Some of my clients and friends swear by heel cushions or heel cups that are available at drugstores for under ten dollars. They provide foot comfort in two ways:

1. The cushioning part of the insole relieves heel pain by absorbing the pressure that is created when walking or running. 
2. The heel cushion or cup lifts the back of the foot, preventing the uncomfortable rubbing and blisters caused by closed shoes like loafers, sneakers, flats and pumps. Heel cushions or cups can also reduce rubbing in ankle strap shoes by changing the position of the strap on the ankle. When no amount of BodyGlide prevents rubbing at the back of your ankle, the lift of a heel cushion can make all the difference.

Heel cushions and cups fit into closed shoes easily and invisibly. You might need to use a little double-sided tape to keep them in place though. They also work quite well in sandals or pumps with open backs and ankle straps. They are visible but not overtly noticeable. That’s a small price to pay for happy feet.

Tory Burch brings out an accessories line for Fitbit, interesting data about the upcoming September issues, Kate Spade branches out into swimwear, and other style news that made headlines this week.

• What do you think of the new Tory Burch for Fitbit accessories line that was revealed on Tuesday?
• Amy Adams is starring in MaxMara’s Fall/Winter 2014 accessories and sunglasses campaigns.
• While we’re celebrating high Summer, Hearst is already talking September issues. This year, Elle will be the biggest mag, with 465 pages of ads!
• For Resort 2015 Kate Spade is launching its first-ever swimwear collection. I’m curious to see more photos.
• Zara and its sister brands will be able to restock fast-selling items even faster thanks to a new tagging system. 

Fun Fashion Fact

After analyzing the buying habits of its customers, TheRealReal, an online consignment store for luxury items, discovered that brands like Chanel, Hermès, Alaïa, Victoria Beckham and Alexander McQueen hold their value the longest. Tod’s, Alexander Wang, 3.1. Phillip Lim and Marc Jacobs had, perhaps surprisingly, low resale value.

Here are my picks of the footwear and handbags. There is lots of brown footwear, which looks quite fresh to my eye, so those get my top vote. Note that items do come back into stock over the course of the two week sale so keep checking the items for your size.

Footwear

• Rag & Bone Waxed Calfskin Suede Moto Boot (Women): Ruggedly refined. Very comfy and beautifully made. It doesn't look as simple on the foot as I thought it would, but it's a gorgeous boot nonetheless.
• Attilio Giusti Leombruni 'City' Ankle Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): Extremely comfortable and well made. The opening tapers snugly around a narrow ankle so no gaping. The brown is especially fab.
• Blondo 'Elenor' Riding Boot (Women): Extremely comfortable. A puddle proof boot that works on a narrow AND wider calf because of the elaborate back stretch panel. Works quite well for a high volume foot.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. Aquatalia by Marvin K .'Obsession' Tall Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): A repeat style that needs no introduction. A stunningly beautiful puddle proof riding boot that is PERFECT on a narrow calf. Extremely comfortable and beautifully made. I have had these for years and love them. Might need to size up half a size. The brown is exquisite.
• Donald J Pliner 'Mynne' Peep Toe Wedge Pump (Women): Super comfy, lightweight and funky. Gorgeous in the brown.
• Michael 'Guiliana' Moccasin Flat (Women): As comfy as a slipper and works extremely well on a high volume foot.
• Louise Et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat (Women): A pretty ballet flat with a dear little wedge heel. Soft and cushioning.
• Louise Et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat (Women): I preferred this version of the Azalya flat because the cream bow is striking. Soft, dainty and comfy.
• Paul Green 'Ally' Belted Leather Moto Boot (Women): A beautifully made casual bootie that is extra chic in richly textured brown leather. It's very comfortable but not for high volume feet.
• Munro 'Abby' Slingback Bootie (Women): Probably THE most comfy pair of sandals I've had on my feet. The rust colour option is unique and bookends red hair to perfection. It looks much better on the foot than in the photo, and is available in varying widths. Not frumpy.
• Munro 'Kara' Suede Boot (Online Only)(Women): A super comfy lace-up bootie for casual days. Fun in burgundy.
• DV By Dolce Vita 'Ferin' Buckle Boot (Women): Not all that well made, but it IS comfortable, cute and divine in the olive green.
• Munro 'Taylor' Leopard Print Bootie (Women): Super comfy and looks better on the foot. Great with career wear trousers. I love that the animal print is dark. Available in varying widths.
• PIKOLINOS 'Brujas' Ankle Boot (Women): Super comfy and works for high volume feet. I vote grey or brown all the way.
• Paul Green 'Allison' Suede Boot (Women): Sleek, simple and comfy. The outside diagonal zipper is flattering. Will probably not work for a high volume foot. I vote grey all the way.
• Børn 'Kyndra' Boot (Women): Extra cushioning and great on high volume feet. I love the richness of the two-toned brown leather.
• Ecco 'Sullivan' Leather Boot (Women): Very comfortable and can work for high volume feet. Does not work on petites or narrow calves. I vote grey or brown.
• Rockport 'Total Motion' Suede Boot (Women): These boots are WOW comfortable and amongst my favourites at the sale. But they are high in the shaft, which means that they worked on petites with relatively long legs.
• Stuart Weitzman 'Dashing' Nappa Leather Oxford (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): Elegantly boyish. The texture of the leather is sublime. Comfortable and impeccable quality. If I needed flat black oxfords, these would be them.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. 'Sweetie' Short Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): I vote this darling best bootie at the sale. Exquisitely made, fun quilting, puddle proof, and very comfortable.
• Aquatalia By Marvin K. 'Riley' Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive)(Women): A repeat style that is brilliant for the office. Weatherproof, versatile and sleek. If you can manage the heel, they're very comfortable. I vote grey, navy and brown.
• Hinge 'Sheldon' Boot (Women): Rugged, fun and quite comfortable. Read the rave reviews.
• Vince Camuto 'Vala' Bootie (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): The style looks awfully elegant and dressy on the foot. Gorgeous. I don't think it's comfortable, but some of my clients thought so. Give it a bash if your feet aren't fussy like mine.
• Vince 'Yarmon' Almond Toe Calfskin Leather Chelsea Boot (Nordstrom Exclusive) (Women): I vote this second best bootie at the sale. Beautifully sleek, simple and modern. I love the pointy toe. Some of my clients passed because the tops cut into their shins. I did not have that challenge - so for a change - my fussy feet reigned supreme.
• Frye 'Anna - Shortie' Leather Boot (Women): The best casual cognac bootie at the sale if you're into flat Fryes. It's comfortable, but problematic to pull on with high insteps.

Handbags

• Rebecca Minkoff 'Medium M.A.B.' Tote: I call this colour "Donkey", which is a very grey brown. Good for those who look best in cool colours. Versatile and structured. It's large, but not bulky.
• See By Chloé 'Harriet' Hobo: A tiffany blue tote is a rare find. Buttery soft and semi-structured.
• French Connection 'Saddle' Crossbody Bag: An excellent crossbody bag to wear over a puffer coat.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: Chic and fashionable. Fits more than you might expect.
• MZ Wallace 'Bedford - Mia' Nylon Crossbody Bag: Shiny nylon bags remind me of the '90s. I love that this one is NOT black. Weatherproof, practical and well made.
• Loeffler Randall 'Work' Tote: Elegant and angular.
• Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn 'Wythe' Leather Satchel: This satchel is a great size, and fits very comfortably in the crook of your arm. I vote navy.
• French Connection 'Saddle' Crossbody Bag: Another fun crossbody to fit over a wool or puffer coat. Great colour.
• Furla 'B & T' Tote: Modern classic and structured. All colours are fab.
• Frye 'Artisan Foldover' Leather Crossbody Bag: Fashionably boho with just enough polish. Lightweight.
• Danielle Nicole 'Adeline' Satchel: An inexpensive non-leather satchel that is structured and holds the kitchen sink.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: A magical shade of gold that is subtle yet sparkly. I love its straight lines and crisp integrity. Versatile and dressy. Fun to pair with faded jeans. The pet almost followed me home, and I am still thinking about her.
• Loeffler Randall 'Rider' Clutch: The crisp, versatile and dressy angular design of the 'Rider' clutch in colour blocked burgundy, black and animal print.
• Michael 'Medium Jet Set' Work Tote: I love the colour palette of this bag. It's extra fun if your initials are MK.
• Dooney & Bourke 'Chelsea' Nubuck Leather Tote: An earthy classic that's particularly nice in the red and brown.

Feel free to ask questions about my picks in the comments section. Of course, there is lots more to shop on the sale, like underwear, sleepwear, menswear, kidswear and jewellery, so do browse those sections too. Prices go back up on August 4.

Also at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2014

• Dresses and Activewear
• Tops
• Bottoms
• Jackets and Coats

Next up are jackets and coats, of which there were a particularly good fashionable assortment at the NAS this year. Many of the silhouettes are fluid and boxy in order to accommodate oversized knitwear. Browse through all the colour options and check availability across petite and plus sizes. Note that sizes do come back into stock over the course of the two week sale so keep checking the items for your size.

Jackets

• Marc New York By Andrew Marc Front Zip Leather Jacket (Regular & Petite) (Online Only): This was one of the best leather jackets at the sale, especially in a petite size. Clean lines yet lots of detail. Not overly moto-esque. Please try this jacket if you're a petite.
• Caslon Drape Neck Zip Cardigan (Regular & Petite): A cozy and super soft topper that drapes with the best of them. Perfect for plane travel and excellent on petites in regular sizes.
• Theory 'Gabe B. 2' Jacket: A modern classic with high longevity. I have this jacket in ink blue and love it. The low stance is fashionable and the fit is ever so slightly fluid. Impeccable quality and gorgeous fabric. I travel on flights wearing this blazer and it stays looking crisp forever. A good investment piece if you're a blazer gal.
• Sejour Animal Jacquard Bomber Jacket (Plus Size): A super bomber jacket that's quite tailored when worn unzipped. Fab over dresses.
• Halogen Zip Front Leather Jacket (Regular & Petite): A good leather jacket for petite apple shaped body types. Lightweight.
• Jou Jou Faux Leather Moto Jacket (Juniors): An inexpensive and very distressed pleather piece just for fun.
• Halogen Suit Jacket (Regular & Petite): A fabulous fit on a very curry hourglass with a larger bust. Great side seam patch pocket detail.
• Halogen Zip Front Shimmer Finish Leather Jacket (Regular & Petite): Another excellent leather jacket for a petite apple shaped body type. The shimmer on the leather is for Team Magpie and very unique. Lightweight.
• Trouvé Trouvé Mixed Texture Jacket: A mixed media tuxedo jacket that works well over dresses.
• Two by Vince Camuto Collarless Faux Leather & Knit Moto Jacket: An unusual faux leather jacket. It's made of a fabric that's a little like neoprene but much softer. Very comfortable on the arms. It's suited to a longer torso.
• Two by Vince Camuto Collarless Mixed Media Moto Jacket (Plus Size): Here in plus sizes.
• Eileen Fisher Leather Sleeve Merino Lambswool Jacket (Regular & Petite): A brilliant sweater jacket, and a favourite with clients. Warm, arty and cozy. It runs big so size down one or two sizes. The back is very tailored. The brown is as nice as the charcoal.
• Eileen Fisher Leather Trim Merino Wool Jacket (Regular & Petite): Hard edge with a soft touch. The jacket looks amazing zipped up. It has a fab high-low hemline and is stunning on pear shapes, hourglasses and rectangles. Not good on a shorter neck.
• Halogen Knit Moto Jacket (Regular & Petite): If you're looking for a short, fitted and knitted moto jacket, this could be it. Very tailored.
• Collection B Plaid Baseball Jacket (Juniors): A stiff but fun inexpensive bomber jacket in a bold tartan.
• Diane von Furstenberg 'Theodora Leo' Leather Accent Jacket: An impeccably made piece in a gorgeous fabrication, which is why I was drawn to it right away. But it has a lot of intricate detail on the front and back, which was too much going on for my own style preferences. But it's beautiful and fits like a dream. Boxy yet streamlined.
• Michael Two-Tone Hooded Leather Jacket: A super little extra casual leather jacket with a tailored fit and hood. Fun.
• Halogen Zip Detail Leather Jacket: A good fit on a taller hourglass. Nice notched collar. Lightweight.
• Sam Edelman Zip Detail Moto Jacket: Another favourite leather jacket. Stunning colour and good fit on a tall gal with a long neck.
• Mackage 'Besa' Leather Moto Jacket: My third favourite leather jacket, and breathtaking on my client who wears earth tones to perfection. It's quite heavy though, but a good fit on a curvy hourglass.
• SMYTHE Leather Elbow Patch Houndstooth Jacket: An equestrian beauty with a high longevity factor that followed me home. The cognac elbow patches are fun, and the fit is gorgeously tailored. The back kicks out to a fun peplum. Impeccable quality. Runs one to two sizes small.
• Boss 'Jolia' Suiting Jacket: A short streamlined career wear blazer for an hourglass. Fun colour.
• Classiques Entier 'Larch' Tweed & Leather Jacket: Beautifully tailored, and looks as good unfastened. Works on petites.
• Rag & Bone/JEAN 'Chamberlain' Stand Collar Step Hem Jacket (Nordstrom Exclusive): A fitted utility jacket with lots of spunk. Extra fab on an hourglass.
• Trouvé Trouvé Sleeveless Wool Blend Jacket: This tuxedo gilet is for Team Tall, full stop. One of my tall clients wore this over a white tunic shirt with black cigarette pants and took my breath away. Runs big.
• Helmut Lang Hooded Front Zip Sweater Vest: A fashionable piece that's brilliant over a column of black. Great worn zipped and unzipped. Casual and fun.

Coats

• Trina Turk 'Nancy' Double Breasted Wool & Alpaca Blend Coat: A warm and heavy cocoon style that's best on a tall lass. A beautiful shade of cinnamon.
• Bernardo Packable Goose Down Hooded Walking Coat: A lightweight down puffer in a fitted silhouette. Good length.
• Pendleton Hooded Wool Blend Duffle Coat (Regular & Petite): A beautifully made classic toggle coat with a hood. The camel is as fab as the ink blue. Heavy and warm.
• Trina Turk 'Claire' Wool Blend Coat: Fashionable and elegant. This is NOT a tailored coat, and best on a lass with a little height. Beautifully made and I vote teal all the way.
• Trina Turk 'Mackenzie' Asymmetric Zip Leather Trim Coat (Regular & Petite): A nice style on an hourglass or pear shape. Well made and quite warm.
• Halogen Boiled Wool Shawl Collar Coat: A coat with a Retro touch. It's structured and has great back detail on the collar and waist. Excellent side entry pockets.
• Halogen Faux Fur Trim Hooded Twill Jacket (Regular & Petite): A quilted utility jacket with removable hood for extra casual days.
• Helene Berman Plaid Wool Blend Coat: A stunning and extra fun Retro coat. Runs big and is best on a tall lass. Two of my six foot tall size 14 clients bought this piece and rocked the look with panache. Excellent worn over chunky knitwear.
• Elie Tahari 'Greece' Leather Sleeve Wool Coat: An elegant boxy man coat in a cool shade of mushroom. Broad shoulders are good for this style. Sleeves are very long but can be easily altered.
• Laundry By Design Quilted Puffer Coat with Faux Fur Collar and Zip-Off Sleeves: A short fitted puffer in an unusual shade of olive.
• Helene Berman Plaid Coat: Another fun Retro look with bracelet length sleeves. It's lightweight and boxy. Great for warm Winters.
• DKNY Contrast Zip Wool Blend Jacket: A short dramatic and graphic coat for a long neck. Fashionably boxy.
• Burberry Brit 'Tumblebridge' Cotton Peacoat: A lightweight and pretty timeless ink blue Burberry peacoat with a military flavour. Impeccable quality and stunning fabric. The fit is loosely tailored. Drapes like a dream, and followed me home. Might run a size small.
• Laundry By Shelli Segal Tweed Single Breasted Reefer Coat: A long tweed blazer that's streamlined and English Countryside. Lightweight and best on a tall gal.

Also at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2014

• Dresses and Activewear
• Tops
• Bottoms
• Footwear and Handbags