My favorite footwear styles fall into two categories: those I love to wear, and those I wish I could wear. My fussy feet prefer a flexible, cushiony, closed shoe. Preferably flat, or no higher than two inches. I have given up on anything that has a strap or is strappy.

The ones I love to wear:

• Boots. My all time favourite footwear because they’re comfortable and dramatic (I’m daring with my boot styles). I would wear boots everyday if I could. Living in Seattle gives me plenty of opportunity and I’m not complaining.
• Dressy ballet flats. They are versatile, practical and fun. They always do the distance.
• “Chuck Taylor” Converse sneakers. There is no substitute for this retro sneaker look.
• Chunky round-toed pumps. The heels are stable and the look suits my personal style. They are funkier than thin heeled, pointy-toe shoes.
• Fluffy slippers. Because our hardwood floors are hard and because Rosie likes to chew on them.

The ones I wish I could wear:

• Chunky peep-toe pumps
• Strappy wedge sandals with broad ankle straps
• Dainty thong sandals
• Shoes with exaggerated buckle detailing
• Gladiator sandals

Which footwear styles are your favourites and why? (If anyone says running shoes I’m going to faint).

Three seasons along and still going strong, wedges continue to make a huge fashion statement in America. They aren’t as popular in Europe for some reason (this has been my experience in Paris, Barcelona and London).

You’ll get away with wearing one style of wedge with most of your Spring and Summer outfits if you choose wisely. Here are key characteristics to consider if you’re looking for one wedge to woo them all:

• Heel height: Select a height that’s manageable for you.
• Shoe colour: Keep the colour metallic, cream, off-white or a shade of tan. Don’t choose black. This is heavy for warm weather and won’t look as fresh and Summery as a lighter colour.
• Heel colour: Make sure the heel is in a light colour too. A contrasting black or dark brown heel has the same “heavy-looking” effect. Wood, cork, wicker or self-fabric are good options.
• Style: Opt for a refined style as opposed to anything clumpy. That way you can wear the wedge with dresses and skirts as well.

Add a pretty pedicure and Bob’s your uncle. You’ve got a flop-proof Summer shoe that matches almost anything.

There is loads of variety when it comes to this type of wedge. Select a ped that matches your style and make it your “go to” and fall back option for warm weather dressing.

A long, floaty and printed maxi (or “patio”) day dress worn with flat gladiator sandals is the “it” look for frocks in Paris stores this season. The silhouette is less popular in US stores, but you’ll find one or two of these dresses in most dress departments.

The idea is that you wear this ensemble mix casually. I didn’t like this look in the ‘70’s and I don’t like it today. No matter how casual the fabric and style, there is something about an ankle length dress that screams “fancy evening event”. They look clumsy and inappropriate (and the excess fabric gets in the way). You need to be tall to pull off the look, and even then, a shorter hemline looks better.

I might be more partial to the look if I was a boho girl at heart. How about you? Will you be wearing the maxi dress this season?

Raise your hemline for casual occasions and reserve ankle length dresses for evening black tie events.

I need to give credit where it’s due. Jessica Simpson makes a nice product.

The avant-garde jacket that you see below caught my attention in Nordstrom last week. It’s interesting, streamlined, voluminous, tailored, and impeccably made. It has a full lining, overt top-stitching, an oversized collar, exaggerated box pleats and kimono sleeves. It also has a pair of unexpected, discreetly positioned side-entry pockets. Fabulous. The photo does not do the item justice.

A girl can’t ask for more when a mainstream piece looks “designer” for $98 at full price. Sew in a Prada or Chloe label and you’ve fooled the world. I love it.

I purchased black last week and I’ve worn this jacket almost every day. It looks great with white pants or straight leg jeans and dressy flats.