It's that horrible time of year again when stores start to stock up for winter with wool, down and leather while the temperatures continue to soar well into the 100s. Welcome to late-summer shopping in the Mojave Desert, people. It's never a treat.
How can anyone expect us to enjoy purchasing a sweater when we're still wet with perspiration from the walk in from the parking lot? Do you splurge on winter wear or gobble up all of spring's pretty things that are on sale?
The answer, my friends, is complicated. Clothes are meant to protect you from the elements, so you won't be wearing those fabulous chocolate-brown stiletto boots with that lamb's-wool purse and overstuffed down vest for awhile.
Will supplies last until the temperature drops? The better apparel won't last for long when we have to do battle with those millions of tourists who shop our stores, too. The best stuff always flies off the racks first.
Until Nevada Day rolls around in late October, it'll still be comfortable enough outside to wear T-shirts and sandals. Sure, it's a long way off, but don't forget to buy yourself some key winter items early while supplies last. Come December, the stores start to stock for spring again.
When summer finally sets, ditch that slouchy, gauzy bohemian theme in favor of a more tailored look. Buy some crazy rhinestone or feather-clad shoes, purses and accessories to add some pizzazz.
If you are looking for an inspirational era for fall, think of the '80s when preppies and punks mixed it up a bit over the Beastie Boys and the Ramones.
We'll see a big return to black with the little black dress and black trench coats topping the list of musts.
Purple and brown are also emerging as haute colors for fall, with a little royal blue thrown in for good measure.
Jeans will remain a pivotal part of the wardrobe, especially for those of us who live out West. However, those exposed skin haunches and bellies will go the way of the dinosaurs in favor of a higher waist. Oversized wool or cashmere sweaters will take the place of all those loose scarf shirts.
A lot of coats will be down-filled and puffy, and that sounds just plain hot right now. Maybe we could lobby the local retail industry to set thermostats in the high 40s so we can get a feel for the season before November rolls around.
Don't look now, but some stores have even started to put out those convenient, wrapped holiday gifts for those who like to get a real jump on the next season.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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