Inspiration of the Week: Shoes to Wear If You Don’t Wear High Heels

My inspiration this week is a person, rather than an item. One of my blog readers wrote in to ask me what shoes I’d pick for non-high heel wearers. So, what do you do if you’re a fun, fashionable female, but either out of preference or necessity, you can’t wear the current crop of sky scraping heels? Well, it’s simple really, you pick some of the gorgeous kitten heeled or flat versions of the same trends I talked about here. But to be a little more helpful and get into specifics, I’ve made some inspiring picks of shoes I love that have little or no heel.

1. Ballet Flats. First, make friends with ballet flats. They are easy to slip on and off, comfortable and come in so many colors and patterns; they should be able to satisfy your every fashion whim. It’s funny, sometimes I have a harder time finding flats that don’t rub my feet in strange places than I do finding comfortable heels. The good news is that if you’ve ever had the same problem, they also make socks that will be low profile enough to slip into any shoe. For ballet flats, I recommend something like these. Some of my favorite ballet flats (all available at www.nordstrom.com) are shown below.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Loafers. Usually a little more serious-minded than the ballet flat, a loafer can really make an outfit work ready. A loafer sometimes says, “I take what I’m doing seriously.” However, there is a new breed of loafers out there that are definitely party-appropriate. I love those glittery ones by Aldo shown below. And, while there are many high heeled styles out there, there are a ton of really cute low heeled and flat versions as well. The shoes shown are from www.ninewest.com, www.stevemadden.com and www.aldoshoes.com
   
   
   
   
   
3. Oxfords. Menswear inspired, but sleeker and more feminine than the ones the boys wear, these shoes you throw on with a smart pair of trousers or tailored shorts. Just remember that if you go masculine on the bottom, to balance it out with a more feminine silhouette on the top. We are trying to be inspired by men, not turn into one. If you do want a little height but aren’t used to wearing heels, start out with a chunkier heel, like shown on both of the Naturalizer oxfords below (available at www.macys.com). A wider heel is easier and more comfortable to walk in than your typical stiletto.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Wedges. Easier to wear than a conventional heel but still offering some height, the wedge is a nice alternative for the woman who wants height, but needs support. Wedges come in all levels of elevation, so just choose the one that is comfortable for you. All the pairs shown below are available at www.nordstrom.com
   
   
   
   
   
5. Kitten Heels. I define a kitten heel as any heel under 1”. They are usually easy on the feet. The little heel gives you both a little height and a sexy feminine punch without all the tottering around taller heels can sometimes cause. Keep in mind, though, that the short heel base does sometimes require a little practice. So if you haven’t worked this height before, take a couple turns around your living room before road testing them. I found all these at www.amazon.com.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Boots. Boots come in all heel heights and in every possible pattern and style. There are boots with studs for your bad ass days, boots with glitter for your glamour days and boots with smooth, buttery leather for your posh days. Heel height won’t limit you at all in this category. If you have a large calf and have trouble with boots that come up to knee height or above, look into some of the beautiful boots they carry at www.torrid.com. The selection below is from www.nordstrom.com and shows you just some of the variety you’ll find. I sort of wish I hadn’t found those Nordic inspired ones because they are calling my name.
   
   
   
   
   

So, don’t let heel height be an excuse. There are cute shoe selections at every elevation. I know you’ll find the right ones for you. Hope this helps you in your search.

Have some shoe finds you’d like to share? Want help with shoes for a specific occasion? Feel free to comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com. Also, I’m always looking for new topics and guest bloggers.

Future blog topics include:

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

• The Five Shoe Staples Every Girl Should Own

• How to Get Down in Black and Brown

• The Bra : On the Frontlines of Fashion

• Colored Jeans, A Rainbow of Possibilities

• Trends To Buy Right Now

• Seven Ways to Save While Shopping

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

To Buy Or Not To Buy? That is the Question.

Going shopping can sometimes be a little like participating in a triathlon; you have to swim through a sea of people and products, pedal your way around shoddy merchandise and rude people, and if you’re not careful, you end up running up a huge credit card bill. So it’s important to have a game plan and a budget firmly in mind BEFORE you step foot in your favorite store.  Know what you can afford to spend and stick to it. I often look at the price tag before looking too closely at the item I’m considering trying on. There is no point in falling in love with a blouse if you can’t actually find room for it in the budget.

Once you have a game plan and price point in mind, it’s time to step inside the store. It’s good to know what kind of shopping mission you are on. If you have something specific in mind, try your best to stick to only the part of the store that has the item that fits your needs. If this is a browsing for pleasure trip or a trend reconnaissance mission, you’ll probably be covering more of the area. If this is retail therapy, be particularly careful. Remember that while new shoes cure the blues, it will only be temporary if you get back to your office or house and realize you’ll be eating Top Ramen for the next three months to pay for them. This also means do NOT walk into stores you know are out of your price range. Window shopping is one thing. Dreaming is wonderful. Sadomasochistically rubbing your own face in things you aren’t at a place to buy just yet is another.

Okay, we know what we can spend and we know why we are there. Now, the hard part. In the throes of retail mania, it’s sometimes hard to keep our heads what with all the baubles and sparkle and shiny new things. So once you find something you love, there are some questions to keep in mind before you pull the trigger and make the purchase.

1. Is this a want or need purchase? And if it’s a need purchase, does it satisfy all the requirements of the need?
2. Does this fit my budget parameters?
3. How versatile will this item be with the rest of my wardrobe?
4. Is this a wardrobe basic or a special occasion piece?
5. How often will I have an occasion to wear this?
6. Does the quality of the merchandise match the price?
7. Is this a classic piece or a trend?
8. Am I just buying this to buy something or do I really love it?
9. Am I buying this because of the brand name or because I really like the style?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but they will pull your head into the purchase process, instead of just your heart. Obviously if this is need, it’s much easier to decide to buy. Also, most of us are willing to spend more on the special occasion pieces, but often I think it’s the wardrobe basics that really deserve the splurge prices. After all, these are the items we wear every day, week after week, so they need to last.

And there is nothing wrong with buying a trendy piece; I do it all the time. It’s fun to look current and on top of things, but I do try to envision how I would wear the same piece once the trend passes. Also, if you already own several things that encompass the same trend and your budget is tight, maybe it’s not the right purchase right then. Your money would probably be better spent on items you don’t already own. If I know I’m going to be shopping ahead of time, then I try to take a wardrobe inventory. This way I have in the back of my mind what I already own and I don’t duplicate it. This is especially important if you are a fashionista and have an extensive wardrobe already.

Another thing to keep in mind is that with the advent of the internet and eBay, nothing is really gone forever. It’s hard to leave special pieces in the store, but unless it’s particularly unique, you’ll find it again. You’ll be twice as pleased with your purchase if you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your other bills to get it.

Now with all that said, every now and then you find that one thing that makes your heart pitter patter and your pulse race and you can’t imagine leaving the store without it. So sometimes you have to throw the rules out and just go with your heart. But only if it really makes your heart speed up and even then, only if it actually fits you. That pair of amazing leather pants that is going to fit just perfect in 20 lbs. does not fit you right now, therefore it is NOT the right purchase. I know we all tell ourselves that it will inspire us to lose the weight, but we can use a photo of the item to inspire us just as easily and more affordably than the actual item. Imagine how good it will feel to purchase those pants and then go home and put them right on when they actually fit. Same with shoes, I have a hard time with this one. But a dynamite pair of pumps that requires me to stick in two insoles to keep on or is so tight, I can only stand to wear them for 15 minute increments is not really a dream shoe, is it?

Another trap we all fall into is the “but it’s such a good deal, I really can’t pass it up” situation. If you can’t afford it, it’s not a good deal. If you don’t actually have a single use for it and the only attractive thing about it is the price, it is not a good deal. If it does not match one other thing in your wardrobe, it is not a good deal. If you have to buy another $150 worth of clothes you weren’t already buying to get the discount, it is not a good deal. You get my drift. Just because you have a coupon does not mean you need to use it. It’s not saving you money if you weren’t planning to buy it in the first place.

And just because everyone is wearing it does not mean you have to, too. If you genuinely don’t like a trend or it does not flatter your body type, there is no need to try it on. Same with brands…so everyone is swooning over Juicy Couture track suits, but you just found the same exact style at Macy’s by another brand for a fraction of the cost? Do you really need the Juicy version? And vice versa: if you will only be satisfied with the couture version, then don’t buy the other one to “tide you over”. Wait until you can get the one you REALLY want.

Remember in the end, these are just things. While looking good helps us to feel good, it isn’t the most important thing in life. So be happy. A smile is always your best accessory.

Have something to add? Trying to decide whether to buy something and want my input? Feel free to comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com. Also, I’m always looking for new topics and guest bloggers.

Future blog topics include:

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

• The Five Shoe Staples Every Girl Should Own

• How to Get Down in Black and Brown

• The Bra : On the Frontlines of Fashion

• Colored Jeans, A Rainbow of Possibilities

• Shoes to Wear If You Don’t Wear High Heels (Reader suggested!)

• The Trends To Wear Right Now

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

Inspiration of the Week: Three Ways to Wear It

I saw this little cropped, crocheted top at Express and literally skidded to a stop. Available in black and ecru, it’s delicate, feminine and oh, so versatile. I couldn’t wait to style it for you this week. On the Express website they show it (pictured above) with a peachy colored skinny jean and sparkly sequined tank layered underneath it. I think almost any color of jean would work. I’d particularly be excited to try it with hunter green or kelly green. But I wondered if you could do a more glam going-out-with-the-girls outfit and also a casual picnic-with-your honey ensemble. I decided to try to do both for you, my loyal, blog readers, so you can see three ways to work the same top.

Night Out With the Girls

For going out for drinks with your girlfriends, you want to look polished, glam and pulled together. A pop of color and gold sparkle add just the right touch of fun and flirtatiousness. Add a camel-colored or leopard print trench coat to the items I’ve selected below and you are both warm and perfectly pulled together for a night on the town.

Picnic in the Park with Your Honey

For a picnic with your honey, you want to be cute, but casual. Switch out a few of the more blingy things from above, add a tank and jeans, and you are ready for some relaxed romance. He won’t know what hit him. Complete the look below with a cute cropped jean jacket or just let him keep you warm.

And lest any of my more bodacious beauties think I forgot you, you can also pull off the above looks with a more figure skimming, less-cropped version of the top. This one at Etsy (or one like it) I think would be really cute. If you aren’t a fan of showing off that much arm, there is no reason you couldn’t layer it with a long sleeved shirt.

Here’s me, modeling the top the way I wore it to work today. It’s casual Friday so I kept the look relaxed yet pulled together. Since I’m so pale, I went with a bright under layer to keep the ecru color from washing me out.

So there you have it: three ways to the wear the same top (Four actually, if you count the way I wore it today). Remember every item in your closet has a myriad of possibilities just waiting to be discovered. I often get asked if I ever wear the same thing twice. The answer? I never wear the same thing in exactly the same way twice. You’ll get quadruple the mileage from your wardrobe if you adopt the same philosophy.

Have another way you’d like me to style the top? Think I missed the mark? Have something you want to share to inspire me for my next “Inspiration of the Week” feature? Feel free to comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com. Also, I’m always looking for new topics and guest bloggers.

Future blog topics include:

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

• The Five Shoe Staples Every Girl Should Own

• How to Get Down in Black and Brown

• The Bra : On the Frontlines of Fashion

• Colored Jeans, A Rainbow of Possibilities

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

It's a Croc: The Ugg Effect or Why What You Wear Matters

"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today,

when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language."

- Miuccia Prada

This is probably going to tick some people off. I realize that. So let me preface it by saying I have no problem with Crocs or Uggs. With the right outfit, the latter at least can be quite cute. And I hands down give kudos to the geniuses that figured out how to sell updated gardening shoes for $50 and glorified slippers for $150 or more. Brilliant marketing all around was done by both companies. Both brands have also branched out quite a bit from their original designs into some seriously sleek and fashionable alternatives (Uggs have sequins!). But for the sake of this discussion, I’m talking about the original basic models. And again, it’s not the shoes themselves I take exception to -- it’s what has happened since then. It’s the slobbification that’s going on. When did it become de rigueur to wear sweats in public?

To clarify, it’s not just any sweats I’m seeing – they’re the rattiest, baggiest, most figure-stifling sweats on the planet. Twice I’ve seen people in PAJAMA bottoms and slippers. In one instance, it was honest to goodness pink bunny slippers at the airport. I realize airline regulations have become stricter, and airplane travel is not very comfortable at the best of times, but you’re still in public!  One of my best plane trips ever involved a sexy, French-Canadian aeronautical engineer. I doubt he would have chatted me up if I had been sporting animal slippers. Because I had on heels and nice jeans, he slipped me his number. I had a boyfriend, but it was still a fun interlude to pass the time.

To use a cliché, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” If you are out and about looking like a slob in your ratty sweats, baggy shirt, and slippers, or yes, Uggs, the fashion statement you are making is, “I don’t give a single crap about how I look.” Which in turn often gives people the impression that you don’t care about anything else, either. You don’t want that to be what people take away from meeting you. This is especially true if these people can affect your future. Let me just list some of the people I have run into while out and about at a place as busy as Target in Daly City, CA.

1. Freelance clients
2. Potential business contacts
3. Ex-boyfriends
4. Cute guys (pre-fiancé, of course)
5. Friends I haven’t seen in forever
6. Business acquaintances
7. Work colleagues
8. Former bosses

That’s just off the top of my head. I guarantee you that if I had been dressed as casually as I see far too many people dressing these days, I would not have gotten some of the leads I’ve received while doing mundane tasks like shopping at the supermarket. You never know whom you will run into. So it pays to be presentable. Literally.

And ladies, I have a rule: Always make sure that if you run into an ex-paramour, you look so good that he/she wonders for at least a second why they ever left you. You don’t have to want them back in your life, you just have to make them remember why they wanted you in theirs in the first place.

As another example, the day I met my fiancé we were at softball practice. He was wearing a newsboy cap and I thought it was a cute alternative to a baseball cap. It made him stand out. I later found out that he just didn’t own a baseball cap at the time, but the impression was already made. You know what he noticed about me? He liked how good my butt looked in my yoga pants. He probably couldn’t tell yoga pants from leggings from skinny jeans, but he noticed and he remembered. (The bit about his newsboy cap was in our wedding announcement. We left the part about my heiny out.) So while we stayed together because of all the stuff you can’t see on the surface, we got together initially because of those first impressions. I guarantee you there might have been a different outcome had I worn my shapeless sweats.

I’m not asking you to be uncomfortable…just presentable. Yoga pants, leggings and un-ripped jeans are all nice, comfortable alternatives to sweats. Plus, they are far more neat and clean and professional-looking. Yoga pants give off a sporty vibe, while leggings and jeans can give off a neat, put-together impression.

As recently as the 1950s, it was common for women to go out in white gloves and skirts.  We don’t need to go all the way back to that extreme to look respectable, though. This current day devotion to comfort at all times has spawned such horrifying products as the Forever Lazy Lounge Wear, Pajama Jeans and the Snuggie. The Forever Lazy has a “drop seat” so you don’t have to take it off to do your business. No item which features a butt-flap will ever be considered fashionable. Please, I beg of you, don’t wear any of these things in public.

I understand that if you have a sick kid or aren’t feeling well and have to dash out for Sudafed or Advil, maybe you really can’t muster any more effort than sweats or pajamas. You get a pass in that case. Other than that, though, it takes almost NO more effort to slip on jeans than it does sweats.

I made it a point of getting rid of most of my less than attractive leisurewear not long ago. It’s just as easy to throw on cute Lucky Brand embroidered pants and matching hoodie as it ever was to throw on gray threadbare sweats two sizes too big. I saved out one oversized sweatshirt for those sick days. My cute relaxation gear is twice as likely to stoke the fire of my honey’s ardor as those sweats ever were. It’s good to keep the romance and the spark well-kindled. Plus, I guarantee if you make a small effort to look better…you will feel better too. No one feels peppy and energized when they are all slobbed-out.

Another bonus: we may not like to admit it, but you get better service when you look nice. The bartender serves you faster, the girl in the shoe department notices you sooner, the bagger at the grocery store offers to carry your groceries to the car, and the nice Texan in the airport helps you lift your carry-on into the overhead bin. None of that is a life necessity, but it sure is nice to be afforded the common courtesies, and you’re far more likely to if you look presentable. You can rave at the injustice of it all, but it does not make it any less true.

So that’s my two cents. I didn’t start a blog to be one of those people that rants at things all the time. I won’t make a habit of it. But this “trend” was really starting to chap my hide. So please, just because your feet are cozy and comfortable in your Uggs doesn’t mean the REST of your outfit has to be ugh, too.

Here’s to being comfortable and fashionable in 2012.

Don’t like what I have to say? Have a different take on this? Have a fashion pet peeve you’d like to share? Feel free to comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com. Also, I’m always looking for new topics and guest bloggers.

Future blog topics include:

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

• The Five Shoe Staples Every Girl Should Own

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

Inspiration of the Week

Every week I see some fashion that inspires me to create an outfit around it.  Rather than just keep it to myself, I thought I’d start a weekly post about it. I’ll show you my inspiration and then how I’d style it. Sound like fun?

It was easy to decide which item to style first, since I saw these boots today and absolutely fell in love with them (plus I just did a blog on shoes trends). I’m pretty sure Betsey Johnson wakes up some days and says, “What does Heatha want to wear today?” Okay, maybe not, but if sure feels like it when I see items like this:

Completely drool-worthy, don’t you think?

And as I am wont to do, I immediately started designing an outfit around them. I think boots with a flared top call for some more streamlined bottoms like a skinny jean or legging. And these boots definitely need a leather jacket. Add a cute top (perhaps with a pop of color if you are feeling a little sassy), a long gold chain necklace, pretty feather earrings, and a killer hand bag, and you are good to go.

The fun thing about these boots and so much of the fashion I’m loving right now is the pairing of tough and girly. These biker-chic boots with the peep of leopard are the perfect example.

My style picks are below:

Want to know where to purchase these items?

The leather jackets are all from www.nordstrom.com, the skinny jeans and tops are from www.express.com, jewelry from www.claires.com, and the Guess handbag is from www.zappos.com.

So check back weekly for what’s inspiring me and hopefully it will inspire you too.

Want to tell me how you’d style these boots? Have an inspiration to share and want me to style it? Or just have something to say? Comment below or email me at princessheathab@gmail.com.

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

Sequins: Not Just For Parties Anymore!

Heatha Be took a short Thankgiving break, but she’s baaaaaack. I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was fulfilling and filled with all those you love.

One thing I’ve always loved is anything with sequins. I have skirts, dresses, pants, shoes, scarves, and more with sequins. You might say I have sequin OCD, which is a problem because sequins are having a big moment right now, particularly as daywear.

The key to wearing sequins in the daytime is to pair them with something cozy and warm and decidedly un-shiny. Think sequin skirt with a cozy sweater, or skinny jeans and tee with a sequined scarf. See my outfit below for my take on the trend. You’re looking for chunky knits, angora sweaters, wooly boots, and the like.

Sweater, Skirt – www.express.com, Shoes – www.stevemadden.com, Jewelry – www.macys.com

I also have a cute sequined sweatshirt from Express.com that really captures the vibe of the sequins for the daytime trend. Pair it with some skinny jeans and some killer boots and you are set. See below.

www.express.com

Also, when wearing sequins as daywear, only wear one sequined item of clothing at a time. So if you have a sequined skirt on, don’t also throw on your matching sequined boots. Keep the jewelry minimal and also warm feeling, like my purple necklace above.

The next thing to keep in mind is that you want to keep the colors subtle. A bright scarlet sequined skirt is probably not daytime appropriate. Keep the color palette soft and subtle. Anything gold, blush, silver, pearl, navy, or black works well. Anything you’d be able to picture on a Vegas showgirl is a no-go. There are even a lot of looks out there right now where they’ve used matte sequins, instead of the super shiny variety to make the look even easier to pull off and more subtle.

The goal is a hint of shine and a slight sheen. My skirt above is not completely covered in sequins but scattered with them which makes it easier to pull off with a sweater.

As with any trend, you can start small if you aren’t sure about trying it. See my blog on Colorblocking for Beginners on how to do this. Maybe even just some dangly sequin earrings to ease yourself into it.

The great thing about trying this trend is you probably already have something sequined in your closet. Most of us girls do! So with some creative pairing, you won’t even have to spend a lot out of pocket to give it a try. See my post on Shopping Your Closet for some ideas on how to do that.

The best part about sequins for day time is that it makes it super easy to switch up your look for a little night time play. Some sassy satin heels and you are ready to rock at the club.

So, shine on, ladies. And if you see a crazed woman out there running from sequined rack to sequined rack, it just might be me on a sequined shopping bender.

To share with me your ideas, get advice or just comment on something I’ve said, email me at princessheathab@gmail.com or just comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Oh, and please subscribe to my blog to keep in the fashion loop.

Future blog topics will include:

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• It’s a Croc, The Ugg Effect

• Holiday Dressing for Dazzling Effect

• How to Dress Appropriately for Any Occasion

•The Five Shoe Trends I’m Loving Right Now.

And as always,

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H

The Five Coats Every Woman Needs In Her Closet

The weather has turned chilly here in San Francisco. It’s crisp and beautiful with a razor’s edge to it, and it has me thinking coats. I know I had a whole list of other things to write about, but the cold snap has frozen them clean off for now.  I promise I’ll get to them soon, but first, to keep you cozy AND chic during the winter months and beyond, here is a list of the five coats every woman should have in her closet.

1. Trench Coat. Whether thigh-skimming or ankle-dusting, find the one that works for you. I recommend camel or black in color to really up the versatility. If you splurge on one coat on this list, it should be this one. It will be your go-to. A trench looks great over jeans, stylish over your work suit, and smashing at the club. It’s warm, stylish, and says, “I have it together.” See the two below to get an idea of what I’m talking about.
   
   

www.victoriassecret.com

www.nordstrom.com 

2. Denim Jacket. When spring arrives, the sun dresses come out and a denim jacket is the perfect complement. It keeps things relaxed and breezy. Over any dress, it can take the look from club to a more relaxed, “I’m heading for a hike or to the beach” feel. A denim jacket is for when you don’t want to take yourself or anything you have to do too seriously. It’s sort of the anti-trench coat. There are many styles and shapes out there. Pick the one that flatters your body. Dark washing or light, it’s your call; just avoid anything that smacks of acid wash, unless you’re attending an 80’s party.

3. Leather / Pleather Jacket. I’m sort of a sucker for leather. I have way too many leather coats for any one person, but that’s because they give any outfit an instant edge. They are the coats I grab when I want to let people know not to mess with me, give off a bad girl vibe, or up the cool factor. Biker chic, cropped, ruffled, quilted, or simple and sleek, there are a lot of options. Find the one that makes you feel like a badass and rock it for all it’s worth. Again, I wouldn’t skimp price-wise. Leather lasts a long time and actually looks better the more worn it gets, so as long as you don’t pick anything too trendy, a leather jacket will be with you a long time. Throw this jacket on over a party dress or over jeans and a white tee shirt and you are the coolest girl in the room. Lately I’ve seen them over maxi-dresses for a super cute way to extend them into winter/fall. These are my current favorites.
   

www.bebe.com

www.victoriassecret.com

4. Something Practical.  This is something you won’t hear out of my mouth very often. Depending on the climate in which you live, this may be a rain coat or a parka. This is the coat you throw on when you walk the dog, go for a hike, or go skiing or sledding. Practical doesn’t have to mean shapeless, though, so make sure it flatters your figure AND makes you feel warm and snuggly. The coat pictured below is similar to the one in my closet.
   

www.neimanmarcus.com

5. Something Outrageous, Sumptuous, and a Little Over the Top.  Mine are faux-fur. I can hardly keep my hands off myself when I wear them. They make me want to purr at their softness. I instantly feel more glamorous the second I throw one on. However, I just saw a lace trench coat at Bebe that would do the same thing. Maybe yours is velvet. Whatever it is, this is your formal coat. This is the coat you put on with your nicest dress and your red lipstick. This is the coat that lets people know you didn’t just show up -- you arrived. This is the coat that makes you smile just to wear it and a little sad when you have to take it off. Below is my newest faux-fur crush. It looks even better in person and is twice as soft as you think it is. Meeeeoooow!
   

www.express.com

Whatever coat you choose to wear, remember your outerwear is the icing on your fashion-cake. It can make or a break an outfit. Sometimes it pulls an entire look together into a cohesive whole, so choose wisely and stay warm out there.

Need help finding a coat?  Shoot me an email at princessheathab@gmail.com with your size, shape, and budget, and I’ll do my best to assist you. I’d love to hear your suggestions, advice, blog ideas, and comments as well. You can either comment below or email me at the above address.

Next on my blogging agenda is:

• Shopping Your Closet

• Sequins: Not Just For Parties Anymore

• To Buy or Not To Buy, That is the Question

• It’s a Croc, The Ugg Effect

• Holiday Dressing for Dazzling Effect

I hope you’ll come back and read them all. Until then…

Be Fierce. Be Fashionable. Be Yourself.

XOXO

H