What Color Shoes Do I Wear?

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!

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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

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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!

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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

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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?

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Some similar shoes I love:
Caged Nude Schutz
JCrew Brown Mules
Valentino Rockstud
Great Leopard Print

9 to 5

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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

All Palm-ed Up

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And everywhere to go!

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!)

Hope you’re managing to stay cool! XO RA

Some of my favorite Palm Prints out there:
this bikini
this jumpsuit
this jumpsuit
this apron
this set
and this dark take (that’s on sale!)

The Bags of Summer

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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!

Hope you’re staying cool! Happy Monday! XO RA

Details From Top to Bottom:
Anthropologie
Cambridge Satchel Co
Stuart Weitzman, found at Polka Dots and Moonbeams similar here
Chloe

House of Harlow 1960 Pop-Up

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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??

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

My picks:
This dress
these pants
this kimono
this necklace
and this earcuff

Sunday Chronicles: Clothes as Autobiography

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Over the 4th of July I got to spend some time at my mom’s house. Being a good mom, she often saves articles for me from different papers she reads- one of the articles she saved this time was a piece on Emily Post, an Autobiography in Clothes, the premise being we could learn about the woman by looking at her clothes. I love clothes, clearly, and do think that what your wear can say a lot about you- as the saying goes, “Style is a way to say who you are without speaking”. But really, can our clothes say everything about us?

In reality I doubt the answer is black and white. There are things we wear because we have to (gym uniforms), things we wear to project who we want to be (power suits to meetings, etc), and things we wear that we don’t like (the sweater Grandma gives you at the holidays).  Do these things tell who you are? Well, yes, actually. Those clothes show someone who follows the rules (or doesn’t), who strives to achieve things, and who cares about people’s feelings. And those are just things you don’t pick for yourself. So what about the clothes you do?

Above is my 8th grade prom dress, faded, but it still makes me smile. I vividly remember picking it out- I love a good party dress- and wanted something elegant and grown up, and this is what 13yo me picked. Would I buy it today? Maybe not, my definitions of elegant have changed some, but this dress can tell you about me. The princess dresses I wore as a kid, the closet of pencil skirts, designer heels, my favorite worn-in jeans- they all tell a little piece of who I am. And if clothes have this power to tell stories about us, should we be more aware of what we’re saying? Should this be a call to really let ourselves shine through our outfit choices?

I say yes.  After all, you are what makes your clothes interesting. I’d love to know- what do your clothes say about you?

Wishing us all a week of clothes with stories and amazing shoes! XO RA

 

 

It’s a Short Thing

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You may remember this denim jumpsuit that I’ve absolutely loved. So much so, in fact, that I made it my mission to find a short version for summer. And, good news, mission accomplished! This Jcrew version has seen me through BBQs, road trips, brunch, sandals, flats, sneakers (yes), and fancy wedges. It may be my fave summer workhorse!

Happy Friday! xo RA

Details:

Romper: Jcrew
Shoes: Tibi and on sale!
Purse: old