What I’ve enjoyed most about footwear this season is the enormous variety. The ‘90s are trending, which has made chunky platforms and flatforms across a range of styles oh-so current. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of refined and classic footwear either. There are neutrals, non-neutrals, and as many dressy as there are casual looks. Sneakers are the shoe of this fashion era, but there is more to choose from, if that’s your cup of tea.

1. 27 Edit Naturalizer Footwear

This brand offers pretty good arch support, and padded comfy footbeds. If you’re after a dainty slingback with a high heel or flat heel that needs to fit a higher volume foot, try the Felicia Slingback, and the Makenna Slingback. Their toe boxes are surprisingly roomy, and can accommodate smaller bunions. Some of the styles and colours come in wide widths.

2. Madewell Marseilla Ankle-Strap Sandal

If you can wear dainty flats with supportive hard outer soles and soft cushioning footbeds, try these. Your feet do not feel too close to the ground because of the hard material of the soles. I have them in the cream and love them. Soft leather, dainty, pretty, versatile, and no rubbing so far. I have low-volume feet, so they look a little wide in the toe box, yet the fit does not look off and I find the style very comfortable. The ankle strap keeps the flats securely fastened, and I can walk for hours in them. They look especially great with skirts and dresses, although I wear them with cropped jeans and pants too. Well-made and comes in half sizes.

3. Cole Haan Sandals

Hubs Greg and I are big fans of Cole Haan footwear because it’s well-made, polished, comfortable, and spans a range of classic and trendy looks. If you’re after a pair of classic, gorgeous, and extremely comfy toe-loop sandals, try the Anica Lux Sandal. Clients who don’t typically wear toe-loop styles are wearing them because they are so comfortable. The substantial soles provide good support so you don’t feel too close to the ground. The Josie Fisherman Sandal is one of the best and most comfortable high-heeled dressy sandals around at the moment. Of course, if you can manage the 2.75 inch heels.

I’m excited to turn 53 over the weekend. We celebrate a birthday month at the Cox Castle, with small celebrations throughout the month to make the birthday person feel special. Yorkies Sam and Jo think it’s their birthdays, helping to unwrap the presents, and enjoying the festivities as much as we do. 

2023 is shaping up to be a good year for hubs Greg and me. After four tough and stressful years for our families, this is very welcome. I’m grateful that things are more or less back to normal, post-pandemic. Travelling and socializing more freely is thrilling and so enjoyable. We’re taking full advantage and making up for lost time.

I’m happy and blessed. My word for the year was CHANGE, and I am thankful for how my life has changed for the better. We are finally moving forward with a large remodel of our Seattle loft, and although things are far from resolved, the process is exhilarating. The work project that I wanted to get off the ground is going like a Boeing. I am out of my rut and feeling re-energized. I’m back to working full-time with my fabulous clientele, which I find rewarding and therapeutic. I’m back to doing an active yoga practice almost daily. Our little family of four has much better work-life balance and spends quality time together. I’ve learned to say no to things to prevent unnecessary pressure. I’m finding it easier than ever to be easy-going and spontaneous, and to roll with the punches. My slow-growing hair has grown into a style that I like, which only took 18 months!

Age is surreal. I look in the mirror and see me at 53 years. I also see the child, teen, and young adult in my middle-aged self. I feel 53, 40, 25, 16 and 8 years old at once. It’s strange and wonderful to feel an assortment of ages after five decades of living. It makes life richer and more satisfying.

I’m a high energy person, who rarely sits still. As Greg says, “you are a very busy bee!” My energy levels will decrease at some point, but for now, I’m going to ride the crest of that wave until it falls. Speaking of which, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins next week, which is my busiest time of year. As tired as I am when I come back from a day at the sale working with my clients, I love every moment of it. It’s a good tired that’s worth it. Copious quantities of Earl Grey tea do help.

With Summer in full swing in the northern hemisphere, fashion outlets are turning their attention to swimwear round-ups. And I love that many are including more size-inclusive options:

• The Kit rounds up 7 inclusive swimwear brands for every body.
• I also enjoyed their feature on Hayley Elsaesser, who isn’t afraid to make bold swimwear in sizes ranging from 2Xs to 6XL.
• Lingerie brand Parade has branched out into swimwear, and Refinery29 did an extensive review.
• Also according to Refinery29, these are 25 swimsuits for big busts that don’t sacrifice support or style.
• Plus-size fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya shares her 5 favourite size-inclusive swim brands.

Fab Links from Our Members

April wanted to share this wow moment in Paris.

Kkards is currently intrigued by the 2×2 outfit formula, and recently watched these 2 very different YouTubers experiment and explain it… She adds: “this formula is 100% in my wheelhouse and while I’ve never set out to dress this way, I think I tend to wear this formula often. Anyway, I really liked seeing how 2 very different people interpreted it and made it their own.”

“Leave the sweatpants at home. Why we need a dress code for flying.” Zoeygirl says: “I don’t think I agree, but I appreciate the nostalgia of an era when one dressed up to fly.”

She also thought this premise might appeal to many Fabbers: “Why not to have a 12-piece capsule wardrobe.“

Minaminu really enjoyed this article, with lots of suggestions on how to fall back in love with your own wardrobe.

Nuancedream finds it discouraging that clothing brands, especially luxury brands, now view models over 50 as being too risky for the bottom line.

“Another reason to wash new clothes before you wear them,” says Jaime.

She also loved this excellent 2014 article on how modern dress developed.

“Don’t mess with my face. Confessions of a make-up artist.” OliveGreen adds: “I don’t wear makeup anymore, but regard it as a wonderful tool in the hands of an artist. Just mind-boggling effects.”

Quietloud is currently trying to come up with her style descriptors, and found Allison Bornstein’s 3-word method interesting.

Mary Beth thought these tips on how to make your own thrift box/bundle might help when it comes to shopping a more cohesive seasonal capsule or vacation wardrobe.

Fit challenges are universal. Sizes are not standardized, and fits are inconsistent from brand to brand. Be discerning about the way an item fits your body. Go up or down in size, and shorter or longer in length, to create the desired fit. 

The correct fit will achieve outfit proportions that showcase your figure in an attractive way. When something does not fit, it’s not your body that is wrong. It’s a question of finding a better fit, be that through a different size, item or brand.

Choose from body-con, tailored, fluid and oversized silhouettes. A forgiving fit can be practical if your weight is fluctuating. Alterations can make the crucial difference. Pass on items that no longer fit. Feel comfortable and happy in the fits you choose.