Three Ways: Sexy Strappy Heels

I fell in love with these shoes the moment I saw them. Ultimately I passed on them (I'm working on not just blindly satisfying every whim and desire -- it's not the most fun thing ever), but I did spend some time contemplating them and dreaming up lots of great ways to wear them:

Late Dinner Out

This was really my first instinct. I just love the idea of that sexy peep-toe platform peeking out from under a pair of super long, super slim flared jeans. These MiH Marrakesh flares are my absolute favorite denim silhouette ever. Legs. For. Days. I'd keep everything else simple -- a pretty white blouse, a classic bag, a cool necklace, and this funky tortoise ring.

Dancing All Night

I am always drawn to things with a sexy 70's Halston vibe. This wide-leg jump suit is perfect -- not too costume-y, super flattering. You don't really need too much else: great earrings and a little clutch with a touch of gold. Add a quick swipe of sheer red lipstick and you're ready to go.

(Very) Casual Friday

I don't think I would wear these shoes to work, but could you? Yes, I think so. You just want to shift the vibe from sexy to kind of mod, and a graphic shirt dress like this one from Boden is fantastic. Add some layers -- opaque tights and a good blazer. Finally, some office-friendly jewelry. I love this delicate necklace and a pretty rose gold watch. A sheer pink gloss like NARS Turkish Delight keeps it all very soft and sweet.

Three Ways: Cashmere Cardigan

Current status: daydreaming about fall 

Even though I may not be partaking in the usual fall shopping frenzy (at least right away), I love seeing what's hitting the stores and I'm putting together a little series of posts with the must-haves on my fall shopping list.  Nothing says fall more than a cozy cashmere sweater, and Uniqlo does affordable cashmere well. I'm really digging this pretty Elsa-esque blue color -- it's unexpected for fall (and would easily transition into winter and spring), and it's the kind of shade that's almost universally flattering.

Late Night Ice Cream Run:

Last night we enjoyed a rare treat in Central Florida: a clear, cool evening. Now that summer is starting to wind down, you may find yourself needing an extra layer once the sun goes down. Throw on your new cardigan over a cute tee and relaxed shorts for a late evening stroll (preferably right over to the ice cream shop). I don't always like to drag my purse everywhere, so a cute wallet is perfect here. And I love the combo of bright pink with bright blue -- these sandals are almost sold out, but you should absolutely grab them if your size is still in stock.

Best in Cubicle:

Some days, you just want everyone to take notice. These wide-leg red pants are very bold and super awesome. Pairing two bold primary colors might feel a little Kindergarten-esque, but a patterned blouse in a softer color palette is the bridge to a sophisticated and very grown-up look. I'd stick with accessories that are simple but not at all boring: a chic, sturdy shoe, gold studs, a totally practical gray satchel, and my favorite chunky gold watch with a black dial.

Gallery Hopping:

This funky librarian look is perfect for low-key evening plans -- checking out your friend's show at the local art gallery, perhaps. This printed shift dress is so timeless (a great little wardrobe workhorse) though perhaps a bit short for a tall girl, so I'd wear with tights to avoid endless fidgeting. This peacock colored necklace is really pretty and different. A cute mini satchel backpack is a fun twist on a classic style. And finally, my beloved chunky sandals would be just darling here.

Three Ways: Denim Skirt

Well, it's August 1st, so you know what that means: time to think about fall. Bathing suits in March, turtlenecks in August; it's a wonderful cycle, isn't it? Sigh.

I'm working on a fall fashion post, and one of my must-haves for this season is an A-line denim skirt. My favorite so far is this one from Alexa Chung x AG. It feels a little retro, a little pouty Parisian girl...but it's timeless enough to be a good closet workhorse for years to come.

It's way too hot in Florida to break out any of these looks just yet, but here's what I'm dreaming about for fall:

Day-to-Night:

I've always worked in offices where denim was fine all week long, so I love the idea of this skirt for long work days that lead into happy hour drinks, dinner, and more. Black with a few pops of color seems right here. A pretty pussy bow blouse, tights, and a good bag are the base. Sheer red lips, a chunky watch, and some funky gold slides add the personality.


Harvest Festival:

When I lived in New York, I inevitably ended up trekking out to Eastern LI for some kind of fall fun activity: apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, etc. Basically a chance to enjoy the brisk fall air, eat something delicious, and appreciate the fact that nice farmers grow awesome produce for us. Thanks, farmers!

Literally every other woman there will be dressed in a standard skinny jeans/flannel shirt/puffy vest fall uniform, so why not try to stand out bit? I love this relaxed take on a fisherman's sweater, and these boots are perfect for stomping around in the dirt. I'd add a tote in a rich fall color, a scarf in case it gets a little chilly, and some classic shades.

Sunday Funday:

This skirt is totally perfect for all of your lazy Sunday activities: brunching, flea market-ing, window shopping. A good striped shirt and chunky sandals (love these so much) are perfect for those unseasonably warm fall days. I'd just add a caramel colored cross body bag (do black and brown go together? Yup.) and stacks of rings. Easy.

Three Ways: Striped Dress

A great striped cotton dress is a wardrobe staple for me. I seem to have one or two in constant rotation in my closet, and I'm always on the lookout for another great one.

I like this one from J. Crew with thick navy stripes (left), but you can find lots of variations at tons of different price points: Uniqlo/NLST/H&M/Petit Bateau/Iris & Ink. I kind of want them all. Watch for me on the next episode of Hoarders: Breton Stripe Edition.

In addition to being totally cute, a striped dress is hugely versatile. Here are some of the ways I'll be wearing mine over the next few months:

I love this look for celebrating a holiday with my family. Sometimes they don't "get" my sartorial choices, but this sweet, ladylike outfit feels like me and won't garner too many questioning looks from well-meaning relatives.

I have a particular striped dress/floral coat combo that I've been wearing for a few years and I love it. I found my coat for a steal years ago at an Ann Taylor Loft outlet, but this one from Dorothy Perkins is a great buy (you'll keep it for years and find a million unexpected ways to wear it). Besides the dress and the coat, you don't need to give people much more to look at -- a pair of dangly earrings and pretty, pale heels should do it.

It's super easy to make this dress work-appropriate. I have my eye on a chambray blazer right now (maybe this one or this one), and I love the way it immediately dresses up a relatively casual piece. A big necklace and a great ring (love this one so much!) add some sparkle. In my office, I can get away with these great leopard pumps -- they also come in a more subdued black.

Sometimes you just want to revel in the comfy glory of a simple summer dress. On a hot day, it doesn't get easier than throwing on what is essentially a t-shirt and then adding your favorite accessories of the moment. A pretty scarf adds just a little color, this cuff is cool and unfussy, and these slides are the chicest/cheapest summer shoe ever (they come in and out of stock, but keep watching!). And don't forget some shades.

Three Ways: Black Wrap Dress

One of my favorite purchases this month is a black wrap dress from H&M. I'm obsessed. OBSESSED. 

{Fit Tip: Even the best fitting wrap dresses and v-neck dresses can gape a little when you move. I bring these kinds of dresses to my tailor and have them add a tiny hidden snap or hook & eye closure. right where the fabric meets at the neckline. No one ever knows it's there, and you won't have to spend the day adjusting yourself to keep covered. It costs about $10 and is worth every penny!}

Amazing, right? It is incredibly simple but lovely, flattering, and (I hope) really versatile. I love it as an easy work option -- when you're running late, a classic dress like this can be a lifesaver. But I'm so excited about this dress I want more reasons to wear it, so I decided to play around with some other options:

Dressed Up

When you have a blank canvas like this dress, even the simplest accessories will stand out. It's tempting to load up with lots of jewelry (and let's face it, I probably will at some point), but how about just one bold bracelet and bright earrings?

And don't miss an opportunity to break out some sexy shoes. I am still in love with these Zara beauties and look, they work here perfectly! I think I need to buy these shoes.



Dressed Down

I usually live in jeans on the weekend, but this would be an easy way to change things up and still feel relaxed and comfortable. I'd wear this for brunch with friends or just running around the neighborhood taking care of weekend errands. I love the idea of layering lots of different neutrals -- just add a casual little jacket and scarf and then you have the perfect blank canvas to showcase your current favorite accessories (a sharp tote, fun flats, a great chunky watch).



Client Ready

I can think of a million ways I'll wear this to the office, but these chilly winter temps are making me crave a cozy knit sweater and great boots. Mixing black and brown can be tricky -- I think adding warm gold jewelry helps tie things together nicely. I just bought a similar tank-style watch and I love it, and I have my eye on this zodiac pendant (great on its own or layered).

Three Ways: Valentine's Day

I stumbled across these beautiful shoes from Zara and immediately started thinking about how surprisingly versatile sandals like this would be. 

Zara Trf High-Heeled Sandals ($59.90)

They'd be absolutely perfect for Valentine's Day, no matter what your plans might be. Here's how I would wear these shoes for a great night out:

Pink and red are obvious choices for a romantic Valentine's Day look, but why not stand out in a super feminine black and white palette? This lace dress is demure but sexy, and it would look amazing peeking out of a dreamy little coat. I love these dangly earrings for a little extra sparkle.

You can add your pop of red with pretty flushed cheeks and then finish with sheer pink gloss and a few dabs of highlighter.

OK, maybe you just can't imagine not wearing red on Valentine's Day. I'd go with something a little different like this flirty midi skirt. You don't need much more than a fitted sweater and a great necklace (and the fabulous Zara shoes!) to put together a fashion-forward look that's perfect for dinner, dancing, or just strolling around town making everyone totes jelly.

I'd play up my eyes with lots of lashes (maybe even a few false ones). And I'd definitely go with a lip stain if you want red lips and you also want to do lots of smooching.

So maybe you won't be spending your Valentine's Day being wined and dined by the love of your life. Me neither -- but that doesn't mean I won't be having fun!

This is exactly what I want to wear as a single girl out and about on a day made for couples. This would be perfect for a night with friends...maybe dinner and a drinks at a fun bar. I'd want something totally comfortable but not sloppy, like a soft jacket and relaxed jeans. The shirt would definitely be a conversation starter...and in the event I meet a potential Mr. Peacoat, he should know right off the bat that this girl likes to eat.

A good chunky watch would be useful in case you're like me and may want to bail in time to catch House Hunters International. I'd stick with very low-key makeup -- fluffy lashes and the slightest hint of lip color (that coincidentally will keep my lips very very soft...).


Happy Valentine's Day...and however you choose to spend it, have fun and look fabulous!