Clarks is doing great things this season. Comfortable and good looking sandal styles like the Raasas, Country Meadow and Smooch are great buys, and now there’s also a sweet little peep-toed number called the “Diamond Heart”. Its oversized button and chunky stacked heel are deliciously retro in flavour. The top stitching adds a nice casual element to the look. The broad ankle strap is not for everyone, but if that’s not an issue, it’s soft and buttery like most leather uppers on Clarks footwear.

It is available in US sizes 5 to 12 across three colours that I find equally appealing. The black is urban and strong, the metallic is pretty and versatile, the beige is unique and probably the most retro looking of them all. Which colour do you like best?

Pear shaped gals tend to battle with the fit of straight sheath dresses. When the dress fits on top, it’s too snug on the bottom. When it fits on the bottom, it’s too roomy on top. Usually the solution is to purchase a sheath dress that fits well around the hip and thigh area, then have the top section altered to fit the shoulder and bust line. Or purchase a non-sheath A-line dress silhouette that’s tailored on top and roomy on the bottom by way of design.

But sometimes, you come across a sheath dress that’s perfect for those who are a little heavier on the bottom. And that’s the pretty periwinkle and black Michael Kors printed sheath dress below. Fully lined, well made and in a luxurious cotton spandex. It’s smart enough to dress up for a day wedding, or take you comfortably through a business formal day with a jacket. Alternatively, I’d throw my denim jacket or biker jacket over these dresses for casual edge. Lots of possibilities!

The periwinkle dress on the right is available for petites online and for regular sizes in store. It’s also got a bit of length for the tall gals. Regular length gals might even get away with wearing petites because of this extra length.

I haven’t had the polka dot dress on clients yet, so I’m not certain that it’s exactly the same Michael Kors, sheath dress fit. But it’s probably quite close, different necklines notwithstanding.

If you loved the Brulees I posted last year, you might like the Smooch in this season’s Clarks collection. I find them even more comfortable and the studs are an edgy cherry on top. Soft footbed, buttery leather, roomy toebox and an ever so slightly raised wedge heel. No buckle digging or strap rubbing.

The Smooch is superior quality to the fabulous $40 Voyage sandal I blogged about earlier this week. It also comes in wonderful colours and the red, champagne and black get my top vote. Great with skirts and dresses, or under leggings and jeans.

I won’t be getting these sandals because I have enough pairs to see me through our short hot weather season. But I highly recommend the style if you need a comfortable flat Summer walking shoe. These probably would have been 8-hour city shoes for my fussy feet.

Today is sandal day on YLF! This strappy sandal style is less trendy and more casual than the styles I posted earlier this morning, but just as fab.  If, like me, you prefer less strain on the balls of your feet when you wear heels, the two and half inch on this little darling might be the answer.

It’s no secret that I’m a Clarks fan. The British brand holds my attention because it usually offers great foot bed comfort, a sturdy sole and heel, and pretty good arch support. At times, the styles can look quite dowdy. But there are always hip and cool options within each collection, with this season being no exception.

The Country Meadow Wedge Sandal is simple, casual, versatile and delicious. Soft leather and a walkable two and a half inch wedge heel make it a practical and comfortable hot weather solution for skirts, walk shorts and dresses. I’ve seen all the colours and they are equally lovely, but the raspberry probably gets my top vote. At $90 the wedge sandal isn’t cheap, but Clarks make a long-lasting, good quality shoe and unfortunately that comes at a price. Available in sizes 5 to 12, do yourself a favor and try them on. There is no substitute for happy feet.

This is such an 80’s inspired shoe. And true to the low heel footwear trend for 2010 it has a one and ¾ inch heel. Wooohooo!

To say that these pumps are comfortable is an understatement. While I haven’t yet put them through their paces, they have the potential to be 8-hour city shoes. The cushioning foot bed is sublime, and the balls of your feet are in heaven because the foot is only slightly arched. The toe box is cut quite low and wide which will make it work for a broader foot too. There will probably be enough space for a bunion to breathe on the side of the shoe.

While the Essex pump might look a little more conservative than the funkier wedge styles that Me Too has in their range at the moment, it truly is the more comfortable shoe because it’s softer and roomier. I like it’s retro flare and wholeheartedly believe that this pump can look sassy and hip if you want it to. Remember that it’s HOW you wear it that counts. They are already on sale for $72 at the moment. Please indulge your feet!

Occasionally when I’m browsing through the clothing and accessory areas of Target, something grabs my attention from a design and quality point of view. Last week I found a daring canary yellow checked design that screamed fab Spring chic. The lined Chanel-esque jacket is well made and the fit is not bad at all. The bag is not quite as well made, but perfectly acceptable.

There are better ways of styling this jacket than what you see in the picture. For starters, pair the look with blue or white jeans and a black top. Try it over a black sheath dress and slouch boots. Pair it with a denim skirt, black and white graphic T, and ballet flats. Add the bag to any black and white ensemble for extra pop. Think of how delicious this yellow checked design would look with black and white polka dots! Bold, but beautiful.

Panties (or knickers and undies as I like to call them) are an incredibly personal thing. What works for one person might not work for another. I’ve found that there is absolutely no panty preference consistency with my clients. Everyone is into something different and is usually looking for an improved version of what they currently have. For comfort reasons, style and fabric are of extreme importance, not to mention price, durability and  aesthetics. Some prefer cotton-rich bikini cuts or synthetic high-cuts, while others prefer lacy thongs. Some prefer neutrals whereas others prefer colours. With such an abundance of panty variety, it seems insane that we still struggle to find that perfect pair.

My preference is boyshorts. I love the coverage that this style provides and enjoy their retro flavour. For a while I wore Jockey’s modern modal brief. Then I switched to Soma’s boyshorts which were great until the dryer started stretching them out. I have since discovered Nordstrom underwear brand “Shimera” and I’m hooked. I can’t get enough of their boyshorts.  They are seamless, lightweight and stay put. So far, they launder well too, so I’m stocking up for my happy buns.

What do you look for in panties? Care to share your fab panty finds?

The price isn’t bad either (you’ll save $2 per pair if you purchase three at a time).

For $49.95 (39.95 Euros), the quality of this trench coat cannot be beat. Unbelievable. Fabulously durable poly-cotton, neat topstitching, great drape, robust lining and above all, a flattering silhouette. Flop-proof design features like a V-shaped revere collar, waist defining tie belt, long sleeves and side entry pockets are what make this trench coat instantly attractive on most body types. The style also has a slightly A-line bottom half which gives it a fun retro flavor. Delicious in Spring’s new coral, or in an urban black.

High prices do not guarantee superior quality (especially when it comes to knitted fabrics) and low prices do not automatically imply shoddy quality. So you need to develop a discerning eye and judge the quality of a product for yourself.

Another win for H&M. My quality control bar is high, but this inexpensive trench passes with flying colours.

The links take you to H&M in Europe, but American shoppers will also find this trench in stores.

Hot off the press, and a great classic basic for $19.99. (14.95 Euro). Generally, I’ve found that V-neck cardigans are better all-rounders because they layer particularly well and add a neat, elongating touch to your long lean line. Perfect over sleeveless dresses, knitted tops and silky blouses. I tend to like the style best when the sleeves are scrunched because it adds a nice textural  dimension to your ensemble.

They’re made of a soft, non-itchy cotton-spandex mix and available in plenty of colours. The shades across the continents will differ slightly though. You’ll find purple and teal hues amongst the assortment in the US, and cobalt and coral shades in Europe. Remember that H&M sizing is small so size up if you prefer a roomier fit.

H&M’s quality is often hit or miss, which we have come to expect from all budget retailers. But I was pretty impressed with the drape and substantial weight of these cardigans when compared to Old Navy’s Spring cardigan, which is longer but thin and flimsy. H&M wins this round.