A recent post on the reasons that high heels are fabulous yielded some interesting comments. Most readers agreed that wearing high heels makes them feel and look fabulous. A few of our readers went on to bring up the topic of occasionally feeling “high heel hostility” in the form of comments from total strangers like:

“I used to wear ridiculous heels like that until my knees gave out”

“your feet must be killing you”

“how do you walk in those?”

“you can’t possibly wear those all day?”

“beautiful shoes…hope you don’t break your neck”.

I’m intrigued by the notion of this hostility. In the fashion and style world, fashion experts, catwalk shows and magazines constantly encourage us to wear high heels because they make outfits look better. High heels lengthen the leg line and make calf muscles look shapely. They offer height and prevent us from looking and feeling dumpy. In fact many trends go hand in hand with super high heels at the moment, to the extent that without them you won’t achieve the same look.

In light of the above, I was surprised to hear about the “high heel hostility”. If anything I’ve felt quite the opposite. As a fashion stylist who enjoys wearing trends, I often have to bypass a look because I can’t wear the high heeled footwear that finishes it off. That’s why I mentioned in the post that as a stylist I dare to be different by wearing flats and very low heels most of the time. I guess I feel “flats hostility” instead of high heel hostility.

I’d like to live in a world that is accepting of all heel heights. In the name of fashion and style there is a place for flats, low heels, three-inchers and skyscraping platforms. The choice is yours as long as you can comfortably and confidently get on with your day. Have you felt or noticed heel height hostility? Do you feel antagonistic towards high heel wearers?  Do you feel hostile to those who wear flats?

Wow! There are many, many Dansko footwear lovers out there. When forum member Sandy reviewed a pair of Dansko clogs for us, we received 189 comments in two days. That’s a record for a YLF giveaway. Thank you Sandy for writing a heartfelt and entertaining review. You’ve definitely inspired others to look as fabulous as you do in a pair of Summer Dansko clogs.

Congratulations Megan L.! The random number generator chose you as the winner. We will contact you to arrange the receipt of your Dansko clogs. Enjoy!

I don’t mean coats and trenches that are designed to keep you warm outdoors. I mean any style of casual, smart casual or dressy jacket that can be worn indoors as well as outdoors. So we’re talking from the most modern classic tailored blazers to the spunkiest biker styles, and everything in between. Knit, woven, bright, neutral, long, short, lined, un-lined, structured, un-structured, heavy, lightweight – and the list goes on.

Here are five reasons to build your collection of jackets:

1. They offer warmth: No-brainer. Even in hot and humid weather I carry some sort of jacket to combat arctic indoor air-conditioning.
2. They achieve an instantly polished look: A woven tailored jacket gives your ensemble instant structure and a refined edge, whether you dress up the look with heels or stick to Converse sneakers. A jacket defines the upper body and works it’s magic over for most ensembles.
3. They conceal extra midriff bits: A jacket is hands down the most effective way to do this.
4. They add layering interest: So often the right jacket completes an outfit.
5. They communicate your fashion persona: A jacket can make a huge statement about you or your mood. Trapeze styles are vintage and fun, pinstriped blazers are androgynous and business-like, ruffled styles are romantic and girly, boyfriend blazers are playful and trendy, while biker jackets are tough and edgy. Take your pick.

Unfortunately (fortunately?) a relatively cool temperature indoors or outdoors is a prerequisite for jacket wearing. Without it these fab reasons fall flat.

Are you a jacket wearer and do these reasons resonate with you? Or are you jacket-resistant?

The boyfriend blazer, biker jacket and strong shouldered silhouette are still tops as far as jacket trends go. But there are so many jacket styles at our disposal that you can happily bypass these trends and choose a look that’s more to your liking.

The skin on my legs is far from blemish-free. I don’t have age spots yet and there is no scarring, but I have multiple burst blood vessels and loads of varicose veins. I also have thin, delicate skin, which makes my normal blue veins visible too. My legs are quite the sight.

I see a dermatologist regularly and the vein-y situation on my legs is not a health hazard at all. I can actually have the burst blood vessels and varicose veins removed with cosmetic surgery. But honestly, I’m not bothered. I keep my lily white legs smoothly shaved, moisturized and polished. I also look after my feet and that’s enough for me.

And what’s more, I’ll sport bare legs with knee-length skirts, dresses, clamdiggers and walk shorts, no problem. My blemished leg skin is what it is and I’m not embarrassed about it. I could apply self tan or spray-on leg foundation to smooth out the look of the veins and add a bit of colour, but that spells extra morning fuss so why bother.

So I vote yay. I welcome my own bare legs with blemished skin and also tell my clients that it’s fine to sport theirs. Wear an attractive and flattering ensemble with fab accessories, keep up the polish and you’re good to go.

What’s your opinion? Do you think that women with blemished leg skin should cover up with hose, boots, jeans or slacks? Should we at least try to apply self tan and leg foundation to minimize the damage? Are vein-y legs unsightly? Lets hear it.