March 2007

It seems like everyday someone else announces they’re running for president. (I’m not, just so you know.) With elections in the air, it’s hardly a coincidence that platforms are a hot issue for spring. Now that the political is personal style, it’s time to start developing your platform. So pick your battles and stand your ground in the shoe of the season.

Donald J Pliner

If you’re new to the game you might want to start small. A low platform sandal is the perfect entry shoe. It’s shorter than a soapbox (and Barbara Boxer’s step stool), but still indicates you’re up on current affairs.

Cole Haan

A new trend in the shoe biz is for luxury brands to partner with sneaker brands to make comfy shoes. (Why the luxury brands can’t figure out comfy shoes on their own I don’t know- apparently it takes a committee to raise a shoe.) A great choice for a long day of campaigning, fielding questions and dodging paperwork.

Michael Kors

Even if your office isn’t oval, getting to it requires diplomacy, strategy and perseverance. Successfully navigating traffic or public transportation, under-construction city streets and internal hierarchy is quite an accomplishment. So shake hands, kiss babies and stand tall in the latte line in a pair of sky high platform heels.

Nature is a fan of super-sizing things. Dinner plate sized dahlias, peonies the size of small dogs, frisbee sized clematis. And of course, the largest flower of all, the Rafflesia arnoldii (Corpse Flower) has a 3 foot diameter and weighs almost 15 pounds! While none of these may be in your garden, they can be in your wardrobe. Oversized floral prints are in full bloom this season. If a bud garden is more your style, use silk or rhinestone flower brooches to spruce up your lapels, skirts or handbags.

Boden

Brighten up your outfit with a cheerful coat. You can wear it over jeans, chinos or work pants for instant panache. A mid-thigh length works with skirts as well.

Barrie Pace

Put a little spring in your suit with a floral print top. Keep it conservative with pearls or add artisan jewelry for more texture. Wear it with jeans or solid colored skirts on the weekend.

Talbots

Don’t be afraid to introduce more color. A coral or turquoise top looks fresh and cool with a brown and white skirt. Red or yellow paired with a black and white print is crisp and modern.