How many shoes have you ruined from driving? You know how the back of the heel gets scuffed and dirty from resting on the floor of a car - even with carpets. Shoe Angels are reusable heel protectors for your good shoes. They come in two shapes to fit any type of heels. You just press them on and drive. Then peel them of when you get where you are going. Tests have shown the adhesive won’t damage even your finest shoes. The product was developed by two women who experimented with their own shoes!

The peel-off protectors fit into a cute metal business card style case. Prices range from $7.95 to $20.

Have you heard of autrepeau? It’s a line of whisper-thin undergarments designed to prevent chaffing and itching, and also to save on dry cleaning costs by acting as a barrier between you and your delicate dry clean-only business wear. 

Fashionistas won’t want to miss The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s (FAMSF) exhibit To Dye For: A World Saturated in Color. It investigates one of fashion’s hottest trends by exploring its history of fabric dying, which has been honed for centuries by cultures spanning the globe. From pre-historic to modern times, the unique art of tie-dye is resurging.

Bold bracelets have been a recurrent theme on the catwalks for the past few seasons. Big bold cuffs have never been more fashion-forward. Entourage star Perrey Reeves recently wore K. Brunini’s Body Armor cuffs to the premiere of the show’s seventh season in Los Angeles. The look is bold and inspirational – a true signature style in the making. The custom-made cuffs are sterling silver, fire blasted one-of-a-kind, and $10,000 each. The Body Armor collection from Katey Brunini is the final chapter in her Shapes of Strength series.

Summer is the perfect time to try on a trend or two. Lightweight cottons and linens are less expensive than the wools and knits we wear the rest of the year. Retailers begin their summer sales by July, so you can pick up a fabulous bargain and still have weeks of wear.

Floral prints have never been fresher, and you can wear them everywhere. Mixing patterns this season shows a sophisticated fashion sense. Dress up a favourite suit with a gorgeous floral scarf. Then add this season’s hottest accessory, an oversized floral bangle. Complete the outfit with a neutral or coloured shoe. If you have been tortured by the popular skyscraping heels of the past few seasons, now is the perfect time to buy one of the new lower-heeled shoes. Get a feminine silhouette when choosing a lower heel to avoid looking dumpy.

Keep flip-flops for the weekend or your commute, no matter how casual your office is. Be sure to store your flip-flops in a neat zip-lock bag before stashing them in your tote for commuting. This keeps nasty street bacteria from contaminating your bag’s contents. The soles of your shoes harbor E. coli and other nasty stuff.

Short minis are the rage. If your under 30 and have the legs - go for it! Shiny minis rule at night. I adore short sequined tank dresses and shiny little-nothing mini skirts. What a fun look when you are young and pretty. If you are older go for a longer - a few inches above the knee - shiny shift of satin or sequins.

Belts of all types are used to highlight the waist and hips. Cat’s eye sunglasses as well as oversized white frames a la Jackie O are fun. If you want the fresh look for a summer shoe and bag, look for a new one in straw or raffia. I loved the straw bags from Prada trimmed with crystals; it was so fresh and whimsical. My advice is never to overspend on straw. I have bought super-pricy straw and raffia bags and they never last too long. Get a pretty one at good price - enjoy it and toss it.

Consider trying a new bold nail color; opt for a trendy greige, deep blue, red, or candy colour pink or turquoise. If you have a conservative work place, keep the wild stuff on your toes! If you want to try a trendy Minx mani, but did not want to shell out for one, look for OPI’s new Chic Prints at Sephora. You can buy a set of 16 printed patches for $15 U.S. to apply to your nails at home. They last about two days, but a pricy Minx mani lasts only about five days, or so the bogs tell me. I do not get Minx manis. Some ladies say, if you are handy, you can do your hands and feet with one set and make it last three days. It’s definitely a special occasion item. I used to get a palm tree painted on one big toe with a “diamond”. It lasted 10 days. I am thinking of doing it again. Many corner nails shops will paint designs on your nails with metallics for a reasonable price that will last a bit longer.

I just received these fabulous pictures from designer and model Karen Green. They are from the new spring line for her Green Label Designs. I met Karen last year when she débuted her collection at Tulipano Boutique here in Atlanta. I was impressed with her energy, creativity, and drive. In the last year she has come a long way. She has expanded the line from her one very original skirt to include a dress, romper, and boxer shorts. Green Label Designs are now available at some of the chicest boutiques in the southeast, Boston, and counting. I know she has plans to take the line to Canada, too. This line has a piece you’ll want this spring. www.greenlabeldesigns.com

Between the economy and the price of clothing, the thought of ruining anything in the wash could make you cry. And the cost of dry cleaning can drive you crazy. I have always washed my husband’s cashmere sweaters and my silk ones successfully. I even use a sweater bag and pop them in the washer on delicate with special detergent. I dry them flat and press lightly. They look perfect and smell fabulous. Recently, a dear friend and DolceDolce reader tried it. She was thrilled. Her cashmere sweater washed perfectly — and she saved $13! 

DD: Is there safe way to machine-wash good lingerie? 

Give a mere nod to the strappy trend with one of these ultra trendy leather and studded bracelets from chic Linea Pelle. This bracelet is a favourite of the well-dressed Mischa Barton. A little accessory like this can give you an instant update!

If this trend appeals, you may want to strap on an up-to-the minute sandal by Prada, or a cute but more budget-friendly number by Aldo.

No true fashionista would willingly miss the Oscars. If you pay attention, it is great place to learn how to turn out for a special occasion. The average couple may have a smaller glad-rag budget than the Hollywood crowd, but the rules and inspirations are the same. Some of the dresses, shoes, and extras are more affordable than one would imagine. And some of the same designers the stars wear have fabulous bridge lines. 

2. Properly-fitted strapless gowns are flattering on most women. They work on busty women as well as the less-endowed. Queen Latifah, who always looks sensational, wore what was essentially a fitted strapless bodice with one thick ornament-jeweled strap. The key to successfully wearing a strapless gown is investing in one with a good built-in corset that’s molded to your body. The gown then does not slip or slide; it hangs elegantly and securely from the corset. If your bosom is a bit less than perfect, you may need a good bra — most women do. But, the bra doesn’t hold up or enhance the gown; it enhances your bosom. You may have seen or heard of stylists using double-sided tape to secure low-cut or tricky necklines. It is a neat trick, such as the one Hillary Swank wore, but it will not hold up a strapless gown. Get your dress fitted. I have several fabulous strapless gowns. They do not budge and I can dance till dawn.

5. Ladies of a certain age can really sizzle. Take a good look at Helen Mirren. The lady is sexy, chic, and 62 years old. I adore Meryl Streep, who is 60. With her face and body, she could go from looking as good as she did this year to looking absolutely fabulous. Demi Moore at 40 is simply stunning. She looks impeccable. She never tries too hard. Among the younger stars, Anne Hathaway always looks fabulous.