. . . back in the midwest a few weeks ago celebrating my aunt's 55th surprise birthday party i happened to stop in aldo with my cousin—I was only looking for earrings. my cousin bought the Croner platform in yellow (her favorite color) and i eyed the same shoe in red but decided to just go with the feather and pearl Michaiah earrings. turning to pay for them before i was tempted by anything else i saw the sales associate with them on and new i had to have them: the Croner in blue—a blue that the picture does no justice for, my favorite electric blue. of course they didn't have them in store so I ordered them (and snatched up a bottle of Lavendar Fields nail lacquer they had conveniently placed at the register) and had them shipped to me back here in L.A. unfortunately when i finally received them they fit a little too perfect (they should seriously consider half-sizes) so I went into my closest store for the next size where I spotted Proa, my new favorite fold-over clutch.
For autumn Marciano goes back to black, but there's nothing basic about these noir beauties. Playing with different textures--patent,knits,suede and exotic skins--to create attention-grabbing details while maintaining the essence of sleek and simple footwear, Marciano serves up some of my favorite options for fall.
Teodora mixes strappy patent leather over a layer of cutout suede for the ultimate sexy stiletto--exposed heels and peeping toes agree.
Crysta is double the chic with removable akle-wraping strap that lets you go from day to night in seconds; read: straight from work to the party.
Carelle lets you show as much or as little of your wild side as you like with an easily removable reptile-embossed ankle & sole wrapping buckle--but that wouldn't be any fun.
Justina has understated fashion authority with hints of high-gloss patent trimming the suede knee-high boot--look but don't stare.
Aria mixes the ultimate cool weather media: supple leather and soft sweater knit and adds a lacing up the back calf to become the "it" boot of the season. No objection here.
What's better than shopping designer sales? Not much, you say? We agree. It's exhilerating to snag a trendy piece you've coveted since it's day on the runway. But, what's even more gratifying is to find contemporary pieces that work wth many items in your wardrobe and through several seasons.
We stalked the categories at our newest favorite designer outlet, theOutnet.com to find exactly these kinds of pieces. Everything in our virtual shopping bag was chosen to be styled and worn together. And the most exciting part is that each item is on sale under $100.
One of my favorite places to shop for high quality fashion-forward shoes at a fraction of the price of runway is bebe. They always carry the sexiest, most fashionable styles and I can never part those glass doors without more than one pair in my rope-handled bag.
I love the slingback platformed "Zahara", I have two pair already-in different colors of course, but not this snake-embossed tea stain hue which is perfect for completing nude ensembles. Out of my peripheral vision the 'Leighton' patent & stretch peep toe bootie has caught my eye as well. And even though I have several booties, none of them are peep toe. And these will look super cute with my skinny jeans and minis while showing off my spring and summer pedis.
Good jeans are hard to find. Add to this the myriad of washes and styles and it's almost impossible to find the perfect pair.
Alloy comes to the rescue with a plethora recessionista-priced options. If you're into the reprise of the acid-wash jean try Paris Hilton's black ankle length acid-dyed skinny jean with studded back yoke or Jetset's gray acid-wash stretch skinny jean.
For a more worn-in relaxed look go with Revolt's bootcut 'Love Destroyed Jean' with paint spatters or Truck Jean's destroyed flares.
Sophistication gets a little flirty in these floral peep toe pumps from Forever 21. A dual outside floral arrangement adds a dramatic flair to an otherwise simple pump. Available in cream or black, they are the perfect way to spring into a new season.
If you've ever been skeptical of colors and prints, swimwear is a perfect way to play with them, on a smaller scale. Fortunately the spring season, and Anthropologie, brings a bevy of charming prints for you to try; whether you opt for Tibi’s zany zigzag, Hayden-Harnett’s painterly streaks, Syla’s leafy motifs or Ondademar’s fringe & beads, make your pool- or seaside statement with boldly printed pieces.
Let's face it, as much as we all love fashion there are those days when we don't feel like going through the process. We don't feel like getting all dressed up, yet, we still want a complete look. For days like this we turn to our trusted staples: jeans, tees, tunics and the like for their ease of wear and versatility. And to get that chic together look and feel (without all the work) we suggest adding one key piece that is simple to incorporate and adds that extra flair for pulled together style. For example, these very chic vests from Forever 21.
more Vested in Style
style is so personal . . . it is a visual extension of thoughts, feelings and moods, which is why it can change ever so subtly or in the most grandeur fashion and, when it is genuine, can never truly be wrong.
~ terra black
noun, [stahyl - ol - uh - jee]
1. knowledge that enables a mode of expressing oneself by selecting and arranging apparel & accessories which become clearly and effectively complementary and or successful on the wearer
2. having knowledge of a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of dressing that references a group, period, person, personality, etc.
3. knowing what is, as well as how to execute, an elegant, fashionable, or luxurious mode of dressing
