Slip On Lands' End Comfort Summer Shoes

As warm weather approaches sensible shoes with arch support and stable heels are a must! Recently I ordered the perfect spring/summer shoes: Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes. 

They have leather uppers with sneaker-comfort footbeds and durable rubber outsoles with sturdy traction. Taking them on a test drive, I walked from Manhattan's Upper Eastside to Midtown (a distance of several miles) to find they protect my feet from taking a harsh pounding on concrete. I love them! They're practical and cute!

Moreover on foot, the Lands' End Comfort Mary Janes don't look juvenile and are versatile to wear with pants, leggings, skirts and dresses. Another beneficial feature is their velcro-like strap closures, for easy slip on and off, as well as, hassle-free adjustments. 

The Woman's Comfort Elastic Ballet Flats are trickier. The sizing is off so you have to order up from your regular shoe size. They are not for walking long distances on concrete pavement but for bouncing around your house, garden and neighborhood. Soft leather uppers have insoles that are foam cushioned. An elastic edge molds to your feet.

Lands' End Women's All Weather Closed Toe Sandals let some air in. They have soft suede uppers, shock-absorbing footbeds and sturdy rubber outsoles fit for hiking.

For hanging out at the swimming pool or boating dock, there are several styles of quick drying water shoes, water sandals and lightweight flat Comfort Slider Sandals in several colors.

The offerings are priced attractively before adding 40% off promotions and free shipping. This summer, let's get comfy in quality and style without going broke!

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Who Wears Short Shorts?

Photo: Uniqlo High-Rise Denim Shorts

As much as I love summer, I haven't worn shorts in several years! Perhaps because I reside in Manhattan (as opposed to a suburb), I live in Old Navy casual-smart dresses. They slide over your arms and head and voilà you are entirely dressed for the day. A change of shoes with some jewelry will take you from home or an afternoon in Central Park to a night out on the town (before COVID). I love multi-tasking things of every kind including clothes! Unlike Victorians and Edwardians, who dressed in the morning and again for dinner, the right casual-smart outfit in the 21st century is suitable for all the events of a single day!

Many people like having some shorts in their summer wardrobe.

Old Navy styles

At Old Navy the styles of shorts are numerous, continuous and ever changing during warmer months ... not surprising as the merchant specializes in sports and activewear. 

Uniqlo 3/4 length shorts

What's more, Uniqlo holds its own in the activewear and shorts department. Its collection is versatile, upscale and budget-friendly too. Some of Uniqlo's pieces are garden party, casual-smart. Old Navy matches Uniqlo's garden party vibe primarily with its summer dresses.

Uniqlo styles

Between the 2 retailers, there's no need to look elsewhere. Both have an unparalleled winning short selection in many styles including chinos and biker shorts, as well as, in different lengths, colors and styles. I've posted a tiny sampling offered at unbeatable prices even before applied promotions - which Uniqlo and Old Navy are always running. Why pay more?

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Fabulous Deals Now At Macy's, Old Navy And More

Macy's emerald tennis bracelet (20 ct. t.w.) in sterling silver 

Great news: Retailers are opening their doors and offering sales to welcome customers back! The following deals are too good and tempting to pass up:

1) Macy's is offering a 50% - 75% epic summer sale on apparel, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. What a lovely 20-carat emerald tennis bracelet above, which is also offered in certified rubies. The sale includes more expensive necklaces, bracelets and rings. As an example, I selected a lovely budget-friendly piece that won't break the bank! In sterling silver (a precious metal), plus real emeralds for the price of costume jewelry. If you miss this particular sale, put the item on your wish list on Macy's website, then wait for the sale to come around again. Count on it happening!

2) Old Navy High-Waisted Slim Boot-Cut Yoga Pants - I'm letting my secret out of the bag. In the fall and winter I wear these substantial cotton and spandex yoga pants with a top and blazer for events -- the combo looks like business attire, and nobody is the wiser! The pants are jet-black, opaque and smooth, and they are so comfortable! The high-waisted slim boot-cut suits me, but there are several styles of yoga pants for every~body. Best deal for the quality in town. None better!

3) Crew-neck t-shirts - This year it was time for me to replace old, weathered t-shirts. Based upon quality alone, the t-shirts from L.L. Bean, Landsend and Uniqlo in the order listed are what I like buying. Although L.L. Bean is my top pick for high caliber t-shirts, I buy t-shirts from all 3 merchants based upon the price, sales, and colors available. All 3 retailers have good quality cotton t-shirts to last for several seasons of wear. A few weeks ago, I went with Landsend. In years past I also purchased t-shirts from Old Navy, but this year they only have neutral colors (white, black, grey), and I love t-shirts in vivid colors! 

4) Old Navy Swing Dresses - I highly recommend buying O.N.'s swing dresses to wear all summer long. Frankly I favor cotton because the fabric lasts longer, but Old Navy makes these practical and cool (knitted) rayon dresses so cheap, it's quibbling. Every spring the retailer returns their swing dresses in new colors and patterns. I got the above floral red dress at the store today for $10.93 on sale! How could I not bring it home!

Certain stores (including Ulta and Uniqlo) are not yet ready for in-store shopping, but you can go to their websites for details on ordering, then can go to the store for "curbside pick up" of the goods. Moreover some merchants offer both in-store and curbside side pickup services (like Macy's, Saks, Bloomingdales, Old Navy, H&M and Sophora). Check the websites of your favorite retailers ... and support them if you can. They want you back and are showing it with sales and extra services. Show brick and mortar stores some love! They were hurt by the shutdown. Let them know you're glad to be back!


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NorthStyle's Summer Catalog

Watercolor Print Tonic; Conversational Print Tonic; Bright Abstract Tonic

NorthStyle, is a maker of casual, comfortable and fashionable women's apparel. IMHO, their summer catalog is always their best with appealing pieces, including dresses, tops, trousers and accessories. The style is ladylike, upbeat and modern; and the price point is attractive too. 

Floral Paisley Lace Dress

There are so many cute summer/spring wares -- over 100 new styles -- the hard task is limiting your selection! Here are just a few items that caught my eye.

Adorable floral dresses with lovely necklines and flattering lengths and shapes. On their website, you will find pretty knitted sweaters to match sleeveless dresses, as well as, accessories like handbags.

Other offerings include easy to wear, stylish bottoms, such as shapely slacks  and colorful leggings that can be paired with the retailer's feminine tunics, shirts and jewelry. 

And well-made skorts to look casual smart and pulled together, yet are as cozy to wear as shorts. 

If you need a few pieces for your spring/summer wardrobe, NorthStyle's got you covered with style and cuteness.

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Picture This: On Vacation With Nothing To Wear

Let's play a game. You are a traveler ... but the airline has lost you bags and you have nothing to wear on your vacation. Where would you shop for clothes and what articles would you buy?

I'll go first: Whether the season is winter or summer, I'd hot-tail it over to Uniqlo, one of my favorite retailers for basics and casual wear. I know I'd find ... quality, style, and a few bells and whistles that won't break the bank. So it-being-the-summer here in the USA, here are several pieces I might buy:

1) The Uniqlo Bra Dress (top photo) - Frankly, I love the style and own 5 of the dresses already. Every year Uniqlo partners with a famous fashion house to design the new season's floral patterns. Yet, they always have the bra dress in stock at the store. The bra dresses range from knee length to midi. Some have sleeves, while others are sleeveless. I own the above Studio Sanderson For Uniqlo Bra Dress, which I bought this past June. Other floral patterns and colors exist from the collection too.

2) Cashmere Big Stole - I'd probably select this stole over a cardigan for its versatility. Could be used to drape over your shoulders, or to lay on your lap during chilly evenings, or on your flight home. Available in 12 colors including neutrals. Wow, so easy to fold and pack away too. Nonetheless, Uniqlo cardigans are also lovely and useful.

3) Uniqlo Bra Top - Love the bra tops as much as I do the bra dresses. In the summer, I wear them as tops with shorts. In the winter, I wear them as camisoles under my dresses. Great with leggings at the gym also.

4) Ultra Stretch Jeans - Full length or cropped and in several washes (light, medium or dark). Lightweight and soft too. Machine wash and dry to clean, it's a no brainer.

5) Packable Parka - Has a hood; pockets; and is water-repellent should it rain while you are on your trip. Like all the Uniqlo basics, these come in many colors. I often get navy or black to go with all my dresses and pants. However on vacation, perhaps I'd get wild and crazy with a color!

So how did I do? Where would you shop, and what would you buy?


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Are Flip Flops Bad For Your Feet?

There are many easy things about summer. Wearing flip flops around the house is one of them. What's more, I also see men and women walking all over Manhattan in them, but podiatrists say don't do it! 

Flip flops don't provide enough support for your arches or heels; and using them as everyday walking shoes will lead to foot problems:

(1) A lack of arch support can result in fallen arches. It leads to longer pronation - turning the foot inward to absorb shock and distribute weight as you walk, which  eventually causes deformatives such as bunions and hammer toes.

(2) And, when the heels are unstable, toes tend to grip the thong, and it can lead to tendinitis, painful heels, callaouses and corns, none of which are desirable.

While foot doctors prefer that you walk in shoes with a stable back to secure the heels of your feet, many like the Vionic Bella II.  These sandals have the American Podiatry Medical Association seal of acceptance because they provide arch support unlike standard flip flops. At 6 ounces, they are light. A flexible rubber mid sole absorbs shock, and a durable rubber outer sole has a patterned tread.

Around my apartment, I wear Crocs flip flops. Although they too have arch support, feet massaging perforations and pattern treads, they're not suitable for long walks on hard pavement either, according to podiatrists. For standing on your feet at work; going down to the laundry room; or walking in the sand on a beach, they're comfortable.

For long walks on concrete or long periods of standing, be sure to wear proper walking shoes, ones with excellent arch support and a sturdy back to stabilize your heels. Happy feet, happy you!


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Madewell Summer Dresses

It's a scientistic fact: The Earth is getting warmer. New York City is expected to hit 94 degrees F today!  Madewell, a sister company of J. Crew, has summer dresses to keep you cool during any heat wave ahead. The style is casual smart. In a nutshell: Comfortable, flattering and effortless. Here are three to consider because we like looking at dresses, don't we?:

1) The Fern Silk Faux Wrap Dress above↑in spiced rose has slender straps, a v-neck and pleats with a stylish flowing bottom.

2) Lakeshore Button Back Dress - A brilliant royal blue shift dress with a V-neck back and oversized buttons make the viscose fabric dress super cute.

3) Strawberry Print Pintuck Ruffle Dress - Chic black canvas featuring strawberry prints. It's 100% cotton. A split square neck with a ruffle outline makes it fun to be a lady!

Simple ... with unexpected details, no? Stylin' in the summer heat! Do you have a favorite?


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My Spring Wardrobe Haul

By nature I'm a mindful (not an impulsive or compulsive) buyer. Lately I try to be a minimalist ... buying only what I need, not more than what I need. Despite hauling in less, clothes wear out. So recently I added 3 new wardrobe basics:

1) L.L. Beam Tee, Crew Neck, Short Sleeves - I bought 3 teal colored, combed cotton t-shirts to replace my blues that are tattered. But I had to check several retailers to find the bright colors of spring. Surprisingly, Old Navy, GAP and Uniqlo are only carrying neutral colors this year, namely white, black, gray, navy and very pale pink. What's up with only neutral colors for spring tees?😮 When are we supposed to wear bright colors???

Next:

2) Uniqlo Geometric-Print Short-Sleeve Bra Dress - In Summer I adore Uniqlo's bra dresses. A full support bra is built-in for comfort. The cut and fit are ladylike. The dress is flattering yet easy-to-wear just like shorts. I have 4 sleeveless bra dresses in different floral prints and colors. But I need at least one with short cap sleeves for early spring. LIVE, this dress is an off-white light shade in a super cute geometric print. The style is crisp and casual smart. 

And finally ... the last item I bought was a pair of shorts:

3) Uniqlo Cotton/Linen Relaxed Shorts - How adorable, with details like a stretchy, elastic waistband, 2 side pockets and a feminine tie-bow. They are relaxed but slenderizing, just what I need for a summer barbecue!

Thankfully, I have sneakers, comfortable walking shoes, cozy sandals, light scarves and cotton sweaters that are in great shape, so I am set for the warm temperatures to begin!

What's on your shopping list for Spring and Summer? And Aussie friends, you have Autumn ... any goods you need?



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New Summer Dresses At Old Navy

I have several Old Navy summer dresses in my wardrobe. They are fashionable, cool and comfortable like shorts, machine washable and relatively cheap. Most prices start at under $40 before Old Navy's unbeatable sales and promotions kick in for a final cost of $10 - $25. 

Here are a few cute offerings on ON's website to consider. New styles appear often:

I must report that the craftsmanship can be hit or miss at times. Occasionally, I've received a dress with the waistline too high that I sent back, but 95% of the time, the dress is lovely. With free shipping and returns, it is well worth the risk. Customer care at Old Navy is friendly and top-notch! 

Everyday summer dresses are not articles, I like to splurge on because it isn't practical or necessary. Better to have a carefree dress you don't have to worry about soiling. But that doesn't mean I don't want to look pretty or will accept a subpar dress!

With experience you learn which styles flatter you most making online shopping painless. The frocks hold up and can be worn for several years also, so you really get your money's worth. Nowadays it's easy to look polished for less. So budget-friendly, you can save a few bucks to hold onto for a rainy day or apply to big ticket essentials that never go on sale.

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