Flip-Flop Substitute?

H,

I wear flip flops 9 out of 12 months of the year, so December through February always make shoe selection difficulty for me.  I either wear my moccasin slippers, or uncomfortable J.Crew loafers that invariably give me blisters after a day of classes.  Can you a recommend a good winter go-to shoe, that is comfortable, versatile, and stylish?

K

K, 

Great question--I too am a flip-flip fiend.  What makes them so great?  They are comfortable, you can wear them sock-free, and they slip on and off with ease.   There are very few winter shoes out there that meet this criteria, but I think I've found a few options for you below.

In addition to the criteria met by flip-flops, winter shoes need also be durable.  In climates where winter months are marked by snow, after-snow salt, and more snow, these elements can ruin a good shoe.  Patent leather is a great versatile material that is also stylish.  It is not totally waterproof, but it stands up to moisture well and wipes clean easily.

This pair from Lauren by Ralph Lauren are currently on sale at Piperlime for $59.99, and one reviewer on the site raves "One word--comfortable!"  

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Ramira, $59.99 (sale)

I have a pair of loafers very similar to these that I wear 24/7 in the winter months, and here is a secret:  they are from Target!  Discount stores like Target and Payless are great option for comfortable, low-cost shoes.  Typically at $25 or less a pair, you won't feel too guilty if they only last one winter.  Just be sure to stick to leather or suede options and avoid the synthetic fabrics.

While my wonderful pair of Isaac Mizrahi flats are no longer available at Target, this green shoe below is a great alternative.  They look super comfortable, and the green is a nice pop of color on grey winter days. 

Micaela Moccasins, Target, $24.99

And, while I resisted for some time, I will admit that Ugg boots are pillows for your feet and are perfect for the coldest or snowiest days, especially when you find yourself outside for a long time.  They aren't the most attractive option ,and you certainly won't be setting any trends, but your feet will thank you.  

To flip-flop weather returning quickly,

H* 

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Where Does J.T. Shop??

Dear H,

How do you feel about the following clothing items for men:

 

1) Vests without suits

2) Those knit ties

3) Velvet/Corduroy blazers

4) Cardigans

 

I've been tempted to incorporate some of these items into my wardrobe, but I can't find any that work for me.   Any help?

 

Clueless in Arlington

Clueless,

Good question.  While Chuck Bass and Justin Timberlake seem to pull these looks off effortlessly, it's going to take a bit more consideration for the average guy to bring sexy back with these items.  All four of them could be incorporated into two types of styles--preppy or hipster--so a good start might be to figure out which look you are going for.  Are you trying to match your cardigan with your Neon Jordans or your knit tie with your tortoise shell glasses?

 Here are some other tips when shopping for these items:

1.)  Vests without suits

To be honest, I'm not a fan of this look on men ever--you'll have to find another blog to get some tips on this one. Here's one: The Smart Stylist.

2.) Knit ties

I generally like throwbacks to vintage style, so I really appreciate knit ties.  In my opinion, knit ties should be incorporated into an entire look that is generally "vintage."  Think along the lines of 50's prep. Ralph Lauren Rugby has some great vintage-feel blazers and sweaters that would pair well with a knit tie.  For the tie itself, I like the solid ties in a variety of colors from J. Press.  They have stores in New York and DC, or stop by my alma mater in Cambridge and pick up this one in Crimson:

J. Press Square Bottom Tie, currently on sale for $52

3.)  Velvet or Corduroy Blazers

The trick to pulling off these blazers in non-conventional fabrics is to wear them in conventional colors, unless you are really trying to make a statement.  A velvet blazer in navy would make a nice winter substitution with some khakis, or a brown corduroy blazer would be great paired with a light blue button-down shirt.

A big tip for corduroy in general:  make sure the wales (i.e., the vertical ridges that form the "stripes") are not too wide.  Narrow wales have the added benefit of being softer to the touch. 

4.) Cardigans

The most important thing with cardigans for men or women is that they are made of a good fabric--cashmere is always your best bet.  For men, this is a style that may take some getting used to:  depending on your comfort level, you may choose to button it, or you may choose to have it hang loose.  There are no hard and fast rules to making a cardigan look good--this is one that's up to you to rock, or you'll end up looking like Mr. Rogers.  Which brings up a good rule of thumb for sweater closure:  cardigans should button, hoodies should zip.

Cardigan no-no:  Mr. Rogers

In general, a good place to find some of these trendier items are men's stores geared toward a younger crowd, which tend to follow the runway looks.  Martin & Osa is American Eagle's new high-end line that seems to have a fresh take on these suiting items.  And you can never go wrong with prep staples Ralph Lauren or J. Crew, which seem to have these items perenially in the mix.

Good luck!

H*

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The Grandma Claus(e)

Dear H,

Let me start with saying that I love everything involved with gift giving.  From February till December I am on the hunt for the perfect gifts for everyone I love.  I enjoy the hurrah of wrapping, ribbons flashing, and tape ripping.  My sister, on the other hand, loathes the commercial scene, and the vastly increased size of the family this year led her to suggest that we do not give gifts to everyone next year, just the grandchildren (this year our collective families have eight of them).  Now, before I start to build my 2009 stash of Christmas presents, I would like some insight.  How do adult children (and adult nieces and nephews) feel about not receiving extensive gifts?  Is there an acceptable age, or number of children, that exempts adults from gifts?  Also, supposing that we transition from gifts to everyone to just the kids, what is the best way to do so?

Sincerely,
Gift Giving Grandmother M

M,

It sounds like your grandchildren get some fabulous gifts!!

I don't know that there is a hard and fast rule for this situation.  Often, families ascribe to the guideline that if a family member has children, gifts to those children count as gifts to the parents as well.  My family goes by this rule.  If an adult "child" has no children, then you can certainly gift the adult.  

Now, there are a few alternatives that I have seen work very well:

1.)  Secret Santa:  At the beginning of the Christmas season, everyone in the family draws the name of another family member, usually only adult family members or those that have the means to purchase gifts. This way, every family member is only responsible for one gift.  Though, if you draw the name of a relative with children, consider getting gifts for parent and children, or simply children only. 

2.)  Gifts for the Whole Family:  When dealing with the dilemma of whether to gift the parents and/or the children, consider a gift that the whole family can use together, such as a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant, or tickets to a show. 

If you do decide to change from gifts for everyone to gifts for the children only, a good transition might be to get something small for the adults, such as a nice bottle of wine (something the kids can't get into!) with a personalized note or a homemade wine bag.

Prolonging the holidays as long as possible, 

H*

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Inauguration Baubles

Dear H.
I too have a last minute inauguration question.  I am going to a black tie ball and want to dress up a simple black strapless cocktail dress with some fly accessories.  I really loved the bib style necklaces worn at the golden globes over the weekend (see: Eva Mendes, etc).  Any thoughts on where to find one that doesn't cost me my first born?  If not, any other suggestions for really bold yet classy accessories?

xo, 

A

Eva Mendes

A, 

I think Eva Mendes's gorgeous turqouise Van Cleef and Arpels necklace was more popular than Slumdog Millionaire at the Golden Globes.  Huge statement necklaces are definitely in fashion, and a great way to make a bold statement with a classic dress, but it is difficult to find nice ones that you don't have to call to inquire about the price. Here are three options I love for under $500, under $250, and under $100:

1.)  Under $500:

Lee Angel Rise Coral Necklace, $396 (at Shopbop)

2.) Under $250:

Rachel Leigh Pearl Necklace, $188

3.)  And check out this steal for under $100:

Gerard Yosca Fringe Necklace, $215 originally, but on sale for $75 at Bloomingdale's

Bling bling,

H*

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Four Eyes

Dear H,

I love the eyeglasses that Kim Raver's character on Lipstick Jungle, Nico Reilly, wears!  They may be cancelling the show-but not before I get my hands on those glasses!  Any idea where I can find them?

Thanks!

R

R,

My sources tell me that Nico's fabulous black plastic frames with tortoise temples are from the trendy New York-based eyewear designer Selima.   Unfortunately, she does not have the exact frames on her Website, though these Paul frames are a close second, and also come in a gorgeous tortoise:

Selima's Paul Frames, $300

For those in the know, you may recognize Selima's name from recent J. Crew catalogues, as she launched an exclusive eyewear line for the preppy retailer several seasons ago.  I love the Red Alabama glasses right now. 

Always with my sights on fashion,

H*

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Baracking Out at the Inauguration

H,

I am attending two inaugural balls next week, and need something fantastic to wear. Unfortunately I can't afford a high end gown - let alone two - and don't want to be seen in the same dress two nights in a row! I know these are typically black tie affairs, but I hate ankle length gowns, and the balls I'm attending are both for a younger crowd. Because the MTV-hosted ball is for 18-35 year olds, will it be okay to wear something less formal? If not, where is a good place to find formal gowns at lower prices, without looking cheap?

Just trying to impress Obama,

E in D.C.

E,

First, props to one of my favorite fellow blogs, Washingtonian's Shop Around Blog, for beating me to the punch with Inaugural Fashion for Under $200.   The dress they pick is actually pretty cute from prom mainstay Jessica McClintock.  But, this may be too glitzy still for what you have in mind. 

As far as length: I think it is preferred to wear a floor-length gown to a formal inaugural ball, especially if you are attending one that President Obama will be dropping in on at some point in the evening.  But, for the MTV-hosted fete, you can go younger and funkier (meaning shorter), but be sure your knee-length gown is a showstopper, such as this French Connection number which pushes the envelope a bit.  Glam it up with sky-high heels and jeweled clutch. 

For designer dresses at discount store prices, literally go to the discount stores.  Trailblazer Isaac Mizrahi started this trend by designing lines for Target:  this elegant black trapunto dress is only $35!   Sex and the City alum Kristen Davis is now designing for Belk with some evening options Charlotte York would love.  Surprisingly, Vera Wang's Simply line for Kohl's lacks formal wear, but check it out for shoes and accessories to go with your look.   

Another good way to find designer dresses at low prices is to go vintage.  Georgetown's Second Time Around is a great secondhand store in the D.C., with outposts in Boston as well.  There are great vintage online shops now as well:  YOOX has an entire section devoted to vintage party dresses.  If you want to channel your inner Jackie O (or Michelle O!), vintage is the way to go.

Yes you can be the belle of the ball,

H*

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A Golden Opportunity

H,

I need to get my grandparents an anniversary gift (it's their 50th) and I don't want to spend a lot of money.   What says "I love you, but I'm not cheap." ?

-A

A,

First, congrats to your grandparents!  50 years!  If you've done your research, you know that the 50th is the golden anniversary, and while gold gifts are customary, they are not cheap.  

However, there are several thoughtful ways you can play up the anniversary theme without breaking the bank:

1.)  Remember 1959.  Give your grandparents a gift to remind them of the year they were married.  Give them a DVD of one of the top three movies from that year: Ben Hur, Some Like It Hot, or North by Northwest.  A newspaper from the day of their anniversary always makes a cute gift--especially if you can find one with the wedding announcement!  Several Web sites, such as Newspaper Archives, allow you to search for and buy prints of archived newspapers.  A quick eBay search of the year 1959 has some cute mementos also.

2.)  Give a quantity of 50.  In this case, quantity is better than quality, and there are a lot of things that are more impressive in large quantities that don't have you spending too much.  Flowers, candy, and stationery are all examples of great gifts in sets of 50. 

3.)  Make something.  Most grandparents will love a homemade gift, even if it says "I love you, but I am cheap."  At their age, they probably have everything they could ever need, and care less about the actual gift than the thought that goes into it.  Remind your grandparents that one of their greatest accomplishments of 50 years together is building their family.  For example, find a photo or a bunch of photos of your grandparents and your family and frame them.  Or put together a cookbook of all of your favorite family recipes.

Don't worry, A, you can't go wrong, even if you do make something cheap.  If you're lucky, maybe your grandpa will even slip you some cash.

Not foolin' with gold this time,

H*

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Grad Gift for A Servicewoman?

Hello H!

I have a very dear family friend who is graduating early from high school this January and promptly entering into the armed services.  I would like to get her a very special graduation present, but I'm not sure what an appropriate gift is for some one who will be forever in fatigues, with no room for anything materialistic for at least five years. 

Any ideas?

Thanks,

C

C,

How about dressing up a practical item she can take with her and you know she will use?  A pen.

A stylish high-end pen isn’t just for high-powered executives in corner offices. Any serviceman or servicewoman will treasure an item that can set them apart from the standard Army-issued provisions. 

A smart tip:  ballpoints will be easier to handle on-the-go than fountain pens. Ballpoint pens from brands like Cross range from as little as $15 to over $100.  Most can also be engraved for a small additional cost with a message reminding her that she is making you proud.

An added bonus:  now she has a way to write home with updates!  

 Cross Classic Century Ballpoint, $40 (engraving: $8)

Function and form,

H*

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The Devil is in the Details

We go through major changes and life events, but most of us spend the majority of our time agonizing over the little things...especially us girls.  As they say, the devil is in the details. 

But, I've spent a lot of time mastering the details.  After all, getting control of the little things frees up time to contemplate the big things. 

With this blog, I will help you with the little things to get them off your mind.  If you have a question about anything from gifting to cooking to shopping to organizing, Ask H.  With one part style, one part etiquette, a pinch of ingenuity, and a dash of wit, I'll try and answer your most worrysome details.

Not sure how to pack for two climates in one vacation? 

I'll tell you how.  

Need to have Blair's dress from the latest episode of Gossip Girl?  

I will find it for you, and a budget-friendly version too. 

Stumped about a gift for your impossible-to-impress mother?

I've got you covered. 

So leave it to me to handle the details with style,

H*

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