Welcome the day clutch as a more elegant alternative to the oversized tote or satchel for Spring. The idea of a grab-bag for everyday use is an interesting one. Their sleek rectangular shape is modern and new, and I especially like them matched with a spotted top. The contrast that is created between the roundness of the polka dot and the linear shape of the clutch is somehow striking.

Unfortunately, the day clutch isn’t very practical. While oversized styles might be large enough to hold all your essentials, it never leaves you with both your hands free. You need to… well… “clutch” a clutch (either with your hand, or between your upper arm and your side). So this fashionable trend is fab when you can spare the extra hand, but will leave you fumbling when you can’t.

Day clutches by Kate Spade, L.A.M.B. (Nordstrom) and Hobo International (Amazon.com).

Here’s another relevant piece of information regarding the skinny model controversy (see “Can fashion models be too thin?“) – a set of recommendations released earlier this year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA):

Keep models under 16 off the runway and don’t allow models under 18 to work at fittings or photo shoots past midnight.

Educate those in the industry to identify the early warning signs of eating disorders.

Require models identified as having an eating disorder to receive professional help and only allow those models to continue with approval from that professional.

Develop workshops on the causes and effects of eating disorders, and raise awareness of the effects of smoking and tobacco-related disease.

During fashion shows, provide healthy meals and snacks, while prohibiting smoking and alcohol.

These are merely suggestions and will not be enforced.

The question of unhealthy body mass indexes (BMIs) was not addressed. According to their statement:

“The CFDA is about awareness and education, not policing. Therefore, the committee is not recommending that models get a doctor’s physical examination to assess their health or body-mass index to be permitted to work. Eating disorders are emotional disorders that have psychological, behavioral, social, and physical manifestations, of which body weight is only one.”

Another indication that the ultra skinny model will be around as long as super–slim sells.

Exaggerated heel height continues to make a trendy impact. It seems that 4- to 5-inch stacked-heeled platforms and wedges are destined to remain fashionable for a good deal longer. These new highs are a low point for me. While I’m an enthusiastic promoter of “leg-flattering elevation” (because a pair of heels slims down your curves by adding height), many of the heeled shoes in stores at the moment are frightening.

I adore flat shoes, but enjoy a stable 2 inch heel when I feel it enhances my outfit. These days I’m often attracted to a fabulous shoe, but then inhibited by the heel height. This is especially a challenge because it’s a dress season, and dresses look nicer with some sort of heel. Shoes for Spring are for the most part either really low or ultra high with very little in-between. I draw the line at comfortable 3 inch heels that I can wear for half a day to dressier occasions which involve me being seated for some of the time.

Do these new highs actually increase your style quotient? I don’t think so. How can anything uncomfortable, impractical and bad for your back and feet be stylish. Towering platforms and soaring wedges are one trend I’ll be forced to bypass season after season. I sincerely hope that trusty 2-inch heeled shoes make a strong comeback soon. For  the meantime I’ll be spending my shoe budget on something else!

If you can walk comfortably in any of these 4-inch-plus heels from Zappos.com, it’s a skill that you can put in your resume.

Not quite red, pink or orange, but rather a mixture of the three. It’s what I call coral and it’s a superb colour to wear for Spring. Since it comes in a variety of intensities, there’s sure to be a shade that’s best for you. Take your pick from watermelon, pomegranate, guava, lipstick, rose and hibiscus. I like coral best when it’s matched with either other warm tones or white. It’s fresh and feminine and certainly worth a try.

Coral clothing and accessories from French Connection, Arden B., Anthropologie and Zappos.com.