IRENE SURVIVAL KIT

I feel for family and friends on the East Coast, particularly NYC.  As of yesterday, they reported that it wasn't that bad.  Most of them are veterans of disastrous tropical storms in the tropics!

It did remind me to pull out my Wellies just in case we begin winter rains early here on the West Coast.

from eBay

Nothing like fun puddle jumpers to brighten up a grey day.

EQUESTRIENNE STYLE

There is something vigorously aristocratic about riding breeches and muddy riding boots.  Hermes even turned it into a theme for their Spring 2011 collection.

Hermes Spring 2011

I was wearing out my old knee highs, so I kept looking around for riding style boots with just a little bit more oomph.   I happened upon these riding boots with attitude -- laced up to the knee, metal zippers on either side of it, and sinewy seams along the back.  They are now an everyday favorite!  Skinny jeans and dresses take equal notice.  I walk with a bit of a swagger.

This is for those who enjoy a dose of humor with their outfit.

Rosegold Olwen boot

Pair them with skinny pants and a tailored, military-style jacket to feel the charge of the Cavalry

Derek Lam military jacket

Or give a structured tunic dress some edge.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Fall 2008

Or simply throw on your puffy jacket.  I can see Alexa Chung wearing something like this, perhaps with her signature short shorts.

Moncler fur-hood jacket

The days get sunnier and warmer here in California.  So enjoy the boot weather before pedicure season.

STRUTTING INTO THIS DECADE

Happy New Year!

Along with our resolutions, we reflect on this decade's style. What still looks modern from last decade and what should we retire?

KEEP ON WEARING: Platform Sandals and Booties 

Even clog bottoms, as Chanel surprisingly showed the fashion world last spring.  Ankle to mid-calf platforms still modernize any outfit.

Chloe, beige clog-bottom sandals

Balenciaga
open-toed, platform mid-calf boots

STORE OR DONATE: Uggs and Crocs 

Unless you're a kid.  Okay, perhaps I never quite got Ugly Chic.  (I swear I did not coin that term --fashion rags over 5 years ago did.) I understood Punk, Goth, and Grunge as personal style expressions and oddly artistic.  Yet, the classic Ugg boot and Crocs struck me as utilitarian, not Statements.

Classic Short Ugg boots

Crocs

KEEP ON WEARING: Tailored silhouettes 


Runway Minimalism last year influenced the return to a simpler shape and form.  Folds, drapes and some embellishment in the fabric can still feel modern, but bows, ruffles and studs get a rest.

Burberry Prorsum silk dress with intricate twists

STORE OR DONATE: Boho Chic

A few hippie accents still look good, but too much flower child belongs to another Decade.

Ralph Lauren, Fall 2010

KEEP USING: Ladylike bags

Bags held by their handles or slung in the crook of the elbow still exude posh glamor.  

Mulberry pink ostrich Bayswater bag

STORE OR DONATE: Logo shoulder bags 

Particularly longer strapped ones.  They look dated.  But wait some decades and they'll turn Vintage.

Coach logo shoulder bag

The main push towards modern dressing in the past decade is Eclecticism.  Mix up designers, from high-end to low-end.  Throw in some Vintage or Flea Market finds.  This drive towards individual style is perhaps the most important development in Fashion this millenium. It remains the key to Modern Dressing.

* Let's not split hairs, for those of you who love precision.  Most would insist the decade began with the year 2010 rather than 2011.  For the purposes of Fashion, we are still very early on in this decade, however you count it.

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING

Convertible wedge boots

People often ask me about comfortable yet stylish shoes.  Yes, there are fashionable alternatives to Birkenstocks and Uggs!  Here are some trendy ideas:

A terrific everyday heel is the wedge.  They give just enough lift compared to flats, but don't kill your feet like slim stilettos would.   The higher heel gives your outfit a little more style than a clunky alternative.

For an everyday look, I love this convertible suede boot which looks great on bare legs for spring to early summer.  The shaft height converts from an ankle bootie to a calf-high boot, so you get 2 looks in one.

As the weather warms up, this shootie has a heavy tapered heel that is not too high.  Stacked heels achieve the same comfortable effect.  People with nice legs can carry off this look, and the neutral shade naturally lengthens your bare-legged silhouette.   It works with narrow, linen pants too.  See the Balenciaga photo I posted in the entry:  Technical Difficulties

Of course, the new shoe paddings in drug stores or department stores make most shoes more comfortable now.   Ball-of-foot gel inserts are a godsend for stilettos!  Heel inserts are great for flats.

The biggest advice for healthy feet from Podiatrists is - Change your heel height throughout the day.

SHAPELY BOOTIES

The sun is shining and trees are a-bloom.  Time to pack away your fabulous winter boots.  How do you take care of them if you've thrown away the boxes and packaging they came in?

• Boots keep their shape best when standing upright in your closet.  Save a spot on the floor, or even on a high shelf that has room at the top.
• Clean off any stains or debris from your boots.  Suede boots need to be brushed off.
• Keep their shape by stuffing the toe areas with tissue paper.  
• Tall boots benefit from boot trees.  If you don't want to purchase them, thick magazines folded in half lengthwise do the trick.

They will be in great shape for next year!