My May Obsession - Mirrored Silver

"Lisa, what did I do without this shoes in my life?"

Yes, I said that.  I recently purchased two pairs of shoes, both mirrored silver.  One flat, one pump.  And honestly, what did I wear before them?  I am wearing them ALL THE TIME.  They are my new neutral, my go-tos, and soon they will be paying me to wear them.  What shoes are these you wonder?  Behold.  First up, Whistles mirrored silver ballet flats.

Image from vestiairecollective.com.

Second, a pair of Jimmy Choo mirrored silver pumps.

Image from jimmychoo.

Both shoes look great with everything!  Black, jeans, white, grey, even colors; these are the new neutral.   And now that I'm obsessed with mirrored silver, I keep seeing it everywhere!  And I want to buy more. Purses, clutches, sandals.  Watch out!  Put this on your radar and shake up your outfits with this updated, modern material.  See below for inspiration; yes, you can fit this into your wardrobe! ~ JH

W2WW Mirrored Silver

Elizabeth and James metallic mini skirt, $185 / Jimmy Choo heels & pumps / Jimmy Choo pointy toe pumps / MARC BY MARC JACOBS silver ballet flat / Charles by Charles David silver shoes / BCBGMAXAZRIA ballerina shoes / Abercrombie & Fitch strappy sandals / Nine West heels & pumps / Nine West leather flat / Via Mercanti leather sandals, $92 / Old Navy silver flat shoes / Yves Saint Laurent metallic purse / Rochas bag / MARC BY MARC JACOBS clutch / Coach zipper wallet / Clare V white purse / Whistles purse, $69 / Amber Sceats silver bracelet, $25 / Express nickel free jewelry

...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 2014: d'Orsay pumps and flats

Can you tell that Lisa and I are so excited for spring?  One thing that we know needs to be on our shopping list is a d'Orsay pump or flat.  A d'Orsay shoe is defined by the vamp of the shoe being cut away very close to the toe box, and the sides of the shoe are cut away, revealing the arch of the foot.  So, a classic d'Orsay pump would look like this:

Image from nordstrom.com.

There are a ton on the market!  See the Polyvore set below!  The flats are a fun alternative to the ballet flat and a great transition shoe, especially when you are tired of wearing closed shoes, but it's too soon for sandals.  D'Orsay pumps are just an updated silhouette and I think they are super sexy.  

Here are a couple of images for inspiration:

Images from pinterest.com and fabsugar.com.

There are tons on the market right now - check a pair out next time you see them! ~ JH

W2WW - d'Orsay Shoes

Manolo Blahnik black shoes / Manolo Blahnik high heel pumps / Manolo Blahnik high heel pumps / Christian Louboutin leopard shoes / Salvatore Ferragamo leather pumps / Jenni Kayne flat shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim flat shoes / 3.1 Phillip Lim flat shoes / J.Crew high heel pumps / Vince leather shoes / Vince flat shoes / Vince shoes / Tory burch shoes / Joie flat / Slip on shoes / Report flat shoes / Old Navy flat shoes

To flip-flop or not to flip-flop?

There seems to be an current debate about flip-flops.  Just yesterday morning, the Boston Globe published 2 articles, one in favor of and one opposed to flip-flops.  Personally, I don't think it's a 'yes' or 'no' question, just a matter of 'when to wear'. Since this seems to be a polarizing article of clothing, I thought I'd outline my parameters for when to wear flip-flops.

Rubber Flip-Flops

The most basic version, from your $6.94 Old Navy flip-flops...

Image from oldnavy.com.

...to your $50 Tory Burch rubber flip-flops...

Image from toryburch.com.

...and everything in between, like Havaianas, which range from the $20s to $30s...

Image from us.havaianas.com.

...these useful shoes can be worn to lots of places.  The White House to meet with the President?  No.  Dinner in the city?  No.  Any place of work?  Not really.

Rubber flip-flops, in my book, are best limited to the beach, parks, errands runs (grocery store, drycleaner, etc.), hanging around your house, gardening, school pick-up, etc. - basically those times when you are most casual.  Oh, and keep a pair in your car for sneaking in a pedicure!

Non-Rubber Flip-Flops

The 'dressier' version of flip-flops can have a slightly wider reach.  My personal summer go-to are the Capri sandals from J. Crew.

Image from jcrew.com.

Every spring, I purchase 2 pairs for the summer and wear them to death.  At $49.50, they are a little pricey for basic flip-flops, but are the perfect summer neutral with shorts outfits, summer skirts, maxi dresses.  The leather thong and bottom give a little classier look to the sandal.

Some people are huge fans of the Jack Rogers sandal, which come in every color under the sun.  Another great neutral and a summer staple, these can go from the grocery to lunch and an afternoon of shopping.

Image from nordstrom.com.

On the very high end of the flip-flop world, the K Jacques St. Tropez flip-flops are the cream of the crop (along with some fabulous Prada croc ones I saw at Nordstrom today).  These are a European go-to; don't go to the French Riviera without a pair.

Image from net-a-porter.com.

All of the above sandals are best for errands, a ladies lunch out, strolling around the shops in places like Chatham, MA or Kennebunkport, ME, a summer BBQ, family dinner with friends, and taking the kids for ice cream.

Flip-Flops Really Don't Belong Here

There are times when I see people wearing flip-flops (LOTS of people) and I cannot understand WHY they are wearing flip flops.  Here are those occasions and why I feel they are so inappropriate.

1. Walking around a city.  Yes, city dwellers deserve the right to wear flip-flops too.  However, city streets are D-I-R-T-Y.  There is nothing more disgusting than walking around New York City simply in ballet flats, and seeing just how dirty the tops of your feet are at the end of the day.  Imagine how bad they would be with flip-flops?!  Ick. 
2. Walking around amusement parks, movie theaters, or other similar public places.  Again, the dirty-factor really gets me, but there's also a safety issue for me.  Amusement park rides are metal and not well cared for.  Keeping your feet in closed shoes is a better option for avoiding a potential tetanus shot.
3. Restaurants that take reservations. If you are making a reservation, leave the flip-flops at home.  
4. Business meetings or similar events.  Nothing screams 'I'm really laid back' than the slapping noise of flip-flops.  Unless you are at Facebook headquarters, in which case, flip-flops are mandatory.
5. Nice social events, like cocktail parties, baby showers, weddings, first communions, etc.  Put a heel on and dress the part.

This is not what I'd want to see on a wedding day.

Image from merrybrides.tumblr.com.

Hope that helps clarify any flip-flop debate that might be raging out there!  When do you wear flip-flops? ~ JH

...you want free shipping.

Image from asos.com.

Our informal poll of fabulous lady shoppers at a recent softball game brought home the fact that no one likes to pay for shipping.  So much so that we will purchase elsewhere rather than fork over for shipping.  You've been there, haven't you?  You carefully fill your cart and complete your shipping information only to find a $15 dollar shipping fee, and no in-store return.  Frustrating!  Here are some of our favorite places to shop online and ways to get around paying good money for shipping:

J.Crew - Forget free shipping with a $150 purchase or trekking in to use the instore red phone!  Call J.Crew at 1-800-562-0258 and make a friend with the Customer Service professionals.   My Customer Service friend, Kevin, and I have been together  for a little over two years now.  He can help me with anything I need – tracking down hard-to-find items, tips on size and styling, putting outfits together, sneak peeks at upcoming collections, you name it. Just about everything shy of balancing my checkbook and watering my plants.   It's all about service and Kevin takes care of me in spades, plus free shipping.  All the time.

Net-a-Porter - For the latest designer women's clothing, shoes, jewelry and much more from over 350 of the world's leading designers.  Free shipping all the time.  (And, as an aside, they have complimentary gift wrap too.)

Image from net-a-porter.com.

Amazon - Feep your eyes on this powerhouse as the company finally recognizes the opportunity and refocuses to fashion.  Amazon PRIME gets you free shipping. 

Asos - Over 850 fashion labels, and offering free shipping, both ways.  Everyday.

Under the heading of obvious:  Nordstrom, L.L.Bean, Zappos, Gap family (Piperlime, free shipping all the time, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, free shipping on orders over $50), Neiman Marcus (usually with a code, but NOT Bloomingdales or Saks), and Kate Spade.  

I got a fabulous leather t-shirt (which you'll see more of this fall) from Topshop.  And it came with....free shipping (on orders over $100).

ShopBop has one of the best selections of Diane von Furstenberg I've seen, and has a  limited edition collaboration with Current Elliott.   They feature familiar brands like Rachel Zoe and more obscure, coveted ones like Soludos.

If you're like Jen, in the eternal search for T-shirts, try StyleMint from Mary Kate and Ashley. You complete a fun profile and then voila! The Olsen sissies put together a ensemble of tees to choose from. All $29.99 and shipped free.

For men, Bonobos is at the top of my list.  Featured in the NY Times, Bonobos was started to solve a simple problem: men’s pants just don’t fit well. They’re either too tight to be comfortable or too baggy to look good. But, by innovating in a few key areas, they’ve developed a fit that they say actually looks and feels great for a wide variety of men.  They have sweaters, jackets, accessories, golf, swim, outerwear and boast "Fast and Free shipping.  Insanely easy returns."  Keep talking 'cause I like what you're sayin'.

What are your favorite shopping sites that offer free shipping? ~ LB

Stripes.

Stripes have been a "go to" in my closet since I got my first rugby shirt in college.  Stripes are clean and crisp.  Classic in a Parisian kind of way (Saint James) which may be a reason why I love them so.  They are a perfect neutral that can be refreshed with a scarf or dressed up/down in a snap.  

Honestly, I'm obsessed with stripes and am stockpiling my faves.  One could go so far as to say that I have stripe PROBLEM - witness a shelf in my closet.

Photo by LB.

So in the spirit of January, when the racks are filling with those transitional stripes inspiring us to forget the snow on the ground and look to Spring,  I give you my some of my affordable faves and ways to wear.

Boden stripy tunic.  $58 I got this last year and wore it to death.  It's tapered in the waist so it hangs nicely, not like a sack of potatoes.  Grab one before Real Simple or Lucky does an editorial and they sell out.

Photo from bodenusa.com.

What to pair with it?  TOMS - I was not a believer but am now.  Their canvas shoes are adorable, affordable at under $45 and supremely comfortable.  The leather footbed actually has arch support so you can tool around in these all day and your feet will be happy. They come in all sorts of colors but I like the bright and cheery red.  Look for TOMS new line of ballet flats in February.

Photo from Nordstrom.com

Denim shirt.  Throw a denim shirt over the dress, cinch up the sleeves and you've got great layered look.  A great go-to for denim shirts is J. Crew or Madewell.   This one is the keeper from J. Crew at $78.

Photo from jcrew.com

One of our friends and readers had on this one from Old Navy the other day and it looked fantastic.  Women's Chambray shirts, $24.94 at Old Navy.

Photo from oldnavy.com.

When it comes to shades you can't go wrong with Ray-Ban.  With a small face like mine,  the aviators will make me look like a sad puppy. I found these cool wayfarers at Henri Bendel's for $119 and don't venture out in the sun without them.

Photo from ray-ban.com.

For jewelry, I'm loving these hand made Holst + Lee bracelets.  Made with brass fixtures and beads, mother of pearl discs, glass beads, Egyptian cotton, copper and has a magnetic closure.  Layer with your watch or other bracelets for a pop of color. $155 each.

Photos from shoplatitude.com.

If you're looking for a classic striped top, look no further than Saint James, the definitive French nautical brand which is getting amazing brand awareness with US customers through partnerships with Madewell and J. Crew which just starting selling Women's in store at the Natick store.  

Photo from jcrew.com.

Make sure you've got some yellow in your closet this season.  It's such a happy color and pairs beautifully with navy, white and stripes.

Photo from toryburch.com.

This Madewell Scarf ties it all together for $52.

Photo from madewell.com

With so much color going on above, try for an understated shoe in a light color - a dark color on your feet will drag the whole look down and become heavy .  Metallics are still hot (note: metallics are always in style during an Olympic year) and something like this platinum leather Montauk from Sperry Top-Siders is a classic.  Sperry is one brand that Jen and I couldn't be farther apart on.  I love.  She loathes. ("I really dislike them" - JH) $90 at Nordstrom.

Photo from nordstrom.com.

Happy almost spring! ~ LB