I used to be really into self-defecating self-deprecating fashion: yoga pants, slip-ons and a hoodie, all in either black or a very despondent shade of grey (is there any other shade really?) I would tell myself I was too kick-ass smart for florals and paisleys. I was convinced that loving Coach would cancel out all the love I had for my children or that it would somehow prevent me from talking about the economy with any conviction. Like, totally.

But then I started to lose my hair. And then I was told I ain’t never gonna get most of it back. And the thing was, in spite of cellulite and jiggly bits, I always felt I carried *cute* well - I have green eyes and freckles, for heaven's sake. But shedding my hair made me re-define cute.

That's when I discovered camis and cardis and Sarah Jessica Parker and Lucky Magazine. So I was pretty pissed off to find out that these days fashion, is well...un-fashionable. It has been replaced with “Serious”. Supplanted by “Issues”. Stephen Harper is sexier than fashion these days, for crying out loud. Can't I be clever in a cami?

I believe you can. Therefore, I am bringing back fashion. And I am defining it as anything you wear that puts a smile on your face. Thats it.

Clothes really do have that ability. Ok wait! anything you wear that puts a smile on your face AND looks good. This does not give you carte blanche to raid your daughters' closet, or start wearing those leggings/jazz ballet sock things circa 1985. You wanna pretend you can still Flashdance? Great. But please Flashdance away in the privacy of your own home.

Here are a few simple guidelines to keep you from looking like Jane Fonda:

 Knee-length skirts look good on anybody, regardless of body shape. If you wear them higher awesome - but the general rule of thumb is that the closer you get to 40, the closer the hem should be to your knees.

Best bet: Esprit, Mexx, H&M.

Cardigans Rock. Buy one. Or do what I do and buy ten. Trust me - you cannot have enough of them. But unless you receive a surprise visit from Aunty Flo, don’t wrap it around your waist. Ever. Ditto for over your shoulders. Unless you want huge shoulders. If you need to take it off, tie it around your purse.

Best bets: Joe Fresh, Anthropologie, Zara, JCrew (online).

Shoes: Unless you have a wonky foot like me, wear a slight wedge or a really funky sneaker. And unless you want to smell like the lunch my son left in his school bag all summer long, invest in a pair of absorbency insoles - just make sure to size the shoe accordingly.

Best bet: Little Burgundy, Browns, Town Shoes.

Don’t let a silly thing like money be an issue either. Regardless of budget, you are not walking around without clothes, right? All I am suggesting is that you indulge in colours, styles and pretty accessories.

This can be done by:

Shopping in your own closet. You probably already have some great basics. Find them, clean them and then supplement.

Host a swap. Invite a few friends over, make sure they are your size, sit closest to the girl with best selection, get her another glass of wine, and SWAP! Give the leftovers to a local charity. Win-win.

Consignment shops. Less than retailers but more than free. They are often uptight about what they'll accept, so you can expect zippers and buttons to function properly.

Sew your own. I was totally kidding about the sewing bit. Hahahahahahahaha. Sewing?!? C'mon!! If I sewed something, the three boys I live with would expect me to sew stuff. I got a Mac Book for my birthday ““ I don't have time to sew. OK - apparently some people actually do this. Like my best friend Caroline - and she's awesome at it. And apparently, there are even workshops for this sort of thing. Good lord” .

Anyway, I want us to take back fashion, however you choose to define that. Doc Marten boots and long floral skirts? Cool! Pencil skirts with lace blouses and a brooch? Awesome! Have fun. Do not be complacent. Engage your closet. Play dress up.

I do.

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