2016 style resolution: black shoes!

I am quite picky when it comes to purchasing shoes and boots for myself.  Especially since in the last few years I have overall tried to curate my wardrobe more thoughtfully.  Instead of buying whatever is inexpensive or on sale or the latest trend from Target (all of which find their way to the 'donate' pile faster than I would like) I have been focusing on investing in shoes that I not only really, really (really!) love but also that will hopefully last multiple seasons. If a shoe can last two seasons that is good, four or five seasons is even better!  But as you may have experienced or can guess, finding that perfect shoe that fits the budget and is stylish and can last that long isn't an easy task.

I recently snagged a new pair of black mocs on crazy sale at Nordstrom Rack.  But not before humming and hawing a great deal about it.  I literally walked around the store for an hour with them in hand while trying to decide.  But then I had an "aha!" moment.  One really can't have too many black shoes.  Or at least this applies to me.  (Does it work for you too!?)  Black shoes always end up sticking around my closet longer and are also the first color of shoe I reach for on a regular basis.  They simply go with everything and are (almost) season-less. So one of my 2016 Style Resolutions is to remember that black shoes are always good to add to the mix.  Do you agree?

Have you made any style resolutions for 2016? If so... what are they?

Here are some of my favorite black shoes that I either already own... or wouldn't mind adding to my collection!

top row: pumps, slip on sneakers, ankle boots

middle row: loafer moccasins, tory burch flats, lace up ballet flats

bottom row: over the knee boots (I've acquired the most awful crush on these!), riding boots, hunter boots

Or shop them below...

winter shoes! {the 'need's and the 'want's}

Earlier this fall I outlined just a few pairs of shoes that should be on your 'need' and 'want' list for the season.  Now that the temps have taken another little dive and the winter holidays are upon us, I thought I would update the list for winter.

While I try and sneak in a few days of flats here and there in the winter (with no socks, I know, I'm crazy, but I love it!) the fact is that your feet really do need to be covered up for the winter. It's cold out there ladies!  Here are my tips on how to keep your feet warm and stylish this season!

above:

mocassins, they are quintessentially cozy and perfect for cool weather... I'd sneak out of the house in them with no socks, but that's just me!

suede moto boots, these boots are equal parts "biker chic" and ultra practical. Super easy to wear and in grey they will go with everything, especially a cozy oversized sweater!

knee-high boots, just mandatory. these are warm and stylish and end up being on my feet and legs for most of the season. Black is versatile but brown is great too! I particularly like the simple details on this pair.

Sorel winter boots, I seriously want/need these.  Warm, stylish and water-proof.  What more could a Michigan gal ask for?

above:

glitter flats, I just got these and LOVE them.  I definitely need a little sparkle this time of year and these deliver!

pink bow flats, these would be adorable with skinny cords or a skirt and tights. Either way, everyone needs a little happy color this time of year.

glitter boots, these are very trendy right now, but I don't care, I love them.  Perfect with skinny jeans and a blazer they are festive and fun (and warm!).

ugg slippers, don't forget about keeping those toes warm indoors! A pair of slippers can get a lot of practical use this time of year!

What is on your want/need list for this winter?

Fall Shoes! {the 'wants' and the 'needs'!}

Just the other day I was organizing all my shoes (what you don't do that for fun!?!) and made a mental note of what shoes will work as the temps cool.  Right now our temperatures are about 40 or 50 degrees in the morning then warming to the 60 or 70 degree range for the afternoon.  Flats will work for a month or maybe longer - as with pumps or any other shoe that I don't usually wear with a pair of socks.  But once mid-November and December hit I'm going to need to make sure that I have plenty of warm shoes to keep my feet dry, warm and of course, stylish!

If you are prepping for winter like me... here are my thoughts on the NEEDS and the WANTS in the shoe department.  There are a few styles that you definitely want to invest in for your closet for this season and seasons to come (those are the 'needs')... after that, have some fun mixing in some styles that are a little more trendy and outside of the box.

*all these picks are UNDER $100*

Riding Boots: 

These will keep you warm and dry, on especially cold days they are great with knee high socks. or pair them with your favorite skirt or dress to keep your legs warm!

Ankle Boots: 

Perfect with wide leg jeans or skinnies these will also keep your feel warm and should be easy to wear with socks.

Colorful Flats: 

Perfect for weekends and warmer afternoons, a pop of color goes a long way in your closet! 

Leopard Print Flats: 

An absolute must, they go with everything and can be dressed up on the weekends for nights out or days at the office.

Gold Loafers:

Metallics of any kind are great to have in your closet... these are the perfect balance of classic and modern.

Sueded Wedge:

Snag these (UNDER $25!) in the hottest colors of the season for a fun trendy piece in your closet

Wellies:

Hunters are the benchmark, but any wellie will do... when rain and snow are unforgiving pop these on to save your shoes from harsh conditions.

Navy Pumps:

I'm obsessed with navy pumps and these pumps specifically.  Classic and so very, very pretty these will make any outfit special!

What are your MUST HAVE shoes for the colder seasons?

my outfit: green says pink!

When I go to pick out an outfit I first think about what mood I am in. That usually gives me an answer to what top I will wear. Then I choose some jeans (cuz that's pretty much all I wear, hey, I got kids!) and that takes a bit longer - choosing jeans for me is like choosing a favorite child. Then my shoes go back to my mood. The accessories though... the clothes kind of pick those... I ask my green sweater - "Sweater, what would make you happy? What would make you feel above average? What are your wildest dreams, dear sweater?" You know... something like that.

Today Sweater said she wanted something to "pop". So the pink scarf it was! What can I say... making dreams come true is my life. That and spilled milk. You know, to keep me humble. (also, just fyi, this outfit is "spilled milk" approved)


Oh, and hello gorgeous white coat. I sure love you.

So want the breakdown of how this outfit was chosen?

Sweater: Need something comfy and warm, but I like the deep v-neck, makes me feel feminine.
Jeans: Need a "good butt" day... Sevens can do that for me. Straight leg for boots, please.
Boots: Need a heel and a bit of style to get me over the last hump of this sickness.

I am really into earrings lately... I think it's my longer hair, it makes it look less long or something. Or maybe it is the influence of my girl Jackie... she loves earrings. They say you are the average of the five people you spend time with. What about the top five blogs I visit. Does that count?

Details:

Coat, courtesy of Tulle

Earrings, F21 (similar)

Scarf, American Apparel (similar)

Sweater, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Seven for All Mankind (similar)

Boots, MICHAEL Michael Kors (similar)

shopping guide: orange-you-glad?

It's Halloween week and not only are my kids already buzzing on candy (that is probably my fault!) - so am I! How can you resist those miniature bites of sugary goodness? If you have read this blog for a while you know that one of my obsessions is candy. This year I am particularly enjoying the Sponge Bob Crabby Patty gummis. I know, 32 going on 7. That's how I roll.

I thought it would be fun to do an orange themed Shopping Guide this week... in case you are going to be stylishly dressing the part. I don't usually do costumes... but a touch of orange I can definitely do!


(details: 1. Flamingo Flat, Seychelles, $90.65 2. Merino Wool Sweater, Forever 21, $24.80 3. Nixon Time Teller, shopbop.com, $60 4. Essie Nail Polish, beauty.com, $8 5. Time-In Time-Out Belt, Anthropologie, $30 6. Cotton Desert Shirt, JCrew, $65 7. Cambridge Shawl Collar Sweater, JCrew, $59.99)

How do you celebrate Halloween!?!?

my outfit: mrs. drapey!

That's Mrs. Drapey - not to be confused with Mrs. Draper. The new Mrs. Draper is sweet French-Canadian Megan. She stole Don's heart and about all the women in America lost their dream "bad guy". Although, if you're still single, he may still have you... that's how he rolls, you know.

ANY WAYS....

Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.

For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.


Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.


If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.

Details

Sweater, F21 (similar)

Tank, F21 (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Necklace, Etsy - Mandy's Yellow Corner

Belt, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

shopping guide: fun flats!

Flats are a great shoe going into fall and even for winter (if there isn't too much snow!)... and even in the winter I like to wear boots and then slip a pair of flats in my purse for where ever I am going. These styles are SO fun and all of them are under $50! You can thank me later... now it's time for the eye candy!

1) I love this snow leopard print flat from Target... they actually are pony hair (synthetic?) like the high end brands but for waaaay less. (Snow Leopard Flat, Target $24.99)

2) Chambray + Rhinestones... um, yes please! These flats would look SO cute with jeans or leggings for the fall and your favorite cozy sweater. I really love these! (Rhinestone Chambray Flat, Gap, $49.50)

3) Glitter, glitter, glitter! It seems glittered shoes are popping up every where... and while some are quite high priced, these are just the right amount of glitter and the perfect price! (Multi-Glitter Flats, Gap, $49.50)

4) I am unexpectedly drawn to this creamy brocade pair... they are so chic and seem like they would be very versatile. Aren't they pretty? Every gal needs pretty shoes! (Brocade Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

5) A close second to chambray + rhinestones is CAMO + rhinestones. These would be a fun (and maybe a little rebellious) addition to any outfit! (Camo Rhinestone Flat, Charlotte Russe, $22.50)

6) Pink pom poms? Need I say more. Yes and yes. (Pom Pom Ballet Flat, Old Navy, $22.50)

good look for less: EXPRESS!

Today's consult is for Gena... she and her husband are celebrating 15 years of marriage and are heading to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a long weekend together (no kids!) to celebrate. How fun! She wanted outfits for walking around and spending time with her husband. I checked the weather there for this time of year (because I'm nerdy like that and I have this dream that I will live in Tennessee someday, I'm weird obsessed with it. Weird.) The temps should be in the 60s and 70s during the day and cool in the evenings. So layers are key.

Let's take a look at the outfits I pulled together for her!

My goal was to pull together cozy, chic, casual looks together. This is one of my favorite of the three looks. It's refined but casual and while it's perfect for a weekend away, it's also perfect for everyday wear. This scarf is so perfect for fall and Gena mentioned she tends towards and apple body shape - so this pair of Long & Lean jeans are perfect for that body shape. This style is UNIVERSALLY flattering. I just LOVE this style jean.

(earrings, jeans, top, flats, scarf, bag)

I love the look of these loose layers over a slim pair of pants. Gena said she wanted to try a pair of slimmer pants like these... a cropped pair is very flattering if it's your first venture away from a bootcut look.

(ring, pants, top, bag, sweater, shoes)

Just for fun I wanted to throw in a nice dressy outfit for a nice dinner or cocktails. A wrap style dress like this with an emphasis on the waist is another great option for apple shaped bodies. It shows off the waist (not the hips!) in a very flattering way. And I just love the subtle print on this dress.

(dress, clutch, bracelet, shoes)

Have a great weekend Gena!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

vegas shoe details...

Because it's all in the details, right??? I thought I would circle back and give you the full on deets of the shoes that I searched endlessly for and then found! Hallelujah!

So I mentioned my search here - after what had been days of looking both online and in stores. I was starting to worry that I would have to return the dress - but then I realized it was from F21 and that wouldn't be an option. So I'll admit, I was freaking out a bit. (about shoes people... I know, I'm crazy!)

Many of you left comments with links to shoes... mostly from places I hadn't thought of! You gals are the best! I had looked at Target a couple of times but didn't think to check their expanded offerings at target.com. Duh!

I was torn between these two shoes... both from Target.com

A ruffly pair...


And a peep toe pair (in grey)...

I decided to order both and when they arrived try them on with the dress - returns are easy at the store and target.com was having a shipping promo - those details definitely sealed the deal!

In the end the peep toe pair were more comfortable, but the ruffled pair fit the look I was going for the best. I returned the grey peep toe pair (although I would have loved a pair in black to have and to hold - they were really comfy!) and went with the ruffled pair. They killed my feet - but it was worth it! Truth be told, I can't wait to wear them again!

In unrelated news... I ALSO wish I would have ordered this pair from Target.com as well. How cute???

work it wednesday: sequined sweatshirts!

I just LOVE all of the sequined sweatshirts I have been seeing in the shops and online recently... I fell in love with one at Urban Outfitters while shopping in Vegas and I am regretting not buying it now! The thing I love so much about them is they have the casual and dressy textures so well balanced for an everyday appeal.

I thought I would have some fun pulling together looks based on sequined sweatshirts Work It Wednesday style - and the next time one crosses my path I'll be very likely to snatch it up!

(shorts, top, jacket, clutch, boots)

(ring, pants, top, purse, scarf, boots)

(necklace, jeans, top, purse, jacket, flats)

Are you loving the sequined sweatshirt for fall and winter?

good look for less: Holli!

I recently did a wardrobe consultation for Holli... she works in bustling Manhattan and wanted some super chic and classy looks for toting around the big apple! She's mid-twenties so I wanted to be sure to give her outfits a youthful flare... but without being sophmoric. Also, she's not a huge fan of jewelry - so we skipped the accessories and instead went for pieces that made a statement on their own. Let's take a look at the outfits, shall we???

A dramatic collar like the one on this sweater is a sophisticated and feminine way to add some texture to an outfit. Paired with well tailored jeans (Gap's Long & Lean are a really great option!) and simple flats this is a refined look, but still practical for walking and errand running.

(jeans, sweater, flats, cross-body bag)

A blazer can always be counted on to take things up a notch - paired with this delicately patterned top is sublime. I love this outfit... so easy and so put together!

(jeans, top, boots, blazer)

This next outfit is a perfect example of the power of mixing and matching... classic jeans and a blazer can be used together in a million different variations. In this outfit I just love this bubble style top - it's easy to layer with and is great for all body types.

(jeans, top, blazer, necklace, flats, cross-body bag)

~~~

Also, for those of you that are interested in purchasing wardrobe consults! I am BACK and open for business again... after a brief break! If you have already emailed me about one - I will be in touch soon. If you haven't... get your name in now! Check out all the details here!

what to wear: Happy Weekend!

Happy weekend gals! I'm leaving on a jet-plane for Vegas soon so I am feeling a little celebratory! How about this amazing outfit this weekend??? Make sure to celebrate in some small way yourself this weekend!

(skirt, top, clutch, necklace, bracelet, shoes)

check it out: madewell!

Many of you are probably familiar with Madewell... a branch of JCrew that embraces a more "bohemian" or simpler feel than the more highly stylized and fashion forward pieces that JCrew has come to embody of late. It seems like the two "brands" have similar price points and perhaps a little overlap in their offerings... but Madewell does have a decidedly laid back feel (perhaps an homage to the former JCrew casual-chic now turned chic-chic). I had heard of them in passing and seen their items featured in magazines, etc but had admittedly not spent any time on their website or really checking out their offerings. So I decided to dig in and check out all they had to offer.

I guess you could sum it up this way... JCrew is very "Monday thru Friday"... Madewell is very "Saturday and Sunday". Does that make sense?

No matter how you "define" them... they do have really great offerings (albeit a little pricey) and also great collaborations with other brands and designers. So they are definitely worth checking out!

Here are some of my faves!

Zippy Striped Top, $48

Silk Cargo Shirt, $110

Twin Button Cardigan, $49.99

City Slouch Jeans, $110

Suede Duffel, $198

West Way Clog, $168

So do you own any Madewell pieces? Have you been to their stores? Will you?

my outfit: the college try!

I am sure you all are with me on this: do you ever have a piece of clothing (or two) that you like, but you just can't seem to get it right when you wear it?

That is how I have been with this top (it's purple by the way... really dark if you can't tell). It is just a tunic style t-shirt from the Gap. It fits nicely, the color is great and it's very soft. But every time I have pulled it out to wear it I end up not knowing how to style it and putting it back in the closet. Grrr.



Even still, I like how this outfit came together... but I am still a little wary about the top. Maybe it's just a mind hurdle.




Either way... I gave it a good college try. Any way... moving on, I saw a gal at the coffee shop with her skinnies cuffed the other day. It reminded me how much I loved that look, so I had to knock it off. That is one of the main reasons I love getting out to coffee shops and other places I don't usually get to linger as a mom... there is lots of inspiration in what other people are wearing. Especially when you're at a place that you don't usually go!

Details:

Jacket, courtesy of Tulle

Top, Gap

Belt, small local boutique (similar)

Necklace, F21 (similar)

Jeans, Old Navy

Flats, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: easy does it!

I wore a variation of this outfit (read: pretty much the same exact outfit) to church on Sunday and after a night of literally no sleep (thanks kids!) - this was the first thing I found (on the floor) on Monday morning. I wasn't going to be picky. I swapped a necklace (wore that to church) for this scarf because Monday morning was like 30 degrees (BRRR!!!) and if you haven't slept at all the night before, the last thing you want to do is freeze your tail off at the bus stop with the kids. On second thought, the last you want to do is ANYTHING. So at least I had a scarf to "hug" me.

But Monday is my "work" morning... so I like to look decent to feel more inspired and I do really love this outfit. Note, I DID take a shower... just didn't do my hair. Thank you hair for being long and for liking to be in a bun, really, thank you. Un-Thank you make-up for not putting yourself on my face and making all signs of no sleep disappear. Better luck next time.


Blazer + scarf + t-shirt + skinnies + flats. I could live in a variation of this outfit for the rest of my life. It's so easy and comes together quickly. I added some simple little earrings to dress it up a bit. I happen to love Swarovski's studs. If you are "into" studs... Swarovski makes gorgeous crystal ones that glow like the real "stuff" and are really high quality. My ears are super sensitive so I need really high quality earrings. And these I could wear everyday (and did for a while... and come to think of it... I could use a new pair!).

Details:

Scarf, Macy's (similar)

Jacket, LOFT (similar)

T-shirt, Target (similar)

Skinnies, Forever 21 (similar)

Flats, Sam Edelman

Purse, Kate Spade via GILT - (similar)

pretty little things...

Lately I have been admiring boho style more and more... in general my style is more tailored or classic. I don't tend towards the whimsical and flowy... except for lately. I seem to be craving loose and flowing tops, florals, fringe and the like.

Here's some beautiful examples:

Topshop Feather One Shoulder Top

Jeffrey Campbell Clogs

Linea Pelle Vintage Hobo

Marlyn Schiff Tear Drop Earrings

Forever 21 Draped Knit Tunic

Do you think it's just a phase? Do you ever crave clothing that is not your "usual" style?

my outfit: oldest trick in the book!

all black. What can I say? It was just one of those days! I love wearing all black, you don't have to worry about matching and you can pretty much put any accessories on and they just "work."

Since there isn't much to say about this outfit... or in general (words escape me I guess), I figured I would turn the tables and let you gals do the talking. Every once in a while I like to make sure I am in tune with what my readers love/like or otherwise (by the way, if you have mean words - forget about it.)



So send it my way, is there a feature you absolutely love and want more of? Is there a feature you like but you have a suggestion on how it could be more helpful to you? Is there something I am missing... something that would make your trip here more helpful or memorable? Remember, this is should be constructive and helpful for all of us... I'll reiterate: mean words or slander WILL be deleted. So don't waste your time or mine, I'm not fishing for compliments... just your helpful opinions.

Have at it!

Details:

Scarf, F21 (similar)

Top, Gap

Black Skinnies, Courtesy of Tulle

Flats, Sam Edelman

Handbag, Kate Spade (via GILT)

good look for less, EXPRESS!

I've got another good look for less EXPRESS consult for you today! Jennifer is a nurse that spends tons of hours in scrubs... when she's off work she wants a classic, preppy and practical wardrobe that is easy to pull together but still very stylish. She's a self-proclaimed clothes horse (nothing wrong with that!) and admitted that she has most of the basics, but just wanted more ideas on pulling together outfits quickly.

What I worked to do for Jennifer was pull together "ideas" for outfits... and to keep in mind that the actually pieces could be swapped out for items that she already owns.

This first look is a classic outfit to pull together. A day dress, with a jean jacket and boots. The specific items I pulled here are gorgeous, but you could easily swap them out for pieces in your closet already - that is Jennifer, or any one else reading this!

(dress, jean jacket, boots, earrings, tote)

In keeping with that theme... I really love this outfit. But if you look at the individual pieces of it, it's really quite basic. A great pair of jeans, a boyfriend cardi, belt and flats. If you are a busy lady, it's great to have looks like this in your arsenal to quickly pull on!

(belt, jeans, t-shirt, cardigan, tote, moccasins)

One of my favorite silhouettes for fall and winter is skinny or straight jeans with an oversized or super chunky sweater. It's not only practical (warm!) but it is also very flattering to most body types, especially when the top has a longer profile like this one.

(bracelet, jeans, top, clutch, sweater vest, flats)

~~~

Best wishes Jennifer!

Interested in my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

work it wednesday: classic turtleneck!

I thought I would keep it old-school today with two classics for you. The first is a Work It Wednesday post! My longest running series here on the blog where I take one piece and "work it" three different ways! The second is to feature a super classic wardrobe piece that never goes out of style - a turtleneck sweater.

The specific sweater I chose today is from JCrew... it comes in several classic colors and is knit up in a wool/nylon/cashmere blend. What I love about JCrew is that while they stay modern and keep with (and create!) new trends... many of their pieces remain the same from year to year. A sweater like this has probably been featured in the past 20 fall catalogs and is still as applicable today as it was then and as it will be. Perfection!

I wish I was wearing this cozy, but chic, outfit today! This sweater is so great for layering for warmth and style and is perfectly paired with cropped black pants.

(watch, bracelet, pants, sweater, clutch, fur vest, pumps)

I love this outfit for a brisk but sunny fall day. How cute are these boots?

(sunglasses, necklace, jeans, sweater, bag, boots)

A perfect weekend outfit... pile on the layers for extra warmth doing all of your favorite fall activities!

(earrings, jeans, scarf, jacket, bag, sweater, shoes)

Happy Wednesday!