August 2006

When I was little, I had black patent leather tap shoes that I loved and wore everywhere. Then I had a couple birthdays and learned that what is charming on a child is not so charming on an adult. Luckily, patent leather is all grown up this season. So take a shine to some patently stylish accessories.

Martinez Valero

With everything from scarlet to bottle green to aubergine available this season, there’s no reason to stick with black heels. Keep your patent leather shoes shiny and conditioned by rubbing a little Vaseline into them periodically.

Mobile Edge

Remember in Funny Face when Kay Thompson’s character pronounces spring fashion is “dull, dreary and depressing,” right before she sings Think Pink? I feel that way about a lot of business bags. But not this time! What could be more fun than a glossy, shiny, sensible patent leather bag for work?

Calvin Klein

There are a number of practical reasons to wear belts- accentuate a waist, fake a waist, keep your pants up, etc. They’re also in fashion this season, which is practically a reason to buy a new one. Wear it over dresses and fine knit sweaters, a la Tippi Hedron. Or, pair it with fluid trousers and boots for a modern Katharine Hepburn.

A friend recently introduced me to reality TV and Project Runway. (I know, I know, but really, there are only so many trends one person stay on top of and fashion keeps me on my toes.) My main complaint is that the challenges are so fantastical, it hardly counts as reality. Here are three challenging situations you might find yourself in and the shoes that will get you through, without a lot of fancy footwork.

Enzo Angiolini

The Mayor cordially invited you to A Masked Ball and you accepted. But, your ankle still hurts- not so many martinis before dancing next time. Too proud for crutches, too sore for heels…opt for a pair of dressy flats. A D’Orsay style with an embellished toe can do black tie and casual.

Cole Haan

You have 20 minutes to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 at Heathrow Airport and there’s no shuttle in sight. Fear not. A pair of stylish and sporty flats will get you to your plane with time to spare so you can work on an upgrade. (Remember to toast your shoes with that first glass of champagne.)

Delman

You’re meeting his parents for the first time. They’re from Pierce County, Nebraska. She collects doilies. He’s president of the local Elks Lodge. The spike heeled stilettos might not go over so well. Instead, reach for a pair of ballet flats. The ladylike classic is traditional and progressive this season in exotic materials.

Out of sight out of mind. Absence makes the heart go yonder. Ignore a problem and…well, your closet will not go away. But the other adages ring true, especially for accessories. If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it. If it’s hard to find, you’ll find something else. Here are three of my favorite ways to keep your accessories accessible.

For the record, I love pan lid racks for storage. I use one in my office to sort mail, another one next to my drafting table for sketch books and they’re perfect for keeping slim handbags in order. If you change purses often, consider putting it near your front door.

I hate to paint, but love paint rollers. They’re perfect for bracelets! Add a ribbon to the handle, hang it on a nail or hook in your closet and voila! instant storage. If you keep your jewelry in shallow drawers, use paint rollers without handles to keep your bracelets tidy.

Use stick pins on a bulletin board to keep your jewelry organized and visible. If you’re tight on space, use small individual cork squares throughout your closet and vanity area. Try separating jewlery by occassion, going to work vs. going out. If the boards will be on display, consider covering them with fabric or adding picture frames around them.