Posts tagged esska

What’s in a name?

Without a second thought I introduced a new silhouette into my closet this week. I saw it on the rack and I knew, but with that haste decision I have also come to a few crossroads….

A) How will this work with my existing wardrobe? 

and

B) WHAT IS THIS SKIRT CALLED? 

The first thing I knew I wanted pair it with was a fancy heel, like the Yapp by Esska… I’ve also paired it with everything I own, but my favourite combo was with a patterned blouse with a peter pan collar and a slouchie sweater.

The thing is though, I still don’t know what the skirt is called. Tell me in the comments?

xx- svr

Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes

Ya know what really does it for me? A colorful shoe. No matter how tired I am in the morning, no matter how big a rush, no matter how bland my outfit seems or how un-skinny my skinnies feel on any given day, I can slip on a brightly colored boot or shoe and let them pick up the slack!
Which is not to say that I let my shoes “wear me,” so to speak. But I cannot express the value of a few great kickers in your most-loved colors. Cherry red? Emerald green? Turquoise? A little (or a lot) of color can be all it takes to to take your outfit to the next level. Let me show you what I mean, using one of our newest arrivals from Esska, the teal suede “Tiga” bootie.

This beaut is sure to turn heads, but if you prefer a (slightly) more subtle approach, here is a more classic way to wear them, even for work. Simply pair your favorite trouser (I suggest a lighter color solid, so it doesn’t compete) with a feminine blouse printed with complimentary colors. Throw your favorite cardigan over it and polish the look off with classic, subtle and sparse accessories. (Earrings by Minoux, bag by Christopher Kon.)

 

On the other hand, if you want to get color crazy with it, I say go for it! Combine fun colors that compliment the boot, and add on a trend or two. Try sticking with two or three colors. Here we added golden yellow and red, plus mixed a few prints. (Necklace by Betsy + Iya, Clutch from Hobo.)

How would you wear these lovely boots?
xoxo,
Sally

How to wear oxfords and not look like a dude. (Or look like a dude if that’s what you like!)

I recently helped a girl who said she didn’t ever know what to wear with oxfords, that they didn’t go with anything. Au contraire! In fact, they go with, well… just about everything! Pants, skirts, dresses, shorts, legs bare, with cute socks, with tights, and the list goes on. As a bona fide oxford wearer, I can attest to their versatility.

The good thing is you can go for a girly masculine look, or just man up a girly outfit. Wear some oxfords with a dress combined with a blazer and a fedora. My favorite way to wear them is just with some black, ankle-skimming pants and a button up. Beautifully simple, but also a great foundation for other accessories to really make a standout outfit (and cuffed or cropped pants show off the shoes, as well as your little lady ankles). From there, you can either throw on a vest and work the androgynous look, or make it a floral shirt and let your hair down.

If you’re unsure about what color, find them in a tan or brown shade. Not only is it a popular color this season, but it also elongates your legs. The color goes with so many outfits, it doesn’t just make you seem effortless and sophisticated— it just is. They also look great in the fall with the contrast of black tights!

A little tip is if you’re wearing a skirt, stay on the shorter end of the spectrum. Show off dem legs! And it veers the look away from the dowdy end of the spectrum. Lastly, if it still doesn’t feel feminine enough for you, find a style with a little bit of a heel, like our oh-so-cute pair from Esska.

(clockwise: Esska “Unit”, J-Shoes “Jazzy Fab”, Bronx “Going Strong”, Bronx “Heatofthenite”)

On the Road Again

A combination of opportunity, sunshine, and wanderlust make summer the perfect time for traveling. Whether by plane, train, or automobile, you’re going to need the right footwear. Traveling, especially abroad, means narrowing it down to the absolute essentials, and looking chic is a must.
Packing lightly is easier said than done, but you have to admit, it certainly makes for an easier trip in the long run (how much of that stuff do you end up wearing anyway?)

In my humble opinion, here’s what you need to get your motor running on your next trip:
1. A flat sandal. No, not a flip flop! A pretty, versatile, flat, comfy sandal. Unless you’re going somewhere cold, you will need a sandal. One that looks great with jeans, slacks, dresses and shorts. The right pair isn’t going to hurt your feet or your wallet, either.
(L-R: Esska “Ona,” Camper 21361, Born “Ninia.”)

2. A comfy dress shoe. There’s a good chance you will end up at a nice dinner or schmancy party, and it is in your best interest to be prepared for that moment. Unless heels are your “thing” and you’re ok with suffering for beauty and stuff, I definitely recommend you go for a comfortable pair so you can go on about your adventure in peace. Dinner? Drinks? Dancing? Getting lost? Yeah, you want comfy heels.
(L-R: Indigo “Bardolino,” Gee WaWa “Frenchy,” Giraudon #6029 )

3. An all-day walking shoe. Wherever you are visiting, you are sure to do a fair amount of walking, no? It’s the best way to see the sights! You don’t have to default to your old muddy sneakers that scream “tourist.” You can be comfortable and chic. In terms of versatility, I suggest either a menswear-inspired oxford or a little loafer or boat shoe. Perfect for summer!
(L-R: Bronx “Heat of Nite,” J Shoes “Jazzy Fab,” Clarks “Kenzy Deck.”)

Bon Voyage!

xoxo,
Sally

sock it to me.

If you’ve learned one thing from this blog, I want it be that I am a huge supporter of making socks a part of the outfit. Specifically, I like wearing a fashionable sandal with a great sock. I know I’m not alone (right? … right?!)
Even as the temperature rises, I find myself wearing lightweight socks (Happy Socks are perfect for this!) with my lil Summer sundresses. As one final bit of inspiration, I stumbled across this photo while “window” shopping on the Revu. website:

How cute and Summer ready does she look? Love the chunky sandal with a plain sock, complimenting the dress and adding a special touch to a simple outfit.
Check out a few similar styles that we have at Manifesto:

(L-R: BV3122 by Biviel, “Grass” by Esska, #985 by Antelope)

And a few at pedX that fit the bill too:

(L-R: :Brave” by Gee WaWa, “Spano” by Gentle Souls, “Rachel” by Camper)


So next time you need to spice up your fave sundress, try layering a sock underneath your stylish sandal! But there are some rules to follow, as always.
1. This is not to be done with any sort of thong sandal. No, no, no!
2. This look works best with a simple sandal, a simple (as in one color) sock, or both if you’re just testing the waters.
3. Keep it in the same color family. Or, try a neutral shoe (tan, taupe, black, etc.) so you can get a little wild with the sock, or vice versa.
Have fun playing around, and let us know what you think on facebook!

xoxo,
Sally
(via pedxshoes)