New fare in footwear

Move over ballet flats, there's a new staple in town.  While a good ballet flat is an insta-classic, it's always good to push ourselves to try something new, no? 

While perusing Pinterest on this lovely morning, I came across this photo of Olivia Palermo (regardless of her City antics, the girl can dress):

Her shoes totally make for a playful touch to this outfit.  Sure, a ballet flat would have done just fine here, but the oxford really kicks it up a notch.  

Here are some of my favorites:

Loosen up!

There is no doubt that skinny jeans/pants have burrowed their way from a flashy trend to a wardrobe staple.  The right fit makes for a classic piece for anyone.  However, I've got to say that I'm a little skinnied out.

I was pretty excited to see some more relaxed styles walking down the runways this time around at fashion week.  Not to be mistaken for baggy, these styles still have crisp tailoring, but with a relaxed edge.

TWO - PLY TROUSERS - Woman - New this week | ZARA United States (clipped to polyvore.com)

Paired with a feminine flat, like these:

kate spade new york Terry Flats (see more leopard print shoes)

It's very me, I guess.  I love the classic, on-the-go, non-fussy look of these pants!  Pairing a heel doesn't seem quite right, but a simple but chic leopard flat (thanks for the red cap toe, Kate Spade!) makes for the perfect complement.

Just add a simple top and, BOOM, done. 

Would you move your skinnies over for a relaxed style?

New flair in footwear

There's a new wave in footwear sweeping the world!  Ok, so they're actually not so new, but flats are having a big moment right now!  And I'm not talking about sweet ballerina flats with the bows (those are great and all...), I'm talking about NEAT-O statement flats.  Moreover, styles right now feature a "smoking slipper" style. 

I think it's time that our feet got a break!  I mean, wearing heels is great and empowering and all, but don't we want an alternative?  Just a little one?  These would look just as cute with jeans as they would a simple shift dress.... what do you think?

Loafer (see more slip on shoes)

Charlotte Olympia flat (see more ballerina flats)

House of Harlow 1960 flat (see more leather flats)

Loafer (clipped to polyvore.com)

Flat (see more flat shoes)

What do you think?  I'm kind of obsessed with the cheekiness of the cat flat!  Cats have always had an odd stronghold on fashion..... and I can't see why that should change!

Summertime staple lives on!

One of my favorite purchases this summer happened at an Old Navy near my house.  I was looking for a great deal on some shorts that would likely be destroyed by the end of a vacation when I stumbled upon their collection of beautifully colorful tunics!  Nothing incredibly goundbreaking, but just a nice collection of classic tunics.  Maybe they were meant for beach wear, I don't know.  I zeroed in on a red-orange patterned number and it was mine.  (As you can imagine, it didn't exactly break the bank, either.)  I'd never been much of one to wear a tunic, but it's turned out to be a fave!

Fall is a kind of magical time between the thick, cozy sweaters and crackling fireplaces of winter and the warm and breezy sweet air of summer.  So.... BLEND THEM!  I just layered some skinny jeans under the tunic, and, voila!  Fall appropriate tunic wear. 

 

A little shout out to my newfound love: yoga!  Been doing it at least 3 - 4 times a week and feel worlds different.

Even though tunics don't usually fit into my usual repertoire, I felt extra at home in my accessories.  I'm wearing my all-time favorite Anne Klein wedge/flats and my go-to wristwear and necklaces.  If you want to try something a bit out of the box, but need a little comfort blanket, try bringing in your tried-and-true accessories to make it feel a little more homey.  

What do you think?  Does the tunic stay?