I was at the Gap earlier this week when some khakis on a mannequin caught my eye. I loved the way they fitted lower on the hip, dropping the crotch point for a slouchy effect. I loved the shorter length that was created by scrunching up and folding the hems to just below the calf — a refreshing change to the cropped ankle length pant mania that is everywhere. I loved the baggy fit on the legs. I’m not a fan of classic khaki pants, or even the colour khaki, but would wear khakis that fit like this in a heartbeat. 

Upon closer inspection I saw that these pants were the Broken-in Straight Khakis that had been sized up one size to create the loose fit. The legs were pulled up and the hems folded over a couple of times to hold the scrunch in place. The fit on the bottom is baggy, so you have to be at peace with that part of the deal. The pants are also available in peach, olive and navy, across petite, regular and tall sizes. Personally, I wish they were available in white. Perhaps they will be in a couple of months. 

I grabbed a size up and attempted to create the same look in the fitting room. It was surprisingly easy. I didn’t expect the scrunch to stay up because I don’t have shapely calves to hold the hems in place, but rolling them up a few times solved that problem. I need to road test the look to be sure though, because they might fall down as I stride.

I like the Converse styled with these khakis. A pair of fashionable high-tops could be fun too. The striped sweater is an easy classic, but not your only option. Think breezy blouses, high-low tops and cardigans, big tees, boyfriend shirts, lace, blazers, military jackets, leather jackets, bomber jackets, sassy sweatshirts and utility jackets. Wear the tops tucked with a belt, or untucked as shown here. Lots of fun juxtapositions. This is a refreshing take on khakis to my eye, and I see lots of possibilities for alternative footwear and tops. What do you think of the look?

My sock style is basic and boring, which is just how I like it. I wear solid black or charcoal socks. Not too thin or too thick. Super soft, non-itchy, and often knee-length during the Winter months. They are either made of a merino wool-nylon-spandex blend for extra warmth, or of a micromodal-nylon-spandex blend for milder weather. They must fit snugly around the leg and foot so that they don’t fall down or bunch up. I see red when my socks fall down or slide off my feet while I’m walking, it’s that annoying to me. So a snug fit is crucial to ensure sock happiness. 

I am hard on my socks and replace them quite frequently because they get worn on the toes within months. I think that’s because I apply lots of pressure in that area when I walk at a fast place. I also wear socks most of the year so I’m often purchasing a few pairs here and there just to keep a constant flow of decent looking socks in my wardrobe. I’m most embarrassed when I remove my shoes at a friend’s house and my socks look worn. 

Please share your sock recommendations in the comments section. I’m always in search of the “perfect socks” and would love to know which sock styles keep your feet happy. Also, are you hard on your socks like I am?

If you’re interested in fashion and style, you probably also have at least one shopping weakness that has a negative impact on your style and bank account. Maybe you buy too many uncomfortable shoes just because they’re pretty and make your legs look gorgeous. Maybe you sometimes buy less-than-fab items at thrift stores because they only cost a few dollars. Maybe you can’t resist shopping the sales, or buying up bargains no matter what. Maybe you shop when you are bored or are looking for a temporary escape from hectic life, which leads to unnecessary purchases. 

If you do have a shopping weakness, you are not alone. Most of us are afflicted to some extent. I may not be tempted by sale merchandise and I’m strict about what actually ends up earning a place in my wardrobe. I also do a pretty good job at shopping my budget, and I never intentionally purchase uncomfortable shoes. But I do have one bad habit that requires a good bit of discipline every year. I love shopping for lightweight Spring clothes at the start of the retail season when I have absolutely no use for them until half way through the year. 

The next four months are the most challenging on my shopping calendar. In Seattle, Spring feels like Winter, and the weather doesn’t usually warm up all that much till June. But come February, stores are filled with enticing Spring merchandise that looks wildly refreshing to my eye. I can feel the adrenalin pumping because I need a break from shopping for cold weather items. Crisp cotton fabrications. Fresh floral patterns. Sorbet colours. Fun loafers and flats. Linen. Romantic skirts and silky pants. Beautiful lightweight blouses. Fun long shorts. All of which are too flimsy and lightweight for my lifestyle until Summer time, when we actually get our share of warmer temperatures.

So from January to April, I have to find the discipline to resist buying glorious lightweight Spring merchandise that tickles my fancy. I can only purchase Spring items that I can wear during our cold weather so that they aren’t orphaned till June. And in general, I have to be careful not to over purchase on lightweight clothing and footwear that just doesn’t get enough wear to warrant the expense. This is our tenth year in a Seattle climate and I’m much better about disciplining my shopping weakness than I used to be. But I could still use the occasional rap over the knuckles. 

Acknowledging a shopping weakness is the first step to addressing it, so it’s confession time. What’s your shopping weakness? How do you keep it under control?

To clarify, when I say “product” I’m talking about hair gels, pomades, lotions, mousses, sprays and other types of goo used to style hair when it’s wet, dry or both. I am not talking about the chemicals used to colour or treat hair more permanently. 

I normally use Alterna’s “Blowout Creme” to style my short dry hair each morning so that the front is either spiked or swept back with a baby finger wave. I like the way it makes my hair look shiny, intentionally styled, and a little wet. It also keeps the style in place, come rain, wind, snow, shine or hat. 

But for the last week I’ve been sporting product-free hair. I let my hair dry naturally, straighten the bits in front and on top that are wavy and drive me bananas, and leave it at that. The fringe, although still short, lies flat on my forehead. Come to think of it, the entire do looks more flat, less shiny, wispy, casual, refined and delicate — as opposed to modern, dressy, full bodied and slightly severe when I use goo to style the front more dramatically. And this is a seven week old haircut, so my hair is relatively long (I have my hair cut every six weeks). The style still looks textured because the cut is choppy and the hair two-toned. I’m enjoying the slight change, just for fun. 

Do you ever sport product-free hair?