The Albert Lea store is one of 119 stores closing companywide, said store manager Amber Engebretson.

She said she was informed of the decision to close the store last week.

"We're all pretty sad," she said. "It was a fun place to work."

Claire's Stores, based in Pembroke Pines, Fla., has 3,074 stores in North America and Europe. Moody's downgraded its debt twice in 2008, pushing the company's rating deeper into what Moody's analyst Maggie Taylor calls the "deep junk" category.

"There's not very much room that it can go," said Ms. Taylor.

Short women appear taller in short jackets and large women appear slimmer in tailored jackets.

Almost every coat style is repeated each year. If you really love peacoats, there is probably a designer who has created an updated version.

Houndstooth is back, and you shouldn't fear it. Although the print is large and bold, "houndstooth is a classic," says Loo.

If you're considering a swing coat, buy long gloves to make up for the short sleeves.

Accessories are important for two reasons: one they will keep you warm, two they add gloss. Beanies and berets are the most fashionable hats, and many come with sequins or a lurex weave to add a bit of sparkle. Boots are really the only practical footwear. Ugg do not only produce those furry sand-coloured boots with which we have all become so familiar, but they also do more hardwearing leather versions, still warmly lined with sheepskin.