Wondering what makes one item an image comsultant's "Pick" while other items don't make the list?  Out of the thousands of items at the mall on any given day  I make my selections using the criteria below:

1. Versatility.  Is it an item that could be used in lots of ways and really expand a client's wardrobe options?  Often that means garments that are relatively plain and classic - items that will get their pizzazz from the creative ways a woman combines and accessorizes them rather than from overly memorable style details that limit the ways the item can be used.

2. Color.  Of course no single color is going to look good on everyone, but is this item a color that is likely to work for a broad range of women.  Or maybe it's a color that will just look killer-drop-dead on a specific segment of women.

3. Color - again.  Is it a color that I know can be tough to find?  In basic separates, that means a neutral other than black.  When I spot a grouping - ideally a Core Four - in caramel, taupe, sable, warm navy or any other off-the-beaten-path neutral, you can pretty much bet it will make the list.

4. Color - last time, I promise.  Hopefully you've already figured out that bright white (as in the "must-have white shirt") is very tough for most people to wear well.  So equivalent garments in ivory, cream and winter white are likely winners.

5. Print - so many prints "wear the woman" instead of the other way around.  When I spot a print that is a great mix of compatible colors in a contrast level and motif scale that won't overpower ... it's worth picking.

6. Size range - gals who fit Misses sizes don't usually have much trouble, but when an item is also available to fit tall gals, petites, women's sizes or the toughest-of-all womens' petite -- that's a find worth sharing with my readers.

7. Body flattery.  Does the garment work for a wide range of figure types?  Or maybe it's a real problem-solver for one specific body shape or challenge area.

8. Quality.  I respect the fact that my readers represent a broad range of budget levels, but I won't recommend any item - not matter how attractive - that is throw-away quality.  You won't find picks from "fast fashion" retailers like H&M or Forever 21.  The logic is simple.  That cute sweater could only retail for $12 if it's made from low quality fabrics by laborers who aren't paid a living wage.  No thanks!

9. Value - is the item a fair price for the quality and versatility it offers?  You'll see some picks that are great mark-downs of pricier items. That's entirely different from cheap-to-start-with.   But price alone won't  put an item on the list.  It has to fit the other criteria first.  Nobody needs a so-called bargain hanging in the back of the closet 3 years from now with the tags still attached, now do they?

Besides understanding the criteria for my "Nancy's Picks" -  you might use the concepts from this list to guide your own shopping expeditions too.