I don’t know about you ladies, but I can’t wear a high heel shoe. I love them, don’t get me wrong. And for those of you who can rock them with your daily frocks—I bow to you with awe. I’ve often dreamt of sporting Christian Louboutin 4 inch pumps, showing off the red-lined bottom. I have fantasized about collecting timeless Manolo Blahnik silhouettes. And ahhh, how I’d love to go out to dinner in some brand new Jimmy Choo’s! But I’ve got to be realistic. Every once in a while, I’ll dust off a pair of heels over an inch and wear them to work, promising myself it will be different this time, and by the end of the day, I’m barefoot, comforting my poor feet.
I also don’t really like clothing that’s too tight. You know, the stuff you can barely move in. Or clothes that are too delicate, so you’re constantly avoiding a snag, stain or rip. Lucky for me, and likely for you if you’re reading this, we live in Colorado. And I’m here to tell you that here in Denver it’s OK to combine looking great AND being comfortable. Welcome to the guilt-free fashion zone. In order to achieve this, however, it still does take a bit of forethought so here are a few pointers:
Invest in your accessories! Jewelry, handbags, scarves, hats, and yes, a good pair of shoes or boots can change a whole outfit. For the latest in handbags, jewelry, comfy clothes and other accessories go to Kismet, www.kismetaccessories.com
Keep it simple, don’t over-do-it but wear at least one thing that stands out. Try a black outfit with a red bag. Or a crisp white shirt under a cropped vintage jacket with a colorful baubley necklace and skinny jeans. Check out Babareeba in the Historic Highlands for fabulous vintage finds: (303)458-5712
Don’t worry about matching, but make sure it all goes together. Gold and silver? Check. Taupe bag with brown leather boots? Check. Jean jacket with jeans? No… Back to the drawing board! Plaid shirt and striped pants? Huh?! For a wide selection of leather boots and jeans head over to The Garment District, www.garmentdistrictcolorado.com
Make sure not to overload on fabric. Often, comfortable clothes can be too much material. For example, if you are wearing a tunic, make sure it’s not too long. Keep the length about 3 inches below your rear so it doesn’t look like a muumuu! For comfortable, yet sophisticated clothing try Barbara and Co., www.barbaraandcompany.net
The most important part of looking great is feeling great in what you’re wearing. So the next time you’d rather not wear the blouse that wrinkles or tears at the seam when you give someone a hug--go change, it’s OK!
Shana Colbin Dunn is the accessory-obsessed owner of the fun, fashionable and funky boutique Kismet, with locations in the Historic Denver Highlands and in Southglenn. www.kismetaccessories.com
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