Dansko is a European comfort footwear brand that offers sweet looking casual styles like the Penelope, Reegan, Rory and Ryder. And then there’s the Professional, the quintessential Dansko clog (pictured below). Not so sweet. I’d be dishonest if I said that I thought this was a good looking shoe.

Regardless of how I feel about the aesthetics of the Dansko Professional, it is extremely popular and sells well each season. People love them! It’s no wonder that the style received five stars on Zappos after a whopping 665 reviews.

The Dansko Professional is adored because it’s extremely comfortable, weather resistant, non-slip, well made and lasts forever. Doctors, Veterinarians, Nurses and many others in the medical profession swear by these shoes because they offer the necessary arch support – a must for when you’re on your feet all day.

Here in Seattle the Dansko Professional is a popular choice of casual shoe no matter what your profession. And believe it or not, I am totally on board with the look when the clogs are worn in a certain way. I have fussy feet and empathize with the need for perpetual footwear comfort. So if Dansko clogs are the only type of shoe that some of my clients can wear on a regular basis to prevent foot pain, let’s make it work with style. Here’s how:

• Bottoms: Pair the clogs with flared or extra-wide hemmed boot cut jeans or casual pants, making sure that the hems almost skim the ground. That way the wider hems drape well over the shoes, exposing parts of the toe while covering up the rest. The two inch heel on the clog provides a good amount of height for the flared hems. A low contrast between the colour of the clogs and the pants makes for a more streamlined look.
• Tops: The clog is a casual shoe, and although we do want to increase the overall style quotient, it will work best with casual items on top. Add a casual sweater or layer a tee under a cardigan. For a more structured effect, throw in a casual jacket, blazer or coat.
• Bookend: Try to bookend the colour of the clogs with either your hair, a clothing item, or an accessory on the top portion of the ensemble. Bookending is not a must, but in this case we’re trying to spiff up the outfit and bookending will help you to feel more pulled together.
• Flair: Add some flair by finishing off the look with a wooly scarf or a casual pendant necklace. Feel free to wear an adorable beret or newsboy cap too.

Of course I’d love to see prettier casual shoes on my clients, but foot pain is no joke. Making the Dansko Professional look cute in casual outfits is possible. A gal has to do what a gal has to do.

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‘Tis the season for scarves!  They add outfit texture, interest, and are effective colour vehicles. Create a vertical line, tie it with the Angie knot, or leave it messy style. Scarves are quick-fix style refreshers and often more affordable than other accessories. Easy, interesting and practical.

Here are some of my top picks right now:

1. Steve Madden M49702 Eternity Scarf: Cozy and casual like a soft plush toy.
2. Laundry by Shelli Segal Double Scarf with Lettuced Edge: An interesting layered effect.
3. Lucky Brand Water Paisley Wrap: Nice colours and patterns.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Dash Dot Jersey Scarf: Super soft jersey scarves are ideal for mild Winters. Guaranteed to not itch!
5. Yarnz SF120: Arty and fabulous in a neutral way.
6. Tarnish Peacock Wool Scarf: One of my favourites this season and I’m all over the yellow.
7. Nordstrom Pearl Print Scarf: Sophisticated and understated chic.
8. Echo Oversized Ruffle Scarf: Dramatic, textured and very warm.
9. Tarnish Sumi Flower Stripe Lamb’s Wool Scarf: The berry and purple are particularly lovely but the gold is for you if earth tones are your thing.
10. Nordstrom Vintage Scarf: This look is not my thing but it absolutely might be yours.
11. Ted Baker Cube Print Intarsia Scarf: Now that’s a fun bright scarf.
12. Pieces Mystic Spot Scarf: Who can resist a clean crisp polka dot.
13. Ikat Print Scarf: You’ll like this deal if Ikat prints tickle your fancy.

Happy shopping!

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It’s by no means a faux pas to wear wide leg trousers with flat footwear. There are women who pull off the look with sass and style. High-waisted wide leg trousers are especially elongating of the leg line, so wearing flats won’t necessarily make you look and feel dumpy.

That being said, I still vote nay because 99% of the time I prefer wide leg trousers matched with heels and with hems that almost skim the ground. The higher the heel, the more I like the look. It’s as if you’re walking on stilts and the effect is quite dramatic and elegant.

Heels worn with wide leg trousers needn’t be super high. One and a half to two inch heels work just fine, and in true 70’s style so do platformed clogs. You are in for a treat if you like wide leg trousers because as a nod to both 70’s and 90’s fashion they will be big in 2011.

Do you vote yay or nay for wearing wide leg trousers with flats?

When I started working as a fashion stylist in the US, I learned a few interesting things around Christmas time. First, that people in America refer to the period between Thanksgiving and New Year as “the Holidays”. This was so new to me! Second, that many men, women and children wear more red at this time of year than any other. In fact, some of my clients wear red during the Holidays, but not during the rest of the year.

I do think of red as a festive Christmas colour, but I’m on Team Red and wear just as much of the colour during the rest of the year as I do during the Holidays (and so do our doggies Rosie and Jasmine, who have had red collars, leads, harnesses and jumpers at one time or another).

Do you wear red during the Holidays? Is it the only time of year that you wear red?