Gladiators and strappy stacked sandals are the “it” styles for Summer 2008 footwear. Combine the two and you’ve got the next “it” sandal – the stacked gladiator. It’s hectically high, super strappy and hard to walk in for any length of time. It’s the shoe on Carrie Bradshaw’s feet in the recent “Sex and the City” movie. I have a hunch the trend is here to stay.

My feet hurt at the mere sight of these shoes, but I appreciate the look. Right now it’s uber hip paired with voluminous dresses, paper bag skirts and skinnies. The hardcore edge of the stacked gladiator creates a contrast with pretty dresses and skirts. That’s the uniqueness of the look which you either like or you don’t. Has your eye adapted to this look?

I have a hip client who can wear just about anything on her feet, and sports the silver snake skin, sling back style. She took one look at them on our shopping trip and said “those are fly!” With great excitement she wore them to work the next day with stone washed skinnies and a tomato red, belted, shirt dress tunic. I know she felt and looked fly.

The July 2008 issue of InStyle Magazine has a few lighthearted pages on Style Profiling. The article breaks “fashion personality” into five categories and uses five famous Cates/Kates as the role models to bring them to life. Answer 22 quick questions, tally the results, and your style is mapped to the five categories. Not to be taken too seriously of course, but the quiz was fun, and their categories are actually quite well thought out.

A. Naturalist (Cate Hudson):

“Your earthy inclinations mean you carried a reusable tote to the grocery store prior to Anya Hindmarch making it hip, and you wore ethnic tunics long before Etro turned them into a style must. Friends may tease you about the SIGG bottle you lug everywhere – but when you’re working your green-market magic in the kitchen, nobody’s complaining”.

B. Bombshell (Kate Bekinsale):

“Your sexy style signals, ‘look at me!’ – and that’s what happens when you’re wearing a curve-kissing Elie Saab dress, red alert lips and chiro-practically incorrect YSL saber heels. So there isn’t a sensible shoe in your closet, but who’s walking? You’d rather lounge at Katsuya Hollywood or cruise South Beach in a new Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead coupe”.

C. Sophisticate (Cate Blanchett):

“Feminine but not frilly, seductive but not showy, you live for luxury but are allergic to bling. Grace Kelly is your ideal, and Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera are your sartorial guardian angels. Your friends so admire your impeccable taste they won’t even buy a bottle of wine before consulting you first. There’s a reason – you never miss”.

D. Trendster (Kate Moss):

“Lots of girls want your edgy look- that’s why they always copy you. But by the time they’re doing Kova $ T latex leggings, you’re already onto Balenciaga rubber dresses. Hey, you can’t help that your inner sensor is finely tuned to detect the next cool thing. Since your presence at any party confers instant grooviness, you’re always invited – usually to DJ.”

E. Romantic (Kate Bosworth):

“You love ruffles and bows and have never been afraid to show it. This year, fashion houses from Marchesa to Valentino to Proenza Schouler are catering to your ladylike leanings. A devotee of the arts, like manners you don’t care for today’s rather casual approach to fashion, but you’re far too polite to scold”.

My results tied “Sophisticate” and “Trendsetter” in first place, with “Romantic” not too far behind. I scored very low in the others, so I suppose that I’m the furthest thing from a natural bombshell. How do you think you’d score?

Last week the YLF forum passed 1000 registered members. It has attracted women of all ages, nationalities, body types, lifestyles and fashion personas. Whether it’s help with an outfit or purchase, a body type challenge, the chance to view a daily ensemble, or opinions about a preconceived style idea, questions are asked and answered swiftly, compassionately and effectively by astute and conscientious forum members.

Every so often a forum post starts something like this: “I’ve been lurking for a while and have finally plucked up the courage to post”. I applaud this courage. It’s not easy asking for feedback and sharing information. However, it’s not long before a newbie is welcomed, assisted and integrated into the group. If you’re new and haven’t posted yet, you’ll realize that we are all different, but very much the same. Maybe today is the day you will post for the first time.

I didn’t anticipate the extent to which I would enjoy the forum. It is so much fun! And I am in awe of the ongoing efforts of others to listen, help and learn. The sense of community is strong and the level of camaraderie heart warming. I have only met a handful of our forum members in person, but somehow feel connected to everyone. I hope to meet many more members in future.

Thank you for supporting the YLF forum. It would be nothing without your valuable and stylish contribution. And tell us about your experience. Has it helped you? Are there things we can do to improve the experience?

I saw a very stylish lady walk into our flagship Seattle Nordstrom store last week. She was probably in her late 50’s or early 60’s, petite and perfectly polished. She wore dark wash skinny jeans, a cropped, tailored grey and black micro-check, double-breasted jacket and black, round-toe ballet flats. She carried a simple, flat black patent tote and wore a chunky gold watch. Her hair was short, dark red, bobbed and with fringe. She wore dark red sunglasses with hooped gold earrings, and just a spot of make-up.

Wearing skinny jeans over the age of 50 does not give you instant style. But this lady happened to look really good in them and pulled off a smart casual look with taste and refinement. She embraced a few trends and made them work appropriately for her age and body type. The timeless and current aspects of her look blended perfectly. She did not come across as “trying too hard” or “dressing too young”. Her style was effortless, chic, put together and comfortable. I walked straight up to her and told her that I thought she looked fabulous.

I’m inspired whenever I see older women with a superb sense of style. It makes me look forward to evolving my own style over time. The most stylish women in Paris are in their 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. This is also true of my own clientèle. If you are over 50, please share your style wisdom with us.

This Polyvore creation captures a similar feeling to the ensemble I describe above. Remember that the person’s dark red, bobbed hair was an accessory all on its own. It complemented the seemingly subtle, almost bland grey jacket really well. I dedicate this post to Judy and San, our stylish YLF forum members who are over the age of 50 and rock a pair of skinny jeans with the best of them.