All Gussied Up
I have a question for ya: Why is it so much easier for me to get dressed up in the colder months? Is it because we have so many more of them? Anywho, with all these fun spring and summer events on the horizon- including wedding season!- I think what works best for me is to pick a fabulous pair of shoes- unique, but not trendy- and pick something fantastic to pair them with. Yup, sounds perfect to me, and a lot less work than poring over my closet every time I have to gussy up.
So spectacular dress + jawdropping shoes + simple but striking earrings = getting dressed up will never give me a headache again— now there’s an equation for success!
The key is to pick something that you feel comfortable in. I picked this shift shape because it’s a shapeshifter; you can wear it loose, belt it, tie a sash. And it’s a long-sleeved mini, so you can pair it with a blazer or cardigan, or tights… So versatile! Don’t let bright prints scare you! Plus, the beauty of the proportions insure that you’re never showing too much.
Add a shoe in a contrasting color (we’re over our fear of bright colors, right?) and some classic, eye-catching earrings (I call them “quiet storms.” Is that a thing?) and you’re in biz! This outfit can take you from one occasion to the next without a second thought, all you gotta do is say bye bye to black!
xoxo,
Sally
(Shoes by Neosens, earrings by Minoux.)
Style Icon: Claudia Kishi!
“I think clothes makes a statement about the person inside them. Also, since you have to get dressed every day, why not at least make it fun?”
Wiser words have never been spoken (by a fictional character). As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my nose in a book, following the chronicles of Kristy, Dawn, Mallory, and the rest of the Babysitters Club. However, the one I idolized (I follow her fashion philosophy to this day!) was none other than the awesome Claudia Kishi. Nobody knew how to work adventurous outfits like Claudia.
So when I saw Biviel’s colorful sandal wedge come in, I automatically thought of our girl. I paired them with some daring yellow pants and a slouchy sweater, a la Miss Kishi, as well as a statement necklace from Minoux to tie those vibrant colors together. Throw on some bright nail polish and a bold lipgloss and you’re ready to go earn those babysittin’ dollars!
xx, Mica
(Claudia images courtesy of smudgeglamour)
A week’s worth of giving: BFFF-style
Hi, and welcome to the final (kinda) installment of my week long, last minute, way-too-specific gift guide! Today is about your best bud, your gal pal. The chick who you can call at 3am when the party gets weird (but in all honesty, she’s probably already there.) She’s your BFFF, and she knows all your secrets, so you better get her something good so she keeps her trap shut.
BFFF (the extra F is NSFW)
Clockwise from top: “Ian” bag, Jeffrey Campbell, $82 @ Manifesto; enameled chevron necklace, Minoux (local!) $218 @ Manifesto; “Strider” boots, J Shoes, $249 @ Manifesto.
Also good gifts for: your regular BFF, college roommate (she might have even better secrets!)
Fun idea: include a tchotchke from your time together, like your favorite book growing up, or a picture of you both from your prolonged “awkward phase.”
We have a little something extra for you tomorrow, so be sure and check back!
xoxo,
Sally
(via pedxshoes)
In Canada, it’s just a tuxedo.
If you haven’t noticed, the denim on denim trend is all up in the streets’ and runways’ business right now. It can seem like a challenging to try on for size, when what you are wearing is no more than a Canadian Tuxedo with some serious style. If you’re down to try it, please don’t overdo it. Whether you’re feeling timid, or you’re already well-versed in the formal wear of our neighbors to the north, I gotcha covered.
More Canadian, less tuxedo:
Viva denim! All’s ya gotta do to pull it off is make sure that there’s a big difference in the washes of the top and bottom to break it up. Add a thick leather belt to break it up even further. Play up the outdoorsy vibe with some desert boots (Clarks, of course,) and some cool brass jewelry (Betsy + Iya.) If this look is still a little much, add a leather bomber jacket to ensure you are cooler than everyone ever. With all these sweet pockets, all you’ll need is your wallet or a small purse (Christopher Kon!) Or…
More Tuxedo, less Canadian:
If that is just too Canadian for you* try this. To get rid of any and all rodeo vibes, I suggest wearing the denim top open, with a comfy shirt underneath peeking out. Add a sleek black belt, some knee high boots (“Collette” by Born) and a bag for grownups (Christopher Kon strikes again!) Polish it off with some cool jewelry (necklace from Minoux, earrings from Betsy + Iya.) Throw on a chic woolly coat in a contrasting color and you are so set!
So what do you think, eh? Would you try these looks, or would you blame Canada?
xoxo,
Sally
*By which I of course mean too much denim.
How to Wear Cuff Boots Without Looking Like a Pirate
Stumped on how to wear cuff boots without looking like a pirate? I know it can be the first thing that comes to your mind when laying your eyes on these bad boys, but believe me, they are completely versatile! I’ve got some tips for you on how to wear these boots and hopefully prevent you from looking as though you’ve lost your ship (or your marbles).
My first tip is to avoid wearing them with any ruffly or flowy shirts, and maybe leave the eyepatch at home. Instead, try to wear them with simple but edgy pieces, and pair them with modern accessories. I’ve put these bee-yoo-teeful Frye boots with a few popular Minoux pieces, as well as a sleek Christopher Kon bag.
The other great part about this style of boot is that you can pull the flap up and have an over-the-knee boot for when you’re feeling really sassy. And if you must go flowy, don’t be afraid of non-nautical color combos, like mustard and bordeaux!
Or if all else fails, you can say screw it and get a parrot.
xxoo,
mica
A Girl Can Dream (Dream 3, Act 1)
Hello and welcome to a brand new edition of A Girl Can Dream! This edition comes from our latest addition: The Lauren boot from Morenatom. A boot so unique, yet so wearable, that I have had many a vision about what I might wear these beauties with! The Laurens are a vision of steel grey suede, with the calf panel done in what is essentially vintage carpeting, and a few swipes of chocolatey brown leather straps and buckles. True proof that you can indeed pair grey and brown, and therefore wear them with any neutral (and almost any color) under the sun.
Here’s a gussied-up daytime look:
I have an admittedly hard time pairing grey and brown myself, but these boots make it easy. I would definitely go with a comfy-cute outfit including a flowy skirt, luxuriously soft sweater tee and camel colored blazer. I would top the look of with some SmartWool tights (because it is freezing!), a studded Latico bag (“Iggy,” shown,) and some of my favorite pieces from Minoux. Easier than I thought!
Stay tuned for a few more ways to wear these bad boys. In the meantime, why don’t you tell me how you would wear these boots?
xoxo,
Sally
1 boot, 4 ways (way 1)
The boots are starting to really roll in now, and easily one of my favorites is the Tsubo “Osuga.” It’s a rich camel color, has a doable heel height and a manageable shaft height (not all the way to the knee means it can fit more calf widths!) Plus it’s simple-yet-styley shape means it will work for all kinds of people and occasions, so what’s not to love? So I’m here to show you how to get your money’s worth and make these boots work all kinds of different affairs staring with, well, work.
Pairing these sassy boots with a longer skirt keeps them from looking overtly sexy, which at most offices is what you’re going for. Add a vintagey blouse and professional-looking blazer (I matched it to the boots in this case) and top the whole look off with your favorite necklace (this one is Minoux,) colorful scarf (Shiraleah,) and bag (Nino Bossi) and you’re in business- literally!
Stay tuned for a whole ‘nother way to wear the Osuga!
xoxo,
Sally
Wedding Season: The Accessories
Groom: check. Ring: check. Location: check. Dress: check. Shoes: check. You’ve got everything worked out to say “I do”…or do you? What earrings/necklace/bracelet will you be wearing? All of these minor details can be daunting and overwhelming, but they don’t have to be.
We have so many stunning pieces that will compliment your gown. Perhaps you have an heirloom piece from your grandmother or a vintage find that you love but want something simple and classic to go with it.
Personally I really like Harlow’s chunky bead style, it is glamorous yet classic, and it pairs well with Minoux’s clean lines. We also have some phenomenal new pieces from ASA, and some bold looks from Destiny Ray.
Jewelry is another great way to have pieces from your special day that you will wear again. It is also a great gift for your bridesmaids and other individuals that have helped create the magic of your day. If you see a piece that you would like your bridesmaids to wear, ask us if we can get multiples made for your wedding party!
Good luck polishing your look!
-AJ
