Trending: Spring Booties

It's finally Spring!! Well, that's what the calender says anyway.  It's that time of the year where you aren't really sure whether to put on your tall boots or t-strap sandals. Spring/Summer booties are great to have in your closet for those days that are teetering on the line between warm and cold. Or maybe you have just waited far too long to get a pedicure and are not ready to show off your toes. If any of this sounds like your current self, a good pair of transitional booties is just what you need! Wear them with your summer dresses instead of sandals to give your outfit a whole new vibe. This is a perfect option for festivals and other outdoor events when you want a little more coverage and support, without sacrificing any style. Another look we love for early Spring is booties with jeans. Pair western inspired booties like the Frye boots featured with cuffed boyfriend jeans for a tomboy look.   

Frye Reina bootie, $258
Adam Tucker by Me too, $166
Bed Stu, $220

You can also dress your booties up! Try these perforated Me Too booties with your LBD for a evening date or night put with your girlfriends!

Me Too perforated stacked heel bootie, $164

Summer Scorcher

Summer certainly is making a grand entrance at the party this week. Walking outside is like stepping into a very warm bath, and if you're like me, you feel like you're just barely keeping your head above water. In the heat, your energy wanes and you feel overwhelmed by all the activity that summer demands. It's hard to keep moving with that sun beating down and the humidity rising. You just want to curl up in front of the AC and take a nap.

What a great time to remember to take good care of our bodies. Drink gallons of water and take advantage of all the fresh, cheap fruits and vegetables that are in season right now. Keep your feet happy with some airy espadrilles or flats. Put on your most breezy maxi dress. Wear sunscreen.  Rock a great hat. I got my first wide-brimmed chapeaux this year, and what a joy it is to have instant shade no matter where I'm wandering.

But summertime traditionally is also a time when our soul health is in peril. Self-hate is just as pernicious as the heat. We hate our arms in sundresses, we hate our thighs in swimsuits, we hate our toes in sandals. We tell ourselves lies about how we compare to the next girl. And no amount of buying and outward fixing can really take away that self-hate. 

I try to encourage all the ladies who come into Poppy to be kind to themselves, body and soul--not because of what they have or don't have, but because they've been beautifully made from the inside out. It's a message I share because I need to hear it too, again and again.

One of my favorite parts of working at Poppy and Stella is meeting all the wonderful people who walk through our doors. Our fabulous customers are beautiful inwardly first, loving themselves and others well. And that inward beauty radiates out into a loveliness that goes beyond their great fashion sense. 

So to all my Poppy ladies--be kind to yourself this summer! Drink your water and take care of your skin, but also teach your soul to forgive your faults. I think you're just beautiful.

-Charlotte, Poppy & Stella ATC

Staff Picks: Victoria

I'm Victoria, from Poppy & Stella in Fells Point! I wanted to give some background on the fabulous butter LONDON line of cosmetics, and how I plan to incorporate my favorite shades of nail lacquer and lippy into my summer wardrobe.

butter LONDON nail lacquer and liquid lipsticks allow you to achieve perfectly polished  looks reminiscent of those found on any high-fashion runway. The polishes are 3-Free, meaning that they are made without the use of the harmful carcinogens that are found in common drugstore brands--  Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP.

We carry over forty different shades of butter LONDON’s vivid polishes and ten different shades of their coveted Lippy lip color, so you’ll have a wide range of color, texture, and opacity to work with when creating your custom style.

I love to use the Nail Foundation for a pretty, natural buffed finish. I’d complete this ethereal daytime spring look with a blousy white top, tailored khaki shorts, blush colored patent flats, and the sheer iridescent Hen Party lippy.

For an edgier night life look, I’d use the bold teal Slapper lacquer with a chevron stripe in neutral Crumpet, or even a French tip with the ever cool Matte Finish top coat. Pair with sky-high black wedges, high-wasted shorts, and a chic cropped top, and finish the whole look with a pop of lip color: Macbeth lippy will give your outfit that perfect punch of neon attitude. 

Whichever color, shimmer, or finish you choose from the butter LONDON collection, your sleek, well-executed look and rocking demeanor will be sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Nail Foundation, $19.

Nail Lacquer in "Slapper" and "Crumpet," $15 each.

Lippy in "Macbeth," $18.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and whether you're dining with friends or family this year you know you're looking forward to turkey and pie.  Of course such a meal does not lend itself well to skinny jeans, or uber fitted silhouettes.  The key is finding something comfortable and still looking pulled together. How can you pull this off?

The Cure: Sweater dress Savior

This year look chic and cozy in a simple sweater dress.  Accessorize with a festive scarf and simple jewelry and pair the sweater with a classic pair of riding boots.  It's just enough without being too much.  Hmm just enough but not too much, something to also keep in mind when filling your plate too!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Rich, grained calfskin leather, rounded toe, minimalist chic, all with a 3 inch wedge heel...sounds like the perfect bootie that can easily transition from day to night! Of course I'm describing Lanvin's wedge ankle boot, but the $850 price tag makes them far from perfect.

Lanvin

Lucky for you, I could also be describing the "Lexy" by Corso Como. Sleek and stylish with a round toe and rich coffee hued leather, but with a 4 inch wedge for a little extra lift. What's even luckier is that they are only $142! Now that's what I call perfect!

Corso Como

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.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

The calendar still says fall but it feels an awful lot like winter outside so, maybe you're planning a weekend curled up in front of a fire watching movies and football with your love.  If that's the case, not leaving the house in not an excuse for not making an effort.  You can be cute and comfy just incase there is a need to run out for take-out or a last minute change in plans!

The Cure: Luxe Lounge

In these cases I feel like simple black leggings are a great way to start, this basic is comfortable, practical, and can easily adapt to any situation.  On top, layer a patterned blanket sweater over a silk cami and pair the outfit with a cute pair of moccasins or ballet flats.  With a cami and leggings as your base you can always switch out the shoes and sweater easily to fit wherever you might find yourself.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Do you have booties on the brain? Black ankle booties? Black, platform, ankle booties with buckle details?  I guess you know what's on my brain!  It's hard to resist the stunning statement appeal of Burberry Prorsum's leather ankle boots.  With a five inch stilettlo heel and one inch platforms this sleek and sophisticated pair gets any fashionista's stamp of approval.  The only thing not hard to resist is the $795 sticker.

Burberry Prorsum

Thankfully Sam Edelman has an equally statement worthy sidekick!  This bootie has a four and a half inch heel with a one inch platform and what it lacks in height it makes up for in details with dual buckles at the collar.  The price is just right at only $148.  Stamp of approval?  SOLD!

Sam Edelman

All-American Ode

Sportsmanship has taken on a different tone this season with influences from All-American hunting style taking the stage.  According to Haper's Bazaar,

"The Fair Isle sweaters, tweeds and knits of American heritage brands got the high-fashion treatment on fall’s runways. From hunting-gear reds and oranges at Rodarte and Michael Kors to earthy hues built for blending into the wilderness — but standing out on the streets — at Wang and Ralph Lauren, fashion girls are getting a lesson in the great outdoors."

Wear a little bit or a lot, mix your plaid with tweed, add cable knit if you so choose.  Keep the color palette earthy and be sure not to forget your riding boots!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

We are well into fall and football season now that November has arrived.  What are you wearing to the game this weekend???

The Cure: Tasteful Tailgate

While some show school spirit with painted faces and crazy wigs, your style philosophy is a bit more refined.  It is totally possible to present your pride without painting any part of your body.  Choose one item that clearly states who you are rooting for, your best bet is probably a fitted tee.  Pair it with dark wash skinny jeans, knee high boots and layer over it with a fitted, solid colored blazer. If you're feeling a bit more spirited, accessorize with a scarf in the appropriate colors. Voila, team spirit and tastefully so.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Holiday adds have already started and it's not even Thanksgiving, have you started your shopping?  Maybe at this point you are more involved with those little things you get for yourself, like your holiday wardrobe, in which case I have the perfect party shoes for you! This shimmery and shiny glitter peep-toe platform adds the perfect pinch of pizazz to any holiday ensemble and they can be yours for only $745!

Jimmy Choo

Like the look, but don't like the price?!? Perhaps an alternative, the "Stilla" pump from Madeline girl packs the same punch at a fraction of the cost.  At only $88 you will still steal the show in this sequined platform peep-toe!

Madeline Girl

Black and Blue

How many times have you been warned against wearing black and blue together? Major fashion faux pas right?  Well this year designers from Carolina Herrara to Marc Jacobs decided to challenge that notion.

This is apparently the "it" color combo of the season.  Seen used together in stripes and patterns.  Try color-blocking with the two shades, or create an entirely new work uniform by layering the two together.  Black layered under navy is really a striking combination.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you have another cocktail event to attend and quite frankly you are getting a little bored with your go to little black dress.  No matter how many times you revamp it, you're ready to leave it in the closet for a bit.  So what do you wear instead?

The Cure: Cocktail Couture

With the opulence in fashion so present this season it's easy to ditch the lbd and got for something totally different.  Find a pair of brocade patterned pants and let them be your statement for the evening.  Pair them with a solid peplum top, party shoes and metallic accessories.  You'll be sure to standout and for all the right reasons!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

You may have noticed the more opulent pieces of the season with Baroque period influences invading the runways.  Characterized by drama and grandeur in both style and structure, these are pieces that are meant to stand out and make a statement.  Why not make such a statement with your shoes.  Miu Miu's Velvet Bow Peep-toe Pump in black suede with a golden back zipper with suede tassel has just the right amount of "over the top" essence to bring baroque to your look.  Of course it also comes with an "over the top" price at $750.

Miu Miu

If you want to tone down the opulence consider the Wessex Cross from Indigo by Clarks.  This closed toe version subtracts the bow and the back zipper but subtly echoes the essence of the Miu Miu shoe with the cuffed heel. The best part, they are only $124!  What a great way to have and "over the top" look without an "over the top" price!

Indigo by Clarks

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

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

You're heading out for a day of running around, maybe you'll hit the farmer's market, maybe you're going to pick pumpkins, whatever it is, you're tired of the typical jeans and t-shirt look and want to spruce your outfit up a little, but still be comfortable.

The Cure: Errands Ease

A skirt can be just as comfortable as your favorite pair of denim, but kicks your look up a notch.  The boho look of this skirt hits a laid back, but not lying down note, while the fatigue jacket gives you something light and practical to cover up in. Throw on some fringe boots to keep the boho vibe going and if it's cooler than you expect you can always add a pair of tights!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Well ladies, I'm pretty sure by now you've noticed that even sneakers have gotten a makeover this season.  Some pretty popular people are parading around in lace-ups that have heels! From Kate Bosworth to Beyonce, these shoes are taking over.  Should we be surprised? The jury is still out on that one, but what I can tell you is here you have a look that gives you the comfort of a sneaker, but the style and height of a heel.  If you're going to give them a try, only the best will do right? Prada's suede, lace-up wedge sneaker is the perfect way to kick off this trend, they're only $550.

Prada

I'm obviously kidding, I would never suggest spending so much on an item that may or may not survive the test of time. But for now this trend is tops so if you want to give it a go might I suggest the "Angie" from Miz Mooz.  This lace-up, leather wedge sneaker is streamlined and sexy and coming from Miz Mooz you know it's going to be comfortable.  At just $149 test out the trend and have some fun!

Miz Mooz

Winter Whites

Just because it's after Labor Day doesn't mean wearing white is off the table until Memorial Day, back again this season is a strong dose of Winter Whites!  According to InStyle,

"Practical it's not, but the layering of parchment to oyster to cream looks so appealing and cozy, even more so long after the summer sun sets.Practical it's not, but the layering of parchment to oyster to cream looks so appealing and cozy, even more so long after the summer sun sets."

Being too matchy matchy is frowned upon, appreciate the different shades and hues of this pigment lacking option.  Experiment with rich fabrics and textures and avoid white tights at all costs.  Winter is a wonderland, celebrate it with your wardrobe!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So I'm piggybacking off of Wednesday's column a bit to show you just how easy it is to steal star style at a fraction of the cost.  In fact you probably already have these pieces floating around in your closet!
Let's break it down...

The Cure: Emulate Emma

Emma has taken the layering approach to pull this outfit off, so let's start with a foundation of dark rinse skinny jeans and a simple gray tank.  On top of that, since it's fall, lets add a plaid button down shirt.  Thanks to her accessories Emma hardly looks like a mountain man, so pick up those Sam Edelman ankle boots because anything else may push the look in that direction.  She then adds a neutral satchel and black wool coat to finish and polish the outfit.  It's simple and chic, and laid back all in one!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Emma Stone has been found on a number of "best dressed" lists and not to anyone's surprise. From  her laid back/put together day to day style, to stunning on the red carpet, she knows what works for her.  Here she's rocking a great pair of ankle boots with skinny jeans and layers a black trench over a plaid button down over a grey top, it's easy, effortless, and totally Emma.

Photo Courtesy of People.com

Wanna steal her style? While it's possible Emma's ankle boots might bust your budget, Sam Edelman's  "Petty" won't break the bank! This putty suede colored ankle boot, with side zip closure, can easily make an outfit sleek or sexy and take you from day to night.  For only $130, they are the expert way to emulate star style!

Sam Edelman