Midweek STYLE Society Roundup – Vol. 3

This week's Midweek STYLE Society roundup is a little light, but it's to be expected given we're between Christmas and New Year's!  What we've gathered this week is a menagerie of stylish items from DIY chandelier to gift guides to reviews of fabulously stylish stores and designers!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

• ellyb Events ~ Champagne Bubble Chandelier....tutorial
• The Working Girl's Shoe Closet ~ Getting a Grip in the Winter Storm

• The Recessionista ~ Review of William Rast for Target
• Life in a Venti Cup ~ Venti Girl Gift Guide

• The Working Wardrobe ~ Holiday-Wear at Chicago's Cerato Boutique

• Blueprint for Style ~ Diego Does Handbags
• My Intimate Affair with Fashion ~ Tangled Necklace Bracelet
• Closet of Style ~ What to Wear After the Food Fest

Getting a Grip in the Winter Storm

This Winter is taking us all by storm, literally.  Regardless of the Coast you’re on, you need to be sporting your boots.  There’s no way we can survive this one otherwise.  And while it’s nearly impossible to find the incredible boots you’re looking for when you need them, once in a while, the shoe gods smile upon us and unite us with what we have been trying to find.  Case in point, these Donald J. Pliner ‘Bixbi’ boots!

In my seemingly eternal search for the perfect flat boots, I visited my local Nordstrom Rack.  I should have been Christmas shopping but sometimes a girl’s got to reprioritize. ;)  What seemed to be a futile trip turned out to be such a lucky find.  Seriously, the Nordstrom Rack never lets me down.  These boots have the perfect toe, round but not too round.  They fit perfectly around my calf and have a really comfortable foot pad. 

I’ve worn them a couple of times and the milk chocolate leather is soft but resilient.  I say resilient because it’s that kind of leather that looks good even if you knick it.  The knicks don’t show in that noticeable way.  They give it some character without making you look raggedy.  The sleek, no frill design make them perfect for skirts and jeans.  The versatility is a result of its very classic silhouette.   

My most favorite part about these boots are the soles.  They are rubberized and have those little plus shapes that give you insane amounts of traction.  No matter snow or rain, you will have a hard time losing your step with this kind of sole even on slick smooth marble and cobblestones.  The rubber sole also absorbs shock when you walk giving you total comfort when having to handle business all over town in the Winter.  These retailed for $265 originally, and because it is the Rack, I scored them for only $125.  This proves two things: 1- the shoe gods are very kind and 2- you really can’t ever go wrong at The Nordstrom Rack.  Having some great boots that have the timeless chic factor and all-weather footing built in are the way to get a grip during these Winter storms.  

May your shoe closet overflowth in the new year!  Cheers! *hearts*

   

Midweek STYLE Society: Roundup from Top Lifestyle Bloggers Vol. 2

I was asked to participate in STYLE Society with this great group of amazing bloggers with phenomenal style and even better tips.  This week's STYLE Society (#STYLESociety) is clearly focused on the Holidays: who needs what, what to get who, last minute gift ideas, decorating tips for a subtle yet festive home, and ways to look and be just plain fabulous!  The options are endless and cover the well-heeled ladies as well as the dapper dons, so read on....and, of course,

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

• Closet of Style ~ Runway to Reality: Dior Handbag
• My Intimate Affair with Fashion ~ Cateye Sunglasses & Edward Tricomi Haircut
• Blueprint for Style ~ Shop In Style to Save Money

• The Working Wardrobe ~ The Working Man: Gifts He'll Actually Wear

• Life in a Venti Cup ~ Venti Girl Gift Guide: The Alpha Female

• The Style & Beauty Doctor ~ Don't OD on the Smoky Eyes

• The Working Girl's Shoe Closet ~ Courting with Italian Style

• ellyB events ~ Sugarplum Tablescape
• The Recessionista ~ Last Minute Gift Ideas
• 365 Days of Style ~ First Impressions: How Do They Affect Your Style?

Courting with Italian Style

Well now that everyone in Southern California is growing gills from all the rain, we have successfully embraced our beloved boots.  However, being that finding the “right” boot is such a challenge, almost to the point of dreading it as much as cleaning the bathroom.  I think I truly gasped out loud when I saw these on my fellow juror last week.  I was rather excited to be picked for a jury and even more excited to meet this truly fabulous woman on my jury.  She first caught my eye while sitting through endless interview questions of potential jurors as she sat stylishly in the black patent Tory Burch ‘Sophie’ wedges that I featured in my last post.  I knew this lady was gonna be my bestie during this trial instantly.

She wore these fabulous knee high flat boots on our first official day of the trial after the jury was finalized, aka Day 2 of Jury Duty for me.  I no longer could resist chatting it up with her about shoes.  She’s got a dream job of working as the Director of Diversity & Inclusion for a national law firm so Ms. Thang has to turn it out with some fierce style in the office and as she jet sets all over the country.  And clearly she didn’t disappoint. 

She said that she got these at Nordstrom and she was actually talked into them by the saleslady, especially since she wasn’t very familiar with the Aquatalia line.  Turns out they are nearly the best boots she’s ever had.  The leather is supremely soft and has incredible cushioning in the footpad.  She said that what sold her the most on these was the perfect fit.  Like all of us playing Goldiboots with these being too loose in the calf, those being too tight in the calf, these fit just right.  And the reason for that was the genius construction of adding an elastic back to these boots.  I’ve seen several in this style but they turn me off because they usually look like you’re wearing a Jekyll and Hyde boot.  They look like one boot from the front and completely different boot from the back.  That’s a little too much variety for my taste.  But given the Italian lineage, taste and an eye for exquisite style are a given.  And Aquatalia does not disappoint.  They created this fantastic boot that is cohesive and a perfect fit no matter your calf size. *swoon*

These are several similar styles on the  Aquatalia site that retail a little on the pricey side but prove to be well worth the investment as perfect fitting boots are worth your weight-DOUBLED! ;)  Their soles all come with a fantastic rubber sole with a grid design that makes you grip any surface, wet or dry, with complete effortlessness.  The sleek design and styles of their boots make them timeless and their craftsmanship make them long lasting. *hearts*





    

Guest Blog Week: 5 Fabulous Shoes for the Classy Career Girl

In rather timely fashion to being #WorkStyleWeek with the fabulous the ladies of Cubicle Chic, I was also approached to do a guest blog for Anna also known as the Classy Career Girl. 

So I give to you ‘5 Fabulous Shoes for the Career Girl .’ 

While this week has turned out to be my guest blog week, I do hope that it has also given you great work shoe options and great tips for looking fantastic all year round.

Have a great weekend being Santa’s little helpers! ;)

   

Guest Blog: Everyone Needs A Little Maintenance

This week is #WorkStyleWeek with fabulous bloggers that focus on professional and career fashion hosted by Meredith and Lindsey of Cubicle Chic.  I have to share that I met these amazing women at #IFB’s fantastic conference during New York’s Fashion Week.  While I had a major cyber crush on them before meeting them in person, I fell completely head over heels after meeting them in person. 

Anywho, yours truly has had the honor to participate with the rest of the great #WorkStyleWeek bloggers.  My contribution is ‘Everyone Needs A Little Maintenance.’  Hope you find helpful tips that keep your shoe closet looking fabulous all year round! ;)

  

My ‘Farrow’ Ladies!

It’s been a flurry of deliveries from my version of Santa Claus aka The UPS Delivery Man with all of my fantastic Black Friday and Cyper everything sales.  Some were major misses unfortunately but some were definite hits, including this DIVINE ‘Farrow’ from Corso Como.  I haven’t found a flat like this one.  E.V.E.R.  I took several risks with the fantastic sales with new brands I hadn’t hear of and brands I’ve never tried.  Corso Como was one of them.  I had seen them in InStyle last month so I knew they were worth giving them a chance.  Also, they were one of the amazing Swirl by Daily Candy sales.  If you haven’t signed up for these, it’s definitely worth the 3 minutes of form typing to get some really great deals.  I pounced on these and two other gorgeous flat boots.  Sadly, even though I was able to get them in my basket, only the ‘Farrow’ flats got delivered.  This is the only problem with Swirl (and a few other similar sites).  Their stock isn’t always accurate online.  They don’t charge you for the merchandise you don’t get, but I think the disappointment of not getting something you thought you got is kinda worse… :(

Anywho, I did get these ‘Farrow’ bejeweled flats that are truly amazing.  I am a huge fan of great city flats, hence the Ulimate City Flat for the Ultimate City Girl.  However, these are really very different.  These are flats to live by.  After research and looking for more of the Corso Como shoes in general, I think this entire brand may be too! 

So yes, my attraction came to these because of the beautiful jewels and color.  My current grey flats are in there last moments of servitude so I know that it’s a good time to start looking for new ones.  Finding these just made my heart skip a beat.  I get a little nervous at flats that have the elastic trim all around, or specifically around the ankle.  I’m not sure if its my ankles in particular that are sensitive, but a lot of those elastics really hurt my ankles after a couple of hours and actually dig into them.  After my last pair that did that, I have sworn them off, no matter how cute they are.  And that’s hard for me to say! ;)

When I got these, they were much softer than I expected.  They were also VERY high quality craftsmanship.  I also noticed that the insole was like no other I had ever seen.  It was like a little pillow with air holes.  And the leather inside was really soft.  My curiosity was so piqued!  I immediately tried them on to find a whole new experience.  The padding in these shoes is like no other.  At first, they feel a little weird because you’re not used to this feeling of having pillows in your shoes. (Like 5 layers of different foam cushions, aka the Corso Como Comfort System)  But your feet sink into them with such appreciation that you acclimate rather quickly. ;)  They are designed to let your feet breath while reducing humidity.

The elastic edging is firm but not in a way that hurt my ankles.  It gave it enough “gathering” to avoid any gaps when you walk but enough flexibility to not make your foot feel like it was being punished for leaking stuff on Wikileaks. ;)

I’ve worn them about 3 times in the week and a half I’ve had them because of how much I love them.   They are a great work option because they are a neutral and the jewels help dress them up to go with a great work ensemble.  But because they are so comfy, you’re going to find yourself wearing them with just about anything. ;)

The bottom sole has their logo and this adorable little rhinestone embedded in the center of it.  It's almost too cute to walk on!

I wanted to share a little about Corso Como with you too.  Although they aren’t vegan, they are incredibly eco-friendly.  They are at the cutting edge of leather manufacturing by using methods that reinforce their commitment to the global environment.  They’re all about promoting the idea of style with a conscience.  *swoon*  They sent a great little card with the shoes that talks about their commitment to protect the environment by using recyclable paper on all packaging saving about 2,000 trees per year.  If you need more convincing, all their shoes have natural colored leather in their soles because they don’t use chemical or mechanical correction processes.  This adds to their shoes flexibility which means softness and comfort to us! ;)  Can’t wait to get some of their heels!  

Stay warm Dolls!

Penny For Your Thoughts

Oh my aching credit cards!  I don’t know about you but I really went crazy with all the sales during this past weekend.  I did make it out to the stores but mostly, I shopped online and made out like a bandit.  I wish I could say that I’m done with my Christmas shopping but that would be silly!  The retailers are totally throwing me lots of designer bones and I’m all too happy to chomp them up. 

These ‘Urquiza’ penny loafer pumps by Aldo enamored me taking me back to my grade school days of starched plaid uniforms.  These adorable pumps have that classic coin pocket that actually fit a dime, but I'm working on getting that penny in there. ;)  But in true Aldo form, they have brought that great balance of fashion, professional style and sex appeal in this fantastic pump.

The high 4 ¾” heel is a platform heel that includes a 1” platform.  While this heel seems a little high for a girl on the go, the stacked heel makes this a very wearable pump.  It has a solid heel that is substantial enough to withstand subway grates and sidewalk cracks.  This is also a good counter to the sole being smooth.  It’s hard to keep your balance if your shoes are slipping with each step, but having a substantial stacked heel actually gives you that added balance.

My favorite thing about the ‘Urquiza’ is the overall design and feel of it.  You can take it in so many directions-style wise.  The insanely cold wind that has swept into LA has me in boots 24/7.  And while we all know I love my boots, I need a break.  These are a perfect alternative because they go PERFECTLY with tights, the opaque ones or the totally adorable crocheted knit ones that look like those school girl knee highs.  Again, the trip to memory lane with the updated adultness is a big win for me on these.  The structured stitching will always make these grown up and office appropriate.  They come in two gorgeous neutral colors, khaki and cognac.  These are so versatile for great office fashion and beyond, that they will be a go-to staple in your shoe closet making them well worth their $125 price.  But, the fond memories of being a school girl are worth a penny for your thoughts. ;)

A Twist on the Classic Pump

At my first glance of these pumps, I got flashbacks to Molly Ringwald in Pretty In Pink.  I’m thinking poufy metallic lamé   Guinea Sax prom dresses and ruffled cuff socks and pumps. ;) And just like Molly, the 'Marni' pump from Rosegold is adorable from toe to heel. But after a longer second look, I realized that the classic shape of this silhouette demands its comeback time and time again.

This great pump has a 1” platform that cranks you up 4 ¼” inches in total.  A platform does you several important favors.  The first is that you appear taller and thereby thinner because you are elongated to flatter any body shape.  The other thing a platform does is offer you an extra layer of shock absorption.  The platform is essentially a built-in mechanism that helps you be able to run around in these for hours at a time because shoe designers also use the opportunity to add more cushioning there in the ball of your foot.  You also get a great inner cushion in there that is a Rosegold signature. ;)

My favorite part about the Marni is its versatility.  The almond toe makes this silhouette timeless.  Matching this style with the open lattice design gives you a pump that can go from day to night quite easily.  You can style these with your classic suits and pencil skirts for work and then change into your mini with colored tights for a night out with the girls.  Because of how comfortable they are, you could actually wear them all day AND night too! :)  The open lattice design can be edgy so you can let loose but because they in a more conservative shape, they really are a twist on a classic pumps. ;)  And at about $87 on Endless.com's sale, its like getting two shoes for the prices of one, making this a great bargain!

The Chic Mommy Wedge

As several of my fabulous friends begin the motherhood chapters of their lives, they are struggling to find fashion that works with the demands of being a new mom.  No sleep and no time.  Unwilling to fall into the trap of mom jeans and stretchy pants in their mid-30s, they beg for easy wardrobe options that require NO thinking whatsoever.  As such, I give to you the chic mommy wedge.  Again, being the Shop It To Me stalker that I have become, I saw these fabulous Gucci Leather Wedges on the Designer Shoe Warehouse site that just instantly made me think, PERFECTION.  Wedges are that fantastic marriage between flats and heels.  You get all the stability that flats give you with the height that you get from our beloved heels.  Now, imagine if all marriages could be this great at give and take. ;)

These Guccis are fantastic for the chic mom on the go because they have a 2 ¼” heel that makes it feasible to have one little cutie patootie hanging off one shoulder and the other three totes of their stuff on the other.   You slip them on and you’re out the door.  BUT, here’s the best part.  THEY ARE GUCCI, which means, you have fine Italian luxury at your toes, literally.  They have the glamour and pulled-togetherness built in.  And this is primarily WHY these are perfect for the chic mommy.  The style is timeless and classic with the perfect round toe.  As far as comfort, Gucci has proven to be one of the few high end designers that never fails on delivering a comfortable shoe.  The sweet little double G logo on the back of the shoe is tastefully done to last you at least through the terrible two’s.  Not to mention that it retains your status as still being that stylish woman you were before motherhood.  I firmly believe that you don’t have to lose your gorgeous style sense just because now Osh Kosh and Gymboree dominate your laundry basket. ;) Chic mommy can have it all. ;) 

Now in terms of price, these fabulous little ones will be yours for a sheer $99.95 from our new favorite go-to Gucci supplier, Designer Shoe Warehouse.  And you can get free shipping with any $35 purchase (and free membership sign up) using the code SHIPR.  And trust me, this Gucci selection of deals is worth signing up for! ;)  These fabulous wedges come in ELEVEN colors, so I strongly recommend getting multiple colors at this incredible price.  You will not regret it… but you might regret not getting that extra pair when little sweetie pie spills all over you and your wedges. ;)

For those of us that prefer a little more height with our wedge, you can get this same amazing wedge in a 3 ¼” heel for the SAME deal of $99.95!  How are you still reading this and not entering your credit card info on the DSW site?? ;)  Your hardest decision now should really be picking which colors. :)  I’ve got some ideas and things in the cooker for you lovelies so that’s part of why I’ve had fewer posts as of late.  I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

New York State of Mind & Boot

I just returned from a wonderful long weekend in New York City and my cup overflowth with fashion inspiration.  I packed for some chilly, windy Fall weather only to be completely surprised by utterly perfect warmer Fall weather.  Besides, this LA girl would rather be warm than cold ;) In making NYC wardrobe choices to pack, I felt it a crime to not bring along my ‘Wyatt’ boots from Tory Burch.  In fact, I felt I needed to step up my airport style so, I wore them on the flight there and back.

I got these almost a year ago, but I remember it like it was just yesterday. :) While most of the country was still stuffed from dinner and underslept in a crazed store for those incredible Black Friday sales at the crack of dawn, I was glued to my computer pouncing on my Shop It To Me daily email.  Yes, it’s quite an uplifting daily experience that I highly recommend. ;)  These gorgeous knee high boots were a complete steal for $175, reduced from their $550 retail price.  So you know that as soon as I could type my credit card number in correctly, I was doing my happy dance in my pjs.

I got them about a week later and could not be more pleased.  The boot is most DEFINITELY soft.  It’s a pull on boot, my first ever.  I was nervous that they wouldn’t fit over my calves since I’ve always struggled slightly with boots in that area.  I’ve never been a fan of most pull on boots because they’re usually made of a material that always looks cheap to me.  Even in the picture.  And that’s just not my style.  So these looked SO expensive, partly because they were originally. ;)  But more than that, they looked substantial but not stiff.  Granted it was just a picture I based this all off of but I figured the deal was too good not to take a chance and return if need be later. 

I really love them.  They have a very molded foot that brings such a massive benefit to your toes.  The benefit is that the molded foot keeps your foot from sliding all the way forward squishing your toes because 3 ¾” heels will do that to your toes. :)  The stacked heel is solid.  And by solid I mean that when the first leg of my flight was late and the airline shuttled me across the tarmac to catch my connecting flight VIP style and I had to climb the crazy spiky metal stair case with my two carry-ons, I didn’t stumble once.  The boot’s construction gave my foot enough support to have unsquished toes but enough mobility at the ankle to have the agility of a supergirl. :)  And the little gold iconic Tory Burch logo on the back just dot the ‘i’ in fierce, which is how you feel in these boots.

The rounded toe gives it its timelessness and classic feel.  The tailored shape worried me that it may give me a "cankle" look.  But surprisingly, the slouch at the ankle is anything but... The fit is a perfect snug that doesn't slide down but still let me pull them off quickly at the airport security line.  The foot pad isn't terribly well padded.  But to resolve this, I usually wear my boots with ankle socks for the cushy softness they add.  It makes them wearable for my cross country flight and a night walking around Times Square, dinner in Hell's Kitchen, a jaunt over to Bryant Park, the New York City LIbrary, a quick stop at Magnolia's bakery for cupcakes, admiration of Rockefeller Center pre-tree lighting, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Penn Station.

Truly inspired by the amazing fashionistas all over New York City with their chic boots everywhere, made me want to find more delicious boots like the ‘Wyatt’.  It doesn’t hurt that Ms. Tory Burch also keeps turning it out with fabulous shoes, boots, flats, bags and clothes. ;) Thanks NYC ladies!

The Work Clog

As the new Fall and Winter shoe fashions came up on us in late August, the clog intrigued me the most.  It has the nostalgic tone of the 70’s style that went hand in hand with Farah’s flipped hair do and oversized sunglasses.  In more modern times, I’ve only seen women sport a very dowdy version of the shoe that makes me wonder if they were really going for that homely look at the office.  Excited about the fresh modernized update on the clog, I immediately tried on as many as I could find in my vicinity.  The let down is that while they were cute, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was that “other” kind of working girl, no matter what I was wearing while trying them on.  This was totally unacceptable for work.  But I was determined to find a work appropriate clog for the season.  And I finally succeeded. 

The ‘Ginara’ by Banana Republic is the perfect work clog.  I first tried them on in the cognac brown which was actually very nice.  I knew that I wouldn’t have that Stripperella feeling wearing these with a pencil skirt to the office.  I opted for the grey suede which Banana Republic actually calls “Smoke” only because I could actually use more grey shoes options in my shoe closet. ;)

What makes this pair a win is their shape and style.  They hang with the rest of the fabulous clogs out there in the 4” range, with about 1” being the clog platform.  The inner sole is entirely cushioned with a pad that you can feel hug your foot when you slip it on.  This delicious cushion padding makes it perfect for sporting them all day long.  The very simple and streamlined design of this clog keeps it clean and sophisticated.  There is some detailing with the seaming across the shoe but its very minimal in that Calvin Klein kind of way.  And you want that because since its a clog (a little over the top already) keeping it clean and minimal makes it more work appropriate.

The detail that most sold me on this clog was the tapered heel that balanced the shoe between Hookerville and frumpy gardening shoes.  It gave it enough sophistication to make it great pairing with work attire very nicely.  The strap in the back helps keep it nicely secure and from flying off should you take a misstep along the marble floors.  The edgy studs around the sides give the clog versatility to wear with more casual outfits, you know, the way clogs are intended to be worn. ;)  Priced at $140, it makes it a good investment for your shoe closet because it will make you very current and it is easily a shoe you will wear well into the Spring.  Leave it to Banana Republic to be able to make the more trendy fashions work appropriate.  Although, to be completely honest with you, I’ve had my money on them from the start. ;)  I’m off to New York City so I hope you all have a fabulous November weekend.  Stay warm! ;)

Too Gucci To Be True

I was browsing through my Shop It To Me daily email when I came across these beautiful Gucci ‘Hollywood Horsebit’ peep toe pumps.  As I started to drool, I saw that they were on sale from $450 down to $150 at DSW.  And THAT’S when my heart dropped.  I have not tried on a pair of Gucci’s in quite sometime so I had to take a leap of faith on the sizing AND that they were going to be comfortable.  For $150 Gucci’s, it was a risk I was very willing to take.

When my favorite man in brown delivered them last week, I was skipping to my Lou.  I admired them for the gorgeousness that they are.  The red color is more of a deeper red than a classic cherry red but not so red that it’s like a fine red wine. :)  It’s a great red that works almost like a neutral. 

I wore them to work yesterday for the first time.  I was nervous since I didn’t bring my back up flats (The Ultimate City Flat for the Ultimate City Girl) in the case that I should need a lifeline.  But, I took another leap of faith that I would be ok.  Well, that and the fact that I knew I could be parking my behind most of the day so I could avoid walking around too much.  The stiletto thin heel is 4” high and not a friend to sidewalk cracks.  HOWEVER, given that they are 4” high and have what I would think to be too little padding on the ball of the foot, they were amazingly comfortable.  I walked a good six blocks before I felt the ball of my foot start to feel a tinge.  And these are long blocks!  When I did get to put it in “Park”, my feet did not burn.  There was that tinge that starts to make you feel like you’re going into burn mode, but I never actually got there.  I ended up standing for a two hour presentation and never once thought that my feet were hurting because they weren’t.

The fit was very snug but in that way that your foot feels very secure inside the shoe so that it doesn’t feel like it could slip off.  The vamp of the shoe has a fabulous silver horsebit detail that make them unmistakably Gucci.  Now, I know that being a cute little peep toe makes them seasonal.  Except that I actually sported my favorite rain boots the Steve Madden ‘Tsunamii’ that I raved about in ‘Can't Rain On My Parade’ to keep my tootsies warm outside in the morning when it was raining.  The great zipper on the back made them easy for me to zip of them and into my ‘Hollywood Horsebit’ peep toe pumps.  Having stumbled upon DSW in my Shop It To Me email for such a great deal was really what made them *too* Gucci to be true. ;)