February 2007

And speaking of hats…Greta Garbo skulked around in a beret, Jackie O. looked regal in her pillbox hats and Holly Golightly breakfasted at Tiffany’s in a mushroom-brimmed hat. Hats lend an element of elegance and mystery to the wearer. And when you flirt from beneath a brim you can use your powers for awesome, instead of just for good. So don a hat and be prepared to have doors opened, cabs hailed, elevators held and drinks bought for you.

Rules to Wear By:

1. Hats are worn closest to your face so make sure the color compliments your skin tone.

2. Keep the crown of the hat wider than your cheekbones.

3. The brim should never be wider than your shoulders. (Unless you’re going to the Derby.)

Marzi

You’ll want to set your hat at an angle or wear an asymmetrical brim if you have a square face. Look for large brims with soft lines, upturned brims, round crowns or curved edge square crowns. Hats focus attention on your face, so be ready for your close up.

Eggcup

If you have a round face, look for a square-shaped crown with an asymmetrical brim to lengthen your face. Medium or small brims are best, worn forward or on a slant. All hats require a bit of experimenting, so play with the position of the hat and your hair. Try a hat on with your hair tucked back and then down around your face to see which is better.

KaKyCo

Oval faces are the supermodels of face shapes. You can wear any hat style. Make sure the hat actually suits you and your personality, and isn’t just being something a salesperson or friend handed you. If you get a plain hat, accessorize it with brooches, ribbons, flowers or hat pins.

In right shoes you really can conquer the world. But in the wrong shoes, the world conquers you. Nothing kills a cute outfit faster than scraggly shoes. I know it’s hard to spend time apart from the objects of your affection, but think of it as rewarding them for all their hard work with a trip to the shoe spa, a.k.a. the shoe repair shop, to be massaged, pampered and rejuvenated. Show your shoes how much you care this Valentine’s Day and treat them to some well deserved maintenance. Here are the three most common shoe care needs.

1. The top piece (or top lift) is the piece of plastic at the bottom of the heel comes in contact with the ground. It helps maintain friction with the ground and protects the heel from damage. Check them regularly and if you see (or hear) metal, replace them immediately.

2. Regular conditioning and weather proofing will extend the life and beauty of your shoes. Unless you are in an absolute time crunch, have them conditioned and shined when you have your heels (top pieces) replaced.

3. Leather soles fit better, but become slick with wear and can be damaged by rain. Protect them (and yourself) by having a thin rubber sole added to protect the original leather sole.