Staff Picks: Charlotte

Our staff is as diverse as our merchandise, but we all have one thing in common: a MAJOR obsession with shoes and style! This week we introduce a new series of posts featuring the shoes, accessories, apparel, and trends most loved by the ladies of Poppy & Stella. Charlotte from our ATC location starts us off with a little background on her love of Gentle Souls and her Okey Dokey sandal.

Hi everyone! I'm Charlotte, and this will be my very first sandal season spent at Poppy & Stella!

My new obsession is the Okey Dokey in taupe by Gentle Souls. Its sleek birdcage design makes this a shoe that can be a statement piece, adding interest to any outfit, or a unique summer neutral. Its classic, feminine shape wraps around your foot as delicately as lace. But the best thing about this shoe is its feel. Deerskin, ranked the 3rd strongest leather, forms the lining and contours to the shape of your foot over time. Flaxseeds under the footbed provide a dynamic environment for your feet, similar to the sensation of walking on sand, so that at the end of the day your feet still feel happy and alive.

Okey Dokey by Gentle Souls, $187.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Sometimes a modern spin on an old classic is just the thing to liven up your wardrobe, which is why I'm loving Rochas take on a peep-toe clog. The suede platform with criss-cross bands and gold tone buckle at the vamp is chic and contemporary. It's the perfect fit and is only $945, ok maybe it's not so perfect.

Rochas, $945

On the other hand Gentle Souls spin on a classic is also pretty cutting edge. With similar styling this chunky heeled wonder will keep your look fresh and fashion forward. At just $209 these may be a perfect fit after all.

Gentle Souls, $209

Red on Red

Ever have a day where you feel like you want to set the world on fire in a classy, sophisticated way? Sure maybe that's not everyday, but on the days when your confidence is at an all time high consider wearing head to toe red.

Lucky magazine has a few tips for pulling this look of right:

" Stick with floaty pieces and softly tailored silhouettes, show some skin (pants should be worn with 3/4 length to sleeveless blouses) and mix it up, go ahead and wear orange reds with blue reds"

If you want to break up the red in your outfit, accessorize with a red bag or red shoes.  Neutrals and blacks also work well with the color, so go out and paint the town!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I'm not going to lie, I love me some gladiator sandals and I can't wait to rock a new pair!  Moschino Cheap and Chic has a glorious two tone leather sandal strappy enough to make a statement. They truly are chic, but the $495 price is not cheap.

Moschino, $495

How about Cheaper and Chic...does that exist? It does when you consider a less expensive version by Gentle Souls.  While the price is less these are definitely not "cheap" sandals.  The modified gladiator pattern adds an aire of femininity while special cushioned pods create contours of comfort. At $148 you'll be glad you made this choice!

Gentle Souls, $148

Shine On!

All of the sparkly goodness from last night's Oscar awards reminded me of how much fun a little (or a lot) of shine can be! Alas, such things are not so ready-to-wear...or are they?!?  Perhaps not to the extent of being red carpet ready but designers from Chanel, Armani, Theory, and Reed Krakoff have exhibited a subtler sequin Spring look this season.

According to InStyle magazine the sea seems to be a major influence with an abundance of iridescent and opalescent fabrics, so take your cues from that, choosy pearly colors and simple, flowing lines.  Stick to the "less is more" mantra, one shiny piece is enough.  Most importantly,remember that while shimmer is acceptable 24/7, what you wear, where is still important.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Lacing is making a transition from boots to heels this season as this feature is climbing the fashion ladder.  These Manolo's would make even Carrie Bradshaw drool.  The satin fabric sandal with lace up vamp and leather cut-outs is like a corset for you foot, and is certainly sexy! They can be all yours for $885, no longer drooling are you?

Manolo Blahnik, $885

Gentle Souls has a lace up vamp, cut-out leather sandal that can give the MBs a run for their money.  With a slightly smaller heel this shoe comes with advanced comfort technology, designed to make your shoes comfortable and current.  At $187 they are more than drool worthy!

Gentle Souls, $187

Get in the Game

This Spring designers want you suit up in a different sense.  Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, and Narsisco Rodriguez are just a few taking their design cues from the court with exaggerated athletic stylings.

Mesh and neoprene fabrics, racing stripe details, cargo pockets, and sophisticated track pants raced down the runway. But don't be fooled, these aren't just luxe gym clothes ladies, this is locker-room chic taken to the next level. Put's a new spin on the growing athletic wear trend. What will you be sporting this Spring?

Winter Warmers

Keep your toes nice and toasty with these shearling lined soles.  Cute and cuddly on the inside, suave and sexy on the outside.

This clog from Bernardo is lined with coziness. Love the studding! $159

These super cozy and comfy boots from Gentle Souls are perfect for the blistery days of winter. $293

The most wonderful time of the year!

There'll be over the knee boots for hosting,  suede wedges for toasting, and comfort for caroling out in the snow! There'll be parties for stories, and tales of the glories, of fabulous shoes from ago.... I can't help but be in the holiday spirit hoping any of these pairs might be under my tree Christmas morning!

A fun black, wedge boot. $105 Annapolis only.

Love this over-the-knee boot from Sam Edelman. Looks great with tights, leggings and skinny jeans. $198 Baltimore only.

Love this over the knee suede boot! $308

These soft grey leather boots from Gentle Souls are amazingly comfortable. $398 Annapolis only.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I've said it before and I will say it again, it is always important to invest in basic, classic pieces for your wardrobe. This next shoe fits the bill to a tee. Black patent leather is never out of trend, a round toe is a timeless look, and the wedge provides style and stability throughout your day. The question comes down to whether or not you are comfortable investing $625? The "Miss Boxe" from Christitan Louboutin is quite possibly one of the most fabulous basics out there, it's just that if I plan on splurging more than $600 on a shoe I want them to be more than just basic.

Christian Louboutin, Miss Boxe, $625

There is an alternative, an investment that can give you the classic, practical, and stylish look.  This black patent wedge from Gentle Souls will work just as nicely with suits, pants, and dresses, and is potentially far more comfortable.  Your investment is also more comfortable at just $194. Invest wisely in your basics and save your pennies to indulge on something special.

Gentle Souls, $194

Mother Nature's Casting Call

With Fall in full swing you are surrounded by a bounty of heavenly hues, so why not take a cue from Mother Nature and let her direct the color palette of your accessories? Deep rich shades of red, browns, honeys, greens and burnt oranges paint the leaves outside your window, let these same shades create a masterpiece for your wardrobe.

Blend these tones with touch worthy materials like suedes and skins and you're sure to have a priceless production that pays homage to Autumn's artful act.

Like walking on air

Your footwear can be fabulous and give your feet a favorable disposition after a hard day at work.  With styles like a wedge, giving you height and support, and amazing lines like Gentle Souls who use supple and breathable deerskin-lined insoles providing softness and comfort while conforming to the shape of your foot, there is no way you can go wrong.

This low wedge from Me Too is a great shoe for women who want a comfy and cute shoe for work. $89

The studs add a little funk to this comfy Me Too wedge. $99

The perfect basic for the working woman. This black patent wedge from Gentle Souls is incredibly comfortable and still looks great with dress pants and suit skirts. $194

This amazingly comfortable mary-jane pump from Gentle Souls is perfect for the woman on her feet all day. $196

Loving the slight iridescence of this burgundy Gentle Souls pump. Another super comfortable heel for work. $196

Our stock room runneth over

To say we are drowning in new inventory might be an understatement.  But don't you love ogling new styles and adding to your wish list?!? With the weather becoming cooler it's the perfect time to add to your personal shoe inventory.  Here are a few more newbies!

Love this heeled bootie from Corso Como! They would look so cute with leggings or skinny jeans this Fall/Winter! $195

A great everyday, basic chocolate leather boot from Miz Mooz. $219

This little peep toe flat is adorable on, with the satin bow and the metallic sheen. Dressy without being stuffy. Only $58

A comfy and cute suede flat from Me Too. Comes in grey and purple. $89

A proven winner from Sam Edelman, this neutral flat is easily dressed up or down. The color is more taupe/tan in person. $95

A cushioned flat from Corso Como is comfy and cute. Love the zipper detail! $132

Ahh, Gentle Souls, you truly make our feet happy! This is far and away one of our most comfortable shoes, like walking on clouds! And, we love the animal print! $209

This flat from Jeffrey Campbell is perfect with jeans, the gold chain embellishment adds a bit of interest and the color is a great neutral! $112