Humble Heels

Heels . . . Some say they are uncomfortable. . . others say they are too tall . . .
but I say there can be no better bliss than a good pair of heels!
As I put on my brand new pair of slacks from Banana Republic (bought for a steal on sale, go shopping!) I once again saw that my legs are not always as long as I hope them to be, and must put on a pair of heels (my favorite Kenneth Cole pair) to make sure my hem doesn't drag across the ground. The point of this post is not to have you shop at Banana or buy Kenneth Cole, but to let you know the power and the secret behind a good pair of heels.

Some helpful tips for buying heels:
Buy a pair you can actually walk in. This takes two things into account: 1. Not something so tall you'll break your ankle and 2. Something with good support and insoles. Heels have come a long way from uncomfortable and can now be your favorite pair of shoes. (like my 3-inch Antonio Melani wedge heels) Most have plenty of cushion and a thicker heel to help you walk easier and to provide more support. Don't buy pointed-toe shoes because they tend to cram your toes. Give your feet some room to breathe! Also buy a pair you absolutely love! If you already hate heels, buying a cheap ugly pair will not change your mind. Spend time shopping! It will be well worth it!

My last note goes to you women with significant others who are close in height or shorter than you. Your guy may not want you to wear heels because it makes you taller than him. True, the social norm is to have the man taller. However, because that little bit of a heel will extend the line of your leg and make you look taller and skinnier, and more beautiful than ever - how can he complain?
Wear those heels with pride!

Special Saturdays!

Saturdays are my favorite days! No school, no work, just play!! AND my boyfriend comes home today! Anyone think I should wear teal for my date tonight? :)

Besides that good news, I have had another epiphany. I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that my roommate is an awesome hair dresser (this also would explain the "deep purple" that currently resides in my hair) But layers are my new best friends. . . and yours too! Even with my clients I recommend layers - they don't have to be short or choppy but just give yourself a little more volume and a little more fun!

The Power of Teal

Teal happens to be one of my very favorite colors! The greatest part about it too is that everyone looks good in it! It goes with black, brown, navy blue, and almost any other color! I had a conversation with a friend just the other day and we both just wished everyone owned something teal in their closet!!
Especially you blue and green-eyed gals!!

Welcome to my Blog!

It's official, I can now call myself a blogger!
This being my first entry, I'll make it short and sweet.
I plan on adding pictures of
friends, families, and fashion dos-and-donts!
Enjoy my blog and visit frequently!

Questions & Answers

Having a fashion crisis? Need a question answered? Email perkette.imageenvy@blogger.com.

Q: I am trying to figure out what exactly is black tie attire for a woman. I was thinking a floor length or long gown. Can you give me some more input? Also, it is very hard to find something that is long and modest with out looking over 4o, any suggestions? - Kaci
A: Black tie and modest seem to be two things that never intertwine. Most evening wear comes with sleeves in the form of a shawl - something to add some warmth but doesn't detract from the dress itself. This presents some problems for modest dress-wearers. However, they can be found - and never think you have to wear a dress as-is. There are excellent tailors and alterations. You can find them through their associations (ctda.com is one of them) or by word of mouth.
Black tie is definately long and floorlength. The more leg you show, the more it becomes defined as "cocktail." Stay away from poofy, and stick with fabrics and silhouettes that complement your body and drape beautifully. Be careful on color - black is always safe, but can get monotonous or boring. Going flashy with a red will make you stand out - but limits how often you can wear the dress - people are sure to remember you as "the girl in the gorgeous red dress." Black dresses seem to get the frumpiest the quickest once you add sleeves on them. Shop the internet, shop specialty stores, and shop boutiques - the little known stores often have the best finds! Don't underestimate department stores either - each department store has a different inventory and some are better than others!
Try these websites to give you some ideas of where to look at all price ranges: Shopzilla Bluefly

Q: What's the best outfit to wear to a casual interview for a man? - SonofStarley
A: The hardest part to decide on is the tie - always wear nice slacks with a button-down, collared shirt. I would wear something that is patterned: stripes, checked, or a solid color that is not white. You need to look professional but presentable. Ties get iffy - if its really casual you can bet your interviewer isn't wearing a tie. But remember - it's better to be overdressed than underdressed!

Q: Where do you usually shop for your shoes? Any favorite stores? I am looking for some brown peep toe pumps. - The Perkins Clan
A: Favorite stores-that's a hard question to answer! For heels, my favorites are Nordstroms and Dillards. But remember, I have funky feet and they sell brands that fit (Steve Maddens I will sadly never be able to wear)! If you're looking for brown peep-toe pumps, I would recommend shopping now. A lot of stores are getting new merchandise in for back to school and thus putting most of their inventory on sale. Dillards was having a great sale last Saturday in their shoe department. Also, DSW Shoe Warehouse usually has a good selection of all kinds of shoes, and usually you can get a pretty good deal on the price. Remember - I'm available for personal shopping, and I'll be in town on Wednesday. :)

Q: What are some of your favorite "haunts" for clothes hunting? You know, hunting season is almost here. ;) - The Perkins Clan
A: I'm assuming this is another question about my favorite places to shop. As always, it depends on what you're looking for. My best advice to be able to get the best price possible, is simply to stalk your store. Pick a store that you love and go there as many times as your time frame can allow. (DON'T buy something every time you go!!) You'll be able to recognize new merchandise, you'll see how often they get new shipments, how often they markdown - then you're on your way to becoming a shopping guru! Subscribe to their magazine if they have one! If you shop frequently at one store long enough, they usually have rewards programs. So the answer to the question is not where are my favorite haunts - it's where would you like to set up camp?