Outfit Idea: Blue Suede Shoes for Work or Play

As I mentioned in Friday's post, I had a busy weekend and was feeling a little stuck regarding what to wear.  I decided to start with an item I love, my blue suede shoes, and built from the ground up.  I also found myself at the mall Friday afternoon, and fell in love with this Zoe Karssen Tee at Club Monaco (yes, I immediately thought to wear it with pearls).  

I started calling this shirt my rock n roll tee because I would love to wear with with skinny leather pants.  However it almost May and I do not own skinny black leather pants, so my dark toothpick ankle jeans will have to work.  I forgot to mention that this shirt is a titch on the long side - it's covers your bum very nicely when wearing skinny pants.

My boyfriend blazer, leopard print clutch and pearls worked perfectly!

I had to throw in a "work" look just to prove blue shoes aren't only for nighttime wear.  They would look equally as fabulous going to work, a luncheon, a meeting... what have you.  This pencil skirt is from J.Crew.  It is a navy, ivory, coral/pink and almost a dull gold paisley pattern.  A perfect print for blue shoes...

I love the pop of color!  I am totally wearing this soon, but probably not to the playground...

I had to take a pic of myself sitting just to help you envision how fabulous you would look!  The classic white button down is the perfect complement for the shoes and shirt.  The only thing that would make this look better is the cobalt blue Tory Burch Robinson Satchel sitting right next to me or hanging from my arm... sigh.  Either way, blue shoes are the perfect way to pop a rather plain looking office ensemble.

                                    

                                                                                                                   - Allison

Outfit Idea: The Return of the Blue Suede Shoe

They'rrre back.  My blue suede shoes have returned for another night out.  My leopard clutch and denim jacket are along for the ride - shocking, right?!  I can't help myself... I just love the combo.

The problem is - it's Friday.  A busy weekend is about to begin and I need a few fun outfits.  The weather is chilly and I am stuck.  What do you do in a sticky situation???  

I a firm believer that when in a rut, go directly to the pieces that you love and make you feel good.  Then you begin to build...

Add my LWD (little white dress)...

All thrown together, I have a fab ensemble for dinner and drinks!  

To be continued...

                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of my 5 year old daughter, Grace.

Fab Find: Perfect to a T

I love waking up on Thursday with the realization that the weekend is near.  The thought of not having to jump out of bed to begin the weekday race is so thrilling that I instantly get an adrenaline rush to help kickstart my day.  Eventually, reality sets in and quickly yanks me right out of my daydream.  I may not have to get the kids to school, myself to appointments, worry about dinner, etc.  Rather a new race begins - trying to fit in early morning exercise, sporting events, birthday parties, random errands, giving the dog a bath... you name it.  Let's just say the weekends aren't quite what they used to be...

However, there is one thing that can always make me feel better - a fab find!  It is hard to resist a great item that will up your chicness without breaking the bank.  An added bonus - it will help your weekend go a bit more smoothly.  Curious???

What about a cute dress that you can throw on Saturday morning with a pair of flats or sandals?  Better yet, the dress is very affordable.  Gap's new T-inspired line of dresses is just that... stylish pieces that are easy, comfy and all under $75. Take your pick... I would like them all!

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Happy Shopping!

                                                                                                                                - Allison
*Photos courtesy of gap.com.

Trend Alert: New Nudes

I first spotted the most amazing pair of Sergio Rossi heels about a month ago.  Since then, I haven't been able to get these shoes out of my head.  The combination of the nude color, the rope, the sexy heel and gladiator styling makes these shoes edgy, but yet a certain amount of innocence remains.  The unfortunate part is that I know I will never be able to own them... just a titch to pricey for me.

Since then, I have been casually scouring the internet trying to find a a shoe that would take the place of the Opanca heels in my fantasies.  I have not been able to find a direct replacement, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of really cool neutral shoes available right now.  It got me thinking that while I may not be able to live out my ensemble fantasies with the Sergio Rossi shoe, there are plenty of other shoes that will be just as much fun.

I focused on the nude heel, due to the fact that it is much less threatening than a black or colorful shoe.  Much of the time the nude shoe fades into the background as your clothes take the stage, which makes it the perfect shoe to "experiment" with... you can test new styles without anyone really noticing.  However, the more fun you do have with your shoes, the more interesting your entire look will be without the shoe stealing the show.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to some fabulous heels that you may want to take for a test drive this spring.

Stella Heel by Tibi

Fleur High Heel Sandal by Tory Burch

Atherton by KORS Michael Kors

Mya by L.A.M.B.

If heels aren't really your thing, there are plenty of slight wedge and flat options as well...

Pack Punch by Nine West

Ravenna by J.Crew

Milos by Fiel

Remember to take advantage of the warmer temps and have a little fun with your shoes.  You won't regret it!

                                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of barneys.com, piperlime.com, toryburch.com, jcrew.com.

Outfit Idea: The Fitted Blazer and Simple Dress

As my dress obsession continues, so does my undying love for Smythe blazers.  A dress is easy, pretty and always looks great.  A well-cut blazer (such as Smythe) is a perfect way to give a simple shift some shape as well as make it appropriate for daytime wear (ie. the office, meetings, or luncheons).  What better way to start a Monday than to give you some inspiration for new looks to get you through the week, right?!

The best part about it being springtime is the abundance of bright and fun patterns and prints.  This is the time to play with patterned dresses and jackets.  Take two great pieces that are perfect on their own and combine them for a fab new look.  I love the versatility of a simple dress, and it is equally fun to take a cool jacket and find a bunch of different ways to wear it.  Who wants to let such fabulous pieces gather dust?

This DKNY Agnes Floral Slip Dress is ideal for a warm sunny day or night...

But mixing stripes and florals is always fresh and fun.  This dress would be even better with the chic Smythe Striped Peak-Lapel Blazer.  This blazer rocks!  It would look just as cool with jeans or shorts.

Leifsdottir's Ombre Quince Dress caught my eye... I am not sure why, but I am obsessed.  I would have to wear a long strand of pearls with it!

Or maybe the blood orange Smythe Shawl Collar Blazer - a bold color would be right on trend.

This 3.1 Phillip Lim String Strap Dress is gorgeous.  You could wear it to a wedding or with sandals...

The Smythe Contrast Collar Blazer would make it look even better.  Oh là là!

Not only are these pieces equally fabulous on their own or together, they will look good with a variety of shoes.  Chunky heels, sexy heels, platforms, skimmers, flat sandals... you name it.  There are so many options... the simple dress and blazer is versatility at it's best.

                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                              - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com, anthropologie.com and neimanmarcus.com.

Trend Alert: The Earring Makes a Comeback

It's Friday.  You have a hot date tonight with your hubby, Mr. Right (maybe?!) or just a great group of friends.  Whatever your plans, I bet you are all wondering the same thing... "What am I going to wear?".  The most annoying part - you have no time to scour the stores today for that something special.  What is a girl to do?

Well, jumping back to the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend List, Statement Earrings are making a big splash this season.  It is the perfect (and easy) way to spice up any old ensemble.  With the focus having been on the necklace and cuffs, you forget how much a great pair of earrings can change your look and brighten your face.  The other bonus, you probably have an old pair of very cool earrings tucked away in the recesses of your jewelry box.  Pull those out and... voilà!  If not, stop by your favorite store and run straight to the jewelry department.  Grab the first pair that catches your eye.  A very quick shopping trip indeed!

What I love best about the statement earring is the fact that it can change your entire appearance in an instant.  Pull your hair back (to maximize the effect) and add a simple dress or your favorite jeans. I perused the internet quickly to find some fab examples, and was overwhelmed with the amount of cool earrings out there.  I did notice that Nordstrom has an excellent selection at various price points.  Anywho, here are some of my favorites...


I love these Yochi Earrings.  They have a cool art-deco feel, are elegant, clip-on and $60.  You can't beat that!  Plus they would look fantastic with sleek dress or blouse.

These Kate Spade 'park guell' Earrings are a fun choice for any occasion.  In the color of the season, they will brighten up any look.  I especially like the idea of wearing them with a all white.  I might add a pop of red as well...

I can't resist adding some Alexis Bittar.  A bit more of an investment, but so worth it.  These 'Desert Dust' Leaf Earrings are beautiful.  I would wear them with everything.

These Alexis Bittar Coral Chandelier earrings are just as cool.  All you would need is a ribbed tank, jeans and heels.

Finally, the Ippolita Riviera Sky Chandelier Earrings are breathtaking.  No words.

Super easy solutions are at your fingertips.  Stop stressing and enjoy your night out.  Cheers!

                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of maxandchloe.com, nordstrom.com and neimanmarcus.com.

Online Tomorrow: Altuzarra for J.Crew

Yes, that's right.  Tomorrow morning (April 19th) CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Winner Altuzarra's 7 piece collection for J.Crew will be available to purchase online.  Inspired by "Brigitte Bardot in Saint-Tropez", this high-low collaboration is one to get your hands on quickly (i.e. ASAP).

This collection is perfect for in-between season dressing... in other words - you can wear it right now.  Take your pick from gingham shirts, denim pencil skirts, striped mariniere sweaters and dresses, a sweet gingham sheath or very fun wedge espadrilles.  Prices range from $145-$345, much more reasonable than Joseph Altuzarra's award winning label.

Personally, I am loving the mariniere sweater, gingham dress and espadrille (and everything else)... très chic!

Which piece is your favorite?

Remember to set your alarm clocks!

                                                                                                           
                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of vogue.com and fashionista.com.

Trend Alert: Festival Dressing for Everyday

I have one word for you - Coachella.  Have you heard of it?  It is only the biggest music festival around located in the California Desert town of Indio. It started as a 2-day festival at the end of April, and is the now the coolest music event of the year, spanning 2 weekends... 6 days of continuous music on several different stages.  Music aside, Coachella is all about the fashion.

This is the place where you can let your hair down (or braid it), live out your hippie dreams or be as quirky and fashion forward as you would like... anything goes.  For those of us not able to fly out to Callie on a whim and bum around listening to music all weekend, it is a great place for inspiration for spring outfit ideas.

I wanted to share some of my favorite looks...

Model Alek Wek looks so great.  A preppier take on the festival look, but it works.  Stripes, ruffles and riding boots would look just as fab in the 'burbs.

The classic bohemian look... you can never go wrong with a great maxi dress and denim jacket.

Kate Bosworth has perfected the music festival look.  Wouldn't a mini dress, wellies and an anorak be so chic for a rainy day?! 

A vintage tee always looks cool... pair it with a cute pair of shorts or skinnies

Maybe we can't all wear shorts this short or cropped shirts, but I love simplicity of the outfit.  Denim, chambray, a white tank, turquoise... you can't go wrong.

I love this look!  Who would know if you were wearing a swimsuit or a bodysuit?  The perfect solution for a hot day.  A cute maillot would look great with a full skirt or fun shorts.  Oh, the possibilities...

Models at Coachella... they can wear anything and still look good.  I do love the bohemian blouse with cutoffs.  A classic carefree look for summer.

Peace!

                                                                                                                                - Allison

*Photos courtesy of refinery29.com, vogue.com and harpersbazaar.com.