I only offer my unsolicited fashion and style advice to two people: darling hubby Greg and my dear sweet Dad. Papa is much relieved that I’ve taken over his wardrobe management, since he loathes shopping and my Mum is not there to do it for him anymore. And Greg appreciates my two cents most of the time – as I appreciate his style advice most of the time! I do not offer unsolicited style advice to anyone else.

When I was discussing this post with Greg, he pointed out that I do offer my opinions to friends, colleagues and family members in ways that are more subtle than direct advice.

First, I reinforce people positively with compliments. For example, if I saw someone wearing a colour that brings out the rose in their cheeks and the sparkle in their eye, I would gush about it to them. Second, I sometimes buy people gifts of apparel and accessories, and implicit in a gift is the message that I think the item will work well on them.

In neither case is this a conscious effort to give style advice, but I guess Greg is right that I am providing a point of view. Perhaps I’m not as restrained as I thought.

What’s your policy on offering unsolicited style advice to others? Care to share a few stories?

If you’re still looking for practical and fun outerwear, these might tickle your fancy:

1. Guess Quilted Puffer Jacket: Great for après ski and casual settings with the kids.
2. Tahari Grechen Pillow Collar Down Coat: My tall clients look AMAZING in this puffer coat. Very wow.
3. Calvin Klein Coat, Funnel Collar Double Breasted: I’m all over the colour and cut. The funnel neck works particularly well on those with long necks and short hair. Runs a little large.
4. Esprit Wool Blend Trench: In true Esprit style, basic with fun casual flair.
5. Boden Carnaby Coat: Weatherproof and classic. Nice colours and length. Also runs a little large.

Happy shopping!

I’m sure that most of us have done this at one point or another. You leave the house in one pair of shoes, and change into a second pair when you reach your destination. I can think of three instances when this works quite well:

1. Braving the elements: When it’s snowy, slushy or very wet, it’s a good idea to wear sensible shoes when you’re outside. For example, snow boots or rubber wellington boots in the treacherous outside conditions and ordinary shoes when you’re back indoors on safe ground.
2. Commuting in Comfort: If you commute on foot, you can wear comfortable walking shoes during the commute but switch to prettier and dressier footwear once you reach your destination.
3. Visiting in Style: Some households do not permit shoes indoors. If you’re uncomfortable wearing socks or walking barefoot in another person’s home, bring along a pair of slippers or house shoes to change into once you’re there.

The strategy definitely has drawbacks:

• Sometimes the more practical footwear doesn’t look fabulous with what I’m wearing. Like when I wear snow-friendly Doc Martens with a business casual outfit that’s begging for dressy boots, or when I pair ballet flats with a frock that looks infinitely better with pumps.
• Carrying an extra pair of shoes is cumbersome and storing them on the other side is not always possible.
• Keeping the heel height of both pairs of footwear the same is a pain. Trousers that are hemmed for heels drag on the ground when wearing flats. Annoying!

All in all these are reasonable compromises, so I from time to time I do switch my footwear. I pull together the look as best as I can with the practical shoes, and keep the second pair of shoes in mind so that the transition is easy. I’m fine with making the temporary sacrifice in the spirit of safety, warmth and foot comfort.

Is this something you do? If so, do you have any additional tips to share?

After boots and ballet flats, pumps are my favourite type of shoe because they are seasonless, comfortable, dressy and very versatile.  They look good with just about anything: from trousers, clamdiggers and short shorts, to jumpsuits, jeans, skirts and dresses.

Here are my top sale picks from Zappos with both low and high heels. Fab for fancy occasions, date night, smart casual dressing, or a day at the office. Be sure to click through all the colour options if the ones pictured are not to your taste.

1. Elie Tahari Juliette Pump: These ladylike darlings remind me of my late Mum. Classic and elegant.
2. ECCO Hanna Buckle Pump: Right up my style ally in bright red.
3. Michael Kors MK13022: Please wear these graphic works of art for me if high heels are your thing.
4. Madden Girl Unifyy: A modern basic at a great price point.
5. Rockport Audry Welt Pump: The red piping on these gorgeous pumps makes my heart flutter. Nice textured heel too.
6. Rockport Luciana Corset Pump: Their Victorian vibe is adorable.
7. Nina Paladin: Quite the Mad Men inspired shoe with 96 brilliant reviews.
8. Fitzwell Vincent: Another brilliant price and quite comfortable shoe.
9. Gentle Souls Osaka: Interesting with a particularly comfortable foot bed.
10. Pour La Victoire Bridal and Evening Cami: You might like these if party platforms are your style.
11. Kate Spade New York Kylie: So Pretty! Not that we’d expect anything less from Ms. Spade.
12. Me Too Yana: Cute and comfortable.
13. Me Too Chaka: Love the wedged heel on this one.
14. Kenneth Cole Reaction Lighter Note: Simple studs kick this pump up a notch.
15. J. Renee Jolie: Metallic gold snake skin is ornate and fabulous.
16. J. Renee Gabriele: High heeled, peep toed, and bowed.
17. Isola Stella: Deliciously fun!
18. Franco Sarto Ensign: Retro with a modern twist.
19. Spring Step Sauci: Bohemian and different.
20. Isola Rouge: A peep toe classic in all animal patterns.
21. J. Renee Alecia: A retro beauty.
22. Poetic Licence Countryside: Kick off the Spring Season in this low heeled pump.
23. Franco Sarto Net: More bows on a lovely low heel. I vote bronze.
24. Donald J Pliner Edrice: Stiletto heels are not for me but they might be for you. The ocean blue colour on the other hand, sends me into orbit.

Happy shopping!