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Style Your Life

reader question

Reader Question: Chic Comfy Sandals

Hi Jennifer,

I’m enjoying your spring style e-book and your blog so much. 
I’m quite a bit older than you (and live in AZ), but I’m translating your great style ideas to my needs and it’s working great! Thanks 🙂 I have a question about the shoes though. 
I can use the color ideas but can’t wear many of the shoes due to painful feet. I’m seeing a neurologist now and getting some relief but I can’t wear shoes that have a flat insole with no support.
 I’m having a struggle with finding sandals that work and you know how important sandals are in AZ!! Do you have any suggestions for sandals that might work in place of the cute little sandals/thongs you show? I can sometimes wear merrills, tevas, Birkenstocks, etc but they’re not so cute of course : (   And I can only wear flip flops to the pool!




K.L 

Dear K.L
Your issue is fairly common! I have quite a few clients that need some support in their gorgeous feet. Here are a few basic pointers…

#1. More expensive quality shoes, will be constructed better and have more support. For someone like you you’ll need to spend more on your shoes, sorry. 
#2. Be selective don’t settle for frump! You deserve cute shoes too!! Always be on the look out for the perfect shoes. 
#3 Try lot of different styles and brands ( you never know which will work until you try them and different brands work for different feet). 
#4. Online stores like Zappos and Endless offer free shipping and free returns. They also carry a LOT of shoes. So go crazy, order a bunch and return what doesn’t work
#5. Look into having shoes custom made for you, yes it may be more costly but they will likely last forever and you can get exactly what you want!

My personal favorite brands for comfort and style are Kork-Ease ( I can run in my 3-4″ wedges, really I have!) and Cole Haan (my pregnant, running through the streets of NYC brand). But we are all so different, you’ll have to find your own perfect brands! 

Below are some options I like to get your started! 
Hope that helps!

xoxo 
Jennifer

P.S 
I was on west elm’s blog Monday! Check me out there!!!

Untitled #2093

Reader Question: Handbag Etiquette!

Hi Jennifer,
I’m interested in knowing what to do with a clutch at a dinner party?  I have a great vintage clutch that I got recently and I’d like to take it to a dinner that my husband’s employer is hosting next week.  It’s at a restaurant at a country club and I just wasn’t sure what to do with it.  It’s the size of a paperback book so not huge.  I wasn’t sure if it stays on my lap or what?  Why don’t they teach you this stuff in school?  
RR


Dear RR,

Great Question!  I did a little research to make sure I was giving you the correct answer!   This information is per Hilarie Blaney, Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant! 

“You should take a clutch to a dinner or a dance.  It belongs in one of two places, your lap under you napkin or behind you in the chair under the small of your back.  I would not place it on the floor and a purse, keys and cell phones never belong on a meal table.  While dancing, I would leave the purse in the chair, but for safety, I would think that depends upon where you are. You can also use a wrist strap purse in order to ensure the safety of their personal information, cash and credit cards.”

In case anyone needs a clutch here are some that I love!

xoxo
Jennifer

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Reader Question Answered !

Hi Jennifer!
Been wondering something and, as a big fan/follower, I thought I’d ask you…in case you’re looking for blog ideas.

Like so many, I can be kinda’ hard on myself. I expect every piece of clothing I chose to be perfect. I have big expectations. In reality, I’d say for about every 3 pieces of clothing I purchase:
one becomes a workhorse/favorite – everything I wanted from it,
one ends up functional but not something I regret not having bought multiples of, and
one ends up not living up to the potential I thought it had.

I probably have my expectations too high to expect every purchase to be a home run but I do have that expectation. I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick up the pomegranate pink cardigan from Gap that you just featured. Gotta’ get to the store to try it on. That color (which is usually a good one for me) would work so many ways with what I already have…at least I think 😉

What are your thoughts? Should EVERY piece turn out to be a treasure. Or is that too high a bar to set?

Thanks for all you do!

A K