Pack Smart, Look Fabulous

Headed somewhere for a summer vaycay? Let us help you pack smart! You can seriously cut down on baggage with a few key picks, and we’ve got all of them!

#1: Compact Crossbody Bag

A style like the Hobo “Mara” will hold all of your essentials, but will leave your hands free for dashing through the airport, perusing shops, or attending a festival! Pick a neutral color like Hobo’s newest shade “Doe” so your bag will go with everything you pack! Play up the silver hardware in your jewelry to make a more polished look for night.

Hobo The Original crossbody bag, $138

#2: Day to Night Sandal

If you pick a sleek sandal with fun details, it can easily carry you from daytime on the boardwalk to a night out on the town. Pick something easy to walk in all day, yet dressy enough to throw on with a maxi dress at dinner. We’ve got styles at every price point that will go with everything in your suitcase!

Left to Right:

Kork-Ease metallic slides - Full price $124, now $99 at 20% off

Dolce Vita black nubuck slides - Full price $58, now $41 at 30% off

Restricted cut out lace ups - Full price $44, now $44 at 20% off

#3: Simple Costume Jewelry

With the exception of the precious pieces you never take off, it’s probably a good idea to pack mostly inexpensive costume jewelry on a trip. That way if your bag gets lost, you won’t be pacing around the airport stressing about grandma’s necklace, or that bracelet your hubby got you last Christmas. Choose one long and one short necklace that can be worn alone or layered together—that way no matter what neckline you’re wearing you’ll have just the right length.  Add a small pair of studs that can stand alone or complement either necklace and you’re set!

Sunglasses - $14 a pair

Bar stud earrings - $7 a pair

Rebecca gold plated feather necklace - $32

Two-tone stone pendant - $22

#4: Cheap ‘n Chic Sunnies

The idea of scratching your pricey polarized sunnies in the sand or (even worse) watching them sink down into the ocean can be heartbreaking. Bring a cute and versatile pair of sunglasses that you won’t mind getting down and dirty with—all of ours are just $14 a pair!

#5: The Everything Scarf

We obviously love a sheer gauzy scarf for layering on a summer night, but these beauties can do so much more than that! Bring it on the plane to drape over your shoulders when you get chilly, knot it around your waist for an instant beach wrap, and tie it into a vest (see how-to below) to make a plain outfit pop!

Step 1: Open scarf long-ways

Step 2: Fold in half

Step 3: Holding the open corners in one hand and the folded corner in the other, tie ends into small knot

Step 4: Unfold and slip over shoulders with knot at back

Tie dye scarf - $24

#6: The Optional Carry On/Emergency Checked Bag

Ok, so we’ve all been there. You hit the shops a little too hard on vacation, and before you know it your bag is overweight! Pack a soft, lightweight duffel that can fold up compactly inside your bag, and fill it with all of the overflow! If you pick one with good enough closures, it can even be checked in a pinch! Not only does our quilted tote by Lani have strong zippers, but it also features a hidden loop for attaching to your rolling suitcase.

Lani quilted tote, $68

Follow these tips and tricks to take the stress out of packing and enjoy your trip! And be sure to tag us in your summer travel pics for a chance to be featured on our Instagram! @poppyandstella

Blazing Blues

While you may be used to red as THE statement making color, blues are coming out in full force. Lapis is a hue with a bright, stunning electricity that is sure to shock a few.

This is a great color for color-blocking, keep in mind the blue/black trend, or for wearing solo.  It plays well with neutrals, and brights like oranges and reds.  So instead of turning up the heat in a blazing red number, play it cool with a striking streak of blue.

Burgundy...the new Black

Well if you haven't heard it already, this season burgundy/oxblood is the new black!  This deep, rich, red hue took the runways by storm with designers from Jason Wu, to Tory Burch embracing the impact of this shade! According to Elle magazine,

"And it's official: The color of the season is seductive oxblood. More cerebrally sensual than its tarty firetruck-red cousin, the muddied burgundy works as a statement accessory or wear-everywhere pieces."

Wear a little, wear a lot, pair it with black or other neutrals, heck it's the new neutral itself! No matter how you do to it adding this riff of red to your wardrobe this season is a fashion

Do Your Fashion Duty

What do uniforms, utility, and unwavering stamina have in common? A fall comeback! Hilfiger, Burberry, and Ferragamo have all embraced a nod to utilitarian style.  According to InStyle,

"The hallmarks of sharp tailoring, a dash of androgyny, and the buttoned-up air of danger result in a formidable balance of eyes-right polish and unspoken tease that's hard to conquer. "

It's important to note that in pulling off this trend balance is beneficial.  With such strict lines and conforming silhouettes a feminine frill will soften the look.  

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you want to make a statement, but you typically stick to blending in.  I'm going to suggest something that may put you outside your comfort zone, but go big or go home!

The Cure: Walk on the Wild Side!

Pinterest inspired me this week with the leopard print trench! I know it's a bold move, but don't forget that animal print is really a neutral! Use this one piece to heighten any basic style, for this look the trench is paired with boyfriend jeans, and a chambray button down layered under a black v-neck sweater.  I've decided to add a pop of color with these Korkease pumps, but you can stick with a neutral if you feel more comfortable.  Dare to be daring and turn some heads this season!

Leather

Leather isn't just for boots and bikers this season, so how can a material with such a tough skin be soft and feminine?  According to InStyle,

"Though it's easy to play toughie, skins boast a newfound suppleness that gives you versatility.  Treated more like a fabric than ever before, leather appears feminine, even practical, and wearable by all."

Clothing courtesy of Instyle

By using more flattering silhouettes and shapes, leather transforms full skirts and blazers, but can still make a bold statement with a coat or studded dress. Keep your leather pieces neutral or choose a rich color like burgundy. With this trend you can embrace your inner bad girl and still be a lady!

Fall Shoe Trends

With Fall fashion creeping its way into stores and boutiques you will want to keep you eyes peeled for the plethora of shoe trends to follow!  Of course you can always swing by our store and find just what you need!

Color blocking, patterns, and colorful reptile will give you a walk on the wild side kind of look.  The shoe boot, or shootie as I like to call it combines a heel and boot look below the ankle.  T-straps, and ankle straps are making a comeback, as is the menswear trend, which has always been popular but a little bit of a sleeper in years past.  Finally the ever classic pointy toe, one of the best leg lengtheners when combined with a great heel! Find just the right fit for your look!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Wanted: Chunky heeled leather platform sandal, with adjustable ankle strap and decorative stitching.  On my search for the perfect platform do you know what I found? This gorgeous sandal from Chloe.  My two favorite parts about this sandal...the studs on the toe and stitching up the heel, my least favorite part...the price, guess I should add in my ad that only shoes below $200 need apply.

Chloe, $695

Luckily enough I found another pair that meets my needs.  The Payton from Kork-Ease fits the bill with a thick chunky heel and wooden platform.  I lose the studs, but gain more decorative stitching and woven details for a bonus! Double bonus, only $174, a match made in Heaven!

Kork-Ease, $174

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's Casual Friday!!! Yay!!! Today is the day where you can finally let your hair down and relax a little while you work.  You can still dress to impress and be ready to hit happy hour right after work by combining a few key pieces!

The Cure: Dressed Down Duds

Pull out that femme tweed jacket, the one with Chanel like charm...too much you think? It's so easy to dress down.  Layer a silk embellished camisole under it and pair those pieces with your cuffed boyfriend jeans.  Finish with a soft shaded wedge and you're done! Once work is over, lose the blazer and you're ready for a night out!

Urban Chic

What happens when you combine edgy city basics with an element of class and sophistcation?  According to Haper's Bazaar you get a hybrid know as "Urban Chic"

By combining city dweller basic black with modern metallics your outfit goes from smart and sleek to elegant and exclusive.  If you wish to highlight a bit of rebellious spirit, and some glitz and glam with sparkly separates and posh accessories.

Put your mind and feet at ease...

The Kork-Ease Story, Kork-Ease

The Original. Since 1953.

More than a half century ago, the Kork-Ease legacy began as nothing more than an idea in Brooklyn, New York.  What started as an idea, quickly turned into a new way people thought about their footwear.  The Wedge was born.

Sooo comfy and super adorable! A great basic wedge for summer! $144

An Instant Classic.

Turn the clocks to the 1970s, and you couldn't turn the corner of any street without seeing someone wearing a pair of Kork-Ease Sandals.  Many Brands tried to copy our sandals, but none could adequately duplicate our style or success.

The Original Kork-Ease Wedge has been immortalized in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Landmark Shoe Collection -- an honor bestowed to only 25 styles of footwear all-time.

A foot friendly t-strap sandal perfect for summer strolls. $126

This gold slide will make your feet shimmer. $126

A Natural Evolution

Kork-Ease fashions much of its footwear with Vachetta leather to achieve a distinct sophistication.

Ecological, biodegradable and environmentally safe, Vachetta is naturally tanned exclusively in Tuscany.  The crisp Tuscan springs possess the only water in the world that can tan the Vachetta leather to the perfect color and texture.

Because it's untreated and unfinished, Vachetta leathers develop a rich, lustrous patina over time.  The natural patina showcases a delicate sophistication, and a one-of-a-kind look.

Surprisingly comfortable and incredibly cute on! $145

A square heeled sandal made for walking on sunshine. $148

A fabulous slide in an even more fabulous color. $142

Quirky Cork

Spring Shoe Guide
Look # 4 Cork Soles
Spring seems to be about combing height and comfort, and the theme is not lost on the cork wedge and heel. A wedge is always super flattering and the cork provides a cushy heel that is completely comfortable. Check out our cork options for spring!

Korkease "Teresa", $145

Korkease "Bellevue", $128

J. Shoes "Berber", $148

J. Shoes "Ashanti", $146

Restricted "Racetrack", $65