Over the last few seasons, we’ve seen quite a lot of feathered jewelry, and even clothing and footwear trimmed with faux or real feathers. We only saw feather prints on clothing very occasionally, but that’s about to change. They are appearing on everything, from dresses, tops, knitwear and scarves, to shoes, handbags and jewelry. I like it! 

And we are seeing more than peacock feather prints, which is a super change. I like both the colourful combinations and the more muted versions. To my eye feather prints are ageless, seasonless, timeless and interesting. I will welcome a feather print into my wardrobe. How about you?

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These are Vibram’s Five Finger Shoes. But our friend Morgan calls them “Toe Shoes”, which I think is a much better name for them. You’ve probably seen both men and women wearing them out on a run or at the gym. People also wear them for yoga, and other sporting activities. They are an athletic shoe, much like an athletic sneaker. 

I saw THREE people wear Toe Shoes in Seattle last week. By people who didn’t look like they were returning from a sporting activity. They were wearing them as a casual walking shoe, with shorts and t-shirts. Maybe, they brought along shoes to change back into once they reached their destination. And maybe not.

Anyway, they had their reasons for wearing Toe Shoes. I’m sure they make a great athletic shoe, but as a fashion statement — not so fab.

Last week’s post on lace tops raised some concerns about wearing lace to work because of it’s “boudoir” integrity. I understand the association and the movie “Moulin Rouge” springs to mind. However, I vote yay for lace at work and here’s why. 

It’s all in HOW the lace is worn and not in the lace itself. To my eye, a self colour lace edged camisole peeking out from the top of a shirt, sweater or blouse is totally acceptable in a professional environment. I absolutely encourage my clients to wear lace to work in this way if they like the idea. Personally, I’d much rather see a hint of lace than cleavage. The lace edged hem of a camisole peeking out from under a top is also just fine. But wearing a lace camisole as a top under an open jacket is quite different. Coverage is required in order for the lace edged camisole to be work appropriate. 

Some lace tops look more alluring and boudoir than others, and that’s key. Choose the more modest versions for work! Go for something neutral, fairly covered, and not overly form-fitting. For example, a structured non-see-through lace shell top worn as a layering piece under a cardigan or jacket is a great look for the office. I also find a non-see through lace top worn on it’s own with a skirt or trousers acceptable.

You can push the lace wearing boundary a little more if you work in a creative and less conservative work environment. For example, modestly cut formal lace skirts, jackets and dresses could totally be dressed down for the office if you worked in the fashion industry. Also, see through lace tops that expose arm and neck skin can also work here, whereas they might be too risque for a more conservative office environment. 

With modest discretion, I vote yay to lace tops at work. What’s your verdict?

I don’t think I’ve ever purchased a paisley item for my own wardrobe. I can’t even remember having a paisley item of clothing in the ’80s when paisley was EVERYWHERE. And that’s not because I don’t like paisley. I do, but I think that when I’m faced with paisley and something else, I purchase the other option. Geometric patterns, polka dots and abstract florals always seem to win. 

Paisley is more commonly found on men’s ties, boxer shorts, socks, pajamas, robes and shirts. But the pattern is re-appearing on more and more ladies blouses, skirts, dresses and scarves. I do think of paisley as a stereotypically masculine print just because it’s so readily available in the mens department. That being said, it can work just as well in ladies clothing, especially in soft and drapey fabrications.

Perhaps one day I will bite the bullet and choose paisley over another pattern. What are your thoughts? Does paisley have a masculine association for you too?