Not Your Mother’s Fashion Rules

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

When did the rules change? My mother asked me this as she carefully pulled out her handbag that matched her shoes that matched her watchband that matched her leather gloves. She smirked as she saw me grab my turquoise handbag and slip into my red boots. “Haven’t you heard? There are no fashion rules anymore,” I said to her. She just laughed.

Yes, the style rules have changed over the years, and as my mother would admit with many reservations: “It does seem like anything goes these days.” As our mothers watch in amusement, many of them are just like us .. still trying to figure out what looks best on them in a world where good taste often seems like it has vanished along with the style icons of yore: Audrey Hepburn and company. My mom and I also love Coco Chanel — the French designer whose name lives on today as a fashion legend. We both agree with her when she said: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

But if your interested in what the new generation of fashionistas are proclaiming, here are a few “new” rules:
• No, everything does not have to match. There was a time when I remember my mom and my grandmother would never leave the house without their matching shoes, handbags, gloves AND hats. Now, individuality reigns and eclectic accessories that do anything but match are the new way to go.

• One size does not fit all. Buyer beware when you see this tag, unless of course it’s a fabulous scarf, a pair of diamond earrings or a sterling silver flower pin.

• Black is always in style. My mom may like Coco Chanel and her black and white classics, but she always believed that “black attracts everything but men and money.” So when she sees me having yet another black attack, she always thinks I’m once again teetering on the dark side. My daughter’s “Goth” period was enough to do her in. And then when my cousin’s bridesmaids wore black dresses in her wedding .. well, that did put her over the fashion cliff.

• White is always right. Another color conundrum for the fashion challenged. When I was growing up, one rule you never broke was not wearing white until after Memorial Day. Then you put up your white cotton pinafores and white patent shoes when Labor Day rolled around and your new fall school clothes took their place. Now, I have a white coat I wear in the bleakest of winter, but I still hesitate to wear white jeans year-round like some of my friends.

• Clashing is cool. Mix your paisleys and your checks, your purples and your pinks. This rule is another one that I seem to side with my Mom on — mixing patterns and prints and colors that clash is one way to get some fashion forward looks into an otherwise boring wardrobe full of basics, but it does take some savvy expertise to pull it off.

• Whatever you do, don’t wear those “Mom” jeans. By now, you and your Mom (and President Obama) should know this rule. But let’s face it, jeans have become a go-to uniform for many of us, even dressed up for the office .. something my Mom would never have done. Her rolled-up jeans and saddle shoes were reserved for sock hops only.

• Forget pantyhose, unless your office dress code requires it or you’re bowing in the presence of the queen herself. Otherwise, keep your feet buffed, your toes polished and your legs moisturized. If they’re not your best asset, wear pants, not pantyhose.

• Let your undies show .. well, sorta kinda. That lacy camisole that peeks out from under your jacket is just fine, as long as you don’t bare too much skin. If you can hear echoes of your Mom’s voice saying, “You are not leaving the house looking like that!” then you might need to head back to the closet.

• So, even though the way we dress may have changed since the days of Audrey and Coco, we can all still follow one of Chanel’s enduring quotes: “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” And dress for yourself, too!.

I ❤ Black and White

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

So you’ve bought the turquoise tunic, you’ve wrapped yourself up in a hot pink scarf, but day after day, you still find yourself reaching for those black-and-white classics that are the backbone of many stylish spring and summer wardrobes. Let’s face it: getting dressed in black and white is easy. But it doesn’t have to be boring, even if all you’re wearing is a black top and a pair of white jeans. Here are some ways to put some excitement into this favorite color combo:

— Go graphic. One of the most fun ways to update your black-and-white wardrobe is to add bold, graphic prints to your solid pieces.

— To the max. Black and white goes a long way this season, especially when you wear it from head to toe. Maxi dresses are one of the newest ways to wear black and white in bold stripes or florals. A long, solid black “tube top” maxi dress is another one of my favorite picks this season. This is the “patio party” dress of the summer.

— Check it out. Remember gingham? It’s back again in a big way … a big black and white way. Think Beverly Hillbillies meets Marilyn Monroe, and check out the newest picnic parade in tops and tunics. A great combination with white denim shorts.

— Skirt it. Easy and breezy, all in black and white. Another idea for work: Try a black pencil skirt with a white tank and white jacket. Or for the weekend, go with the flow in a long, printed maxi skirt topped off with a black or white tank top and cinched in with a silver belt. If you’re looking for a budget-conscious way to skirt it this season, log onto www.newport-news.com.

— All dressed up. Got a fancy occasion to go to this spring or summer? Why not wow them in a zebra-print cocktail dress? This black-and-white print is a chic alternative to the little black dress.

One of my favorite “go-to” pieces is a zebra-print trench coat I bought years ago. It never seems to go out of style.

— Layer, layer, layer. Now, here’s where it gets fun. Since everything lightens up in warmer weather, it’s easy to take “sheer” looks and give them some extra style with lightweight knits. Layer a pretty black tank under a white knit cardigan. Or try a white tee under a black tunic top and wear them with your favorite jeans.

— Texture counts. Whether it’s beaded, embroidered, embellished with lace or covered in feathers, the best black-and-white pieces to mix into your basic wardrobe have details that get noticed. A ruffly scarf can even add some texture to a black-and-white outfit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix all kinds of textures — think patent leather and lace.

— When all else fails, accessorize! Now, this is an easy way to add some newness to your black-and-white wardrobe. Forget sizes … you can readily find zebra-print handbags and even flip-flops in black and white that can instantly put you in the fashion news, which is black and white and “red” all over.

Casual Spring Looks for Work

By Sharon Mosley

When spring fever starts to sweep through your office building, chances are that your prescription will be to throw all fashion caution out the window and get comfy in your cropped jeans and tunic tops. But before you get too carried away with dreaming about tiptoeing through the tulips in your flip-flops, there are plenty of ways to look professional and still loosen up a bit.

“With business casual, you have the freedom to be a little more stylish and a lot less conservative,” says Jill Martin, TV personality, style expert and author of “Fashion For Dummies” (Wiley, 2010). Of course, what you wear to work depends on the particular business environment in which you are employed. However, Martin believes that “business casual” may be one of the most common forms of dress these days.

“Instead of the traditional business suits,” she says, “you can wear pants, blouses, skirts and dresses. These selections make business casual more comfortable and give you the opportunity to inject some more of your personal style.”

Still, it can get complicated. Waking up every morning and putting on a suit requires much less thinking — pulling on an entire outfit that is comfortable, but not sloppy is a whole other matter.

“If you’re the slightest bit confused about what to wear as far as business casual goes, take a cue from the men in your office,” advises Martin. “If they’re wearing khakis and polo shirts, you can use that standard, even though you don’t want to wear exactly that. Your goal is to distinguish yourself in a way that makes you look both stylish and feminine.”

She suggests wearing sharp wool gabardine slacks or Capri linen pants with a fitted shirt in a soft pastel, instead of the traditional polo that a man would wear.

“Don’t forget a great pair of shoes,” adds Martin. “Ballet flats are always chic yet comfortable.”

The more options you have when you get dressed for work this spring, the better. But putting them all together is the trick. Here are some more tips from Martin on how not to be a fashion dummy:

• Keep a few items in your office to throw on when you need to. Perhaps a cardigan in a neutral color and/or a scarf.
• Keep a perfect pair of black pumps and a perfect pair of black flats at work. “You’ll be glad you have the flats if your feet are killing you, and if last minute plans come up, you can dress up your outfit with the black heels.”
• Even if your workplace doesn’t require you to dress formally, show up decked out from time to time. “It helps people see you in a different light, which never hurts,” says Martin. “And when people ask why the change, just say with confidence, ‘I felt like getting dressed up today.’”
•  Don’t go overboard. “You can be playful,” admits Martin, “but make sure it doesn’t turn from playful to too sexy.” Wearing a tight skirt that keeps riding up during a business meeting is not something you want to worry about or to be a distraction to your clients.
• Are shorts ever OK? “The easiest answer is a simple no,” says Martin. “Even if the policy is ‘anything goes,’ you must remember to always dress appropriately.” But in the most casual of offices, long, tailored shorts paired with a blouse or sweater set and heels can be casual yet chic,.• How about jeans? If the dress code at your office is on the “creative” casual side, then jeans are often the “go-to” item, says Martin. “Some jeans scream casual, while others can be chic and appropriate.” She suggests sticking to a pair of nicely fitted, dark denim jeans paired with a sophisticated blouse or sweater set.

Forget the jeans with the holes in the knees. Just remember, she adds, “make sure you have a few great pairs of heels and at least one fabulous work tote to pull an outfit together and make you look ‘done.’”

•  Accessories can also be a way to relieve spring fever at the office. “Aside from wearing more comfortable clothing,” says Martin, “business casual dress is an opportunity to wear clothes with more flair. A scarf, earrings and a nice pair of sandals can totally transform your work look. Accessories can be a quick fix when trying to make an outfit pop.”
•  And last but not least, there’s one universal rule of dressing in any business setting, says Martin. “It’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. You can never go wrong if you follow this advice. In fact, people will end up looking to you to set the standard.”

What Not to Wear for Spring

When the sun starts shining and the shopping days grow longer, it’s tempting to throw all our winter weary wardrobes out the window and go on a serious spending spree. But before you max out the credit cards, there are a few things you might NOT want to spend your money on this spring:

• Anything too tight. Yes, you do need to try on items before buying them. This season the stores are flooded with the trendy “slim” leggings and jeans. Even if you’re used to wearing a certain size in your favorite label, the new skinny proportions may not be so flattering or so comfortable.

• Too much jewelry. The big bling is indeed the thing this year, but when you wear the bold necklace, the jeweled cuff AND the huge cocktail ring, you’re way over the top. Stick to one major piece.

• The big black handbag. This may have been your “go-to” bag in the past, but it’s time to trade up to a colorful tote. Spring is the perfect time to go for the big blue bag or get a little wild with an animal print satchel or go romantic with a floral tote.

• Vampy nails. Lighten up those dark blood-red nails for spring. Go for a juicy coral or romantic lilac polish. Or think pink in all its rosy hues.

• A boring blazer. You may be tempted to buy this classic staple, but rethink the status of your wardrobe before plunking down more money on another shapeless jacket. Instead, invest in another modern classic: the military-inspired jacket. In long or short versions, especially in fun anorak silhouettes, these jackets will give your casual and work wardrobe a shot of instant fashion authority, especially in olive drab green.

• Plain Jane pumps. It’s time to stand out … and step out in some not-so-serious shoes, girls. Check out the bright colors, the wedges, the jewels, the baubles and bows. There’s no excuse to not put your best foot forward this spring.

• Head-to-toe denim. You already knew this, right? Ralph Lauren may have a fetish for distressed overalls this spring, but most of us non-model types may have a hard time carrying this look off the farm. Instead, try a button-front denim skirt.

• Dark pants. Yes, we all need a trusty pair of black pants and dark blue jeans, but when warm weather rolls around, leave these items off your shopping list. Instead, add a new neutral, like khaki chinos or white denim capris, to lighten things up. Then you can really spice things up with a colorful top or jacket.

Men’s Holiday Must-Haves

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

It’s time to lighten up and do some partying, guys. So, put your best blazer on and get back into the swing of dressing up again. You know you’re tired of that same old navy blazer and khaki routine. But first, you might need to do some holiday shopping – and buy a few things for yourself at the same time.

“With the economy stabilizing, expect customers to loosen their purse strings for some long overdue holiday shopping,” says Tom Julian, a menswear industry expert and author of “The Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style” (Chronicle Books, $19.95).

“The holiday 2009 season takes a slight departure from the seriousness of the fall runways,” adds Julian, “but customers are still looking for intrinsic value and quality in investment pieces that can carry them through the winter season.”

So guys, here are some “must-have” fashion trends to put on your holiday wish list:

• At the top of the debonair holiday fashion list for men, according to Julian, is a cashmere blend or plush-touch, velvet, two-button black blazer. “It can work for proper black tie or creative scenarios,” he says. Layer a velvet blazer over a sweater and trousers or a trim dress shirt in a dark color like smoky gray. Oh yeah, Johnny Depp has this look down in an all-black Tom Ford ensemble at a recent Museum of Modern Art tribute to Tim Burton.

• While black may be one of the most sophisticated choices for celebrities on the party circuit, a rich shade of wine, claret, russet or merlot is another festive way to drink in the season. “For fall, purple was the predominant color on the runways,” says Julian, “but for the holidays, it takes a warmer turn. Wine adds a depth to traditional winter fabrics and provides an understated pop of color to any holiday wardrobe.” Try pairing a deep merlot blazer over a camel sweater or a merlot patterned shirt with a burgundy tie.

• Another must-have on Julian’s holiday list for men? A half-placket pullover. This makes a great gift, too, girls! “From wools to cashmeres, this pullover works for any man,” says Julian, “and age appropriate options can be found everywhere at retail.” So, Grandpa, get ready to party! You can dress it up with tailored pants or dress it down with jeans.

• The quilting trend also steals the spotlight in holiday menswear. “Quilting is the perfect graphic accent to add a touch of luxe to a man’s wardrobe,” says Julian. “Whether it’s a minimal nuance like quilted elbow patches or a standout piece like a quilted tuxedo, this trend can be very versatile and classic.” Julian suggests looking for everything from quilted hunting jackets and knits, as well as a variety of quilting in accessories, such as bags, shoes, belts and gloves.

Tweed is another way to make the holidays bright … and this isn’t just for Grandpa anymore. “Tweed is not just for college professors,” Julian says. “Look for tailored cuts this season, such as mandarin collar tweed suits or slimming belted trenches, as well as tweed accents on shirts and sweaters.” And hey, don’t forget those tweed caps! Makes a very dapper gift!

OK, so you want to get the favorite man on your holiday gift list a new coat. No problem, says Julian. “For those who value performance and value, consider the trench coat, the car coat or a down puffer,” he says. “For those who look for style, a washed leather motorcycle jacket or a military canvas coat can be great options.” Make sure to look for extra details like zip-out linings and waterproof fabrics that can make a big difference in cold temperatures. And you know after all the parties, those bone-chilling days are ahead!

PHOTO CUTLINE: A new coat is a holiday must-have gift for men this year. Photo courtesy of Banana Republic, www.gapinc.com.

Multitasking Men: Men’s Fall Fashion Trends

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

What do we all try to do best these days? Even when it comes to what we wear? Multitask! Given the state of the economy, we’re all trying to do more with what we already have and what we invest in for our wardrobe. Fall 2009 menswear is a study in what’s smart, enduring and functional.

“This season’s offerings are very purposeful from workwear reinterpreted for function and style to blazers that do double duty as outerwear pieces,” says Tom Julian, a fashion industry expert and author of Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style (Chronicle Books, $19.95). “Navigating the trends and determining fashion’s intrinsic value isn’t difficult when you’re armed with some basic information,” he says.

So, what does Julian predict budget-minded men will freshen up their wardrobe with this fall? Here are his top menswear trends:
– The hybrid jacket. Part-blazer and part-outerwear, this garment is all about multitasking and multifunction. “The 2-in-1 factor makes this jacket the season’s go-to item for price and value,” says Julian.

Designers have placed distinct pockets to house MP3 players and phones, while convertible collars, throat latches and removable linings have been detailed for a handcrafted touch.

– The plaid patterns. What’s the visual for fall? Plaid patterns in updated and reinvented scales, proportions and color combinations. Look for hints of this trend inside collars and cuffs on shirts and inside jackets. “This classic is no longer the domain of the lumberjack or the country gentleman,” admits Julian. “Plaids now contemporize the wardrobe and can be dressed up by layering patterned plaid items with other plaids or dressed down by teaming plaids with denim.”

– Workwear. Recalling an American heritage, workwear gains new respect and appeal from young entrepreneurs and creative minds. “Clothes are now chronicling a modern day utility while resonating with pure and contemporary style in pieces like vests and jackets,” observes Julian.

High-end wools, leather and suede are the canvases for functional jackets that are detailed with everything from rivets, zippers and industrial stitching. The work shirt becomes an urban staple and is worn as a layering item with Henley shirts and rugged cords.

– The cardigan. The evolution of the cardigan continues, and this season’s menswear trends prominently feature the sweater as outerwear.

“Thicker yarns, interior linings and button closures allows these knits to be outdoor-friendly,” says Julian.

Collars that wrap, stand up or crossover are other important details on cardigan sweaters. Closures can be zip-front, toggle-front or asymmetric. Julian notes that the fisherman’s sweater was a runway favorite for many designers in Italy.

– Tailored clothing. Guys, it’s time to invest in the silhouette shift. There is a new slimmer statement from brands that appeal to younger customers. “Let’s not forget that there are many young men who have never purchased a suit as a result of the casual dressing era,” Julian points out. “Keep it tailored, but mix it up with a vest or half-zip sweater over a woven shirt and tie. Fine gauge knits and turtlenecks add a contemporary flair.”

Hollywood Hair at Beauty School Prices

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

You don’t have to have the big bucks of a celebrity to have movie-star style, according to Robert Vetica, hairstylist extraordinaire. Based in Los Angeles, Vetica has been the “mane man” to dozens of A-list clients: Salma Hayek, Debra Messing, Avril Lavigne, Reese Witherspoon … and who can forget Renee Zellweger’s “Veronica Lake” hair in that yellow vintage dress at the Oscars?

Although he is a premier Hollywood stylist, Vetica’s philosophy about having great hair is to keep things “simple, simple, simple.” In his new book, “Good to Great Hair” (Fair Winds Press, $24.99), the celebrity stylist does not offer an airbrushed version of haute coiffure. His very readable (and often humorous) tips, gleaned through 25-plus years of experience, provide all of us with uncomplicated basics that are often as affordable as checking out the local beauty school.

Here are some of Vetica’s money-saving tips when it comes to achieving great hair:
• Ease up on the shampoos and styling products that dry hair out when washed every day. “Ever wonder why European women, or Asian women, or for that matter any other group of women outside the United States have such amazingly healthy-looking hair?” he asks. “They do not, I repeat, do not wash their hair every day. Never did, never will.”

Instead, Vetica recommends just wetting hair and giving it a good rinse with water in between shampoos. “Hair maintains its proper pH better when you don’t shampoo as often,” he says. “Really, ladies, try it my way for a while. Less is more, even when it comes to your hair. Start out by using fewer products and tell me if, after a few months, your hair isn’t in better shape.”

• Choose a “leave-in” product instead of a daily moisturizing conditioner. “Leave-in conditioners have become my best friends,” admits Vetica. “You will be amazed at the results. You might even find that you’ll be using fewer styling products. When applying any product, always start with smaller amounts. Less is more with hair products. If you need to, you can always add more later.”

• Attempt a dry shampoo, Vetica’s “favorite product of all time.” “It’s amazing,” he says, and recommends using the product in a colored aerosol form.

“As we all know,” he says, “your hair starts to lose its style as the day goes on. Take the dry shampoo and give your head a good once-over, leave it for a few minutes to let it absorb all the oils from the day, then give it a good brush-through. You will be amazed at the results.”

Dry shampoo can also cover gray temporarily and give hair texture at the roots when having extensions applied. (Note from Sharon Mosley: This really does work great for thinning hair! My favorite is from Bumble & bumble (www.bumbleandbumble.com).

• Try before you buy. “A lot of beauty supply stores will have samples,” says Vetica. “Try a few that look right for your hair and see if you like what they do for you.”

• Look into beauty schools. This is one of Vetica’s best secrets if you’re on a “hair” budget. “Every beauty school in the country needs hair clients,” says Vetica, “and every school has a trained teacher on staff that oversees every client that comes through the door.”

• Be cautious about using store-bought color. “What you see on the box is not usually what you get,” he says. “Because this color on the box was put on hair that was previously lightened.”

Vetica suggests being honest if you can’t afford salon coloring and asking your hairdresser for advice. “Your hairdresser will advise you as to what number to buy, and, yes, all color has a number attached to it, especially the ones you buy in the supermarket or the drugstore.”

If you have any doubt about coloring your own hair, and money is tight, Vetica again recommends checking out the services of a beauty school. “Hey, you never know, you might meet a ‘me’ in that school,” he says.

Summer White Out: The Dos and Don’ts of Wearing White

By Sharon Mosley

It’s time to shift gears and put your wardrobe into neutral with white, one of the most versatile “colors” around. From casual to dressy, from a pair of white jeans to a white sheath dress, white is the common style denominator for brightening up your spring and summer wardrobe. And yes, you can wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

At J.Crew, white — especially white jeans — is a big DO this season.

“White jeans are amazing,” says Tom Mora, vice president of women’s design at J.Crew. “I think when you put them on you just feel happier … lighter.

“I love them worn super skinny and cropped like our white cropped toothpick jeans or also destroyed like our vintage matchstick jeans. A really beat- up pair of white jeans worn with a loose T-shirt and a vachetta sandal always looks right!”

But before you buy that extra bottle of bleach, here are a few dos and don’ts for lightening up with white:
• Do make one of your first purchases this season a pair of white jeans. In a classic five-pocket style, they are one of the most resourceful items for your wardrobe; they will go with anything.

• Don’t forget to check sheerness. Panty lines or no panty lines, you want to make sure that your white pieces are not see through and you’re covered, especially when you step out into the daylight. Visible underwear is always a don’t.

• Do stock up on white T-shirts. You can never have enough of these go-with-everything basics. In ribbed tanks or classic crewnecks, the white T-shirt is a great layering piece for any time of year.

• Don’t get overwhelmed. If you’re wearing a loose white shirt, make sure you pair it with slim-fitting capris or pants. This also works in reverse — when wearing a fuller skirt, team it with a snug-fitting shirt.

• Do dress white up. When everyone else may be wearing a little black dress, you’ll stand out in a crisp white suit or sheath dress. Another casual dressy alternative: a white camisole underneath a sheer white blouse and teamed up with white jeans.

• Don’t upstage the bride. There is one occasion when wearing white may not be quite right, and we all know when that is: a wedding. That’s when you may want to wear your own little black strapless dress … let the bride stand out in white.

• Do splurge on accessories. Go ahead and get creative. Pick your favorite pair of turquoise sandals, a metallic tote or wooden hoops; add some personal style to your basic whites. White provides the perfect backdrop to show off unique accessories.

• Don’t have an emergency white out! Before you hit the beach or the pool in your new white bathing suit, please check out the wet factor.

We all know what can happen when a white swimsuit gets soaked. You might just be drenched with embarrassment.

Shoe-Ins for Spring Are High and Low

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

Can’t wait to get out of those heavy suede boots and into some light and airy sandals?

Well, we’re all for slipping into something a little more comfortable. And when it comes to footwear for warmer weather, this season’s trends have their highs and lows, according to Meghan Cleary, shoe expert and author of the MissMeghan.com Web site — where she regularly speaks her mind on what we’ll be wearing on our feet.
“There really is a dichotomy going on,” says Cleary, when it comes to predicting this season’s latest footwear news. “Heels are very high,” and she emphasizes high as “anywhere from 5 inches to 8 inches.”
Cleary forecasts that these high heels will continue to soar to new fashion heights as the trendsetters from London to New York strut their stuff in shoes that rise above the middle ground. “There is no better way to announce yourself walking into a room than in 5-inch platforms,” she says.
In her book, “The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You,” Cleary writes that stilettos “establish you as an alpha female even before you begin to speak.” She also feels that wearers of high heels can work their shoes into “most any look with ease, well aware of its leg-lengthening, streamlining advantage.”
She urges women who love wearing stilettos to try tailored jeans and T-shirts on weekends or A-line slim-fitting skirts and matching jackets for work. For cocktails, high heel girls look great in a “vampy” ‘40s era, black straight-skirted dress. Her muse? Marilyn Monroe of course.
Modern-day inspiration comes from rocker females like Fergie, Jessica Simpson or Gwen Stefani; they all have their own shoe collections.
But flats are also “hot,” emphasizes Cleary. “When you can’t take high heels anymore, just pull out a pair of very flat flats from your bag and switch out your shoes.” Sounds good to me. Ballet flats anyone? How about doing fashion shoe battle with a little gladiator style?
And while platforms are a major shoe trend, the details are what really make footwear stand out this year, according to Cleary. While many of us may be scaling back on our wardrobe budgets, get ready to be a little flashier when it comes to what you put on your feet.
“Ornamentation is going to be key,” she says, citing embellishments such as semiprecious stones to hard-edged chains to oversized suede bows.
But the heels are just as stylish: “Sculpted heels, contrast heels and heels with exceptional details” will be kicking it up in the shoe aisle and city streets as well. And if you really want to get a little bold with your footwear this spring and summer, step out in bright colors from neons to candy pastels.
But the bottom line is looking good and feeling good whether you’re wearing a pair of killer heels or flip-flops, right? Cleary has a few tips for making your shoes comfortable.
“Use preventative care and tailor the inside of your shoe just for you,” she says. “There are many, many comfort products in the market now, so pad your stiletto up before you ever wear it outside, paying special attention to the ball of the foot and heel.”
In other words, you may want to make an appointment with Dr. Scholl’s in the near future.