Trends to avoid: belting it out

Having survived a summer in NYC - and one that was mild according to the locals - and preparing to head into another, my sleeveless tops and skirts are all in order and there are more dresses in my closet than ever. I don't think I wore pants even once during the day in July or August last year. It's dressing for the subway platform, or the un-air-conditioned restaurant season.

I agree that summer clothes need movement - tailored pants don't cut it - but the baby-doll dress of prior seasons is now taking its toll on tops - I tried several on this weekend in sizes small and xs, and they were ridiculous. And the dresses get bigger and bigger. The last thing I need is people thinking I'm pregnant.

Which brings me to the ubiquitous belt. Thank you, SATC,* for belting absolutely everything in the damn movie, but I'll pass. It doesn't look comfortable, I don't want a heavy piece of leather sitting on my hips, and how many belts would I need to belt all my outfits? There must be something between mat-wear and exterior corsets.

If you love the look, you're welcome to try to convince me ...

*of course, I also couldn't pull off the tight/shoe combination here either ...