Tag Archives: cole haan

friday finds

Happy Friday, friends! I’m feeling kind of thoughtfully, intentionally slow this spring morning, so I hope you’ll forgive a little brain wandering in today’s FF.

First things first: let’s talk deals. I happen to know that Kate SpadeVince and Cole Haan are all having their Friends & Family promos this weekend, and they’re doozies. I have all the details up on my Facebook and Twitter feeds…so much easier to keep you updated on all the best steals in real time. Read on

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all in the details: modern multi-strand pearls

Kate M.W. ~ As a persistent fan of the statement necklace, but also as one who may often find it hard to stray from traditional favourites, I’m always on the lookout for options that balance the two. This multi-strand pewter pearl necklace from Hazel & Marie is an excellent way to capitalize on the classic chicness of pearls, and yet truly embrace the ever-so-popular statement necklace. One part unique with the colour of the pearls (something to play well with fall and winter tones), one part classic (as pearls always are), and of course one part bold.

Signature Twist Pearls in Pewter, Hazel & Marie, $175

A default combination for this necklace would be skinny black pants, an oversized white button-down with a great skinny belt, and your hair thrown up in a nonchalant bun. That being said, the twist on a classic tone of the necklace has inspired something a little different. Though the necklace could be quite dressy, I’m inclined to go with trendy metallic thread jeans (copper and pewter are always an intriguing mix), and a casual grey borderline slouchy sweater with a wider neckline. The idea is to balance bold trendy bottoms with a laid-back top that juxtaposes the necklace.

Grey Dolman Cashmere Sweater, Only Mine, $128 / “The Skinny” in Liquid Metallic Copper, 7 for All Mankind

With two relatively bold pieces already in the styling, it wouldn’t be asking too much to make sure that the rest of the details essentially sign up for a non-compete clause. Conclusion? Serious basics. My daytime staples would be a functional full-sized black tote, easy black ballet flats, and my favourite neutral sunglasses. Feel free to swap in basic black heels and a simple clutch for the evening. Either way I’d keep jewelry category streamlined to a cocktail ring and an oversized chronometer, and perhaps adding pewter pearl or subtle copper studs. Polished fall waves work around the clock, and coppery “greige” eyeshadows really set the outfits colour palette.

Metal Trio Earring Set, Kenneth Jay Lane, $95 / Greige Palette, Dior, $59 / Chelsea Pump, Cole Haan, $298 / Foldover Clutch, Mango, $100 / Tricolor Chronograph, Michael Kors, $250 / Francisca Sunglasses Oliver Peoples, $325 / Legacy Tanner Tote, Coach, $498 / Black Patent Pirouette, London Sole, $165

When working with bold statement pieces and yet still holding tight to your favourite staples, treading the line between comfortable and polished is easy if you keep your style all in the details.

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all in the details: brahmin bryn clutch

{Editor’s Note: Sometimes Brahmin can be a little too much for me, but Kate’s found the exception to the rule. The clean lines and the fresh navy keep this from going too “mature”, as some of their styles do, and I love the size (and the crossbody/clutch versatility). Mostly though, I love the shirtdress she found (esp. the price!), and I’m pretty sure it’s headed for my closet. Enjoy!}

Kate ~ There are few things more versatile than a mid-sized handbag; however, there are often times few things more boring than a mid-sized handbag. This is why I’m always on the lookout for options to keep what I cart around in check but still maintain some visual interest. With a crocodile print and a navy blue colour, this bag from Brahmin is reminiscent of the shape of others that I swoon over (a little Celine or Hermes per chance?), and a great size for day, but is a much more reasonable purchase that builds on that “transition” mindset that we’re all still thinking of.

Bryn Clutch, Brahmin, $225

Shirtdresses always find their way into regular rotation come this time of year, and when presented in a pattern they can be an outfit all on their own. The navy tone of the bag inspired the base colour of the pattern, while light blue, yellow, and taupe keep the dress from appearing too heavy at this point in the year. Whether to make the dress work for work, or just to combat autumn’s cool evenings, I’ll always be a fan of a good navy blazer. Considering polka dots are all the rage, the lining of this one (…always thinking details!) makes it a great find.

Blouson Shirtdress, Vince Camuto, $128 / Lambswool Blazer, Brooks Brothers, $348

The advantage of a classic bag and printed dress is that you have an endless supply of options to bring the rest of the outfit together. Navy and taupe make a great early autumn combination, and benefit from mixed metal accents. Add gold bent feather hoops, a delicate necklace, and a stack of thin gold and silver rings. A cozy neutral scarf is also such a wardrobe staple that I nearly should have listed it with the foundations! But where this outfit also shines is the shoes. Nude embossed smoking slippers with a metal toe-cap are phenomenally on trend, helping to ground a fairly flirty dress and echoing the embossed leather of the bag. Or, if you’re already in the mood for boots, these tonal colour-blocked boots with zipper detailing from Cole Haan are positively stunning but not too heavy for the look – a small dash of edge for a feminine bag and dress.

Hollis Boot, Cole Haan, $398 / London Two Charm Necklace, Gorjana, $97 / Stackable Band Rings, Stella & Dot, $39 / Aster Flats, Sam Edelman, $150 / Bent Feather Hoops, Erica Weiner, $50 / Monogram Plush Wrap, Banana Republic, $90

The mantra for this week: classic in shape but interesting in detail. As always, from the embossed bag to the polka dot lining of the blazer, it’s all in the details.

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all in the details: geometric statements!

{Editor’s Note: Oh, summer…the only time of the year I’d even consider trying to pull off this stunning statement-maker. Thanks for making me dream big, Kate!}

Bold necklaces are one of the easiest ways to transform an outfit, and a great way to add saturated pops of colour.  If you can find a reasonably priced trendy necklace, it makes appearing pulled together and completely contemporary an absolute breeze.  Geometry, a touch of tribal, and concentrated pastels all come together in this particular necklace from Zara.

Necklace with Coloured Geometric Panels, Zara, $20

It’s easy to overdo the feminine vibe in summer, so the slight touch of edginess in this necklace is a great counterpoint, and the fresh seasonal colours keep it current. It’s an excellent “no-thought” piece. You could even accessorize with just this, and let earrings, bracelets, and the rest of the works be completely optional (…not that I’d ever be caught advocating for that…). Given the colours, length of the necklace, and size of the piece, though bold, it’s not going to look the same on everyone. There are a phenomenal number of ways to style this that move from day to night, and casual to corporate.

Black Blazer, Zara, $80 / Molly Mid-Rise Jeans, Mavi, $55 / Denim Shirt, Lands’ End, $40

Since white jeans are such a summer staple (the finer points of which were discussed by our dear editor not long ago), this week’s foundation uses those as a base. What works about using this as a foundation to your outfit is that they balance out the necklace as opposed to either one taking centre stage. Paired either with a black blazer (this particular one from Zara has a little stretch and is great for summer) and white tee for a more polished look, or a classic denim shirt, the jeans can really take on your own personal style. Either option gives off that cool and confident vibe, letting the necklace speak volumes without competing with the other components of your outfit.

Ball Studs, Ralph Lauren, $24 / Ball & Chain Bracelet, Carol Marie, $58 / Woven Hobo, Sondra Roberts, $268 / Kimry Wedge, Cole Haan, $198 / Achilees, Steve Madden, $60

I know I said you could get away with absolutely no other accessories, but I wouldn’t be living up to my job as a details junkie if I didn’t include at least a few picks.  Add oversized silver bead studs, a coral lip, and a bold but refined brushed silver bracelet that echoes the chain and bead detail of the necklace. Shoes should be of the black, strappy, and full of attitude variety, whether you go with a flat gladiator or something with a bit of a heel. Add a casual black hobo bag, and easy summer waves in your hair, and nonchalance might just become your middle name.

This week is about balance, about adding striking details to classic pieces. As always, it’s all in the details.  ~Kate

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all in the details: perfect summer tote

{Editor’s Note: A big welcome back to our accessories columnist extraordinaire, Ms. Kate of Anonymous Chic!}

It seems as though every summer I end up on a hunt for the perfect weekend tote. You know, that bright catch-all that seamlessly transitions between being a great bag to drag heels back and forth to work in, but that feels equally at home when browsing through farmers’ markets on the weekend.

Canvas, nylon, or even burlap versions are completely acceptable – but this year I’m leaning more toward something in the light to mid-weight leather category. One of my go-to’s when I’m in the market for reasonably priced and perpetually sturdy leather is always Roots, a Canadian brand that’s recently gone international. The particular tote that I’m more than a little partial to is the French Tote in Prince leather with the lovely combination of a great saddle brown and a bright sunshine yellow.

French Tote in Prince/Norwegian Leather, Roots, $150

Roots’ leather goods are essentially indestructible, and this bag should be no exception. The bag is also surprisingly lightweight, a reasonable size to make it functional without being overwhelming, and has a soft but ever-so-slightly structured shape. Plus, there’s that saturated, smile-inducing yellow to consider. Paired with the neutral upper, it’s the perfect way to try colour-blocking with confidence. Leather totes can often come in very unremarkable colours, so this primary yellow is a find…and a surprisingly easy colour to work with.

While the style is polished enough for work, I’ve got visions of it weaselling its way into my weekend wardrobe. Spring and summer foundations in my world, and with this bag, would include lightweight white button downs (with a preference for mandarin collar tunic-styles), and great dark denim shorts (rolled-cuffs completely optional and style-dependent).

White End-on-End Tunic, J.Crew, $60 / Rolled Denim Short, Banana Republic, $70

Keeping with a simple and fuss-free aesthetic, I’d add casual fabric bracelets, great sunglasses, and a punchy nail polish. For a funky statement necklace with a soul and a story, I’d add the original Falling Whistle. Shoes for this outfit are whatever screams summer to you, and works for your chosen activity: sandals, sneakers, or flats that echo that saddle brown colour in the tote are all viable options, though my inner preppy still advocates for a great boat shoe.

Lights, Essie, $8 / Falling Whistle, $34 / Indego Africa, J.Crew, $23 / Belle Sunglasses, Selima Sun for J.Crew, $118 / Kimry Sandal, Cole Haan, $158 / Regina Ballet, Frye, $128 / Woven Original Boat Shoe, Sperry, $125

Whatever you choose to pair with this summery tote, be sure it reflects your personal style – granted this bag really does give you license to be bright and playful. Just keep in mind…it’s all in the details! ~Kate

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falling for…loafers

Today’s guest post comes from a favorite blogger of mine, Kate of Anonymous Chic. She’s a first-class writer with serious style, and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. Oh, and she’s Canadian to boot (which means, among other things, that she gets to spell “colour” with a “U” – jealous!). With all that going for her, I knew she’d fit right in. So, I was thrilled she agreed to school us on a topic near and dear to my heart this time of year: fall footwear.

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Fall and winter are a time for indulgence in fabulous boots, but I refuse to lock myself into one footwear genre for two entire seasons…and I’m sure I’m not alone in that opinion. My go-to solution once the colder months roll around is a great pair of loafers. They are absolutely appropriate either barefoot or paired with socks (my inner preppy craves subtly coloured argyle or bold stripes). The great thing about loafers is the degree of creativity that they allow. No matter your taste, there’s a pair for everyone.

A key when considering them for colder months is their level of “weather appropriateness”. I live in that snowy place north of the 49th parallel (…that’s Canada, for those of you who are geographically challenged), so I’ll always opt for something with a good structured sole and patent leather. The only time I break that rule is when I’m looking for a good excuse to change out of horridly practical winter boots, but into something that still accommodates comfort and warmth. Considering there’s a serious collegiate kick in a lot of Fall/Winter styles this year, loafers are the kind of nostalgic nod that could be a practical and fashionable addition to your footwear wardrobe.

At one end of the spectrum lies your “fits like a glove” driving loafers. These are the pairs I’d recommend if you’re looking for something stylish for a commute that isn’t slippery, or as something comfy to change into at the office. The defining pair from this category is clearly Tod’s, definitely an investment piece in any wardrobe, but I will testify, they are well worth saving up finding your favourite.

Tod’s Heaven Laccetto Driving Moc, $445

Tory Burch has recently done a couple of great metallic versions that definitely add a little subtle sparkle to the mix if you’re look for a petite bit of pizzazz for these bleak months.

Tory Burch Kendrick driver, $275

If you’re in the mood for something more weather-friendly or structured, head to the classic penny loafer. Bass or Sebago are classic preppy staples (the addition of a shiny new penny is absolutely optional). I’m thinking that this version in navy might be the next addition to my collection.

Bass Vanessa loafer in navy, $149

Another great option comes courtesy of Cole Haan. Great colours and contrast stitching, coupled with patent leather, equates to positively weather-friendly options. Two-tone options are also available if you’re up for being a touch more daring.

Cole Haan Air Sloane moc, $168

Need an in-between option? This patent leather version from Jeffrey Campbell will work for wet weather, and the driving loafer style means that you’ll feel as though you’re taking your daily stroll in custom-fit slippers all day.

Jeffrey Campbell Mocky Penny driving loafer, $83

Whatever you choose, here’s hoping that a great pair of loafers can be added to your fall and winter footwear fashions.

I’d also like to take an opportunity to thank Becki for two things: first for having an excellent blog, and second for having me on here. It’s always a treat to not only be reading one of your favourite blogs, but also to be contributing to its greatness makes it extra-special. Anonymous Chic

**The love is mutual, Miss Kate! xox, Becki**

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friday finds: the loooong version

Happy Friday, friends!  This list is quickly becoming more of a way for me to close the browser windows I keep open all week so that I don’t forget things to show you.  By the time we’re done here, my desktop is going to be squeaky clean…and I love it!

First things first, friends:  won’t you please come over and “like” my new ShoppingsMyCardio Facebook page?  It will just take a second, and will make me oh so happy.  I promise not to have one of those annoying pages that posts 10 times a day and takes up your whole feed…I hate that.

So, I haven’t been being all that good about letting you know where else I’ve been writing lately, and we should remedy that.  Mostly because I’m quite proud of an interview I recently did with Rachel Gorenstein, a woman who’s both the creative director & buyer for one of my favorite shops in Portland and the designer behind one of my favorite boutique labels, Rachel Mara.  Total dream job!  The feature was for a new print magazine (remember those?) called About Face, but you can also check it out here.  Also, this dress, which we featured in the piece, is my latest stalker-grade obsession.  Must. Have. It.

Also, I did a fun little feature for a local site called Neighborhood Notes, all about locally-made perfumes.  And I’ll tell you guys the joke I begrudgingly left out of the feature…the one about how when they asked me to write about Portland perfumes, I was instantly snickering to myself, thinking that a “Portland perfume” would have to be some sort of body odor/bong water concoction.  The locals would burn me alive…but I knew you’d think it was hysterical (because it’s true).

Anyway…on to our finds!

This week was “Preview Week” in NYC.  For those of you who don’t obsess over these things like I do, this is the week that virtually every brand that doesn’t show at Fashion Week was showcasing their new collections for Fall.  I’ll have more to show you next week, but for now, a little eye candy from the J.Crew preview.  For the full collection, check out the coverage from Racked and The Cut…but these are a few of my favorites:

Good bags, in particular, don’t you agree? And those plum wide-legged pants are mine, people.  If you’re now in a J.Crew mood (sorry about that), the good news is that they’re offering 20% off $150+ purchases this weekend.  The code is SUNNY…hey, here’s hoping.

I’m perpetually in an art-buying phase…right now, I’m getting ready to print some of my talented husband’s photography for our walls.  But I came across artist John Murphy’s collages for the second time recently, and fell in love with them all over again.  I’ve always wanted a diptych of these two, but how could I possibly be expected to resist that elephant, with the little flower poos?  (I can’t believe I just said “poo” on the blog.  Twice.)

Thoroughly awesome.

In the “cheap thrills” department, Lands’ End Canvas is having a ginormous clearance sale right now.  While I didn’t have much luck with their denim when I tried the brand a while back, I am sort of feeling I could use a back-up pair of skinny jeans for spring, and these Super Slim Jeans are $29, which is highly tempting.  This cut has almost 50% spandex, so really, how badly could they possibly fit?  I will warn that, in my experience, their denim runs s-m-a-l-l…so, size accordingly.

Oh!  Remember that pretty green Cole Haan bag I snagged earlier this month?  Well, nab 25% off the entire (full-price) Cole Haan handbag line today only with code…wait, wait, wait. You have to go to my Facebook or Twitter page to get the code.  Mean?  Extortion?  Nawwww…this is creative marketing, people!  Indulge me, won’t you?

And have a great weekend, friends!

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