If you’ve been reading my Sunday Chronicles, then you know that I’m in the middle of a move. Which means most of my closet is in boxes, I have a to-do list a mile long, and I’m not sure where half my things are—and of course in the midst of this I still have meetings and life and this insatiable need to feel great in my clothes. The only solution I’ve found? Simple but impactful outfits and amazing shoes. It makes getting dressed a snap and even if I’m not sure where anything is, I look put together. Plus, I don’t think anyone could be stressed in amazing shoes!
It’s August ( how can it be August already)!?! Summertime is both in full swing – long, hot days- and winding down – back to school commercials have started to air. Don’t get me wrong- I love summer, but as a football fan the closer we get to fall the more excited I get. My pro team is the Dallas Cowboys, and they hold their yearly training camp in Oxnard, not far from LA. Yet in all my years in LA I’ve never made it to camp- until this year! I spent yesterday afternoon watching practice- and while it was no game, it gave me the “football” feelings, and let me cross an item off of things I’ve always wanted to do in the summer.
Which got me thinking- with these few weeks left in the season, what else do I want to do? Beach trips, wine tasting, and homemade Popsicles come to mind. I’m making a list and would love to know- what’s on your summer bucket list?
Wishing us all a week of summer fun and amazing shoes! XO RA
All over the runways lately many celebs have been seen wearing dresses that are -for lack of a better word-naked. I know people have opinions on what is too much–I would argue the red carpet is a world all its own and as long as the dress is worn well it’s not a bad thing. However, most of us don’t live on the red carpet–so is this a trend you should shy away from? Nope. With a slip you can give the illusion of naked, while keeping everything more than covered; and yet you can feel like a star. Interested in more sheer, check This post.
I love shoes, LOVE them. And one of the things I love about them is the power they have to make an outfit pop. I don’t believe your shoes have to match your outfit exactly, they can make a great statement, but let’s be honest–some colors go better together than others. In fact, the question I get asked most often is what shoes should I wear with this color?
Now, these are not hard and fast guidelines, the best bet is always to try and see. Remember in theory shoes should be darker than your hemline (there are exceptions!), and factors such as hem-length, how thick the shoes are, etc will affect the look. But here are my thoughts!
Black Hem: I actually think this option gives you the most freedom! Even nudes can work – although that is something to test, but I love black with prints (like leopard), bright colors (red) and you can’t go wrong with black!
Be cautious of : pastels. If the dress/skirt/shorts are on the shorter side a pastel shoe might work but in most cases black looks better with a brighter shade
White Hem: You still have a surprising amount of freedom with white-you can do a print or a color, white, or a neutral.
Be cautious: Sometimes black or bright shoes can overwhelm white. They can be a great statement, but make sure to check the look as a whole!
Blue: I have a friend who asks me about this combo often! I think blue looks best with a neutral print, or a neutral/nude shoe
Be Cautious: Unless you’re a bridesmaid matching blue shoes to your outfit can be overwhelming (I’ve seen it work but you need to check it). Black shoes can also work–again just check the look as a whole
Nude Hem: This looks best with a nude, neutral or neutral print
Be Cautious: Of going too dark with your shoes. There’s nothing sexier than nude shoes making your legs look longer–make sure you don’t break up the line!
Red Hem: Usually looks best with Black. Anything Else can be tricky.
Printed Hem: Safest bet is to go with the darkest/most prominent color in the pattern. Nude and blacks are also a good bet!
I’d love to know–what are some of your fave shoe combos? Are there any colors you have issues matching shoes to?
There are some outfits that just make you feel a certain way–for me, this dress made me feel like a ’50s bombshell! I’m loving all the bare shoulders this summer; it’s sexy yet understated, and makes any outfit feel special.
It’s been ages since I’ve worked in an office. However, I love a good suit! I know, not something that I have a great need for in my life–but I just can’t resist the clean lines, pinstripes, blazers, vests, pants, skirts–and dresses. This Jcrew number is a God-send to me therefore–just enough of a suit feel (little pinstripes) but fun enough (flirty pleats) for me to dress for meetings, lunches, and whatever the day brings.
Happy Friday! xo RA
Details:
Dress: Jcrew
Shoes: Alexander Wang, last seen here
This summer everywhere I look I see Palm print–and I get it! It’s fresh, it speaks to the season, and can make even the dreary weather we’ve been having in La seem bearable. This skirt is JCrew from two years ago–but it fits right in with the current trend, which proves great shopping is always an investment (at least that’s my theory!)
Somehow it’s the middle of July. And it’s hot. Really hot. What’s getting me through? These bags! Basket-like, chic, fun and white–they scream summer to me and are making higher temperatures seem more bearable. Great bags have that effect on me!
Figuring out what to wear doesn’t need to be complicated. Especially when there are coordinates like this flattering pair! They go together and make getting ready a snap–plus you can mix and match the pieces, making them a fashion deal.
This past week in LA there has been a House of Harlow 1960 Pop-Up Store at the Grove, an outdoor shopping mall. I’ve always been a sucker for pop-ups–they often have special merchandise, and one-on-one attention, that make stopping in worthwhile. And I have to say I love HoH–I find the long wrap dresses to be such a chic choice; and the kimono jackets are a favorite of mine to throw on! This collection did not disappoint–there were several long dress for me to fall in love with (the blue silk is my favorite) and the kimono jackets featured fringe (right on trend). My biggest issue with the pop-up was deciding what to buy!
If you’re in LA stop by the Grove through the 16th, otherwise shop online (below are my faves!)! I’d love to know–what do you think??
