Andrea Pflaumer's Blog, page 7

Well, I’m WAY past this demographic. (I doubt the girl in this pic is even there yet.) But, my husband’s aunt had hot flashes until the day she died at 84. Clearly, endocrine fluctuations can continue long after menopause. If you’ve dealt with hot flashes you know what it suddenly means to have to strip off layers, even in the dead of winter.

So I was intrigued when a lovely woman in the UK named Nancy Zeffman contacted me about trying out some of her clothing. Nancy is the co-founder of a company called Cucumber, as in “cool as a cucumber.” She and her long-time friend, Eileen Willet, saw a need for stylish, sustainable sleepwear and loungewear that could help a woman maintain an even body temperature, day and night, hot flash or non-hot flash.

Sustainability vs. Aesthetics

Now, this is where I had to stretch. Being a Lazy Fashionista I simply love the idea of loungewear. But also being mostly Natural in my style essences, I have a visceral resistance to anything not made from natural fibers. All Cucumber clothing is either made from high-tech sustainable synthetics fabrics or those that have some synthetic in the textile. They are anti-microbial (an odor-eliminator) and they wick moisture away from the body. They describe their textiles as “thermo-regulating and moisture wicking.” That means you will not have to wash them as often as most similar items. The fabrics also incorporate volcanic minerals that “keep the body at the ideal core temperature.” I decided to reserve judgement and try a few of their items.

Good packaging

Nancy sent me three things from the collection: this Pacific Blue oversize tee, a Rose ballet top, and a pair of Cream drawstring pants. The first thing I loved was the packaging. They arrived in a padded paper bag that was sealed firmly with sewn thread instead of plastic tape. A light layer of tissue was wrapped around the clothes. In spite of making the trip all the way from London, neither the bag nor its contents showed any damage or wear. So far so good.

Although they advertise that their clothes are essentially “no-wrinkle” they were a little wrinkled. Not surprising, though, based on the distance they traveled. But the information sheet that came with them said that a warm iron would take care of wrinkles, and they did so, quite easily.

Namaste and Nighty Night

The tee and pants are featured in a few places on the site, including their sleepwear section. I chose to try them out for my meditation, yoga asanas, and hand weight workout. The drawstring pants are made from a silky fabric that was extremely comfortable and yes, silky, but not slippery like a satin-like fabric would be. I’m going to be wearing these a lot for multiple purposes. The blue top was a little boxy on me, but most every loose-fitting tee is. Still, it felt very comfortable. In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this post.

The rose ballet top is nowhere in my personal color palette, but I just loved it anyway. It hangs like the surplice ballet tops we wore over our leotards after ballet class. I think it is a style that would be flattering on almost anyone. There is a decidedly feminine flavor to all their clothing.

As it is winter here, I wasn’t sweating much (I rarely do anyway unless I’m in a sauna for some length of time.) But I can well imagine how I would have welcomed these items back when I was sticking a leg out from under the covers in the middle of the night, or flipping the blanket back and forth to fan myself.

Recommendation

Here’s my summary. They make very high quality well-made items, designed with simple but sophisticated styling. They will last a very long time, and several of the pieces can serve multiple purposes such as going from the gym to lunch or out for errands, without looking frumpy or sweaty. That explains why they aren’t inexpensive. But you’re paying for quality. The fact that they keep you cool, wick moisture away, and are odor free after a few wearings, add to the benefits.

Their sizes are listed for the UK, but the conversion is simple with this chart. I think their items are very much worth checking out if you are looking for workout clothes, travel items, sleepwear, or just some very nice pieces to feel comfy and luxurious wearing around the house.

(Disclosure: I receive no compensation for this review or for any of your purchases from Cucumber.)

Andrea’s books and new video series:

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OK – so, I am a little obsessed with how French women dress and there’s a reason for this: French style pretty much follows the guidelines I write about in my book, Shopping for the Real You.

I’m not talking about the artful way they tie their scarves, which, actually, they’re wearing pretty loose and casually these days. Nor am I going to reference some of the more eclectic and extreme street-style outfits a lot of the “influencers” are wearing to the spring and fall fashion shows. I’m just going to share how the average, very chic, very self-aware French woman dresses on a daily basis.

Simplicity First

French women opt for simplicity. They choose Classic basic pieces of the highest quality that they can afford. That means perfectly fitting trousers or jeans, jackets or coats, and outerwear. But then they add a feminine touch. That’s because French style is inherently feminine.

For example, they might pair a more menswear look in a jacket or pants with a more flirty blouse or sweater. Or they will add just a few strategic pieces of jewelry that draw they eye where they want you to look. Or they might spice up their neutral clothing with a handbag or scarf in an eye-catching color or design.

Their closets aren’t a jumble of fads, multiple prints, or complicated pieces. Like all chic women, they know the silhouettes that are most flattering for their bodies and only choose those. They shop intentionally. Altogether, it is a very simple but effective approach to fashion.

So let’s look at a few things that are available now and explain why you might find them in a chic French woman’s wardrobe.

A signature leather jacket

Fundamentally leather is a considered a “yang” textile because it is durable, dense, and derived from nature. (I’m not going to get into a faux vs. real discussion here.) But the cut, color, type of skin, and style can make it appear either softer, more “yin,” or more edgy, “yang.” For example, you’ll see a lot of leather blazers in the stores right now. The leather adds an element of yang to what is a classic piece, Classic being neither neither yin nor yang. But any leather or suede jacket will project a different essence based on type of skin and color. One with a metallic finish will add a bit of drama – yang. If the color is, for example, pink or pale blue, that takes down the yang quality of the skin. If it’s in a very fine lamb, suede, or kid leather, it’s not as “tough” as a stiffer skin or a texture.

Here are a few examples of both faux and real jackets that are a little off the beaten path.

Blank NY Suede Moto Jacket

Free People Faux snakeskin leather jacket $198

Cole Haan Lambskin jacket $299

Blank NY Faux leather jacket $98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post French Dressing – Why French Women Look So Chic appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

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In my dream world I have a closet full of perfectly fitting made-to-order clothes in all my perfect colors. In reality I am paying off my tailor’s mortgage. Unless you’re adept at sewing you’re at the mercy of whatever is available in the stores and online every season. That means you won’t easily find the necklines, sleeve lengths, hem lengths, etc. that suit your style and fit. But do not despair! You have options. Here are a few websites offering made-to-order clothes.

A New Classic

Sene Studio Woman’s blazer and pants $595

Sene Studio: This LA-based company has a very hip vibe, so I thought I’d check them out. They offer classic suit pieces: blazers, skirts and pants. If you’re besotted by the oversized “boyfriend” blazer look with exaggerated shoulders you won’t find them here. They make basic suit pieces exactly to your specifications and measurements using some pretty high tech algorithms. I asked about the textile and this was their response: “It is a synthetic, technically a polyester, but the high-grade kind used by brands like Lululemon. Cheaper polyesters are a single fiber and have mechanical stretch. Ours is a bi-component yarn made with up-cycled polyester and has better stretch and recovery.”

Sene Studio free blouse with suit

I’m not a big fan of polyester and they aren’t inexpensive items. But the trend toward these high-tech fabrics is a very popular one and would be certainly be great for part of a travel wardrobe, which is why I was attracted to them in the first place. They promise a 60-day money back guarantee, even after they make the pieces. They will also completely re-make something if it doesn’t fit. And if you pre-order you get a custom made shirt for free. So, if you aren’t religiously opposed to polyester you would probably love their things.

Dresses and Skirts

Kitmade LBD $235

Kitmade pencil skirt $130

Kitmade is a Texas-based company that offers dresses, blouses skirts and some jackets. They have about 30 dress styles, about half a dozen jackets, about ten tops/blouses and a few skirts. You can choose from 27 different fabrics (silks, cotton, wool, linen and some poly) and customize each piece by feature. That means you can add pockets, change neckline, etc. But here’s the cool thing. If you have an old favorite you want duplicated they will work with you to create a new version, using your item to create a pattern. It’s like having a personal seamstress making or re-making something for you.

Frilly “Christy” blouse $205

Frilly True to the name there are lace tops, ruffled top jumpsuits and flowy knife pleated skirts. But they also custom make classic pants, dresses, jackets and blazers as well as blouses. They have some cool blazers that can come in silk, linen, tweedy textiles. But the “customizing” interface is a bit maddening. Some styles would likely appeal only to those who are very young and experimental. They also make outerwear in wool, twill, and a faux that they call “pooky fur” which looks dangerously like a wookie. They advertise that from the “hardware, to the hemline, and fabric” you call the shots. Each piece is hand made by workers in factories that they own and they proudly say that they honor their workers.

eShakti square-neck dress $60

eShakti floral topper $55

eShakti cargo pants $50

eShakti I’ve heard about this company for a while now. Based on reviews they had some construction issues early on but seem to have gotten their act together. They are based in New York and the manufacturing is done in India. That means they are giving jobs to less advantaged women there, which is a good thing. You certainly can’t beat their prices. The videos and still shots of their clothing indicates that they are fairly high quality. They have lot of dresses that you can customize (sleeves, necklines, etc.) tops and blouses, pants, skirts and jumpsuits. They offer $25 off the first order. No code needed. Just click on the link. They promise a money-back guarantee but the reviews from customers say it can be a bit slow in coming. At these prices it might be worth the wait.

Rita Phil”Flora” skirt $159

Rita Phil “Wendy” wrap skirt $155

Rita Phil This site gets consistently good reviews for their custom made skirts. They also make pants but you have to use the search feature on the site to find those. They offer 60 different fabrics and although I can’t tell what the textiles are they look beautiful. They show 31 different styles of skirts, three styles of pants (ankle, trouser, and bootcut) and offer a money-back guarantee similar to Senestudio’s. And they will also give you a $30 credit for minor alterations at a local tailor if you prefer to do that instead of have it re-made by them.

So those are a few ideas for you. If I try one out I will model it here. In fact, I’m going to be doing more of that soon. And if you missed my video series: Expert Edition, it’s up for another week! (Be sure to share it with your friends.)

[Occasionally some of my posts will contain affiliate links. That means if you order anything from a site I might receive a small commission. That’s a small way I fund this site, at no additional cost to you.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Made to Order Clothes appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

I know you’re already seeing fall fashions in the stores, but c’mon – it’s only the beginning of August! Honestly, now is the time to buy a swimsuit. This year there’s a lot of variety and something for everyone. Choosing the right one just depends on your body shape and how much of yourself you are willing to show. That requires that you pay attention to how high-cut is the leg opening, how high or low is the back, whether the two-piece bottom has a high or low rise, and how much support you need in the bust.

One-piece wonders

A simple maillot style, which is essentially like a leotard, is almost universally flattering. And like an LBD, a basic black maillot works for a lot of seasonal color types, unless you fall into the category that we call Subtle Blended or “summer” coloring. In that case, a dark navy swimsuit would probably be better with your skin tone.

Madewell “Second Wave” $70

Madewell’s variation has a lower-cut back and leg openings that are a tad high but also offers some decent support for the bust area because of the crisscross straps in the back.

Hermoza “Marisa” $108

If you are a little more modest but still want some style, Hermoza, one of Oprah’s favorite sites, has very well-made one-piece and two-piece (tankinis that look like one-piece) swimsuits with a bit more coverage. They also have tutorials on how to shop for a suit based on your body shape, how it should fit, and which kinds offer the best support. This square-neck is one of their more tame styles.

Speedo Princess Seam $68

For a well-fitting dependable suit there’s always good old Speedo. They have multiple sizes and a few variations on the basic maillot. This one has a little more style in the straps on the back but is still considered one of their more “conservative” styles.

La Blanca “Island Goddess” $79

For a little more elegance LaBlanca is a company that makes high quality and pretty stylish suits. In this one at the right, the addition of some shirring at the waist crates a slimmer line through the torso.

Take Me Back

Speaking of shirring, you’re going to see a lot of it because Retro is back! When I say retro, think: 1940’s and 1950’s 1-piece and 2-piece swimsuits. These 2-piece suits are not like what we think of when we hear “bikinis.” They have bra tops that are pretty tame, and the bottoms are mostly high-waisted. So, if you’re over 50 or plus size, yes, you can definitely consider one of these. What style archetypes types can wear them? Well, you need the personality to go with them, which means they would work best for High Spirited, Youthful, or Romantic style types.

Suki Willow Bandeau Tie Front $95

Suki Sydney “Adira” $75

Suki Sydney (they also sell in the US) has several variations on the theme. This one on the left is actually a one-piece that looks like the popular throwback style. And this one on the right could have been worn by a screen star of the 40’s.

Modcloth “Esther Williams Bathing Beauty” floral $89

Modcloth “Esther Williams Bathing Beauty” $89 gingham

Modcloth, the inclusive-size vintage-style site, features a lot of the one-piece styles inspired by Esther William. In fact, they are manufactured by her fan site. These also come in red or green with white polka dots and black with a silver and gold paillette pattern for sizes 4-22W.

Sizes Galore

Andieswim “Maui” top and “Bikini” Bottom $95

Andieswim Catalina” ribbed $115

Finally, there are two sites I like these days because they carry a variety of styles, multiple sizes and very reasonably priced swimsuits. The first one is called Andieswim. Their suits only come in solid colors: black, white, navy, cobalt, poppy, turmeric and aqua. Their “bikini” styles have a fairly modest bra top and either a “bikini” bottom or a “high waist” bottom. This one combines the “Maui” top with their “bikini” bottom. If you choose their “high waist” bottom you get the more retro look that holds the tummy in. Their one-piece suits are mostly variations on the maillot; some fairly modest, others with higher cut leg openings and lower cut tops.

Summersalt “Voyager” top “Bikini Mid Rise” bottom $95

Summersalt “The Plunge” $95

Summersalt’s slogan is “designer swimwear without the designer price tag.” All their styles are under $95. They carry almost 300 different styles and colors in sizes 2-24 including maillots, 2-piece suits, high-waist to low-waist “bikinis,” some almost retro styles, athletic swimwear, and even some long-sleeve “racer” suits  for those who really want to avoid the sun. They also have a “style finder” quiz to help you figure out which one will look best on you.

Finally I want to thank Feedspot for listing Shopping for the Real You as one of their top 20 Fashion websites! (They feature several great sites that offer information and deals about saving money when you shop online.) They selected these sites based on reputation, quality and consistency of posts, popularity on Facebook and review by their editorial team and experts. I’m honored to be included.

Have some fun in the sun, and for those of you in the southern hemisphere, summer will be just around the corner!

[Note: A few of the referral links in my posts may result in a small commission to me at no additional cost to you added. They help me keep this blog going.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Swimsuits for Every Body appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Summertime is just around the corner up here in the Northern Hemisphere. And after my recent post about comfortable shoes I received many requests to write something similar about comfortable sandals. So here they are: a variety of stylish, comfortable sandals available right now. And thank you to all who sent in your suggestions. At the end of the article are links to some brands that I didn’t review. There might be something that works best for you among those.

Birkenstock Arizona $135

Several of you mentioned Birkenstocks.  In spite of its “crunchy granola” image, their ever-popular 2-strap “Arizona” still persists and for one good reason: they are comfortable. The company has also ventured a bit into other styles including a thong sandal, a couple of wedges, and gone boldly into some metallic finishes. Just don’t plan on wearing any of them with anything too Classic.

Mephisto “Helen” Sandal $149

There are also a lot of Arizona knock-offs and Mephistos is one. All their shoes are handmade, have a shock-absorbent “Soft-Air” midsole, are made of all natural materials including leather, cork and rubber soles, and are advertised as “ultra light.” As with the Arizona, these are really best for Natural types.

Naot Sabrina Sandal $140

Naot, designed and made in Israel, always comes up with some new, chic-looking sandals every year. The company has a very good reputation for comfort in general, and these Sabrinas get high marks in particular. They have a moderate arch support and are fairly flexible. The come in some interesting neutral color combinations: black with gray, a kind of olive suede with tan leather, and this one in a rust brown and black. Generally, they offer Striking Contrast and Earthy Rich colors.

Naot Verbena Sandal $170

Their Verbena sandal could be in your rotation for multiple seasons. You could also wear these with almost any length pant or dress. It’s really a versatile style. They are made from nubuck and come in four nice, classy colors:  Black, Olive, Midnight Blue and Latte.

Ecco Damara sandal $70

Ecco consistently appears in top ten lists for comfort. Damara is a nice take on a style that Eileen Fisher launched a few years back. It comes in six colors (black leather, black nubuck, denim, red, white, and white nubuck) including this “warm gray metallic.”  So, lots of bases covered in terms of summer colors. They tend to run large, so keep that in mind when ordering. Amazon also has it in four colors: Black, Gray, Light Blue and Tan.

Sofft Mirabelle $63-80 (depending on color)

A similar style can be found in the Mirabelle from  Sofft. The company has been in production in the US since 1927. They boast natural material linings, extremely soft leather, multi-layer foot beds , and lightweight flexible uppers. It comes in an amazing thirteen different colors and animal prints.

All Vionic shoes have a molded, supportive foot bed and this year they have come out with a thong sandal with a back strap. It’s a nice alternative to regular thong sandals and would work well for more casual outfits.

Skechers Bobs Desert Kiss $35-47 (depending on color)

Skechers was mentioned repeatedly by readers. If you watched my interview with Kirsten Borrink of Barking Dog Shoes on my series Vital Vivacious and Visible after 50, you know that I am a big fan. I’m wearing a pair of their Goga Max deck shoes as I write this. Their Bob’s label provides a free pair of shoes to a child in need for very pair you purchase. This Skecher’s Bob’s Women’s Desert Kiss sandal looks pretty comfortable, has an adjustable Velcro back tab and the lacy front strap is nice for the summer. They also come in red, black and tan.

Clarks UnKarely Slingback $130

If you’re looking for a sandal that can give you some height and that has a little style, Clark’s Un Karely Sun Slingback platform sandal is a nice choice. It comes in Black and Sage nubuck and light tan leather. This is something that would work nicely for a Natural, Classic, and possibly Dramatic style type.

Cobb Hill Audrey $75-$100 (depending on color)

Cobb Hill recently (well a couple of years ago) merged with Rockport, and thus expanding Rockport’s offerings to include something more, well, fashionable. Their Audrey is a very versatile sandal-type shoe with a half-inch stacked heel. My friend Sandra wore hers to Europe last year and reported: “I must have walked at least 30 miles in them. I’m going to buy a second pair for my trip this spring.” You can’t beat that kind of endorsement. And they come in an astounding 14 different colors. She bought the light green.

Clarks Valarie Shelly sandal ($27-$95 depending on color)

If you like the idea of multi-strap gladiator sandals Clark’s has one called Shelly with a 2-inch stacked heel that looks kind of dressy. This would be nice for a Romantic and Natural combination style type. And it’s super cheap. Four neutral colors: black, tan, navy and sage (which looks more like taupe to me.)

And here are some other brands that get high marks for comfort:

Chacos – Mostly sport-type sandals but with a bit more style.

Chacos Z Cloud $110

Jambu – Spanish company that only uses recycled materials for packaging and largely recycled rubber in in their outsoles.

Jambu Apple Blossom $70

Ziera – This New Zealand-based company has a bit more pricey and a bit more fashionable styles.

Ziera Dior Fisherman $190

Fitflops – lots of styles, they are said to help your alignment

Fit Flop Barra $60-70

Bear trap sandals – Inexpensive and a great variety from sport to dressy

Bear Trap Corra $50

Taos – Known for comfortable shoes with removable “curves and pods” footbed, they have incorporated that construction into their sandals

Taos Trophy $115

Aertrex – “Support and comfort built into every pair”

Aetrex Brenda $130

Korkease – More style, a bit classier, mostly wider-strapped sandals (some thin ones) at mid-price points.

Korkease $140

Keen – Mostly Teva-like serious sport sandals at widely priced styles.

Keen Venice $95

So, I hope that gives you some ideas and some comfort, literally. Let me know if you try any of them out. Here’s to your Real comfortable feet!

And stay tuned for some very exciting news about my new free video series – starting mid July!!!

[If you click on any of my affiliate links and purchase something I may receive a small (VERY small) commission to Shopping for the Real You – that helps me keep this site going. :-)]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Comfy Summer Sandals appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

You can buy the best quality, the most expensive, elegant clothing but unless they fit your body perfectly, you will never feel comfortable in them. Fit is everything.

In Shopping for the Real You I talk about a website called Fashion Fit Formula. This was developed by a visionary woman named Janet Cunliffe who grew up sewing her own clothes. As a result of winning a major sewing competition in her teens she was invited to work in the cutting rooms of couture houses in Paris. She definitely knows a thing or two about what constitutes good fit.

Her formula is designed to work for each individual based on their unique bone structure, not just the number of “head lengths” tall they are. I like the fact that this is not a cookie cutter approach. Once you receive your formula, you can tell your tailor exactly where you want your clothes hemmed. And you can determine the right points for necklines, jewelry, belts, etc.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Janet for my YouTube channel this week. She explained how the formula came about and what it can do for your image. I am not an affiliate for her site. I just want to encourage everyone to check it out. It can make a huge difference in your wardrobe and will save you a lot of money because you can have clothes you already wear altered to be the most flattering for your body. That gives them longevity.

Here’s the link to the interview.

BTW – I am starting a new video series where I will be interviewing fashion and style bloggers and inspirational women who will discuss tips about beauty and fashion and also share the challenges and triumphs that made them who they are today. I think you will love it. My original video series, Vital Vivacious and Visible, is now available for nearly 60% off through the month of May.

Have a great spring!

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post How to Get the Perfect Fit in Your Clothes appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

After Kon-mari-ing my closet recently I was on the lookout for a new pair of shoes to replace several that I recycled. As someone with a mostly Natural style type, and because I live in a town where dressing up can mean donning a new windbreaker, I’m always searching for comfortable everyday shoes, but at least some that have a modicum of style. And of course, new shoes would have to “bring me joy.”

Josef Seibel Caren sneakers in yellow $129.95

Oh, did they ever. I nearly got whiplash when I passed the shoe store and caught sight of them in the window. Sneakers are my “thing” and marigold is one of the Pantone “colors of the year.” It’s also exactly within the range of my “playful” colors from my custom John Kitchener color palette. They are from Josef Seibel and they just make me happy when I open the closet door and see them there or when I look down and see them on my feet.

Realistically, some version of slip-ons or lace-ups are in just about everyone’s closet these days and for good reason. They last, if they are made well, they are comfortable, and thankfully, they have become classics. One of the biggest trends in these types of shoes right now is textile uppers instead of leather. The great advantage of this is that they will mold to and accommodate the idiosyncrasies of your feet. Here are several plus a few new ones that are lesser-known and that I like a lot.

Allbirds Wool Runners $95

My friend who just passed the NY State bar (no small feat and after multiple attempts – it’s apparently one of the hardest ones to pass in the country) took herself off to Paris to celebrate. The shoes she bought to wear throughout the trip were not delicate French-type ballet flats or super chic heels, but these sneakers from Allbirds. Their lace-ups come in a couple of styles, over 16 colors and have either lyocell (from trees) or – get this – wool uppers! They also have sneakers and sleek “running” shoes. She reported back to me that they were extremely comfortable, right in style, and worked very well on pavement as well as on cobble stones. And, she felt right in tune with what French women were wearing too.

Suavs The Zilker $95

Suavs offers them with breathable, sweat-wicking knit uppers with a removable and washable insole. They can also be packed flat or rolled up for travel. But we’re guessing you would love to wear them while traveling, especially because your feet tend to swell when sitting on a plane.

Rothys flats in scooter red $125

One that uses woven materials offers flats, sneakers, and loafers in multiple color and prints with eco-friendly materials (made from recycled plastic bottles) is Rothys. Full disclosure recycled plastic is here to stay, but I’m not a huge fan. Yeah, I know that’s heresy. Just don’t love the idea of my feet being encased in plastic all day. Still, they are very attractive and they actually get high marks for comfort. My friend Adrienne who has bunions, loves them and wears them all the time.

Tieks in Leopard $120-$265

Tieks are Italian made leather ballet-type slippers, designed to fold and lay flat in a purse but frankly, I would never fold and stuff a pair of shoes I had worn out onto street pavement into my purse. (Blecch!) Maybe folded and put in a plastic bag. But they are really cute and very popular. They come in nearly 80 colors and prints but only in whole sizes. They have a cushioned foam insole and two thick non-skid rubber patches on the outside of the sole, making them a lot more supportive than traditional folding ballet slippers. Also, they have a regular, not elasticized, back. And, they say that they will mold to your foot size. Still, ask them what be the best size for you – you may have to go up or down a size.

Athletic sneakers with huge thick platforms are being seen on the feet of the most extreme fashionistas in Europe and they’re wearing them with skirts and pants. I find them pretty ridiculous, except for the fact that they are likely very supportive and that they make a statement by thumbing noses to those who would put us in uncomfortable shoes just to look “beautiful” or sexy.

Plae Sun Nexus in Teal $89.95

But you can still get the sneaker look with something more stylish. Colorful lace-up sneakers, like my yellow ones but with an even more sleek silhouette are offered by a company called Plae.  They have them in many colors at very reasonable prices. And for the truly Lazy Fashionista they have a different style with Velcro closures. They advertise as lightweight and collapsible and instead of a box they arrive in a re-usable packable, compression-sealed bag.

Pandere Barista $159

And then I found this company, Pandere. They sell only two shoes styles and their names say it all: Barista and Neo. This is the shoe for the egalitarian, utilitarian, hipster in you. And they look very comfortable. In their own way, they are pretty stylish, in that hip, utilitarian, egalitarian way. But they are not super cheap. Just expect to wear them for a long time and show your street cred in doing so.

Finally I also wanted to mention a few new-ish American designers who make dressy shoes as well as casual ones. These brands are very conscientious about comfort and construction so they are not “bargain” prices. But they are well made and will last.

Emme Cadeay Cella flat $165

Emme Cadeau Katherine heel $285

Marcella Gift is the designer of Emme Cadeau shoes. She was inspired by her mom, a schoolteacher, who stood on her achin’ feet for hours every day. So she designed these shoes with her mother in mind. They have three layers of foam insoles, good arch support, and are made in Portugal with the high quality leather and construction you can expect from that country. She carries four styles: ballet flats (a portion of those proceeds to go support Trickle Up, an organization helping women in developing countries), a sneaker in four colors and textiles, and pumps in either 3” or 1 ¾” heights all up to size 14. (Here’s the interview I did with Marcella recently.)

Joan Oloff Lucky in Black Suede $279

Joan Oloff Callie heel in snake $285

Joan Oloff sells shoes designed by a podiatrist. That sure sounds un-sexy, but the shoes are not. And the podiatrist who designed them is Joan herself! After years of seeing the damage done to her patient’s feet by poorly designed shoes she decided to go into what was actually the family business: shoes! The patent pending technology in her shoes offers three areas of comfort: terrific shock absorption, re-distribution of your weight off the typical pressure points of a shoe, and great support. But it doesn’t look like they carry extended widths, so pay attention to that. You can find these at Bloomingdale’s and shoes.com.

Margaux Classic Flat i Plum $195

Margaux heel in Coral $245

Margaux is one that does offer very extended sizes and widths. In fact, they boast a “made-to-measure” styling, which sounds like made to order, but I think that it refers to their fit questionnaire that tells you which sizes to buy in which style: flat, heel, loafer, bootie, sandal. They have 5 mm of “plush foam” padding. These are not super cheap either but you’re getting quality and style.

Coach Bella Sandal $225

Finally, because, believe it or not, I also have a “thing” for saucy shoes, I’ve been lusting after these from Coach. They seem to have gotten a new designer and gone from sturdy, predictable and boring to hot, hot, hot! God only knows if they are comfortable but I love them. (Ignore their “Lace-Up Ballerina Sneaker below… I’m sure it was a manufacturing error…or if not, should have been.)   Now if only I had somewhere to wear those…

Coach Lace Up Ballerina shoe

Shopping for the really comfortable you…

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Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

Illustration by Sue Tait Porcaro

The style quiz in Chapter 3 of my book, Shopping for the Real You, offers descriptions of various bone structure, features, coloring, and personality traits for each style archetype to help you determine where you fit in. But one of the major questions I consistently hear is, “I fit into multiple archetypes. How do I work with that?”

In the next book (that I am co-authorizing with John Kitchener), we will be going into this in more detail. But here is an excerpt that should help:

“We’re going to look at how cross-over style categories can be interpreted. When a PSC analyst creates a personal style and color wheel for a client they indicate the percentages of each category that the person embodies.

Let’s say you express 50% or more of one particular style archetype. In that case your entire outfit can reflect that style. For example, if you are 50% Classic you could wear a tailored button down blouse with a pair of gabardine pants, a blazer and/or a trench coat, pumps, a traditionally patterned silk scarf, a top-handle bag, and simple jewelry such as stud earrings and two gold bangle bracelets. Voila! 100% Classic. You wouldn’t even have to think about including any of your lesser style facets, if you didn’t want to.

But what if you only have between 35-45% of a particular style facet? We’ll use the Natural style archetype for this example. In this case you could wear things that say Natural but only in half-body garments. That means you could wear a blouse and a jacket that works for a Natural, but not an entire outfit. What might that look like? It could be a leopard print blouse with a suede jacket. Those two items take up about half of your body, and the print, plus both the textile and the construction of the jacket suggest the Natural style essence. Or you could wear a denim jacket over a dress.

When you identify with 20-30% of any style archetype, you’re down to just one garment within the whole ensemble. That means the specific style essence represented can be expressed through just a blouse, a jacket, a sweater, a skirt, pants or jeans.

For 10-15% of a particular essence you are looking at one accessory item. But don’t discount the possibilities of that accessory. Sometimes when we feel “stuck” or when we want to push the boundaries of style a little, something new or fashion-forward in that 10-15% can make the whole outfit look a little more fresh and hip. Just don’t go overboard. That accessory should simply, by contrast, emphasize your primary style facets. It should just create a nice counterpoint. But it should still be in your color harmony.

Finally, if you have very little of an essence, say, only 5%, it should only be used as a glancing nuance. When Andrea, who has 5% Angelic, asked John what she could wear with that little amount, he laughed and said, “shoelaces.” (She is still dubious…) If you wear anything more dominant when you have such a small percentage of that style you will be hiding yourself and your personality.”

So, I hope that gives you a clearer understanding about how to use your style archetype percentages and how to create a wardrobe that reflects them. Here’s to all parts of the Real You!

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Of all the fashion complaints I hear one stands out: “Whatever happened to clothes in natural fibers?”

I hear you. And apparently, many design houses and startups have heard you too. The demand for natural fiber clothing has spawned a burgeoning sector of the fashion industry. Practically every week a new brand pops up.

Aside from the comfort level of natural textiles, the rapid growth of this sector is due to our growing awareness that the fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of pollution. Clothing production requires enormous amounts of water and uses many toxic dyes and chemicals.

Companies offering alternatives to current manufacturing processes self-categorize as: “conscious”, “sustainable”, “eco-friendly”, “ethical”, “fair trade,” etc. Now, as far as fashion goes, those labels aren’t terribly sexy sounding (unless you’re a 100% “Natural” style essence. And frankly a lot of these companies produce some pretty dumpy looking clothes. (Sorry, but it’s true.)

The successful ones adhere to some fashion principles. That means there is some shape to their clothing (even if that shape is geometric or architectural) a more sophisticated color palette, and a willingness to be artistic instead of just utilitarian. So we’re going to look at some that have some fashion cred, are made from natural fibers, and are mostly affordable.

Eileen Fisher sweater and scarf

Eileen Fisher was the first to ignite our conscience about natural, sustainable clothing. Affordable? Well, you’re not going to find bargains here unless you shop their sales or at one of their outlets. Still I had to include them. $$-$$$

Everlane Silk blouse

Everlane remains at the top of my list for newer entrants in the field. Their website shows their actual production costs which explains how many of these companies are able to offer high-quality natural fiber clothing at low to moderate prices. (Clue: there’s no middleman.) Like Eileen Fisher, the style is fairly classic and minimalist with a slightly youthful touch. I haven’t found silk at their quality and price anywhere comparable. $-$$

Grana cashmere

Grana rivals Everlane both in style and price point. Their cashmere is a steal at the regular price and when on sale is worth buying multiples. They are known for their charmeuse silk camisoles and tees. $-$$

Amourt Vert sweater

Another newbie is Amour Vert: “For every tee (you buy) we plant a tree.” Like many of these companies, all their clothing is manufactured in limited editions to avoid waste. Almost everything here is either silk, beechwood or organic cotton. Their items are a little more hip and you’ll find Classic, Romantic, Youthful and a bit of High Spirited style here plus prints. $-$$

Matter 2-piece

Speaking of prints, if you like the ethnic/shibui flavor there is an LA design house called Matter. They are artisan-based and work with rural craftspersons in India. Although their offerings are limited, some are quite beautiful and pretty interesting in structure. $-$$

KOTN v-neck dress

One of my very favorites is KOTN, and guess what all their clothes are made from! Their tees, turtlenecks and henleys are beautifully made and refined looking and some of their dresses are downright sexy! That’s no easy task for all-cotton knit. $

Tradlands checked shirt

Tradlands is a company that produces women’s staples based on menswear design, so that translates as fairly Classic and Natural shirts in some nice oxford cloth, flannel and denim plus knitwear and slacks. $-$$

Indigenous blouse

True to the name, Indigenous employs about 1000 artisans, mostly from South America, and every piece is hand made. That ratchets up the costs, of course, but at least they offer some interesting designs, like this fine alpaca and silk top. $$-$$$

Raven and Lily has a lot of interesting accessories as well as fashion and they source their items from artisans in Africa, India, Malaysia and Peru. They have a small selection of some  interesting, fashionable jackets, tops and dresses. $-$$

Raven and Lily dress

Eco Fashion Talk is a website devoted to the entire natural fiber and ecologically conscious fashion industry with regular updates and articles about new designers in the field.

Now, of course you can still find natural textiles in just about any department store, boutique and online. You just have to pay attention to labels and description. But these are some good places to start. And if you have more resources, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always interested in learning of new brands.

Here’s to the ecological you!

[When you see links on my page, occasionally they will be from my affiliates for which I might receive a small commission.]

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