Oh, the Places You'll Go!

They've got to walk on!

Before I blather on about spring trends and cool vintage finds, let me tell you about my current loves--a pair of silver Hush Puppies and a pair of cream and black saddle shoes.

After decades of being stodgy shoes that Uncle Phil kicked off after Thanksgiving dinner, Hush Puppies were briefly reborn in the 1990s in cool tones like teal, cabernet, and forest green.  However, once Converse became the go-to hipster shoe, they stepped back into the shadows.  Silver was brought to my attention last spring by a buddy who bought a pair in bronze from the Hush Puppies website.  These shoes are utterly cool with a pair of skinny jeans for weekends, or with tights and a sleek denim pencil skirt for a funky daytime look.

I never imagined that Bass saddle shoes would grab so much attention!  I wore dorky black and white saddle shoes in grade school, but decades later black and cream saddle shoes seem to have a hipper cachet.  Can you believe that folks stop me on the street to ask where I got them? 

And, oh the places they go!  Walking through the ease and wonder of a glorious weekend.  Time away from work, off duty, doing my own thing.  They’re under my seat at lunch with my best friend; walking through Rittenhouse Square; sorting through used albums at a flea market; tripping over books at my favorite used book store. 

They're a delightfully eye-catching style statement.  Comfy, not clunky, not clogs.  Can you see yourself in a pair?  I can!

Beauty

Everyone should embrace beauty and incorporate it into their everyday lives.  Call it elegance, style or grace, but make it as critical to your existence as fresh air.  Take a big breath of beauty when you’re stressed.  Open a window and let beauty into the room--an azure sky, the delicate scent of fresh flowers, the lightness of the air after a summer rain. 

I took these lovely photographs while traveling in London and Paris. When you feel knotted or broken take a walk through these pictures, then seek out everyday beauty.  You'll find it all around you!

London 2012

Lime Tree Hotel - London 2012

Windsor Castle 2012

Shop Window - London 2012

Opera House - Paris 2009

Shop Window - Paris 2009

Paris 2009

Keepin’ it Clean

Sometimes you need advice from a know-it all-friend, like when you want to prevent funky armpit stains on your new white button down or remove vinaigrette splashed on your gorgeous silk blouse.  There are all kinds of questions about the care and feeding of a fabulous wardrobe, and here are a few answers from our buddies at In Style magazine.

• No, those yellow collars and armpit stains on your white button downs do not appear overnight.  They take time to develop, but prevention should be paramount from the first wearing.  Before every wash, spray the collars and armpits with undiluted lemon juice (bottled or fresh) or white vinegar, let sit for 15 minutes, then put the clothes in the washer.  The natural acids in lemon juice and vinegar dissolve the alkaline sweat residue that causes discoloration. 
• Got scuffs on your leather booties?  Rub them out with a crepe eraser (also good for getting rid of glue-y gunk).  If you need to refresh suede, grab an old toothbrush and use a little elbow grease.
• Use Windex to restore the glossy finish on patent leather.  It won’t streak!
• Don’t store your eyeglasses in a hot car or in direct sunlight.  Heat can warp the frames and considering how much you paid for those ultra cool Ray Bans, do you want them to go out that way?  When they’re not on your face, store them in their cases instead of on top of your head--body heat can stretch them out. too.
• If you accidentally splash vinaigrette on your silk blouse sprinkle baby powder or cornstarch on the spot, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then brush it off.  This sops up the oil without leaving a mark.  Rubbing with the spot with seltzer and a napkin can erase the dye on your top. 

New everything is expensive, and you may have some wonderful vintage pieces that require delicate treatment.  These tips can help you to keep your favorites fresh!