SHOEspiration

When inspiration strikes, I want to shout it from the moutaintops--just like Ron Burgendy! Well maybe not like that, but you get my drift. Here's the shoe that gave me that "knights of columbus!" moment:

Jimmy Choo "Tempest" Sequin Sandal:

 

Frankly, this is not for the faint-of-wallet. But, no need to fret.  There are many budget-friendly ways to rock this inspiration.  Dream big, shoe lover.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:


Sam Edelman Lucia Sandal, DSW:




Liliana Pray-1 Platform Sandal, Endless.com:





Dagraca Wedge, Aldo:




Holleratme Sandal, Nine West:





Michael Antonio Sandal, 6pm.com:




G by Guess Niola Pump, DSW:

Flashback City

I just woke up recently and wondered if I was in Oz.  The color and retro sightings are everywhere!  Want a quick update to your wardrobe without looking like a munchkin? Check out these over-the-rainbow ideas:

Acid Wash Jeans: YES, I’m totally serious. Most authentic in a light blue or grey wash, but color rules this season so why not red or purple?  A classic low rise skinny leg paired with a sweet, bo-ho tunic will surely ignite the Wicked Witch!

Kicks: ruby slippers not necessary, but high-top sneakers, colored loafers and flat espadrilles and sandals ARE.  Wear them with whatever your heart desires, and be sure to click your heels 3 times.

Neon: definitely a “fad,” but nonetheless VERY cool. Try a yellow or pink tank top paired with a floral cropped pant or a metallic mini for some pizzazz.  Caution: requires courage!

Jean Cut-offs: Need brains? DIY is best. Find an old pair in your closet or scour a thrift store. Cut them off and wash + dry to obtain “best fray" results. Pair with slouchy t-shirt and a skinny crossover bag. 

Shades: the “Wayfarer” is far out! To make it modern, opt for a brightly colored matte pair, or go classic black and white, if you’re the serious type.  There’s no place like this.

Follow that yellow brick road to your past…and have a blast this summer!

stylingstage suggests:

Acid Wash Ultra ASOS.com:

 

VANS ALLRED high-tops, Famous Footwear:

Skinny Jegging in Neon Lemon Lime, American Eagle:

Skinny Floral Print Pants, ASOS.com:

Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer in Matte Pink, Nordstrom:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Damian Espadrilles, Piperlime.com:

Destroyed Demin Midi Short, American Eagle:

Threads for Thought sundress, Piperlime.com:




DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" Sandal, Endless.com

Twist and Shout

Scarves are the hipster's go-to item this season.  Need a refresher on how to twist? Here's a great link from Nordstrom that demonstrates multiple ways to tie like a pro:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarf-video?origin=leftnav

Now, that's something to shout about.

stylingstage suggests:

Juicy Couture Wavy Stripe, Nordstrom:



Marc by Marc Jacobs Stardust Logo, Shopbop.com:


Zig Zag Open Weave, Old Navy:


Red Polkadot Snood, Topshop.com:

Lola Rose Abstract Butterfly Print, Bloomingdales:


Linen Wrap, J.Crew:


Betsey Johnson "Betsey & Flower", Nordstrom:

Modesty Mojo

Thrilled that fashion insiders have jumped on the coolest trend yet: modesty.  No, you won’t find brown paper bags, ugly hats or itchy wool tights… just the contrary.  Mojo isn’t about the skin, so get your modesty on:

Mini’s competition: The midi takes 1^st place! Hits mid-calf and has a ladylike, retro vibe.  Full swing skirts with pleats are very trendy right now. Try a peplum jacket to define your waist and pair with tall pumps or booties to avoid stocky leg.

Pretty ugly: plunging necklines are gross! The real winner is a higher neckline. Pleated collar or bow-tie silk blouses and brightly colored crew-necks are gorgeous.  Try wearing chunky baubles over them for a modern twist.

Loafer love: old school and sort of dorky—what’s not to love?  Pennies, oxfords, and driving moccasins are chic and comfy.  Make it modern in snakeskin or pastel-colored patent.  Black still rules, so no haters please.

Pish-pash-prude:  scarves are so French.  Opt for long and wide in a variety of weights. Prints are great for those whose clothes are a blank canvas. Try a bird motif or opt for polka-dots.

To all those naysayers: cover up!  You can look cool and hold all the cards.

stylingstage suggests:

Steve Madden Butterfly Scarf, Nordstrom:


Collective Concepts Necktie Blouse, Piperlime.com:



Long Fantasy Blazer, Zara:


Warehouse Color Block Pleated Midi Dress, ASOS.com:


Vince Camuto Paula Loafer:


High Waist White Trousers, Zara:

Cardi party

Old man winter has settled in; time to celebrate cozy-style! Look chic in the season's most comfy item: the cardigan. Break out a hot toddy, say yes to the sweater fest, and meet me by the fire:

Duster buster: pumps up the jam and doubles as a long coat.  Looks cool with leggings, a t-shirt and motorcycle boots or fringed booties.  Try all black underneath and party hard with a hip, bold print like aztec, ikat or stripes.  A slouchy hobo, while predictable, always gets the party started.

Mighty mini: fitted, tiny, and can really bust a move. Cashmere and knits are both invited. Pairs well with dresses that nip at the waist.  Her wing-lady is the cropped sweater, and looks cool in a fair isle print which is on trend.  Rock the bottom with high-waist, flare-leg jeans and wedge booties.

Crazy lady: the fashionably late guest, look for a medium gauge knit in a textured black or white.  Pretty trim, gorgeous buttons, and a slim box cut are the markers.  Pair with cigarette pants or skinny dark jeans.  Riding boots or leopard ballet flats add some jazz.  No need to sport a 2.55, as any small chain strap bag will do. 

Boyfriend central: oversized, and always adorable, he's got the moves.  Look for a fine, merino wool in heather grey or oatmeal, or go bold with ochre or red! Plaid pants will not get past the bouncer, so shimmy with a boyfriend jean or a shift dress with a skinny belt and seude booties.

It’s almost 2012! Party like a cardi-gan.

stylingstage suggests:

Oasis textured cardigan ASOS.com:


Long line cardigan Forever21:




Jenna's v-neck cardigan J.Crew:

Fair isle cardigan Old Navy:




Vera Moda waffle knit cardigan ASOS.com:


Leifsdottir military cardigan Bluefly.com:



Textured trim cardigan Forever21:





Boyfriend cardigan French Connection:

Holiday Hunt

'Tis the season for dressing up! On the hunt for a great holiday outfit? Gear up to make your season sparkle:

The accessory: resin cuffs adorned with stones, chunky rhinestone necklaces with a vintage vibe, oversized cocktail rings and big studs (not your beau) rock.  Color is in again, but nothing says super chic like black and white. Aim for: Forever21, Akira Chicago, J.Crew, stellaanddot.com, Banana Republic

The dress: bright little numbers are all the rage, as are prints, but caution wearing cheap material. A classic cut or updated version of the LBD is a always a sure thing.  Pair with nude-colored mini fishnets, go bare, or possibly an opaque black tight married to a black shoe.  Aim for: White House Black Market, Bloomingdales, renttherunway.com, ASOS, BCBG

The dress-alternative: Don’t like your stems exposed? No prob.  Try a super cool tuxedo jacket, with a slim lapel and cigarette pants.  Pair with a sequin or silk cami for a little pizzazz.  When done right, a jumpsuit is another pretty option; just beware of looking “J-Lo.” Aim for: Club Monaco, Max Studio, Zara, Bloomingdales

The shoe:  Lord have mercy, don’t be boring! Opt for color in a satin or suede pump, or go texture via lace, studs, bows, rhinestones, you name it.  If you can only do one, this is the item to buy.  Aim for: Marshalls, endless.com, DSW.com, Piperlime.com

The bag: can’t live without it, just make sure it’s not the size of your date.  Both the envelope clutch and the skinny, chain bag are on trend. This is a fun and subtle way to show your festive side.  No fakes, please. Aim for: endless.com, Nordstrom, T.J.Maxx

The topper:  fur always gives a luxe vibe. Go cropped, short haired with no detail. Neutral is your best bet and fake or faux is fine.  Mini leather jackets also give some edge to a gorgeous dress! Aim for: Zara, Topshop.com, Forever 21, H&M

Now that’s what I call hunting season.  Be merry and bright!

stylingstage suggests:

60's Buckle dress ASOS:



Resin colorblock necklace J.Crew:



Feather barette Banana Republic.com:



Asymmetric jumpsuit Zara:




Scarlett Blue Suede Spiked heels Samedelman.com











Menbur Corcosa clutch Endless.com:


Sequin striped chemise White House Black Market:



Elegant Laquered ring Forever 21:


Ted Baker Keaeh pump DSW.com:



Short Sequin jacket Zara:




Maltese Cuff Stellaanddot.com:


Free People Fur jacket Piperlime.com:


Kate Spade Putting on the Ritz studs Piperlime.com:

Free Spirit Nine West pump: