quirky

Nude

2009-02-11T22:23:00.005-06:00

1. Giambattista Valli
2. Proenza Schouler
3. Balenciaga
4. Lanvin

I am really digging the neutral tones for spring. Head-to-toe nude will probably either make me look washed out or oddly complexioned but there's always nude make up and accessories...

Style.com for more fashion show pics.

Spring Preview...

2009-02-10T23:25:00.004-06:00

Darn teasing Chicago weather... This one warm 60 degree day has me looking forward to spring and it is oh so far away...

Trends I am looking forward to buying (or just lusting after...)
1. padded shoulders
2. super high man eating heels
3. citron... my favorite color is everywhere!!

Snow, snow go away... come again another day...

2009-01-11T15:50:00.002-06:00

I've been knitting up a storm...

Biker Babe

2008-10-19T22:46:00.003-05:00

I'm really into the concept of the whole biker look. The leather jackets, the skintight pants, the kickass shoes. Executing it for everyday wear on the other hand... not so much.

I bought this really nice black and white wool fabric that I want to line with a chartreuse lining for a biker-esque jacket. I have enough pea coats to last me a life time.

Shoes.......

2008-09-07T23:22:00.002-05:00

I have been obsessing over these peep toe booties from Nine West. They finally came to the store by my work. They are very Chloe-esque and wonderful. Sorry for the super blurry picture, the settings on my camera are all screwed up...

Shirt+Skirt Combo

2008-08-05T23:44:00.004-05:00

I'm not entirely sold on the concept of the shirt+skirt sewn into a dress combo, but this BCBG Max Azria dress is beautiful. I think most shirt+skirt dresses tend to look like a two tone dress, but the paper bag waist line of the skirt portion makes the top portion looked tucked in versus sewn together.

The biggest advantage to this style? No re-tucking.

Image: Nordstrom

Hot Off the Presses...

2008-07-19T22:41:00.002-05:00

Coming soon to our eBay store...
Shrunken Red Blazer, Black Leather Skirt

I have been away from blogging, working my butt off...

Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-11T23:42:00.003-05:00

1. Gaultier
2. Lacroix
3. Dior
Thanks to style.com for the great pictures!

The Fall 2008 Couture shows make me really excited for next season! I don't strut around in couture, but I'm excited for the couture details for RTW 08. I'm really looking forward to the sculptural outwear, the ultra-femininity (voluminous hips, sheer tops, floaty skirts), and the footwear of course!! I already made my first pre-fall purchase of a pair of cut out, peeptoe booties from Nine West.

Makeup and Bicycles

2008-07-05T09:49:00.003-05:00

I can be... sometimes... not always... kind of... an impractical person. I ride my bike to work. In a dress/skirt. With a full face of makeup. (No high heels, I'm impractical not suicidal.)

The weather has been unseasonably cool for most of this summer. So I have avoided full makeup meltdown. On any given day, I put on anti-wrinkle moisturizer (you can never start too young!), concealer, tinted moisturizer, blush, eyeliner, at least 3 eyeshadows (blend baby blend), mascara, brow gel, powder, and some lip balm.

My enemy is sweat. So here's what I've done to not look crazy when I reach my destination:

I've swapped out my regular mascara with a waterproof one. My regular powder blush in favor of a cream blush I can swipe on once I get to work (don't want streaky looking blush). To keep my eyeshadow from creasing, I put a little powder on my eyelids to soak up excess oils. I also never wear regular foundation only tinted moisturizer cause then your makeup will really melt.

Shoe Nirvana...

2008-07-03T09:26:00.004-05:00

This usually, rarely, hardly ever happens to me. Yesterday, I added two pairs of shoes to my collection.

I mean, I usually find lots of shoes I like and want to try on. But many factors hinder them from being a part of my collection: 1. they don't have my size 2. they're out of my price range. OK...maybe not that many. Next...

Fun with Highlighter

2008-06-29T21:52:00.004-05:00

OK. I concede. There are only so many ways you can do yellow. I usually do that really warm, sunshine yellow. Then I saw this dress--highlighter, super neon yellow!!! I wanted to take the picture in front of my yellow wall but I didn't want to be responsible for ruining your eyesight... It's also got this great ruffled hem which is one trend I've wanted this season.

PS... Can you tell I'm totally addicted to these shoes??? I have the weird tan lines to prove it!

Miami Vice

2008-06-26T21:47:00.004-05:00

During the summer, I am a big ole color splash. I still layer because a) Chicago weather is unpredictable 2) it gets chilly at night 3) indoors are always over air conditioned. That is why I am loving this white BCBG Max Azria blazer. The slight boxiness of the shoulders, the nipped in waist, and double pocket flaps!! They are the perfect layering piece... Check out this blazer and my other new auctions!!

Le Pouf

2008-06-22T21:22:00.002-05:00

This is my interpretation of that Miu Miu skirt. I am not really a poufy or mini skirt person as they tend to make me look even poufier and minier than I already am... But THAT skirt. How could I resist le pouf?? So I had to make one of my own. It took me about an hour and a half to press and sew everything. The one improvement I am making for my next one: pockets. Pockets just make everything better...

I just ordered a huge 1000' roll of paper that is 36" wide so that I can start drafting patterns again. Since The Move, this is the only thing I have made. My dressform sits naked and stares mockingly at me from the corner... I am horrible at finishing projects (something my sister and the bf will tell you).

Please do not get drool on my floor...

2008-06-22T16:59:00.004-05:00

must... buy... shoes...

It's like a frigging stake through my heart. Patent? Check. Zipper? Check. Frigging most awesome color combination ever? Check, Check, and Check!

$200 pricetag? Check. *Dies*

Pour La Victoire "Babette"

Mix and Match

2008-06-21T22:36:00.005-05:00

I absolutely love love love my new camera. The bf did a great job picking it out. The pictures are so much better. New camera calls for a Saturday full of camwhoring!

I read lots of fashion mags on top of my laundry list of fashion blogs/websites that I visit. My favorite spreads aren't Vogue editorals, instead I love the section in Lucky where they pick x number of garments and style them a million different ways.

Nancy agreed (okay...was forced to in exchange for food and American Apparel tees) to model for my little ode to Lucky spread.

I picked out ten items:
purple chiffon bow blouse: H&M
dark denim pencil skirt: H&M
triple buckle gray belt: H&M
gray tri-blend deep v t-shirt: American Apparel
raspberry jersey dress: American Apparel
black tuxedo blazer: vintage
black tights: ??
dark gray skinny jeans: Express
gray patent t-straps: Payless
black gladiator wedges: Nine West

Everything was mine except the jeans. I don't like jeans. Or pants. But I kinda dig that haphazard rolling up of cuffs to expose cute shoes.

We actually styled them more than 9 ways: but these were my favorites...

P.S. Like my yellow wall? Muhahaha! It's my yellow conspiracy...

The Return of the Black Shoe for Fall 2008

2008-06-21T00:37:00.004-05:00

I know *technically* today is the first day of summer. But all the mags and stores are in full pre-fall mode!! I can't help but lust for the newest, not-even-out-yet merchandise. Fall brings heels to even higher and narrower heights. My drool worthy mentions are YSL and Lanvin heels. They kill it in the accessory department every season. I also included these killer Stella McCartney wedges. Normally, I am not a wedge girl, but Stella's wedges are special and sculptural.

Pictures courtesy of Style.com

Raspberry

2008-06-19T20:49:00.004-05:00

I bought this new raspberry colored dress from AA. I had gone with Nancy to try on those latex leggings. The latex leggings weren't for me, but I love the color of this dress. It's so comfy. Also notice the new Nine West buckled/cutout shoes... The leather is so incredibly soft on these (and they were on sale!!)... Unfortunately, I had to return the studded ones... they were just way too uncomfortable even for me.

I have a thing for dominatrix-y shoes. So I guess latex leggings+dominatrix-y shoes=too over the top.

P.S. I hate this camera and my new one is on the way.

Color Story: Emerald Green

2008-06-16T23:54:00.006-05:00

I recently bought this Twelve by Twelve emerald green dress with an oversized leaf pattern on it when I went shopping with my sister. I really love the puff sleeves, tucked bodice, and the delicate row of buttons and pleat on the back. With green, I tend to go toward the lime green/chartreuse variety but the burnout fabric of this dress really caught my attention.

Yellow Fever

2008-06-14T23:04:00.002-05:00

I think my sickness has evolved to yellow plague. No matter what I buy, I can't get enough. I own yellow dresses, skirts, sweaters, shirts, shoes, bags... (though I do avoid wearing them all at once). Resort 2009 is chock full of my favorite color. *GULP*

1. Phillip Lim. He designs the prettiest, most wearable little dresses and I wish I had a closet full of them.

2. Tory Burch. I love her classic American design aesthetic... she makes me want to wear white pants. Not many people can make me want to wear white. Or pants.

3. Reyes. This color combination is so striking. Fuschia is possibly my second favorite color ever. I also love the proportion of this outfit.

Photos courtesy of style.com.

Gingham

2008-06-12T20:59:00.004-05:00

Gingham is one of those prints that I never tire of... I got this dress at Target for $20 and have worn it several times. I try to avoid the overly sweet Wizard of Oz look when wearing gingham... I wore it yesterday with my gold studded Jeffrey Campbell gladiator sandals and a black tuxedo jacket. I've also worn it with an extra wide, three strap gray elastic belt and red peep toe maryjane stilletos... I think the gray and white color also really lend itself well to pairing it with pop colors...

The Road to SATC

2008-06-07T09:52:00.003-05:00

My days off are usually jammed pack with a long list of errands. Instead of the usual routine, I spent yesterday with the little sis. We had made the Unbreakable Vow to not watch Sex and the City without each other and yesterday was the earliest we could see it...

A few wrong turns and $5 for parking later... we had arrived.

No spoilers here... but I am totally gonna buy it for the wardrobes alone!!

We also stopped by DSW to look for shoes for her graduation. Of course I was the one who actually walked away with shoes... I am really obsessed with studded shoes/edgier shoes. I have a whole selection of safe shoes and I needed to spruce up my collection with some tough ones...

I also bought some new red and pink nail polish. Nancy was always "borrowing" my bright red and I was forced to paint my toes in dark purple, wine, and yesterday my toes were even black. Can you imagine wearing those shoes with black polish??!? How cliche... But I do have a ton of black nail polishes. Black was really me circa 2004. But so was pink hair and a lip ring.

Crossroads...

2008-06-03T23:04:00.002-05:00

Sorry for being MIA...packing/moving/unpacking/working-- it has been hectic!!

This whole moving into a bigger/nicer apartment has really got me thinking about being at a crossroads. I feel like I am (at least I am supposed to be) transitioning into an adult now. I am 22, graduated from college, working full time... but at the same time I don't feel like an "adult."

I think this feeling (to quote Britney here) of not a girl/not yet a woman has translated into fashion as well. I am sort of obsessed with the JCrew website and have actually contemplated purchasing a suit... My other side wants edgy cutout/peeptoe booties and contemplates the breathability of latex leggings in the summer....

Maybe a compromise? I would be perfectly happy if my 20 something uniform consisted of a nice sunny, well cut JCrew dress worn with latex leggings from American Apparel...

A Broken Record...

2008-05-16T21:53:00.005-05:00

I know everyone is obsessing about the gladiator sandal trend... I already own the Nine West gladiator wedges, but I want a flat version that I can wear for a longer period...

And this Jeffrey Campbell version is...

...black
...patent leather
... studded

I want these so bad!!!

The Jean Issue

2008-05-16T09:42:00.005-05:00

For some reason, this month a number of magazines have featured spreads on finding the perfect denim for your wardrobe. This of course got me scoping out the market. Honestly, I hardly ever wear jeans because I hardly ever wear pants. I really love these high waisted, wide leg JBrand jeans...

It would take a lot of tailoring and a lot of heel to make this look work for my body...

But then I see this picture of petite Rachel Bilson in her high waisted, wide leg jeans... Darn her for looking so cute all the time!

1. JBrand
2. Rachel Bilson from Just Jared

Shoes!

2008-05-12T23:34:00.004-05:00

I don't think there is a more satisfying feeling than buying a new pair of shoes. Especially when they are cheap. I picked up this pair of pointy toed Guess slingback pumps at DSW for $20 after my rewards coupon. I've been lusting over those Sergio Rossi pointy toe pumps that keep popping up everywhere, and I only have one pair of pointy toe pumps (I'm usually a round toe gal).

And I also splurged on the ultimate urban necessity (especially with gas prices SKYROCKETING!):

It's a Trek Soho Single Speed Bike in Black Satin. It is the most expensive bike I have ever purchased, but it rides and looks like a dream. Purrr...

Color Story: Coral

2008-05-10T10:15:00.002-05:00

I am a total color magpie. I saw this sheer, chiffon, pleated dress with ruffles and I knew I HAD to buy it. The color is the brightest, most glaring coral.

Eventful Day...

2008-05-09T23:45:00.003-05:00

My whole week has been the same ole' unemployed blah... working on my sister's prom dress, watching Gossip Girl online, reading magazines, etc. Today was like a week's worth of events jammed into one.

10:30 We go sign the lease...

12:14 I take Rob to his work to pick up some stuff he left

12:53 I get on the expressway to go to the thrift store...
12:54 I get rear ended!!!! Rob and I slammed our poor heads and his fake glasses go flying off his face. We are okay. This, of course, freaks me out because I HATE driving. This is the FOURTH time I have been rear ended. I must have a frigging bullseye painted on that bumper. Anyways... I'm freaking out cause there are all these cars zooming past me and I press the gas to pull off to the side and my car doesn't move!!! She hit it so hard that my car got knocked into Neutral... Pull over and get out to exchange info. Just my luck. The lady is preggo and crying and does not have insurance. The state trooper tells me that I am basically S.O.L. because she doesn't have insurance. I could pay for it with my insurance but I have $1000 deductible and like I said... been rear ended FOUR times. Oh well... I'm not particularly attached to my crapola car... I would rather buy shoes. That is my life.

2:12 Go to the thrift store.

4:30 FINALLY FINALLY get my call back!! YAY!! The shoes did it! I got the job.

6:45 Take pictures of Nancy and Rob before going to dinner...

1. Natural Posing
2. "Look like the world is against you... No. Sadder."
Very eventful day... glad to be getting into bed and watching movies with the bf.

Domesticated...

2008-05-09T01:04:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I feel really domesticated. I like to sew, knit, cook, bake... well everything except cleaning (as the roomies, my sister, and anyone who has ever stepped into our apartment will tell you :P)...

We are signing the lease to our new place tomorrow (YAY!!!! We got our apartment!!!). This will be my first apartment post graduation and it can really feel like home. Our place now started off with just Adam and I so even though its a 2 bedroom, we have LOTS of stuff and lots of doubles. We will be getting rid of lots of our junk and moving into a much bigger place with a space for a sewing lab for me!! Currently, my work area is combined with the living room and everything is just too suffocating. I can't work with people in the room and people can't enjoy the room with me working in there. So I am so happy so excited!!

And since I really want to make this place feel like home, I've been looking up how to re-paint furniture, re-upholster chairs, etc. I also went to the fabric store and picked up this beautiful bright orange fabric with a floral print on it that I made pillows out of. I figured this would be a good color palette for the living room. The roomie has a charcoal futon and an orange coffee table that I think would look nice with it. We will be getting a white chaise lounge from the bf's sister that I made these green pillows with this kinda funky white leaf/flower pattern on them. I blame it on cable. HGTV, DIY Network... GRR!!

Interior decorating gets me so excited!!!!

First Shoe Impressions

2008-05-07T22:11:00.001-05:00

I went on an interview on Monday and my bf said to make sure I pick the right shoes. "If she says she likes your shoes, you got the job."

First thing she says is "love the shoes..."

Let's hope he is right... then I can celebrate with these Nine West beauties:

High Waisted Pleated Pants

2008-05-06T23:14:00.003-05:00

1. phillip lim 2. ysl 3. alexander wang
Source: www.style.com

Though I am a towering 5'2... I am totally obsessed with the high waisted pleated pants this season. I normally veer toward the skirt/dress route because I am anti-pants. I have no booty and have a short inseam (30" only because I wear heels). But I would balance this style with a skinny blazer, slouchy blouse, and a towering pair of heels...

quirkystyle:

In the store now...

2008-05-03T11:20:00.003-05:00

Even though its gloomy and raining in Chicago...

I would still totally wear this dress out. I love how the stripes intersect. I dress inappropriately for weather conditions... My idea of rain shoes is patent leather pumps...

Apartment Hunting...

2008-05-01T10:08:00.002-05:00

We found this apartment that we want, want, WANT. It's hugeeeeeee and full of light. The location is perfect for all of us... Going back today with the apps and such... Wish us luck.

DSW!

2008-04-30T12:06:00.002-05:00

I check my e-mail this morning and... DSW is now online!!! I almost called my sister but she is in class after all... I have newfound DSW love-- I used to profoundly dislike it until a store closer to me opened. Then it became this weekly obsession and I would drag the bf to DSW and Whole Foods... It's that damn rewards system!!! Rewarding you to buy more shoes... ARGhHh...

70 to 30 in 2.3....

2008-04-29T12:07:00.004-05:00

Oh how the weather can turn on you... It was just sunny and 70 last week and last night it was cold, blustery and they were saying it would rain or snow. SNOW!! That's just wrong... Yesterday, I layered up with one of my boyfriend's cardigans and a blazer and I wore my "rain shoes" which are black patent leather heels so my pants don't get wet and my shoes don't get ruined. The roomies and I went to see an apartment yesterday--why is apartment hunting the most depressing thing ever? We're looking at two other places today and hopefully we find something suitably large for all our junk.

Double breasted, shrunken tuxedo blazer. *drool* I wish I could keep ye.

Monograms

2008-04-26T22:45:00.002-05:00

There is something truly splendid about this dress. The material is taffeta-y and the perfect shade of navy. It has these pleats at the waist that make your waist look teeny tiny. It has pockets!!! And a luxe maroon monogram. I would wear this to school (if I wasn't graduating), to work (if I wasn't unemployed), and to play.

Saturday Thrift Store Shopping Uniforms

2008-04-26T22:31:00.003-05:00

White tees. Blazers. Skinny Jeans. Plastic Ray Ban Wayfarer Wannabes.

My little sis, roomie, and I spent the afternoon trying to find this thrift store on the northside. Several drives around the block and curses to the heavens later, we arrived. Not a spectacular selection... After a late afternoon nap, we hit up a southside thriftstore and found these fab sunglasses. Nancy is wearing the black and pink ones and I'm wearing the black and yellow ones.

Shoe Fetish

2008-04-25T15:59:00.004-05:00

I confess. I am a full on shoe-a-holic. After spending all winter cooped up in tights and closed toe shoes, my feet want to be free!! I started my summer shoe buying with the Nine West gladiator wedges which I absolutely love and wear all the time. But my shoe appetite is insatiable!!! This summer, I NEED patent leather sandals.

1. Jeffrey Campbell: I really like statement shoes. I love the dominatrixy sandals this season. These would add a tough rocker chick element to my wardrobe. The crackled affect of the patent leather will also separate it from all the other black patent leather shoes I own.

2. Nine West: Yellow and Gray. Need I say more? This is only the best color combination ever. I do own a pair of yellow/gray/black patent leather heels from Nine West that I wore all winter with black tights or black skinny jeans. This would be my summer version!

3. JCrew: I just read an article about the head designer of JCrew and what she did to change their brand image. I never really liked JCrew before. My roomie is a big JCrew fan so I've re-introduced to it and its awesome! I absolutely love these shocking magenta peep toe maryjanes and they come in this amazing citron yellow color as well.

Lenore

2008-04-23T12:25:00.003-05:00

"Lenore" is part of a collection I designed for petite women. I absolutely love this fabric. Its a silk blend and incredibly soft. The the color is this gorgeous, deep magenta. I would wear this dress all the time. Unfortunately, the dressform I made it on has a 23 inch waist (darn those petites!!) and I would have to remove 3 ribs or go back in time to fit into this.

Recycling

2008-04-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

There is a Marc Jacobs-y feel to this blouse. There were doubters (*cough* Rob, Nancy *cough) about how oversized this was and if I would be able to do anything with it... Here is what it looked like before:

Crunch Time

2008-04-21T10:57:00.000-05:00

My life as a student is coming to crashing, screeching end!!!! I have one week (well FOUR days) of school left before I am completely done with college. I am in complete panic mode. I tend to freak out about my grades and such. Even though I have never failed a class in my life, I am always convinced I will fail and seriously this semester I just might fail... How sad--THIS close to graduating and I flunk out. I have two papers due and my portfolio is due. MY PORTFOLIO. ALL THE WORK I HAVE DONE IN MY COLLEGIATE CAREER CONDENSED INTO ONE TINY BOOK.

And the worst part is... people keep asking me what I want to do with my life now that I'm graduating. I can't even see my life until Thursday...

may flowers

2008-04-19T20:24:00.001-05:00

april showers

2008-04-19T15:28:00.000-05:00

Weather conditions suck. We have traded snow for rain. I rode my bike yesterday and almost got blown away.

Check this dress out on quirkstyle's eBay auctions posted this week!

Shoe Nirvana

2008-03-29T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today my body told me: I have been deprived of shopping for too long!!! So to the mall we go! Oh the mall, always such a harrowing journey. I picked up these gladiator wedges from Nine West that I have been oggling since conception. I did feel a little bad because they are a tad expensive but I already wore them out to dinner. :) I also got this wonderful gray blazer with piping that actually fits me well. I have trouble finding blazers because I have little shoulders. Oh lazy Saturdays spent at the mall... I can't wait to trade you in for shopping in New York.

Project Runway

2008-01-27T20:15:00.000-06:00

So during this week's episode of PR, Gillian started crying about how she kept hurting herself while sewing.... oh the woes of actually having to sew. Right now I am sporting many war wounds (as I usually do). I have cuts on my pointer and thumb (OK I admit... that one was from trying to open a plastic container of banana chips) and a burn on my pinky from escaping steam from an iron.

But basically the point of this post is...

ugh

I don't want to go finish sewing my project.

twas the tuesday before payday...

2008-01-08T15:41:00.000-06:00

so thank god for gift cards. my bf and i went to best buy and picked up some dvds and went to urban outfitters so we could try and spend our xmas gift cards before classes resume... the selection was blah. i did buy this cute boyfriend sweater (like the one pictured but in a solid purple) which is way longer on me than on this model. so i am currently wearing it over a slip dress and some black tights. i'm waiting for my other roomie to get home so i can hit up the atm for my last bit of money before payday and we pay a visit to some neighborhood thrift stores and maybe find something fun i can alter.

i start my last semester of college this thursday and i'm working on my illustrations and stuff for my senior collection... i will post them up by tuesday (they're due monday)... i am excited and worried and therefore sick to my stomach.

p.s. it's still dreary and rainy. yes. rainy NOT snowy. it is unseasonably warm and totally depressing.

another semester...

2007-09-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

Another tradegy. I somehow always manage to make the crappiest schedules for myself. Today I will be here from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. SICK.

cristobal balenciaga

2007-08-10T20:10:00.001-05:00

People ooh and ahh over Balenciaga because of the Le Dix bag. The outrageous, towering shoes. The "price upon request" gold plate, futuristic, robotic leggings.

But the Balenciaga I worship is Cristobal Balenciaga. I won't knock Coco Chanel or Christian Dior or any of the other major fashion greats. But my heart belongs to Mr. Balenciaga. When everyone was doing "New Look" knock-offs. He was doing Balenciaga. He was the genius of geniuses. He cut his own clothes. Today it is a rarity for designers to cut their own clothes--rather it is the job of a patternmaker. He was only 24 when he opened his first couture house. His collections sold out during the war! THE war! His clothes are just devastatingly beautiful.

"A couturier must be an architect for design a sculptor for shape a painter for colour a musician for harmony and a philosopher for temperance."
Cristobal Balenciaga

Credit to http://www.style.com for the beautiful photos.

knit picks

2007-08-10T19:53:00.001-05:00

I knit. I could knit before knitting "came back." This weekend. THE very weekend of my VERY anticipated vacation... is the weekend of the knitting convention in Chicago. I must BEG AND CRY to go before we leave tomorrow. Over the summer, I did this internship where I learned how to operate a knitting machine and now I want one badly. Unfortch for me and you... they don't make the cheaper ones for consumer use any more. So if I want one brand spanking new it'll cost me at least a couple hundred dollars to a thousand dollars. *SOBS* I don't need or want anything that fancy. I know eBay is another alternative-- but I want to be like those people and discover one at an estate sale for like $50... maybe I could find a nice one there for like $50. Anyway if you are in the Chicagoland area this weekend... The Knit Picks knitting convention is being held at the Donald E Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont. It started today (but I had to work).

sweater weather

2007-07-15T20:14:00.001-05:00

I know. It's July. Not exactly sweater weather. But mid-season, I can't help but start thinking about the upcoming season. Between "end of season" sales and previews of next season's lines in all the fashion magazines how can you not? I am currently obsessing over all the fabulous fall footwear. The patent trend is still going strong for fall which is great for me since I have no fewer than 2.5 million pairs of patent shoes (only a slight exaggeration).

miu miu

Aren't these spectator pumps not the most fabulous fall shoes ever? When I first saw these, I imagined pairing it with high waisted, wide leg tweed pants ala Katherine Hepburn. But then they would only peep out at the hem and these shoes demand to be on display.

Instead, I would pair it with a neutral colored, simple cut dress like this cream one from Diane von Furstenberg. The texture of the fabric keeps this dress interesting, but allows for the shoes to take center stage. Throw on a low cut sweater to keep warm like this one from Theory. I like the subtle volume in the sleeves and it's not like the LANTERN sleeves shown everywhere for this fall. I would top it off ala Miu Miu with a pair of slouchy taupe knee socks.

lanvin

This is the kind of shoe that brings a tear to my eye. As much as I love the art that is a beautiful dress. But there is nothing like the art that is a beautiful shoe. These Lanvin beauties are hypnotic. I asked my boyfriend for a pair. Sadly he said no after I told him they were $1,005 (because after shelling out a grand for a pair of shoes they couldn't spare you the five bucks...). Since this is one seriously sexy shoe, I wouldn't go for anything tight, short, or low cut.

I love this Milly Rose dress because it has the most beautiful twist top bodice. A slightly swingy sweater gives sweetness to the outfit which balances the sexiness of the shoe. A bold cuff and opaque black tights complete this outfit.

Volume Control

2007-07-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

Burberry Fall 2007

Volume is back. But this fall it is more than just volume, control is back. Gone are the loose fitting tent dresses and shapeless babydolls on spring and summer. This season's volume demands balance. A tightly cinched or defined waist is a must. This season's loose fitting top like this one from Banana Republic can easily transition to fall by tucking it into a full skirt like the silver one from Asos.com. Add black tights with black shoes to make legs look miles long.

tights: Frenchi, shoes: Dolce Vita

Lady in Red

2007-07-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

It is a thin line between classy and trashy when it comes to red patent leather heels. So instead of typical fire engine red, why not try something more subtle? Patent wine colored sandals are equally sexy and are perfect transitional pieces from summer to fall. Just add opaque black tights.

like fine wine...

1 michael kors
2 michael kors
3 zigi
4 bcbgirls

how to wear it

Instead of the typical all black outfit with red shoes, pair these high heeled sandals with dark colored skinny pants like this pair from American Apparel. To balance out the tightness of the pants and height of the heel, I always go with something with a little more volume on top. This flutter sleeve, tie neck top from Kimchi & Blue is soft and provides contrast to the kitsch heels and tight pants.

neutral zone

2007-07-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

My year round color staple is black. It's chic, slimming and makes every outfit look easy. But as temperatures soar well into the 90s, black is not the most practical color.

So my solution? The equally simple and chic grey.

runway style
Designers are mad about gray. It's much less stuffy than all on white.

1 luella
2 costume national
3 bill blass

real way style
For summer time, nothing beats the simplicity of a dress that you can just throw on. Add a contrasting lightweight sweater for air conditioned indoors. Finish it off with bold yellow shoes that add a bright sunny shot of summer into this easy outfit.

1 velvet torch flutter sleeve dress
2 lux lightweight cardigan
3 michael kors patent leather bag
4 seychelles basketweave wedge