Saved by the Bell
I’m not a morning person - never have been; never will be. Unfortunately my kids’ school rings the second bell at the ridiculous hour of 8:00 am. It’s a challenge to say the least. Unwilling to set my alarm any earlier than necessary, my attire/appearance has been streamlined for those last possible zzz’s, and I am most grateful for the simplicity and style of the Goorin Bros. hats.
I’ve grown fond of the Cadet style as its small brim doesn’t overwhelm this peanut-sized head. A low, or even side ponytail is quick and perfect for the morning rush, as well as my new found love - lip stain. Covergirl “Outlast” is my fav with the magic marker-like tip for easy application, and shade #420 is slightly darker than my natural lip color for a little punch to the tired face.
Bring on that bell!
Tuesday Tip: Condiment Dressing
Lately I have been getting really into dressing colorfully, and on a bolder day daring to wear ZERO black/gray/brown at all (this might be the norm for a lot of you, but it’s hard for a lazy Virgo like me to step out of my comfort zone.)
I started small with pops of color, and now I am a full-blown color junkie! My new favorite style thingy is to find interesting color combinations and right now my most beloved combo is goldenrod and cherry red, or as I like to call it, ketchup and mustard. Trust me, it looks even better on you than it does on your tofu dog!
Today, I took a more subtle approach to the trend with a mustard-colored sweater and bright red lips, but I often go all out and pair the same sweater with a red skirt and red leather belt. So be bold and wear it from head to toe, or toe the line with more subtle accents and more neutral items. Either way, we gotcha covered. Here’s a few of my favorite condiment-colored pieces at pedX:
(Clockwise from top left: TOMS Classic Canvas, Hobo “Lauren” wallet, “Oyko” from Chie Mihara, “Carson Harness Ballet Flat” from Frye, “Duffay” from Tsubo, “Gladis 2” from J Shoes; Trench coat by Orla Kiely and Jeans by Rag + Bone, but not available in store, just in my head.)
We’ll cover more color combos when the time comes!
xoxo,
Sally
A Girl Can Dream (Dream 3, Act 1)
I’m not looking for pity, I swear. Only speaking factually when I say that, unless I cash out for a custom pair, I will never be able to wear a knee high boot. My calves are… curvaceous. No complaints here, usually, I just get creative with all the shorter boots (and cold calves in winter. Ahem.) I have almost weened myself off of the lust— the fact that it’s summer sure doesn’t hurt matters— but it all came crashing down the other day when we got a shipment of fall boots from Gee WaWa. What was in there, might you ask, that sent me spinning, googling “calf slimming surgery” late into the night?*
The Ace riding boot. Specifically, the Ace riding boot in burgundy, wrinkled, buttery leather. So as a means of catharsis (I didn’t dare trying to think about trying them on. Would have been bad for morale.) I am here to show you how I would wear them if I could. *sniffle*
A sheer stripey blouse, peachy tux jacket, and medium wash skinnies, topped off with a black head scarf (tied all turban-y, if you really wanna know!) plus a droolworthy, matchy Erika Lauren necklace and little black Shiraleah clutch.
Do you see why NOT owning these boots might be a problem for me? This could possibly be the greatest outfit I’ve never worn!
So, dear readers, what is it that sets your hearts aflame? Would you rock this look?
*For the record, that last lil’ part was a joke, I swear!
Blue Jean Baby, Part 3
Hey there, blues fans! We’re back with another installment of Blue Jean Baby for all you Blue Jean Babies. This time I thought we should explore another denim essential (and I do mean essential:) the light wash skinny jean. The beauty of these beauties lies in their casual-yet-stylish essence.
Using this as your canvas, I suggest either polishing them up with a chicer sneaker (chic-ker?) for those running errands kinds of days, or perhaps a rugged ankle boot with an oversized cotton top, and for a more feminine look, try some comfy-cute wedge sandals and an embellished tank top!
The height of casual-versatility, right? So go find yourself the perfect, softly worn pair!
xoxo,
Sally
(Top to bottom: “Reggie” from Gee WaWa, “Water Row” from Indigo by Clarks, and “Becca” from FLY London.)
Seasonless Style
Some people like to buy lots and lots of shoes for every season. But some people are like me, who put tons of Virgo-thought into buying something, then are hell-bent on getting as much use out of them as possible. This has honed my skills on how to find ways to wear shoes all year long, just by working the outfit around it. So here are a few suggestions and tips on how to transition from summer to fall and back around with ease.
Tights, tights, tights! Socks, socks, socks! Right now in fashion is the perfect time for this, as socks with unlikely shoes is incredibly popular right now, and patterned ones are my fave. Also, my philosophy is that black tights go with just about anything— this works for wearing your summer dresses into fall, too. (shoe: Swedish Hasbeen 336, bird earrings: Daphne Olive, bag: Christopher Kon, polka dot socks: Happy Socks)
We already know I’m a big ol’ fan of oxford-ish shoes. I love this pair from Miz Mooz because the cutout makes them airy, meaning they pair great with cute dresses in August, but the closed toe means you can keep wearing them into September. (shoe: Miz Mooz Emory, bag: Hobo Full Swing, necklace: Minoux, wishbone earrings: Viv + Ingrid)
Boots and boot-like shoes can work in the hotter days too, often best with a dress or some shorts, something that counteract their inherent bootness with summery femininity. Make sure to keep at least one of the garments breezy for some air-flow! (shoe: Indigo Water Row, earrings: Minoux, hat: Delux, wallet: Hobo Lauren)
How would you wear some of your kicks throughout the seasons?
xoxo- Mica
Paparazzi Style: Mica
The other day I brought a friend who was visiting from out of town into pedX to show her where I work. Instead of helping her shop (not that she needed it!) I ended up being so struck by Miss Mica’s comfy-cute-casual summer ensemble that I got all paparazzi on her. And she just so happened to be wearing her latest pedX purchase: The Sanita Jasmin. I love the versatility of these cuties. As you can see, Mica paired them with a black knit romper and sassy neck scarf. A lot of gals might worry that cuffing a looser pant would cut them short, but Mica’s proportions are spot-on here, and it doesn’t help that the nude-ish color of these clogs will give anyone legs for days!
How to do you wear your pedX purchases? Show us on facebook, twitter, or by submitting your photos here!
xoxo,
Sally
Blue Jean Baby, Part 2
Hello there, my Jean Genies! Last we talked, we were chatting bout how to wear boyfriend jeans without looking like your boyfriend. I hope you were as inspired as I was! Now, let’s discuss what you might pair this denim staple with: dark wash skinny jeans. So magical are the right fit of dark skinnies, well, you can wear them with just about anything! Dress them up, dress them down, anywhere in between… you’re sure to look pulled together. Because of this, you can really have fun playing with different styles of shoes, and use the jeans as a blank-yet-fashionable canvas.
You could do casual-cool with some menswear style booties and a vintage band tee, cuff them and wear some simple wedge sandals and a sheer blouse, or with a feminine ballet flat and comfy cardigan. You really can’t go wrong!
(T-B: Bronx “Hip Sters,” Camper “Rachel,” Gee WaWa “Lucy Ballet”)
Celebrate Independence Day In Style!
I’m all for dressing for the occasion (if you haven’t noticed) but holidays are a tough one. There’s a fine line between looking festive and looking corny.
Evidence.
But there’s something to be for celebrating in style, and you can do it without looking like an American flag tomorrow (unless that’s your thing, in which case, see above for inspiration.) For a more subtle look, try wearing a snappy, holiday-apropos sandal and contrasting pedicure.
See what I’m sayin?
So try a bold red sandal with white toes, or any combo of the above, and you’ll add a little spice, instead showing up to the BBQ looking like you thought it was a costume party.
(Top-Bottom: Chie Mihara “Fideua,” at Manifesto; Biviel BV3123, at Manifesto; Antelope Shoes #816, at pedX)
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
