Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Water-skier

You should have no worries about wearing your plain pocketless khakis to school because they are definitely in style right now. In fact, khakis seem to be competing with jeans as the all-round American fashion classic. Recently both Dockers Khakis and The Gap stores have launched huge advertising campaigns for their khakis. In television commercials, on billboards, and on the pages of fashion magazines it looks as if the trend is turning away from jeans and towards khakis. Many hot designers are including khakis in their collections of casual wear and combining them with everything from shimmery metallic halter tops to dark earth-toned military style coats.

Khakis have been around a long time, in fact they originated back in 1846 when the British Army needed a light weight pair of pants for the hot plains of India. The uniforms were dyed with mulberry juice for camouflage. Of course in the hot sun they faded to a shade of brown which they christened 'khaki,' which meant dust-colored earth in Hindu. Khakis have an interesting history and a great place to read about their American evolution is the Dockers Khakis website at www.dockers.com.

Also, if you find a pair of shoes that you fall in love with but aren't offered in your particular size, contact the maker directly and inquire about ordering your size. Another suggestion is to ask at department stores and shoe stores if you can special order your size of any of the styles they currently have on sale. Your best bet is to take a look at the huge selection offered by catalogs and on line. Not only will you find a wide array of sizes, you will also be sure to discover some designers and unique styles that you just can't find in regular retail shoe stores. Lots of luck shoe-shopping and have fun showing off the great styles you choose!

Good Luck,