Monday, June 24, 2013

Hello, High Low ! ... and Slithery Toes

My Apologies to any visitors who wish to comment, especially anyone from Patti's Visible Monday: Our ISP is only semi-functional in much of the US at the time of this writing.  I can make your comments appear on my blog, but replies from me are not possible and while I can look at some of your blogs, my comments won't send.   It's complicated, or so my ISP wishes me to believe.  I'll stop by as usual the minute things return to normal.
Thanks for your patience!
(Now picture me pulling my hair out in fistfuls and screaming to no effect at my laptop ...)

I now return you to my normally scheduled nonsense ...



Recent reports from various sources have declared the high-low hem length DOA or nearly so. I'm seeing something different, and it's more an evolution than a demise.

I regularly prowl JCP when on the hunt for a particular item, and this time I was looking for a skirt of some kind to work with a turquoise peplum. And there it was, an adorable mirror print of tropical florals, and on a mannequin paired with the very same peplum that I sought to complement.



And although it's not shown on the photo above, you can see the slight and graceful dip in the back hem of the skirt below:



( ... and a closer look at the wonderful mirror print!)


I know a lot of elegantly mature women who have issues with 
very high-very low iterations.  But with this skirt, the Bisou Bisou brand seems to have a finger on our collective pulse, and have given us a little subtlety. Which is, of course, a defining quality of women who have lived long enough to be secure in our tastes.

The pattern is not particularly subtle, though. It's decidedly summery and tropical and bold. And the pattern mirrors itself to make a flattering print on a slim white skirt in a way that feels very modern. A big, bright pattern that flatters the bottom-half is not always easy to find, but I love the way it looks and it's a thrill for me when that happens.

So happy now!  The hunt is over and I'm purring.


Another Topic: Slithery Toes

Speaking of happiness and things summery, I've recently promised you my other favorite summer survival tip. So ... here it is: make yourself some cork shoe liners!

A discussion of sweaty feet is not a glamorous topic, I know. But half the problem with wearing any shoe (besides a flip-flop style sandal) in the summertime is that, as your foot perspires, it can slip deeper than usual into the toe-box of the shoe and make your ordinarily comfortable pumps or flats very painful to wear. Crunched and wet toes means blisters.  And when your food slides toward the toe, you can get blisters in the heel area because your shoe no longer fits properly! Worse yet (if it can get any worse) ... any strappy sandal can be especially painful when your toes slide into thin straps, which can start feeling like piano wire cutting into your delicate tootsies.  There are a lot of those skinny-toe-banded sandals are around this season, and if you think you can't wear them, read on.  I may have a solution for you.


My problem with this inelegant phenomenon began when we all abandoned pantyhose. Here in the High-Humitiy-Hell that is the southern United States, I found my feet slipping and sliding around because, as thin as pantyhose had been, they had helped absorb moisture and gave a little traction for the foot. While trying on some delicately strapped sandals at Dillard's department store, a very savvy saleswoman listened to me complain about the slithery foot phenomenon. She went to the stock room and brought me a pair of very thin cork insoles, just the size of the toe-box of a shoe. I put them in the shoes, and voilà, no more slithery foot.

I started trying every kind of anti-slip pad on the market. No one that I can find makes just an unpadded cork insole, or toe-sole, if you will.  The padded kind are often so thick that they affect the fit of the shoe. Dillard's just receives the cork insoles once in a while from their wholesale vendors. (If anyone knows where you can get them, let me know please!)

So I just went to the hobby store, got some *very thin cork and made some, using one of the too-thick pads as a pattern. The cork is absorbent and adds just enough grip to stop the foot from sliding forward. They usually last a few wearings, and can be rinsed and dried to reuse. I make a few dozen pairs at a time, and always have some handy. A side benefit is that you deposit less moisture into the shoe, and that can't help but prolong the life of your shoes, as well as cutting down on less-than-pleasant odors.

It may be that your delicate feet don't perspire. Well, just bless your little-ol' heart, as we say down here. But for the rest of us, I  recommend giving this a try!



*Important: do NOT use the cork with an adhesive backing. Terrible results.




I'm going over to the Lacy and Lovely Patti's Visible Monday .





65 comments:

  1. Fascinating! What a smart solution you've come up with! You're resourceful. I like that. ;)

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    1. When you live in the middle of absolutely nowhere, resourcefulness is imperative. If I'm going to stay shod during the summer that is!
      Thank you.

      Delete
  2. Jan, the high-low trend is easily adapted and very wearable, I also believe that is going to be around a bit longer. You so right about the Bisou Bisou brand! I have a few of their skirts and they last forever, the have a bit of stretch (which sometimes I need) and the come in the sweetest colors and prints.
    When I shop retail JCP is one of my favorite stores, especially now with all the colors and the sleek interiors (a la Macy's).
    Slithery feet no more. What a great idea!
    Can you take of photo of the final results?
    I do sometimes miss my skin color pantyhoses; it made my legs look so much better!

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    1. I'll try to make a photo ... they're just foot pad shaped light weight cork, several at a time cut from a sheet.
      I can't believe how white my legs look in recent photos. I've been working on it with gradual self tanner, too. Clearly, it's too gradual!
      Have a great week. I'm so happy you stopped by.

      Delete
  3. I really like the Bisou Bisou brand too - and I am wearing JCP today! Love this skirt and its gentle asymmetrical hemline. I will def try the cork - my feet are so fussy in the summer. Thanks so much for linking up with your fabulous look. xoxo

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    1. Yes, I have fussy feet, too. To the extent I hate pain, they're fussy! Thanks again for your patience ... the ISP gods seem to have their act better together. Finally. Harrumph.
      Have a great week, and so happy you stopped in.

      Delete
  4. This is such a pretty skirt on you Jan. Really loving the bring summery colors and the hint of high-low hemline. I bought a high low skirt probably going on 2years ago and it has yet been worn. Great job on this outfit from head to toe.

    Thank you for the tip on the cork soles...such a great idea. I am so bad and tend to take off my shoes at my desk at work. If I could, I would go bare foot all day long.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. Usually, when I'm not wearing heels, I run around bare-foot or very nearly so.
      I don't think high-low skirts are a problem so much as what to wear with them! I love the floaty ones, but I tend to get swallowed by so much fabric!
      Have a grand week, Alice ... and thanks so much for your comments.

      Delete
  5. Very pretty skirt, I am starting to see more high low skirts. I think the design of high low really flatters the legs. That's a really cool tip regarding the cork insole, not good to have feet perspiring in shoes.

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    1. Because we no longer wear hosiery much of the time, I just can't make myself wear thrifted or consigned shoes ... scary. These cork soles won't become a bacteria barrier, but they do help with the shoes I have! I really like the high-low, but I'm so short that it's problematic.
      Thanks so much for dropping by ... you're welcome any time.

      Delete
  6. I love the colors and the shape of your outfit! I think the subtle high-low is a great compromise to give just a little dynamic style to a skirt without being silly. It looks great on you with those fabulous shoes! Great tip about the cork, too.

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    1. Howdy, Val! I really love this pairing, and am surprised that it flatters. Both the peplum and high-low will be gone sooner than later, but I'll miss them.
      The cork thing is so worth a try if slithery toes is ever a problem.
      Thanks for popping in, 'cause you are always so welcome here!

      Delete
  7. I'm a peplum lover and the turquoise top is killer. How wonderful that you found the perfect skirt, with its subtle high-low hemline. You radiate summer!

    Thanks for the tip to save my summer feet. I'm going to give your solution a try.

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    1. I'm really happy to have found these pieces. May try similar shapes in different colors before these styles disappear. I love so many of the high-end Asian-digital prints so much, but haven't found affordable choices for myself. This print is almost there.
      I can't recommend this cork thing highly enough ... but you do know that the rest of us believe that you are too perfect to perspire, don't you?
      Have a lovely week, and come back any time!

      Delete
  8. In this outfit you look fresh and chilly, as if the hot temperature cannot hurt you. It seems you have to bear them much longer than we here. Summer at present takes a break.
    The skirt is beautiful, I love the pattern and I love the peplum top with its bright turquois.
    The problem with the shoes I know well. Good idea with the cork!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I so wish you were right about protection from the heat! But no. Nice thought, though.
      When I saw this skirt and the print, I thought of you! I love this print, and it makes me happy to wear it.
      So glad to see you here, and you're welcome any time!

      Delete
  9. You look great in peplum tops and I love the colour of this one on you. The combination of a peplum + pencil skirt is always a winner in my book and you've reminded me I need to get my peplumed peices out a bit more this summer.
    Your skirt is FABULOUS!! I love the print!

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    1. Thank you, V ! I'm sort of in peplum mode right now, 'cause they are suddenly available here in Mid-Nowhere. I hate always being an hour late and dollar short, but it's satisfying to play even a little with newer ideas that I'm drawn to.
      I'm always pleased to hear nice things from you, especially all in caps! You know you're welcome any time, so come back soon.
      Have a great week in your lovely, new garden.

      Delete
  10. Your skirt and top are beautiful! Love the silhouette.

    What a great tip on the cork insoles. We(again) have terribly cold weather where wellies are more suitable than anything else ... :-(
    No big chance for blisters at least!
    However, usually I use a bit of babypowder but it is not ideal because of the stains and also it is very slippery.
    With my good contacts to Portugal I will see if I can get thin cork insoles from there as they are famous for their cork production. I'll keep you posted!

    Annette
    Fabulous clutch giveaway on my blog
    Lady of Style



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    1. Thank you, Annette. Please let me know if you have any luck. I know someone makes them, but no retail.
      Hope you get some summer soon. If I could, I'd send you some of mine!
      I so appreciate your kind remarks, and please know you are welcome any time!

      Delete
  11. Your skirt length is perfect, very flattering! The print is equally pretty, and the shoes a compliment to your look!
    You have balanced the outfit so well with the print, the length, and the height of the shoes, I like the touch of multiple colours in the print, it takes the look to another level!
    FF

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    1. I'm such a stub of a woman, proportions are always difficult for me. I'm glad you think they work well in this outfit. I didn't note the alterations I made because I do it so often, it seems a matter of course. I took an inch off the neck to peplum seam ( I'm short waisted) and from the waist of the skirt, I took the skirt length up several inches, as well as taking the waist in some.
      Given all that, I'm especially glad you like the proportions!
      Thanks for dropping by, for your kind comments, and know you are welcome here anytime!

      Delete
  12. They have those cork liners at The Shoe Company here. I get them for free if I buy a pair of shoes. Mind you since we only have hot weather for 2-3 months of the year I don't use them as much as you would.

    I love the colours of this ensemble. It is so pretty with your hair colour. The pop of orange in the fan is great.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Thank you, Suzanne, for your kind comments. I find myself wearing a lot of color, but sometimes it seems I get too loud to be within my own levels of taste. I do rely on others for feedback.
      Hope you are well, cause you look adorbs in your blog pics!

      Delete
  13. I think I agree with Val. The subtle high-low is great without being silly. I think you showed us how to wear this trend without looking "ever so strange"! Beautiful colors and the pattern looks so perfect for summer. As usual you are looking like one stylish lady with your contrasting fan!

    blue hue wonderland

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    1. Thanks, Ann. I'm very out sync with my peers, but I think the High-Low can be lovely in more exaggerated versions than this. I agree there are some odd looking, very long, very short versions out there. But I think there are some interesting and elegant interpretations as well. I may just have to accept that my taste isn't top notch when it comes to this trend ... but it won't be around forever. I'm often wrong. I don't for the life of me get why everyone is gaga about leopard and animal prints generally, and I'm weary of denim jackets ... makes me really question my taste levels!
      Oh well, there we are.
      Thanks for hanging in, and your always kind and appreciated comments. Always glad to see you here!

      Delete
  14. Gorgeous skirt and great tip about the cork. I'm going to have to give that a try!

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    1. Do try it, if it's ever a problem for you. I do know women for whom it is not, and I always wonder if they have a physical disorder or are just perfect.

      Delete
    2. And thank you for your sweet comment!

      Delete
  15. A most elegant high-low, I do say. Love the print -- the white gives some relief from the mirror design (most of the mirror prints look like bad polyester shirts from the Disco era to me). Kudos to Bisou Bisou and brava to you for finding it!

    The whole cork liner thing is really ingenious! My solution has been to wear socks. It's become part of my "look".

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    1. Thanks, Anne. I don't remember prints like this from the Disco-Days ... but then I don't remember a lot from that era!
      I can't go so far as socks with everything, but I know they have to feel good. And on you they look cute.
      So happy you stopped by. You know you're always welcome here!

      Delete
  16. OMG I'm so glad to hear some solutions to the slithery foot syndrome that I have in spades! After the powder wears out, I am at a loss! My friends are always asking me why I have blisters still in old shoes! We must find a supplier for these gems; I don't have the patience to make them. :~(

    PS love the subtle high-low.

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    1. Thanks, Paula. Glad you like my skirt ... nice compliment especially from you!
      Make them while you're watching TV. If you are one of those superior individuals who don't watch television, then find some time for the sake of your tootsies! Seriously, make a few pairs to try and see if it helps. So easy, so cheap and so effective.

      Delete
  17. Very pretty skirt. Love the blue pumps. Thanks for the tip. :0

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    1. Thank you, adorable Zalina. It's scary how many things I have that work with these loud shoes. I dress mainly for "after five" because of the restaurant and my bad attitude, and while that's fun, it's not always casual.
      Have a great week, and I appreciate it that you stopped by!

      Delete
  18. Jan, I think I need you to be my JCP personal shopper. Wow! You always find the best stuff!

    I'm a year-round sufferer of slithery foot. It doesn't matter what shoes I wear. Thanks for suggesting making your own cork inserts. The shoe store here gets tired of me asking for freebies. Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. And you say the nicest things!
      I'm telling you, it works. I wear them all year round as well, but I get extra "glowy" trotting around the restaurant.
      Have a great week! So happy you dropped in, and you know I love it any time you do.

      Delete
  19. Now this kind of high/low i can get with. The extreme "mullet" style isn't too flattering!!
    I love this outfit-gorgeous colors!! and you look fantastic!
    Thanks for sharing the cork idea!!- i have a pair i need to do this to!!

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    1. Thank you, Tamara. I hope you're having the best week ever getting the "new girl" used to her forever home.
      Come by any time!

      Delete
  20. Thank you sooooo much, dear Jan for your lovely comment. It makes my day to share my days with you.
    Looking glorious in blue.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    1. You're so kind. Your posts are now a part of every day for me.
      So happy you do what you do.
      Hugs!
      Stop by anytime!

      Delete
  21. I love a peplum, I think they are a very flattering and elegant design detail, as you prove so beautifully in that gorgeous turquoise top, Jan! The whole hi-low mullet thing... No, haven't been bothered about them, but then I am not really that interested in trends, as you might have noticed! Your lovely skirt doesn't really seem to me to be part of the trend anyway, it just seems like a very elegant, colourful, well-fitting pencil skirt with a slightly fishtail hem. But that's me - trend-ignorant, old school, not-getting-it little old me!
    Ingenious idea about the cork insoles. You're an inventor as well as a style blogger, writer, fashion analyst, and all round wonderful person. Get that patent sorted immediately! xxxx

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    1. Here, I live in Tacky Trendsville. Bling is still big and the Big Box stores offer little else that the extreme ends that the young seem to want. I've decided never to use it in conjunction with anything I want taken seriously (as seriously as style considerations ever can be!) They're just ideas. Many bad ones, just ideas.
      Patent? That's a thought ...
      Thanks for stopping by, dear heart, and for making nice noises about my outfit. I always want to know what you think!

      Delete
  22. Ahem, now I have to dismount off my high horse. Based on your title, I was all geared up to say 'Neigh' to the high-low trend...but, I have to admit to owning one skirt that has a very similar design line, and I do find it flattering. I honestly never thought of it as high-low, more the mermaid look as Curtise mentioned. Mine is a heavier fabric, and won't get worn until autumn...probably just in time to be out of style. :)

    You look lovely, and the peplum top with this skirt is definitely a good look for you!

    I love the cork insole idea. See, you's brilliant! And are you back in the cats' good graces yet?

    Sue xo

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    1. Not brilliant today ... just tired. Been a strange day so far. Not awful, just inconvenient.
      The JCP site and the tags call it a high-low, so I take their word for it. Nah ... your's will still be around for winter as I'm seeing them in the fall previews. The reports of their demise has been greatly exaggerated. Ha!
      Thanks, kid ... so kind of you to say nice things.
      Nope ... cats still crabby, at least the offended party. The other's don't care as much and are getting over it. Not very loyal, cats.
      Have a great week, Our Sue. Summer is so your season!

      Delete
  23. I so enjoy the quality writing you always do here on your blog. Knowing how much time it takes ... I tip my hat to you my dear!

    You look beautiful in your new skirt... and again wonderful commentary!

    Cork insoles... brilliant!

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    1. Such a neat thing to say, Tamera! And I needed to hear it today, especially. Thank you heaps and heaps.
      You're always welcome here, so do stop back soon!

      Delete
  24. OK, I am not a fan of hi low dresses, not, not, not. However, there's an exception to everything, right? This skirt I would totally wear. The hi low is subtle yet adds just enough interest. I like that it's a pencil skirt too and not all fluttery like so many of the dresses are. Cork is genius. You should patent those insoles and make some money.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Make money ... there's an idea. No one ever wants to pay me for the things I do really well! We persevere.
      Thanks for your kind comments, Alison. Compliments always mean a lot coming from you.
      So glad you stopped by!

      Delete
  25. I love your outfit in turquoise-blue, this colour looks great on you. The peplum top and the high-low hem skirt look like they were made for each others. Really great look, Jan - chic and elegant

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    1. Thank you, Olga. So glad you like it ... your kind comments mean a lot. You're another color-lover!

      Delete
  26. Beautiful outfit on a beautiful woman! Thanks for the tip I need to try this!

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    1. Thank your for the sweet comment, Anna. Have a great week, and come back any time.

      Delete
  27. So sorry to hear you've had internet difficulties. That is frustrating. If it weren't for my handy computer issue solving hubby I'd probably just be spending a couple of hours a week sitting in a library to use the computers. If something happens and they act up I'm pretty much clueless. haha
    And about that skirt....oh, is so perfect for that top and I love the hemline.

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    1. Things seemed to have ironed themselves out. Makes me crazy when I can't get back to people who are so nice to me! Like you ... thanks so much for your nice remarks. Always appreciated when you stop by!

      Delete
  28. I love the colors of your skirt and its cut.I am very impressed by how nice your peplum looks! As I always thought a peplum will not look right on any one over her 30th, I never even attempted to try one on. well, I may do so next time... Have a great weekend. Sara

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    1. Peplums have always seemed lady-like and very retro to me. I'm always put in mind of New Look silhouettes, which always seem to be very grown-up ... very late 1940s, 1950s. I think you'd look lovely in one. They work so well on gentle curves like yours!
      Thanks for stopping by! I've got lots to catch up on your always interesting blog this week ....

      Delete
  29. Oh, shoes, Jan - they're the bane of my life, cork soles or not! Why do they feel so comfortable in the shop and then become unwearable once you've got them home?
    You've found a lovely peplum outfit, I think they are a cute, feminine style. The first peplum top that I owned was a 60's Biba. It's still skulking about somewhere in my wardrobe because I can't bear to throw it out!

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    1. May be time to pull the little Biba peplum out, dust it off, and wear it again!
      I know what you mean about shoes ... that's a familiar phenomenon for me, too. No answers, only that I keep trying!
      So glad to see you posting at VM again!

      Delete
  30. Jan, you look amazing and the practicality of your cork-sole suggestion leaves me speechless!! This is good stuff!! I've been feeling drained by the heat recently, and it's nice to know there's another middle-aged fashionista out there who hates this as much as I do, yet strives to make the best of it. What else can we do, right?

    I hope you enjoy your weekend!! XXOO

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    1. Hello, Beauty! It's miserable here already and I have been completely lacking in inspiration but need to be creative! Working on new business website, and for the first time in a long time, I could give a flip about what I'll wear. We muddle through. Maybe I'll focus on a good night's sleep and feel more enthusiastic tomorrow!
      Thank you for your always sweet remarks, and I'm delighted, as always, that you stopped by. Hope the cork works for you!

      Delete
  31. I never thought about the cork insoles but it does make perfect sense... I remember when I was a kid that all insoles in Portugal were actaully made of cork (we're the world's main producer of the material). Maybe we should all go back to using that natural material rather than some plastic sponge non biodegradable material made in China.
    The skirt is really nice and like you say, the dipped hem is really subtle!

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  32. What a great idea! I'll be heading to the craft store for cork tomorrow! I love the subtle high-low hem of your skirt too. It seems like a classic in the making, not a short-lived fad.

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  33. Ooh, cork insoles are food for thought... I have very sweaty feet (tmi?) and go through lots of charcoal inserts. There is less slippage in flat shoes (am not so much for heels) but I do slide around a lot.

    Hope your IT sorts itself out pronto.

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  34. lovely peplum shirt, it's a pretty color and it matches perfectly with your skirt and shoes, so fabulous!!, and love that you're wearing that orange fan, so pretty accessory!
    and love that you're sharing some Real Life experiences about slippy feet!, very useful.
    besos

    ReplyDelete

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