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.

It's time to take the plunge... Animal Prints Abound!

I still remember buying my first pair of leopard print pumps.  It was right after my oldest daughter was born.  I was so tired of wearing the same clothes for months.  Even worse, I still couldn't fit into any of my pre-pregnancy favorites, so having a fun pump was the perfect accessory to freshen up my very tired wardrobe.  Since then, there has been no going back.  Leopard/cheetah print has now found its way into my closet in many various forms... pumps, flats, belts, scarves and even booties.  The only thing that I have yet to purchase in animal print is clothing... until now!

The leopard/cheetah print has become such a staple lately, that it is really considered a new neutral.  The next time you do some window shopping take a look... animal prints mixed with brights, florals, stripes, polka dots, you name it!  And, yes, my latest obsession has been revealed.  I can't seem to help myself, I am drawn to those darn spots... it is becoming quite a problem.  I have recently added a leopard print maxi cardigan, shift dress and a pair of skinny cropped pants.  Since my wardrobe is primarily solid, this has been a great way to mix it up.  I actually am quite surprised by all of the fun things you can do with this "wild" print.

To illustrate my point, you have to see Tibi's latest arrivals.  This Pre-Spring collection is made up of a fab cheetah print, navy & white stripes, and a navy & white polka dot pattern - a mix & match dream come true!  If I could buy all of this, I would.  Until then, I will dream...

Let me introduce you to the perfect cheetah print...

Picture the possibilities with this print.  You could be trendsetter, a streetsyle dream or super chic... you choose based on your mood.  An easy pairing for a trendsetter type look is a black or white top and bold flats or pumps.  This is easily one of my favorite looks!  I am loving the bright blue right now... it just seems really fresh.  Keep in mind any other bright color will look great red, pink, green...

These Jimmy Choo's or the Pour La Victoire flats would be perfect!

To get you noticed for you streetsyle, pair these pieces with a bright sweater - a great kick-around look for a carefree day.  I absolutely love the Tippi Sweater at J.Crew.  It is affordable, comes in a variety of colors and can be worn with anything.  A splurge-worthy sweater is the Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt.  It would look great with anything, even over a shift.  Keep the shoes neutral, or pair with a color blocked sandal to really shake things up!

Then there is the more refined, ladylike approach to wearing the animal print... blazers, blouses, maybe a touch of sequins.  This look could be worn to the office, out to dinner or to an event.  I rocked this look last week... let's call it a "vintage" jacket, a black sequin tank, my cheetah print pants and pointy toe black patent pumps.  I loved it!  I felt chic and looked pretty darn good too!  Once again from J.Crew (sorry, I can't help myself), we have the Jubilee Jacket, the Hacking Jacket, the Talitha Blouse and the Sequin Cami. 

The most important thing to remember with the animal prints is to keep it simple.  Add color, add jewelry but just don't go overboard.  Pick and choose.  The color freshens up the look and keeps it fun, while the more neutral colors... classic black, ivory and white add a certain sophistication to the look.  Just relish the endless opportunities the animal print gives you!

Just hangin' with the Housewives... no big deal. :)

                                          - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tibi.com, jimmychoo.com, shopbop.com and jcrew.com.

Something for everyone!

I am not sure how everyone else feels, but this extreme heat and humidity is starting to wear on me!  Although there is no where else that I would rather be than on the beach at the Cape, I have begun to dream about cooler Fall nights, bonfires, beautiful foliage and even (gasp).... football!  

My current mood has kept me busy dreaming about all of the fabulous Fall clothes that have been hitting the stores, but then I remember... I won’t be able to wear this for TWO more months!  My jolt back to reality inspired me to write about this really great shirtdress from Madewell.  It is another wear now, wear later piece of clothing, which is really what the focus should be on at this time of the year.

The greatness of this dress is that you can wear it to run errands, wear it to the beach, wear it over jeans or even dress it up with some jewelry for a casual night out.  In other words, it is a perfect go-to piece of clothing for everyone!

If it were me, I would wear it with a few of my favorite things... pearls, a studded belt & leopard print flats!  Seriously, I am so excited, I have to go buy this dress right now!

                                                - Allison

*photos courtesy of Madewell & J.Crew

Which to choose???

Leopard print is going to be hot this Fall!  Sounds familiar, right?  Yes, it does.  Why, you ask?  Because leopard is declared a must-have every season!  Granted, some seasons it is more of an accent (such as this Fall), and others it is much more of a player... showing up as dresses, blouses, etc (such as this past Spring).   The takeaway... everyone should own some sort of leopard print accessory.  

Now, I do believe that this is an essential print for every wardrobe, but it is better to own it as an accent versus a piece of clothing.  You could start small... a belt or scarf, or be a bit more daring... a handbag or shoes!  You will not be disappointed, I promise.  This print is a great way to add interest to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or it is a great addition to a fun & colorful bohemian look.  Seriously, however you wear it, you will look fabulous!

Okay, now back to my original point, leopard print pumps.  Since, these really are a must have this fall and beyond, it is important to choose a pair that are going to go the distance season after season.  First, ditch the ultra high platform (the first picture).  They really do look a bit ridiculous, and the older we get so do we when we wear them!  Second, the lace-up bootie.  I love this shoe!  It is a perfect addition for this season & is a great shoe for a more daring girl.  It has a bit of a platform, which is perfect, and this makes it a bit more modern looking.  (*Note to self - any platform over an inch should be seriously considered.)  You can’t go wrong with this shoe!  The last option is the classic pump.  As always this is a great option, especially for the more conservative woman.  This pump is also guaranteed to look chic season after season.

In conclusion, you must purchase a leopard print pump this Fall!  Just base your decision on your lifestyle and wardrobe.  And, hold onto your leopard print flats as well, they are & always will be a must have for every woman!

                                    - Allison