There are a lot of trends this season that are exactly wearable for anyone I know.  However, this trend is not one of them!  The rouching is in all the right places to accentuate the positive!  The material has a good stretch but enough “muscle” to the fabric that its not going to stretch out of shape.  However, this “dress” is more like a microdress so I would highly recommend opaque tights or leggings. 

Here is what Nordstrom.com has to say about this dress.

A lean, figure-flattering dress is designed with drapey ruched swaths of an ultrasoft stretch knit. An asymmetrical front neckline adds modern edge to the chic piece.  This is a no fuss piece that you can throw in the wash, ball up in your suitcase, slip it over your head and feel good all day. 

• Slips on over head.
• Approx. length from shoulder to hem: 34”.
• Unlined.
• Viscose rayon/spandex; machine wash.
• By Leifsdottir; imported.
• Savvy.

Click here to learn more about this LBD from Leifsdottir at Nordstrom.com. 

Click here to check out all of the LBDs at Nordstrom.com

While ballet flats never completely go out of style, this season they are very much in style.  Ballet flats were designed for ballet dancers.  So, for those of us who have a dancers body (ie, no curves) they look perfect.  The ballet flat draws the eye to the mid section of the body and makes the torso look shorter (and therefore wider): hips, thighs and waist.  Which makes the ballet flat an unfortunate choice for those of us who do not wish to draw attention to our mid section.

Fortunately, we live in a world of options.  For those of us in love with the idea of the ballet flat but not quite the fit, there are beautiful shoes inspired by the simple beauty of the ballet flat.  They are a little more structured.  They have embellishments such as grosgrain ribbon, buttons or buckles.  Many of these shoes also have a short heel to give the wearer a little lift and elongate the figure.  They elongate and de-emphasize the torso. 

This cute Franco Sarto is inspired by the Salvatore Ferragamo classic grosgrain pump but has a style all its own.  Fashioned from ultra-soft kid suede and featuring a cute bow accent, it will work well through the busiest day and well into the evening hours.

Click here to learn more about the Franco Sarto Axiom Low Heel Pump at endless.com

The look for the season is legs are showing.  Skirts are shorter and heels are higher.  So how do those of us with real lives and real bodies fit into the trend?  Because there are some great slimming effects to showing a little more skin.  Here are a few ideas. 

If thigh high boots are not your thing, consider wearing boots with matching tights or leggings of the same color to create a “Column of color” which draws the eye up and down and elongates the body. 

Consider tucking in black leggings or tights into boots under a skirt or dress that falls at midthigh.  If appropriate, tights may also be worn.  Unless you are very tall, avoid flat boots in favor of ones with a heel.  Of course 4 inches would be great but 2-3” will do nicely.

Unless it is a romantic and billowy skirt, avoid hemlines below the knee.  Right at or just above the knee is the optimum length.  If you are wearing short or mid thigh boots, look to wear matching tights or leggings to complete the look. 

The idea of this look is to elongate the legs, not to look trashy.  Take a quick look in the mirror as you pass by to be sure you have gained the desired effect!  

Here is a great trendy boot.  And when I say trendy, this little number does it all.  It is western.  It is urban.  It is slouchy.  It is tough luxe with its embellished buckles.  And with a low heel and moderate arch support, this is a great boot to wear all day with jeans and look uber cute. 

The best way to wear this boot is with skinny jeans and an oversized tunic. This is definitely what I would classify as a weekend boot because you would not want to wear it with anything tailored or dressy unless you are Stevie Nicks.  Then you can wear them with a long lace dress.  But for the rest of us, here is a great weekend boot for an active day! 

Click here to learn more about the MIA Silverado Western Boot at endless.com

I have a confession to make:  I never liked rubber boots.  Even when I was a little girl growing up in Virginia where it rains frequently, I thought they were hot and ugly!  Now that I live in Northern California, I have grown accustomed to the fact that the rain comes all at once.  So a day of rain usually means all day.  If I have somewhere to go, I need to plan accordingly or expect to get wet. 

A few years ago, I began a search for truly wearable rain boots.  I am happy to say that I have scored a few pairs.  One pair that are flat and truly rubber to wear with jeans on those days of torrential rain; a pair of plaid rubber boots that don’t really look rubber and a pair of clever “patent leather” rubber boots.  All of these have rubber soles and heels and keep my feet very warm and dry. 

But, these booties are, in my book, the Cat’s Meow for rainy day boots!  Zina from Aquatalia by Marvin K. lets you sport the look of a boot with the convenience of a shoe. The supple leather construction features a smooth profile with a tapered toe and pyramid heel. It’ll pair beautifully with your best suiting and yet keep you on dry and secure footing on even the slipperiest wet surface.

The Aquatalia by Marvin K. collection is manufactured in Italy and is dedicated to making great looking footwear with the performance and comfort you’ve come to expect. This is intelligent footwear that’s engineered to perform. Aquatalia represents the best combination of fashion, comfort and technology available in the market today.