I absolutely love light blue with red!  When I first spied the combination on a mannequin in the window of Garbarini, it was too early in the season to start thinking about it. (And if you read my blog post about red jeans, you might be interested to know I haven’t found them yet. Really need to get on that!) Now I'm inspired! Usually when we think of light blue clothing, we’re thinking of pastels, a bit grandmotherly. Most of my clients make note on their personal  style homework that they dislike pastels; however this jacket shown, although pastel, is pretty intense…almost aqua. (I also like the retro/sailor vibe of the outfit shown!) If you love the color scheme but aren’t sure about red pants, the look could also work with white pants or jeans or even a skirt. Fabulous shoes and accessories would be the key to punching up the look. Here are a few other ideas for wearing red/white/light blue: A white bottom, red jacket/cardigan, light blue top (print, stripe or solid) Light blue skirt, white top, red accessories Red skirt or pants, red jacket (perhaps a suit?), light blue top, white accessories. We all know (Read more...)

If you’ve been following my posts on Facebook, you probably know I’ve been struggling with tendinitis in my ankle and having major shoe stress lately. Flats have been friendlier to my ankle, but I’m just not ready to give up on pretty shoes, a.k.a. high heels. (This is simply my opinion for my own wardrobe, not a statement on anyone's  style.) If you have shoe and ankle issues and you’re longing to wear high heels, read on! Just this week, I made an amazing discovery! My platform shoes don’t seem to bother my ankle. Crazy, right? They look really high, but the thing that makes them comfortable is that the  foot isn’t placed at an extreme angle because of the platform. As I was helping a client shop for shoes on line this week, I noticed that Nordstrom is explaining exactly how high the heel will feel on your foot. For example, “Approx. heel height: 3" with 3/4" platform (comparable to a 2 1/4" heel).”  These would be fantastic work shoes for all but the most conservative offices/occasions! Unfortunately, my platform shoes I referred to earlier aren’t work appropriate, so I think I may have to (Read more...)

One of the big trends coming for Spring 2011 is an influence of 70’s style. True, one of my style mantras is if you wore it the first time around, you probably shouldn’t wear it the second time around; however, with this resurgence of 70’s styles, comes platform wedges. I wasn’t allowed to wear them the first time around, so I’m really excited to get my hands on a couple of pairs of these! Besides being able to wear something I was forbidden to wear while I was under my mother’s roof, I’m also looking forward to these shoes, because in the true style, they seem very wearable. What makes platform wedges different from traditional wedges is that the soles are wide, and there is a very gentle slope from heel to toe. I’ve even seen a few that are simply flat platforms with no angle at all. Since I’m battling with tendinitis in my ankle, and most of my clients can’t wear heels, I’m hoping that these shoes will provide the stability many of us need to be able to wear heels again. Platform wedges look fantastic with bell bottoms, also very big for spring. (I will talk more about these (Read more...)

Okay, it’s 2010. There’s just one thing I want to know. Why, with all of our technology, can’t the shoe industry make a really cute walking shoe? I’m getting ready for a trip to Chicago for shopping and sight-seeing later this week. Just last week I realized I haven’t made any improvements in my walking shoe wardrobe since I battled with it for Europe 2 years ago. To add insult to injury, not only do I need something for lots of walking, but I am also battling tendinitis in my ankle, so that cuts out certain styles as well. So I headed out to Dardanos on Colorado Blvd. Two of my clients have had great luck there-why not me, right? I was truly amazed at the number of  shoes they had, but equally amazed at how many ugly shoes they carry. I understand that for some, the comfort shoe, i.e. Birkenstocks, Danskos, etc, is a look-their style. I’m perfectly fine with that, but that isn’t everyone's style. Again, it seems as though we have the technology! I also don’t understand why these comfort brands make such unfashionable colors? I thought found a shoe that was great, but when the salesman brought (Read more...)

The second most hotly debated topic in regard to professional dress surrounds open-toed shoes in the spring and summer. (Check out the biggest debate.) For the most professional appearance, wear closed toed shoes. I can hear everyone groaning already, but there are a few reasons closed-toed shoes are more professional than open-toes or sandals. First, skin is distracting, and wearing sandals exposes a lot of skin. To further that, toes are distracting. I know that sounds a little odd, but it’s true. Your feet are a long way from your face. Forgoing open-toed shoes will help keep attention at your face and to what you’re saying. Another reason to avoid sandals in a professional setting is that they can convey leisure. If you’re doing business, it’s important to show you’re ready to do business. All of that said, I know how irresistible it may be to lighten up your look for summer. Here are a few tips:

• Always check your company dress code before you make any changes to your attire.
• If you always wear pumps, a sling back, closed-toe pump can be a nice change.
• The most professional open-toe shoe is a peep toe pump. The next contender would

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In my chapter from “Image Power,” How to Shop Like a Pro and Look Like a Million Bucks, I am adamant about buying complete outfits; however, today I’m going to talk about breaking that rule with accessories. It is perfectly fine to buy an accessory in your favorite color without having something to wear with it. If it’s a color you’re absolutely drawn to, chances are good you have it in your wardrobe or you’ll buy it in the future. For example, I am crazy for purple, usually a dark shade versus one that is light or muted. I once saw a pair of shoes in DSW in kind of a berry tone. They were very cool and a fantastic price. I couldn’t think of one thing I could wear them with, but I thought, “What the heck,” and took the plunge. I wear them all of the time! (Right now as a matter of fact!) I originally wore them with a printed, silk dress that had various shades of purple. The other day, I wore them with a charcoal gray dress with a border print of mauves and berries. Today, they’re sassing up a charcoal gray skirt and plaid trench (Read more...)

Here are some ways to help you shop for shoes with ease!

• Shop for shoes late in the day when your feet are largest. If the salesperson tries to tell you that the shoes that are literally killing your feet will “break in” and become more comfortable, ignore her! Shoes should be relatively comfortable in the store.

• If a shoe isn’t fitting you just right, but you love it, it might not always be a lost cause. Ask the salesperson if they can add pads or stretch them in any way. As with clothing, if you find a pair of shoes that seem just a little off, ask to try another pair of the shoes in the same size. They may be perfect.

• Keep your receipt, and give the shoes a trial run around your house before you wear them outside. You may notice pinching or rubbing that you didn’t feel in the store once you’ve had the shoes on for a little while.

• Last but not least…what are some great shoe stores? My all time favorite is Nordstrom. There are also large selections at value pricing at The Rack (Nordstrom’s outlet), DSW Shoe Warehouse, and Off Broadway Shoes. For hard

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Follow these tips for shoes to help you acheive the a long, lean look.

• A slim sole and heel will be the most attractive and classic for business. This style is truly the most flattering to your legs and ankles.

• Shoes with a low vamp will be most flattering to you if you’re petite or have heavier legs. In other words, if the shoe starts closer to your toes than your ankle, you’ll look taller and slimmer. Also, for the longest leanest legs, avoid ankle straps. On the other hand, if you’re tall with slim calves and ankles, an ankle strap can be extremely flattering.

• Wear shoes that are the same color or darker than your hemline.  This strategy creates a continuous line of color and makes you look taller and slimmer. An additional advantage to matching your shoe to your hemline is that your shoes won’t be distracting.

• Bone or flesh toned shoes are a stylish solution with a white ensemble.

Almost every time I do a seminar or workshop on professional dress, I get the question, “What about shoes?” But no one ever tells me exactly what he or she wants to know about shoes. In working with clients, I’ve found coordinating shoes can often be a challenge. Many times, there is a very fine line between shoes that work and shoes that kill the whole outfit. Not only is it necessary to get the style right, but finding shoes that are also comfortable enough to get you through a whole day can be tough. Although each case is individual, I’ve come up with some general shoe guidelines that will help you determine the best shoes for your professional image. By taking these shoe tips into account, you’ll be certain to put your best foot forward!

• A tailored outfit requires a tailored shoe. On the other hand, when the outfit is less tailored, it calls for a softer more feminine shoe. One time a client of mine showed me a black suit that she absolutely loved, but every time she wore it something just didn’t feel right. The jacket was a collar-less Chanel style with a matching tulip skirt. I asked

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