Issue Date: November 30, 2003

Fashion Briefs

Stylish-but-comfy heels
For years, comfortable shoes conjured up images of ugly, clunky footgear. But now fashionable women everywhere are rejoicing at the new crop of soothing and affordable shoes in trendy styles.

For "Sex and the City" fans ready to give their stilettos a rest, Clarks' line of fall boots includes the Cosmopolitan, featuring a 2 1/2-inch heel, tiny buckle and contrasting stitching, and the Mojito, with its patchwork of tone-on-tone leather. Timberland's Tremont boot pairs sleek styling with maximum comfort, while Birkenstock's Annapolis is a high-style Mary Jane made of fine-quality calfskin with a Velcro closure. And even comfort leader Mephisto gets into the act, with a line of 3-inch heels launching next spring.

Still determined to wear traditional high heels? DollSP by shoe and handbag designer Donald J. Pliner is a strappy slide with a cushioned sole. Pliner's mantra says it all: "If the feet are uncomfortable, then so are the body and the mind."

Campus chic
What's the look on college campuses this year? The sleepy trend of wearing pajamas beyond the dorm room has given way to the ubiquitous terry track suit from Juicy Couture and a host of knockoffs. And you can expect to see cheeky logos gracing coed tushes for years to come. Other looks on the quad include basic sweats or jeans paired with terminally chic Burberry- and Hermès-inspired scarves or fashionable totes à la Coach and Tods. And because college is all about making a statement, sorority sisters sport tees declaring their commitment to environmental causes. What's on the horizon? Initials on everything from necklaces to gym wear and purses.

-- Rachel Weingarten