My new ankle strap Okala pumps have two and a half inch heels, which for me is pretty high. Too high for me to walk around in for longer than an hour or two. And I literally mean walking — not sitting at a desk or a table in a restaurant. 

I put them through their paces for a two hour shop right away because they are that comfortable. Very soft leather, roomy toebox, a cushioning footbed, and a heel height below three inches are part of what creates the comfort factor for my fussy feet. This made the two hour window for the Okala pump pretty realistic. My feet were happy and I was very pleased.  

Last week, I was awfully brave and wore these pumps on a nine-hour shopping day while shopping with clients during pre-selections for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Ignoring my better judgement, I had the urge to test the comfort boundaries of these pumps to the fullest just because I love them so much. A temporary moment of insanity perhaps? So I coated my feet in BodyGlide to prevent blisters, and took along a pair of slipper flats. At worst, I had a backup plan. 

I would have put money on the fact that I’d be in flats after three hours because I walk my feet off when shopping with clients. But the pumps went the distance! The whole nine hours, and I had happy feet. UNBELIEVABLE. 

Analyzing the performance of my feet in these magical heels during a crazy day of fast hectic walking, I think my feet were happy because these heels are extremely lightweight. Their stiletto heel and refined styling makes them light as a feather. Chunky two and half inch heels are more stable, but also heavier on my feet.

We’re always learning about what works for us and what doesn’t. I’ve learned that if a shoe is very lightweight and extremely comfortable, I can go slightly higher on the heel – like a whole half an inch! This opens up a whole new avenue of footwear for me because two and half inch heels are easier to find than two inch or one and a half inch heels. Crazy thoughts can pay off!

Burberry and Chanel have been quilting their iconic items for years, becoming quite synonymous with the design detail. Each year the designer houses bring out new quilted styles to continue and strengthen their signature style statement. Long live their quilted legacy. 

Last year we saw quilted textures come through in smallish doses across retail. This year the trend is completely mainstream, and available across all price points and items. Jackets, coats, vests, bags, wallets, belts, hairbands and footwear. Jackets and coats are the most common quilted items, with bags coming in as a close third. Some items are quilted all over, while others are blocked with quilted pieces. Quilted fabrications range from leather, pleather and cotton, to nylon, velvet and polyester. 

I like the quilted texture trend. Quilted outerwear tends to be practical, robust and fairly crease-resistant, which is appealing. I like to wear quilted textures in small doses, preferring items that are partially quilted. A full on quilted jacket reminds me too much of my horse riding days, when I was at the stables at every opportunity. So I think of that look as gear no matter how you slice and dice it. But I do like fully quilted outerwear on others. As for a fully quilted 2.55 — I’m in. 

Some of my clients find quilted textures frumpy, or overly equestrian, while others will wear quilted outerwear with pleasure. Over to you. Do you like quilted or partially quilted outerwear? And what about quilted bags, belts and footwear? Do you vote yay or nay?

If the men in your life could do with a quick style update, here are the items you can replace to make the greatest impact in the least amount of time. Work through the list in order. 

• Haircut: Is there a need for a hairstyle change? Perhaps your man needs to go shorter, or grow out his current style. Perhaps he needs to use a little product to modernize his look, and keep the ‘do under control. 

• Eyewear: Make sure they are flattering, youthful and current, and I can’t stress this point enough. There is no need to sport the latest trends, but wearing GREAT eyewear is key if you wear specs daily. 

• Jeans: Most men wear jeans, so make sure they fit and aren’t too short. Perhaps it’s time to retire the overly relaxed baggy fit and opt for a pair of tailored straight legs. Or, it’s time to add volume to the jeans silhouette to balance out a barrel chest and slim legs. In that case opt for a roomy straight leg or bootcut. 

• Long Sleeved Shirt: Long sleeved shirts tend to look more fashionable than short sleeved shirts, but they aren’t as breezy. And some men don’t find them as comfortable. Perhaps throw a few long sleeved shirts into the mix to wear on special occassions. Make sure they fit! Not too baggy across the hip area, and too long in length if the shirt is being worn untucked. 

• Fab Pair of Shoes: Choose something refined and modern classic if you’re after a dressier look. A pair of fashionable chunky peds, loafers, or a pair of iconic Converse sneakers if your guy is more casual. 

• Belt: This is optional. If your man prefers to tuck in his shirt, finish off the outfit with a wide belt that works with the shoes. 

If your man likes to wear undergarment tees under his shirts like Greg and most of my clients do, I highly recommend Banana Republic’s new stretch-pima cotton basic tee. Super soft and comfy, great fit, and the neckline stays looking crisp after many laundry cycles. 

Fit is extra important in menswear because the components are so basic. That’s why fabulously fitting garments will instantly elevate a man’s style. Get the basics down first, like jeans and shirts, and then tackle the rest.

People watching is always great fun, and checking out what cyclists are wearing in the city is currently top of my mind, as I’m considering getting my own Oma bike. That’s why this NYT article on smart footwear style and the new bike sharing programme caught my attention.

Since the start of the NYC Citibike programme, retailers are seeing more interest in fashionable bike helmets. Over the past few years, bike accessories designers have also upped their game and they are coming out with more attractive and colourful options.

Biking in style is a popular subject on Pinterest too. Doesn’t browsing boards like “Bike Style“, and pins from people like “Jo Blue” and “Ony Peweh” make you want to take your wheels out for a spin right this second?

Fab Links from Our Members

Deborah really enjoyed this blog post on Sea of Ghosts in which Australian jewellery designer Alicia Hannah Naomi muses over curating the perfect wardrobe.

Sally talks about being a tattooed person, and as someone who does not have any tattoos, Angie finds her thoughts on the subject very interesting.

Bill Cunningham discussing black and white outfits for solstice in NYC is such a treat. Suz loves the Irish crochet lace, and rightly points out that “his voice alone makes this video worth it! He is so audibly delighted with what he’s seeing.”

On Movie Star Makeover, Kay offers in-depth analysis of movie star style and how it intersected with their career ambitions. Vildy also loves how she interprets what she thinks costume designers were going for.

Last but not least, Ironkurtin recommends watching this video in which Dustin Hoffman talks about his realization about what women experience from his time on Tootsie.