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.)
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.
A Girl Can Dream (Dream 3, Act 3)
Hello again, sleepy shoe fans! I hope you all had a great weekend! We had a short intermission due to a HUGE influx of amazing jewelry, as I am easily sidetracked by shiny things, but we’re back to shoe biz today. If you’re just joining us, we’re talking about these way-too-good Morenatom Lauren boots. To showcase their versatility, I wanted to show you how you can wear them as a great base for a colorful outfit- something we could all use on these frosty grey days. Let me know what you think!
Rainy days are all about layering, and what a perfect opportunity that is to add more color and texture into your life! Try a bright top layered under a bright sweater in a complimentary color, with your favorite jeans to balance the whole thing. Add a neutral colored coat- emphasis on the color! Try wine, navy, or rust instead of black or brown. It’ll be fun, I swear! Another way to add color is through your accessories, but it’s best not to do them all at once- the eye won’t know where to go. Here I added some colorful leather earrings (Heidi Roland,) simple silver layered necklaces (filigree necklace from Luscious,) muted leather tote (Christopher Kon,) and printed scarf I matched to the sweater (Shiraleah.) And you’re out the door in one happy, warm, stylish piece! What more do you need?
How would you wear these boots- or would you? Let us know!
xoxo,
Sally
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
1 boot, 4 ways (way 4)
On this here rainy Monday it might be hard to think about, but here’s the fourth way I would wear the Tsubo “Osuga:” To the flea market (or farmer’s market!)
Throw on your favorite casual dress (rain or shine, I’m a big fan of the nautical look,) and a comfy cardigan just in case the weather is temperamental, then polish the whole look off with a simple statement piece (this necklace is from Betsy + Iya,) purse big enough to hold your findings (red Nino Bossi bag shown,) plus a cognac belt at the waist (and over the sweater if you feel frumpy,) and some sunglasses in case the weather turns the other way ‘round- better safe than sorry!
The Osugas are definitely comfortable enough to get you through the entire trek in one piece, so why settle for anything less?
How about you, readers? Would you wear your boots like this?
xoxo,
Sally
Mandals
It has been coming up a lot lately: sandals for the men folk. I must say that it is definitely a personal choice. It can either work really well for an individual or it can be an epic fashion failure.
Below two men who pull the look off well:
In many ways the same rules for sandal wearing apply to everyone: the sandal-ed foot should always be callus-free, well groomed, and hairless.
If you are feeling shy, you can still rock a very summery look by wearing boat shoes or loafers without socks.
I am LOVING Mr. Sandal in the middle! Either way you go, rock your look with confidence!
-AJ
Wedding Season: the bridesmaids
Personally there is nothing I hate more than being a bridesmaid- and no, not because I have wedding envy, but because its a lot of effort, often drama, and a day of me wearing a potentially hideous outfit and uncomfortable shoes…. As the maid of honor in my older sisters wedding she happily tortured me in a bubble gum pink princess-style (over 15 layers of tulle!) floor-length gown. I looked like reject Cinderella who had an all out color war with the tooth fairy and lost. That was probably the worst bridesmaid experience though others rival it… thinking back to the puke green ensemble I once had to wear…
Anyhow, as a bride, you do not want your gals to upstage you, but you also don’t want them to be uncomfortable and miserable (recalls the flesh tone dress) because frankly they will just end up being cranky and not the best helpers to fluff your train, or do the multiple of other duties that are requested of a bridesmaid.
The days where the girls should all wear the same thing have passed; a nice contrast is the same color dress but in different styles to flatter the individual’s shape. The same can be said for shoes. The same shoe does not work for everyone. The thoughtful bride will let her gals pick out shoes that will not only flatter the foot but be comfortable for lots of standing, walking, and dancing.
(Above shoes: GeeWawa “Brave,” Indigo “Bardolino,” Camper “Rachel,” Tsubo “Boleyn”)
Though we have many many other that are stylish and comfortable. by all means, bring your ladies in, dresses and or swatches and let us help you find the right shoe that compliments the dress!
Have fun!
-AJ
