Category Archives: How To

How To Wear Boots

Fashion blogger Stylifiq who blogs at Style by Stylifiq   gives us tips on how to look fabulous in boots.

The short rains are here with us, again. The strappy sandals and cute ballerina flats that served us so well during the hotter months don’t seem to be cutting it quite as well with the muddy puddles and overflowing storm drains that are quite common during the rainy season. So begs the question, what shoes would be perfect for this weather? The answer, boots! Boots come in a variety of lengths and designs.

Calf length boots : http://www.batakenya.com

They also vary based on the material they are made of. Whether you are tall, petite or plus size, wearing the right pair of boots can add instant chic points to your look.

How to wear boots:

Tall boots, {Knee length and over the knee boots}
Wear these with full or narrow skirts that just cover the top of the boot or opt for short skirts with brightly colored tights or thigh high socks.
Tall boots can also be paired well with your every day dresses.
When wearing pants, the skinny jeans tucked in look is perfected by tall boots.
Ankle boots
These boots go very well with long skirts that are fuller at the bottom as well as long narrow skirts. Preferably the skirt should be long enough to go over the top of the boot.
These boots can also be worn with short, close fitting skirts, with or without tights. If you must wear midi skirts with ankle boots, be sure to have tights or stockings on to cover your legs

These boots go well with all kinds of pants, except of course, cropped pants.

Boots for petite women

Although petite women can get away with almost any kind of boots, it would be wise to steer clear of over-the-knee boots. These make the legs appear even shorter and make a woman appear stumpy which isn’t flattering. Mid calf and ankle boots are most flattering with either a lot of leg or no leg showing.
Wide leg boots and plus size women.
These are boots that are made with women with wide legs or larger calves in mind. They provide a way for plus size women to wear stylish boots while still being comfortable.
Plus size women should opt for tall boots as opposed to ankle boots for a trimmer look.
Wear boots in a heel size that is comfortable for you or opt for flat boots.
Tall women and boots
While a slim stiletto boot may be tempting for most women, many tall women may shy away from this boot as they may not want to add to their height. For tall women who aren’t particularly fond of flat boots, Kitten heels become a welcome middle ground. Go for slim one inch heels tucked under the heel. Short wedges also form a fashionable compromise.
You can find flat boots in interesting cuts for that chic classy look.
Tips:
  • Either show no leg or show a lot of leg. Showing just a little leg can be quite unflattering and take away inches from your height.
  • Before buying any boots try them on to make sure they fit properly, are’t too tight and are comfortable to walk in. Ask to take a few paces while wearing them to feel how they rub against your legs.
  • Do not wear boots that are too tight as these may block proper blood circulation in your legs. Wear boots that are close fitting around the calf.
  • Do not tuck baggy or wide legged jeans into boots to avoid ballooning at the calf which can be very unflattering
In summary, pick boots that flatter your overall frame and that you feel comfortable and confident in. Walk with your head held high knowing come rain, come shine you are rocking the scene! XoXo, StYl.
About the author:  Claire ‘Stylifiq’ is a Kenyan fashion blogger, the founder and editor of Style by Stylifiq. Find her on Facebook or on Twitter.

How Men Should Dress For An Interview

Congratulations gentleman! You got the interview.

A solid color suit-navy or grey, check. Long sleeved shirt, check. A well matched tie, check. You are spotting a neat hairstyle/cut and your nails are short and clean. So, what shoes/socks/belt to wear?

Should you match shoes with the socks, belt with the shoes or shoes with the tie?! Here are some tips that could help dress appropriately for your job interview.

Belt : Wear a dark colored belt preferably black. Match it with the shoes.

Shoes : Be conservative when it comes to shoes. Lace up shoes are preferable. A good old fashioned pair of Oxfords works best.

An oxford shoe

Socks : Most fashion experts agree that socks should ‘tie an outfit together’ but don’t need to match anything. Make sure your socks are a good comfortable length – you should be able to sit down comfortably without exposing your skin. Dark colored socks are preferable for interviews. White socks are a no-no.

NB : Black suits are considered too formal. A navy or charcoal grey suit is preferable to a black suit.

Good luck!


How To Wear Flats

Though lacking in the sophistication of high heels, flats are comfortable and fun. Their versatility allows that they can be worn to parties, to church to work etc. and if coupled with the right kind of outfit your flats will make you look great and give your feet a break.

Here are some tips on how to look good in flats:

Shoe some leg – Flat shoes look best when a bit of leg is showing . When wearing flat shoes with a skirt, keep the length a bit shorter to add the illusion of leg length.

Have fun – While sometimes sticking with a black or neutral colored shoe can be pleasing, take advantage of your flats to add a splash of color to your outfit.

Keep the look – When wearing them to work, make sure they are appropriate. When choosing ballet flats to wear to work, make sure they are made of a professional looking material, such as leather.

The way she walks – Wearing heels causes women to walk differently than when they wear flats. Many times, women tend to walk flat-footed when wearing flats, causing an unflattering walk. Walking toes first, like a ballerina adds an elegant step to your walk.
(Source – http://www.ehow.com)

Flats are best paired with :

  • Capri pants
  • Floral frilly dresses – Either a long romantic free flowing dress or a short one for a girly look.
  • Skinny jeans or Leggings
  • Boyfriend jeans
  • Shorts
  • Skirts with hemline at or above the knee
So go ahead, give your feet some rest in flats once in a while. They will thank you. You might want to start here !
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Back To School The Toughees Way

It’s official! There is no other way to go back to school but the Toughees way! This back to school season we are giving you a free pair of slippers with every pair of Toughees bought up to 9th February 2011.

To view the entire school collection and pricing, CLICK HERE

What are your memories of  Toughees shoes?


How To Care For Safari Boots

For decades the Bata Safari boot has been to its wearers, a  supremely comfortable  boot, offering ankle protection, tough yet very flexible. Loved by men and women alike, both locally and internationally, Safari shoes come in supple and soft hunting calf suede uppers with the velvet feel touch finish and a rubber sole.

The unmistakable Safari logo distinguishes the Bata Safari boots from imitations.

To maintain the Safari boot it is highly recommended that you acquire a wire brush (available at Bata shops) to be used for cleaning the shoe.

A wire brush comes in handy when the shoe is dusty. Simply brush off the dust.

If the shoes are wet and dirty, wait for them to dry and brush the dirt off with the wire brush.

If the shoes are really dirty, clean them with Kashmire suede cleaner.

(If you have to, you may clean your shoes with mild soap and water. Let them dry and then finish off with an application of suede cleaner.)

Leave the suede cleaner to dry and then brush off to a soft smooth finish.

As with all leather shoes, it is advisable that you give your shoes sufficient rest before the next wear so as to retain their good shape for longer. 12 hours rest is ideal in between wears.

NB :

  1. Safari boots exist in other  flavors and colors hence different suede cleaners and shoe creams are used depending on the texture and color of the boot upper.
  2. The Safari boot is available for sale to international customers on our online store.