Lifestyles

By: Sharon Mosley

Bobbi Thomas does not believe that “fashion” and “style” are interchangeable. As a frequent contributor to NBC’s “Today” show and author of the new book, “The Power of Style: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Dressed Tomorrow” (24.99, Harper One), Thomas believes that true beauty comes from the inside.

“Fashion alone is an external thing, not a way to identify you,” she says. “Style, however, is about being whole and balanced.”

Thomas started her professional life as a rape crisis center counselor, so she knows how much self-esteem can affect how we view our own sense of style.

“Whether I’m on NBC’s ‘Today’ show talking about the latest trends or hosting events at JCPenney or Gucci, I believe in leading a woman toward discovering her authentic self — her personality, her essence — on the inside and then reflecting that self on the outside through style. My ‘makeovers’ are more about self discovery and reinvention than overhauls and major transformations.”

And Thomas admits that she “loves a hot shoe or stunning gown as much as the next girl,” but she likes to delve deeper. “Style is about a lot more than stuff.”

Here are Thomas’s 10 steps to “Matching the Outside to the Inside” from “The Power of Style:”

1. See Yourself. First, work on developing a healthy image. Thomas suggests getting serious about using “mirrors” around you like your friends and home to reflect your best qualities.

2. Act the Part. Be aware of your body language and check out what verbal and non-verbal messages you are sending. Pay attention to how people react to you. Remember appearances do matter.

3. Speak Up. Appearances do matter and conveys a “language” that you communicate to others. Thomas suggests thinking of your style as a “brand” to promote who you are and what you want to say.

4. Know Your Worth. Acceptance of yourself is key and worth whatever effort it takes. Invest in yourself and your “packaging.”

5. Put a Plan into Practice. “Input equals output,” says Thomas, who urges women to keep a style journey, set a budget and find time for fittings to find the perfect outfits.

6. Learn Your Colors. In order to choose the most flattering style statements, Thomas encourages women to study their “colors,” and find out whether a “warm” or “cool” palette best suits your skin tone. Hues from red to yellow, including brown are considered warm, while hues from blue-green through blue-violet, including gray, are considered cool.

7. Balance Your Body. Know what silhouettes of clothes work best on your own particular body shape. Thomas identifies several “X factors” that will help you determine which clothes will flatter your unique shape.

8. Perform A Closet Cleanse. Yes, a clutter-free closet is one of the keys to enjoying getting dressed everyday, according to Thomas.

9. Make a Most-Wanted List. Think about the items in your closet that you wear the most and make a list. There is a reason that you like certain clothes. But by making a list, you become more aware of what kinds of clothes you are attracted to. Then before you buy anything new, you will know automatically know what kinds of clothes you love to wear.

10. Time to Go Shopping! Of course, this one is the most fun. Thomas has lots of tips about shopping — one of the best — “Shop with friends, but buy alone.”

by: Sharon Mosley

Let the fringe and the feathers fly. Dance into spring, and put some swing into your wardrobe by jazzing it up and channeling the styles of the Roaring Twenties a la Daisy and Jay: the main characters of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby” and of Baz Luhrmann’s highly anticipated film adaptation.

From Prada to H&M, there’s some Jazz Age glamour for everyone. Here’s how to kick up a little art deco flair of your own:

—Start with the drop-waist flapper dress. There’s no better way to jazz up your wardrobe this spring and summer than to don one of these slinky sheath-style dresses embellished with beading, metallic threading or embroidery.

—Go with the high-low hems. From the knee to the ankle, this is a great way to highlight your best features by choosing a dress or skirt with a pointed hemline that dips and rises in all the right places.

—Choose chiffon. Free and flowing is the name of the dress game when it comes to kicking up your heels in the deco designs this year. The fabrics are soft and supple, providing nonrestrictive flattering silhouettes — perfect for doing the Charleston.

—Add some fringe and feathers. Whether on that flapper-inspired dress or a hip-length jacket or swingy skinny skirt, fringe and feathers are a jazzy way to dress up anything you put on this season. And it’s really easy to throw on a feather boa to give your cocktail dress instant drama.

—Get exotic. Patterns and prints are another way to jazz up your wardrobe. Think geometric art nouveau or East Asian designs in particular. These artistically inspired motifs are easily incorporated into your everyday wardrobe with kimono-style jackets, shawls or scarves. Look for the unstructured evening coat trimmed with fur to be even more of a jazzy hit for fall. And harem pants, anyone?

—Add accessories. The fashion extras that complement all the Jazz Age designs are legendary, especially the millinery — from tight-fitting cloche hats to elaborate jeweled and feathered headpieces to Oriental toques and turbans.

—Add jewelry. Accessorize with long ropes of cultured pearls, arm bracelets and chandelier earrings. Top it off with a decorative “pouch” purse trimmed with tassels. And complete your jazzy look with T-strap pumps.

Now you’re ready to dance the night away!

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

Don’t have any gift ideas for one of those most important women in your life? How about a gift that fits no matter what size your Mom is? It’s one of the best ways to give the significant women in your life a present they’ll really appreciate — just think charming bracelets!

There are lots of ways to say “I love you” with jewelry that becomes an heirloom and are one of the most personal gifts you can give. Personalized bracelets have always been a great way to celebrate special occasions. I still cherish a special bracelet from high school dangling with sterling cheerleader megaphones and tennis racquets.

Every generation has a new way of collecting these wearable memories — Moms have been wearing charm bracelets since the days of ancient Egypt.

“People seem to have always had the need to adorn themselves with beautiful, symbolic or magical things,” says Tracey Zabar, artist and author of “Charmed Bracelets” (Stewart Tabori & Chang, 19.95).

“Ancient peoples relied upon amulets and other lucky charms to ward off the “evil eye” and other bad spirits, and then they held fast to religious charms promising fertility and love,” acknowledges Zabar, who has designed bracelets for Barneys New York and Kate Spade.

Indeed not since the ’50s when Lucille Ball collected gold charms celebrating the musical career of her husband, Desi, to Jackie O’s single-charm bracelet, charms are once more making a big comeback, and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to give your mom a gift of history on her wrist. It’s one of the most personal gifts you can give and pass on to the next generation.

Here are some of Zabar’s tips on composing your own charm bracelet:

—First, decide which side of the fence you are on: do-it-yourself or prefab. Are you the type of charm braceleter who enjoys the thrill of the hunt and collects charm mementos over time? Or are you the instant-gratification type who sees a gorgeous ready-made bracelet that stops you dead in your tracks and that you must have immediately? Determine which category your mom fits into.

—Commit to a metal. If you are starting a bracelet for your mom, you might want to take a cue from the jewelry she already wears — mostly gold (often, more expensive) or silver (more casual). Zabar recommends sticking to 14-karat gold for charm bracelets.

“It will stand up to the clinging and clanging of the charms.” There are also lots of alternatives now for moms who want a different look — check out all the woven leather bracelets that have more of a hip vibe.

—More is more. Try to choose real stones and pearls as often as possible, says Zabar. “Since most of the stones are tiny, they aren’t that expensive. You don’t need the perfect color or quality; just make sure that the stones are pretty and you don’t see any obvious inclusions or chips.”

—Pick a theme. If you are starting a bracelet from scratch for your mom, consider buying charms in just one category — fashion, family, travel landmarks, dogs, hearts, buildings or flower charms, for example. Or your mom may prefer a hodgepodge of charms — You may want to start with one charm and let her dictate how she wishes to build the bracelet.

—And if your Mother happens to run out of room on a bracelet, you can always start another one, or a charm necklace!

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

As the weather warms up and you shed all those winter layers, you may shiver a little at some of those extra pounds gained over the last few months. But as you lighten up for the spring and summer days ahead, think about emphasizing the best parts of your body shape and forget the lumps and bumps for now. At least until you put that swimsuit on for the first time!

Here are some quick tips for accentuating your positive assets this season:

—First, take a spin in front of the mirror and assess the situation — What are the best things about your body, and what are the “not-so-good” things. We’re talking legs, waist, arms, etc. The trick is to play up the best parts and learn how to disguise the flabby arms or the thick waist or the big hips.

—Then think about what your favorite “go-to” outfit is — the “uniform” you turn to that makes you feel great. There are usually several versions of this in our closets, and we intuitively know what looks best on us. Take stock of the condition of your favorite pieces. Often, it’s these essentials that we wear day in and day out that may need replacing — the great pair of jeans, the simple pencil skirts, the knit cardigans, tees and tanks.

—Then get ready to shop for this season’s interpretation of what you feel is your most flattering outfit. Some of the most flattering shapes for most women, no matter what season it is, are fashion classics that are always in style. Some of this spring and summer’s best options may be the wrap dress in a pretty floral print, the sheath dress in a dramatic contrasting stripe, the black suit with a tuxedo jacket or the tailored trench coat in a bold color.

—One of the fastest ways to shape up your wardrobe is to pay attention to your waist. Cinching in a jacket or dress with a belt gives your waist instant definition. Or you can do the same thing with Asian-inspired obi sashes or ribbon belts. Peplum tops are still a stylish way to shape up your mid-section, too.

—Don’t be afraid to play with prints. The new colorblock graphics can actually trick the eye with strategically placed patterns that flatter your body. Look for bold stripes that line up in all the right places and provide an optical hourglass illusion that slims you down fast.

—Proportion is key. You may love to wear flowing bohemian tunics in the summer, but if you do choose these roomy tops, then keep it simple and streamlined on the bottom. Slim white jeans or cropped pants will balance out the top half. If your tops are sleeker, then a flowing pant or A-line skirt will be your best bet on the bottom. Remember, opposite silhouettes attract — fitted tops with looser bottoms and vice versa.

—Stock up! When you do find the pieces that fit and flatter you the best, don’t be afraid to stock up. Buy several styles of long tank tops in several colors to layer under sheer tops and short jackets. Buy two pairs of those cropped pants that fit you so well. Stick to the basics you love and just add a few new pieces that will transform your wardrobe and flatter your body at the same time.

By: Jeff Rugg

Question: I am slowly landscaping my backyard. I am seeing what grows best in what amount of sunlight and moving things around while they’re still in the containers in which they come. Can I spray weed killer first? I need to fill in and level the ground. Do I use sand, topsoil or potting soil? Does the weed blocker that comes on rolls go before or after the fill? Can I dig through the weed block material? I want to add plants a little at a time and maybe some sod.

Answer: It sounds like you have the makings of a great beginning gardener. Most gardeners will experiment with placing plants in different locations and moving them when they don’t seem to do very well. I must mention that either the label that came with the plant or somewhere in a book will state of how much sun the plant needs. In other words, the research has already been done.

I think the biggest problem I would have with your testing of the locations is that you are leaving the plants in the pot. That isn’t a fair test. The plants will need more attention to their watering and fertilizing needs in the pot than in the ground. So, a plant that isn’t doing well during the test may be perfectly suited for that spot if it was planted there.

Set the plants next to each other to see how they look. Check to see if they form a nice combination of colors and visual textures. And then look at the plant label to see how big they grow and plant them appropriately.

Whenever you determine a good combination and location to plant, you will need to prepare the surroundings for the new plants. If there are weeds or lawn grasses in that area, they need to be sprayed or transplanted. Weed killers take a few days to over a week to soak into the whole root system.

If the weeds are all low (or can be mowed down), you can cover the whole area in half a dozen sheets of newspaper, up to a quarter inch thick. Wet the ground first and then wet the papers after they are laid out. The paper needs to be weighted down with a couple inches worth of compost, leaves or mulch. After a couple of weeks, most plants under the cover will be dead and you won’t have used an herbicide. You can plant into the area before or after the papers are installed.

Before planting, create the proper slope and elevation changes to get drainage away from the house and to fill in any low spots. The soil used should be similar in make up to the soil that already exists. If the existing soil is sandy and you add topsoil to a low spot, the two soil types are not going to drain the same and you will be creating more problems. Potting soil is designed for containers and it is more like an organic amendment than a true soil.

If you can till in new soil to create a blended soil over a larger area, then by all means bring in as much good soil as you can. You only get one chance to add soil. After the plants are installed all you can do is add topdressings.

Rolls of cloth types of weed blocker are very useful in some situations and not so good in others. They can do a good job slowing weed growth in flowerbeds, but when organic mulch material or soil is added on top of them, weeds can grow just fine on top of the weed blocker. Weed blocker materials are at their best when used under gravel mulch. They prevent weeds from coming up and prevent the stones from sinking down into the soil underneath.

The most important part of adding a few plants to your landscape at a time is to have a plan. If you know what goes where, you will end up with a great landscape. If not, it will just be an eclectic collection of plants (which can be fun for a gardener, but it drives other people crazy). The planning can be as simple as knowing that the plant in the corner needs to be taller than the plant it replaced, that it needs to have big leaves to offset the small leaves on another plant and that it needs to tolerate sunlight and wet soil. That way when you see a plant that only fits a couple of those requirements you can pass it up as not being the right plant for the plan.

The official plan is fun to create and then you really know what goes where but even then rules can sometimes be broken. So get out there and have some fun.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@greenerview.com. To find out more about Jeff Rugg and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

Don’t say no to adding a dress to your shopping list this spring. It’s an easy solution for what to wear — anywhere. The one-piece dress is a no-brainer for work or play, and it’s a great travel companion. From floaty and flirty pastels to bold and graphic modern prints, the dress is a personality piece sure to please even the most discriminating fashionista!

Choose from these key dresses for success shapes this spring and summer:

—The A-line dress — The sheath dress has been “the” last word in dress fashion for the past few years. After all, it’s been a classic for decades — most recently reintroduced to a new generation of style-savvy women a la First Lady Michelle Obama.

But the newest classic has more fit and flare. The focus is on the waist — whether it’s belted or banded. And unless you’re a Kim Kardashian (who is expecting), you should go for a “figure-skimming” not “figure-hugging” dress style. Look for pleated accordion-style dresses for more dresses that don’t cling, but swing.

—The Printed dress —Another one of the season’s favorites — The patterned prints are exploding. But don’t expect to see any shrinking violets here — the dresses that you’ll want to wear this year make a bold statement. Think large colorblocks, washed watercolors, oversized stripes, tropical flowers, harlequin checks. The bigger the better. A word of caution — to keep prints from becoming overwhelming, stick to dark background and one pattern per outfit.

—The Lace dress — In a season of special occasions — graduations, weddings, proms — the all-over lace dress may be the perfect way to break out of the winter doldrums. Lighten up with this feminine fabric interpreted in a myriad of ways — and colors. A white lace frock may say “bridal,” but in sugary candy-colored pastels, it’s a winner; in black, it’s a cocktail stunner.

—The Sheer Dress -Spring and summer is the perfect time to go sheer — no, not totally, of course, but designers take care of that, too, this season. By layering sheer fabrics on top of sheer or other opaque fabrics, the effect is romantic and provides endless options. These ethereal dresses are the perfect backdrop to lightweight cardigans and coats or jackets.

—The Ruffled Dress — One of the season’s trendiest details, the ruffle is showing up on sleeves, cuffs, necklines and waistlines. Flirty and flouncy, ruffles are a real way to fluff up your spring wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to get a little ruffled! In soft silks, chiffons and jersey knits, these ruffles are meant to rise to any occasion.

—Dresses that go to all lengths — Choices of hemlines abound this year with dresses from short to long and anywhere in-between. Choose a python mini for a night on the town or a long floral caftan for a poolside patio party. And the newest way to show off your legs in a dress? Cover them up! The midi-length is back. Your knees never had it so good!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

It couldn’t get any easier than this, girls. When it comes to getting dressed this spring and summer, it’s all in black and white. Whether you check it out with a graphic mod mood or tango with the smoking hot tuxedo, the way to keep it simple and sophisticated this year is to give your wardrobe a dose of stark contrast. These are opposites that really do attract an instant sense of style.

Start with the basics — a black pencil skirt or pair of slim pants. Most of us already have these pieces in our closet. Yes, the miniskirt was a hit in the ’60s, but if you wore it then, you might want to stick to more of a knee-covering style this time around. You can still rock this classic look that never seems to go out of style with just a bit of tweaking of the hemline.

Ditto for black pants. Yes, the silhouettes do change, but that’s a good thing for most of us whose bodies also change through the years. Pick the style of trousers that fit you best — there are plenty of styles to choose from this season — from slim and trim to fuller and flared.

Then balance out the top with a feminine white blouse. The button-down is indeed another classic workhorse for most of us, but take it up another notch for spring and add a blouse with a few more frills. The new poet-inspired organza blouse is one way to dress up the old favorite. Or opt for a printed black and white top to change things up.

This white blouse can also do double duty after hours when it’s dressed up with a black suit. The boxier jackets are competing with the slimmer-cut blazers and sleeveless vests, but the tuxedo-inspired looks are at the forefront of the black and white trend. So consider the “la smoking” ensemble for your next spring fling.

Don’t forget that you can easily do black and white in reverse, too. That pair of white jeans that many of us have had in our closets for a year or so can make the transition as the neutral foundation for a new black tunic top or structured jacket.

The graphic black and white print is another winner for this easy to assemble wardrobe this year, too. And let’s face it — these new bold patterns are not for the shy of fashion heart. However, they are a great way to transform those other basic black and white items that we’ve had in our wardrobes for years.

Designers have created a wide variety of these new patterned pieces for us this year — from checkerboard coats to striped pants to digitalized printed dresses. The key to this season’s updated black and white prints? They’re all oversized and overscaled. The bigger the better. Animal prints even get the black and white treatment in new separates.

So you’ve decided to rethink your favorite black and white basics, but you find that this kind of wardrobe can be a little boring. Just add accessories! Give those classics a lift with a chunky gold choker, a pair of sparkling silver earrings, a pair of transparent Lucite heels or a bold black and white striped handbag. And for a little more fun — slip on a pair of op-art sunglasses.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

In the decades that I have been writing about the world of fashion, there is always one question I seem to hear over and over. Why? Why does fashion matter? And since the simplest of answers — we all have to wear clothes — doesn’t quite suffice, it does seem that many of us are interested in looking good and, hey, that usually makes us feel better about ourselves and the world around us. As one designer, Tadashi Shoji, put it: “Fashion inspires and brings cultures together. Plus, you can’t walk around naked!”

A dear aunt who recently died was always the epitome of style and she always said when she didn’t care about how she looked, that’s when it was time to go. She lived to be 90 and had a Hermes scarf tied around her neck when she died.

Pantone, the global color authority — you know the one that tells us “Emerald Green” is the color of the year — reached out to its Facebook fans to pose a question to fashion designers: “Why does fashion matter … and how does it help the world?” There were some interesting answers that I thought I’d share. Here are a few of the designers who responded and their responses:

Tommy Hilfiger — “Fashion helps shape individuality. I have always loved the way styles and trends are interpreted differently all over the world.”

Barbara Tfank — “I think of fashion as a sort of gift to the world — people adorning themselves to express their feelings and celebrate occasions; it creates memories and marks time in one’s life.”

BCBG by Max and Luvov Azria — “Fashion is important because it comes from within. Fashion is all about juxtaposition and coming out of your comfort zone.”

Bibhu Mohapatra —”Fashion matters because it is a language and a tool used to express oneself. Self-expression is extremely important, and fashion allows you to do that. Yes, it does help the world in a range of ways — from establishing individual identities to creating jobs!”

Carmen Marc Valvo — “Fashion is part of our everyday lives and it helps people with their personal sense of self and how they project that into the world.”

Charlotte Ronson — “Fashion matters. It is about individuality, personal expression and choice. It helps the world by helping each individual person. Once in a while we all have a bad day, and sometimes simply putting on your favorite dress, shoe or even makeup will make you feel happy.”

Elie Tahari — “Fashion has the ability to bring people from all diverse walks of life together; it is a tool that allows individuals to be expressive.”

NAHM by Alexandria Hilfiger and Nary Mnivong — “Fashion is an outward reflection of yourself to the world — it empowers you.”

Nicole Miller — “Because fashion is psychologically uplifting! It creates positive energy!”

Peter Som — “Fashion matters because it’s a form of self-expression that provides a moment in the day for one to dream. A little time to dream is OK — the world has enough challenges to keep us busy.”

Saunder by Emily Saunder — “Let’s be real, fashion will never smooth out the rift between warring factions or find a cure for cancer, but it is still a powerful force in many people’s lives. It allows men and women a means to express themselves on a daily basis and is an amazing and accessible creative outlet. Also more and more companies are pushing the boundaries of the kind of impact fashion can have by collaborating with artisans, promoting fair trade and eco-friendly practices and giving more thought to how their garments are made.”

Tracy Reese – “Fashion is a reflection of one’s self. When you are wearing something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, you can take on the world!”

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

Why do we love to shop for a new handbag? Let me count the ways. You don’t have to try them on under fluorescent lights. You don’t have to even be the “right” size. You can instantly feel fashion forward with the latest chic clutch or trendy tote. And if you’re not sure what style or color you want to buy, well, you can always come back for more.

But there are a few guidelines to finding a handbag that will flatter your body type, says fashion expert Amy Goodman, author of “Wear This, Toss That” (Simon and Schuster, $27).

“Among those who have ‘the bag bug,” I’m surprised by the number of people who wear them all wrong,” she says. But although she cautions that your bag and body shape shouldn’t match, there are a few tips she has for finding the handbag that will complement your own body style whether you’re tall, petite or curvy.

Here are a few of Goodman’s handy tips:

—If you’re tall and thin, Goodman recommends considering an unstructured, slouchy bag. Your bag should hit anywhere from the waist to slightly below the hip. And since you have “the luxury of vertical space” to work with, choose a medium to larger unstructured bag.

She cautions tall women to avoid a bag that fits in the crook of the armpit that just emphasizes their height and “makes your legs look like beanpoles.” Instead, “if you are tall, you can pull off bags with long straps, as long as the purse isn’t tiny — that just makes you appear lanky.”

Taller women should also avoid top handle bags with a structured frame and rigid edges which “produces a stark overall look and creates too many angles when juxtaposed against a tall frame.” Instead, she suggests choosing a rounded or trapezoid satchel with soft curves for better balance.

—Petite women should consider handbags that elongate their bodies but not overwhelm them, according to Goodman. “Think proportionally smaller, and don’t venture bigger than a medium-size handbag. With your body type, bag shape is less of an issue, so you can embrace a round or slouchy bag.”

The bag should hit anywhere from under your arm to the hollow of your waist. Goodman also suggests choosing thinner, more delicate straps. Steer clear of overly long body bags with chunky straps. “They will make it look like the bag is taking you for a walk, as opposed to the other way around,” she says.

—Curvy women should stick to handbags whose length hits the smallest point of their curves, below the bust and above the hips, says the fashion expert. “A bag with handles that barely clears the arm will get lost in the armpit. A shoulder bag with long straps is no better because the bag’s body will hit at the hip and make you look wider.”

Instead look for medium to larger bags with structure, form and stiffer fabrics, such as leather, canvas, nylon or woven straw. And you’re in luck this spring, because the structured bags are topping the trend lists.

Goodman advises curvy women to avoid slouchy bags that “look like cushioned pillows, round and duffle-shaped bags, structure-less satchels, oval handles and super thin chain straps.

TOP HANDBAG TRENDS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

—Structured top-handle bags

—Colorful prints and patterns

—Op-Art Graphics

—Reptile Skins in bold colors

—Clutch bags in metallic lace

—Bejeweled and beaded evening bags

—Folded portfolios in soft leather

—See-through handbags in Plexiglas or Lucite

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

Getting tired of sweating out the cold weather in all those stuffy boots? Then just take a look at the latest shoe trends that are popping up this spring. They’re delicious eye candy for winter weary soles. Here’s a sneak peek at what the well-heeled will be wearing in the warmer days ahead:

Being transparent — Want a pair of shoes that will go with just about anything no matter what color you’re wearing? Then pick up a pair of pumps or sandals detailed with clear vinyl straps or Lucite heels. Get the vibe of the swinging 1960s with these fun see-through sandals that will instantly transform your wardrobe.

Shine on — Iridescent is the way to step it up this spring. Think watery waves of blues, pinks, whites and coral that shimmer in a holographic patent leather pump. Very futuristic. Shoes also glisten in metallic hues of gold, silver and burnished bronze.

Pointing the way — Yes, pointy toes are guiding the trendiest shoe styles this spring. After a few years of lagging behind rounded toes, footwear designers are making it a point to update both heels and flats. These shoes are a must to try on before buying. Comfort is still key whether you want to wear the latest trends or not.

Architecturally speaking — Build up your shoe collection with new shoes that are pieces of sculptural art. Many of these shoes may also be decorated with embroidery, encrusted with jewels or decked out with ribbons and bows. You may be tempted to treat some of these artistically-designed shoes like pieces of art on display in a gallery, only in your own home or closet.

Mix it up — Footwear takes another cue from the art world this spring with designers using a mixed media approach combining lots of contrasting textured materials, colors and even prints to make shoes that make a bold statement. Think snakeskin with mesh, cutout leather and even lace.

Walk like a man — Whether it’s a spectator loafer or a lace-up oxford or a smoking slipper, the menswear-inspired shoe is one of the season’s favorite silhouettes, and most likely one of the most versatile buys for spring.

Focus on heels — From chunky heeled sandals to stiletto heeled booties to pointed Lucite wedges, the heel is the focal point of many of spring’s trendiest footwear.

Up to your knees — Forget those knee-high boots you’ve worn all winter. What’s a spring and summer fashion “must-have” shopping list without a pair of new sandals? The latest look this year proves to be the knee-high strappy gladiator sandals. What a great way to fight those winter shoe blues!

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

by: Rose Bennett Gilbert

Q: What to do with a really small room? I mean teeny-tiny, maybe just wide enough to wedge in a double bed. We need a guest room, but would any guest feel welcome in such a stingy little bedroom?

A: If not, you should make better friends. As long as they can stretch out well enough to sleep in a space that’s warm and welcoming, what more does any guest really need?

Here’s an inspiring case in point: Dena Fishbein, top-shelf designer and author of “The Painted House, “and her husband Dan Fishbein used to handle their thriving design business via computers installed in this sliver of a room.

Then they both got laptops, Deana writes, leaving the space underemployed. They decided to turn it into a guest room, even if there was just a quarter-inch to spare when they moved the bed in.

However, no one loses sleep over the tight fit thanks to Dena’s famously freehanded approach to mixing exuberant colors and patterns. The high canopy matches the pillows, which match the bed skirt, which is echoed in the throw and stenciled decorations that pack such an enormous punch of personality into the Lilliputian room.

Also, please note: guests’ basic comfort needs are provided for. There are light-controlling curtains at the windows, a handy table at bedside and an efficient reading lamp, all de rigueur in any guest room, however large or small.

This is creative re-purposing at its best. As Dena believes, “Part of what gives a house its vitality is its evolution. If your home grows and changes with you, if it reflects both where you are and where you’ve been, it will better suit where you’re going.”

Q: We’re building “the house of our dreams” in the mountains. My husband wants to put in an outdoor shower. We aren’t having a pool — not in this climate. Is he crazy?

A: You said, “of our dreams.” Obviously, that includes your husband’s, too.

By the way, landlocked outdoor showers are not as farfetched as they may seem. James Beard, the pioneering American foodie of the mid-20th century, installed an outdoor shower at his Greenwich Village townhouse. The shower was open to all the back gardens in the West 12th Street neighborhood — never mind that Beard was also known for his corpulence, an obvious occupational hazard.

The world’s foodies, now converging on the Beard house for remarkable meals at the James Beard Foundation (www.jamesbeard.org), still giggle as they step past his shower en route to the dining table

Then there’s the enviable outdoor shower installed by an ingenuous neighbor of my friend whose family farm lies in mountainous Virginia. High up on the top level of their handsome custom-built house, Henry’s al fresco shower certainly boasts a better view than Beard’s: the vista down the misty mountain valley is truly breathtaking.

There is one hazard, Henry admits: showering guests who accidentally drop the soap.

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

By: Sharon Mosley

After months of celebrating the holidays, most of us put ourselves on a budget for the new year. But what if we could still “feel” rich and dress like it, too? What a concept! That’s the idea behind fashion expert Anna Johnson’s latest book, “Savvy Chic, The Art of More for Less,” (HarperCollins, 18.99).

“It’s the ultimate savvy chic,” says Johnson. “And the secret with that is simple: dress a little plainer than you’d like. Chic, as we all know, is a restrained rather than a flashy art.”

So, if your pocketbook is feeling poor these days, take a few tips from Johnson who has lots of “shortcuts to putting on the Ritz for pennies.”

—Think big. That is go with “big” jewelry rather than small, she says. “A big watch, an even bigger cocktail ring, a big (I’m talking huge like a tarantula!) brooch, big chunky necklace, and yes, big earrings, all look more glamorous than fiddly, fragile clusters of ornament.” There is a trick, however — only wear one gold — burnished or bejeweled — statement per outfit.

—Show off a great handbag. Johnson even suggests you “rent” a designer bag if you have a job interview. Choose one in a solid color without logos, heavy hardware, or trimmings dangling off. “There’s not much faking for a great handbag.”

—Go natural with your hair. Skip the “raccoon-stripy” highlights and go for a more natural look a la Lauren Hutton. “Her hair always had a flyaway grace,” says Johnson. “Poker-straight blowouts look very cheap, especially when the ends look like fried, pointy rattail. Banish the straightening iron!”

—Beware the bold tan. Instead Johnson advises a “very, very light tan.” She uses Jergens for her “St. Barts-in-a-bottle” effect. “But exfoliate first because you don’t want zebra-striped latte legs.”

—Wear sleek shiny shoes with a low heel in a neutral color and steer clear of platforms says the fashion writer. “Angelina Jolie wears black ballet flats and tan patent leather pumps all the time. It’s not as if she needs to look more beautiful, but somehow the elegance and restraint of those shoes makes her look even more appallingly rich.”

—If you wear vintage, make sure it fits perfectly. “My ‘rich girl’ dress is the plainest thing in the world,” admits Johnson. “A vintage A-line dress to the knee in oatmeal linen. It looks as classic as an Oleg Cassini or as modern as Prada, and it costs me $30.”

—Find a statement dress and wear it with “really modern shoes.” Graphic prints are Johnson’s favorite. “If you wear an eye-popping dress, it conveys a high level of social and professional confidence.” Then add the shoes: “Teamed with a slightly outrageous shoe, you are downright arrogant.”

—Add a personal touch. Whether it’s something “soft, eccentric, or a little bit shocking to make you look more comfortable in your skin,” she says. “I have a beat-up old Missoni scarf that I wear with a very formal suit jacket. It makes me look less try-hard and adds a glamorous patina to formal tailoring.”

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

Rose Bennett Gilbert

Q: There is a small room under the stairs in our new house, not “Harry Potter” small — it has a window and big enough to be a little “Me” room, as my husband would call it, with a dresser/desk and chair. It’s my first chance ever to indulge myself — I love silk and crystal (our master bedroom is done in plaids and stripes in deference to my husband). Need some ideas.

A: Here’s a roomful of posh ideas you could adapt, conjured up by designer Claudia Giselle Tejeda (claudia@claudiagiselle.com) for the 2012 Holiday House in Manhattan.

A seasonal feature on the New York design scene, this year’s Holiday House raised funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by celebrating every kind of holiday you can imagine, from Christmas to the Chinese New Year, the National Day of Norway, Halloween and Sweet Sixteen.

Claudia called her dark, sparkling and downright seductive room “Girls Night Out.” But it was really about staying in, about cuddling up in what should be every woman’s natural habitat, a glamorous blend of sharp and sexy/ soft and feminine.

Claudia framed her room — just off the entry of the East Side mansion that hosted Holiday House — with a glowing black ceiling and lustrous black tile floors. In between, she hung large mirrors to reflect the crystal light fixtures and vanity lamps that sparkled on the dresser/desk where glittery wallpaper (by Maya Romanoff) was showcased under glass.

Wall panels were cushioned in silky tone-on-tone damask, outlined with mini-chains in sparkly black. Lush “Baby Pink” velvet curtains draped luxuriously over the room’s single window, and the vanity chair was a luxe gilt bergere, upholstered in black, parked in the middle of a deep flokati, black, of course.

“I wanted to create a place where a woman could feel glamorous and sexy,” explained Claudia (who is currently president of the New York Chapter of the International Furnishings & Design Association, IFDA).

She certainly did.

Q: Want to steal more ideas?

A: Why else do we so enjoy trooping through designer show houses? Here are more tidbits from the Holiday House design pros that ended up in my notebook:

—Wallpapered with a good book lately? Annemarie diSalvo covered the walls of her tiny, tucked-away room with stapled-on pages ripped from a decommissioned copy of “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest” in what looked like Swedish. Attached to the walls was a flock of small clay birds — wearing pink ribbons — just to make the point.

—Chairs were the focus du jour in Inson Dubois Wood’s dining room. Celebrating “Carnavale,” the designer ringed his long, jointed table with an eccentric collection of seats — hand carved from wood, molded from plastic, some tiny, some grand. The lesson? You can just forget about matchy-matchy furniture.

—Forget about furniture. Period? That might have been the message from uber designer-photographer-author Vicente Wolf. He interpreted a “Swedish Winter Dream” in a large bedroom made to look even larger with bleached floors, white upholstery and scant furnishings under ceiling paint gloomy-cloud gray.

Rose Bennett Gilbert is the co-author of “Manhattan Style” and six other books on interior design

COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM