A Shoe to Live In

There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. Well, to find a shoe you can live in is quite a feat! (Unintentional Pun!) My sister texted me the other night sad that the lining of a pair of her favorite classic shoes was disintegrating. She knew she was going to have to part with them and it was upsetting because they had become such a go-to pair. When we get upset over something like this, it's because the shoes not only looked great, they're versatile and, most importantly, they were comfortable. They were broken in and formed to her feet. To find shoes we can "live in" is a wonderful thing. Especially, when it's a heel.

SJP - Sarah Jessica Parker brand Shoes were only available for 10 years.

Last month I threw out two pairs of heels, too. One was a navy kitten heel pump that I should have parted with a year ago but, I was sure I would never find another pair like them and kept holding onto them. I haven't found a replacement but, because I go into women's closets and tell them to part with shoes that are damaged or worn, I had to take my own advice and let them go. The other shoes that I threw out were a slate gray chunky heel pump. They were so comfortable. Honestly, I hadn't had them that long and their interior shouldn't have been disintegrating this soon but, they were.

We, my sister and I, have a love for shoes. But, let's be honest, of all the lovely shoes in our collections we have our favorites that we just keep going back to. We're not the only ones. Anna Wintour has been criticized for wearing the same shoe for years. I'm pretty sure she's not wearing the "same" shoes over all this time. She's probably having the same shoe custom made for her over and over because as she says, "if the shoe fits".

We all want to find that comfort shoe that fits our lifestyle. Jackie Kennedy brought "the pump" style into the White House in 1961.

I think about Jackie Kennedy walking about a quarter of a mile in John F Kennedy's funeral procession from the White House to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington D.C. She was walking on pavement! Jackie wore Rene' Mancini shoes.

Interestingly, Anello & Davide also created the ruby red slippers for Dorothy (Judy Garland) for The Wizard of Oz.

I think of all the walking Queen Elizabeth did in her Anello & Davide shoes. She wore the same handmade style for over 50 years becoming an iconic look for her. It's reported that the queen had a person on staff wear her shoes and break them in so, to avoid having to shorten a visit due to foot pain.

Melania Trump is known for her nearly 5 inch stiletto heels. They are gorgeous on her. I wish I could wear them, too. But, I can almost feel the pain when I look at the height of her heels. I just can't do it anymore. Melania is regularly seen in Christian Louboutin's. She caused a buzz for wearing these yellow plaid Manolo Blahnik shoes in 2016. Haters gonna hate but, I have to say, she knows how to dress and looks stunning.

Another woman known for her shoes is Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker's character in the television show "Sex and the City" that ran from 1998 to 2004. I love this picture of her surrounded by Bergdorf Goodman bags and shoe boxes. It's a fashionista's dream.

No matter you're go-to shoe, whether it be a flat or a stiletto, when it gives up the ghost, the dreaded thought of replacing them is daunting. I know I am continually comparing and just wishing to have my shoe that is no more. But, I will find another navy kitten pump with that unique flare yet, classic. I will get another slate gray chunky heel. But, I will be choosey.

So, to all you shoe lovers who understand the pain of losing a pair of beloved shoes, at least we have a reason to shop.

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

#TwinCitiesWardrobing #personalshopping #personalstylist #favoriteshoes #comfortableshoes #ChristianLouboutin #ManoloBlahnik #Rene'Mancini

Spring 2025 Trends and Finds

Spring seems to be finally here. I sure hope I didn't jinx us by saying that! I'm a gardener. I have many flowers and I am ready to be digging in the dirt but, I don't trust the weather here in Minnesota until the first week of May. Too many times we've had snow at the end of April. It's a depressing sight when that happens. But, it's also short lived.

With the flux of temperatures, our wardrobes are transitioning, too. I don't get riveted by new styles like I use to but, I do like to freshen up my wardrobe with a few new items each season. Of course, I love shopping but, adding a few new items each season prevents my closet from getting stagnant. And...as new items come into my closet, I retire other items that I've noticed I haven't reached for or are looking tired or dated. Here are the items that have caught my eye this Spring.

High-rise 70s Flare Jeans from the GAP

GAP High-Rise 70s Flare Jeans - $79.95 to $89.95

You'd have to be living under a rock not to know that skinny jeans have been replaced by the flared leg denim. I love (LOVE) them! This pair (above) I bought at The GAP. The deep hem and the flattering seam down the side of the leg brings a bit of sass and fun to an outfit and has a slimming effect. I did miss not having front pockets but, I didn't need them.

1. 

   High - rise 70s flared jeans from The GAP

   I bought this "classic" flared jean (above) for the purpose of having a plain flared denim option. They are great! If you haven't gotten away from your skinny jeans, these are what you need to add to your denim collection. Don't throw those skinnies out but, do expand your options and get a boot or flared denim to update your wardrobe.

Red Ruffle Top from Madewell

1. Pintuck Ruffle Puff Sleeve Top from Madewell - $98.00

   I'm reading that a "touch of red" in our Spring/Summer wardrobes is a "must" for 2025. I already have plenty of red but, if you don't this blouse found at Madewell, is a perfect Summer top for an evening neighborhood barbeque or drinks at The Sidecar at the Tap, in Minneapolis.

   
   

   

   Utility Jacket for work and play

   Lee Chore Jacket found at Free People - $128.00

   Canvas Style Coats are HOT right now. That farm chore look or mechanic work coat is the look we're desiring. They can be paired with jeans or thrown over a little black dress.

   
   

   

   There's a reason our Grandmothers used it!

   
   

   Castor Oil - found at Fresh Thyme Market  - $8.99

   I read an article about all the benefits of Castor Oil and I wondered why I hadn't been using it all my life? A month ago I got this bottle of castor oil and started putting it on my face at night. Within a week, my age spots had faded, not gone away but, definitely faded. I put castor oil on my legs where I have eczema and found it to be soothing. I highly recommend trying castor oil for yourself. There's a reason our grandmothers used it!

   
   

   

   Engineer Stripes

   
   

   Stripe Slim Flare Jeans from Free People - 128.00

   I started seeing stripes more and more in February. Now, they are in every store in multiple different looks. A striped tee is a classic must-have in every wardrobe but, this year engineer striped pants are the trend.

   
   

   

   Papaya Colored peplum jacket by Liverpool

   Peplum Twill Trucker Jacket by Liverpool - $119.00

   This jacket comes in tan and olive but, the "papaya" color is my favorite; it's

   stunning. I bought this for a client and found the fabric to be soft to the touch with flexibility to move. My client tried several different jackets that I brought to her but, she kept commenting on how soft the fabric was on this one. She bought it. It's a winner!

   
   

green Trucker Jacket by L'AGENCE

Jeanine Cotton Blend Tweed Shirt Jacket - $98.98

I'm a fan of L'AGENCE brand clothing. Every item in their line is making a statement of style. When I saw the price falling on this green trucker style jacket with embellishments, I knabbed it. Sizes are starting to be limited on it. It'll be a fun piece that I'll wear over jeans or over my silver sequin dress for parties.

• 

  Jumpsuit

  Linen-Blend Halter Jumpsuit - $189.00

  Jumpsuits have been "a thing" this past year and they are even more popular now. If you have the proportions to fit a jumpsuit, you'll have fun with the multitude of choices available. But, if you're like me and often wear petite sizes, jumpsuits are not going to work for you.

Satin floral dress found at Talbots

Satin Midi Dress - Watercolor Bouquets - 129.99

While shopping for a client last week, it seemed to me that everywhere I looked floral dresses were on display. Some had lots of ruffles or tiered skirts, others had bold prints. I took notice and can say confidently, floral dresses are on-trend.

Spring is here and before we know it, Summer will be beckoning us. Until then, enjoy the transitions in your wardrobe and the transition of the seasons moving into warmer weather.

Wardrobe Consultant Kathy Banta

Happy Wardrobing!!

#TwinCitiesWardrobeConsultant #Personalshopping #Springwardrobing #Springsummertrends #floraldress #flareddenim #truckerjacket #Dressyourbest

Winter Boots

I could ask several women what they needed in a Winter boot and I could get different answers from each. We require details that reflect the needs of our lifestyles. Sometimes, one boot can not meet all the needs but, it's really great when one boot can be worn in a multitude of different scenarios. In Minnesota, I want my boots to have good tread for slippery walkways, warmth and waterproofing for walking in the snow, and I want my boots to have personality and style. Here are some great finds for each category.

Snow Boots: a warm waterproof boot worn in the snow. (google definition)

Warm Winter Boots:  Shoes designed to keep feet warm and dry in cold weather, and provide traction on slippery surfaces. (google definition)

Walking Boots:  A type of boot that covers the foot and ankle, used for long walks in the countryside. (Cambridge dictionary)  

Columbia Women's Minx IV Boot

$130.00

• thermal-reflective breathable lining

• sheds water and releases excess heat

• hike-specific tread pattern

These would be great for trudging through snow, winter walking the dog, and going to the bus stop.

I personally, don't like lacing up my boots; been there, done that.

So, here is another option.

Sporty Style, sturdy tread, zipper for easy use

Columbia Women's Minx Slip V Boot

$120.00

• sheds water and releases excess heat

• thermal-reflective breathable lining retains warmth

• hike-specific tread pattern

I like these boots. Easy and quick to put on with tread to tromps around the park or wear to work, changing into office shoes when I arrive.

Groovywish Women's Orthopedic Boots

$72.75

• instant foot pain relief

• wide toe-box

• High-arch support

I love the look of these with the rubber bumper look of a Converse tennis shoe. Fun!

Cougar Whammo Waterproof Boot

found at Nordstrom

$112.00 on sale

• Temperature rated to -11°F/-24°C

• Synthetic and leather upper/textile lining/rubber sole

• Selling out!

Stylish and Practical

Women's Cypress Fold-down Puffer Boot

by Canada Goose

$650.00

• Nylon upper with quilted padding effect for lightweight warmth 

• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) outsole for lightweight grip, siped tread adds traction

Women's Kinetic Impact Short Boot

by Sorel

found at Macy's

$140.00

• Functional inside zipper closure

• weather-ready waterproofing with plush faux fur

Women's Lodge Boots

from Eddie Bauer

$80.00 on sale

• waterproof

• breathable

• arch support

Not to be mistaken for a fashion boot but, a great boot for a more polished look for Winter weather.

There is such a wide array of options out there. If you see a favorite here, and aren't in a rush, I'd watch these items to see their prices come down in February and March. But, make sure they don't sell out of your size before you nab them!

Me

Happy Wardrobing!!

Twin Cities Wardrobe Consultant and Personal Stylist Kathy Banta