DESIGNERS SPOTTED

SHOPPING TIP - Finding The Right Purse

You should always “try on” a bag, and look at yourself in a full-length mirror to make sure it works with your proportions. This may seem unnecessary, but you’d be surprised how a purse or tote can look when you’re carrying it, and how much perspective you’ll gain from seeing you and your bag as other people do.

WHAT YOU CAN FIND

SHOPPING TIP - Buying The Right Shoes

By wanting a cute shoe to fit, or convincing yourself that it will eventually stretch out, you’re not doing your feet any favors. If you shop carefully, you’ll discover great shoes that both flatter and fit.

1. Wait until later in the day – your feet get progressively more swollen throughout the day, and you want your shoes to fit and be comfy at all times.
2. More than just size – don’t be afraid to go up or down a size (or width); a size 8 shoe from one brand may be a size 9 in another.
3. Look at yourself – check out your silhouette in a mirror (front & sideways) to see if the shoe compliments your body.
4. Walk it out – besides testing shoes on carpeted surface, which cushions your stride, try walking on a hard surface as well.
5. Move around – walk around, wiggle your toes, flex your ankles, and sit & stand to see if anything rubs or is tight.
6. Think ahead – consider how you’ll be wearing the shoes to determine the fit. With inserts? With thick socks? Barefoot?

- In Style, Secrets of Style