heels of spring

spring style guide: the heels

There are many people who deem my obsession with footwear to be irrelevant, useless, and a waste of money (like my mother), but the perfect shoe is the foundation of an incredible outfit. The right shoe will not only complete the look, but it will also make you feel better, stand taller and it will leave a hell of a print on the people you meet. Seriously - where would Cinderella be without her glass slipper?

With that in mind, I've taken the time, collected the research, done some comparing and contrasting and rounded up the hottest shoes for the hot weather. What I found was that this year, shoe stores have exploded with new styles of all heights, and it's been impossible to narrow down the list - so I broke it up into two posts. Today we'll cover summer heels, and tomorrow we'll talk about the flats. I've even included three choices (affordable, splurge, and fantasy) with each to help you get started on updating your footwear collection - go forth and shop, my friends!

the wedge
The proverbial summer staple, the wedge is summer you wear on your foot, especially when done in raffia, wood, tribal prints or bright colors. More comfortable than heels because of the added support throughout the whole foot, wedges are the perfect shoe for summer outings like shopping, museums, art galleries, brunch, and pretty much everything in between. They're your best bet for anything and everything not covered by the other shoes in your collection - they're the boots of your spring and summer footwear.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Chinese Laundry Make My Day Natural Linen Wedges, via Lulus.com

the t-strap
For times when you need to amp up the sex appeal, a t-strap heel is your go to shoe. The best part about this design is that it works with any kind of heel - stiletto, chunky or wedge, as long as it has some height to it. The skinnier the heel, the more daring the look (obvs) but the chunky and wedge options are still sexy and great alternatives for those ladies who aren't exactly experts at walking on four inch nails (myself included - and trust me, no matter how sexy the shoe, falling off of it definitely ruins the effect!)

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Platform T-Strap Sandal, via Zara.com

the color block
Another shoe that works well with any sort of heel (I prefer the chunky or wedge varieties, myself), this shoe is the one to pair with your black dress/skinny jeans/skirt/pretty much anything to transition it from work day to night out. We all know that color blocking is a major thing this season, but for those of us who are a bit color shy, the color blocked sandal is the perfect way to work a bit of funky edge into one's look without going over the top trendy.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Multicolor DeeDee Heels by Lovely People, via Threadsence.com

the nude pump
If you don't already own a nude pump (WTH woman?!), this is the season to invest in one. While black pumps are always stylish, her nude sister has the magical ability to slim and elongate one's legs - two very desirable traits in a shoe. The lighter color is more spring/summer friendly, and because it's a neutral, it allows the other pieces of your outfit to do the talking (which makes it the perfect shoe for loud, busy ensembles). This is the shoe to slip into when the rest of your ensemble is glitzy, sparkly, or otherwise brimming at the top with gorgeous, because of its ability to blend in and enhance.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Lacey Nude Pumps via Maurice's // see the outfit post here

the chunky heel

Chunky heeled sandals are the perfect balance between the wedge and the stiletto, because "chunky" can mean so many different things. There's skinny chunky, thick chunky, low chunky, tall chunky, tapered chunky - you get the picture. Wooden and suede covered heels seem to be the most popular option for this type, though the styles from there are wide and varied. It can be combined with other trends, such as color blocking and skin toned shades, or kept classic in simple shapes and neutral colors; most can also go from work day to casual afternoon to night out, depending on the outfit and accessories up top. The variety and versatility of this heel makes it my favorite for the season - and let's not forget the comfort factor.

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Black Studded Sandals via Kork-Ease // see the outfit posts here & here
Neutral Color Block Heels via Charlotte Russe // see the outfit post here

the springtime boot

Because of the rising temps, boots can be tricky in the spring. While many of us are hesitant to relinquish our boots as winter flees, wearing them on a day that's warmer than 60 can be sweltering. Springtime boots are the perfect compromise; usually ankle or mid-chin height, spring boots/booties are most frequently somewhat cowgirl in nature, though some have laces, wedge heels, or cuffs. 

the buy | the splurge | the fantasy

Wrangler Suede Ankle Boots in taupe, via Threadsence.com

Note: Wellies, or rain boots, have also been having a moment, but can cause the same issues as regular boots later on towards summer, when warm storms are more common. In this instance, I would advise jelly flats.

in conclusion

If you live in Broke City (like me), you don't have the cash (or the closet space!) to drop on six new pairs of heels all at once (and we still haven't covered the flats!). Seriously, it's okay - don't panic! Personal style is all about doing more with less, getting creative and pushing those fashion boundaries. Invest in a few new pairs that you know you will wear all season, and forget the rest (or buy them on sale whenever you can find them). The most important thing is to buy what suits your personality and individual style, regardless of what the trends are. The suggestions I've listed above are great starting points, and I'd love to see what else you can find and what your spring/summer staple shoes are!

P.S. Don't forget to check back tomorrow night for the flats edition!

P.P.S. Have you entered my giveaway? Hurry - the deadline is April 16th @12:01am tonight!!!

And don't forget to vote for my entry into the Chictopia & Free People Spring Bloom Contest.

Love and hugs for votes!

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studded fantasies

The wonderful, kind, amazing FedEx driver delivered my Zara package to my office yesterday. This blue plastic wrapped cardboard box contained the single most expensive item of clothing I have ever purchased: the Zara Studded Fantasy Fabric Blazer.

My justification at that point was that I was getting it as an early birthday present to myself, though I regretted the action almost immediately upon pressing "Confirm" on the Zara website. At that point I had to wait it out - if I wasn't as in love with the blazer in person as I was on the website, I would just have to return it.

So it was with some trepidation that I pulled the plastic from the box yesterday and carefully unwrapped the enclosed items from the tissue paper; all sorts of anxieties were bouncing around in my mind: size and fit questions, worries about the fabric and texture, and (mostly) uneasiness about the cost of the order (which shall remain unspoken, but the oversize tank I purchased was one-tenth the price of the blazer). As excited as I was to receive the package, I was almost too afraid to open it - I was so in love with the fantasy blazer I had seen on the website and I was terrified reality wouldn't translate into what I had pictured in my imagination. I was afraid of being disappointed (again).

You see, to me, disappointment is heartbreaking. It is destructive. It is shattered dreams and broken hope. Call me dramatic, call me a shopaholic, call me obsessed, accuse me of taking it too seriously - whatever. It's all true. I take my wardrobe very seriously. These are the pieces that describe me to the world, that tell my story without ever saying a word. These are what make a first impression. These are my art.

Not every piece is a work of art in and of itself - nor should every piece be so. The art forms when the pieces are put together; like paints on a canvas, they are not complete without each other. It is vitally important that each color be mixed perfectly, be placed aptly, and within the right context, in order to achieve a work of art rather than simply an outfit.

The more I learn about fashion and style, the more I begin to realize that this artform really is an art, as much as painting or drawing or writing or architecture. There is no science to style, no exact formula for achieving it nor established criteria for determining whether one has it; only one's sense of self and imagination and the hope for the best.

I truly believe that the way we dress reflects the way we feel about ourselves.

It may be subconscious, it may be deliberate; it could be somewhere in between.

Style is the ultimate form of self-reflection.

But back to the story.

As soon as my hands grasped the fabric of the blazer, my fears evaporated; I gently pulled it from the wrapping and looking at it, holding it, feeling it, was like first love all over again... only without the painful heartbreak at the end. This is a piece that will never, ever betray me.

The studs of various sizes that run along the collar and faux pockets are a matte, almost burnished, silver; the black fabric seems to be a mix of boucle and frayed tweed and seems heavy at first glance, but upon inspection is actually rather thin and thus perfect for both summer and winter. The strong shoulders feel like armor against the weight of the world, while the frayed hems and seams are the perfect imperfection - just enough muss to keep the blazer from being too stuffy. The texture of the jacket and cut of the neck and shoulders is certainly reminiscent of the famous Chanel jackets, but the Zara version has a longer length and more boyfriend like fit than Coco's classic cut. This is an impeccably balanced blazer: enough polish and charm to establish it's position as a classic, yet a roughness to it that reminds us of its bad assery.

I mentioned the heather gray oversize tank I purchased to go with it, though upon close inspection I am finding this blazer is a source of continual inspiration that will likely be matched with nearly everything I own throughout the summer. Despite it's uniqueness (or perhaps because of it), it seems to be the most versatile garment I own.

It is important to note that (in my experience, at least) Zara sizes seem to run a bit small. I typically wear a small or medium, but wear a medium or large in Zara clothing. Even the shoes seem to run on the small (narrow) side. I chose to go with a large for this blazer, and I am very happy with that decision.

Today I paired with with the oversize tank, a pair of denim flares and my Kork-Ease sandals that I received gift (see a close up + a review further down in this post). I'm thinking a remix of this combination will likely become my spring/summer uniform, while I have a number of skirts, dresses and shorts (pencil, mini and leather, specifically) that will do quite nicely for dressing it up for any occasion that may arise. I may do some experimenting this weekend; I will be sure to share any photos that result.

This blazer absolutely lives up to it's name - it is the utter fulfillment of my fantasy, the perfect piece to add to my collection of cherished and beloved pieces. I may have what seems like an infinite wardrobe, but my collection is quite small. My collection is the art; it is what I am focused on growing, now that I am older and I understand the difference. Expect a closet purge very, very soon.

It was rainy and breezy as I stepped outside for a self-portrait session; the drops fell in an intermittently steady drizzle as I timed and snapped these photos in our bathroom garden (the whole concept still somewhat confounds me, and yet I love it). There was a hint of chill in the air, but it was faint, haunting - only the ghost of winter remains here, it seems. The blossoms are just blooming on our plum tree - tiny white flowers surrounded by tiny green leaves on still gray branches, silhouetted by a stone sky. This is my favorite kind of spring weather.

These leather studded sandals are a very close second for my favorite summer staple. I snagged these beauties as a free reward, and I adore them. It took a couple of weeks for them to arrive, but they are so comfy (the insoles are actually padded enough that I can push it down!) and classy that I am completely willing to overlook the lengthy shipping time (especially since they were free). The chunky wooden heel is the perfect height for both casual and work wear and the crisscross leather front keeps things looking sleek while the studs add some edge to the overall look. Definitely the perfect addition to my summertime shoe collection.

Sigh. At least I can say my family is unique in their sense of aesthetics.

[blazer: Zara Studded Fantasy Fabric Blazer; tank: Zara (similar item here); jeans: Refuge Denim (similar item here); shoes: Kork Ease; layered chain necklace: Sears (similar item here); moccasin necklace: vintage; nail polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Snappy Sorbet (orange) and Flashy Fuchsia (pink)]

Tell me about your most decadent buy - was it worth what you spent? And what do you think of my new Zara blazer? Any suggestions for styling it? Do you have any questions about my make up? 

Or maybe some there are some embarrassing yet kinda cool family secrets hiding in your backyard that you'd like to share? 

Spill your thoughts or questions in the comments!

13

style haiku

I decided to keep things basic today, with a simple combo of blazer, jeans, a white tank and leopard pumps; I added a hot pink lip gloss as part of IFB's Weekly Project #40: Go Bright or Go Home. Tomorrow I plan to brave a red, and I will submit the more flattering one for the project. If you'd like to participate, make sure you submit your link by 12am Wednesday by clicking here.

I love how my lip color matches the pink in my earrings and scarf. That was completely by accident.

Despite this look's simplicity, I decided it deserved a full outfit post. I've mentioned before that I feel sometimes we style bloggers get so wrapped up in constantly being on top of and ahead of the latest and greatest trends, colors, prints, etc, that we forget that true style is the embodiment of simplicity, creativity, elegance, confidence and love.

This isn't to say we shouldn't be creative with our daily outfits; on the contrary, I find the incredible ensembles many of my co-bloggers put together on a regular basis to be rather extraordinary works of art. What I am saying, though, is that not every woman can pull off wearing twelve prints at once, and sometimes a blazer and jeans can be just as lovely and speak to us in as many ways as the most inventive outfit.

Haiku can be just as powerful and beautiful as any Greek tragedy or Roman myth.

 It's all in the presentation.

I'm pretty sure this basic combination is going to become my new uniform for spring and summer. I have a rather intense obsession with blazers and have a pretty decent collection, though I don't wear them very often. I plan to add quite a few to my repertoire (something with cool detailing, a white tuxedo, a hot pink statement piece, cobalt blue BF cut, Chanel inspired, sleeveless tux, duster length, something cropped, a military cut, to name just a few) and wear them with everything this season - sleeves cuffed, of course. I get serious sleeve anxiety.

Definition: Sleeve Anxiety - 1. the constant urge to fiddle with one's sleeves, usually due to one being uncomfortable with the length, fit or fabric; 2. the intense need to have one's sleeves pulled over one's hands, cuffed to the elbow or non-existent past the shoulder.

The weather seemed rather indecisive today; it was raining pretty hard when I left for work, but by mid-morning it had let up into an intermittent drizzle with large patches of bright blue sky in between. By the time I left work, the rain had dried up, though there were still some grey swatches in the sky. It wasn't quite chilly enough for a coat, but not quite warm enough to be outside for an extended period of time without one.

One day my sister will learn to be mindful of the background in photos. One day. #thingsBatmantaughtme

My nephew came out with us for these photos (perfect ammunition for creating genuine smiles, btw) - my favorite part of the entire photo shoot was when he ran into my outstretched arms, I swept him up and he gave me this incredible hug (twice!). I love that when he gives me a hug, he always pats me on the back like he's comforting me.

When we were done he really didn't want to go back inside. I picked up his windbreaker and we headed to the backyard where his favorite outdoor toys are located (his Flintstones type car and the play set I got for my 6th birthday). The play set we have includes a slide, swingset and tower, though the slide is by far his favorite. He refuses to swing unless I sit in the swing and hold him in my lap (which, given that my hips are a bit wider than they were as a kid, gets pretty uncomfortable after a few minutes), and since he's only two I'd rather he not play in the tower quite yet, so he's mostly confined to the slide and his other toys.

He doesn't mind though - I'm pretty sure he could entertain himself for an entire weekend just running between the slide, his small Fisher Price house and toy car. Sometimes I envy him; that child is the absolute light of my life. I know he's not my son - but I would do anything for him.

I typically wear higher heels with these pants (I swear I picked up a regular length...), but I was fixated on these leopard pumps today. They are the only pointy-toed shoes I have ever tried on and liked - my size 9.5 feet generally deter me from wearing shoes with points, but these leopard beauties have the right amount of angle to achieve the look without entering Wicked Witch of the West territory.

Style Tip: Pointy shoes are very on point this season, but they can make your feet look bigger by adding space to the front of the shoe that your foot doesn't (can't) occupy. This isn't too noticeable on a size 6, but is painfully obvious on a size 9 and above. For those of us ladies with larger feet, I would recommend avoiding extremely pointed shoes and opt instead for a mildly pointed (seen below and here), almond or round toe.

wardrobe

[trench: maurices (similar item here); blazer: charlotte russe (similar item here); white tank: charlotte russe (similar item here); earrings: charlotte russe; scarf, cuff, ring: forever 21; layered chain necklace: sears (sorry, don't remember the brand); moccasin necklace: gift from Grandmother; jeans: ReRock by Express (check 'em out here); leopard pumps: Express (similar item here)]

The lip gloss I used was a hot pink from a giant Sephora palette that is no longer available. Email me or comment and let me know if you're interested in finding a similar color (or if you have questions about any of my make up) and I'd be happy to offer some suggestions!

9

march flowers + girl time adventures

coat, blouse, skirt, shoes, earrings: maurice's; necklace: gift from Grandma; belt: vanity; purse: thrifted

photos by my lovely sister Bobbie Jo

Not much to say tonight. Dead exhausted - I'm not sure why I stayed up so late. My mom, my sister and I decided to have a girls' night out in Wendover this evening, so we hopped in the car about six and headed out to the Montego Bay where we stuffed ourselves full of crab and various kinds of dessert. We argued the whole way home, but that's kinda what we do… It was a good night.

Today's outfit is a shining example of perfectly mixed spring trends and classic pieces: the colors and print of the blouse and skirt are a lovely update on simple, eternal shapes while the wedge espadrilles are forever a warm weather staple. The bright jacket adds a punch of sass to an otherwise sweet ensemble, and the belted waist pulls it all together. The dark brown satchel is simple and perfect - and was just $1 at D.I.

I added a pair of dark brown tights before we hit Wendover for the evening, but I spent most of the day without - the first no-tights day of the year. I apologize for the glare in the photos… it's been a long winter!

More springtime style education forthcoming - tomorrow later today I'll be posting a list of must-have threads for the season, so be sure to check back later on this weekend!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the other posts in this series!

a fashion nerd's Spring Survival Guide

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decisions, decisions...

black booties: maurice's; red scarf: vintage

I've decided to go with these black leather moto booties for my friend's wedding. I sometimes (often) have a tendency to overcomplicate things, and as much as I want to wear the sparkly pumps, I think they're just too much. As Manda put it, they just make my outfit into "a hot mess"! That much sparkle and shine might be appropriate for NYE (which is actually what I bought the shoes for to begin with), but for a low key wedding they're definitely out. So, unless I find something else that I fall head over heels for in the meantime, we're going for these badass booties.

To be quite honest, I'm not feeling particularly inspired by this combo, but I think I need to put it on and see how it looks before I can be 100% sure. Ideally, I'd be wearing something like these...

YSL Tribute Patent Leather Sandals, $760 via NetAPorter.com

YSL Studded Suede Platform Sandals, $1095 via NetAPorter.com

Jimmy Choo Jade Crystal Embellished Suede Sandal, $1550 via NetAPorter.com

I've kind of had a thing for YSL shoes recently, and those Jimmy Choos are beautiful. Sigh.

I'm considering investing in a pair of sexy t-strap heels such as these from Express, but I haven't found the pair yet (at least, not one within my price range...). I like these ones, but I don't think I $98 like them.

Yeah, I over-think things, in an extremely irritating and complicating way. But at least I'm not all anxiety ridden over it like I was before. Sometimes I just need to type things out... Granted my posts have a tendency to be a bit long-winded and confuzzling, but that's just how I roll. Yo.

I'm still going to go looking for a new clutch (love you Manda!). I'm loving envelopes, beaded vintage bags and box purses (like the one below). Hopefully I find something I love that's a bit closer to my budget!

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Satin Knot Clutch, $1380 via NetAPorter.com

I'll let you know what I find! Of course, if you have any suggestions on where I should look, I'd love to hear from you - leave me a comment or drop me an email with your thoughts!

6

to sparkle, or not to sparkle?

I find that I'm in need of some advice, dear readers.

dress, sunglasses: Charlotte Russe; sparkly pumps: Forever 21

A friend of mine is getting married next month (February 11), and I found the perfect dress last time I went shopping (seen above and below). It's a strapless beauty, the body is red with black lace overlay and it hits a few inches above the knee. I plan to wear a black blazer over it (mostly likely my shiny black satin one with elbow length sleeves) and solid black tights to avoid being too risque (this is Utah, after all).

The issue I'm having is this: are the sparkly gold/silver/pewter/pink pumps a little too much? It's an evening wedding, at an event center known as Aspen Landing, and there is no dress code specified on the invitation (there usually isn't on Utah invites). I've found that weddings in Utah are often treated as a casual affair when held in a church gym, but to be quite honest with you, I haven't attended many weddings that weren't held at a church (other than my own). I know that the one overriding rule of weddings is to never outshine the bride, and I'm not sure if sparkly shoes push things a bit too far. Besides, if everyone else shows up in standard church attire (skirts and blouses), I'd stick out like a sore thumb. A very pretty, sparkly sore thumb though.

If I go with the glittery pumps, I think I'll need a sparkly clutch to pull it all together. I found one on Aldo.com and one from Express that are both perfect and aren't too much damage (both are about $35), but if I decide to go with a pair of black shoes, I already have several clutches that would work perfectly. The shoes I wear are also going to determine the color of my jewelry - if I go for the glittery shoes, I plan to wear gold jewelry; but if I pick another pair I'm thinking some huge hematite earrings might be in order.

Here are the choices already in my closet:

red booties: charlotte russe; black moto booties: maurice's; black studded wedges: kardashion kollection; sparkly pump: forever 21

I'm leaning towards these as my second choice, after the sparkly pumps.

So there is my dilemma, laid out in photos for you: to sparkle or not. 

Here is what we know:

1. I'll be wearing the dress pictured above.

2. With a black satin blazer over it.

3. And solid black tights.

4. For make up, I'll be doing a fairly dramatic smokey eye, using Too Faced's In Your Dreams palette (using Full Moon, Dream On and Seduced), a neutral lip and dark red or black nail polish (probably I'm With Brad by OPI).

In short, the issues are:

1. Are the sparkly heels too much? I don't want to be overdressed.

2. If I wear the gold shoes, I have to buy a matching clutch (not necessarily a bad thing, mind you...).

3. Gold shoes and clutch mean understated gold jewelry. I definitely prefer hematite or silver, but I can do gold too. I normally like to wear huge earrings though, and I think that might be a bit much with the sparkles everywhere else.

4. My hair: should I wear it slicked back in a pony tail, with the body teased (very polished looking); or should I use my waving iron to wave it, muss it up just a bit, and wear it down (think bedheady and sexy)?

Maybe I overcomplicate things. Actually, I know I overcomplicate things. I think, in order to figure this out, I'm going to have to spend some time actually trying out the various combinations. I was supposed to do that this weekend, but I ended up spending the majority of the weekend asleep or watching White Collar... Oops.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Advice? Please share in the comments - I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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