Bits and Pieces: The Shoes! Get the Shoes!

The only thing I kept repeating when taking shots of this outfit - "Get the shoes!  Don't cut out the shoes!"  And frankly, after seeing them, can you understand why? They ARE the outfit.  I could probably drape myself in a potato sack as is often the clothing of choice for a horrific, non descript outfit reference, and these heels would still BE the outfit.  Naturally with a potato sack, I would probably belt it and throw on a sharp blazer, so fashion lemonade is always possible.  For this particular pairing, I chose a neutral, fitted tank dress with no particular details other than ruching down the sides, and a classic brown belt.  I find with outfits that are all one color, the long road of monochromatic fabric must be broken with a belt.  And it cinches in the waist - hello?!  The remarkable quality of these shoes is they are still wearable with just about everything, though they seem busier than Grand Central at rush hour.  Army green, brown leather and silver grommets - all basic items in their own right that when put together make for a fierce look.  Now the heel height is pushing it with me, since I do not have a driver on call, unless you can call the 6 train that comes regularly my "driver".  And traipsing around NYC in heels above 3 inches is cute for approximately 10-15 minutes, until the balls of your feet begin burning like they are lined with hot coals and you actually feel like you are balancing on stilts rather than walking in heels.  An ankle may give out at about 45 minutes and then shortly after a quick trip to Duane Reade for Dr. Scholl's foldable flats (FYI - they are actually a godsend) is inevitable.  Game over.  But women wear this badge of courage proudly for the sake of fashion.  Honorable if you ask me.  Noble, even.  Hang your head no more ladies when blistered and bruised from your heels - you are a hero.  A fashion hero.   

Dress - Kenneth Cole (similar - here or here) | Belt - Theory (similar here) | Shoes - Giuseppe Zanotti 

Bits and Pieces: Maxi Love

I am not sure what I am more proud to show off, my great maxi dress or my great hair day.  Well either way, they are both the feature of this post - and when you have petulant and uncompromising curly hair that you must tame every morning, you appreciate the rare moments when it actually behaves.  Maybe it was influenced by the dress and felt it needed to be on its best behavior.  I certainly was.  There are certain outfits in my wardrobe that when worn, make me act a little bit better.  I said a little not a lot - a leopard can't ever really change their spots now, can they?  I feel at my utmost summery-est when wearing this Kenneth Cole maxi dress.  Though it does have a slightly more formal feel then my other maxi number, I still enjoy wearing it for work or play as it is probably one of the most comfortable dresses I own.  Now if you could reach through the computer screen and touch the fabric, you would find it to be a silky Lycra texture with some weight to it.  It hangs at just the right length so that it does not dust along the streets as  I walk - and in NYC that is a necessity as it may just become radioactive after coming in contact with all the street filth.  A sandal is still my shoe choice for the maxi dress - as I do find it odd when paired with heels, unless the dress is too long for you and your heels give you what the good Lord couldn't  - a few extra inches.   I felt this was a proper farewell outfit to Summer and all the good times we had.  Wait - who am I kidding - Summer was sorta bitchy and waged war on my hair with all her humidity antics.  But nonetheless - I appreciate the opportunity to parade around in numbers like these.  So I guess I can call a truce with Summer - it's never good to hold a fashion grudge. 

 

Dress - Kenneth Cole | Sandals - Sam Edelman

 

 

Bits and Pieces: Dressed Up in Shorts

I know what you all are thinking - is she in shorts, AGAIN?  Yes, yes I am.  I have had prior deliberations on my affinity for shorts a few posts ago, wondering how to pull off polished in a non-pants, non-skirt fabrication, but my pride abounds with this above look.  A silky textured short and a peplum-like silhouette courtesy of a blousy tank and belt, made for a perfect "casual Friday" look this past week.  Paired with my new shoe crush as discussed here, I feel the pointy toe and patent leather dresses it up a smidge so that my "casual Friday" edges slightly towards - still maintaining my weekly office attire dignity.  The ballerina like hair do? Courtesy of a non-wash day, and my hesitant foray into the world of dry shampoo.  And what would an outfit post in the summer time be without my ever trusted, pasty, pale, alabaster skin.  (Throwing in alabaster makes me feel better about my inability to tan - like I'm some disney princess)  This whole shorts thing is starting to grow on me.  I suppose almost any fashion choice can be styled to reach your desired comfort and polish level - except overalls.  And crocs.  And  clear lucite, stripper heels.  You are on your own with those. 

Tank - Kenneth Cole | Belt - Ann Taylor | Shorts - GAP | Shoes - Jean Michel Cazabat

Bits and Pieces: Silky Sheath Dress

Let's get to work.  And let's look good while we do it.  I say a basic sheath dress always does the trick.  Simple, easy, (hopefully comfortable) and polished to a professional perfection (polished to a professional perfection, polished to a professional perfection, polished.... you just can't say it 5x fast).  I am particularly fond of this dress because 1. it's a neutral tone (duh - we have been down this road before) 2. it's super comfortable and lightweight for summer 3. I can pull off looking like a grown up really well while hiding my ever present 12 year old humor.  I bought this cardigan as an impulse buy and love the draping effect it has with the dress, and it keeps me slightly warm in the frozen tundra that is my office.  And dear god, I love a nude pump.  Wearable with everything and the perfect height to not have to bring the dreaded "change of shoe" on my walk to work.  All around - the perfect work outfit.  A+.

Dress - Kenneth Cole | Belt - Kenneth Cole | Cardigan - Club Monaco | Pumps - Manolo Blahnik

Bits and Pieces: Staying in Neutral

While many consider neutrals the death of their wardrobe, mine is sustained by these basic tones and shades.  It allows me to create a polished look with ease by mixing and matching almost anything and everything that I own.  The outfit possibilities become endless and somewhat seasonless.  This utilitarian jacket gives the look a casual edge - great for weekends, but the wool cropped trousers make it 9-5 workplace appropriate.  Adding the sheen of a silk tank underneath creates a textural difference that gives the outfit dimension.  Mixing fabrics and textures is a great way to invigorate the standard "neutral" toned outfit.  A metallic shoe finishes off the outfit and rounds out the textural spectrum.  Sometimes my closet is like my own craft corner - martha stewart who?   

Kenneth Cole Jacket | Kenneth Cole Tank | J. Crew Pants | Ann Taylor Belt | Ann Taylor Necklace | Gucci Pumps