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the five summer shoes you need (almost all under $100!)

Every year, as soon as summer hits, I look into my shoe closet and panic. The sandals I bought last year feel tired and overworked, and ever so slightly out of style…so, naturally, I start to shop. But lord, are there options this time of year! Inevitably, I get overwhelmed by the possibilities, and either end up with three times as many pairs as I need (and nowhere to store them), or I become paralyzed by indecision and end up with nothing. And then there’s the matter of every fashion magazine on the planet telling us to buy Birkenstocks and Tevas this season. Don’t get me started. (But seriously. Tevas?! Those French girls are laughing their chic little derrières off over this one, friends. I just know it.)

Instead of falling into old patterns, this year I took a step back (way, way back from the Birks) and thought about what a person actually needs to get through a summer. Read on →

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the how-to: bundle up in style

When one of you (hi, Amy!) suggested that I talk a little about bundling up for winter, I got pretty excited. The truth is, winter is my season! While I hate the cold, I absolutely adore cold weather style. So, today I thought I’d dispense a few of my favorite tips for staying chic no matter the weather. Read on →

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trend to try: boho glam

{Editor’s Note: Erin’s back with a look at one of the trickiest trends there is: boho. How to pull it off without looking like a hippie schlub? It’s a tricky business. The key is to glam it up and be wary of proportions, and Erin’s got a can’t-miss strategy to make it work for anyone…yes, even you.}

Altuzurra, via Style.com / Rachel Zoe, via Style.com / Hermes, via Style.com

Erin ~ The bohemian, free-spirited look is shown so often that it has become less of a trend and more of a type of style. However, this season has a little twist on the classic flower child look. It’s a little less Woodstock and a little more wealthy gypsy with a dash of urban sophistication. The look is characterized by rich leather, fur (faux or real), layers of luxe fabrics, and gold accessories. This is definitely a look for maximalists, so don’t be shy with the layers or the accessories!

For the weekend, start with a maxi dress in an autumnal palette. This is a great way to stretch your wardrobe and bring some of those summer sundresses into fall. A long necklace and patterned scarf bring in a bit of happy chaos to give that bohemian feel. Heeled booties lend the outfit a bit of urban edge and the tweed blazer adds polish and texture to make the look feel current.

Modern Lit Lecturer Blazer, Modcloth, $45 / Harness Heel Boot, Dolcetta by Dolce Vita, $98 / Plaid Shirt Scarf, Free People, $48 / Crystal Spear Necklace, Alexis Bittar, $155 / Paisley Maxi Dress, Eighty Sixty, $99

To take the boho look from 9 to 5, try pairing contrasting textures of rich fabrics. Gold jacquard pants contrast with a silky blouse, and the small diamond pattern plays well with a simple feather print, creating a harmonious mix of textures and patterns. Layer a black vest and bangles over everything to bring the outfit together and add an extra dose of boho cool. I personally love the look of cropped pants over a calf height boot or ankle booties, but this look would work equally well with a wedge heel or a classic black pump.

Darling Elizabeth Tunic, ASOS, $60 / Trinity Gold Jacquard Cigarette Pants, Reiss, $265 / Mighty Black Leather Zip Boots, Topshop, $90 / Sleeveless Wool Vest, Lord & Taylor, $60 / Art Deco Bangles, Tinley Road, $18

Lastly, for a night out, pair a jewel-tone dress (merlot is particularly on trend for fall) with a fur vest. A pair of chandelier earrings adds a touch of gypsy glimmer; after all, it is a girls’ night out. Tassels and fringe are standard for a boho look, but instead of a predictable pair of fringe boots or a bag, add just a touch with a tasseled skinny belt and keep the boots classic for a more sophisticated look.


Tassle Hem Faux Fur Gilet, Topshop, $110 / Timber Jersey Dress, French Connection, $138 / Emina Boot, Libby Edelman, $127 / Gala Chandelier Earring, Banana Republic, $45 / Skinny Waist Belt with Tassel, BCBGeneration, $24

This trend is a great way to get some extra mileage from your closet by making unexpected pairings. Mix glamorous, special pieces with your casual weekend wear, mix patterns and textures, combine floaty summer pieces with heavier fall clothes, and when in doubt, always layer on one more thing!

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on the cheap: peplum potential

{Editor’s Note: I’m the first to admit, I’m a serious skeptic on this one. But Kristina’s making a pretty convincing argument for the peplum. Read what she has to say, and see if you aren’t at least a little bit tempted to try this trend by the time she’s done…especially since every one of her finds is under $75!}

Kristina ~ Before I even start (and before you start telling me that I’m crazy), please hear me out. It can be a wonderful thing to bring attention your hips. Yes it can! And the latest peplum trend does just that.

I’ll admit that peplums can be scary to attempt, especially with the array of options out there. Peplum skirts and dresses are everywhere, but I’ve found that a peplum top is the easiest and most flattering for a range of body types. Worn correctly, a peplum top will give you that coveted hourglass figure by adding volume to your hips and thus narrowing the waist in comparison. Relativity, ladies! For girls with boyish figures, a peplum top creates a fantastic illusion; and for curvy girls, a peplum can balance out your proportions and enhance the curves that are already there. A peplum is also a great way to conceal a bit of a tummy.

If you’re willing to give it a try, start with black. It’s always slimming, but paired with a pencil skirt, you’ll have a seriously sleek silhouette. If you want to toughen up the look, choose a skirt with a bit of leather detailing and some studded heels!

Rib Peplum Top, Topshop, $48 / Faux-Leather Pencil Skirt, Kohls, $35 / Black Studded Sandals, Sears, $25

To keep your look on the playful and girly side, pair your peplum with skinny jeans and a pair of fun polka dot flats. As for the skinnies, I have a secret: the Love Jeans from Victoria’s Secret are hands-down my favorite jeans! They come in multiple hem lengths, are true to size, and fit like a glove for a pear-shaped girl like me. (Word of warning: they’ll shrink almost two inches when you wash them, so definitely opt for a longer length!)

To style these, add a bold statement necklace, some simple gold bangles, and a bag in a perfect-for-fall color. Peplum perfection!

Sidewalk Skimmer, Madewell, $98 / VS Love Skinny Jean, Victoria’s Secret, $69 / Anna & Ava Neon Geo Frontal Necklace, Dillards, $35 / Gold Bangle Set, J. Crew, $29 / Liquorish Doctor Bag, ASOS, $61

What do you think? Will you be trying the peplum trend?

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travel in style: the perfect summer packing list!

Friends, I am so in need of a summer vacation. I’m writing this while wearing a beach caftan and white jeans…in my living room. It’s time to get out of dodge!

I’m thinking if I pack myself an overnight bag now, perhaps I’ll be struck by a spur-of-the-moment inspiration and take myself out on a weekend getaway. Worth a shot, don’t you think? I have a feeling the rest of you may have actual weekend (or week-long) trips afoot, and could use a little guidance on packing the perfect weekend bag.

As usual, I have big dreams of 3 outfits a day, shoes to match, and a whole separate trunk of accessories. But really, summer trips call for minimal effort…and minimal luggage. So, rather than fantasy, this is pure practicality. Skip the fashion-conscious gear and go for versatility. Skip the giant jewels and go for simple. Skip the boring classic novel and go for the trashy celebrity magazines. This is a vacation!

Top: Striped tank, Edith A. Miller, $58 / Tissue v-neck tee, J.Crew, $30 / Callan tee, Velvet, $86 /
Denim shorts, Joe’s Jeans, $138 / Tank dress, Three Dots, $66

Bottom: Graf + Lantz overnighter, $379 / Druzy studs, Dara Ettinger, $95 / Rope bracelet, Kiel James Patrick, $40 / Archer flat, Dolce Vita, $69 / Espadrilles, ASOS (similar here) / Cenoire electric toothbrush, $35 / Sun Protector, Kiehls, $23

 You’ll need:

* 2 tees: one basic, one fashion-forward
* 1 tank: basic is great
* 1 pair of denim cutoffs: the ultimate in versatility!
* 1 easy summer dress
* 1 pair of sandals/flip flops
* 1 pair of walking shoes
* 1 great bracelet
* 1 pair of simple earrings
* 1 swimsuit
* 1 semi-slinky nightgown (it is a vacation, after all)
* Oh, and…extra undies!

That’s it!

Add your trusty bag of toiletries and you’re set. You do keep that pre-packed, right? No? You don’t know what you’re missing…it’s a total travel game-changer! Head to Nordstrom with a list of your staple products, ask them to make up testers for you (buy something so you don’t feel guilty), and throw them in a Ziploc. I know you have extra makeup lying around, so make yourself a travel bag with the spares. Throw in a toothbrush, treat yourself to a travel flat iron, and leave the whole assembly in your bag, so you never have to go hunting when the open road calls.

Oh, and don’t forget the big bottle of SPF. My sun-phobic favorite this season is from Kiehls – it’s SPF 50, water-resistant and broad-spectrum. Done and done!

Where are you off to this summer? Maybe I can live vicariously…

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styled alternatives: velvet’s marisha dress

Good morning, friends – I missed you last week! Though I tell you, it was a vacation sorely needed. But I’m back now, refreshed, and ready to get back to business. By which I mean copious amounts of online shopping, naturally.

I didn’t get a chance to tell you about my latest find before I checked out, but I’ve been wearing it nonstop, so it’s high time. Let me introduce you to Velvet by Graham & Spencer’s Marisha dress.

I am beyond picky about summer dresses. I adore them, but never ever find one that will suit my many requirements. I should have known to start with Velvet by Graham & Spencer…they just always seem to get it right, don’t you think?

Besides being head over heels for that Aztec-inspired print and the cheery coral hue, this beauty nails each and every summer rule of mine. Plus, I cannot tell you how many compliments I get when I wear it. It isn’t too short (miracle of miracles), and that fitted bodice/relaxed skirt combo is hands-down the most flattering style ever. Oh! And. It has wide straps and a lined skirt. For once, bra straps and VPL aren’t an issue.

I tell you, this dress is magic. Even the hubs has commented on it several times. (At one point, he actually said “You should get more dresses from that company.” Way ahead of you, buddy.)

Styling this baby is easy as pie. It also happens to be one of those rare summer dresses that you can actually wear to the office (you know, unless you’re trading stocks or trying cases). So, I’ve come up with a couple of my favorite ways to wear the Marisha at work and at play.

Work: Linen blazer, Olivia Moon, $88 / Raffia woven tote, Marni, $828 / Rope belt, the i heart boutique, $22 / Anja wedge, Loeffler Randall, $262 / Mix bead necklace, A Merry Mishap, $31

Weekend: Denim jacket, KUT, $69 / Oversized popcorn raffia clutch, Bop Basics, $78 / Leaf filigree cuff, Prismera Designs, $240 / Super Skinny green belt, ASOS, $10 / Andromeda flat, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $225

And I’m just getting started! Coral is such a versatile shade, you could swap the blue blazer for navy, or even a bright yellow if you have dark skin. On the weekend, ditch the denim jacket in favor of a military style, a short-sleeved cardi or go bare. Change out the dainty belt for a chunkier style (I happen to love my Wood & Faulk version), switch up the jewelry ad infinitum (just steer clear of long necklaces…I don’t love the look when mixed with a belt). Be bold, and this dress will deliver all season.

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sunshine on my soles: the best spring sandals so far

I’m jumping the gun, I know, but the sun is finally out today in Portland! Who can say how long it’ll last, but for today, I’m dreaming of a closet filled with pretty new spring sandals. Since I am generally loathe to spend big bucks on summer shoes, you’ll find some pretty fantastic cheap thrills mixed in here (along with one splurge so lovely, it’s the exception that proves the rule).

1. ASOS Field Trip, $29 / 2. Topshop Hunt, $50 / 3. Zara strappy sandal, $50 /
4. ASOS Fearne, $36 / 5. Loeffler Randall Fawn, $295

I think I’ve let all this sunshine go to my head…would you look at all that color?! Truly, though, if you’re going to go bold with color, footwear (and, for that matter, toe polish) is the perfect place to start.

On a related note, an open letter to Zara and ASOS: start offering your pretty, pretty shoes in size 11. Please. You’re killing me!

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trend to try: the head scarf

{Editor’s Note: A big welcome back to our intrepid Trends Columnist, Ms. Kimberly Brandt! I have always wanted to be that girl that could effortlessly wear a head scarf, but have known in my heart it just wasn’t my look. Kim, as usual, is making me rethink that. Perhaps I’ll dust off one of my vintage silk scarves this weekend…}

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Head scarves are all over the place right now.  There are about a million different ways to rock them, and I’m telling you, just about anyone can pull one off.  Seriously.  It’s really the perfect accessory to throw on while on vacation or after a yoga class.  They are fun, and a tiny bit flirty, but hide messy hair.  What more could a girl ask for?  Keep in mind this trend has been around off and on since the 30’s, so you’re not reinventing the wheel…just upping your style ante a bit.

Personally, my favorite way to wear a head scarf is like a super-wide headband with an off center bow or knot.  The trick to pulling this look off is to have a lot of hair.  Seriously.  The bigger and messier, the better.  I like to leave mine tousled and wavy (sometimes I don’t even brush it!), or piled on top of my head in a messy bun.  No fear if you don’t have a lot of hair!!  We have options for you too!

{Image credits: Valentine / Keiko / ban.do / molto}

If you’re more daring, the classic turban is a perfect way to hide away all of your hair.  This is a great option for those of you with a short ‘do.  Since I have just the opposite issue (too much hair!) I like to twist in the turban and then braid my hair loosely and pull it to the side.  100 Layer Cake and Framboise Fashion both have great tutorials on how to tie up one of these on your own!

{Image credits: Urban Outfitters / Hanneli / /Karla’s Closet / Karen Walker}

Or maybe, if you’re like me, and a bit clumsy with all the twisting and knotting it takes to create a turban, you can cheat a little, and opt for one of these easy knitted pieces.

Free People/Late Afternoon/ASOS

A few final tips to get you on the road to this trend:

  • Keep the hair messy.  Pretty, but messy – looking too “done” kills the spontaneity of this style.
  • Keep the outfit easy and breezy.  Lots of attention is going straight to your head (err, literally) so keep everything else simple.
  • If you have bangs or shorter hair, pull a few pieces in front of the scarf.  If not, pull the scarf down low, so it hits just a bit above the brow line.
  • And above all, don’t overthink it!  A little imperfection never hurt anyone, and a too-perfect scarf just doesn’t work.

Happy scarf-tying!!  ~ Kim B.

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