Mar

Spend or Splurge?

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These will put a definite SPRING in your step…

I’ve said before that a nude pump is an essential part of a well-considered wardrobe, but I’m adding this Spring’s hot sandal – the open-toed bootie – to the list as well. Yes, it elongates the leg just like its more subdued sister, but it adds a touch of undeniable sizzle that makes a basic black pencil skirt or even denim and a tee look fresh and edgy.

I’ll take either of these: The “Lexington” by Rachel Roy, originally $325/now $199, in natural leather with a 4″ heel or ZARA’s Leather High Heel Ankle Boot sandal with scalloped detailing, $129.99. The intricate cutouts adorning both shoes add visual interest and keep these booties from reading “Little House on the Prairie.” At such a great price there’s really no “spend or splurge” debate; you should get the Rachel Roy’s in black and the Zara pair in natural!

With a shoes that make such a bold statement, it’s best to keep the rest of your ensemble simple, and the neutral shade means you’ll get a lot of mileage out of them this season. And it should go without saying that a recent pedicure would also be essential.

I wear an 8, if anyone’s feeling generous! *wink*

Happy shopping!

9 years ago Short URL Comments

Love That!/Shopping is My Cardio/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Rachel Roy/Same Chic Different Day/spend or splurge/Spring fashion/Zara

Jul

Haute or Not? Rachel Roy debuts HSN line

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Designer Rachel Roy is launching label RACHEL ROY with HSN, featuring her signature minimalist-chic separates and dresses as well as bold jewelry, bright handbags and killer shoes. The line has on-trend pices including handkerchief hems and ikat-print, and even includes her take on the nude pump; “Kaylee” comes in patent leather with a pyramid detail on the heels ($75, special event pricing).

We’re also loving the “Miranda” dress in papaya or indigo with wrap bodice ($88, special event pricing); it’s easy to wear and accessorize and has pockets! Other standouts include the signature statement necklace and cocktail ring in gold with bright enamel accents (specially priced at $55 and $30, respectively). Bargainistas will note that HSN offers a flexible payment plan which allows shoppers to break out payments in two or three increments, perfect for savvy shoppers on a budget!

Images via HSN

11 years ago Short URL Comments

Haute or Not?/The Look

Alexis E. Barton/Birmingham fashion/Birmingham style/Rachel Roy/Rachel Roy HSN line/Same Chic Different Day

Jan

Please Don’t Wear Your Jammies to Work

No ma'am, Rachel Roy.

Nightwear as daywear is a trend that’s shown up on runways (and recently on the front page of shopbop.com), and I’m warning you: this does not mean your Forever Lazy footie pajamas, slinky negligees, or saggy Hello Kitty flannel bottoms from freshman year are now in style and meant to be inflicted upon the public. Those fashion choices will make you a perfect candidate for People of Walmart, not anyone’s best dressed list. If you’d like to incorporate the look into your wardrobe smartly, here are some tips on how to wear pajama-inspired looks with flair and good taste.

1. Try a lacy camisole under a cardi or jacket for the office, or a vintage bustier with a pencil skirt or cigarette pants for evening. The key here is balance. If you pair these items with a super short skirt or shorts, or anything skintight, the effect will be more “streetwalker” than chic.

2. Pair silky or print pajama bottoms with a structured piece on top, like a cable-knit cardigan. Or, try a menswear-inspired pajama top with skinny jeans and a pair of fun loafers. The blend of textures will keep you from looking like you rolled straight out of the boudoir.

3. Please leave anything with a cheeky phrase on it in the store, or spare the rest of us and save it for wearing at home. Your seat isn’t for advertising to the general public.

4. Several words to the wise about leggings: I’m all for them when worn properly. And by “properly” I mean that the leggings should be opaque, not sheer, fishnet, etc. One’s legs should not look like they are squeezed into sausage casings. And a blazer, long cardigan or tunic-style top that skims or covers the rear is most flattering.

5. PajamaJeans are to be avoided at all costs. The printed zipper and pockets are…strange. There are too many other options for affordable, comfortable and flattering denim for women of all shapes and budgets to resort to something that pulls on and has a hidden drawstring.

6. The last word: be sure to wear appropriate undergarments so that your silhouette is sleek and your “unmentionables” remain unmentioned by passers-by. Smooth ripples and provide an extra layer under unlined items by wearing a pair of fleshtone hosiery that has been snipped at the calf or knee.

Image via Gawker.com