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

How to cuff your jeans.

Should be simple, no?  I balked when I saw this, but in fact, I had been rolling but not tugging.  Gasp!  No matter what kind of denim you're sporting, here's the skinny on getting the perfect roll (thank you Madewell!):

Image from blog.madewell.com.

"1.  Start with gently wrinkled denim, which holds its shape better than an ironed-flat pair.  (It's the same idea as unwashed, next-day hair being better at holding a curl.)

2.  Depending on how much skin you'd like to show, fold the jeans up once, approximately two inches.  Make sure this cuff is a bit larger than your ideal final roll - the extra fabric keeps the look loose, rather than starched and precise (a la Happy Days).

3.  For your last and final move, gently roll the jeans another time and-attention, please - lightly tug the cuff downward.  This creates an anchor effect so that the jeans hang stylishly straight.  Done and done." (From blog.madewell.com)

A dark jean and pumps are killer paired with a loose blouse and structured blazer.

Image from makeupandbeauty.com.

SJP rocks the skinny with flats and a big coat.

Image from posh24.com.

I am really into ripped jeans right now (and you should be too) and scored a great pair of Joe's Jeans on a recent trip to FL that remind me of a pair I had in college.  For a while there, my nickname was "Holes" because of my beloved Levis.  

Image from joesjeans.com.

In 2015, I'll wear a big ol' white shirt like this one from Ines de la Fressange (on promo right now for $19.90!), a scarf and layered bracelets, either with flats or canvas sneakers.

Last week, while Jen was in Tokyo, she spied the rolled look on the streets with pumps and white jeans (and white jeans were EVERYWHERE).

Image from Jennifer Houston.

Enjoy rolling your jeans!  Don't forget to try ripped jeans! ~ LB

...it's Spring 2015: Florals

Yes, kind of obvious, spring, flowers.  You get it.  But this spring, there are SO many florals to be worn in SO many different ways.  Shoes, dresses, t-shirts, clutches, scarves, lions and tigers and bears oh my!  

Clearly I'm tired of my neutral palette and feeling the need for color (or could it be the 4' snow drifts out my back door?!).  BUT - what I realized last year with these shoes...

Image from barneys.com.

...is that my neutral wardrobe can be completely updated with a floral piece!  A couple of things with florals...

• Get one or 2 key pieces.  I have those shoes and I purchased a dress for Easter that's a floral pattern.  I think that's enough.  Well, maybe a scarf?  
• Floral doesn't have to mean "prissy".  Those Givenchy black floral pumps in the Polyvore set below are killer - imagine them with black jeans, black blazer with white t-shirt under?  HOT.
• If you end up with a floral dress or another piece that has a large amount of floral, minimize everything else.  I'm wearing my barely-there sandals on Easter to go with the floral dress I purchased (not unlike that Ted Baker dress below).  Make all other items neutral - jewelry, shoes, purse.  
• A floral scarf can cheer up any neutral outfit!
• An understated floral top can be a nod to the trend if you don't want to jump into the deep end (with an all-over print dress).  And if you don't want to scream floral, pair with a neutral blazer for a little edge or structure or a cardigan.  Both let the floral 'peek' out.

Play with these items next time you find yourself at the mall!  Think spring! ~ JH

W2WW Spring 2015: Florals

Ted Baker dress / Vince sleeveless top / Banana Republic sleeveless top / Ted Baker black t shirt, $69 / J Crew white t shirt / MANGO short sleeve top / Reiss white pants / MICHAEL Michael Kors white pants, $230 / Ted Baker underwire swimsuit / J.Crew short shorts / Givenchy leather shoes / Manolo Blahnik heels & pumps / Brooks Brothers ballet flat / Givenchy clutch / Ted Baker scarve, $105 / Ted Baker tech accessory, $45 / Old Navy lightweight scarve

...it's Spring 2015: Fringe

A big trend this spring that I want to integrate into the repertoire is fringe.  The tassel has been big for a few seasons and now we've morphed to a full-on fringe binge.  From shoes to earrings, it's easy to add some swing to your look.  Here's some rules of thumb:

• Pick one.  Not two.  Stick to one key piece.
• Think of fringe like a pop of color.  It’s got great movement and will draw the eye to it so when you pick a piece, know it will get attention.  If you don’t like your feet, don’t get fringe sandals.
• No fringe dresses - too 1920s. A vest or jacket over a very neutral palette will work so much better.
• Get leather.  Faux fringe on a bag will not fall well and it will look cheap.  Keep it real.

Have fun with fringe! ~ LB

W2WW Fringe 

Kate Spade short sleeve top / Yves Saint Laurent brown suede vest / Étoile Isabel Marant slingback shoes / Jérôme Dreyfuss orange sandals / Stuart Weitzman heeled sandals / Office pull on shoes / Sara Battaglia white handbag / Marni white purse / Karen Millen leather fringe purse / Rebecca Minkoff leather fringe purse / Blue handbag / Zara fringe messenger bag / Isabel Marant beaded jewelry / J.Crew earrings / Panacea graduation jewelry

...it's Spring 2015: Pink

Lisa and I had a first, great shop this spring on Thursday with the one-and-only Loren Munro at Bloomingdales.  Maybe because we're sick and tired of the snow, winter sweaters and winter boots, but one thing stood out to us:  pink.  Theory had some great blush/tan/pink items, Ted Baker had some lovely pink and floral pieces, and Vince had some yummy pink cashmere.  Even I, the queen of neutral, got in on the act.  A Vince sweater with a MaxMara scarf and a Ted Baker t-shirt - all in pink.  What is the world coming to?!

Lisa has been known to dabble in pink, so she had no trouble jumping into the pool.  Next time you are out, gravitate towards a springy pink.  See some of our favorites below. ~ JH

W2WW Pretty in Pink

Theory three quarter length sleeve dress / Vince cashmere dolman sleeve sweater / Tory Burch striped sailor shirt / Vince pink long sleeve t shirt / Maje long sleeve top / Ted Baker pink tee/ J Crew collar jacket / Calypso St Barth clothing / Theory slim fit twill pants / Givenchy flower print pumps / Tory Burch ankle strap shoes / J.Crew j crew shoes / Zippered tote bag / Ted baker purse / Mary Louise Designs pink gold earrings / Burberry scarve / Leopard print shawl

Shoes for Spring 2015!

No, it's not a typo.  We are indeed looking ahead to 2015.  Why?  Well, why not?  Wouldn't it be nice to know if the pumps and sandals we are buying NOW will be relevant next Spring?

I had the great fortune to spend some time this weekend with my fabulous friend and former colleague, Julie Rando.  Julie is a shoe designer and one of the best I ever had the pleasure to work with.  She's done it all, from athletic for PF Flyers and New Balance, lifestyle for Keds, women's casual for Clarks, fashion for Taryn Rose, Adrienne Vitadini, Tahari and Anne Klein.

The conversation turned, as it inevitably does, to what's trending in shoes.  With Julie designing for Spring 2015 right now, I like to get her take on what will be in the market a year from now so I’m making good purchase decisions right now in 2014!

Lucky us!  Julie is sharing some of the key trends for Spring 2015 that she’ll translate to everyday wearable footwear.  Enjoy!

Chop Outs

The perforated looks we’re seeing now (top) will transition to large cut outs (bottom). 

Ankle Interest

Single straps around the ankle and more.   I love all the attention on ankles and that it’s becoming a focus for shoe designers.  Shoes from Balenciaga, Helmut Lang, and Michael Kors.

Straps

Gorgeous straps in all heel heights. Both from Tod’s. 

Chunky Wedges 
Really chunky with natural covering, like cork wood.  Michael Kors and Chloe pairs highlighted below.

Sporty
The heel is clearly not for running around the block, but the neoprene and leather combo is a nod to the sporty trend.  These 2 are by Balenciaga and adidas by Stella McCartney.

Large simple straps
Note the chunky heel in a very wearable height.  Chunky heels are fresh and will be through 2015.  These 2 are from 3.1 Philip Lim and Pedro Garcia.

Buckles
And other hardware.  Like jewelry for your feet.  Check these out from Tod's.

Oxfords
Tailored with a twist. Kind of a crazy shoe. Take cues from the oxford and color blocking on these Thom Brown's.

Up the back

Rear zips and leather up the back of the ankle.  Zippers are not new but up the back is emerging and will be relevant through 2015.

Thank you Julie for the insight and commentary!  While these examples might not fit your lifestyle to a 't', take away the elements that inspire you and apply them to your Spring 2014 footwear purchases! ~ LB, with commentary and images from Julie Rando.