My April Obsession - Slide Sandals

Maybe we are a little obsessed sometimes.  (For example, I just figured out, with a little Buzzfeed help and $5, how to make GIFs.  Watch out!)

.gif from youtube.com.

Well, the current obsession is the slide sandal.  They are everywhere, and as one friend concluded: "They are nice way to update your summer wardrobe."  A sentence like that can totally push me into a purchase.

But which one?!  I've ordered 2 pairs (one more on the way) but haven't yet found the right one for me.  But maybe some of these are right for you!

I started with Ancient Greek Sandals because I had read in either Vogue or InStyle or Marie Claire (etc.) that this brand was hot.  Enough said.  So, I ordered these babies to start:

Images from net-a-porter.com.

However much I loved them in the photos, they didn't do a lot for my feet.

Images from Jennifer Houston.

The last ones looked like slippers.  Not what I'm looking for.

I'm waiting for these See by Chloe sandals to be delivered.  Will the smaller amount of leather in the front make a difference?  Will the thick sole?  I hope so. 

Image from shop.nordstrom.com.

In the meantime, check out slides next time you are shopping, either online or in store.  For now, contemplate this selection below.  I will too!  Let us know what you find! ~ JH

W2WW: Slide Sandals

Common Projects slide sandals / Ancient Greek Sandals pull on shoes, $260 / K. Jacques k jacques sandals / Diane Von Furstenberg suede shoes / Gladiator shoes / Cole haan shoes / Joie slide sandals / Ancient Greek Sandals pink sandals, $190 / Espadrilles shoes / Maiden Lane leather shoes / Maiden Lane pink sandals / Tory Burch jelly sandals / Dolce Vita black shoes / Forever 21 sandals

…it's Spring 2014: the Blue Oxford Shirt

Yes, it sounds so plain and easy, and it's just that!  I kind of became a little obsessed with finding a perfect one for spring.  Easy to wear and easily accessorized!  And I knew I was onto something when I read in Bazaar that it was one of the 10 Key Pieces for Spring.

I satisfied my obsession at my Saks appointment with a Boy Band of Outsiders oxford.  Yes, it looks PLAIN AND DULL in this photo.

Image from gaaie.com.

But roll up the sleeves, do a "half-tuck" (tuck the front of the shirt in your pants and leave the back out, add a tank top and unbutton the front to the tank, and it's a whole different look!  Check out these images for inspiration!

Images from pinterest.com.

I totally plan to wear mine with white jeans, white cords, jeans, black cropped pants, black waxed jeans (did you get those black waxed jeans from Madewell? - just add a blue oxford shirt and ballet flats!).  Add a tank when it's cooler or a scarf, stack some bracelets.  Feeling it?! ~ JH

W2WW Blue Oxford Shirt 

Joie chambray top / Ann Taylor button front shirt / Uniqlo blue top / T By Alexander Wang pleated shirt / H M blue long sleeve shirt / Theory top / John Lewis sleeveless tank / Vince jacket / Foxcroft blue long sleeve shirt / J.Crew white straight leg jeans / Diane Von Furstenberg zip pants / AG Adriano Goldschmied ag+adriano+goldschmied jeans / J.Crew strap shoes / Prada animal print loafer / Givenchy black ankle strap sandals / Superga laced up shoes / Tory Burch cage sandals / Tory Burch ankle wrap shoes / STELLA McCARTNEY white flat sandals / Hermès wide bracelet / Hermès leather bangle / Cartier bezel watch / Hermès leather bangle / J Crew belt

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

We take a break from summering to remind our dear readers that it's time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!  This IS the time to jumpstart your fall clothes shopping.   

Right now, it's PREVIEW; if you have a Nordstrom card, you can start shopping NOW.  Sale opens to public on July 19th.

Since Lisa and I have Nordstrom's cards, we have started shopping!  Lisa has an upcoming appointment with Amy Swartz (personal shopper extraordinaire at Nordstrom in Natick) and Amy has already pre-ordered several items for me.

Things we are liking this year?!  This Caslon tunic is cute in the black; a different and easy mommy-top.  Price can't be beat at $39.90.

This DVF wrap dress is a great addition to any wardrobe - it's about $125 off the regular price!

I love, love, love this Joie mixed-media sweater.  I'm going to give it a try since it's only $159.90.

I have a friend who is a little obsessed with blue suede shoes (ahem, Lisa, ahem), and another friend who is also on the hunt (you know who you are!).  Why not play with these for $89.90?

Loving the jacket and t-shirt - they are also part of my order!  

These Harrow rag & bone booties made my heart stop!  I was going to look for them this fall, and here they are!  On sale!  With brown leather piping. Ahhh...come home to me. 

All images from nordstrom.com.

Hope you get started on your fall shopping too!  More to come as we start getting excited about fall.  Until then, back to flip flops.  And if you want a flip flop refresher, click here! ~ JH

...you are hosting the holiday.

This is always tricky.  You have family coming over or staying with you, your kitchen is full of people, the oven(s) is(are) on, and you feel like you are going from one meal to the next.  How can you look stylish and together when your head is in the oven all day?

Here are a couple of tricks I've learned over the years that I thought I'd share with you:

• Wear short sleeves, regardless of your outfit being a dress, top and skirt, or top and pants.  Do you really want to cook in a heavy sweater or long sleeve blouse?  I don't.
• If you are going to wear heels, try wedges or stacked heels.  I can't help myself.  I love heels.  I have a couple of good wedges or stacked pairs that work well for being on your feet all day.
• Beware of 'dangling jewelry' and scarves.  I can't tell you how many times I've almost burned a scarf leaning over the stove.  With the additional frenzy of the holidays, leave the scarf in your dresser.  Ditto with pendant necklaces, etc.  Last thing you need is for your pendant necklace to take a dip in the gravy.
• Stay away from wool and leather.  Jersey, either cotton and silk, is a great material.  Silk blouses are good, light-weight options.

Finally, from a good friend, don't forget to set up a 'lip stick station' in your nearest bathroom or near a mirror.  At the beginning of the day, put your lip stick or gloss, a pressed powder compact, and brush or powder puff in your 'station'.  Over the course of the day, refresh!  You'll be happy to look refreshed instead of shiny when you sit down for dinner.  My 'station' is always in my 1/2 bath in the drawer under the sink. 

Best of luck over the next week, and all the best to you and yours. ~ LB & JH

W2WW Hosting the Holidays

Diane von Furstenberg wool sweater / Theory / Joie cap sleeve t shirt / Cartier / Michael Kors straight leg pants, $330 / Theory tailored pants / J.Crew twill skirt, $260 / Jimmy Choo wedge shoes / Kate Spade / Ivanka Trump wedge shoes / Tory Burch shoes / J.Crew white pearl necklace / J.Crew j crew jewelry / J.Crew knotted bracelet / Tiffany & Co. jewelry / Stella & Dot gold ball earrings / Bottega Veneta sterling silver bangle bracelet / Morra Designs yellow gold jewelry / Tory Burch belt

Holiday 2012: Party Attire

We are all in that pre-Thanksgiving lull right now before it all heats up.  That's right ladies, the Holidays (with a capital H) are upon us, and now is the time to sort out what outfits you might need this holiday season.  Not in a panic on a Saturday in December, 3 hours before a party.  Now.  I had a shopping appointment yesterday at Nordstrom with the lovely personal shopper Amy Swartz;  she pulled a room full of outfits as well as some skinny black coated jeans I needed and nude shoes (STILL searching for perfect nude pumps).

Images from Jennifer Houston.

I settled on 2 outfits and I'm having a debate with myself about whether or not to share them here.  After all, I'll be running into some of you on the holiday scene and want my outfits to have some sense of new-ness!  So, instead of going straight to what I bought, let's talk instead about what's out there this year.

Gold (and all strains of metallic) is (are) huge this year. I saw a lot of items in gold or with gold details.  And sparkle!  I actually purchased an item that was made with a gold/bronze metallic fabric and a dress with gold threading through the material. This top from L'Agence at Nordstrom was darling, but I just couldn't pull it off.  Over a pair of crisp black pants, it would be heavenly.  Please, someone try it so I can admire it!

Image from nordstrom.com.

I peeked into Club Monaco on Lisa's suggestion and they had some lovely holiday items (she thinks they have a great holiday line right now, and I agree).  The Rebecca dress is really on trend, with it's 'pale orchid' color and lines of sequins down the front.  It looked really easy to wear. 

Image from shopbop.com.

And yes, I know, it looks really short.  But you never know, and it might be a great tunic look when paired over leggings and heels?!  I actually considered trying that today but was running late and didn't have time to try.

I picked up a champagne-colored silk tunic this fall and have worn it to dinner events over black, cropped pants and heels with a gold, pendant necklace.  It's a simple, easy outfit to wear.  Here's one by Vince that is similar.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Take the gold out of the top and into a skirt, this like jacquard skirt from Zara.  Highlight the skirt detail by neutralizing the rest of the outfit with with black pumps, black tights, and a black blouse. 

Image from zara.com.

Enough about the gold; you get the idea.  Other things I saw today were sequins, and lots of them.  Not bad-wedding-sequins.  I tried on a couple of things with complete sequin coverage, like the Annabell Sequin top from Tory Burch.  Very easy to wear and full of holiday fun!  I had brought a pair of my black dress pants and black heels with me today, slipped this on, and could have gone to any holiday function straight from there (see me below).  It also comes in this amazing aspen green (green is very hot - see below); the black bow coordinates immediately with your black pants and voila!  Outfit!

Images from toryburch.com.

And here I am in that top at Nordstrom. (With a lot of nude pumps lined up!)

Image by Jennifer Houston.

At a lower price-point, J.Crew has this darling polka-dot sequin top, again, another easy outfit.  Comes in black with white dots, and like this, winter white with black dots.

Image from jcrew.com.

For those who dare, there are more than a couple of full-on sequin dresses out there this year.  No accessories needed; just pumps!  Rachel Zoe has one (also short, but if you have the legs, rock it!) as does Diane Von Furstenberg with her Merano long-sleeved dress. 

Image from bloomingdales.com.

I am amazed at how many sequins there are out there this season.  Check out CUSP's 'The Party Shop' collection of festive attire, ranging from sequined bags and shoes to jackets - tons of sparkle. 

Another big find this afternoon was 'Green'!  Apsen, forest, pine, and all the shades in between. I was a sucker for these rag & bone jeans (like I need another pair of jeans) but they fit so well, I fell in love.

Image from nordstrom.com.

I digress.  For holidays, I saw lots of green in many forms.  First, this Gibson blazer at Nordstrom is great over a column of black.  Very sharp and fun!

Image from nordstrom.com.

Lace was the last 'big thing' I noticed today.  In tops, dresses and skirts, here are a couple of pieces that Amy showed me today.  The Joie Marelia Lace top was fun; I already have a lace t-shirt in my closet, so I didn't need to add another even though it fit really well.

Image from nordstrom.com.

This navy lace dress, the Zarita by Diane von Furstenberg, would be great for a corporate or work holiday party.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Finally, combining 2 trends in one item without being tacky, this Cynthia Steffe sleeveless belted lace dress is a great option if you are craving the green with your lace.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Hope you enjoyed the mini-review of my shopping trip today; feels like you accompanied me to my appointment!  Let us know what you are finding for your holiday looks out there in retail-land! ~ JH

One of my dirty little secrets.

Every Tuesday and Friday, I make a few minutes and sit quietly with a particular email that comes to my inbox on those days.  I won't even open it on my iPhone; I need a bigger screen to check it out.  What email is this, you ask?  It's my 'Shop It To Me' email.

Image from shopittome.com.

Brilliant site for someone like me!  Shop It To Me is basically a shopping 'sale' search engine that's customizable.  It canvases dozens of retail sites and delivers emails to you full of sale items from these sites based on your shopping preferences; you decide what retailers and brands of clothing you want to have emailed to you as well as specifying sizes, price range, and percentage off retail price.  As their site says:

"When you sign up, Shop It To Me will send you either a daily, semi-weekly, or weekly email of sale items which match your preferences."

For example, each Tuesday and Friday I receive an email, sorted by retailer (or you can choose to group by brand or type of clothing), of all the brands and types of clothing IN MY SIZE that are on sale for 20% off or more.  You can adjust almost anything!  I have about 30+ brands listed on my account with no restrictions on retailers.  I search only women's clothing, but you can add men's and children's as well. 

Last Friday, my email had some great fall items, like this DVF coat from shopbop.com, about 30% off retail, just in time for winter.

Image from shopbop.com.

This Tory Burch Silk top is 40% off at Nordstrom.

Image from nordstrom.com.

And I love this Lauren Merkin clutch at Bergdorf Goodman, $75 off, down to $150.

Image from bergdorfgoodman.com.

I'm a car coat junkie, so this Juicy Couture one appeals to me, especially at 30% off.

Image from piperlime.com.

So, instead of me trolling around all the separate sites, I can have 2 emails a week, outlining what's on sale where.  And what girl doesn't like a deal every now and then?! Love it! ~ JH

W2WW News Flash - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts on Friday, July 20th.

Image from nordstrom.com.

In the middle of beach and sun and fun, a great opportunity for fall clothing presents itself each summer.   I'm talking about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  It happens each July, and for a limited time, fall clothes (yes, current season!) are on sale for a limited time.  They return to full price once the sale is over.  This year, prices are marked down starting Friday, July 20th and return to full price on August 6th.

Usually an annual rite, I use the benefit of my Nordstrom credit card and shop Early Access; if you have a Nordstrom card, you too can log in and have early shopping access!  Here are some of the items that intrigued me for this fall (although you might not be able to click on the provided links until Friday if you are not a Nordstrom card-holder).

This Diane Von Furstenberg investment clutch is less of an investment at $298.90, rather than the regular price of $465.  The black version is timeless, and of course, I'm completely drawn to the tassel!

Image from nordstrom.com.

If you were wanting to get a new pair of jeans at a great price, these AG 'Hope' Jeans (a slim bootcut fit) are a great buy at $109.90 (original price, $175).

Image from nordstrom.com.

Stock up on our favorite Hanky Panky thongs - $14.90 a pair rather than $20 each.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Or dabble in fall's hot colorblock-ing trend (more on that later!) with this Vince Camuto dress, originally $160, but $105.90 during the Anniversary Sale.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Whatever it is you'll be craving this fall, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicks off the season this Friday!  ~ JH

...you have a dinner right after attending kids' sports games.

This is a problem that was brought up to me at a 3rd grade girls' softball game.  One of the moms was saying how she was heading directly to a dinner from the game, and had a tough time coming up with what to wear for both sitting in a field AND dining at a nice restaurant immediately after.  (Personally, I thought she did a fine job in picking her outfit.)  If you are like me, you want to look cute for both occasions but also appropriately dressed.

If you have the right items in your closet, this shouldn't be too difficult.  Here are a couple of key ingredients you should have to pull this off.

Ingredient number 1, a chair.  Whatever you choose to wear, you shouldn't be dependent on a picnic table or bench.  It might be wet, covered in pollen, and you should sit on something clean.  Please invest $11.99 in one of these.

Image from dickssporttinggoods.com.

Ingredient number 2, pants.  I think it's important to have long pants on for this scenario, either jeans or trousers, if the weather permits.  They will protect you from bugs and therefore you can avoid the 'eau de Off' smell later at dinner.  Jeans are fine if appropriate at the restaurant.  If you need to be dressier, I recommend looking into a darker-colored ponte knit pant.  This type of pant will not wrinkle and is completely comfortable to hang around in.  Either my $75 pair of Michael Kors pants will do, or these Tibi ones look great.

Image from tibi.com.

I like the idea of the pants being a little cropped too and here's why - you shouldn't wear your 'dinner shoes' to the field.  Stick on a pair of ballet flats, sneakers, or rain shoes if you need to for trekking across a field, and have your 'dinner shoes' in the car for after the game.  A pant that is hemmed for heels is too tricky to wear for the game, so pass on those.

Ingredient number 3, layers.  On top, you'll have to layer a bit, again depending on the weather.  Start off with a top that doesn't wrinkle too much.  Silk jersey is good for this, and a poly/cotton blend will be the most resistant to wrinkles.  Something that you are excited to wear for dinner.  Diane von Furstenberg makes great tops for dining out, and this would look great with cropped, black pants.

Image from bloomingdales.com.

If it's cooler out, layer on a cute jacket or trench.  Again, this jacket doesn't have to be for dinner; you can ditch it in the car (along with your 'game shoes') on the way to the restaurant.  Jackets can range from cute 'activewear' jackets like this North Face one...

Image from nordstrom.com.

...to a classic shortertrench, like this one from Comptoir des Cotonniers.

Image from comptoirdescotonniers.com.

Ingredient number 4, the secret weapons in your car.  In addition to your shoes and jacket that will need to be changed, these items should be in your car for the 'transformation' en route to dinner:

• Change of shoes.
• Change of outerwear to a blazer, if needed.
• Clutch - move essentials from purse to clutch.
• Change of jewelry - add necklace, stacked bracelets, and/or earrings.
• Perfume sample - a spritz will do wonders
• Lipstick or gloss, and any other makeup you'd want to apply to freshen up.  I usually just powder my face to get rid of shine and reapply lip gloss.

And voila, you are ready to see and be seen.  I put together another 'set' on Polyvore (yes, I'm addicted, can you tell?!) showing both 'at game' and 'at dinner' looks using the same base items.  Hope it inspires, and please keep the questions coming.  We love it. ~ JH

From Game to Dinner by jenhma featuring t shirts

The North Face sweatshirt hoody
$75 - citysports.com

Tsumori Chisato t shirt
$438 - lagarconne.com

TIBI slim fit pants
$345 - tibi.com

Tory burch shoes
$195 - simplysoles.com

J.Crew athletic shoes
$68 - jcrew.com

Prada strappy sandals
$795 - neimanmarcus.com

Longchamp travel tote
$145 - saksfifthavenue.com

Madewell clutch handbag
$135 - madewell.com

Stella Dot wrap bracelet
$59 - stelladot.com

Toy Watch jelly watch
€183 - lindestore.com

Morra Designs disc jewelry
$95 - calypsostbarth.com

Toms sunglasses
$139 - toms.com

Hunter Andrew Waterproof Boots
$125 - piperlime.gap.com

Chanel lip gloss
$30 - nordstrom.com

Byredo rose fragrance
€140 - colette.fr