Category Archives: Accessories

Bright, Left: Bright Shoes Make a Statement in Spring

Posted on March 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Carrie, Dorothy and Carly all have an affinity for bright colored shoes.  Carrie’s pair went down the aisle, Dorothy’s went down the yellow brick road and my pair went everywhere.

Yellow Slingbacks via J. Crew, Photo 1313blog.com

For spring I am seeing a variety of bold and bright colorblocked shoes, let’s look at the favorites presented in order of boldness!

There are not for the faint of heart, they are wild, and will definitely turn heads.  Luckily, they are also under $100, so if you’re ever in the mood for a wow statement making shoe, that will only be worn a few times, let me introduce you to Jessica Simpson.
Vadio by Jessica Simpson at Macy’s
I spotted these yesterday and I was in love.  They have a tropical feel to them, a la Miami Vice, and I really appreciate the sturdiness of the heel.  If you’re wearing shoes like these you need to be able to walk, dance and show them off without breaking an ankle.
Wide Heeled Satin Sandal at Zara
These shoes by Nine West caught my eye in an ad in Glamour while killing time in CVS – with all of that sensory overload they still stood out.  I again like the sturdy heel, thick straps and what looks like soft leather in sweet, fun colors.  Do these colors remind anyone else of a belini, mimosa or margarita?  No?  Just me?  Moving on…
Stylin at Nine West

I have been admiring this pair for a little while now.  These are so simple.  A short heel, a black patent leather t-strap.  Oh, but what is that?  Peeking out in the back?  Hot PINK!  These are perfect with the season’s maxi dresses and skirts and a fabulous pedicure.
Dacia by Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale’s

Spring is looking fabulously bright!  Have a wonderful, fashionable weekend!

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Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Posted on March 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow’s hair to show off these:
Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of “would kill your bank account”.  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:
From L – R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli “Wild Meadow” Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Her Closet, Jewelry, Red Carpet

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Fashion, to boot

Posted on January 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend I saw this great NY style retrospective on the “new way” women are standing, walking and posing and the shoe that is leading the way.


New York Times
The ankle boot (bootie) is taking over for the knee high (or higher) boot and in the process is highlighting a woman’s long leg, or making a shorter leg look longer, or as Bill Cunningham says, more like a ballerina or a showgirl.  

The best part of this pictorial is that the personal style of the “street models” are all so unique.  They are uptown, or downtown, bare legged, black tights, or tattered stockings and they are all chic and like themselves.  They also look like they might have to find a bathroom… now – but even that beats the bowlegged look of a few years ago!

In any case, we are  not here to talk about stance, or posture, we’re here to talk about shoes!

Here are my favorite booties for under $100, under $250, and the sky’s the limit!  

Happy Shopping and stand proud!

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Her Closet, Shoes, Shopping

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Loving the Rockies

Posted on January 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

In any mountain town, or Disney gift shop, you’ll be likely to find barrels of “gem stones”.  My sister and I collected them, I think with the intention of using them for something really fabulous.

Now I wish I had them.  For early spring, I am really loving the look of rough cut, jagged stones on Jewelry.  
I have seen a few examples in boutiques around town, and for a celebrity comparison Cameron Diaz in 2007 really comes to mind. 

via FabSugar.com

As Ms. Diaz illustrates the bold, oversized and natural stones add a playful sensibility to even the most dramatic gown.  They have a unique and interesting sparkle that seems more unique and less fussy.  Besides, with a good tan these pieces are a stunner.  

Warm weather, where are you?

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Posted in Accessories, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Jewelry

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Run, Carly, Run

Posted on December 13, 2010 | 1 comment


Almost two weeks ago I signed up for the lottery for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  I have previously signed up for this event, and was not previously selected.  The longest race I have ever run is 3.2 miles.  I am challenging myself to run more than 3 times that long.

When I signed up the first time I, and didn’t get in, I told Mark that when I ran the ten miles I would treat myself to a pair of these…

Brian Atwood Maniac Pump

For now the goal is just to train and run the race.  I’ll worry about what my reward is when I cross the finish line.  But, in the interim between now and then I’ll keep you posted on the training, the ups and downs and what, besides shoes, is motivating me.  If you have any tips I’d love to hear from you!

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Inspiration via France

Posted on October 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

A few weeks ago The Sartorialist featured what he called the “Shoe of the Season”; the Valentino Studded Kitten Heel.  He wasn’t kidding.  

Photo via The Sartorialist
They are ladylike with an edge.  The studded detail elevates the feminine kitten heel and pointed toe without going over board.  I love the idea of wearing them with trousers for day, and then when the day turns to night, it’s surprise.

Not surprisingly this pair is a little out of reach, but there is a lot of more affordable options that is inspired by the Valentinos.  If you set out in search of a similar style you’ll want to focus in on the more feminine shaped shoes with a slim heel and delicate straps.  The look is more lady with an edge, than biker chick or rock and roll roadie.


Happy Shopping, make this fall fabulous!

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Valentine’s Day in October

Posted on October 18, 2010 | Leave a comment

I love flowers; the way they brighten up a room, they way they smell, what they symbolize.  But, flowers die.  Ouch, so that was a rough point.  But just because they do doesn’t mean we can’t find inspiration in flowers everyday.

Today’s fashion proves that roses are red, and black, and beige.

There are high fashion options from Valentino and Milly what is not to love about this?

Valentino “Petale-Mini” Leather Tote via Nordstrom
Rose Toe Platform Suede Pump via Bergdorf Goodman
Milly Rose Skirt Dress via Bergdorf Goodman
Okay, head in the clouds and empty wallets, where else can we find rose inspiration?

English Rose Robe via Anthropologie
Torn by Ronny Kobo Lila Rose Print Dress via National Jean Company
daniblack Jasmin Rose Sandal via Endless
How about taking the roses home?

Diptyque Roses Candle via Saks Fifth Avenue
Flowering Twig Pencil via Anthropologie
Deconstructed Rose Pillow via West Elm
Come on you didn’t think we wouldn’t have a rose inspired baking tool? 
Nordick Rose Bundt Pan via Cooking.com
 Or go for the original, the real thing:
Sharing the Love Rose Bouquet via FTD

Wishing you a house full of roses, whether you get them as a gift, or buy them for yourself.  They are a happy, and delightful treat for anyday, Valentine’s or otherwise!

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Posted in Accessories, Decor, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Home, Shopping

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Finding the Wild Side

Posted on October 11, 2010 | 1 comment

I am having a bit of an animal moment.  I don’t know where it came from, but lately I am gravitating towards animal prints of every variety; leopard, cheetah, tiger, zebra.  Wild animals on footwear and accessories are often on the prowl in South Florida, but spotting animal print in DC is like hunting endangered animals – as in the occurrence is rare.  There is a fine line between eye catching and over the top, let’s see what we can find…

Ralph Lauren Leopard Hair-Calf Peep Toe Pump
Jeffrey Campbell Kammie Ballet Flat

Vince Camuto Rues2
I love the idea of the leopard shoes.  You know I’m all about the classic aesthetic, and I think these all would work great as a surprise accessory with a slim, straight leg jean in a dark wash, or a black shift dress.  They add a kicky pop to any outfit that’s a little playful, a lot of fun, and still classically cool.  
I’m still hunting for animal inspired home pieces too, so look out for that in a future post!

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Still Dressing on Dress Down Friday

Posted on October 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

Getting dressed for work is often a challenge that can be mediated with the answers to the following questions; what do you do?  where do you work? how does the more senior management dress?  Those answers should usually be a guide at 7am when you stumble through to find the right outfit.  Then it’s Friday.  And in most office around the country Friday is “casual” or “dress down”.  And that’s when the can of worms opened up…

Dress down Friday really isn’t about “comfortable Friday”, or pajama Friday, workout Friday, running to the grocery store Friday.  If anything I think of Friday’s as an opportunity to be a bit more creative with what I am wearing, have a little bit more pizazz, and yes, wear denim.

Today’s Dress Down Friday is looking like this:


The black blazer is a constant go to for me; it elevates what would otherwise be jeans and a tank top, and it adds more structure and sophistication than a cardigan or sweater.  The boots I just got, and while it’s not that cold today I couldn’t resist the urge to wear new clothes as soon as I got them.  I like this outfit because I would be comfortable wearing it from work to dinner, happy hour, or to run errands and it is very much me.

How do you work it on a Friday?

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Life Lessons in Shopping

Posted on September 24, 2010 | 1 comment

Rarely does shopping provide too much in the way of “Life Lessons.”  

Sure there are a few: if you see a splurge but must-have item walk away, and if you’re still thinking about it in 2 days go for it, or if you find the best fitting pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra buy multiple pairs because there is nothing better than a great pair of jeans/swimsuit/bra.   

But now I’ll share a life lesson that was reinforced by shopping.  Almost a month ago I bought a beautiful pair of boots.  They were designer, and gorgeous and would probably last forever, however they were very expensive.  
Salvatore Ferragamo Fersea via Zappos Couture
I couldn’t stomach the idea of wearing them and scratching them up, and I knew they weren’t for keeps when I found myself looking at other boots online the very next day.  

In the online search the next day I found another pair that was definitely within my price range and seemed to hit all the right notes of what I was looking for.  But, I waited.  I had lots of excuses.  I was going to India in a few days, and I hadn’t tried them on yet, and I wasn’t completely sure how they would fit, so I told myself when we get back from India I’ll go to the store and just buy them.  How clever, then I would also save on shipping!

When I got back from India they were sold out.

Poor little blogger girl lost her boots?  Not quite.  There are many, many boots out there, but the larger lesson learned and reinforced by my life that exists outside of my favorite online stores and this blog is that life doesn’t wait, and that the unexpected does happen.  And we must always be ready to go and take it head on and win – yes, I’m that competitive. 

Wishing you a weekend full of adventure, wherever you may find it.

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Posted in Accessories, Her Closet, Her Inspiration, Life Lessons, Personal, Shoes, Shopping

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