French Connection is a British brand, and not French as you might expect. I like the brand so I always take a peek at their items when I’m in Nordstrom. Last week, while out and about with a very stylish Mum on the go and her kids, we noticed their bags. Very fab — dressy with a strong casual integrity. 

• French Connection Extra Large Tote: A tote with a sturdy handle that doubles up as a laptop case. Read the rave review. Also available in teal and charcoal.
• French Connection Oversized Clutch: There is a bright blue zipper which adds a fun touch to the graphic weave of this clutch that you can’t see clearly in the photo. Comes with an optional strap.
• French Connection Double Handle Hobo: A structured hobo is a rare breed, and this one is architectural. Lies flat against the body. Also available in red and black. 

There was also a stunning ink and blue shiny patterned tote by French Connection that is not available online. So check that style out too when you’re next in the bag department at Nordstrom.

I’m a big fan of raglan sleeves in soft fabrications that collapse back onto the contour of the shoulder line because they are flattering on a variety of body types. It’s amazing how this style of sleeve works equally well for both narrow and broad shoulders, but in different ways. 

• Raglan sleeves visually narrow a broad shoulder because the lack of shoulder seam draws attention away from the shoulder line. A lower neckline and tapered sleeves on a raglan sleeved top further soften a broad shoulder line. 

• Raglan sleeves add structure to a narrow shoulder line, especially when the neckline is high and the shoulder neck point close to the neck. The shoulder line is often sloppy and a tad wide with set-in sleeves when you have dainty shoulders. The raglan fits on the shoulder no matter what. 

Raglan sleeves have been particularly fashionable in knit tops, tees and pullovers over the last few years and I’m thrilled about it. Have you noticed the flattering effects of soft raglan sleeves?

I’m a fan of Kamalikulture dresses. I’ve worn the one I bought many times this year because it’s a great length, a good fit, has sleeves, and is an easy pull-on-and-go. Although I do wear it with a topper, I like the frock best worn on its own with a pair of low heels. Sometimes I throw in a pair of slipper flats instead of the heels. 

Here are two more styles that tickled my fancy: 

• Kamalikulture Crew Neck Flared Dress with Belt: If this dress were four inches longer, it would be mine because I loved the fit-and-flare style so much. But I don’t want to add in another flared skirt that is above my kneecap at the moment, so I let this one go. But with a swapped out belt and a pair of knee-high boots, it’s a pretty flop proof combination for work or play. I liked the way the flare did not pouf out at the hips, and was NOT gathered at the waist. The flare lies flat and is flattering. 
• Kamalikulture Turtleneck Dress: This style is for Team Turtleneck. You’ve got to grab those sleeved and neck covering dresses with extra length when you see them because they are in very short supply. So I ended up with this style because it was perfect the moment I tried it on. Formfitting, but not clingy. Covered and graphic. Fab with pointy toe ankle strap pumps in the Summer, and with knee-high boots for Fall. Available in blue, dark grey, and lace. 

These dresses are machine washable and do not require ironing, which makes them ideal for travel. I pop mine straight into the delicates cycle at home and hang dry. Voilà. This is what I call a no-fuss, polished, business casual dress. It’s great to have options other than the modern classic sleeveless sheath.

Black footwear is always in style, but it’s particularly on trend and fashionable for Fall and Winter 2013. Black booties, shooties, tall boots, mid-calf boots, pumps, sneakers, flat forms, oxfords, peep-toes and slipper flats are being worn with all sorts of outfit combinations.  

Black footwear was by far the most popular choice at the Fall 2013 runway shows and I pinned some directional combinations. 

• Jil Sander: Rich dark hues with midi length skirt, coat and baroque heeled loafers. 
• Akris: Severe black pumps with cropped pants and cocoon coat. 
• Costume National: Round shouldered peplum with cigarette pants and heeled black booties. 
• Celine: Feminine architectural flow with black mid-calf boots.
• Chalayan: Masculine slouch with simple suede booties. 
• Salvatore Ferragamo: Crisp tailoring with sleek cut-out knee-high boots.
• Michael Kors: A combination of severe and pretty with black Mary Jane pointy toe pumps. 
• Milly: Cream and textured black with sleek black heeled booties. 
• Clements Ribeiro: The multi-strap flat pointy toe bootie with knee covering bottoms. 
• Paul Smith: Baggy cobalt trousers with earthy oranges and black booties.
• Paul & Joe: Over-the-knee boots with short flared hemlines. 
• Joseph: Bright skirts worn over fluid pants with mid-calf boots. 

On trend black booties and tall boots are for the most part refined and without a platform. Styles with almond toes and pointy toes look particularly fresh.

Black peds have many advantages:

1. They naturally bookend dark hair, black tops and toppers, or black belts, scarves and bags.
2. They elongate the leg line when wearing dark trousers or jeans.
3. They are practical, hiding dirt and moisture, and can be spruced up with black shoe polish or a sharpie pen. 
4. They are a versatile modern classic.

For all these reasons most of my clients have black footwear in their wardrobes. And those who prefer navy, chocolate or dark grey to black for clothing items, still wear black footwear because it works just as well to bookend those neutrals. 

I prefer light coloured footwear because it complements my pale complexion and bookends my blonde hair. That’s why I wear white, cream, taupe, silver, gold and patterned footwear more regularly than black footwear. That said, I do wear black footwear, and have a few pairs of extremely comfortable tall black boots. I have resisted black booties for many seasons, favouring cream and animal print. But this is going to be the year I add black booties with a one and a half inch heel to my wardrobe. All of a sudden, I’m in the mood for the look. They have to be patent because that makes them a little prettier and more textured than flat black leather, and of course it’s the dressier option too. 

Do you wear black footwear, and do you wear it year round? If so, why does black footwear tickle your fancy? Or are your against black footwear because it’s too harsh and to some degree the expected choice.