Blog Archives
Five Favorites: Wedge Espadrille Sandals
The wedge espadrille is the perfect compliment to summer. Comfortable and versatile, these sandals provide the hight needed paired with comfort. The rope detailing couples well with casual and dressy styles and remains durable year after year. Available in different styles and colors, the platform wedges will flatter all summer long. Here are a five favorites for summer:
Topshop: Whispered Sandal – $84.00
Michael Kors: Giovanna Wedge Sandal – $134.95
Jimmy Choo: Pallis Wedge Sandal – $450.00
Delman: Trish Sandal– $250.00
Dolce Vita (DV): Tarry Sandal – $59.60
Four Favorites: Athletic Shoe
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Whether you are running, walking, inside or out, a great pair of athletic shoes is a must. How to choose the right shoe for you? Go with comfort.
There are so many new technologies and varieties of the athletic shoe to choose from. Some are built for speed, while others are built for support and comfort. Unless you are training for a marathon, tri-athalon or hiking, don’t waste your money on purchasing different pairs for different activites. If you find a pair that feels amazing on your foot… Buy them!
If they are comfortable… you will wear them… if you wear them… you will get sweaty more often. It is that simple.
Here are four of my favorites:
Adidas: Adizero Adios 2.0: $115.00
Nike: Free Run 3: $100.00
Asics: Gel-FujiRacer: $110.00
Saucony: Hurricane 14: $105.00
Fall Flat: Loeffler Randall Natalie Studded Toe Flats
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The cap toe trend is evolving this Fall with a little texture. From shiny gold caps to spikes, studs and rhinestones, the simple flat is getting interesting.
A great pair of flats that can be worn with both workplace-appropriate attire and casual weekend pieces is a worthy investment. Loeffler Randall’s Natalie Studded Toe Flats fit the bill – a sleek cap toe keeps the look on-trend but still polished, while the gold studs add texture and whimsy.
The Natalie Studded Toe Flats are the perfect hybrid of comfort and style. Traverse around the city or trek to work in shoes that won’t ‘fall’ flat.
Sporty Girl: Hurley Phantom Kini
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Sporty Girl: The girl who doesn’t want to go to the beach or pool to lay there and bronze all day. The girl who wants to be active in the sun. The girl who wants to be in the water, swimming, surfing, paddle boarding. The girl (like every girl) who still wants to look good doing it. Enter: Hurley Phantom Kini.
Phantom Technology:
Blessed with the Phantom Fabric (compressed micro fibers woven with spandex to create unparalleled 140% stretch). Infused with ground breaking nano technology and water repellent fabric to absorb less water with the finest quality micro yarns which produce a soft and silky touch to skin. Designed with no inseam, leaving zero restriction in performance while maximizing comfort.
The Hurley Phantom Kini is made with this Phantom Technology. Stretch woven to hug the body and provide support, lightweight and designed to dry quickly. The suits are also finished with bonded seams that lay flat on the skin, which means you won’t have to worry about chafing and constantly having to pull your suit into place.
Whether you are a sporty girl, a mother chasing after your kids or you just want to be more active on the beach – try on a little style with comfort and have more fun in the sun!
Four Favorites: Flip-Flops
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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.
My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:
J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50
Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00
TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95
Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00
Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique
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J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.
The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.
Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.
Tech-Savvy Fashion: DVF Harper Connect Daybag
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Fashion meets function with Diane Von Furstenberg’s Harper Connect Daybag. Perfect for the tech-savvy fashionista, this leather bag has a special built-in compartment that keeps your Tablet or IPad secure.
Harper’s geometric structure and decorative details feels luxurious and professional. Bold brushed-gold hardware, signature turn-lock closure and removable leather tassel makes me weak at the knees. Wear however you like, Harper comes adorned with both a chain shoulder strap with leather links and an optional cross-body strap for style and comfort.
The ultimate designer bag for the girl on-the-go.
Classic Wedge: STEVEN by Steve Madden Banndo
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STEVEN by Steven Madden Banndo is the perfect wedge to have in your collection. This shoe will pair perfectly with any color, pattern or style it is coupled with. The sandy suede texture has a soft, comfortable feel while the lightweight synthetic wedge adds support.
Pair these shoes with Spring florals and pastels. They are the perfect height for flared denim as well as a flattering shape for cropped. Available in leather or suede, black or tan, this classic wedge will wear perfectly all spring and summer long.
Back to Basics: Layering Favorites
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Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.
Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.
For instance, H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.
Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.
When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite basics?
Boot Week: Cole Haan Air Whitley Knit Boot
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Boot Week ends with a fun lace-up boot.
The Air Whitley Knit Boot by Cole Haan provides both comfort and style. Supported with Nike Air technology, these boots feel like running sneakers. The classic lace-up style is detailed with a stretch knit sock that lines the entire boot. The cap-toe detail provides a military twist and the over-lapping sock screams cold winter days. Pair these boots with black leggings and winter coat for a warm and comfy elegance.
Choose a boot this season that suits your needs and taste. With so many different styles and designs available, you don’t have to pick just one…
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ashling
Boot Week: Vera Wang Lavender Label Eldora Suede Wedge Boot
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Boot Week continues with the wearable wedge boot.
The Eldora Suede Wedge Boot from Vera Wang Lavender Label has a wedge heel to give you a sturdier stance when standing out in the crowd. The classic suede silhouette features a full-length exposed zipper on the inner lining. The chocolate brown suede is incredibly soft and couples beautifully with fall and winter colors.
The wedge boot offers stylish poise. Providing comfort and stability, this is a great boot to have in bad weather or running around town. Wear these boots over your tightest denim, add a chunky knit sweater and floppy hat and you are all set.
With this wearable wedge from Vera Wang Lavender Label, standing tall is a little easier.
Boot Week: J Crew Billie Buckle Boot
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Boot Week starts with a great flat boot.
The Billie Buckle Boot from J Crew is a classic equestrian-inspired style with rugged detailing. The boots are made of an incredibly supple Italian leather that is soft and flexible. The flat-heeled design and leather sole ensures luxurious comfort and the decorative straps, finished in antique gold, can be used to loosen or tighten the calf of the boot.
The Billie Buckle Boot pictured here are the extended calf version. Available in a shorter version and an array of colors and finishes, these boots are extremely versatile.
Style these basic boots with slim skinny pants, a romantic dress or the new, elegant “midi” skirts. The Billie Buckle Boot is a perfect addition to any wardrobe with a classic style that will last for years.
Denim Expedition: Seven For All Mankind
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Shopping for jeans is an exhausting experience. Hauling 15 pairs of denim into the dressing room, hoping that at least one is the perfect fit, style and color.
Seven For All Mankind Classic Straight Leg in California Coast is my current blue ribbon-winner. Wanting to test-drive a new style and vear away from the skinny jean, I went looking for a pair of jeans I could live-in. Don’t get me wrong I do love the skinny, however, sometimes I want jeans to look like jeans and not second skin.
The Classic Straight Leg is exactly that…classic. Form-fitting in all the right areas to accentuate the body, but leaves room for comfort, detail and style. These jeans are soft and comfortable and have an amazing stretch. The dark inky-blue wash is my favorite for everyday jeans, polished and perfectly worn-in.
Weekend Ensemble: Splendid
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This weekend make the transition from day-to-night simple with Splendid’s Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress.
This basic piece is multi-functional and essential for summer-wear. The jersey material provides comfort and stretch and will maintain it’s shape for either skirt or dress-wear.
For daytime, wear as a skirt over a swimsuit or simple tank. At night, pair with bright espadrilles and textured baubles. Add a belt to both the skirt or dress for an added embellishment.
Splendid’s Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress is available in an array of bright colors as well as black and heather grey. Choose your favorite and seamlessly create an entire weekend ensemble with just one piece.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ashling
Shoe Symmetry: DVF Olivia
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There must be some sort of inertia that pulls me towards Diane Von Furstenberg’s new shoe creation each season. The Olivia wedge sandal is my latest obsession.
The architecture of this shoe is crisp and perfectly symmetrical. The wedge design adds comfort and stability. The two-tone feature is subtle and polished and the suede trim provides texture and refinement.
The Olivia is extremely flattering on. The porportions hit just right to lengthen the leg and slim the ankles.
This is a great addition to anyone’s collection, as it can be worn in any season. Paired with a sundress or wide-leg pants, the Olivia will ornament any ensemble.