To Wear or Not To Wear

Fabulous in my closet or yours...

They are a cross between loafers, oxfords, and slippers.  They occasionally resemble a pair of expensive TOM's, and are referred to as tuxedo flats, smoking flats or slipper flats.  If you still aren't sure what I am talking about, it is a flat characterized by a higher vamp.  Most versions look like a pair of slippers that a man wearing a smoking jacket and silk pajamas might wear.  I picture him relaxing in front of the fire with a whiskey in one hand and a pipe in the other.

Menswear is a big trend this fall, especially in footwear.  Penny loafers, brogues and now smoking flats (my term of choice) are everywhere, especially on the feet of bloggers and fashionistas.  The question is - do you like them?  Are you ready to trade in your Reva's for a pair of smoking flats?  

Hmmm, before deciding, it is important to take a minute and think about your wardrobe.  These shoes are only going to look hip and current if you are combining them with your clothing in unexpected ways.  Flirty skirts, short fluid frocks, or a chic pair of slim ankle-length pants would all be great choices for these shoes.  The style of clothing that you pair with this shoe is very important.  Some versions of the smoking flat have the tendency to look like flats that were sitting in my closet (or was it my mom's...) in the early '90's.  If you happen to pull a pair of pants, jeans or even a skirt out of your closet that may have come from that decade, I would definitely think twice about wearing these shoes.

These could take you places...

Another point to consider... ballet flats are a classic.  There is something so simple and clean about them that they will always be a staple.  I don't see the smoking flats having the same staying power as the ballet flat.  Therefore, do not go crazy.  Just buy one pair.  This will give you a bit of variety and add a little excitement to your life.  Especially if your weekday uniform consists of your clothing (whatever that may be) and ballet flats.  I know it gets old rather quickly when there is not much of a change day-to-day in what you are wearing.

If you decide to purchase, my suggestion would be to opt for a pair of animal print smoking flats.  As you all know, animal prints are a must have now and forever.  Something about the combination of this style with the print makes for a very cool, modern look.  So go ahead... try them out and have fun!  Let me know how it works out... post pics on my Style Direction facebook page.  I can't wait to see them!

                                        - Allison

*Shoes pictured...
 - House of Harlow "Kye" Flats at Shopbop
 - Dolce Vita "Narika" Embossed Flats at Shopbop
 - Sam Edelman "Alvin" Smoking Flats at Bloomingdales
 - Loeffler Randall "Blaise" Smoking Loafers at Bloomingdales
 - Sam Edelman "Alvin" Smoking Flats at Shopbop

I die, LITERALLY!!!

I won!  Can you believe it?!  I won the Neiman Marcus "Oh So Zoe" contest!!!  This is a very unbelievable moment in my life... maybe the best day ever (except for when I got engaged, married and had my babies)!!!  And, I get to meet Rachel Zoe & Ken Downing at the LA Neiman Marcus store... a-mah-zing!

Now I am starting to feel a bit stressed and anxious, what I am going to wear?  Stay tuned...

                                         - Allison

The Month of Zoe

Since the birth of her adorable baby Skyler this past March, we haven't heard or seen much about Rachel Zoe.  Maybe it was due to a much deserved maternity leave, or was it more about lying low in preparation for the RZ media blitz that is upon us as we speak.  On the eve of the launch of her much anticipated fall collection (select pieces are already available at Neiman Marcus), RZ is everywhere.  I am not quite sure how she does it, but she is doing a very large amount of publicity for her new clothing line (plus prepping for the Spring show), she just announced plans for a children's line, she is endorsing Exude lip stick, the 4th season of her Bravo show is debuting September 6, you can't forget her QVC line and there are rumors of a home accessories line and another TV show... phew, I am out of breath!

As exciting as all of these ventures are, I am here to discuss her new collection (of which I am a huge fan).  But, I must say that the photographs do not do the clothes justice.  When I first saw the photos earlier this year, I thought that the clothes were nice.  They definitely reminded me of RZ's signature look (jackets, blouses, flared pants, bohemian style dresses, faux fur, sequins), but I wasn't chomping at the bit to buy anything.  Then, I entered the "Oh So Zoe" styling contest (I couldn't resist).   It was a contest that Neiman Marcus held as a promotion for the launch of her new line, and that is when my opinion started to change...

As I played around with the various pieces in the line, they started to grow on me.  I began to realize the genius behind the collection.  Each piece could potentially be a classic in any woman's wardrobe.  Just as Zoe has said that this collection had been inspired by her own vintage pieces that she continues to wear, you are going to be able to wear and re-wear her clothes in many different ways over the years.  Not only does the potential longevity of these clothes make them a smart purchase, but they look good too!  I am partial to the well-tailored blazers and amazing outerwear, but the pants, the dresses and the blouses are just as fabulous.

As if I weren't excited enough, I was at Neiman's this past weekend and finally got the chance to see the clothes in person.  RZ is not reinventing the wheel, but she has put her styling experience to good use.  She is an expert at knowing the types of pieces women need in their wardrobes.  She is very knowledgeable about quality craftsmanship and fabric.  And, most importantly, she has a good eye.  She designs beautiful pieces that can be styled in so many different ways... in other words, she knows how to design a piece to stand the test of time.

My recommendation to you is to get yourself to a store carrying RZ asap!  You will fall in love when you see the clothes in person.  Just wait to you see the Bonnie Cashin inpired cape... I die!

                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of style.com.