Today’s post is written by the incomparable Brenda Kinsel, an award winning Image Consultant and successful author. I had the pleasure of speaking to Brenda last month and it was delightful! She is charming, wise, very friendly and fun to talk to. We both agreed that anyone can buy fashion, but style you have to own. It’s not just about the individual items in an outfit, but HOW you put them together in your own special way that makes the difference.

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I recently walked into a store that just opened on the Square in my hometown. The woman behind the counter was dressed in such an inspiring way, I tried my best not to stare at her. I pretended to check out the merchandise but what I was really checking out was her whole look.

What was so compelling about her? Everything she had on flattered her natural coloring. She looked like the fairy tale character of Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – only this Snow White was all grownup and in her 50s. She had shiny, nearly black hair pulled back smoothly into a low ponytail. She’d added black hairclips in the front which created more texture and interest to this great feature of hers. Her lips were a shade of scarlet red. Her pale skin had a hint of blush at her cheekbones – or was it from the cold winter air?

There was plenty to enjoy about her clothes. She wore a gathered black skirt that came just below her knees. The fabric had a luxurious sheen to it. She wore patterned hosiery with chunky heeled oxfords that had ribbon laces. She wore a white blouse with tucks. The high contrast of her clothing colors mirrored that of her porcelain skin and dark hair and eyes. She didn’t look trendy. She looked like she clearly enjoyed fashion and dressing to express herself. I lingered as long as I could and then vowed to come back soon for my next hit of fashion inspiration!

I know we’ve all had the opposite experience where instead of being drawn in to enjoy someone’s style, we felt compelled to look away. We’ve been around someone whose clothes created a dissonance with their god-given gifts of color, texture and design that comes from the color, texture and pattern of their skin, hair, eyes, and lips. When that happens, it’s as if that dissonance pushes us backward out the door we came in. Nothing about that person’s presence makes us want to be around her or linger.

I didn’t want to wear the pieces this sales associate was wearing and I certainly don’t have her coloring so what she was wearing wouldn’t have looked the same on me. Her selections were just right for her. But I was inspired to make my expression of style more pleasing to myself and more intentional. I know that when I wear my sparkly silver earrings that have a soft organic shape and I add my unusual knotted necklace that seems to have glistening nuggets captured in the center of it, and I add my thin metal bracelets that make a lovely sound when they make contact with each other, I feel alive and present. This jewelry “beauty bundle” added to even just skinny jeans, a cashmere sweater and boots makes me feel happy. My jewelry glistens and my spirit does too. I feel open to the gift of life. Isn’t it remarkable how just getting dressed – with intention – can be so pleasing to ourselves and others? Isn’t it a gift you want to give yourself every day?

I feel so grateful to everyone who pays attention to what pleases them and has the courage to share those pleasures in public places. This year I vow to do a better job of saying those few words that sound so good: “Gosh, you look great!”

Never give up on yourself! You can look great at any age when you focus on style. Visit my website www.brendakinsel.com and receive your free e-Book, Brenda’s Fashion Essentials: Look Fantastic in Your 40s, 50s and Beyond.

The Dansko Veda combines traditional preppy sneaker styling with its signature clog platform. So this shoe feels like the Dansko Professional (ample arch support, a cushioning footbed, a non-slip grip and very roomy toe box) but looks more like a Converse All Star sneaker.

Quite a few of my Dansko-loving clients have fallen hard for this shoe because it’s sporty, extremely comfortable and a fresh look for Spring.

I vote yay and nay. Nay for me because Danskos do not work for my feet and the style is too chunky for my tastes. I prefer to wear streamlined Chuck Taylors with the addition of a soft insole. But I do vote yay for my clients because their feet are happy and underneath wider boot cuts and flared jeans, the Dansko Veda looks quite sweet.

These pictures link to Zappos.com, but the reviews on Nordstrom’s site are also worth a look.

Note that this post contains affiliate links.

We recently joined the affiliate program for a site I had never visited before: PlanetShoes.com. I was impressed with the assortment of brands that they stock. It was snowing outside our window a couple of days ago as I browsed their site, but I was still so inspired by the great selection of Summer sandals that I just had to create a list. You have to think off-season if you want to pick up bargains! Make sure you click through all the colour variations and read the reviews. The prices are keen and the styles pretty much on-trend:

1. Naya Mcloud: A very now 70’s wedge sandal vibe and Naya shoes have soft cushioning footbeds.
2. Naya Atwood: A little more romantic and just as fab.
3. Naya Telluride: Now that’s a happy Summer sandal!
4. Everybody Lono: I can’t help but be all over these lovelies. My colours and heel height.
5. Everybody Marli: Different and interesting.
6. Everybody Naro: This is the next style I’m all over. The subtle colour blocking is fabulous.
7. Indigo by Clarks Abruzzo: Clarks make a good solid shoe. Nice!
8. Tsubo Shala: Check out the tan and the cool stripes on the back heel. Tsubo generally makes a comfy shoe.
9. Chinese Laundry Sparrow: The cork wedge is on trend.
10. Kenneth Cole Reaction Cedar Dining: Kenneth Cole’s “Cedar” range sandals have a very good reputation.
11. Rocket Dog Butterfly: I really like the mixed metals and distressed leather.
12. Naturalizer Lolita: Quite dressy and good for wedding season.

Last but not least, this one isn’t on sale but I had to share it with you anyway. Everybody Emerald Sandal: Beautifully elegant and kind of arty too. They had me with the super soft leather and low heel height. I adore the amethyst and silver colour options.

Do you have prior experience with Planet Shoes? If so, or if you do purchase anything in the near future, let us know in the comments or on the forum what you think of their customer service. Zappos has set an extremely high bar and I’m very interested to see whether Planet Shoes can meet this standard.

Happy shopping!

Note that this post contains affiliate links.

Until about a year ago I was on Team Premium Denim 100%. When I wore jeans I only wore premium denim. I love the fit, quality, length and durability and a result am happy to pay premium price. But the Gap introduced a fabulous new line of jeans covering all silhouettes, washes and lengths, so I’ve been wearing a few non-premium denim jeans over the last six months (like Gaps legging jeans and Long & Lean flares). And I love those jeans just as much as my premium denim jeans.

But I’m still on Team Premium Denim because I have more of those brands represented in my wardrobe. I Wear 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Diesel, AG, David Kahn and J.Brand premium denim. Unless a brand new silhouette comes out that my style can’t live without, I shan’t be adding any more premium denim to my collection. I have PLENTY of jeans and am wearing them less frequently too.

Over to you. Are you Team Premium or Team Non Premium Denim. You can’t bat for both Teams but you can sit the game out on the bench if you can’t pick a side.