Espadrille Thrills

Spring Shoe Guide
Look #2: Espadrilles
Whether high or low this originally preppy piece is reaching new heights.  Fabrics, colors, and graphic designs are making this a style standout and perfect for spring!

Bacio, $159

Sam Edelman "Leroy"

Corso Como "Decoy", $159

Corso Como "Doze", $159

Klub Nico "Kal", $210

Sweet Sweet Seventies Style

While some may cringe at the idea of clogs, bellbottoms, floppy hats, and jumpsuits, many have yet to experience the wild ride that is seventies fashion.  According to this month's InStyle,

"Filmy halters, floppy hats, turbans, safari jackets, beaded macrame, jumpsuits, and platforms. Rarely has a retro trend come roaring back so literally.  Inspired by last year's Yves Saint Laurent retrospective in Paris, designers mined the style of this decade for their inherent optimism.  Who can feel bad wearing these clothes?"

It's true, easy going material, fab silhouettes given color and pattern, your pants can be the party. Get gorgeous with these over the top looks.

"Do your hair big, line your eyes with kohl, and dress as if you're planning to stay out all night (even if you're in bed by 11). Yes the exaggerated sexiness, oversize accessories, and disco motifs are a tad costumey.  But don't knock them if you haven't tried them! Revel in the slinky fabrics and streamlined silhouettes--and day, pair them with simple sandals, a skinny belt, and a gold cuff or two."

InStyle, March 2011

 

Last Chance!

This weekend marks the LAST CHANCE to get an awesome deal on ALL Fall shoes & boots! Buy one pair (Sale or Spring) and get the second pair (Sale only) at an ADDITIONAL 50% OFF!! All Sale/Fall shoes & boots are already marked 25-45% off so the savings will be HUGE! Both locations, sale is Friday thru Sunday.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So it may not be Memorial Day yet, but for all of those who think you can't wear white before, cast your fashion faux pas fears aside! It may not feel right to wear all white just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't start working this silent yet stately shade (or lack there of) into your style.

The Cure: Half & Half

Nothing is more clean and crisp than pairing whites with dark denim.  Make your whites stand out with texture and pattern.  This crochet blouse under a cropped leather jacket says you're ready for the spring white out to begin, but are still a rooted in reality when it comes to the constant teetering temperature.  Balanced on top of dark denim, a neutral wedge, and white accessories you have an ensemble that is pure and polished.

Side Effects: Watch your coffee when you wear whites, wouldn't want to stain those pearly pieces.

Spring Shoe Guide

Look #1 :Wooden Platforms
This style celebrates the strong woman and seventies flair.  Whether chunky or sleek these heels exhibit sass and sex appeal.  Pair them with skirts, shorts, or a great pair of high waisted denim.

The "Vandois" from Bacio adds some glitz and glamor with it's metallic fabric upper and covered heel, $136

Get straptastic with the "Rio" from J. Shoes, $146

Miz Mooz truly gives a nod to that 70's spirit with the clog-esque "Heather", $109

Buckle up for cuteness with the Miz Mooz "Hype", $110

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Spring is so close that I can taste it! That being said, it's essential to start my wishlist of staple spring footwear.  First on my list, the Miu Miu patchwork platform wedge! Oh what a wedge can do for ANY springtime ensemble.  Celebrities like Dakota Fanning have been spotted sporting it. This one is especially great with its stitched details and sweet honey hue.  The only thing not so sweet, the $690 price tag.

Miu Miu, $690

A great compromise is the Nicole "Abel" wedge sandal.  It has the same great stitching detail and wrap around straps, but is a slingback instead of a t-strap. At just $139 I'm willing to compromise.  If I can save this much money on all of my wish list items, I will be a happy girl this season!

Nicole "Abel", $139

WhiteOut

It's time to move on from the heavy winter white wardrobe and into something lighter and more pure.  Pieces with flow and texture and materials like lace and chiffon bring new life to a trend that is changing with the temperature.  According to this month's InStyle,

"Designers had such a passion for purity that many began their runway shows with outfits that looked crafted from clouds.  Dolce & Gabbana used white almost exclusively, concluding their presentation with a striking lingerie-clad army of models.  No matter the silhouette--peasant blouse, Edwardian cutaway, classic blazer, or minimalist gown--white was a fresh choice."

Photos from InStyle Magazine, February 2011

Chunky cable knits must be packed away to make way for light and airy whites.  Add texture by "combining chiffon with poplin or layering lace over cotton". Incorporate sleek accessories and go for a metallic on foot to avoid weighing anything down.  Let your whites waft in the wind.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you want to show your spring spirit by adding florals to your wardrobe?  The temperatures are rising and you just can't resist the beautiful blooms, but you don't want to overdo it.  How do you work florals into your wardrobe so they transition well?

The Cure: Partly Petaled

Nothing says floral more than a sundress, but we all know it's not quite sundress season.  So to pull it off right now, layer a short sleeved pullover knit.  When the weather warms up, lose the knit and embrace the sun.Stay within neutral color families, adding just a touch here and there, pastels may make your skin look pasty this time of year.  Add a chunky necklace and stick with a barely there basic nude pump to elongate your legs. Voila, pretty and perfect!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

So you want to step into spring in high style, subtle, and sophisticated.  Lanvin has a gorgeous metallic ballet with leather round toe ballet flat with elastic throat.  For just $495 you will be stepping out in shiny, silvery show stoppers!

Lanvin

Of course if $495 is a little steep for you, I have an option that will slash the price without sacrificing style. Bloch ballet flats are both current and comfortable.  This metallic pair with a pleated round toe are perfect with just about anything.  With a price point falling around $150, it's hard to pass these up!

Bloch

Beautiful Blooms

April showers bring May flowers, but floral prints are already blooming all over spring fashion!  Whether romantic or exotic this trend allows your wardrobe to blossom.  Why is it so wonderful?  According to InStyle magazine,

"You can pick your own bouquet from two gorgeous gardens.  The first is floridly romantic, blossoming in profusion on crepe de chine, silk satin, and gazar--an impressionistic view of the English countryside.  The other is deeply rooted in aestheticism of the East.  Like an ebony lacquered screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl, its dark background frames stylized prints of oversize blooms."

Think flowing materials, delicate pastels and pretty prints, or structure, bright, bold colors and graphic interpretations.  Either way, go easy on the accessories and your shoe should blend in to the mix or stand out with severity

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow this year, no shadow means an early spring is on the way, which also means earlier opportunities to break out your new spring wardrobe.  While temperatures may not be reaching desirable conditions for that flowy floral sundress, you can still start to transition said pieces into regular rotation. How?

The Cure: Spring Shift!

Fight Mother Nature's cool temperatures by adding color and gradually shortening length. A cropped pair of pants that fall just above the ankle are long enough to be paired with booties for winter but short enough to be paired with sandals and wedges for the spring.  A crocheted lace, v-neck top nods to one of this season's trends, and a lady like jacket in a bright, bold hue is the cherry on top.  Once it warms up, lose the jacket and add a great statement belt for a pop of color.

Side-effects: It is hard to patiently wait out the weather, but don't get caught out in the cold, take time to transition.

Valentine's Weekend Event

Join Poppy and Stella at our Annapolis location for our Valentine's Weekend Event & Sale! Together with the new lingerie store, A La Mode, we will be hosting a fabulous party for all of our amazing customers. Enjoy a glass of bubbly while you search for your perfect pair (of shoes!). All night, everything in the store is at least 20% off! All Fall/Winter shoes and boots are marked 40-75% off!

SALE:
At both locations, from Thursday till Monday, open a special Valentine which will have huge savings off your entire purchase from 20-40%! This includes new Spring items! It's our biggest sale yet, you don't want to miss it!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Wanted: Sling-back low wedge with a little edge to help transition my wardrobe to spring.  Must be versatile and stylish, colors may vary.  Closed toe or peep toe, all labels may apply, prices negotiable

Applicants:
Bottega Veneta Woven Slingback

Low wedge, woven round-toe slingback that imitates their handbags, low leg-skimming vamp, padded leather insole, $650

Prada Slingback Wedge

Peep toe, adjustable ankle strap with gold hardware, bow detail, available in black or light pink, $495

Lanvin Patent Leather Espadrille Pump

Round toe, 4" rope covered wedge, dipped shape available in coral, $550

Sam Edelman Ionia Slingback

Minimalist styling, adjustable ankle strap with buckle closure, 1' wedge heel, available in Flamingo, Almond, or black, $109

After carefully reviewing each applicants qualifications I clearly have everything I'm looking for with the Sam Edelman Ionia, and for a fraction of the cost of its competition, plus if I so choose I could buy all three colors for less than to price of one pair of the others.  Spring wardrobe here I come!!!

Spring 2011

Your first glimpse of what's coming for Spring 2011! Need a transition shoe? Sam Edelman has it, this adorable low-wedge slingback from can add a pop of color or be a go to basic for your favorite Spring outfits! 

Sam Edelman, $109

Sam Edelman, $109

Sam Edelman, $109

California Cool

California dreaming on a cold and winter day has me desiring a hot trend for spring.  Mixing and matching bold prints and bright colors makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, even if the sun isn't shining outside.

Bright neon colors can stand alone with a great contrasting shoe, and adding a cropped jacket to a floral print dress demonstrates fashionable demure.  Carefully colliding clashing prints creates a chic one of a kind look and beautifully balanced structure is always becoming. Tie-dye and watercolor prints mix with strong florals and graphics and bold solid colors combine for a chromatic celebration.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Superbowl XLV is this weekend which means there will be parties to attend. What does one wear to an event where the main attraction is the however many inch flat screen tv? Clearly you want to be noticed, but not crazy facepaint and mow-hawk wig noticeable. How do you score with this one?

The Cure: Touchdown Taste!

You are sure to score by keeping this look tucked and tight. Skinny jeans, knee-high boots, and an oversized, but structured top are both sporty and stylish. Add some color with a chunky bangle and clutch and you're good to go!

Side Effects: Watch out for holding, in an outfit like this someone will want to hold on to you!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Finding a faultless riding boot that ranks for springtime can be like icing on a cake.  Buttery soft leather, heavenly hues, and simple structure can create a look that takes you from dull to delish! These Chole Paddington knee boots with round toe and adjustable wooden buckle tab on the top look so yummy, but  their price tag makes me want to gag, $925 gives me an upset stomach.

Chloe, Paddington, $925

Good thing Frye gives me another flavor with their Paige riding boot.  This pull-on, round-toe boot in a warm honey color just makes me drool.  The best part, they are on SALE right now! For a limited time this sleek and simple style is just $266 at our Fells Point store.  Hurry in to satiate your shoe appetite! Select sizes available.

Frye, Paige, $266