Casual Vendredi: Sneakers And More

Classic white sneakers from Cole Haan. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

On My Feet…

So, sneakers. I’ve gone on record as saying that “I’m not a sneaker gal,” and that’s true in that they’re not a shoe style that makes my heart beat faster. And they often don’t have the support I need. But sometimes, they’re a great footwear choice, either for a sporty look or practicality. I tend to prefer classic, sleek styles. And I have tried on a bunch of them in recent months. Most of the “iconic” styles were either uncomfortable, made my feet look like barges, or both.

The style I’m wearing above was recently recommended to me (more on this soon) and they’re a game-changer. They have a classic look, a reasonable amount of cushioning and support in the sole, and soft leather (the tongue doesn’t dig into the front of my ankle like so many other styles). And they’re incredibly lightweight! They don’t feel clunky. Cole Haan GrandPro. (If white isn’t your thing, they’re available in a lot of other colors too.)

If you find that you need a little more cushioning in the soles, or want to go without socks, I find these insoles work well. For no-show socks, I rely on these.

On My Head…

A few of you have enquired about my hair care routine, and I have to tell you, it’s really minimal. It starts with a great colorist and stylist who always gets the color right. I do have very fine, thin hair, and as much as I’d love to wear it long, it just doesn’t work with my texture. My current cut requires very little styling beyond a splash of water and a 1 minute once-over with a blow dryer. I don’t use any tools to style it, just my fingers, though I do run a comb through before drying.

As mentioned in Monday’s post, I use Pureology Shampoo 2-3 times per week. (Conditioner maybe once a week.) After shampooing, I rub in and comb through a small amount of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment. If we’re going out or my hair’s feeling a little flat, I might rub in a tiny bit of Got 2B Glued for a little lift and texture. (And I stress, a really TINY amount.) C’est tout.

On My Mind…

I’m sometimes asked why I don’t feature more color / dresses / resort wear / new items, etc. in my outfit posts. Or if I can include some “wedding guest” or other Special Occasion outfits. I just wanted to take a minute to address those requests.

While I try to branch out a bit in some of my broader Style posts, when it comes to posting my own outfits, the pieces are almost always items I’ve purchased for myself. (And I’ll always disclose if any were gifted.) I don’t have access to an Editorial Closet, or a special relationship with any brands or retailers to borrow clothing to feature on the blog.

Our lives are mostly casual these days. We don’t attend galas or formal social events. And our friends and family are a relaxed lot. (Recently, le Monsieur and I attended a 25th Anniversary celebration for some close friends. Guests were wearing everything from velvet dresses to jeans and tees.) While some may bemoan the demise of events that call for dressy attire, the reality is that they’re almost non-existent for us. Smart Casual tends to cover whatever we have on our calendar. So I rarely shop for or maintain a wardrobe of Special Occasion clothing.

And even if I wanted borrow or buy/return clothing, at 5’1″ there’s a limited selection of clothing that fits me off the rack. Unless an item is offered in a Petite size (or “cropped” length) I often need to have it altered, which precludes borrowing for the sake of styling and shooting outfits.

Finally, I try to be mindful of the environmental and human cost of fashion, and to “buy less, choose wisely.” We all crave a little novelty and variety at times, and I get that. I’m trying to strike a balance between simplicity and having a little fun with style.

So while I can’t accommodate every request, I hope I can at least keep my posts relevant and interesting. I truly appreciate all of your support and feedback.

How about you? Is your lifestyle mostly casual, or do you regularly have events you need to dress up for?

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70 Comments

  1. I love your content, and one of the reasons your blog is a *favorite* is exactly because it feels authentically Susan, and inspires me to be more authentically me. Plus, I can relate to your lifestyle and dressing for the way you actually live. I find it a real disappointment and turn-off when bloggers I have followed post increasingly more sponsored content and become more like paid models for well-known brands.

    1. I completely agree with you – I want authenticity and clothing that I can afford and that fits my lifestyle and this blog is perfect!

    2. This. There are lots of blogs where someone can “show off,” but this one is on my list because Susan deals in real life. I know it’s not everyone’s life, but it’s close enough to mine that I find it valuable.

  2. Sneakers work for everyone. And most of us need only casual wear but I like to put on fancy clothes for the glamour they offer. My motto is: if you don’t have an occasion to dress up, make one!

    1. I wear some laced shoes that are similar to sneakers, but outright sneakers/trainers don’t work for me at all. In the summer I mos often wear skirts – ghastly with sneakers.

  3. I live in a medium size university town, so we tend to dress pretty casually here. But I attend a number of events throughout the year held by charities for which I volunteer. People pretty much wear what they want on these occasions, so you might see anything from a cocktail dress to a nice jeans outfit. I do attend an annual “gala” where many women wear long gowns. Each year I search, in vain, for a long gown that fits me. I’m not really petite at nearly 5′ 5″ but a regular size gown is waaaaay too long. Recently, I had to return two petite-sized gowns I ordered because they were between six and ten inches too long. (Apparently, “mermaid” style means a trailing hem?) Fortunately, I’ve had luck with dressy separates which fit in just fine at this event. But it would be fun to wear something really fancy, since the last time I wore a long gown was my wedding 35 years ago!

    1. Patricia,
      I too have a few formal events. I look for formal dresses all year and when I see one I like on sale I buy it. Sometimes I buy it one size up. Now the fun! I have them altered to fit, cut the mermaid tail, long sleeves to short etc. they become a custom dress for less. Yes, altering is expensive, that’s why I I look for a deal. Cheers.

      1. Some years ago Eileen Fisher had lovely beige silk trousers, long tank and chiffon kimono. The tank has a chiffon edge. Those pieces along with EF black silk separates configured differently plus a statement necklace have taken me to galas benefits and weddings. I can’t do heels so I splurged many years ago on Tory Burch satin ballerinas with sparkly toe and gold lame’ Chanel ballerinas. I know for sure ALL of this is more than 10 years old. FYI I’m a plus size.

  4. I appreciate your decision to remain true to yourself and your life. It’s why I read! I also have a casual lifestyle, but like you, want to appear fashionable, on trend, the best version of myself. I don’t go looking for a pretend life Instagram, but one that is authentic to the blogger and resonates with me. That is Susan!

  5. I think women of a ‘certain age’ go through waves of events that require different clothing. I have a co-worker whose 4 children all got married within 18 months of one another. Now they’re having children. So party dresses to play clothes.

    If you’re someone who takes resort vacations you get your routine down and your suitcase packs itself.

  6. Susan, I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your blog. It is very helpful to me, especially your posts on travel wear. And thank you for addressing special events dress. We recently went to a large wedding, and the attire was all over the place, with many ladies (including me) wearing pants. I wore black EF pants, a longer tank, and a kimono jacket with “night time” jewelry, my diamond necklace and earrings that are more suitable for a night out. Being retired for almost 3 years now, I no longer even own a dress, and find that jewelry (along with makeup) makes my black pants & tank uniform” change from day to evening.

  7. I love your blog, although I rarely comment, and one of the things that consistently draws me back is the consistency of your voice, that this is the blog of a person who tries to reman true to herself and her life. As for me, I once said I would never be a sneaker wearer, and now I am, just as I once thought I would never give up heels and now I have (mostly). Still I want to be current, with some nod to style, and that is manageable. Actually I increasingly think it becomes easier the more one accepts oneself and one’s life. That acceptance is attractive and is one of the reasons your blog remains so appealing.

  8. Great post as usual, Susan. Being allergic to wool, I rely on the no show liners from Lululemon. They are a bit pricey, but they are comfortable, breathable, and they don’t slip down in the back. In fact, the back is a little higher ( but still no show), and so they eliminate any possible rubbing at the ankle.

    1. So glad I saw this comment — I am sensitive to wool also, especially in socks and scarves. I’ve been searching for good, no-slip, no-show socks.

  9. You have been such an inspiration in the way you put together clothes. Always elegant, modern feeling and smart casual at the same time. I am increasingly finding that it’s the shoes that are the statement. The very same outfit can say casual if you wear sneakers or flats. Change into a kitten heal, sandle, little ankle boot or something a bit blingy or animal printy and viola – a whole new look and feel. Is that just me? Am I just imagining this feeling?

  10. I must add my appreciation for your ‘upscale casual’ look. I’m a realtor, and am always mindful of looking good, but relatable. I live and work near a large college town and the challenge is to look professional and stylish yet casual. Like you, Susan, I am not a sneakers gal. Also like you, I am not tall (just under 5’3″)–but cannot wear petite sizes because I have long arms and legs. Another similarity: very straight, fine hair. I’m constantly looking for a new cut which will give me the most volume. I’m on the verge of going back to the pixie cut. I’m finding this ‘aging’ thing to be more of a challenge than expected. Thanks for being a lovely example of being real, looking good, and sharing your efforts.

  11. So right about the ‘iconic’ sneaker and comfort. Even my skinny, but arch challenged twenty something son has given up on them. I work where I need low heel but comfortable shoes. I like a bit of style added in too and don’t care for the ‘running shoe’ look. I found an embroidered leather pair from JKicks which encompass everything I want. As well as a pair of leopard print sneaks that have no laces.

    1. Hmm meant to write J/Slides are the makers of the embroidered leather sneaks. Super cute and on trend!
      The leopard print with the velcro ‘flap’ also very cute and comfy are Isaac Mizrahi NYC.

  12. I’m in Paris right now and toute le monde is in sneakers of every sort. I probably look more like a tourist in my walk-all-day Ecco oxfords than I would in the Nikes I left at home.

  13. I like the look of sneakers, but about 10 years ago I developed arthritis in one of my big toe joints and since then in most shoes I need a wide width to avoid pain. I’ve always had a semi-wide foot but this challenge limited my choices severely. One of my goals is also to avoid the “comfort” shoe look. Over the years I’ve figured out what works for me and (knock on wood), I rarely have foot pain, but sneakers have eluded me. When I saw them everywhere last spring, I set out to find a pair, and I ordered and returned so many that I was afraid Zappo’s was going to cut me off! It seems to me that most stylish sneakers are cut for a narrow foot. I was about to give up when I found the Naturalizer Morrison, which comes in both W and WW widths and is almost a twin to your Cole Haan’s! They also come in black and a grey suede with a little metallic trim. The leather is soft and the tongues don’t dig, and they look sharp. I thought some of your readers might like to know this option is out there!

  14. I have two structured blazers, navy and black. I pair either of those with dark rinse or black jeans and I can go anywhere in these. I have kept the same two classic dresses for years. One black silk (for when it’s warm) and one black and cream wool crepe (for cooler weather) and if I have to go to a black tie wedding – I wear those. I have zero interest in dresses now, and also don’t wear heels. Your blog fits my life style perfectly!

  15. Loved your “On My Mind”. Regarding your – “buy less, choose wisely”, we moved into a new home and was taking a friend on the house tour. When I opened my closet she said “where’s all your clothes” ? I said, “your looking at them”. We moved to down size, and that was in my clothing as well.

  16. I love your look, which is similar to what I wear, or aim to wear. However an upcoming wedding has me flummoxed. I don’t want go spend big on something that won’t form part of day to day life, but I do want a bit of glitz. Any ideas? I should add that for medical reasons, I have to wear flat shoes that lace up. Help would be so much appreciated.

    1. Try Rent the Runway and rent a dress for the occasion. So much less expensive. They’ll send you a couple sizes to find the best fit and you just return it in a provided box when done. Women I know use it for special events like weddings and such, high schoolers are even using it for prom to avoid spending a lot for a dress they’ll wear once.

  17. Regarding a mostly smart casual wardrobe and “gala events”, I avoid those events like the plague. Ever since I retired some 10 years ago I have kept my style much like yours (which is why I read your blog). We travel several times a year, and are close enough to Napa Valley that there are wine country events we attend frequently, nevertheless they are not what I consider gala events. But here’s the thing, my husband loves his tux! We used to do cruises which required a tux for a couple of special events each cruise. So he bought a very nice one and he likes to wear it. I, on the other hand, hate formal wear and would rather stay home than put on a cocktail dress or gown. My formal wear was donated years ago. So when we are invited, say to a winery Christmas party, we go as the odd couple. I usually wear black ponte pants and a sparkly top or sweater, with stepped up accessories, which IMHO is more appropriate for a wine country event, and he wears his tux! He is the only person at these events dressed so formally, and he does this every year! What can a girl do? (Rhetorical question).

  18. I have been following you for a while and really enjoy a variety of topics you bring up, as well as your friendly and honest tone. I also admire the fact that you found your own fashion style. Our casual lifestyles call for pants, and jeans are not only relaxing but are also on trend. But the pants-sensible shoes-lose top combo seems to have become an ubiquitous style for the female over 50 crowd. While I appreciate it’s easy practicality, I like a little more variety, which doesn’t need to be formal. What about a skirt? A dress (one and done)? Why not experiment, at least from time to time?

    1. I agree with you that I love casual dressing but I like dresses also. I do not consider dresses and skirts necessarily dressy. It depends on the fabric and style of the dress and the shoes and accessories you choose. I enjoy wearing casual dresses and find them more comfortable then pants or jeans. I live in a warm climate and often wear simple lightweight dresses with flat sandals. Cooler then shorts and no matter what the day brings I’m ready for it!

      1. I also find casual dresses more comfortable than pants or jeans! Styled right, the same dress can work year round in mild climates, with sandals in the warmer months and boots or booties when it is cooler. I live in skirts with tank tops when I am at home.

    2. I think Susan has addressed the dress question many times here and did it again at the top of the post. She does post skirts for those who like them. Some of us are not dress people and I gravitate to Susan because she is not a dress/skirt person at heart. In my adult life, and I’m over 60, I have found precisely 3 dresses that I truly liked, thought were flattering, and wore more than once for a special event. So, I have two that I wear (very rarely) and barring my sons getting married, I won’t be buying more. They are just not me! There are plenty of bloggers that wear dresses, skirts, suits, shorts, etc. if you crave more variety.

    3. Hi Anna, thanks! I actually do try on skirts and dresses from time to time, just out of curiosity. But I rarely find any that I feel at home in and that work well with the rest of my wardrobe, so usually leave them at the store.

      1. Love your blog…! Re: dresses…I have exactly one dress…weddings, funerals, special occasions…it’s a subtle black and white print, sleeveless, round neck, flared at the bottom…is comfortable and looks appropriate anywhere with a little bolero jacket or wrap. For other occasions (the occasional class reunion banquet/benefit gala comes to mind), I have Chico Traveler black pants, tank top, and duster to pair with great accessories/or an off-brand jumpsuit (yes!! remember those) in black crepe with fitted bottom and spaghetti strap bodice, finished off with a black lace 3/4 sleeve top. This works for me!

  19. I have a lot of foot problems and I couldn’t be happier with the sneaker trend. Heels are impossible. In winter, flat boots work, but the rest of the year, the sneaker trend has made my tootsies happy, or at the very least relieved.
    Sadly, more and more events are becoming more and more casual. I miss getting dressed up. On the other hand, I’m not interested in investing in something I’ll wear only a couple of times. I try to make casual as chic as possible. You are an excellent source of inspiration and a great example in that regard.

  20. I used to attend quite a few black tie events in my 40’s but now in my 60’s you couldn’t pay me to go. I’m 5’2″ and shrinking and it was such a bother finding a dress that I sometimes went to a seamstress and had one made. Exhausting. I’m not a huge fan of sneakers but found these Dr. Scholl’s slip ons to be just so comfortable that I thought I’d share them. They are remarkably well priced too. While I love my Opening Ceremony slip ons these are my new go to shoes. https://www.zappos.com/p/dr-scholls-fresh-two-black-microfiber-perf/product/9032777/color/744600
    Keep up the wonderful blog, Susan. Such a treat to read.
    PS Finally got a chance to break out my Scapa jacket. It’s been in the 70’s for the past two days! Went straight from LL Bean light down coat on Monday to this…..only in New England.

  21. Sue, I think your style choices are perfect and your blog is much fun. I donated all my suits not too long ago and like others who have commented here, just rely on heels and fine jewelry to create a dressier look with jeans and pants. For formal events, several friends have had great success with Rent the Runway.

  22. Nordstrom has personal shoppers that can help anyone with special occasion dressing! You have greatly influenced my every day dressing. Thank you!

  23. I appreciate that you don’t have many sponsored posts. I’ve stopped viewing certain blogs because of all the sponsorship. While our styles are different I enjoy your posts and appreciate your sincerity and just what you’re doing. Walking the dogs, doing your kitchen and how you style things. No need to apologize for being authentic. Keep up the great work.

  24. Hello Susan, I read 3 style blogs and always read yours first. Was thinking about why that is, and decided it’s because you are a genuine and not egotistical woman. I live in a small California town in the wine country; a very casual lifestyle here. When going out, need to ask oneself, can I wear these shoes walking on gravel and grass. Most venues here post a warning “wear appropriate footwear and bring a wrap”, but there are frequently a few girls from San Francisco who have on heels and a sundress and are teetering around and freezing when the sun goes down. You’re at the age where you’ve gained wisdom about style paired with comfort. Appreciate the time and effort you put into your posts.

  25. I was just thinking, as I opened my blog reader this morning, that since it was Friday I’d have one of your posts to read. And, how much I looked forward to that.

    Am wholly on board with sneakers, of course, but also have a love of dressing up so I dedicate space in my closet to dresses I love. Not a one is floor length or sequined, at the moment. ;). And your reader who made that comment about resorts is spot-on, I have my resort clothes and can pull them out at a moment’s notice!

      1. I think she means the message that pops up because you’ve disabled the ability to right-click. It comes up after you try to highlight something to search it.

  26. I am in Paris right now, and I find their classic styles, like yours, elegant, refined, polished, self assured, adult, and relevant. You and your post is so helpful to navigate adulthood. Stay true to yourself, as I can see the French women do. If it works for them they wear it, as do you, that’s why I read your blog. My favorite post/ picture is you in all cream, in Jardin du Luxembourg, with your fair hair and coloring, similar to myself, floating and quite perfectly dressed, your version of formal, perhaps? Keep going, I am loving it all!

  27. I’m so glad you discovered the Cole Haan sneakers. I have 5 or 6 pairs in different colors and I always get compliments on them. I also recommend New Balance (the young people always compliment them). Due to an ankle injury I cannot wear heels, only a one inch block heel. I never used to wear jeans, but since I retired three years ago I wear them almost everyday now, since I discovered Hue jeggings that I get at Nordstrom rack. In the winter I wear black Ponte pants when it gets cold. I can’t believe I’ve turned into a jeans and sneakers gal.
    For dressier occasions I have a couple of black EF dresses and a cold shoulder dress that takes care of dressier occasions or funerals. In the summer I like to wear casual dresses when it gets hot here in Altadena otherwise I’m in capris. We go wine tasting quite a bit in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Napa Sonoma so this wardrobe works. From you I have learned the value of a nice top, vest or cardigan, a great handbag and really nice shoes, even if they are sneakers. And thank you for introducing me to French Kande. I love the necklace you helped pick out last fall at their show.

    1. I so enjoyed meeting you!! I think the necklace looked smashing on you, glad you’re enjoying it.

  28. I love your casual style…and I do wear linen dresses in the summertime and have several knit ones for winter which I wear with opaque tights and Chelsea boots. I just bought some sneaker type shoes and will put together a blog post soon.
    I do like those Cole Haan shoes!
    You always look great and your hair is perfect on you…finding a great stylist is key!

  29. Our lives are very casual too. I have some dress pants (leftover from working) I can accessorize and wear for those few fancier events, but like you love my jeans.
    I think you post very honestly and offer us followers very practical advice.
    I just love your blog. Suz from Vancouver

  30. i think my life is very casual. That I don’t need dressy clothes. But then I fall in love with some fabulous print, outfit, or something in velvet. Then son of a gun. I get invitations to galas I had no idea about, family celebrations etc. So I do have dressy clothes and I do have a chance to wear them. Funnily enough I’m not organized enough to know it when I’m shopping. I just fall in love with clothes and buy them. Fortunately it has worked well for me. But I like your choices in clothes no matter what style.

  31. Thanks so much for your helpful response on hair. Also for your candor on festive attire and not overbuying.

  32. Susan, I love your blog, and especially like the fact that you look authentic in your clothes. I cannot stand those bloggers who wear clothes from sponsors that do not suit them. It’s useful to see how you wear the same item in multiple ways.

    As for dressy clothing, I live in Manhattan and find that I almost never need it. I have a beautiful beaded outfit from St. John that I never have the occasion to wear. It’s now in the pile of clothes to donate.

    Sneakers have become an important part of my life since I tore a tendon in one of my feet. At first I was upset, but I’ve adjusted. It’s important to remember that sneakers look much bigger and clunkier when you are looking down at them. From the side, they look much less bulky. Now I’m grateful they exist and are so fashionable.

  33. What I find so useful about your blog is that it gives me ideas about how to wear my business casual wardrobe more artfully, or perhaps in my case, just less frump-ily. You dress like a real person and are not a slave to trends being pushed by sponsors and that’s really so much more helpful. So please keep up the good work!

  34. Love the blog, love the way you are true to yourself. As my younger colleagues like to say, “You do you.”

  35. Sneakers I love, Ecco, I’m on my 4th pair, all leather, even inside, I can wear them barefoot if necessary.

  36. I worked at my garden club plant sale today wearing my red sneakers fromTarget, compliments galore go figure.
    Susan, you keep writing and we will keep reading.

  37. Can’t say I love the Cole Hann style. Something about them speaks a little matronly to me, but they look great on you. I have a pair of leather Ugg slip-on sneakers that are black with the ivory toe, which needs to be scrubbed now and then because they get dirty. I wonder how much upkeep those will be for you! I picked up a pair of canvas sneakers for the warm months and they need inserts so my feet get more cushion. The gel ones make one shoe now fit too tight. I hope the Foot Petals do better. They look very thin, and I hope they still provide some cushion. No-show socks that don’t slip are hard to find. I don’t have the perfect ones yet. The comments on Lululemon don’t sound promising-that they lose their stickiness after 10 or so washings. And to comment on what you cover/don’t cover on your blog. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. 🙂 There are more blogs plus Pinterest to get ideas and suggestions out there. What’s that saying – You do you. (And you do it well.)

  38. Susan, Love your site for travel clothes, shoes, other travel tips. We too are retired, travel a lot and dressy casual is about as dressed up as I get. For dressier occasions, my Eileen Fisher point knit black pants, a black washable silk top and a smashing scarf do the trick. I’m not looking to expand my closet at this point. Your blog is great for stimulating my thinking about how to make more creative use with what I have. Stick to what works for you. It works for lots of us out there as well.

  39. I’ll be the MOG (mother of groom) in December. So that means a nearly formal dress. Haven’t worn anything that dressy in ages. I’m 5’4 and pear shaped. I’ve decided tea length is my best bet to avoid expensive alterations to shorten a dress. As for the rest of my real life, jeans, sweaters, silk tops and linen do the trick. Not big on sneaks, either. Susan, we all love you for your style, charm and honesty!

  40. I thought you had on my shoes for a minute! I have a new pair of ECCO’s that are almost identical to yours.The ECCO’s work well with my high instep and need for an arch support. Sneakers don’t make my heat beat faster either but sometimes you need them. These don’t make my feet look huge like most “running shoes” do. I hope mine stay comfy because I want to take them traveling with me.

  41. Quick question- I couldnt find it on your blog- what do you wear on the plane? I want to look nice, but 6-8 hours in a small seat, surrounded ……whew. And it will be morning when we land and I don’t want to be rumpled and exhausted!

  42. Almost…I am leaving this Monday. I guess I waited to long to ask this, but I got a new computer and it has taken me ages to find all of my old favorite spots (like yours!) I’ll make do and await your always good advice.

  43. Can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying all these comments about being “done” with skirts! When I retired 10 years ago, I got rid of all of mine along with the requisite slips (various lengths) and hose/tights. I love living in jeans with some slacks for dress — and have no interest in black-tie fundraisers. A couple of custom outfits from my MOB experiences may or may not ever make another public appearance. I do appreciate the styles you show, and the inspiration to bring some fresh but still comfortable looks to old favorites. Yay! I am not alone! 🙂

    1. Funny, I wear skirts a lot and haven’t worn slips in at least 30 years. I never wear sheer tights/hoseiry. Obviously, when it is cold, I wear opaque tights or leggings. But I’m an old hippie at heart.

      MOB s MOG, now that is funny! Gangsters vs alley cats!

  44. I bought these Cole Hahn sneakers about 6 weeks ago and wore them nearly everyday on a recent trip putting 12-15 hours of walking/working in a day and I have to say these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned! I got them at the CH outlet for $49 – even better! I have the silver ones and I get compliments everywhere I go in them. I’m stalking them online now and will definitely be ordering another pair or two.

  45. On the topic of sneakers, on my recent trip to Paris, everybody, including younger and older women, were wearing 2 kinds of sneakers, either 1. addidas, or 2. New Balance. both of the sueded variety. Addidas were the “courtset suede”, and New Balance were the “574” or “running suede”. these shoes were literally everywhere I looked. They were worn with skirts (often a chiffon pleated skirt, which were also everywhere), dresses, capris, shorts. I was so jealous, and was wishing I had a pair of them.

  46. Hi, love your blog and the main reason I read it is because I love reading about you, and your life, and why and how you wear what you wear. Am not interested in budget options, or what you would wear if….? If that’s not you, it’s not you. Please don’t feel you need to apologize. There is no need.

    This is your blog, write and wear what you want. Please. What I also love is …drumroll….no advertisements. Love how honest you are also. Reading your blog is definitely helping me evolve my style in ways I never expected. Silver loafers???? Now I have a pair, love love love. And your style journey, and life is so relatable. Fabulous. And thanks so much for your blog. It brings me great joy. All the best always, Jinine