Jenn Falik

One of my favorite things about traveling solo all over the country is being able to spend time wandering malls, perusing stores that I never come across in NYC. When I was in the Houston Galleria last month, I stumbled upon PH8- and was immediately smitten. The looks in the window embodied that effortlessly chic, thrown-together-but-in-the-coolest-way- possible style that I envy.

There was an ambiguity to the outfits- is she going to the gym? Or is she going out to some velvet-rope nightclub with her girlfriends? Whatever it is, she looks damn good.

Since that initial encounter, I have developed quite a little love affair with the brand. Their sequin mini, drapey zip ups and fashion-forward yoga wear are in constant rotation in my closet. Now, I have my eye on the zipper detail leggings and colorful crop jackets. If my new yoga regimen gives me that elusive “yoga butt” as promised, I am gonna treat myself to this little outfit to show it off.

And hey- the good thing is if you buy boatloads of PH8 and never set foot in the gym (New Year’s resolutions die fast and hard), you can still get tons of wear out of them.

Check out PH8 offerings on their website,  and follow them  on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ph8_Stores.

Flats are deceiving- they look like they should be comfy, but for some reason, they always hurt more than sky-high stilettos. Why is that?

Well- we may not have all the answers- but designer Matt Berenson was kind enough to do 2 years of research to find out just what it is that makes flats so damn painful- and went out to solve every single footwear fault. The result is the simple and chic Waverly.  So as not to bite the back of our heels with every step, there is a soft weatherproof padding along the back that hug the feet gently- like they deserve!  The bottom is soft and flexible, moving with your foot- and there is a hint of padding on the insole for extra softness. Along the top border of the shoe- what apparently is called “the throat line”- is an elastic band wrapped in soft leather so it doesn’t cut into the foot, leaving nasty marks and even nastier memories.

I love the basic black style with a patent cap toe. Very classic on the outside, but completely innovative on the inside.

Scoop up a pair (or two) for $165 a pop here- and thank me later.