A recent thread on the YLF forum labeled the $1,795 designer boots on the left below the “ugliest perversion of fashion ever made”. They certainly aren’t my style, but I can appreciate their edgy, daring, dramatic, gothic and grungy appeal. They look impeccably made, which for the price is the least you should expect.

On the right is what I would call an ugly shoe. Their five and a half inch stiletto heel looks like a weapon. The brand is called “Promiscuous” and this particular style has been labeled “Flirtatious”. It is described as an “overpoweringly sexy platform”. Somehow, I wouldn’t feel particularly alluring if I wore these. Do they scare you too?

I could scarcely believe it, but it’s true. Nordstrom can add an inch or two to the length of your jeans by using a heat stretching process. The alterations department uses heavy duty heat presses to make the elastic component of the denim pliable. The process is continued until the desired vertical stretch is achieved.

The jeans must have an elastic component – the process won’t work on 100% cotton jeans. After lengthening, you can wash, air dry and press as normal. But you’ll undo the stretch if you machine dry.

This might be your answer to perfect pant lengths, especially if you wear heels with bootcuts. Sometimes an extra one or two inches does the trick on a petites, or regular length pair of jeans that’s a tad too short. Tall girls, this trick is fabulous for you.

My friend Stephanie has just had her Seven’s stretched two inches and she’s thrilled. Thanks for sharing this information with us, Stephanie. May this be the end of your “short jeans dilemma”. Brilliant! What would we do without Nordstrom?

It’s your last chance to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Prices go back up on Monday 4 August. Remember to re-check sizes and items that were sold out before. Loads of items get returned throughout the sale period. Hope you enjoyed the sale as much as I did. My treasures are awaiting their Autumn debut.

About a month ago we talked about the jeans in our closet. My next questions are how often you wear the different silhouettes and why. I’ll go first:

• 40% straight-leg
• 40% skinny
• 20% bootcut

I like the sleek look and practical appeal of straight and skinny jeans. I can sport perfect pant lengths without committing to a particular heel height. I go from flats, to Converse sneakers, to two-inch heeled pumps in one day (this happens a lot). The hems don’t skim the surface of the ground which keeps my jeans dry when it rains. The sleek leg line gives me the versatility to wear fitted and voluminous tops in both tunic and shorter lengths. It’s an efficient denim wardrobe formula that works for my lifestyle and fashion persona.

Occasionally I haul out my bootcuts and thoroughly enjoy wearing them when I do. They are elegant and look especially chic with a heel. I don’t wear wide leg pants because they don’t feel right to me. Your turn!