I used to wear pointy-toe ankle strap pumps with a two inch heel a lot in warm weather (sometimes without the ankle strap). The pointy toe suited my narrow feet, the dainty style suited my narrow calf, and the heel lengthened my leg line. The pumps also added what I perceived to be a dressy, elegant and refined polish to my outfits. I wore them with skirts and dresses, cropped pants, cropped jeans, a jumpsuit, and harem pants. They were a very versatile warm-weather shoe for my style. Here are the exact pumps from my wardrobe.

Sadly, I passed on all the pumps two years ago because I can no longer comfortably wear the heel height. Switching up the heel shape to a block heel makes no difference because I’m happiest in heel heights between half and one and a half inches. I walk and travel a lot, and therefore do not compromise on foot comfort. So I temporarily lost quite an integral part of my warm-weather style when the pumps went bye-bye.

I left things for a year and simply wore multiple pairs of modern classic loafers with a one inch heel because I was all too happy to have found covered Summer shoes that went the distance. As much as I adore flat loafers, they are not a substitute for pointy-toe ankle strap pumps. Too casual and not as refined or elegant.

It seemed obvious that I look for a flat version of the ankle strap pumps as a replacement, but that’s easier said than done. The strap of ankle strap flats usually cuts into my skin, and regular ballet flats are hard to fit. Round-toe ballet flats are too wide and short for my low-volume feet, and not dainty enough for my tastes. The pointy-toe styles fall off my feet. Ballet flats can also be hard and unsupportive.

By chance this Summer (because you find things when you’re NOT looking for them) I found a much better visual substitute for the pumps. They’re Banana Republic’s pointy-toe Robin ballet flat in watermelon and red suede (above). I took a chance with the watermelon, put them through their paces, and was delighted to discover that they work wonderfully well. I’ve walked Velp, Seattle and Salt Lake City flat in them, and they’re great. I promptly repeated the style in red.

With the addition of the flat substitute, I’ve been able to haul out old wardrobe favourites like my black harem pants and wear them with the same affection as when I wore them with pumps. For example, I wore the old outfit on the right in Salt Lake City last week, but with watermelon ballet flats instead of pumps. I added pearls, a denim jacket, and light blue crossbody bag. I was very comfortable walking and working, and sometimes with our Yorkie Sam in tow.

Here are the exact components of the 2018 outfit. I enjoy remixing old wardrobe items with new. The pants are ten years old, the jacket and blouse five, and the shoes and bag are new. The pants, blouse and jacket are exceptional quality items that it’s no wonder they went the distance. They look as good now, as the day I bought them despite frequent washing and wearing. I’m hard on shoes, so I don’t know how long the flats will last, but the Furla will go the distance too.

There is a lot of excitement for this year’s Fall & Winter trends. A lot of that has to do with the enormous variety and a general affection for Fall fashion, but maybe the strong ‘80s influence is a particular drawcard. And of the many examples of ‘80s influence, white boots are top of the list. 

I think of white footwear as very ‘60s and ‘80s. Apart from sneakers, white footwear disappeared from fashion in the ‘90s when just about everything was black. Since the ‘80s, white footwear has been scarce at retail, especially white boots. It’s only been over the last few years that white Summer footwear has become widely available. White boots, on the other hand, have been elusive until this year when fashion decided to give them their moment.

The white boot trend is for the most part short, although shaft and heel heights vary. The shades of white vary from bright optical white and off-white, to bone and cream. Go for warm cream if cool tones aren’t your thing. White boots can be trimmed with colours too. There are chunky and dainty styles, dressy and casual looks, polished and rugged vibes, and combinations of these aesthetics. Take your pick.

Most of my clients and friends are not into white boots… yet! White Spring and Summer footwear has grown on them, but many draw the line for Autumn and Winter. Some feel it can look gorgeous in the right outfit, but is impossible in rainy and icy Seattle weather. Others don’t like to see high contrast on their feet when they wear dark bottoms. Some feel it looks dowdy, jarring, or have bad flashbacks of ‘80s fashion. And some enjoy the look but not the practical challenge of keeping white boots clean. That said, some clients are willing to give white boots a go for special occasions, or when they commute by car to the office.

Where do I begin with my love for white footwear? I’ve worn it for as long as I can remember. My Mum put me in white shoes as a towhead child. Apart from brown school shoes and black equestrian boots for horse riding, most of my footwear in the ‘80s was white. I wore white footwear into the early ‘90s until I had to switch to black and brown because that’s all you could get. I found white footwear and boots again in the early ‘00s and haven’t looked back.

My nostalgic ‘80s gene keeps white footwear alive in my style, and so do four other reasons:

1. Effective bookending for platinum blonde hair
2. A Modern and Graphic visual effect
3. Crisp and fresh in the extreme
4. Unique

White footwear is a versatile wardrobe essential for my style. When all else fails, I wear white shoes! It helps that I wear a lot of white clothing and accessories, which complement the white footwear. That way white boots do not look out of place in an outfit. White is not the most practical colour, especially when you pound the city pavements like I do. Yet, I do pretty well keeping white shoes clean and pristine. It helps that I have multiple pairs that share the wear.

I have many pairs of white shoes and boots across multiple shades of white. I have happily and gratefully duplicated white boots a few times too. Here’s my current white boot collection that I wear nine months of the year. The silhouettes are clean and simple, and flat or low-heeled.

I will definitely be adding to my collection, since pickings aren’t slim for a change. What’s your verdict on white boots?

New Fall & Winter 2018 collections are in stores and online, and so far so good. Here are some items that caught my eye, and some that have been winners on clients. Read the rave reviews, and be sure to browse the colour options. 

1. Ett:twa Costello Moto Jacket

A ridiculously cosy aviator style moto that I did not want to take off in stores. It would have been mine in another colour with gold hardware. The cut is a trendy boxy silhouette that should be roomy all over like how you see it on the model. It is not supposed to be fitted, which was one of the unfair reviews against it. It can accomodate several layers, and fits a range of body types. The sleeves are clever because the fold-over cuffs adjust to the length of your arms. Nice that it goes from XS to XL.

2. Mother Paisley Intarsia Blazer

Something for paisley fans. The photo does not do this wonderful KNITTED topper justice. It’s super soft and comfortable in the extreme. It’s flattering with its semi-structured silhouette that creates a gentle waistline. The stretchy but stable fabric will glide but not cling over most body types so it’s extra forgiving. The funnel neck folds down into a flat collar so good on all neck lengths. Nice to see it run from XXS to XL.

3. Madewell Clarkwell Pullover Sweater

This is a fun throwback to the ‘90s but in better fabric. It’s a terrific little casual or smart casual pullover to wear on its own or layered under a jacket or coat. Can work for work or play. It’s fitted but not too clingy or long. Works well semi-tucked too. Feels fab against the skin. Creates a relaxed tailored silhouette.

4. White House Black Market Pleated Blouses

Exuberant sleeves continue to flood the market, but these versions are more refined and a little different. The crystal pleating is unique, Modern Retro, and the fabric wears like iron. Both blouses can be dressed up or down, and run a size big.

5. Anthropologie Camo Moto Jacket

A fitted moto in a subtle cool-toned camouflage print. Machine washable and versatile. Yes, it’s a slam dunk with jeans or casual pants, but also great with a dressy skirt and pumps, or sneakers and flat oxfords. Fun to pattern mix with stripes and florals.

6. Brahmin Handbags

These classic beauties are winners with some of my clients who swear that this is the superior structured bag. They look pulled together, polished, professional, and are robust too. They work well for a Modern Classic and Modern Retro style, but can create an interesting juxtaposition with an arty, avant-garde and Sporty Luxe style. The colour combinations are unique, making quite the statement.

7. City Chic Oversize Knit Tee

These oversized architectural tees are dramatic and comfortable. They are supposed to be roomy and not fitted. The tapered sleeves, hem and relatively high neckline create ample structure. The high-low hemline creates a magical diagonal line. The fabric is quite thick, which is precisely what gives it its heft and drape. Fab for Fall.

8. Boden Long-Sleeved Breton

Breton striped tees are a Modern Classic and very versatile because they work as well with solids as they do with textures and patterns. These are LONG-sleeved, which aren’t as easy to find. The boat neck isn’t too low, and the sleeves are fitted. The striped assortment is unique along with the usual navy, white and black. I LOVE Breton stripes and wear them in pullovers because I don’t wear T-shirts. But I’ve put in an order for a few of these because if I’m going to wear a tee – Boden quality is my best bet. Crisp and gorgeous.

High rises look the most current at the moment, and that’s what I’m highlighting in this outfit formula. Fully tucking or semi-tucking into a high waist is the trendiest way to go, because showcasing the length of the high rise is the point. You can wear a roomy cropped top to showcase most of the high rise if tucking is not your thing. 

Please try to keep an open mind if you’re not a tucker or semi-tucker. You do NOT need to have flat abs and a toned midsection to rock this look. You also don’t need to wear a belt. The high rise on this type of jean is girdling in itself, and supports the midsection more gracefully than you might expect. It’s quite comfortable too. And if that doesn’t convince you, shapewear is an option because it’s a LOT more comfortable these days. You can’t feel the compression, and the visual effect is stellar. Don’t rule it out until you’ve given the look a fair chance.

The tops are best in a fluid fit if you want to conceal the midsection above the waist.

For those who are very short in the waist, you can achieve a similar look with mid-rise jeans, or wearing a roomy cropped top, like I mentioned up top.

The outfit formula is very casual, and in black & white it looks graphic and is easy to pull together. You can make the vibe as hard-edged as you like. You can substitute the black for dark blue, and wear high-rise black pants instead of jeans.

1. Double Denim

Combine a pair of high-rise black skinny jeans with a fluid white tee, sweater or turtleneck, and top it off with a black, grey or blue denim jacket. Tuck or fully tuck the white top to showcase the high rise. Add heels to dress it up, or throw in some white sneakers.

2. Elegantly Dusted

Combine high-rise black skinnies with a fluid tucked or semi-tucked white top, and throw over a dramatic duster in the same palette. The duster does a marvelous job of camouflaging the outside contour of the body, while drawing attention to the waist. This might be the way you ease into tucking into a high waist. Finish off the look with footwear that works with the outfit.

3. Columned & White

Create a column of black with a fluid black tee or top and high-rise black skinnies. A patterned top adds some visual interest. Semi or fully tuck the top. Finish off the look with a white topper and black or white booties.

4. Pretty Windowpane

This is my favourite of the four because it looks the prettiest and dressiest. Combine high-rise black skinnies with a fully or semi-tucked white tee or top. A panel print is a nice touch. Top it off with a black windowpane blazer or regular black blazer. A longer length blazer is the trendiest version at the moment. Finish off the look with casual or smart casual white footwear that picks up the white in the top. Add jewelley, eyewear, headgear and watch as desired.

I bought an unplanned pair of black high-rise skinnies from Madewell as an emergency purchase this Spring, and I love them. I enjoy tucking and semi-tucking into them, and wearing them with dainty white shoes like my flat loafers for Spring. For early Fall, I’m going to wear them with my boots and sneakers, a white belt (maybe), an assortment of white and black tops, and ink blue toppers since I don’t have black. I might throw in a stripe, a very light blue denim jacket, and my light blue bag. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe that create the outfits.