Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

21 March 2012

Style Dilemma: Blushing Toes

A few weeks ago, Kate tweeted for help finding "The Perfect Nude Pump." I happily said I'd help. A shoe hunt? Absolutely.

The kicker is, the "perfect" shoe is elusive, and not just because we have a Picture in Our Heads. There's fit, material, comfort, heel height, details...the list goes on. Never mind that, like Kate said, blush or nude is intimidating in the decision making realm. Too light? Too dark? Too pink? Too tan? Does skin color matter? And if skin color matters, what about those of us who get darker as we move into the warmer months (this is me not saying a single anti-tanning/browning-please-embrace-your-fair-skin word. not one)?

It's tempting, like I've done in the past, to "zappos" it, and buy 3-4 pair of shoes to try, returning what doesn't fit. Return policies nowadays are incredibly forgiving. It's a viable option, and a retailer like zappos or even amazon has a broad enough range of styles, brands, and price points to give us the options we need.

But it's overwhelming to shop online for shoes sometimes. So. Many. Pretty. Ones.

So, with a little prompting from the Woman With the Style Dilemma Herself (she tweeted me the Corso Como pair over the weekend), I got my rear end online and found a few - some traditional, some not - options. As for color, I personally don't think that there are any rules around pale skin/dark shoe or vice versa. That being said, I do think that your skin tone and shoe need to compliment each other. Unfortunately, there's no replacing going shoe shopping.

In the set below, there are some personal favorites (eagerly awaiting my own lillybee Kates, thankyouverymuch), and some unexpected brands (Jessica Simpson's heels, I've found, are predictably comfortable). Now, if you're looking for a straight pump, stick with the closed toe variety. I happen to adore the ever-sexy D'orsay silouhette, and the past few seasons of granny booties have grown on me. Snakeskin + granny bootie? Ok, so it's not exaaaaactly a nude pump. I just couldn't help myself. It's pretty.

As for what to wear with these pretty petal-like slippers? In my book, a nude pump goes with practically everything, from a dark suit you want to elevate to jeans and a fitted white T. Pale pink (because, let's face it, ladies, that's what it really is) blends in to your foot and ankle and elongates those fabulous gams of yours.

Kate, my dear? Get thee to the shoe store. And gleefully prance around, trying on every. single. pair. But you have to promise to report back in and tell us how you solved your Style Dilemma.


Nude Pumps

19 December 2011

Sleepy Style: Waking Up on Christmas Morning

Snuggling down for a long winter's night.

Even though the DC weather keeps toying with us (hel-LO? mornings freezing and afternoons in the 50s?), I know I'm not the only one happily burrowing in her down comforter every night. I'm the one who sleeps with her windows cracked (when H is out of town, at least - he's a tropical boy) so she gets to burrow even deeper under piles and piles of blankets. My mother claims to have left me on the porch in the winter (albeit in Richmond, VA) to nap as an infant in my pram (when baby carriages were baby carriages and not mechanical wonders).

I'm happiest cold. 

I'm also happiest this time of year because, well, it's Christmas. I'm an unabashed Christmas fan - for secular and religious reasons. Part of it is the joy that comes with the secular part of Christmas morning, and rolling out of bed to the smell of Pillsbury Orange Rolls baking and unwrapping both the surprises Santa left and the predictable we-get-you-this-every-year gifts.

Like the Lanz of Salzburg flannel nightgown we kids would get our mommy every year. Dad would take us to Strawbridge & Clothier, and we'd pick it out, complete with "Lanz" scripted into the pattern. The Nice Ladies would pack it in a box that we would wrap at home. Then, Christmas morning, Mommy would feign surprise at the 10th or 11th nightgown she'd gotten in a row.

But she did live in them, then. And they are the best. I keep trying to get babygirl into them, but she wants to copy me with "yoga pants" and a t-shirt. There is something infinitely cozy about a flannel nightgown, never mind when you top it with a flannel robe. Tuck your toes into fuzzy Minnetonka moccasins,* and you're all set for a night by the fire.

For which, of course, you need a fireplace. And a chimney. Neither of which we have in our upper-floor condo. And the Comcast e-fireplace just don't cut it.

So I'll just share my ideal winter bedtime gear with you, in all its unsexy and unglamorous glory. And see if I can't inspire one or two of you to hit up L.L. Bean or Minnetonka to get ready for January.
*BTW, go check out the Minnetonka site for the bestest mocs ever. Really must get myself a pair. Now.
Christmas Comfy

14 November 2011

Style Dilemma: 20th Reunion Advance Work

20th Reunion Advance Work

20th Reunion Advance Work by dcceline

T-minus 13 days til the reunion.

Law & Order on TV. Fingers flying on the keyboard. Scrolling through rows and rows of Zappos.com options. Because of their amazing (still the best in the business) 365 return policy. Hopefully, I'll be able to try them on with my black patent and natural straw version of these Oscar de la Renta sandals (with a sexy red insole) this weekend.

We've got Calvin, always a winner. Draping + red should be flattering and showstopping. The main thing that concerns me? Bra. I think - but am not sure - I have a convertible bra in my drawer somewhere. Braless is not an option.

Then Jessica Simpson. Seriously. This blousy top with fitted skirt might strike the perfect blend of relaxed and still sexy. I'll even forgive the black for the cool, interesting slitted sleeves.

Last up? Juicy Couture. Again, surprised me when I clicked. I do well in the sexy structure of a 60s-style shift minidress. I've got legs, know how to use them, but the 3/4 sleeves and covered up demure lace might balance the über-sexy ankle straps on my beloved Oscars. Granted, they might not work, but then again, they might.