Summer has arrived and I hope you are enjoying every minute of this sun-soaked July!

I've been thinking of Summer fashions, weddings, beach and golf days! What could be more glorious? (well - I have to admit not all golf days are glorious!...). Anyway, with fresh air right now and longer days, there is always something to celebrate! Which brings me back to one of my favourite topics

HOW TO LOOK YOUR BEST!

Last month we talked about a few important factors and this month I have a few more ideas to add, to complete our list of 10.

No. 6

Pay close attention to undergarments that have had their BBD (best before date). Nothing kills a look more than when gravity has won. A well fitting bra makes all the difference. At Pistachio, we love Shapeez because it not only lifts the "girls", it also smooths the back and offers great support.

No. 7

Confine leggings and tights to exercise and the gym. Thankfully, gone are the days when tights were acceptable as pants (were they ever??). I hear they are trying to make a comeback, but we are fighting it all the way! - unless it's under a dress that needs extra length or warmth.

No. 8

Show some skin. Roll up sleeves and pant legs on skinny or casual pants - it definitely takes 5 lbs off when you are not covered right up. Try it - it's a guaranteed win!

No. 9

Don't buy a large jacket so you can do it up, if you never do. If you intend to leave a jacket open, buy the size that looks good when undone, otherwise it will always look sloppy - and that adds pounds.

No. 10

When possible, buy an asymmetric top or jacket - or create the look by tucking in or tying an end. A straight line across your hips always adds pounds, whereas an uneven line elongates the body. This also applies to scarves and the difference points make at the end, rather than a straight line finish. It all goes back to the importance of proportion.

Confidence, wear it well

So much about clothes and style have to do with the confidence with which you wear them. I have spent nearly my entire career (over 35years) dressing women and helping them look their best. One thing I have discovered, is that it's how you feel about yourself that makes all the difference! I have seen size 4 women complain about their bodies and size 12-14 women love how they look! If we have arms that work, we should be happy! If we have legs and hips that can still take us golfing, let's enjoy the game! As they say - Let's love the skin we're in!

It's time for a sale

On a separate note - At Pistachio we love our July clearance sale! I always do a thorough check of my wardrobe this time of year, to see where the holes might be for next year. Are my whites looking a little yellow? Did I enjoy wearing casual dresses this year, and should I pick up another one? Did I see everyone in a blazer and want one next year? Or - just go shopping for fun and take advantage of 50% off some items you maybe didn't want to spend that much on this year. Of course, the selection isn't perfect but there are always some gems to be found. Sometimes the best items are the onesies that are left and just got lost in the rack! It's always fun to find some great bargains! Then, take the items that you didnt wear this year and separate them out so they are ready to be taken to the consignment or thrift shop at the beginning of next Spring. It's so much easier than doing it next year when we've forgotten what we didn't wear or didn't feel good in!

Well, I can't wait to tell you all about our new and exciting Fall Fashions and events next month! Until then - happy summer and good luck on the links!