The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is holding an exclusive fundraising fashion show on Sunday 29 April in Burlingame, CA. Furry and feisty four-legged friends will be strutting their stuff down the catwalk in clothing and accessories from Bow Wow Meow, San Francisco’s sassy pet boutique.

I won’t be there in person, but will be there in spirit because our Yorkshire Terriers, Rosie and Jasmine, are featured on the cover of the event programme and invitation. Lisa Henderling, the artist who created the fashion illustration for the event, did the original illustration for the youlookfab header and chose to re-use the picture of our Yorkies because she thought that ”that they might like to help”. Thank you Lisa. The illustration is magical and we are honoured.

All funds raised from the event will benefit the animals in the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Hope Program. In their words:

All funds raised from this event will benefit the animals in the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Hope Program. Many animals come to us ready for adoption; many more need extra medical care, behavior training or special love and attention. Our Hope Program allows us to provide this extra care, making well and ready for adoption approximately 150 more animals per month, giving them the second chance they deserve.

I hope that you’ll be able to attend what promises to be an eventful and stylish affair (all donations will be appreciated). For additional information, please contact Dawn Kelsey Fanara at 650.340.7022 (ext. 375) or dkelsey@peninsulahumanesociety.org.

As a racy rectangle, your strong shoulders, narrow hips and slim limbs give you lots of choice when it comes to dresses. While you know that you look superb in jeans, it’s time to break out of that comfort zone and embrace the right dresses for Spring and Summer. You’ll look good in dresses with any skirt styling detail. Be it pencil, A-line, tapered, broomstick-pleated, sarong, bias, asymmetrical, low-waisted or paneled, wear them in plain, printed, flowing or stiff fabrications without a second thought. It’s the top half of the dress that you’ll need to think about.

Rectangular body types can either be well endowed or not. If you are:

• Busty – you’ll want to create a longer looking middle by defining your waist and keeping your necklines low (which lengthens the neck). Look for dresses with V-necks, scooped necks, sweetheart necks or strapless styles.
• Boyish – you’ll want to create curves by accentuating your waist and keeping your necklines high. Look for slash necks, cru-necks, keyhole necklines and high halter tops with neck ruching. Dresses with shirt collars will also work because they won’t reveal too much of your décolleté.

Like the hour-glass, racy rectangles were made for the perfect 60’s sheath dress. You’ll just need to adapt the neckline according to your bust size. The boyish framed rectangle is about the only body type that can sport this seasons’ straight shapeless trapeze mini dress with style. Though my preference would still be to dress this body type in structured waistlines and knee length skirts.

Dresses for busty rectangles from Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Dresses for boyish rectangles from Macy’s and Nordstrom.

Circular pendants on necklaces are becoming quite the look. Last year delicate circular diamond pendants and chunky linked chains were contrasting trends. But there’s a lot more to choose from this season. Take your pick from large statement pieces or dainty charms in any metal, material or stone. Pop it on a long chain, short chain or piece of leather chord. Whether it’s modern, vintage, exotic or playful, you’ll look hip sporting this accessory on anything with a low neckline. Be sure to first check your own jewelry box for a forgotten treasure. You might find that you can bring new life to a pendant you already have.

Circular pendants from jewelry designers Me&Ro, Lois Hill, Laura Goulas, Jamie Joseph (top row) and Rachel Leigh (bottom row).

You’ll keep your boots looking brand new for years if you look after them. It’ll only take a little effort and a small investment of time. Here’s what to do:

• Use boot shapers and keep them upright. There are countless types to choose from (the cheapest for as little as $9). If that’s still too much effort, rolled up magazines tied with rubber bands (to get a cylindrical form) will also do the trick.
• Clean them regularly. Boot polish or cream that you apply with a cloth and then brush are best. There are a multitude of fancy formulas out there that boast better results (like sprays and special sponges), but none are as effective as old fashioned boot polish.
• Spray on a water repellent formula. The Teflon coating keeps out rain and prevents stains.
• Remove odours. Stay fresh using a shoe deodorant.

Boots are expensive and usually a statement piece. Give them a little extra attention and they’ll take care of you for a lot longer.

Find boot shapers and shoe cream at your local grocery store, drugstore, online stores or specialist shoe stores.