Chic Shoes to Take You From Valentines to Spring!

Counter-clockwise from top: Puma, Jeffery Campbell, Kristen Cavallari, Asos, Jeffery Campbell, Steve Madden, Naturalizer, Steve Madden, Nike, Christian Louboutin, Sam Edelman, Nike, Sam Edelman, Loeffler Randall, BCBG, Public Desire, Lola Shoetique, Nike

 As a girly-girl, I obviously love all the pink and red fashion and decor that comes with Valentine's Day, but when purchasing I always like to think of how to re-use a piece more than once. Since shoes are my thang, if I am treating myself this V-Day, I want something adorable that can transition right into spring and summer as well! Velvet is so in right now, but let's be honest: when those warm spring temps start to roll in, velvet may look a little out of season (except I couldn't pass on those kick-ass booties).

I love all the nudes this season, and I cannot wait to add more sneaks to my collection with that drool-worthy pair of huarache's 😍 

xo

How To Care For Your Shoes

I'm a shoe girl, always have been, always will be. I believe shoes set the tone for your outfit; that is the shoes make or break it. I spend quality money on the shoes I purchase so I want to make sure they last as long as possible and look as brand new as possible. There is nothing that ruins a look more than when your shoes are beat and dirty.

When I started purchasing my own shoes, I made it a habit to pre-care when I buy them and clean my shoes regularly to keep them in tip-top shape. Below I have tips for caring for the majority of fabrics for shoes: leather, sneaker material, and suede.

 

 

.Leather.

 

Boots are pricey no matter what shape they are, and leather requires the utmost care. As soon as my leather shoes come out of the bag, I immediately pull out the Kiwi polish, take a soft cloth and buffer in circles. Wipe off the excess with the cloth and put aside to set. I regularly wipe them clean throughout the fall and winter, and then polish them one more time before I store them in their bags for the spring/summer. You can buy the perfect polish at Target.

.Sneaker Fabric.

 

 

I remember growing up my brother had the largest white sneaker collection. Keep in mind this was mid-nineties when he was in high school, so they were the legit high-tops and trainers. I guess that ingrained in my mind that sneakers always look best clean, like their right out of the box. I'm also a sneakerhead (and brand loyal obviously) so keeping my casual kicks as perfect as possible is my goal. I went to the local drugstore and got these sprays with a brush head on top. One is for prep & seal, and the other is a routine cleaner. Just like with my boots, I made this a routine habit as well. Those pale pink wedge kicks are over 5 years old and have not a spot on them!

.Suede.

My heels collection is !!! While I display only the best on a rack in my room, the rest line my walk-in's floor. These stay year round, because even if I'm not wearing these in the snow, I love looking at them every time I walk into the room. Heels are the most precious to me since they are my typical 'weekend' shoe. Now with suede, you have to be more careful when it comes to care and keep. It is best to treat suede with a soft-bristle brush, like the one shown above. A toothbrush also works and is probably best for small areas like the heel and the toe tip. NEVER use water to wipe off a stain on suede. I made that mistake on the fuchsia ones above once, and I saw fuchsia water drops all over my sink (freak-out mode). If there is a stain, try using a little bit of white vinegar to dissolve and brush out. I try not to wear my suede shoes in anything but dry weather and clean pavement. From time to time however, I do take them to a cobbler and have them cleaned and the heel tap reinforced.

The other ways I treat my shoes are with insoles, traction pads on the bottom soles, and heel guards. The shoes that aren't on display, I keep in my walk-in, or in off seasons, in flat, plastic storage totes in the basement to keep them clean. All of these aids I talked about above, along with cleaners and storage can be found at Target.

 

Shoes are not only function, but they can be works of art and design too. Treat them right!

xo

Wednesday Wardrobe Wishlist

 

 

 

 

 

Dress: Topshop // Bag: Nordstrom // Nails: JINsoon // Earrings: Rachel Zoe // Hair Pins: Nordstrom // Lips: YSL // Heels: Sam Edelman

 

Swooning over a romantic, floral embroidered frock. There's something so dark and glamorous yet so ladylike and romantic about it. Paired with lux accessories such as the always sexy black suede lace-up heel and color coordinating beauty picks, I'm obsessed with this look. I also added the bobby pins because I can see a wind-swept, side braid for the hair.

Similar looks can be found on Dolce & Gabbana's runways, and the hit show Reign, on the CW. My personal style isn't particularly lady-like, but I can't get enough of this grown-up romance.

My Fall Haul!

Each fall I get in the "back to school" shopping mode and need a closet refresher. I am definitely one of those people that invests more in fall fashion than in spring or summer clothing. The layers, the textures, the feeling of warm comfort, chic accessories, hoarding boots for every outfit; what's not to love? And let's be real, as a female, it is easier to get dressed up for dinner in fall than it is in summer- short/barely there outfits, pale ,need-to-tan skin, manicures/pedicures, etc. Summer dressing is actually a lot of work when you think about it! That's not to say dressing in the colder months means laziness, I think it means more ease with endless chic options. Below are some new styles I added to my closet this fall that can be styled so many ways!

A new twist on the military vest + olive trend with a cinched waist and large lapels is perfect for layering. A fitted moto jacket in Pantone's color of the year, Marsala, adds extra spice to an outfit in place of a black one.  

Vest: Forever 21 (sold out) // Moto Jacket: Nordstrom 

The ideal lightweight long cardigan is perfect for a woman of any height, I'm only 5'3 and it does not overwhelm my frame at all. A sweater-jacket with overlapping lapels literally looks good with everything (this was a steal during the Nordstrom sale and I've worn it a hundred times already)

Cardigan: Target // Sweater Jacket: Nordstrom 

A swingy 3/4 sleeve dress in olive green is limitless with scarves, vests and jackets. A cozy flannel shirt dress with a cinched waist for a more feminine look is a staple. 

Dresses: Nordstrom (sold out) Similar here and here

The two pieces of denim I added to my collection this fall was a chic mid-rise, straight leg style with light distressing to wear with pumps and an over-sized button-down, and high-waist flares with stretch to conquer my inner 70's child. 

Straight Jeans (called boyfriend online, but are not) Nordstrom // Flares: Gap (obsessed)  

A beautiful twist on the classic white button down shirt from Banana Republic features a soft, silky material and layers of chiffon pleats. This top is long so it is perfect for wearing over leggings. 

 Top: Banana Republic (no longer available) 

A floaty bohemian top with over-sized bell sleeves for a chic peasant vibe

Top: Zara

These Fushia suede pumps are "ahhhhh!"  

Pumps: Sam Edleman

Hat: Nordstrom similar

And of course, the wear with everything hat. Hat styles can be tricky, but this one can be boho, city chic, street chic, etc. 

As I get older,I take on a "less is more" approach with my accessories. I mentioned in my previous post about the factors I use to pull the trigger on a designer bag, but even if it is something as inexpensive as this hat, I still want a chic style that can be re-mixed often. I own tons of jewelry and other accessories, but if you notice in most of my outfit pictures, I wear only minimal jewelry and add-on's these days. In fact, I usually wear the same couple pieces with every outfit, no matter the style or event I wear it for (and I realized I just said "I" like 20 times and I hate doing that, apologies). 

What are your must-have's for fall shopping? Do you tend to go all out with clothing, or are you more excited for beauty buys or accessories? I'd love to hear your favorites so I can check them out! 

xo