Saturday, May 29, 2010

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Summer Shoes


For Warmer weather, find Shoes that POP!

Warm weather shoes shouldn’t be chunky or big or heavy. They need to have a look of being light and airy, as well as feeling that way. Unlike their fall and winter counterparts a shoe for warm weather needs to allow the elements in a bit.

So how does a shoe for the hotter months still have presence and make an addition to an ensemble?
There are some basic design elements that really say spring and summer in a shoe. It is all in the detail and color of the shoes.
• A Great statement shoe for the upcoming months has a pop of color and a detail like a flower or airy strap that says warmth.
• Wedges are a popular style for summer shoes, and for a higher heel the wedge is more supportive and comfortable.
• We are of course seeing many fun sandals with all sorts of treatments, from floral, to zipper edging to Ruffles. The Gladiator style is still very popular and is really the sandal influence right now.
• As far as color this season, yellow is it, but anything bright will work this season. For more toned down colors a light neutrals or skin tones gives the leg a very light long look which we love in warm weather.
• Finding a professional shoe for a business look can be trickier in the spring and summer, but also should be fun. While a business shoe cannot be a strappy sandal, or even open toed in many work environments, there are still business appropriate shoes that are lighter and more “spring like”. Look for a simple pump with a classic silhouette, but with a detail of color. If all your business attire is neutral, find a colorful pump to add a touch of spring color.

They are out there! Besides color, a summer shoe can have an interesting contrast of materials, like a punched out leather or a use of mesh. Details like a flower or a ruffle treatment also add lightness to the shoe.

• A Sporty style of shoe is going to have to be comfortable with no fuss. Casually a sporty personality would probably prefer sandals or even flip flops, but for a professional look a ballet flat in a bright color is perfect.
• The true Traditional will probably shy away from a “summer shoe” being more comfortable in neutral loafers or pumps. Push the envelope a bit and look for something with a nautical look. Navy and white or light tan leather is summery, current, and traditional.
• An Elegant style will be uncomfortable with bright colors and crazy design details, but a mixture of lighter materials in a neutral color will work for an elegant wardrobe.
• A Dramatic will not only do bold color, but high contrast. Black and white in a shoe is great for warm weather
Allurings may want to show off a bit of skin on the foot and will probably like a bit more heel. A simple shoe with a higher heal, a peep toe if they can or a sling back and a simple pattern like animal or polka dots will appeal to the Alluring
• With the Creative style, anything goes with the shoe. The more of a statement it makes, the more bizarre it is the more it will appeal to them. The popular Gladiator style is a hit with the creative. If they cannot do wild silhouettes, the creative’s will eat up the bright color combinations that come out in the spring.
• The big Floral and Ruffle trends we are seeing this season will appeal to the Feminine Style, who will also wear color and “airy” looking styles.

For the spring and summer months find shoes that are softer, lighter, brighter, and airier.
Have a bit of fun with an unexpected detail or a pop of color.
There is the right shoe for you, no matter what your style is!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Sun Style.

Coordinating your swim suit ensemble.

This Summer, it’s not just about the bathing suit but everything you wear with it!
From your flip flops to your beach tote, you’ll feel much more confident in your bathing suit if your entire look is thought out.

Many of us have more than one bathing suit, so don’t try too hard to match your swim suits with the extras…. it can get very pricey and often looks over done.
Instead, try coordinating a few things; like your beach shoes with your beach tote or your sun hat with your cover up and sunglasses.

If these pieces work together, almost any bathing suit will work with them.
A hint: If you like bathing suits with a lot of color and design, keep the accessories simple and neutral…if you tend to go for simple bathing suits, then get extras with a bit to say.

There are some crazy totes out this summer, pick one out that you really love and start coordinating everything to that.
Try on some cover ups and choose a shoe that goes with it. Then work from there to coordinate the rest of the outfit!

What is your favorite beach ensemble? What types of shoes do you like best for enjoying the sun?

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Being a sports spectator and still looking Chic?

This past weekend was the Kentucky Derby, one of the best dressed Sports events yearly. Sadly, many of those great looks were covered with plastic to avoid getting soggy this year.

But for those regular summer events, how do you dress well as a spectator without looking out of place and staying comfortable.

Jeans have become a very chic and respectable addition to any Fashionista’s Wardrobe. Get a great fitting pair of jeans that are hemmed for a flat shoe and that is an easy choice for a casual weekend game. If it’s too hot for jeans, try Khaki Bermuda shorts, Capri length leggings or a cotton A-line skirt. Comfort Tip: fabric with stretch is always better then something more structured and constricting.

For the top there are a slew of “cute” cotton T’s out there which are colorful (perhaps the shade of your favorite team) and can be found in various flattering styles and lengths (longer with leggings, and closer to wait or hip for Shorts and skirts) . If it’s a breezy evening event, a shrunken cardigan can keep off the chill, or a microteck cropped jacket can be a really great layering piece and still work for a casual environment. Just Please, don’t revert to the oversized shapeless hoodey!

Even if you are not headed to the horse races in your fabulous hat you can and should, still look great as devoted spectator! Need help with these playful sport themed looks, ask a professional!