Shoes and Swatches

   Deciding on an outfit is a big enough challenge, but even more difficult is deciding what will go on your feet.  An outfit could be shattered to the winds if the shoe choice is poorly made.  This fall there are some truly amazing new trends that have versatility to your entire wardrobe.  So, starting at the top and working our way down, let's review your options! 

  The high rise option, an over-the-knee boot, may be the priciest of all.  However, after saving for a couple of pay periods, you won't even be phased by spending a hundred or two on a pair of hooker heels.  Wander onto Piperlime, and if you have the loot splurge on a pair of L.A.M.B.  Otherwise Chinese Laundry makes really cute over-the-knee boots that are sure to look sexy and edgy with a sweater dress!  Dress down the high risers with leggings and a cardigan.

   Moving below the knee, I'd like to introduce you to the riding boot.  This equestrian look is chic, rather than hick!  One issue with obtaining a pair is it may cost you, only because actual leather isn't cheap and it'll take some cash to avoid looking cheap.  I'm not recommending purchasing a pair of Frye's, though this is the brand I'm dying to get get into.  Instead of Frye, try the other guys!  Madden by Steve Madden and Wanted are both brands that look pricier than they actually are.  Both of which are available at Endless Shoes.  Riding boots are adorable with floral dresses or over a pair of skinny's with a over-sized chunky sweater.  Perfect for picking out that pumpkin come late Autumn.     
  
  

   Taking it down a notch and we are down to boots that come mid-calf.  Imagine a combat boot, usually lace-up, and possibly the least favorite of all boots.  Many celebrities are wearing rugged styles that fold down and slip over skinny jeans.  I have seen them worn with dresses, which is a big no-no.  It's better to keep them casual and avoid putting too much thought into the outfit worn with these.  Consider boyfriend or cropped cardigans.  If the rugged look appeals to you, remember you want to look put together and not sloppy.  Mary-Kate Olson may be able to wear combat boots with knee-length extra-large sweaters and baggy jeans, just do not make the same mistakes she does.  If you are looking for a deal on these boots, Madden by Steve Madden makes a pair that are $99, even cheaper at American Eagle there is a pair for $69.  Both of which are near indecipherable. 
  

  As we scoot down the leg and approach the ankle, the styles begin to steer away from a boot.  Ankle-high styles are varied and vast.  There are booties, shorties, heeled "dress-me-up" styles, and flat cowboy looks.  Personally I prefer the dressier booties with not such a rounded toe.  If you decide on a pair with a kitten heel and a longer sharper toe your foot will not look stumpy.  Also, styles such as these can be worn with jeans or skirts.  These are not a shoe that you wear every day of the week, or even one day every week, so you may even decide this is not a style for you this Fall.  However, if you have the spare change, invest in a pair!  Explore your options at Aldo.

   This just in, oxfords are irresistible.  Just the other day I saw a woman in American Eagle wearing a pair with cuffed jeans and a blazer.  It was the most admirable combination, that was not only classy but comfortable.  She purchased hers from Payless but my favorite pair is designed by Jessica Simpson.  They are sparkly and gray, they succeed in taking me back to elementary school when I wore the classic black and white style with a dress on the first day of school.  Sam Edelman also makes several designs that are splurge-worthy.  When trying the oxford be sure that the toe is not too long.  There are some styles that make the foot look like a size 13, which is not okay!  Also take the time to look at the designer Nicole at Endless Shoes.
  
   Last of all the clog has been seen smeared across every fashion magazine this season.  At first I was hesitant about this fad, but it has really grown on me.  Though I'm not a fan of heeled shoes, I love the clog with a little height.  Yes, clogs seem a little over priced, I mean, it's a shoe missing a heel backing!  Before you knock it, browse the parade of clogs designed by Vince Camuto, fall in love with a pair and spend the $110.  There are a couple other brands that are equally trendy, yet lower in price.  Rocketdog and Lucky have extremely cute clogs available at DSW and Endless Shoes.  Just remember, none of the knit styles and especially not Birkenstock types.  Take a chance with the heel!  I promise you'll love the convenience of slipping on a pair while running out the door.  Becoming a fashionista has never been easier! 

  After all that shoe talk, it may be helpful to get an idea for this Fall's color palette while shopping for pieces to pair with the fits on your feet.  When in doubt look up, unless you decide to shop later in the season, look down at the ground.  I have been drawing inspiration from the leaves.  My favorite color choices include camel (especially paired with deep gray), tree trunk brown (even furry pieces), dusty lavender (search for velvet in this color and let me know what you find, I'm obsessed), crimson red, burnt orange, and the carry-over from the summer-military olive hues!  My advice, color coordinate the closet, see which hue is missing and head out to the mall...an outdoor mall if possible.  It will be easier to draw inspiration from the outdoors in between stores.  Jump into Fall, get shopping!    
    

   

   

Class Time

   Basically, Autumn fashion revolves around the blazer.  It's an easy and classy addition to any outfit!  The real chore is finding a personal favorite...in all my searching I discovered a few versatile pieces that are high quality.  Of course I'm partial to ae.com, and the boyfriend blazer they have in stores currently is amazing....it's actually the one I chose to purchase for this season's wardrobe.  It's a longer fit and has preppy detailed cuffs in a satin material.

   The blazer is big this season because it is effortless!  Blazers dress up jeans and look edgy with a pair of knee-high boots.  An under layer can include a lacy blouse such as the one I found on asos.com (a site in which I am newly obsessed) or a plain blouse (or tee) paired with jewelry.  Any look will look classy and put together as long as you decide on a main accessory and a pair of look-at-me boots!

   Accessory options are endless!  However, a few cute ideas I saw while flipping through the September issues include, but are not limited to: feathered 40's style caps, long multi-chained necklaces, thin patent-leather belts (cinching high-waist skinny's and a tucked-in tee), collar-bone grazing necklaces with an abundant amount of pearls and beads, bulky gold menswear watches and eye-catching patterned scarves. Just a reminder to keep it simple and a representation of self! 

   After you've decided on the ankles and up action, choose your shoes wisely!  There are so many new options for this Fall.  Even if they are an in-and-out trend, get a pair of shooties.  No need to wonder what shooties are any longer.  If you've ever been to a civil war reenactment you have an inkling.  Basically, SHOES+BOOTIES=SHOOTIES!  They are casual, cute and classy, oh and best of all, comfy!  They are the four C's that you cannot pass up!  Paired with cuffed jeans or jeggings, they are the hottest things sweeping across from the east coast this season!  Or, if you are too antsy to wear your boots now that the cold air is coming through, they will suffice!  Actually, shooties or boots are perfect with blazers.  You'll look classic and chic!

Tone It Down

   When did it become acceptable to splash any and every bright colored piece of clothing across a body?  It seems that once summer hits, retail stores become a bucket for rainbows to splat into.  The first step in not looking like Blossom from the 80's is to avoid the urge to purchase all the bubblegum pink, screaming green, or Ferrari yellow adornments!  Begin with deeper hues, such as, rusted oranges, mustard yellows, delicious plums and chocolate browns.  Now, stop getting all bent out of shape, I know these may seem like the colors of the distant Autumn.  However, these colors will bring out your best complexion and you may be surprised to see how they pop when paired with the whites you picked up this spring.  If you've had enough white, wrestle those khaki linens out of the closet!  Nude shades paired with dark colors look very natural and are easy to accessorize.

   There are three main looks of the summer season that I have put together.  Each one makes for an easy transformation from a day at the mall to a night out on the town.  Firstly, if you splurged on a militia jacket over the past few months, one outfit will be simple to create.  Start with a white mini-dress or a white top and bottom, add the military blazer with white or metallic sandals (heels for night) and pop on some deep blue sea shades. 
Deep blue stone jewelry that is translucent couples nicely with faded army green and is very noticeable against bright whites.  A touch of hemp in bracelets (no anklets) will also make the look appear more natural and casual.
   For the diva in every girl I have developed a look that speaks to the rock and glam in all of us.  One detail that is everywhere is STUDS!  There is studded denim crawling out from every designer and it's great because it is very easy to work with when creating an outfit.  Take a pair of studded shorts (even the boy fit styles are edgy), top with a white tee (tees with gold sequined sleeves glam it up a notch), add a denim vest or strings of wooden jewelry and a straw fedora, and DONE!  Keep away from belting studded denim.  Not only does it take the attention from the studs but it makes jewelry appear as over accessorizing.  Take a look at Beyonce's Dereon add in Glamour's May issue for an example of this look.

   My favorite look of the three brings dark warm hues into the sunlight.  White shorts coupled with burnt orange (or mustard yellow) tanks and tees are very fitting.  You could even try lightweight cardigans with an in-elaborate camisole.  It is a simple look that can easily be dressed up with mahogany accessories.  A brown belt with large brown floral focal points are perfect with a fedora.  Look for thick silky ribbons and strappy leather shoes to tone down rusty or mustard tints.  Straw textures also are a natural addition to this look.

   Accessories this season should be designed around textures.  Wooden beads, cloth strands, and hemp braids are all amazing in dark or bright colors.  Do not be afraid to mix several shades of one color into one outfit.  If you decide to wear white shorts with a plum top add a few wooden necklaces that present several shades of purple and other warm colors.  Mahogany jewelry can tone down an array of colors in any one look.  Also, that shag shoulder bag you've been dying to switch to is beyond acceptable.
   The key to fashion success this summer is to tone down bright hues.  You are free to dazzle the public with cape cod blues as long as they are broken up by a brown leather belt and metallic gladiators.  Faded denim vests are perfect with ocean blues and chocolate browns.  Also, colors on the darker end of the spectrum make faded denim look classy yet effortless. 
   Lastly, and most importantly, DO NOT, under any circumstances, purchase anything tie-dyed.  This trend will come and go quicker than harem pants.  Tie-dyed pieces were good in the 60's and are a fun project for fourth graders, but not for present fashion; It is simply unacceptable.  Now, go on and see what natural looks you can cultivate!

Pure and Natural Spring

   Everywhere I look I see rocker chic; Spring seems like the perfect time to soften it up!  This Spring brings...sigh... the ability to wear white pants and not get the glare.  Instead of getting a double take for breaking the so-called fashion rules, hook that second glance by wearing a sheet of perfection.

   Yes ladies, it's time to keep it simple and chic; It's time to wear the white that has been crying for your attention throughout the winter!  However, do not completely lose that rocker appeal.  Destroyed white skinny jeans are HUGE this year.  Pull on a pair from ae.com for $49.50 or stop by pacsun.com for the mid range price of $42.50.  If you are looking to spend less cash, jcpenny.com has shredded white skinny jeans for $17.99.  Not quite succeed in that New Year's resolution of losing 15 pounds?  Gap offers a pair for a low $30, which are a little on the looser side.  American Eagle Outfitters will have white boy fit jeans by early April. The boy fit is a relaxed fit, besides the yoga pant, it's the closest thing to sweats!

  Spending some serious loot on a pair of white jeans is half the battle.  Most women are not sure what goes with white, even though that seems proposterous.  Many think that the only article of clothing to go with the color is a denim jacket.  Swipe that jacket idea from your mind and take my advice, ADD MORE WHITE!  No other color reflects the rays, of the out of hiding sun, better than white.  Think to yourself, the recent return from a tropical spring break bronzed your skin and created the best canvas for layers of the purest color.  Well, it was either a vacation or the month-long membership to the tanner.
   Wondering how all white won't create the plain Jane look?  Take a look at some options for the upper half.  Instead of a blank tee, consider embellished collars or crisp creases.  You could pair your AE skinnys with a nail-studded tee, or even add a collared button-up with cuffed sleeves.  Pour some time into exploring your many options.

   Check out the studded tank shown above at ae.com for only $19.50!  Also, American Eagle has a woven with cute penny pocket details for a little over $30.  The bib top shown to the left can be found at Banana Republic for $49.50, if you are into dressing up those whites!  Express offers a cotton stretch tee with rock star studs that trace the collar bone, which is $29.50.  Whichever top you choose make sure you are in love with it, otherwise you may never form that match made in heaven.

    This entire look of pure perfection will not result in a standing ovation unless it is topped off with eye-catching accessories.  Add some flare with a bronze metallic belt, shiny silver bangles, and textured shoes.  Go for the natural look by including leafy earrings and suede belts or shoes with tassels.  The outfit will not be unique unless you put yourself in it.    If you're an animal lover add some prints!  Make the outfit all about you!  Here is a little something for inspiration before you go on your way!  My sister and I created this outfit for a girls night out.  You could substitute the heels for studded gladiator sandals, or switch the metallics out for something femme and floral!  Remember, fashion is anywhere we are, whether that is in the bright colored city signs, or within the greens and florals of a backyard garden.  Fashion is everywhere!

BeneFit

Before deciding to jazz up your style with a spanking new outlook on self fashion, let's take a look at how to save some cash.  Sure, once in a while splurging on a unique closet addition is a necessity.  However, the entire point of this blog is to SAVE YOU MONEY!!  Even the "lower end" retailers tend to get a little pricey after a few items collect in your shopping bag.  Next time you are at the mall stop into a few retailers and sign up for free loyalty programs.  Simply signing up will save you money on future items that will personalize your style and update pieces you already own to make them more trendy.
Some of these programs are available for online registration.  Be honest, you have just wasted half an hour browsing through Facebook and deleting emails, you have the time.  Take a few moments and check out these rewards programs, or jot the retail brands down for a future visit.  I did my homework on this one to help you out!  American Eagle Outfitters and their sister store Aerie, both have the AE Rewards Card, which tracks the amount of money spent in a three month period and converts the amount into points that are reflected in a coupon you will receive four times per year.  This could mean an employee discount of 40%, four times a year!  J C Penny has a rewards system that converts each dollar into two points.  After one month, if you have earned 250 points, you will get a $10 coupon in an email!  Hot Topic's program helps you earn points even when you simply visit a store, even if you make no purchase at all!  It is called H+1 and gives you multiple discounts throughout the year, plus an extra discount on your birthday.  Birthday outfit accessory DISCOUNTED, check!
Speaking of accessories, let's talk about discounts on shoes.  The rewards card at DSW gives you a $10 gift certificate after you have earned 1500 points.  These continue to add up and never expire, until you earn all the points!  The conversion is 10 points per dollar, so after $150 members receive a ten dollar coupon.  Plus, the birthday gift from DSW is a $5 gift card.  Birthdays are quite amazing in themselves, but with these additional benefits, they just got so much better.  I am not even done with your celebration yet.  With all these new discounted fashions you will need a beautiful face to top it off with.  Sephora is a beauty store that carries everything you want to smear on your face plus everything you need to wipe it off with.  And Sephora wants you to be a Beauty Insider.  As a member of this free program you will earn 1 point per dollar and even receive a free gift on that special day.  There are several point levels with various beauty items that you choose for FREE!  And, if you're keen on free, join Pink Nation developed by Victoria's Secret.  Every month members receive an email with coupons and free item offers.  All you have to do is print off the flier, take it to your neighborhood store, and claim your prize!  Who knows, you could have a bag of free stuff waiting for you at the mall as you read this!
Now, get out and get your rewards, then hurry back because next we are talking spring fashion and how to OWN it!!