Gettin’ Cozy With It.
A little music to get you going, one of my fave throwbacks:
Hello Portlanders! We are deep into the middle of a rainy Portland winter and this kind of weather requires extra preparation while getting ready in order to stay dry and toasty roasty.
Like many women, I am in a constant battle with my hair during the rainy season. The weird mist that seems to follow me everywhere is out to get me and make my hair resemble that of a Wookie. In the years that I have lived here I have discovered that one of the best winter/rainy day accessories to wear is a snood (think if a scarf and a hood had a baby).
Wouldn’t it just be easier to wear a big ole coat? No.
Sometimes you have an awesome coat without a hood, rendering it useless in the rain. Or maybe you have a delightful dress on and it is just not worth it to whip out your puffy, bulky winter coat because it would obviously ruin the outfit. But UH OH, your head is still going to get wet and the rain will ruin your lovely hairstyle! But I have a great solution for everyone with a cold and wet head:
HOODED SCARVES! or Capes or Shrugs! They’ll keep you warm and dry, they keep your hair frizz and wet-dog-smell free, and they are cozy and adorable!
Here’s a peek at a few of the cozy covers we have in stock, and each can be worn at least two ways:
Maybe you think that an umbrella might be a practical option, but I can tell you from experience that it is not. Umbrellas are awkward and get in the way, as well as block your view. I have been hit in the face with someone’s umbrella in the street and I did not consider it a good time, at all. Another thing about Umbrellas which I learned when I moved here, people look at you weird. People that live here have learned how to brave the rain, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look cute doing it with a saucy little hood. :)
Stay cozy, Portland!
- Marika
Prep’s Cool
You don’t need a copy of The Preppy Handbook to tell you the prep is in- and it’s not going anywhere! One of my favorite things about the preppy look is how adaptable it is; it’s as easy to wear a straightforward prepster look as it is to throw on a pair of oxfords and a collared shirt with some punky accessories for a cheeky look. Peep our latest preppy arrival, the “Outlook” from Jeffrey Campbell:
They have a distinctive 20s, Great Gatsby vibe to them, dontcha think? You could own the preppiness with some pegged jeans or trousers and a vintage varsity jacket, or try them out with a knee length skirt and stripey shirt. But if you wanted to mix things up, maybe some skin tight jeans and a sassy top? The possibilities are endless, and the “Outlook” is good!
How you you wear these preppy shoes?
xoxo | Sally
From the Street to your Feet
Don’t you hate seeing a cutie pie on a street style blog (or, ya know, the actual street) whose style you would die for? Well, next time, my advice to you is to stop the babe dead in her tracks and ask her where her shoes/top/haircut is from and give her a compliment. You’ll seriously make her day!
Style blogs are harder. And by harder I mean easier, because you have me on the case! * I was cruising my favorite street style blogs just this morning, and ran across this doll:
on Elle Magazine’s Tumblr, and well… dang. Just look at her! Such a simple outfit, but totally head-turning at the same time! How do some people just do that?
The shoes immediately made me think of some oh-so-fun OTBT wedges we have here, and I thought it would be fun to “recreate” the look using the OTBTs, and other things you can actually buy. Check it out, after the jump!
Hello — We do have a size 39 available. Please give us a call if you would like us to hold them for you. 503 460 0760. Thanks!
In Defense of Colorful Shoes
Lately I’ve been feeling like I need to add some color to the sea of brown and black that is my shoe closet. Keeping things simple is always okay, but my feet were feeling like they needed somethin’ a lil different soon. And then (absolutely adorable) Jeffrey Campbell’s “Pony Up” came just in time.
My next problem was what do I wear green shoes with?? I worried about what colors would work, what outfits would match, and then it hit me… don’t match! Make the shoes a wonderful shining beacon of the center of attention.
With an amazing shoe like this, you definitely don’t want to distract from them anyway. So I worked on the art of dressing around the shoe, something we’ve discussed before. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and clean, but also structured. I also practiced werkin’ the oh-so-hot-right-now monochromatic look, in my current favorite: complimentary shades of brown and tan. Throw on some Viv & Ingrid posts, a Minoux necklace and a fabulous Christopher Kon bag, and you’re ready to go!
Happy new year: rock show style
The new year is fast approaching and if you’re anything like me you’ve started to kinda, sorta, begin to think about what you will be doing to ring in the new year. Or maybe you are already prepared, tickets in hand, ready to celebrate. I just tend to procrastinate, ya know? Regardless, there’s always a million options for new years eve in this fair city, and once you decide what to do, you’ll be dressing accordingly.
If you’re headed to your favorite venue/show house this new year’s to check out some live tunes, here’s an outfit idea:
My inspiration for this outfit is Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of Serge, who has that whole tomboy-chic thing down to a science! The look is casual, while still being incredibly stylish and put together- which is key on new year’s eve, even if the afterparty is in a sweaty basement. Some sassy ankle boots will make the perfect finishing touch to a tuxedo-inspired get up, dontcha think? I bet Charlotte would approve!
Necklace and leather bracelets by Minoux, Mail bag from Cydwoq , vintage scissor scarf from Snoozer Loser and (my loves!) “Desmond” suede booties by Jeffrey Campbell.
Have a happy, safe, awesome new year!
xoxo,
Sally
Raise your hand if you just got in Cydwoq bags!
Hey, that’s us!
Left: Mail bag, Right: Maple (Also in washed navy. Also amazing.)
These two bags are so different. Mail is casual, yet put together. Perfect to carry your papers to work and look chic, or for a trip to the flea market on the weekend. You can’t go wrong pairing it with a pair of luxurious silk slacks and a sheer secretary blouse. Maple is so ladylike, with a lot of vintage appeal; imagine it with vintage wool dress and some thick tights, or a floral sundress in the summer!
But Mail and Maple have a lot in common too. They’re both gorgeous, made from fine leathers by Cydwoq, and wear year round. Practical AND stylish?! Don’t tell anyone!
xoxo,
Sally
Brrr! Winter boot sale starts now!
Just in case you didn’t get what you wanted this holiday season, we have you covered! All boots and winter shoes are now 25% off! Ring in the new year in style with a fresh pair of sassy boots!
Happy new year!
A week’s worth of giving: Treat Thineself
Hi y’all! I’m sure you’re deep in the throes of holiday by now- the wrapping, card-writing, line waiting thrill of it all. And that’s what we’re gonna talk about today. If you’re anything like, uh, everyone I know, you’re probably feeling a little stressed right now. Or a lot. And hey, that’s okay, but it’s also kinda not. If you’re spending all day every day thinking about everyone on your “nice” list, you’re probably not paying any attention to yourself. I’ve been hearing it a lot lately, in the stores: “But I’m supposed to be shopping for other people! ARGH!” Hey, so yeah, totally. But here’s the thing: most of us don’t shop this much the whole year combined. You’re bound to see something yummy that you want, and probably something that wasn’t on your Christmas list, so who’s gonna know to get it for you? Santa?? Nope, you gotta treat yo’self (and if you’re not watching Parks and Rec, consider it my gift to you.) Here’s a few gifts just for you, all under $100. Because Santa is way too busy, and you deserve a lil’ somethin’.
Treat yo’self
Clockwise from top left: lip balm (all kinds of flavors,) Jack Black, $9 @ Manifesto; printed socks, Sweet Marcel, $17 and $22 @both stores; leather chevron earrings, Maya Moon (local!) $32 @ Manifesto; hand-printed scarves (this one has unicorns all over it!) Snoozer Loser, $42 @ both stores; “Sunshine” loafers, Jeffrey Campbell, $99 @ Manifesto.
Also good gifts for: seriously, what did I just say? These are for YOU!
Fun idea: treat yo’self and don’t feel guilty. If you start to feel guilty, drink a hot toddy. Lather, rinse, repeat.
So happy holidays and a merry whatever from The Shoe Crew! Try not to stress out too much!
xoxo,
Sally
