Leggings: Best Leg Forward

I have to say it ... leggings are an item this season, an alternative to bare legs or tanning lotion, an extension of the new skinnier leg jean and casual dressing ... but for moi? I'm not sure if I can pull this look off - this time around!

As a fashion student years ago, I (Kimberly) favoured leggings as an alternative fashion statement, and this current trend has a similar look - great designer whim, which can be harder to translate into high street wear.

(Chrissy has had some success wearing them under her stone and navy coloured trench coats with strappy platforms or ankle strap pumps.)

Last month's Shop Til You Drop magazine had designers waxing lyrical about leggings/footless tights as a staple wardrobe item, but I was relieved to read Nicky Zimmerman's comment "A cute and fun trend to embrace now, but not a long-lasting one".

Some great outfits can happen with footless tights but a word of warning. Without wanting to discriminate TOO much, we think this look works best on longer leaner legs, as sometimes, if you are shorter, the cut off look will not be flattering.

An empire line dress ie. nothing much past the knee - and sheer footless tights- which can be found in all the main department stores - with the gladiator sandal or platforms is a great look.

Milla Jovovich the model/actress/designer can be seen in leggings frequently with a softer pinafore or petticoat style slip dress. Ditto Lindsay Lohan in various baby doll styles.

The look is widely worn with a denim mini, and belted t-shirt, or with a softer mini skirt and fitted top which pays homage to the ballet look - worn with flats or slides and this season's bigger glasses and slouchy leather bags.

We feel the way to make it work is to deviate from the basic black if that would better complement your outfit. There are some great shades available and the key is to coordinate, coordinate, coordinate. Once the leggings are a part of the total look and fit into the outfit completely, they can make an outfit look fabulous (see these gorgeous looks from designer Anna Sui).

Enjoy the dress-up factor and alternative feel but if its all a bit awkward, there are plenty of other great summer stories to choose from!

How much would you Payless for Shoes?

It is amazing at how quickly Payless Shoes adopts the latest looks in order to offer a very budget-priced and fashionable, footwear option to shoppers. Just this week I noticed their own, very similar, version of the following popular styles by (clockwise from left) Zoe Wittner, Witchery, Tony Bianco and Wanted Shoes, at a fraction of the price.

Sometimes an inexpensive, yet current, shoe can complement an outfit; such as separates from Country Road, a dress from Saba or a dress and jacket combination from Cue - and look very much at home in the ensemble.

Unlike the US website, which offers online shopping and lots of pictures to support it, the Australian website is extremely minimal.

However, if you're into saving a few dollars, when you access the site, you'll see a $5.00 discount offer which you could use when making your next purchase - even if it is just for some ultra casual flatties!