The Best Buys for Spring 2006

What fun we had on the closet cleaning teleconference last night! The allotted time went so quickly. We had gals on from all over the place and got lots of good questions. Thanks again to all the participants and to JoJami.

For those of you who signed up for the conference but couldn't make it, we're doing a little clean up on the recording and should have it available for you in the next day or so. I'll send an email when it's ready. If you signed up but DON'T hear from me by early next week, just shoot me an email and let me know -- I used a different list server for the teleconference than I do for the newsletter and apparently, it isn't quite as good at getting through to everyone. Just let me know.

If you happen to live south of the equator and are heading into fall, you might want to review my choices for Fall 2005,

That while trends come and go, great style never goes out of fashion. Take stock of your body shape and lifestyle and pick and choose those seasonal offerings that suit you best. There are some tricky trends out there this year (oversized bags, narrow pant legs), so be forewarned.

Remember, NOBODY can wear EVERY style equally well, regardless of her height, weight, or bank account. So stick with the few styles that suit you well and pass on all the rest. As always, invest in classics, go cheap on trends.

With that in mind, here are some of the most eye-catching yet figure-friendly looks of the season:

1. White on White

White clothes and warm weather go hand-and-hand. While many women shy away from all white because they're afraid that it may make them look bigger, wearing monochromatic ensembles - including white - can actually make you look taller and slimmer. Just be sure to wear flesh-toned undergarments (NOT white, which shows through) for a clean, seamless look.

Coldwater Creek

I.N.C.
Macy's

2. Romantic/Feminine

Ruffles and lace are oh-so-feminine and can really ramp up the flirt factor if you're so inclined. Just be careful - ruffles mean extra bulk, so be sure to put them only on a part of your body that can withstand the extra volume.

LaRedoute

Ralph Lauren
Macy's

3. Boho Luxe

The bohemian trend continues this season, with homage to the exotic. Beading, metallics, intricate patterns - you could look like you just returned from Morocco or Bangladesh without ever leaving town. Just remember the rules of proportion by keeping embellishments in relative size to your body.

Coldwater Creek

Guiseppe Zanotti
Bluefly

4. Crochet

Crochet apparel continues to be popular this year, but these are definitely NOT the same kinds of sweaters dear Granny used to make. From tight, intricate patterns to wide, open stitches, you're sure to find a style that suits you perfectly.

Avenue

Bluefly

5. Wide Belts

After years of being basically MIA, belts have returned to popularity this year in a BIG way. Wear them threaded through your belt loops or over an untucked shirt for a youthful, contemporary look. Just be careful of the size if you have large breasts or a big tummy (no wider than 1 to 1-1/2 inches) or you could be calling attention to those areas in an unfavorable way.

Chadwicks

LaRedoute

6. Nautical

Coco Chanel adapted the nautical look from the navy in the 1930's and it's been popular off and on ever since. Small wonder - sea-side looks and summer by shore go hand-in-hand. Just be careful where you put any horizontal lines - they'll make whatever you put them on appear wider.

Norm Thompson

The Gap

7. Safari

Safari looks go in and out of style and happen to be very popular again this year. Whether you opt for safari-style jackets, slim skirts, pants, or shorts, you can be right on trend this year - even if the only jungle you ever see is the urban variety.

La Redoute

Perry Ellis
Macy's

8. Southwest

If the word "vacation" makes you think of hot sun, cold drinks, and venues south of the border, you're not alone. Several designers had the same thought this year, making southwest styles both popular and wearable. Vamanos!

Coldwater Creek

Carabella

9. Shirtdress

Here's another favorite that's been updated for spring. You'll find some with new styling, others in fun fabrics, and still others that stray far enough from the familiar silhouette that they're both classic and contemporary at the same time. Depending on where you work, the shirtdress may be an acceptable warm weather alternative to a suit, allowing you to keep the authority without the suit.

Chadwicks

Jones New York
Macy's

10. Wedges

Wedges are super-popular this year and you'll find them in various heights and heel styles. Wedges offer a sturdier alternative to the thin high heel and look great with many casual styles. Just be careful if you're petite or have very small feet - you don't want to be "all shoe" in a style that overwhelms your proportions.

V.O.Z.
Gotham City Online

Charles David
Soleas

So those are my top picks for the season. Add a handful of pieces that compliment your body shape and lifestyle and you can look up-to-the minute whatever your age, shape, size, or budget.