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!

The cool down has begun, which means we are that much closer to sweater season!!! Cable knits, cardigans, and cashmere are all awaiting their big debut as fall creeps closer!  Not sure you can wait that long?  There are ways to wear light-weight knits starting now that will transition well into fall!

The Cure:

Layering is the key to pulling of an early sweater look, perfect for an air-conditioned office, but maybe not great for an afternoon stroll through the park.  Choose a light-weight knit cardigan, layer over a tank or short sleeved blouse and pair with shorts.  The look here is casual, but these same rules can easily be used to create a more dressy look as well.  As always, accessorize appropriately, I would add sandals or flats to this look, but a pair of platforms would be foolproof for a more formal look!

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

I don't know about you but I've got sandals on the brain, especially transitional sandals, which is why I fell in love with Fendi's perforated split band sandal.  The perforated leather and peep toe are the perfect way to introduce your tootsies to the sun's tantalizing rays! What's not perfect is the $815 price.

Fendi, $815

So let me introduce you to Restricted's Spumoni Wedge, the slide on wedge with laser cut perforated upper is the perfect compromise. I will take a wedge over a heel any day of the week during the spring/summer and at just $68 you can buy a pair in each color and not spend anywhere close to those other shoes.

Restricted, $68

High on High-Waists

Want to grow 6 inches overnight?  It's easy to do with the right cuts of clothing! Welcome to the age of high-waisted everything, pants, skirts, even shorts, and when paired with the right proportions you can look longer and leaner!

Proportion is key in the high-waisted world.  This is a waistline that's meant to be seen, so tuck those shirts in or chose a cropped look that hits just at the waistline.  Volume is important to keep in mind too, if you choose a wide-leg pant, your top should be slim.  A high-wasted pencil skirt should accompany a billowy blouse.  And when it comes to shoes, the taller the heel the better!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

It's date night, or maybe just a low key night out and you are not feeling the love for denim this evening.  You're thinking you want to wear something a little extra special, but still keep things casual.  In the moment a dress feels too much, pants feel too office like, you need something that is just right...

The Cure: One Piece Wonder

One piece can do all the work for you! Take for example this fab skirt that combines two trends, you've got  a great bold Aztec print and sequins for that high gloss shine. This is a great piece because you can dress it up and down!  Dressed down for a casual night out, top it with a chambray button down, nude heels, and simple accessories.  By keeping everything else low key, the skirt can stand on it's own as that little bit of extra special, but not stick out like a sore thumb.  

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

The platform loafer has become a popular pick this fall, adding a little school girl charm to any look.  Who better to bring you such a chic creation than designer Nicholas Kirkwood.  The leather platform peep-toe with tassels and loafer details at the toe captures the charm of a loafer with a sophisticated edge.  It, however, does not capture the heart of my wallet with it's $995 price.

Nicholas Kirkwood, $995

Nicholas Kirkwood may have a lovely loafer but Restricted has a similar shoe with alluring appeal.  This platform loafer may not have a peep-toe but with similar details and a posh plaid lining you can get all the charm of the Kirkwood design without the cost.  These cuties are just $64!

Restricted, $64

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Looking for a sexy stunner to strut your stuff in?  Casadei has your number with this back zip wedge sandal! With a little glitz from the glamorous metallic sheen on the wedge, stretchy straps keep you strapped in while you take your now longer limbs for a ride.  The toll for these towering two-tones, $750, perhaps this is one ride you may not take.

Casadei, $750

Another ride you should get a ticket for, the Restricted "Cookie".  These soft and sultry wedges drape leather straps over your foot for a snug and sexy fit.  The cork wedge may lack the glitz but still has ability to take you to new heights.  Take these for a test drive and you won't want to take them off and at just $65, you've got plenty left over for any other tolls you may run into.

Restricted, $65

Ode to Audrey

One cannot prep for warmer weather without considering Audrey's gamine yet lady like look!  Her simplistic style with a kooky, quirky edge has been inspiring wardrobes since the 1960's.  Off beat punches of color, perfectly placed panels of feminine floral embroidery, pointed toe flats, and the quintessential silk scarf are all characteristic of this iconic style idol.

Classic pieces with a punch, think cropped cigarette pants in a light neutral, full, yet mini, skirts with bold accessories,  tailored gingham and metallic embellished woven totes give the "Audrey" a modern spin.  Embrace your inner Holly, Sabrina, or Princess Ann this summer.

Positively Pointed

Spring Shoe Guide

Look #6 Pointy-toes

This dainty and demure style for your flats and slingbacks and  just the right hint of femininity to each and every look for this spring's styles.

The perfect transition shoe from Sam Edelman. Super comfy and really cute, we have it in Black patent, Almond patent and Coral patent. $109

 Almond patent  $109

 Coral patent. $109

All Black "Pressed Bow", $118

Restricted "Nectarine", $60

Restricted "Nectatrine", $60

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