Monday, January 31, 2011

Graphically Yours...

While minimalism and utilitarian trends are still wildly popular this season, on the opposite end of the spectrum we have ultra-graphic, geometric bold prints in saturated colors.  Designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Milly have added blocks of color in a very calculated way.
Zig-zags, stripes, circles, and triangles add quirkiness and playfulness to designs that are ultra modern and minimal in their own right.  You will want to school yourself in this trend, the combination of shapes and colors is anything but elementary this season.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Shopping Event

We have extended our SALE! Stop by both locations and save an EXTRA 10% on EVERYTHING! This includes already reduced styles, new spring styles, and accessories. SATURDAY: Join us in Annapolis for bubbly and treats!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Temperatures are playing games with our hearts. We know that the closer we get to those beautiful spring months of April and May that temps should slowly but surely be increasing, alas the constant seesaw of up and down is putting a downer on embracing new spring trends. What is a sure fire way to start to add spring to your wardrobe despite the temper tantrum the weather is having?

The Cure: Terrific Trenches!
This femme trench jacket from Antrhopologie is a perfect transition piece for spring. Wear it over an urbane shift with tights and add a contrasting statement necklace for an extra element of spring.  Ankle booties, like these from Colclico are the cream of the crop when it comes to a chic, modern look.

Side Effects: Totally ok to get stuck in the rain, hopefully Mother Nature won't stick you in the snow.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

With YSL on the forefront of spring fashion, I feel that it is appropriate to work YSL platform clogs into my wardrobe equation.
"Tasteful and luxurious, yet still keeping in mind contemporary lines and cutting-edge concepts, Yves Saint Laurent namesake sits prestigiously at the top of the fashion pyramid. " --Barneys
Tasteful + luxurious + contemporary lines + cutting-edge concepts, sounds like a formula for a fabulous pair of shoes, but YSL clogs + $490 price tag =  an empty wallet.  This is not a desirable result when I'm only starting to build my spring wardrobe.
Yves Saint Laurent, $490


A different formula that catches my eye, independant edge + bold + glamour = Seychelles clogs.  Seychelles mission statement, "To personify the Independent Edge while fulfilling your desires beyond what you dream and expect" exemplifies some of the same qualities YSL embraces in their designs. Seychelles clogs + $106 price tag = a happy girl with a new pair of shoes.
Seychelles, $106

Monday, January 24, 2011

Safari Style

For a more suggestive statement on the animal print trend consider a subtler walk on the wild side with safari inspired fashion.  With a muted color palette in warm tones, pieces feel light, fresh, simple, and stately.
Neutrals and rosy hues complement skin tones and adding a pop of color makes it modern.  Natural materials like bamboo bangles, straw hats and canvas cutouts keep you cool, pair with golds and bronzes to layer on luxe.  You'll be perfectly poised for the urban jungle.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

As new things are starting to make their appearances in stores you are feeling a bit excited. You want to take one of spring's trends out for a spin but are apprehensive about going taking the corner at too fast a pace.  Patterns are becoming bolder, colors brighter, hems longer, and waistlines higher, in which direction do you go?

The Cure: Rising Waistlines


When the fit is right and there aren't any cargo front pockets and cheetah print belts to draw attention to potential problem areas (a la Jessica Simpson mom jeans) a high waisted trouser jean is incredibly flattering, classic, and chic. Go for a tailored look with a crisp white button down shirt, tucked in and belted, a chunky statement necklace, and black suede wedges or try a more girly look with a printed dolman top, gold hoop earrings, and a great platform pump. With the right pair of jeans, the possibilities are endless.

Side Effect: I can not caution you enough about how important it is to find the right style and fit for a high waisted trouser jean, I don't think the world of fashion can handle another Jessica Simpson like faux pas.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Deals and Steals!

We've got to make way for Spring, stop in and check out some of the amazing deals we have going on at both locations!
FRYE'S sleek and simple Paige Tall Boot is 15% Off - Now $295 - Currently in both locations

This classic Carmen Harness style by FRYE will become your go to boot. 15% off - Now $305 - Currently in both locations - Hurry in, select sizes!

Dress me up or dress me down - Outro by Coclico 35% off - Now $234 Reg. $359

This over the knee boot with option to fold down boot is simply beautiful. 35% off - Now $324 Reg. $498

Sleek & Chic - Odran by Coclico 35% off - Now $305 Reg. $469

Stop hearts in this red suede platform pump by Pour la Victoire. 25% off - Now $182 Reg. $242

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Somewhere in a galaxy far, far away I am parading around in glorious Lanvin t-strap sandals and basking in rays of sunshine all while  doing some afternoon shopping.  In a galaxy far, far away perhaps I can actually afford the pair of Lanvin t-strap sandals, because in this universe if I owned them, they would be displayed on a shelf and used for special occasions only.  Why do such beautiful shoes have to cost so much?!?
Lanvin, $955
Well in this universe I might choose to go with one of yet another great pair of Jeffrey Campbells to satiate my appetite for designer shoes.  This t-strap has a thicker heel, a platform, and is embellished with tassels giving it a slightly more casual and versatile look.  These I can dress up or down unlike those shoes on that other planet.  I've fallen for these Jeffrey Campbells so hard I don't even remember the "what's his name" t-strap from before.  Great color, great style, great price, what more could a girl ask for?!?
Jeffrey Campbell, $145

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Deals and Steals!


Find the best deals on shoes and boots at our Fells Point and Annapolis locations! All boots 35-40% off, shoes 25-40% off, and Frye styles 15-30% off!
Timeless over the knee boot – Jane Tall Cuff by FRYE 30% off-Now $272 
Reg. $388 Sizes 6.5 and 8 only.

The classic pull-on boot – Melissa Button by FRYE 30% off-Now $221 Reg.$315
Sizes 6 and 10 in black only.


Over the knee with a perfect fit – Shirley by FRYE 30% off-Now $312 Reg.$445
Sizes 6.5 and 9 only.

The versatile bootie - Blakke by Pour la Victoire 25% off-Now $215 Reg. $286

Step into these boots by Gentle Souls for comfort and style. 40% off-Now $239 Reg. $398


Monday, January 17, 2011

Tomboyish Teasing

Taking menswear chic to a new level is a sexy tomboy take that mixes patterns and fabrics with traditionally male elements to give them feminine flair.

 Adding suspenders to chambray shorts and a boyfriend cardigan with a silk tunic underneath creates a playful look while pairing chunky heels to a boyfriend blaze, lace tank, and plaid skirt is an instant update. A mix of plaid, florals, sequins, and chiffon is playful yet surprisingly cohesive when color families tie them all together.  Ladylike elements combined with boyish classics keep this look chic and charming.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you planned a Saturday brunch date, you have also planned a Friday night of partying.  It would be easy to throw on just anything but now is the time to fight your fatigue and step it up a notch. Yes you can be chic on Saturday morning and all it takes are a few simple pieces.

The cure: Saturday Step Up
Start with a comfortable pair of skinny jeans or jeggings, pair with a simple pullover sweater in a rich color.  Add interest by throwing on a structured cape patterned cardigan, simple, yet colorful accessories, little heels like these booties from Me Too that have a great ruffle detail and a structured tote.  Casual, comfortable and chic!

Side Effects: Stepping out on a Saturday morning in an outfit like this will only add style and sophistication points to your wardrobe, just be sure to balance the structure, volume on top and bottom will just swallow you up.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Chain, chain, chain....chain of fools, yes you might be joining the chain gang should you choose to fall in love with these Manolo Blahnik Chain-Toe Quilted flats. Mr. Blahnik you've done it again, creating a shoe with style and sophistication that surely Carrie Bradshaw would approve (although I don't know if she ever wore flats).  Patent leather caps, soft, quilted napa leather, the golden chain links on vamp and creamy leather padded lining, what's a girl to do except be a fool over these flats?!? The only foolish element of these flats is the price, $715, you will be working the chain gang for a while to pay these puppies off.
Manolo Blahnik, $715

The chain link toe is definitely a must right now, but paying $715 for it is not, which is why it's great that Jeffrey Campbell gives us this option.  You have to give up the quilting and the patent, but I think with the extra sparkly chain links it is a fair trade off. Only $109 ladies! Thank you Jeffrey Campbell for keeping feet fashionable and wallets full!
Jeffrey Campbell, $109

Monday, January 10, 2011

Ballerina Blitz

From Hollywood to the gym, ballerina influences are invading our world. The "it movie"( Black Swan), the "it workout"(Barre Yoga),  the scent (Flowerbomb, by Viktor & Rolf), the music(Kanye West), the hair(the bun), and the runway are all getting a dose of this diaphanous and dainty trend.
Ballet flats have been around for quite sometime now, but we're also seeing beige and nude tones, tulle, draping, and light airy silhouettes gracing the runways. So ladies, pull your hair into your best bun, plug into Kanye West's dancer obsessed new album, and channel your inner ballerina while practicing your plies in your barre workout class.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The day has come and you have a major presentation to give at work.  In attendance, you've got the big wigs of the company, so you want to dress to impress.  You want to feel confident so you will have no problem making your power play.

The cure: Power pumps=power play

Embrace a tailored look with a pair of wide leg trousers,  worn with heels, the length of your leg will give you great stature and poise.  Top with a patterned silk blouse, classy and chic, and cover with a simple two-button blazer that compliments the colors of the blouse. Accessorize with a gold bangle and a statement stud earring. Your power pump for today...drumroll please....the Dolce Vita Hayword pump.  It will give you the height of a stiletto, the comfort of a wedge, and the visual appeal that says "I know what I'm doing".  With this shoe you will rock this look and your presentation.

Side effects: Rocking your presentation might sky rocket you to a promotion! Always dress to impress!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I am a lover of the classics, simple sophisticated styles that are timeless.  Fashion houses like Chanel, Gucci, and Dior come to mind.  I realize that sometimes it's fun to put a little bit of spin on a classic, which is why I just love these maryjanes from Chloe.  The first house of luxury ready to wear has created this leather round toe maryjane pump with asymmetric buckle strap and criss-cross toe. Luxury ready to wear still comes at a cost and these maryjanes will run you $525.
Chloe, $525


While I admit that investing in classics is wise, I don't agree that "classics with a spin" necessarily fit into that category. Which is why it is so great that these maryjanes from Seychelles have appeared in my life.  They follow the simple round toe shape but have a thicker, slightly geometric heel. Plus they're only $99. They emulate the classic and still have a personality of their own.
Seychelles, $99

Monday, January 3, 2011

Go Wild!

For animal print! This trend has evolved and adapted to fashion throughout the ages, ever remaining classic when done right.  The fierce fashionista will stealthily stalk this trend through the boutique circuit, honing in on pieces that will be suitable to add to her wardrobe.  Once she has located the perfect piece she will pounce on her prey, snatching it up before a rival fashionista sees it.  How does she know what to choose? It's instinctual, knowing that less is more.  She may go for subtle pieces, shoes, scarves, etc.,  to accent her basic blacks and camels or her appetite might have her thirsting for something more satisfying and she chooses a dress or top that she pairs with black or red accessories depending on the mate she is trying to attract.  It's a fashionista eats fashionista world out there, wear your spots and stripes well.