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!
She’s Got Legs
Okay, first things first. Didn’t this song pop into your head immediately? Good. Let’s keep that vibe going! A lot of the ladies in my life have, shall we say, complaints about their bodies. You hear it all the time. It’s just like that scene from Mean Girls. The easier-said-than-done solution is to get over it and love the body you have; the easy solution is to dress to impress. (And if you’re still down for the easier-said-than-done solution, let’s go get margaritas and try and get over it together!)
In the meantime, perhaps a new pair of shoes can help cure what ails you (and yes, I’m completely bias.) Matching your shoes to your legs (tights or bare) draws the eye down, and creates a longer line. If you’re going for bare legs, shoes in close proximity to your skin tone are the way to go if you wanna do the whole video vixen thing. See what I mean?
Some foxy, camel-colored shoes (these are “Ginny” by Miz Mooz) are the perfect way to finish an outfit, and you get added points because the crisscross straps create little V-necks for your feet. So flattering! Other tall-making tricks: cropped jackets (making your legs look longer,) monochrome outfits (drawing the eye inward and creating one line, instead of breaking you up,) pleats (they’re just sneaky vertical stripes guys,) asymetrical hemlines (this skirt is longer in the back, so you get more leg in the front,) and highwaisted skirts (or pants.) Oh, and the hot pink is just super-flattering and fun. Ta da!
Necklace by Minoux, wallet/clutch purse from Hobo.
Have the holidays presented a style conundrum for you? Tell us all about it in the comments section!
xoxo,
Sally
Ride in Style!
If you have eyeballs like I do, you probably have also noticed the oh-so classic equestrian style that’s been all over as of late. This look particularly seems to shine in the fall, as that is the time of year when you get the let the best part of the outfit really shine: THE BOOTS. Also, who doesn’t love a blazer and (surprisingly flattering) riding pants?
Keep in mind, though, that unless you’ve actually just left the stables, the horse rider theme shouldn’t be too heavy-handed. Definitely stick with keeping the skinny pants tucked in (these lovely boots are “Leslie Sharon” by Indigo), but maybe elongate the blazer and throw in a yummy autumn-ish color like rust. I also paired this with some awesome brassy jewelry (like this necklace from Betsy & Iya, and Viv & Ingrid horseshoe posts to keep with the theme) and a cute, floppy Coal hat.
See how easy it is? The trick is to just be inspired by the look, not go horsey head to toe. Now ride on, friends, and look fabulous doing it!
Easy Peasy
It’s getting dark so early these days, and somehow, this surprises me every year. Like clockwork, every November I have The. Hardest. Time. getting out of bed, and all the coffee in the world can’t change it. Despite this, I would really rather prefer to leave the house looking like a grown up, since I am and all. Luckily, I have an equation to remedy this on mornings (and ahem, some afternoons) when the cold doesn’t let me get out of bed until zero hour. And it’s an easy one! The answer is great jewelry and greater basics. Duh! If you invest in some stellar pieces, the kind that fit and feel great and never go out of style, you won’t need to think about them every morning- they’ve already been thought! You still with me? It’s ok, here’s a handy chart:
See that there? Do you not already have a great white tee? No? Well, you got bigger problems then, lady!
Simply throw on your all-time favorite cardigan/blazer/cape/whatever and hit the road—your day awaits you! And if you need this outfit to get you through the day and on to happy hour, just swipe on some eyeliner and maybe another necklace.
Stay tuned for some more easy equations, fellow sleepy fashionistas!
xoxo,
Sally
1. Boots, Born “Zuzanna”
2. Necklace + earrings, Minoux
3. Bracelet, Liquid Metal jewelry
4. Scarf, Snoozer Loser NYC
Bootie-licious
Ah, Portland fall is upon us- or, as I like to call it, “pre-winter.” Because there’s not a huge difference, unfortunately. Slightly less rain, slightly less cold… Anywho, I like to take advantage of these slightlies before it’s time to get completely bundled up. Layers of pullovers, cardigans, blazers, knee socks, cool hats, whatever it takes to get you through in one stylish piece. And of course the ubiquitous ankle bootie.
I hear from customers all the time that they “can’t” wear ankle booties, but in reality there’s a bootie for everyone. You just have to find one the hits the proper spot on your leg, which just happens to be one of the slimmer parts of your ankle or calf, and certainly not the widest. This will be the magically flattering spot that doesn’t cut off your height. To inspire you, here’s a couple of style-savvy gals who get it right:
And here’s just a peek at the ankle-baring styles we have in stock for you:
Try cuffing your trousers or jeans to show them off, or with a skirt and some cozy tights or socks. These babies are just as versatile as a full length boot, so what are you waiting for?
xoxo,
Sally
A Perfect Example…
… of how to get more use out of your summer clothes as the temperatures drop:
Take your favorite romper or sundress and, to get a few more wears out of that bad boy, throw on a pair of tights and some ankle booties!
BAM! Who says you have to say goodbye?
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!
