Broaching on Baroque

While scouring my vast collection of fashion magazines I came across a story that I absolutely must share.  Elleuk.com previously posted the following for Spring/Summer trends and I couldn't keep it to myself, so without further ado...

"Once upon a time a baroque print was solely synonymous with Versace, but its decadence has filtered into spring summer 12’s trend bill.The print plays out in a number of guises with varying degrees of intensity. For the bold, flashy chain prints on leopard spots intertwine with ropes on bomber jackets, elsewhere strikes of swirling black fauna adorn pencil skirts, while baroque tops with softer, ornate rococo swirls flow gently across jersey. The baroque trend isn’t restricted to clothing; with shoes and accessories getting in on the act too and ingenious devore on shoes make for a pretty introduction to the print."

                                                                                                        --ElleUk.com

Back to Basics

While you may think having a staple basic is all you need, why not expand your options to include a basic with a little boldness?

$167

$145

$160

$72

$64

$122

Fall Shoe Trends

Stacked heels make a statement! Check out some of our choice selections for Fall!

Great leather pump for work or play, $124

A rockin'ankle boot in olive suede with an almond-shaped toe, $149

 A charcoal brown lace-up court shoe with a gently rounded toe, $145

A classic shoe given a three inch lift, $119

These soft leather boots call Europe to mind, $199

Sturdy tread botton, refined leather and suede top, $186

Sturdy tread botton, refined leather and suede top, $186

For the woman who wants something different in her tall, heeled boot, $253

Beautiful Brogues

Menswear inspired looks are sticking around.  Feast your eyes on these lace-ups complete with wing-tip details and quirky patterns for both modern and retro looks.

This blue-grey wedge takes the traditional oxford for a feminine spin.
 All Black, $132

A charcoal brown lace-up court shoe with a gently rounded toe.
J. Shoes, $145

A canvas, cut-out wedge that hints at the early 80s. Pictures can't do this pair justice. You gotta try them on.

 Jeffrey Campbell, $104

A modern leather pump with retro wing-tip accents.

Indigo by Clarks $109

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you've been trying to come up with that quintessential effortless looking outfit, you know the one you've been putting more effort into than you should?!? Somewhere between the California Cool, and East Coast Prep it hides in your closet just waiting to be discovered.  How do you find that easy going look without looking like you've stressed over it?

The Cure: Effortless with Ease

You're going to kick yourself when you hear about the things you should keep in mind when creating this gem.  Basics and neutrals! They pretty much go with everything and are your never fail options, just try something different with them.  Choose a darker neutral bottom and layer a neutral print under a lighter neutral crocheted top.  Glam the out fit up with a shoe that is neutral in color, but bold in design and go for a darker accessory to balance the look out.  See easy as 1,2,3.  Imagine the endless possibilities of effortless looks that wait in your wardrobe.

Sporty and Spicy

So we've talked about lace, and florals, and uber-girly trends, but what about the girl who wants to break away from her tracksuit, but still maintain a sporty style?  InStyle magazine reports,

"Racing stripes, primary colors, weightless ease.  All the best parts of athletic wear have been crafted into shapes much hipper than any tracksuit jogging down the street.  The comfort level can't be better in these relaxed looks that are just right for spring."

How do you pull it off?

"Take advantage of sporty separates or dresses that offer body-conscious flexibility in fabrics like satin or cashmere that feel a bit luxe.  Use white as your base color, and don't weight yourself down with accessories--aviators or a bright watch are all you need to score. One surefire tip to keep it street-smart: Never wear any of it with sneakers."

--InStyle Magazine

Menswear Movement

Menswear has migrated to spring fashion runways but with a looser, mildly feminine movement.

"The blazer is roomy, with wide lapels.  The white shirt is tucked; the pants, loose.  Have you ever seen any guy at the office dress this way? It's not about a fascination with Mad Men -inspired retro; the fun here is loosening up the hallmarks of menswear.  Though we tend to be sticklers for posture, the operative word is "slouch." The look is at its sexiest when it's a little rumpled up."   InStyle, March 2011

Photos Courtesy of InStyle, March 2011

She's come undone with unbuttoned cotton button down shirts, crisp shirt dresses with hip slung skinny belts,  leather and canvas oxfords, and loose fitting lightweight trousers. Add a large mens watch and pair a simple, sheer, silk camisole with the wide lapel blazer. The less put together the better.

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

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

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

 Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means the holiday season is about to be in full swing.  There will be office parties, family gatherings, and reunions with friends out on the town.  Is there an outfit that can take you from one event to the next should your schedule get so jam packed? I think so!

The cure: Dainty and Demure

Start with a dress like this vintage throwback with its 1940s silhouette and floral print, belt it to accentuate shape and wear dark tights underneath, don't be afraid to try a textured look.  At the office throw a cardigan over top.  Ankle cut boots, like these from J. Shoes, add a fresh yet feminine touch and are versatile enough for all three events.

Disclaimer: As it is holiday season, make sure your belt has plenty of loops, you never know when you'll want to give yourself a little extra room.

Haute Hippie

A boho chic staple, the maxi dress can be maximized beyond it's low key vibe.  Layered and paired with the right accent pieces you can go from West Coast Western, to Hardware Haute Couture, to Rocker Chick Chic.

Aviators + Denim Jacket + Scarf + J Shoe booties = laid back with western flare.  Jersey Cardigan + studded belt + All Black Flats = simply "studded" and stunning.  Sequined Cardigan + Bold Bangle + Pour La Victoire Booties = Evening Edgy.

Lower your standards...

Of your heels that is! Lower heels are back! According to this month's issue of Glamour magazine, "fashionistas are falling for chic midheels". I bet you're excited to give your stilettos some time off. Want to try a great low heel basic? Check out these classics with a twist from J Shoes.

Try this on for size

Mingle some great fall trends together for a fun look! Take a great mini that has some movement, add a ruffled plaid blouse, cover it with a chic wool blazer, and punctuate the look with a pair of mid booties, like these from J Shoes, and slouch a pair of trouser socks right above the top of the boot.