When I finished compiling this list for her, I decided to create one for men as well. Now that they’re both complete, I’d like to share them with you with the hope that they might be helpful on future shopping trips or in building a solid wardrobe.
While I have mentioned some colours in the list, I have refrained from assigning a colour to every single item. Some individuals might be most comfortable choosing blacks and whites for their basics, while others might chose navy blues and whites or browns and creams, etc. Colour choices are subjective and should be based on skin tones, preferences and comfort levels.
Please also note that these lists are merely a guide. Not every item will work for every individual, nor are they a complete list of everything someone should have in their closet. They are meant to be a tool and a starting point. (That said I can email a pdf file of the actual checklist to anyone that is interested.)

LADIES
Outerwear

Black Fitted Blazer
Trench Coat
Leather Jacket (real or faux)
Denim (dark wash or white)
Winter Coat

Tops
Tank
Camisole
Short Sleeve T
Long Sleeve T
Breton Shirt (long or ¾ sleeve)
Crisp White Button Down Shirt
Turtle Neck
Sweater (crew neck or v-neck)
Cardigan

Bottoms
Denim (dark wash)
Denim (casual/weekend)
Khaki/Chino
Black Trouser (straight or wide leg)
Black Pencil Skirt
Summer Skirt (casual)
Straight Leg Short
Summer Short (casual)

Dresses
Day Dress
Little Black Dress

Shoes
Ballet Flat or Loafer
Sensible Heel for Day
Evening Pump
Classic Tall Boot

Bags
Classic Shoulder or Handbag
Tote Bag
Evening Clutch
Belts
Casual
Dress

Winter Additions
Parka
Thick Sweater
Wool Trouser
Winter Boots

Summer Additions
Lightweight Printed Tops/Blouses
White Jean
Summer Dress
Sandals

GENTLEMEN
Outerwear
Sport Coat
Trench Coat
Leather Jacket (real or faux)
Winter Coat

Tops
Polo Shirt
White Short Sleeve T
Long Sleeve T
Breton Shirt (long or ¾ sleeve)
Crisp White Button Down Shirt
Crisp Blue Button Down Shirt
Turtle Neck
Sweater (crew neck or v-neck)

Bottoms
Denim (dark wash)
Denim (casual/weekend)
Khaki/Chino
Dress Pant
Straight Leg Short
Summer Short (casual)

Suits
Tailored Suit (single breasted)
Shoes
Loafer
Black Dress Shoe
Classic Sneaker
Belts
Casual
Black Dress

Winter Additions
Parka
Thick Sweater
Wool Trouser
Winter Boots

Summer Additions
Plaid Button Down Shirt
Deck Shoes
Summer Slides

Finally, one thing to consider when purchasing basics to complete a wardrobe is to purchase colours that work together so as to easily mix and match items. That way there’s no guess work as to which pieces work together.

So how do you decide what it is you need to step up? 

On a personal level, you might look at yourself as a whole and try to figure out where you could use some improvement or make some changes. These changes could be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or even financial. 

Professionally speaking, you could review your circumstances in a variety of ways. You could ask yourself how much effort you put into your job, think about the relationships you have with coworkers or clients or, my favorite, how much you love what you’re doing. 

As a business owner, you might consider company productivity, balance sheets, existing marketing campaigns or even customer feedback for cues or ideas on where to make adjustments. 

Now, evaluating what could be or needs to be stepped up isn’t always an easy task and can make some people extremely uncomfortable. Deciding that something or some area of yourself, your life or your business needs improvement suggests that a particular area or situation isn’t where it should be or maybe isn’t up to par. Some might see this for what it is (a simple fact) while others might view it as a failure of some sort or even leave them with a sense of inadequacy (which would defeat the purpose). 

But isn’t taking the time to stop and analyze worth it? Perhaps instead of finding faults, you’ll find that things are better than you thought. Perhaps you’re exercising three times a week, eating well, giving it all at the office, have happy customers and your bank accounts and investments have never looked better. 

And perhaps just by taking the time to review all these different areas of your personal and/or professional life you realize that you’re happy, healthy and productive and live a meaningful, full and balanced life. 

On the other hand, if you do find yourself finding fault, lacking or find things that you’re not happy with or could use improvement then what are you waiting for? We only get one shot, one chance, one kick at the can. Why not make use of every day and every opportunity to live the best life we can possibly lead? Let’s make 2011 the year to step it up and make it our best year yet. 

Happy New Year! 

So as you can see, styles this Fall are very similar to Fall 2009, with just a few little changes - extremely wallet friendly for those of you who like to update. And as I always say when discussing trends of any sort, be careful not to wear too many at once. The key to a trend is to incorporate it, not have it dominate.

Oh sure, it started innocently enough – a few books here, a couple of toys for the kids there. Of course if I look back now, I could see the signs: the umpteenth pair of black yoga pants (did you know that Lululemon ships for free), the cute little tennis skirt (no I don’t play, but I do plan on taking lessons), the bright pink heels from Zappos (I mean, who doesn’t need 4” high bright pink stilettos). Well, let’s just say that lately I’ve become much more conscious of my little “habit”.

Yet as a result of all my shopping experiences I have managed to learn a great deal about the whole process of online shopping. For those of you who are new to the concept or have been afraid to try it, here are a few tips to consider when getting started:

Figure out all of your shipping costs, duties and taxes before you purchase. Know if the website will be acting as your customs broker or if you will be responsible for paying duty costs once the items arrive in Canada. If duty and taxes are not included in your final price you can always estimate the costs with the use of online duty and tax estimators.

Read all the policies, Frequently Asked Questions and fine print. Reading the Return/Exchange Policy is an absolute must. Know what you can return/exchange and how long you have to do it. Some websites will not allow returns or exchanges on sale items and most will not refund shipping charges nor will they pay for your shipping costs to return the product to them. Make sure to factor in these costs to see if the item is worth purchasing.

Keep in mind that when you are returning an item in which you paid for duty costs upon the item’s arrival, you will need to contact the Canada Border Services Agency to request a refund for all taxes and duties incurred. Remember to keep all your purchase and duty receipts for your refund request. It is a relatively simple process however it may take a few months to receive your funds.

If you are purchasing clothing or shoes and are unfamiliar with the particular manufacturer or designer, be sure to check their sizing charts. If you’re not interested in having to deal with returns, purchase from manufacturers or designers whose items you already own and whose sizing you are comfortable with.

When placing your first order with a website that is new to you, contact customer service to see if there are any first time buyer discounts or special offers. These aren’t always posted on the site. If you find a website that you like, sign up for their mailing list to receive discounts, special offers or advance notice of sales.

And finally, stick with known, reputable websites that have the most trusted security requirements in place. With a little research, planning and preparation, online shopping can be an easy and enjoyable experience. Maybe even a little too enjoyable!

Fanny packs were a huge accessory in the 80’s and 90’s and due to their practicality and function will probably forever be associated with the word “tourist”. Gucci’s 2 pocket Belt Bag (think flat fanny pack) became a must-have item after Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw sported one on Sex and the City and has been a big seller for the company ever since.

More recently, Rihanna has been seen wearing the newest Louis Vuitton version and both Blake Lively and Christina Aguilera have been photographed in Alexander Wang’s Max Fanny Pack. But it’s not just for the ladies. Fanny packs have been spotted (in one form or another) on many of the Spring/Summer 2010 runways in both the women’s and the men’s collections.

This whole trend is stirring up quite a debate in the media and on the internet as well. Some people are thrilled with the comeback. Others are vehemently opposed to it and believe that it’s a fashion disaster – once a faux pas, always a faux pas.

About four years ago on a trip to Disneyland with my kids, I saw some moms walking around with their Gucci 2 pocket Belt Bags. Unlike me, their shoulders weren’t aching from carrying around a bulky purse, their hands were free and they had a cute little accessory around their hips.

I dragged my husband and kids to the South Coast Plaza to get my hands on one and I’ll be honest with you – it was one of best things I ever bought. I loved it. I still do. I wear it when I go for a walk or when I’m outside with the kids (but still need to take my phone and keys) or when I’m running out to the gym and don’t want to carry a huge bag.

So am I a fashion geek? Am I out of style? Or back in again? Does it really even matter? The truth is I love my fanny pack and I’m not afraid to admit it! And like any trend, shouldn’t we adopt it and make it our own only because we love it? Why would we even bother wearing a trend that we didn’t like only because it was trendy?

There’s nothing worse than seeing someone who is obviously uncomfortable in what they’re wearing and there’s nothing better than seeing someone confidently wearing something that they love - whether it’s considered stylish or not.

So whether or not you choose the fanny pack this year is, of course, totally up to you. But if you do, wear it with style, confidence and a little attitude. I’ll be right there with you.

How could I, in January, not write about fresh starts, clean slates, hopes, dreams, goals and possibilities? How could I not take advantage of the one time in the whole year where practically everyone around us is talking change, resolutions and goals?

The truth is that there is something special, almost magical about the start of a new year. For some reason it entices us to reevaluate ourselves, our situations and our lives. It compels us to want more for ourselves and it allows us the opportunity to put changes into place so that we can be who we really want to be and live the life that we truly desire.

Logically though, if you think about it, is one day really so different than the next? Could you not start fresh any day of the year? If you had no calendar, would January 1st really feel so different? Would you suddenly wake up and want to kick old habits, lose weight or start a new career?

The truth is that while every day is a clean slate filled with wonderful possibilities, most of us need the start of the New Year to shake us up and force us into action. We go along in our daily lives too busy to stop and think about what we’re actually doing. Then all of a sudden a whole year has gone by and we realize that we haven’t accomplished this, didn’t get a chance to do that or perhaps we don’t like what we see.

But the start of a New Year comes along and waves its magic wand over us and we have hope. We have a whole new year in front of us to put into place all the things that we either missed in the past or want for ourselves in the future. We are awake and aware and perhaps have a new sense of purpose.

Unfortunately, for most people, the magic slowly starts to wear off. We start with great enthusiasm and intentions and day by day life starts taking its toll over us and we start to lose sight of all the wonderful dreams and desires. We get busy, we’re tired and every day becomes the same as the last.
But here’s the good news. It doesn’t have to be that way. We don’t have to let go of the magic of the New Year. We can have that magic every single day because of the simple fact that every day is a New Day. Every day can be just as profound as January 1st.

So what is it that you want this year? Do you want to look better, feel better or be healthier? Do you want to find a new job or advance in your career? Do you want to get out of your rut and put a little skip back into your step? Then don’t let the year get away from you. Make the decision to make every day a fresh start, a clean slate, a day with wonderful new possibilities and opportunities. Make the decision to make every day a New Day.

Know the dress code.

If an invitation to an event comes without a clear indication of dress code, be sure to find out. If it is work related, ask the person coordinating the event. Otherwise, ask your host or hostess to clarify. Keep in mind that it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Find out if guests or children are invited.

Once again, if the invitation is unclear, simply ask. If guests (or dates) are allowed, find out whether there are any limitations as to who the guest can be. Sometimes the invitation only extends to a spouse, partner or significant other. If it’s an office party, keep in mind that it’s a bad idea to invite the competition.

Be on time.

While it’s one thing to be fashionable late, it’s another thing altogether to be just plain old late. Arrival time really depends on the event. If you are attending a cocktail party, then there is some flexibility. If the event includes a sit down dinner, know what time dinner will be served and arrive prior to that time.

A half hour late seems to be the maximum. That said, you will need to use common sense and your own judgment regarding each particular situation. Whatever you do though, just don’t arrive early!

To give or not to give.

Many don’t like to arrive at a party empty handed – myself included. The trick is to know what to give, when and how to give it and whether or not it is appropriate. Office parties are usually easier to decipher unless the party is at the boss’s house. Typically staff members pool resources to purchase a gift for their boss. However, if the boss is hosting a party in his or her home, it may be appropriate to bring along a host/hostess gift. Make sure to see if other employees are doing the same as you wouldn’t want to upstage others.

If you are attending a private function, you will have to use your own judgment. Put out some feelers to others who are attending. If you are still unsure, bring something along and leave it in the car or in a bag and you can decide at the door.

Know your limit.

Holiday parties are often festive occasions; however try not to overindulge (especially at a work related function). If you are partaking in a little Holiday Cheer, know how many drinks you can handle and plan accordingly. Try pacing yourself by alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening – some drinks do have a way of sneaking up on you.

Don’t overstay your welcome.

Know when it’s time to go home. Unless you are with close friends or family members (and sometimes even then), try not to linger too long. It’s usually best to leave when things are starting to wind down. You’ll know you’ve overstayed your welcome when your host or the cleaning staff start sweeping around you.

Enjoy yourself.

The holiday season is a great time to relax, celebrate and connect with coworkers, friends and family. It’s a time to reflect on what is truly important and to be grateful for the joys in our lives.

Lastly and most importantly, here is the one tip that has saved numerous individuals from morning-after humiliation: Remain grounded with your feet firmly planted on the floor. In other words – stay off the tables.

Happy Holidays!

What most people are not prepared for however is my answer, which is typically: it depends. Sure I could tell you to get this particular pair of boots here and that particular jacket there and if you are looking for a specific brand of item, you would be quite satisfied. However if you are looking for a general “best place to shop” then your satisfaction level might drop a little.

You see, it’s just not that simple. There are many factors to consider - price range, style and quality, to name a few. How much are you willing to spend? Are you looking for a particular style or look? Is it a long term investment or is it something trendy and of the moment? What sort of quality are you looking for? Do you need it to last a few years or are you prepared for it to slowly disintegrate over the next few months?

Then there is the one thing that many people do not take into consideration when making a purchase: the return policy. Do you ever suffer from buyer’s remorse? Do you need to take an item home, get someone else’s opinion, ponder it and take your time in deciding? If so, then a good return policy is critical. Very rarely will I purchase an item with a No Return policy – even if for the fact that there might be a defect in workmanship that was missed at the point of purchase.

Here is something else to consider: sometimes you can find the greatest pieces in the least likely places. For instance I have a summer dress that has become one of my favorites. I have actually been stopped on the street many times by complete strangers who ask me where I bought it. Needless to say they are quite surprised when I tell them that I purchased it at a local grocery store. Case in point.

So what is a person to do when searching for the best places to shop? Start by doing a little research. Ask around - ask anyone who you think might have some knowledge of what you are looking for. Search the internet - there are a number of websites dedicated specifically to shopping (especially if you are searching by city). Flip through magazines - they are loaded with information on where to shop, new store openings, etc.

If you are new to a certain area, check out the local tourist or visitor’s bureau. I find the people that work at these establishments to be extremely helpful and full of wonderful information. If they don’t have what you are looking for, they can usually point you in the right direction.

If none of these options work for you, then get out there and start shopping. Sometimes all it takes is to go from store to store to see what is available. You might also realize that one person’s best place to shop isn’t necessarily your best place to shop.

Of course, if all else fails, you could always hit the grocery store – because you just never know…

And it doesn’t stop there. There are also the Mini Trends to follow too. These are items that didn’t quite make the major lists but were still important enough to note. So we mustn’t exclude those!

What makes reporting on the trends so difficult this season is that there is quite a bit of overlap between them. For example, the Retro trend is quite popular this season and it encompasses both the silhouettes and styles of the 1940’s and the 1980’s. Yet while discussing these eras and their impact this fall, I must also touch on the strong Feminine vibe and the comeback of the Power Suit.

And while commenting on the Power Suit, I must also note the strong play between masculine and feminine this season, which carries into the mixing of fabrics and textures as well. And let’s not forget the strong detailing that is part of each trend (which is a trend in itself).

Detailing leads into hardware. Hardware leads into bags and you can’t discuss bags without mentioning shoes and boots. (Boots by the way are huge this year.) Oh, and did I mention the Snood? You see my dilemma.

So this season I will wade through all the information that I have gathered and do my best to provide a simple, straightforward review of what’s in:

Ladies

Retro Silhouettes:

As much as those of us who lived it the first time around would like it to not be, the 80’s are still here and don’t look to be leaving any time soon. Think bold shoulders (not necessarily shoulder pads, but strong or detailed shoulders), body conscious clothing (leggings, legging pants, miniskirts and fitted dresses), bright colours and bold jewelry.

Joining the 80’s are the 40’s. Think sculpted jackets, strong shouldered blouses, belted waists and straight or pencil skirts that land below the knee. In other words, strong feminine silhouettes.

Power Suits:

One can’t mention the look of the 40’s and 80’s without mentioning the Suit, which makes a strong comeback this season. Regardless of which style you choose the emphasis this year is on tailoring.

Masculine/Feminine:

Whether you prefer the masculine look that is popular this year (suits, vests, ties, oxfords or brogues) or lean toward a more feminine style of dressing (soft, sparkly or glamorous), there is a great deal of emphasis this season on the play between masculine and feminine details.

Accessories:

This fall, accessories take center stage. Think big, bold, flashy and embellished: sparkle, zips, buckles and plenty of hardware. Whether it be your jewelry, belts, shoes, boots or bags, this season detailing is key.

Scarves:

Scarves are plentiful this year and the look is big and thick around the neck, whether wrapped or in the tubular style of the Snood.

Shoes and Boots:

Once again shoes and boots are significant pieces this season. Heel heights vary from flat to sky high and the styles are endless: city pumps, oxfords, brogues, shooties, booties, over the knee boots and thigh highs.  Whichever style you choose, just make sure they make a statement.

Bags:

Bag styles and sizes vary this fall, but as previously mentioned the emphasis is on the details.

Fabrics:

While knits and leather play a significant role this season, tweeds and velvets are not far behind. Whichever you choose to wear, try mixing the textures up a bit.

Gentlemen

As always, men’s fashion is much easier to follow and more direct. That said here are a few trends to add to the roster.

Suits:

While slim cut suits continue to dominate this season, wider legs are on the horizon. Double breasted suits are making a comeback as are checkered patterns and bow ties.

Jackets / Coats:

Top coats and club jackets are also making a comeback, while the classic trench remains, well, a classic. Whether you call it Military or Fatigue, the 4 pocket coat is all the rage this season.

Scarves:

Gentlemen, you will not be left behind this fall. Large, thick and bold scarves are yours for the wearing and make a great statement.

Patterns:

Patterns aren’t just for suits alone. Plaid shirts are extremely popular this season as are patterned sweaters and pants.

Shoes:

Apparently wing tips are back in style, although I don’t know that they were ever out.

As you can see, there are many choices to make this fall. Whichever trend you choose to wear this season, remember to make it your own. The key to trends is to incorporate them and not have them stand out. Otherwise, instead of wearing the trend, the trend will wear you.

Now, I’m pretty set in my ways. It’s taken me quite some time to figure out what my style is and I usually don’t veer too far away from it. While I love adding unique pieces to my wardrobe and maybe trying something new here and there, it’s usually something that is in alignment with who I am and complements my existing style. So whether it was the effects of being on holiday, being in such a dynamic city or the fact that September had just begun, I just knew that I needed to go outside my comfort zone and try something new.

Of course you’re all probably thinking that I’ve done something drastic like shave, pierce or tattoo one thing or another, but that’s not the case. Even better. I went out and bought a pair of Frye Campus boots. And, that’s not it. I’ve worn them not only with a sun dress, but with a pair of shorts as well. Yes, outside the house, in public.

OK, OK, I can just hear it. Big. Deal. Well, for me and for many others out there, trying something new or different can be a big deal. It’s so easy to settle in our ways and to do what we know and what comes easily. As soon as we consider trying something new or stepping out into the unknown, we hesitate and often talk ourselves out of it. We start to wonder: What will people think of me? What will they say? How will they react?

It takes a great deal of confidence and courage to be daring and try something new. And each person’s definition of “new” and “daring” is different. For me, it was trying out a look that I typically don’t wear – especially in my line of work. For someone else, it could be trying a new hairstyle, starting a new venture, trying a new sport or joining a new group.

The key is go beyond the apprehension and the uncertainty – to do what feels right to you, regardless of what others might do, think or say. Of course there’s some risk involved - there usually is when experimenting. But there may also be some rewards.

Perhaps you’ll find that by trying something new you will have gained something in return. Maybe you’ll find that the new hairstyle makes you look even better or that the new venture is extremely profitable. Perhaps you’ll excel at the new sport or make great friends in the new group you joined. The possibilities are endless.

So if there is anything you have always wanted to do, change or try, I encourage you to give it shot. If it works out, then great. If it doesn’t, then at least you’ve tried. After all, it is September.