Back in the 70's Nancy Sinatra sang her infamous "These Boots are Made for Walking," and boy are they ever this season. If there where one fashion item that I would encourage people to get, without a doubt, find yourself a great pair of boots.

There are so many different styles out there: booties, ankle boots, tall boots, dressy, casual, riding boots, heels and flat boots.I find riding boots to be the most versatile and most Maine appropriate boot. They are classic & polished and look good old & beaten up or brand-new. It is well worth the money to get a pair that fits right and is comfortable.

Boots like a handbag or purse should be an investment piece and they should last you not just this fall/winter but for seasons to come. For this reason, it is important to do the research and find a pair of boots that not only look amazing but are practical for you life style. I can't stress this more.....especially in areas of the country that get heavy snow fall. I would also recommend dark brown or black boots. They are the most flattering and will remain in style. Trendy colorful, white or lighter shades of tan colored boots just drawn attention to your foot.

Boots are an accessory that work best when they compliment an outfit and are not the focal point of your look. So get out there and like Nancy said "are ya ready boot?....start walking!"

A View from Bow Street: Wristlet 101

Imagine now that we are shopping.

Depending on your state of mind perhaps your shopping image is the grocery store, running errands in service-type stores or perhaps your image is of a leisurely afternoon browsing through your favorite boutiques.

Now that you have a shopping scene selected, what is on your wrist? Think about it. What is on your wrist while shopping? If you answered a watch or bracelets, then I would like to introduce you to the Wristlet.

There seems to be a trend –dare I say, backlash – against the “if it isn’t in your heaping big purse/bag then you don’t need it” mentality. Women are realizing that bigger only means a sore shoulder at the end of the day. Instead more and more women are all about traveling light, keeping it simple and downsizing.

Here is a highly unscientific TRUE or FALSE quiz to help determine if you should consider adding a wristlet to your accessories.

TRUE or FALSE: A wristlet can be a clutch but a clutch is not a wristlet.

True. A clutch requires the commitment to have it in hand or tucked under your arm at all times. This requirement is cumbersome and makes it easy to be misplaced. Whereas, the wristlet provides the joy of hands-free for shopping, or for holding cocktails or hors d’ oeuvres – should the occasion arise.

TRUE or FALSE: All pockets should be functional to hold necessities to avoid having to carry a purse.

False. Do not fear decorative pockets in pants or jackets when carrying a wristlet. Jacket pockets do not have to be stuffed with lip balm and your credit card. Pant pockets should not bulge with a drivers license or rattle with loose change. The wristlet holds those objects while leaving you with a streamlined profile.

TRUE or FALSE: Organization is everything and everything should have its place. 

True and False. This great concept is easier for some people to live by than others. If organization is everything then the wristlet is for you. Determine only what is needed such as cellphone, identification, cash or credit card, lip balm and slide it right in there. Not enough room to be disorganized. And, if everything needs its own place, consider slipping your wristlet into a larger bag so you can spontaneously disengage. 

Welcome to the world of the wristlet where you tread lightly and carry only what you need!

IKAT in the Indonesian language means "to tie" or "to bind."  IKAT is the Indonesian dyeing technique used to pattern textiles with a resist dyeing process, similar to tie-dye, on either the warp or weft fibers.  This age-old printing process has been hitting the the home deco market for sometime now with beautiful curtains, pillows and accent chairs. 

Naturally the fashion designers have started to incorporate these striking fabrics into there collections with statement skirts, dresses, swimwear and a slew of accessories.  The IKAT technique typically is a bright, colorful, blurred and slightly abstract patterns which is ideal in creating that laid-back summer feel for both your home and/or wardrobe.

If you are pattern shy, the easiest way to embrace this trend is to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

Nothing says summer quite like the flowy, laid-back look of a Maxi Dress. Whether you are at a backyard barbeque or a summer beach party, the perfect Maxi Dress is proving to be one of this summer’s easiest go-to styles.  

The Maxi Style never gets old. To me, it is a summertime staple. The look is suitable for all ages and is available in many shapes that compliment all different body types. The beauty of a Maxi Dress is that it is simple one step dressing. This is one of the most versatile dress silhouettes ever created, making it appropriate for just about every occasion.

Maxis manage to make a huge statement whether worn with sandals, wedges or flip-flops. The accessories can dress it up or dress it down. Best of all The Maxi Dress is pure packing genius at it best.......so, why not MAXI-MIZE your look today?!?!

If you haven't noticed by now fluorescent colors are taking the fashion world by storm.  Like it or not, designers are popping these (not-so-subtle) brights into just about every fashion scenario. Some designers are opting to use small accents of the shocking hues, while others are hugely embracing the vibrate vibe - everything from topstitching to haute couture formal gowns.

The crazy bright colors are most often used for eye catching sporty apparel, but the traditional day-glow is recently exploding in a more lady like way. Nail polish, lipstick, jewelry, ballet flats or heels, bags, belts, ball gowns are all very feminine and all being seen in a new light.  Electric pink, acid yellow and flouro orange have been in the forefront for the season’s most popular neons. 

The draw is that it is unexpected and it is just the ticket that can take your blah outfit into wow - in little to no time. This is such a fun trend because there are so many different ways to embrace it and anyone of any age can. Though the couture dresses are incredible; what I would suggest and what most of are budgets can swallow is to use the new neon in small doses. Paint you nails fluorescent pink, pick up a neon bag or clutch or slide on a pair of acid tone shoe these are the simplest and most successful uses of this pungent punk palette. 

Mostly, just have fun with it! It may be a bit outside of your comfort level but it’s always a good idea to challenge your self. So go ahead and stick out from the crowd - you may find out that you really won't be sticking out all that much after all.