dear fashion advisor: those heavy sneakers...

Q. I like to keep up with my workouts when I'm traveling, but my sneakers take up SO much room. I don't want to substitute my hot heels for my sneakers, so what's my solution?

a. i hear you!! this becomes even more of a problem if you're taking only a carry-on on your travels...the solution is to choose a lightweight...packable shoe that can do double-duty - at the gym and for casual wear...

merrell has some great options...like the barefoot pure glove shown below...it's only 4.4 ounces...so it won't add weight to your suitcase...which is another consideration these days since airlines are charging not only for checked baggage...but even more for overweight bags...

i'm always looking for a good looking casual shoe for travel and these suit the bill...merrell has a wide range of styles to choose from...so you should find something that works for you...

merrell's barefoot pure glove

men's corner: jeans the right way...

there is much talk about women & the way they wear jeans...and the lovely name for that is "mom jeans" basically...you don't want to be associated with wearing the mom jean...but what about you lovely men? is there a male version of the "mom" jean?

take a look at this pic...what do you see? whitewashed high waisted jeans...flattering all the wrong parts of your body...poor mr obama was photographed wearing such jeans...the media had a field day with it...but the truth is...as i make my way around town...this look is almost always out and about...it is quite the norm...so as much as i "love a man in jeans"...this isn't the look i have pictured in my head...



oh...and while we are at it...how about adding some "sneakers with style"

now let's look at the pic below...medium-rise raw denim jeans sit at the most flattering place (on your hips), follow your legs (instead of saddlebagging out from your waist), and form-fit to you as you break them in...add some lace-ups or classic sneaks...and voila...perfection...

men's corner: no more shlumpy...

guys...like us gals... sometimes have a hard time grasping the idea that 'casual' doesn't have to mean 'schlumpy'...some ideas to upgrade your casual wardrobe:

- scratch the sweathirt hoodie and go for a lightweight, windbreaker-type jacket...it doesn't have to look stuffy to have style - this jacket fits the bill perfectly...

- try something other than denim, like cords, or maybe a slim pair of white pants... If you just can't get out of denim, go for a super-dark wash or even black...

- step away from the sneakers (unless they're your 'dress' sneakers, which we've discussed before.) dark leather or suede lace-ups or loafers can work fabulously with a casual look...

- save the favorite tee for around the house and stock up on a variety of solid-color polos or even button-downs to layer under your new jacket...

men's corner: sneakers with style...

today, sneakers are a staple in most men's wardrobes...and your choice speaks volumes...so it's important that you choose wisely...

first of all...let's acknowledge we're not talking here about the shoes you wear to the gym or for your daily run/walk, but rather...sneakers that you can wear out to dinner with your dark jeans and collared shirts, or even with wool trousers and crewneck sweaters...

it's important that you find a pair that fit you properly...and then buy a couple of pairs, so you can give each pair a proper rest between wearings...

these cole haans are available through bullock & jones...who have quite a number of good-looking dress sneakers, by the way...almost every department store now carries dress sneakers...so there's no reason for you to wear your athletic shoes except for athletic purposes... =)