Calling all men...what are you wearing on your feet this fall?

No different than many of my women clients, I often get questions about what shoes are appropriate for particular outfits. After wandering around SRI Shoe Warehouse, I came up with some fall style men's shoes sure to fit for a business, business casual or weekend wear ensemble. Take these tips and see if you have something that is similar in your closet.

* Black is alway dressier than brown. Your shoe should match your belt or at least be in the same general family.

* If you are wearing a suit for an interview, board meeting or event, go with black. A brown lace up will do the trick with a navy or charcoal suit.

* Make your first dress shoe purchase a glossy leather versus an exotic material.

* An elongated toe box is more classic and less trendy and will be there for the long haul. I am not referring to pointing toed shoes, though, guys!

* The sole of your dress shoe should be at least a quarter of an inch thick and preferably leather not rubber. Rubber is easier to find, but leather wears forever.

* Just like a great fitting pair of pants or a suit, if you find a brand that fits your feet and feels comfortable, look for another style made by the same manufacturer.

* Buy the best quality shoes possible as they will be there for the long haul!

Did I hear you ask about classic loafers?

* Bass Weejuns are still making their mark and living strong. While at SRI, I came across some navy, low sheen, metallic Weejuns, which were very nice. SRI does carry the ever-so-popular classic cordivane color which is safe, but let me tell you how to wear the navy. (much more fun)

* A navy Weejun pairs well with the colors grey, brown, camel, khaki, stone, hunter green and aubergine and of course any shade of denim. A loafer is best worn with casual pants and business casual attire but not shorts. Yes, I know there are a lot of you men out there that would wear a Weejun with a short, but that's what got us ranked 75 for worst dressed in a recent GQ poll about Raleigh! Opt for a soft leather driving moccasin that has a rubber sole for shorts please!

* Try pairing a loafer for business casual with a button down or crew neck, pullover sweater, henley or vest for fall layering with a casual sports jacket of either a sueded cotton, tweed or corduroy. Match your socks to either your shoe or pant.

Boots, the cold weather favorite

Boots, whether they are men's or women's, have made a huge impact in our lifestyle wardrobes. Only for a select portion of the population do we find men wearing cowboy boots, but the Chelsea boot has become a common theme in most men's wardrobes. Selecting a boot regardless of the brand, for example Frye, Bass, Cole Hahn or Teva, is a daunting task. Give thought to these questions before buying a boot:

* Black or brown? Brown tends to be a little more relaxed in look and equally as versatile as black.

* Distressed or smooth? Either way looks better over time the more they are worn.

* Buckles or grommets? Choose either adornment, but not both, and remember sometimes less is more when it comes to details.

* Rubber or leather sole? Decide whether this is a weekend wear boot or possibly for business casual work. Rubber soles remind me of work boots, so leather is a best bet.

Think long term when buying a boot. Boots are now considered season-less and guys, they can take any boring jean and t-shirt and offer instant appeal. Boots can be dressed up or down and worn with most anything except a tux. Then again, if you are attending the CMA's, then a tux and boot would work just fine.

A final note.....did you know that 90 percent of people have feet that are two different sizes?

Boots and Bags!

One of the many fashion questions I have gotten this season is about boots and bags, so I thought we could chat about it today.

What kind of boot do I look for this season and how do I decide which boot is best for me and my lifestyle?

Start in your closet and see what you already have. If you are a pant wearer, than opt for either a shoe boot or mid-calf style. If you like to wear leggings or jeggings go for a boot that is mid calf or western style. If you prefer dresses or skirts then select a boot that comes to either mid calf or below the knee. Above the knee boots look best with leggings, tights and dresses or some really skinny jeans.

What color do I go with - black or brown?

Both colors are equally versatile, but it is optimal to have one pair of black and one pair of brown boots, in different styles of course.

Do I look for leather or suede, embellishments, hardware or fringe?

If you are not an avid collector of boots (I have one client that prefers boots to shoes, and have come across several clients through the years that collect shoes of all kinds) then I recommend to bite the bullet and invest in one good pair of boots in a classic style that will last you for years to come. Personally, that is the way I like to roll. Purchase less, but better quality. If you tend to get tired of things easily and, no, I am not talking about your spouse or boyfriends, just clothing items, then spend less money and buy a few moderate priced boots of lesser quality and plan to pitch at the end of the season. Important to note here that boots made of pleather or plastic crack and do not allow your feet to breathe.

How do I decide on a handbag this season?

If we are talking about an everyday handbag, give thought to what kind of straps or handles you prefer. Over the shoulder, one strap or two, cross body or shorter, two handles, held on the wrist or by hand. This is purely a comfort call. Think about what you will also really need to put in your bag, or the little things that end up in your bag on a regular basis. Do you keep limited contents in your purses or do you prefer to have everything, including items from the kitchen sink. I literally once had a client that carried silverware and napkins in her bag.

Do I choose a color for my new bag or must I stay with black or brown?

If you are ever going to make a statement an accessory this is the time. Certain colors this season are equally neutral like greys, maroons and dark blues. I would even go as far to commit to a texture. There is something about a fabulous bag that can make the rest of your boring outfit pop. Not that you would ever wear a boring outfit, right? Just remember a great bag makes everything look more interesting.

Now you are armed to begin the boot and bag hunt. Tread slowly until you find exactly what you need. It is certainly out there for the picking.

Happy shopping!

 

Fall Fashion Must Have's

This season is full of surprise and compromise! Lots of choices for style and fit. After you have evaluated your wardrobe, hit the stores and check out the following to round out your fall wardrobe.

Look for a silk button front blouse. If you don't want to deal with the cost of dry cleaning, opt for a polyester blend fabric instead. This season's button front blouse is soft and has a drape. Shop for small floral, animal or reptile, solid, bib front or a center line vertical stripe. This blouse looks best paired with a sleek dress pant or skinny jeans. Try wearing a layered necklace or statement piece in the neckline of the blouse.

Chunky, chunky knits! Knits this season vary from thinner to the thickest of weave and pattern. There are many options - sleeveless to three quarter sleeves to hip or ankle length cardigans. Whether you prefer short or long, choose a knit that is versatile enough to wear with pants, skirts and dresses. Knits are wonderful to layer not only for warmth, but to transition short sleeve items into fall and winter.

Seek out a statement coat this season. Choose from leather or wool; short, knee or calf length. Make your mark with a fabulous color or silhouette. Opt for something other than black and look for a coat with fine lines and hardware detail in soft greys, taupes, winter white or dark jewel tones. Make sure your selection is something you can wear with most everything in your lifestyle wardrobe.You'll want to wear it for many years to come.

My vote for shoe of the season is a flat boot. Simple in style and comfortable to boot! Yes, that was a shoe pun. Whether you decide upon black, brown or camel, a good leather boot will only look and wear better over time. Buy the best quality your pocketbook will allow.

Find that last key item that will make everything else in your wardrobe come together. That "it" item for fall this year is a fabulous leather bag. Find a bag that works most for your every day lifestyle. It has to be functional for everyday, and some choices are a tote, sachel or hobo. Set a budget and begin the hunt. Stores, online and brick and mortar, are offering great deals to entice shoppers to make that "it" purchase this fall. I've seen some really nice high end bags on sale this year!

Happy shopping and be sure and send me your favorite purchase for fall!

Top Ten Fashion Picks for Fall 2010

Get ready for great fall fashion this year by adding these top ten items to the wardrobe!

1. Military Inspired Jacket

Pair with jeans, simple pants or skirts. Let the jacket make the statement.

2. Shades of gray

Pair your gray with camel, navy and chocolate brown for a new twist to the wardrobe.

3. Wool dress

Turn a classic wool dress into a wardrobe staple by adding a wide belt or layered necklaces.

4. Leopard print accessory

Add this colored print in either a scarf, belt, shoe or blouse to add new life to the wardrobe.

5. Colored tees and scarves

Basic tees with an oblong scarf paired with jackets compliment this casual look well.

6. Boots

Ground fall looks with boots in all varieties from peep-toe stiletto, over the knee or flat.

7. Signature coats

Upgrade neutral wardrobe with coats in a choice of lengths, patterns, colors and textures.

8. Textured and colored hosiery

Legs go to new heights with patterned and colored tights and legging to compliment all looks.

9. Body satchels

This seasons bag is more structured with lady-like handles, longer straps and feminine touch.

10.Layered Necklace

Visit your jewelry box and layer short and long, pearls and metals to commend any neckline.

From my closet to yours, enjoy!