket or trench coat. Finding tops that are fairly crease-resistant and don’t show marks left by perspiration are an added bonus. Ann Taylor’s drape wrap top is elegant and comfortable. Pop a pretty camisole or tank top underneath and leave it un-tucked over trousers.
• Jewelry:  Brighten up black with a necklace or/and bracelet. Long pendant necklaces are trending, which makes the coin pendant necklace from Kenneth Jay very fab.
• Topper:  Your choice of topper depends on the weather. If it’s fairly chilly, Calvin Klein’s belted poplin trench is versatile (also available in tan and black). It double duties equally well over jeans for weekend wear and makes a super addition to your traveling wardrobe capsule.
• Comfy shoes: Pumps with low stable heels and soft footbeds, like Bella Vita’s Wow pump, are a good compromise between foot comfort and dressy styling. When wearing black from head to toe, adding texture to the ensemble creates depth and interest. Patent footwear is one way of creating texture. Remember that you can doctor shoes for comfort with extra soft insoles, arch supporting inserts, foot petals and knee highs. If all else fails, commute in footwear that keeps your feet smiling and switch out your shoes at work.
• Comfy Handbag: You have several handbag options. Some like to travel with a large flat shoulder bag like the B. Makowsky lizard embossed leather tote. Others prefer to carry a small handbag and briefcase.
• Extras: Commuting with a mini fold up umbrella in case it drizzles is wise. Wear a dressy scarf simply for insulation while on foot, taking it off once you get to the office. Or, leave it on making it part of your indoor outfit. Donna Karan’s Tex stripe silk Georgette scarf packs a pretty Spring punch.

I’ve chosen a black and grey colour palette, but you could have chosen a navy or earth toned palette, and added more colour. It’s also clever to carry a little emergency kit in your handbag so that you can freshen up at work. Items like a hair brush, make-up bag and lint brush can come in handy.

Casual Friday

Wearing relaxed professional clothing on Fridays is becoming the norm. The trick is to create the same amount of professional polish with more casual ensemble pieces. Enter smart casual dressing, which more often than not works like a charm.

• Bottoms: Flared leg jeans, like Cookie Johnson’s Prosper stretch trouser jeans, are all the rage this season. If these look too dramatic, opt for a slimmer denim trouser silhouette, or a pair of dark wash bootcut jeans.
• Tops: A blouse like Calvin Klein’s lace front top with fun roll-tab sleeves provides a relaxed look in a dressy way. Tailored sweaters, structured knit tops and button down shirts are other options.
• Jewelry: Wear earrings like simple white gold hoops from Macy’s instead of a necklace.
• Topper: Because commuting on foot often requires a warmer layer, keep out the draft with Kenneth Cole New York’s sateen walking coat (also available in sand and black). Again, a Spring coat like this looks equally fabulous worn with a knit top and casual footwear over the weekend. Love those items that do double duty!
• Comfy Shoes: Change things up with a low heeled bootie like the E325’s from Fidji. Wear them with trouser socks that stay up and I can almost guarantee happy commuting feet. No need to wear pumps all the time.
• Comfy Handbag: A structured handbag always looks professional, but a semi-structured bag will do just as nicely. Halogen’s double pocket leather tote zips up securely, while its cargo pockets provide easy access to a phone, lipbalm, tissues and keys.
• Extras: Scarf and mini fold up umbrella are optional, as are a pair of sunglasses.

You might need to tweak these guidelines for your climate, and because the prerequisites for comfortable and polished commuting can differ from person to person. At the very least, these formulas will provide a starting point. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below. My job involves a lot of commuting on foot, so I’m all ears for extra tips.