Ensemble du Jour - 4-19-10

I just reazlized that my skirt totally matches my wall color!

I love this skirt. It's from Anthropologie about 8 years ago and I like to think of it as my French skirt. Not sure why, just the pattern maybe.



I wear this black square neck top from Anne Taylor at least once a week. I think it's the neckline that I love the best.



I wore it with my Bird-Cloud necklace from Etsy, which is even cuter in person. And look at how cute those pink birdies are in the fabric pattern.



I typically wear this skirt with a black kitten-heel but for spring I wanted peep-toes. These are the Louboutin peep-toes from a few years back now. Wow, has time flown!



This is definitely a "go-to" outfit. It's comfortable, classic but not boring, whimsical and I could wear it forever.

Printed skirts are some of my favorite pieces. The ones that stay year after year and make through the seasons. Most of my favorite ones are from Target and Anthropolgie and are at least a few years old on average. I haven't found many good ones lately so this summer is going to be all about the core closet. Outfits that I really like that get worn over and over.

What I need to figure out is how to mix them up. Maybe I'll get better at mixing prints this year.

Sequins

Via Flickr by QuiteCheekyGirl

Signs of Spring

I promised better pictures of our lovely Spring blossoms and trees. The best part is we do very little to encourage this. It all just happens to pop-up as it gets warmer.



This is our neighbor's house. They actually do work on their yard and it shows. Darn them!



Trees in our backyard.



Tulips

Wisteria blossoms up close.

More tulips.

And our Tulip!

Her prancing baby, Petal.

Happy Spring!

More pictures on Flickr.

Ensemble du Jour - 3-15-10

For some reason my good camera has been hijacking my photos and I couldn't download these until just now. What the heck?

I wore this outfit during Fashion Week and liked it so much and found it so comfortable I decided it was going into regular rotation.

Plus it's a darn cute dress.



You may kind of barely notice that I'm wearing the Chanel trompe l'oeil tattoos on too. I love a bit of a theme.



The cardigan is the Behnaz Sarafpour for Target black lace cardigan (my favorite) and it's worn over the Rosalind Keep trompe l'oeil dress from Oasis. I paired this up with Nine West's pink, black and white Neonliter kitten heels and a pink and black retro-y case.

This little case is the smallest of a three piece carry-on set. It's such a cute shape.

I love this little cotton dress so much I got it in both colors. The design gives you the illusion of extra shaping even though its just a simple tank dress. Plus it's a bit quirky too! That's my favorite part!

SD Review: Tsubo Asmik Wedge

Recently a representative from Tsubo offered to send me a few of their shoes to test out and, as I love learning about new brands, I was excited to accept.

They very kindly sent me two pairs and the first one I tried out was the Asmik mary-jane wedge in black. I don't wear a lot of wedges so it was great to give this a shot.



Tsubo is all about combining comfort and style. I rarely get both in the shoes I wear!



The Asmiks were fun to kick around in. I wore them for a full day of errands and can assure you that they were very comfortable. They have a cushiony insole and the adjustable strap ensures you find your perfect level of tightness. I have pretty high arches so having a strap across the top of my foot can be painful unless it is adjustable.

I did have to adjust my walking style a bit. Wearing a wedge compared to a heel is like driving an SUV vs a car, ya know.

I love the grippy sole too. It really ensures your stability.

My favorite way to wear these is paired with some bright tights. They have such a cute shape!

You can buy the Tsubo shoes via their website and they have men's shoes as well. I'll be sharing the other style with you soon!

More Black Sequins

I love it when YOOX has a sale. They really do have some amazing gems in there.

I swooped in and nabbed this black sequin Valentino skirt (orginally $3000!) for a STEAL.



This sucker is dense with my favorite black sequins and in heavy.



I plan on wearing it with a tee and these cool black patent Daniele Ancarani oxfords. These are totally going to be my summer shoe. They're going to be perfect with everything.



Of course, I can dress up the skirt too but I love contrasting it with the t-shirt... that way I can wear black sequins even more often!

Ensemble du Jour - 4-14-10

It's been so nice out lately with all of the gorgeous flowers, but today I woke up and it was a bit chilly. I wasn't ready to wrap back up, especially since I just did the Seasonal Swap of the closets, so I went with a delicate spring top and added a warm snuggly soft jacket on top.

The top was a rosette gathered chiffon and jersey piece from Anthropologie that I paired with a simple stretch pencil skirt from Target and black glitter flats also from Target.



Because it was chilly I added my soft yet structured jacket also from Anthropologie.



I was so excited that my new Tarina Tarantino necklaces arrived last night that I had to wear one right away. I shall probably be wearing these far too often.



Did you notice my new toy? I have been dying for a decorative dress form for ages. Most of the ones you see are more for function but I just wanted a pretty piece I could use to plan outfits. I've looked all over but surprisingly this one came from Pottery Barn Teens (PBTeen)!

They've done these in the past but the current two are the linen one that I got and a really cute black and white polka dot.



I was tempted by the polka dot but not knowing how I will be redecorating rooms in the future I felt the linen was a better choice and a more neutral backdrop.

I just love it and it was pretty affordable. It's also much easier for me to take pictures of my outfits on it than trying to get myself into a good pose, so plan on seeing it a lot in the future too!

Classic Comfort

I'm not really a flip flops kind of girl but I do like to take a break from heels every now and then. In the Summer especially we're doing a lot of running around and walking to events so I actually need to wear flat shoes.

I tend to prefer the classic comfort options of ballet flats, Keds, Topsiders and Converse.

I'm just as picky about my flat shoes being fun and interesting as I am for the heels. I love ballet flats with color, pattern and detail. Last summer I nabbed this preppy striped pair from American Eagle but Old Navy and JCrew have cute options with color and embellishments as well.



I'm a recent Chuck Taylor Converse devotee and can't live with out them now. I have low tops in red and in silver sequins but a cute pair of high-tops in bubble-gum pink. I'm debating a black pair or maybe a pair of custom created ones from the Converse website.




If I ever had to limit my shoe closet down to a ridiculous low number (like under 10 or something), I can guarantee you that Keds Champion classics in white canvas would make the cut. I can't remember a time I haven't had a pair or two of these in my closet. There used to be a high top version which I had in high school and I miss them terribly. I think I could wear these 80% of the time and not feel out of place.





Right now I'm wearing these Sperry Topsiders in this great green. These are another shoe from my childhood. My Dad always wore them on weekends and I love my pair now. They do come in some great colors (although I think my green ones are out of stock). I'm currently debating if I need a pair of bright pink patent ones.




What are your go to comfort shoes for the Summer?

Meow Meow!

*Cough, cough*... excuse me I meant Miu Miu!



: )

UPDATED: Kitties in motion!

Shoes for a Modern Princess

The term princess is often used in a negative way. A girl who is spoiled and bratty and too "precious" for words. But I think adding a bit of princess to your wardrobe in entirely necessary. No matter your style, everyone needs a dash of the special, a bit of sparkle and something to make her feel like dancing in clouds or walking on bubbles.

The Fendi "Cinderella" platform is definitely for the modern princess. Graphic and powerful with a Lucite platform that gives the impression of floating above the ground and delicate fabric wrapped around your feet.



The Christian Louboutin Poseidon peep-toe is for the sea-god's rebellious younger daughter. Someone who wants to break out, party and shine, shine, shine.



A flower fairy or English princess surrounded by an unruly scented garden would be perfect in these heels. I love Manolo Blahnik's Sedaraby shape but with the Impressionistic pattern.




The Swan Sister would love these delicate Manolo Blahnik Eila feather sandals. They're made for the most delicate feet and need a full tulle skirt to do them justice.




I see these Valentino Fairy Tale sandals as the perfect shoe for Cinderella-in-transition. They're delicate but distressed. A bit messy but still gorgeous.

Yes, another Sedaraby from Manolo Blahnik but with the rose print they are the perfect shoe for Brier Rose. She loves to surround herself with rosebuds and kittens.

One of my favorites of the new season are these Rene Caovilla sandals. The swirling flower straps remind me of a transformation scene. You could walk down the street feeling as if you were surrounded by singing flowers, bunnies and speaking birds.

I don't want practical shoes. I don't need shoes that ground me, I need shoes that help me live my fairy tale. That lift me up and make me want to dance down the street singing. I'm looking for the special.

I'd love to see your fairy tale shoes too!

Fendi "Cinderella" - from Bergdorf Goodman (in-store only)

Christian Louboutin "Poseidon" - Saks Fifth Avenue

Manolo Blahnik Floral "Sedaraby" - Bergdorf Goodman

Manolo Blahnik "Eila" - Neiman Marcus

Valentino "Fairy Tale" - Bergdorf Goodman

Manolo Blahnik Rose "Sedaraby" - Neiman Marcus

Rene Caovilla "Flowerboing" - Bergdorf Goodman

Spring Spring Spring

While Fall is my favorite, I think Spring is the prettiest season. Especially here in North Carolina.

I took a few quick phone pictures but will have more taken with the good camera to share later.






Our wisteria has gone crazy this year! And our yard smells like SweeTarts.



Our windows are open and our house is filled with pollen. Luckily we don't have any allergies!

One for One: TOMS Shoes Announces Its 3rd Annual One Day Without Shoes

I'm still trying to get back on my feet (pun intended) and back to the blog. I'm sorry for the delays and light posting. After the sadness of this past week, we've been keeping a bit quiet but also going through a number of changes as a family. But we still want to do more.

Part of that will be looking at what and how we buy. We are blessed and have more than we need. And while we sometimes know it isn't all that we want, we have never done without any kind of basic need. Such as shoes obviously.

But millions of children and adults do go without proper footwear every single day. And shoes can mean safety and health and protection.

Toms shoes is continuing on their quest to help provide these shoes to children around the world. They are drawing attention to this effort with their Day Without Shoes event on April 8th.

Per their release:

With every pair purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.
One for One.

In an effort to bring attention to the impact a simple pair of shoes can have in a child’s life, TOMS Shoes announces its third annual One Day Without Shoes campaign that asks everyone worldwide to go barefoot on April 8th. Barefoot events around the world from Venice to Little Rock, Dubai to London have already been planned, with more in the works.

On April 8th communities and individuals will be spreading awareness about the importance of shoes in parts of the world where children’s feet are exposed to debilitating diseases. So many of the world’s children in developing countries grow up without shoes, having to walk miles to get food and water, medical help, and attend school (which often require shoes as uniform). A leading cause of disease in these areas is soil-based parasites.

One Day Without Shoes participants can pledge their commitment, join and organize events, and connect with likeminded participants online at http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/. The website will also provide an outlet for individuals to share their videos, photos, and experiences spending One Day Without Shoes. Every person who RSVPs for an event on www.OneDayWithoutShoes.com will have the option to be entered to win a spot on a TOMS Shoe Drop (some limitations apply). Winner will be announced on May 10th. One Day Without Shoes t-shirts will be available for purchase from Threadless at www.threadless.com/loves/tomsoneday starting March 22nd.

Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes’ founder and Chief Shoe Giver, says, “A shoe company asking people to go barefoot? I know it’s odd, but we are so excited for people to once again join us in One Day Without Shoes. We ask people to go the day, part of the day, or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience what millions of children endure every day. Awareness and empathy are the catalysts of change.”

The problem is large but the solution is simple. Wearing shoes and basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil. By imagining a life barefoot, we can all contribute to the awareness of these conditions. Join TOMS Shoes on April 8th and walk barefoot to support One Day Without Shoes.

For more information visit: http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

About TOMS Shoes:
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in a village in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. To date, TOMS has given over 400,000 pairs of new shoes to children around the world through its giving partners. For more information, please visit www.TOMS.com/oneday

I'm happy to support this program and can attest to how comfy their shoes are! I hope you will help spread the word and join in on April 8th.

Image via Flicker - PicsMaker

What to wear when you can't think of what to do

I'm the type of person that is a planner and likes to adhere to etiquitte.  I'm writing this post as a sign of respect and I hope it will be useful to you when you are in a similiar situation - one where you focus on the mundane to keep from focusing on the larger more painful topics.

What do you wear to a funeral?

The most important consideration for what you are wearing is that you are there as a sign of respect and support.  Your clothing should reflect that, provide you with comfort and, if appropriate, align with your personality.

Black is the traditional color in Western societies but even this has changed in recent years.  It is now acceptable to wear any neutral or dark colors as long as the style of the outfit is conservative.  It is not the time for beading or sequins or high skirts or low necklines.  I would like to say that you could be consistent with what you would typically wear to church or a nice meal or business meeting but from what I've seen these are no longer good guidelines (although I think they should be!). Some color is acceptable but generally would not be the focus.  If the color is in your accessories or accents you should be within the bounds of propriety.

I plan on wearing a black dress like the one above or a black top and skirt.  Be sure to bring a sweater or a wrap of some sort.  In times of stress your body focuses resources to your core so you're sure to be cold even in warmer months.  Especially when there is air conditioning.  Maybe even tuck a pair of gloves in your bag just in case.

Becase you may be standing a lot and walking on different surfaces, it's best to wear a low heel or even dressy flats.  You do not want to have to worry about the fact that your feet are hurting and you can't sit down.  I have had to wait in very long (multiple hour) visitation lines and comfort was crucial.

If you will be going from the church to a cemetary service you may also want to have a small umbrella on hand as well.  My typical umbrellas are pink and Hello Kitty but I also have a small black travel umbrella that I can use.  Weather is so unpredictable that I prefer to cover all the bases.  This can be something you keep in your car or suitcase the rest of the year.  I'm from Florida so I never think you can have too many umbrellas.

Hats are another subject as well.  Hats and head coverings are historically appropriate.  From large brimmed mourning hats with full veils to small squares of lace, covering your head is another sign of respect. Even though hats are becoming seen more frequently, they should not be too ostentations either.  You are not here to be a focal point but to focus on saying good-bye.

Of course, different cultures have different customs and place different significance on other colors.  White and yellow in Asia, red and white is areas of Africa, tartans in Scotland.  Each has a unique meaning.  You may choose to wear a color or another reminder of the person.  If done out of love, honor and respect, that is always appropriate.