What 2 Wear When...: Stuart Weitzman

Showing posts with label Stuart Weitzman. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2015

...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

Monday, November 10, 2014

Let us tell you a story about a boot...

...a boot that was SO special that 2 friends went to the ends of the Earth to find that boot. But what is this mystical boot?!

Once upon a time, 3 friends went to a Saks fashion show. At that show, they saw lots of exceptional outfits, gorgeous clutches, and tall-as-the-sky booties. But what intrigued them most of all were the boots worn by the general manager of Saks Boston. Tall, knee-high, graphite grey boots with a stacked heel. She wore them effortlessly, so they must be comfortable. What were they? Were they available?

Image from pinterest.com.

Jen and Lisa approached the manager after the show. They complimented her on the show and the store, and then quickly asked about her boots. She gestured casually - "They were Stuart Weitzman from the prior year. Maybe they had a pair or 2 floating around. Maybe not." Claudine, our fearless personal shopper at Saks, searched the system. Nothing was found.

Both Jen and Lisa sadly drove home. They wanted that perfect, wear-every-day boot. Lisa turned to the internet for research. She discovered that the boots were called the 'Molten' boot. Her intense search turned up only one pair of size 11 on 6pm.com. Jen too went on an intense search and came up empty.

A few days later, Jen found herself in a waiting room. Rather than flip through some magazine, she pulled up her Gilt app on her mobile phone. And what to her wondering eyes did appear?! A Stuart Weitzman sale! What would she find there? She scrolled through and found what she was looking for. A Molten boot, in black, and another boot that looked suspiciously similar. Furious texting to Lisa ensued:

Images from Jennifer Houston.

The Toujours boot was a VERY similar boot to the Molten. So similar that both Lisa and Jen quickly whisked them into their shopping carts and checked out. But what would happen when these boots arrived?

Image from Jennifer Houston.

They were perfect. And 2 pairs of Stuart Weitzmen Toujours boots (at 50% off retail price!) came to live happily ever after with Jen and Lisa.

Image from Jennifer Houston.

The end. ~ JH

Monday, September 15, 2014

Stepping a little out of our comfort zones.

Lisa and I teamed up this past Thursday for a fall shopping appointment at Saks in Boston with Claudine Eaton Lewis, personal shopper. We've shopped with Claudine before, and every time she pulls us a little out of our comfort zone. This time, Claudine set us up for Fall 2014!

One of the first things we tried on was this Elie Tahari blouse-detail cashmere sweater. Not sure either of us would have pulled it off the rack. While it wasn't a great fit for me, Lisa rocked it. Over leather leggings or waxed jeans, I think it will become a work-horse for Lisa. The back is pleated and totally cool.

Image from saks.com.

We've been guilty before of purchasing the same thing, and we are guilty again. Several times over. Egad. We definitely have to call each other if we're at the same event. First up? Helmut Lang asymmetrical wool top. So cute, very flattering. And we both had to get it.

Image from saks.com.

And I thought the top looked GREAT over these Helmut Lang bat wash leggings. And I will wear these leggings a ton, tucked into boots, with drape-y sweaters, etc. So useful.

And speaking of boots, the next find was really out of my comfort zone. Originally, I went into the appointment wanting a pair of classic, black, heeled boots. I actually don't own a pair (SHOCKING), and thought I needed to fill that big void. Claudine said "Why? Why not get something more hip, cooler, updated?". Like these, Stuart Weitzman croc-embossed, knee-high boot? At first, I balked. They are REALLY out of my comfort zone. But I put them on. With a dress. With leggings. And I thought, where have these been all my life?!?!

Image from saks.com.

When I looked to Lisa for confirmation, she stood silently. I couldn't get a read on what she thought. I thought, 'oh dear, she hates them' and thought back to the time in the early 2000s in New York when I was obsessed with grey, suede slouchy boots and Lisa wouldn't let me get a pair. When I said that I thought I loved them, she smiled, and said 'YES'!

These are the great moments when you realize what personal shopping is all about. Claudine knows me, knows what I have, and likes to push me. Had I walked by them on display in the shoe department, I would have kept going. In fact, they aren't even on display because Saks Boston has about 3 pairs of them left. She brought them out to me. Made me try them on. And they were fabulous.

And I can't wait to wear them with this Vince dress, which is sweater on the front, and pleated silk on the back. And Lisa bought it too. I will be accessorizing it with the grey boots and a great scarf (a la Claudine).

Images from vince.com.

These are the highlights among our treasures. While our wallets definitely came home a little lighter, there really is nothing like a good shop. ~ JH

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Searching for an 'Ugg-Alternative'.

Hi everyone! Hope you all are safe and sound and have electricity back after Hurricane Sandy and the follow-up Nor'easter. After an abbreviated school week, I ran into a fellow Mom in the parking lot of school who was bemoaning her Uggs. She's pretty fashion-forward and complained how she wished she had an 'Ugg alternative'; she wants something easy to slip on, warm, maybe water-resistant, and definitely a little more stylish. I told her I'd research.

Ironically, her request came on the heels of (pun intended) my reading an article on Yahoo! asking if 'Uggs are over?'. For my 2 daughters? No. For me? Probably.

After a little research, these are some options that I like. First, I wanted to see what La Canadienne had to offer this year. I picked up a great pair of La Canadienne booties last winter (which I put on today for the first time this season and love just as much as I did last winter). This year they have a couple interesting options. First, the Camilla Stone Oiled Suede boots caught my eye. I can see leggings and skinny jeans tucked into them as well as a skinny bootcut jean over them. They are waterproof, hip, and pretty easy to put on (just one side zipper).

Image from zappos.com.

Another one from La Canadienne is the pull-on Trevis boot. Shown on Zappos in black or charcoal (loving the charcoal color!), they can be pulled on, worn tall or folded over, and might just be a great Ugg-alternative. One review on Zappos simply stated "Great purchase. All purpose boots, from walking the dogs to going out for dinner. Worth every penny."

Image from zappos.com.

Another company that makes a great all-weather shoe is Aquatalia. A friend (and reader!) pointed me in the direction of this boot - the 'Sweet' boot. These boots are based on a classic motorcycle boot, but are waterproof and slip-on; the zippers and buckles are simply decoration. Great alternative!

Image from nordstrom.com.

There is always the option of waterproofing any boot. I use Meltonian Water & Stain Protector on all of my suede and leather winter shoes. Using this spray opens a bigger set of options.

Image from amazon.com.

I like these pull-on Frye booties. After waterproofing spray, Lindsay Plate Short boots are a great option for everyday wear. They might not be as warm as the La Canadienne or Aquatalia options, but they are super cute.

Image from nordstrom.com.

Similarly, these Ryder boots from J. Crew might not be warm, but a little spray and these are really great pull-on booties.

Image from jcrew.com.

I think these Stuart Weitzman booties might be great. They do have a zip up back (not a true pull-on boot), but they are so cute that I'd love to wear them. The faux fur lining should keep feet warm and toasty; add a little spray and they are water resistant.

Image from zappos.com.

Finally, you know how I love Polyvore, so I put together a set of outfits featuring a couple of these boots. Wear the Ugg-alternatives with jeans, black leggings, matchstick pants, or slim bootcuts. And stay dry and warm. ~ JH

W2WW Ugg Alternatives

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

...you are attending a gathering of former work colleagues.

Yesterday, I posted an answer to a friend's question on what to wear to a "Bourbon, BQQ, and Boots" party. Today, I thought I'd tackle the second question that came in from another friend at the same time. The friend (and reader) wrote:

"A friend of mine is having a reunion for a bunch (like 100) of lawyers who used to work at the firm where I used to work. It is after work, in the city at her loft and most of the people are coming from work...any...ideas?"

This friend is currently a stay-at-home mom after having a successful career as an attorney, but didn't keep the 'lawyer' clothing handy after she left work. This is always a tricky outfit - you want your outfit to fit into the scene and not scream "I'm a stay-at-home mom!". On the other hand, you don't want to have an outfit that is solely used for mingling maybe once or twice a year with former work colleagues.

And, I always like to stay true to who you are, meaning, if you don't work full time in an office, you really shouldn't look like you do. I wouldn't show up in a head-to-toe black pants suit to a function with former work colleagues (in finance industry). That's just not me. I'd want to blend in, with some fun pieces that I'd want to wear all the time, but be appropriate and respectful at the same time. I put together some outfits below on Polyvore, as inspiration for what you might consider wearing.

For my friend, I knew she had a pencil skirt in her closet, which, when paired with a blouse and heels, is a perfect apres work outfit. I have a pencil skirt in my closet for such events; J. Crew has tons of easy pencil skirts in many colors at a great price point. Loved the cheetah one below because I'd want to wear it at other occasions or more casually in the fall with boots.

She could also go the dress route, something that is NOT solely for cocktails OR daywear, but that could be used in other areas of your life. Normally, short sleeves would be better, but the Theory dress I picked below seemed to say 'lawyer reunion' and 'fun cocktail party' all at the same time. And, I LOVE the Stella & Dot teardrop earrings I paired with it.

Finally, the pants option. I like the idea of doing a pants outfit with a silk blouse and blazer. All of these pieces can be used elsewhere in your wardrobe, not just for a work-colleague-dinner. You know I've been obsessed with white blazers, so, of course, I had to add one.

Have fun at the "reunion"! ~ JH

Outfits for meeting work colleagues. by jenhma featuring a linen blazer

Theory tweed sheath dress
$263 - otteny.com

Etro floral blouse
$580 - net-a-porter.com

Narciso Rodriguez cut out top
$463 - net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs blouse
$285 - stylebop.com

Rag bone linen blazer
$535 - rag-bone.com

Theory pants
$265 - saksfifthavenue.com

J Crew long pencil skirt
$98 - jcrew.com

Nine West platform heels
$79 - piperlime.gap.com

Carven suede high heels
$595 - net-a-porter.com

Stuart Weitzman snakeskin pumps
$298 - stuartweitzman.com

Reiss quilted shoulder bag
$360 - reissonline.com

BCBGeneration coral handbag
$88 - amazon.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors jewelry
$250 - nordstrom.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors jewelry
$250 - bloomingdales.com

Stella & Dot teardrop earrings
$59 - stelladot.com

Michael kors jewelry
$93 - neimanmarcus.com

Pippa Small moonstone jewelry
$2,500 - astleyclarke.com

Giani Bernini sterling silver jewelry
$32 - macys.com

Sunday, April 1, 2012

...you are traveling to Paris - evening wear.

With less than 2 weeks to a trip to Paris, serious outfit planning has commenced. After tackling daywear a few days back, I'm onto thinking about evening wear. At the end of a day of walking, there's nothing better than hanging out in your hotel room or apartment (or napping), refreshing with a shower, and putting on a crisp outfit for dinner.

With 8 nights (but who is counting?!) in the City of Lights, I'll want to have great looks for each night, but not pack 8 separate outfits. To minimize packing and maximize look, I'm planning to use 2 pairs of cropped black pants with a variety of tops and jackets. I have one pair of pants from Reiss that I love and will take; they have a cute zipper at the bottom of the crop which makes for a neat detail. Ironically, they are called the 'Paris' pant, so how can I leave them here?!

Image from reissonline.com.

The other pair I'll be taking is a black, cropped leather pant. They are the MOST comfortable pants, and can accommodate those extra croissants and baguettes I'll be devouring. I got these Vince leggings on S-A-L-E, one of the best purchases I've ever made!

Image from revolveclothing.com.

Now, what to put on top?! I'll be taking some blazer-type jackets (maybe 2) to layer over silk blouses (maybe 2 or 3). The Theory white blouse in the photo set below is a great travel blouse to stick under a blazer with a scarf tied around your neck. A couple of colored blouses to either layer under a jacket or wear alone should round out tops.

As for shoes, I'm bringing my heels baby! One pair of neutral pumps, just like the Stuart Weitzman ones below, and one colored, to rock out an otherwise neutral outfit. The Stuart Weitzman ones are patent too, which as I said in an earlier post, I love to include for inclement weather. My Stuart Weitzman pumps have been wiped clean from the heels sinking into lawns, spilled drinks at a nightclub, etc., and have stood the test of time and abuse.

Finally, the accessories. A silk scarf or 2 for the more neutral look. A couple of bracelets and pendant necklaces. And, as I learned from Ines de la Fressange in her book, 'Parisian Chic', Parisian women wear either earrings or a necklace, but never both together. Neutral makeup with lipstick is best. For handbag, I prefer a clutch in the US, but in Paris, a shoulder bag makes me feel more secure with my Euros and passport. And yes, when you are there, you and your attire are being examined. People-watch back and enjoy the show! ~ JH