Hint of Drama

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One of my favorite outfit tips is to take something basic–like all black–and make it pop. And tops like this Solace London one make it easy. Even though it’s a crop–high waisted pants keep it classy, and these Sophia Webster shoes just make everything better! These pieces also go great separately, and add the same amount of drama. You may never look at black the same way again!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:

Top:Solace London (hint: they can run a little small, you might want to size up)
Pants: Zara, old, similar here
Shoes: Sophia Webster

Structural Garden

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Some dresses are just too special to be held to one season. Take in point this Johanna Ortiz dress. The green color is perfect for fall, I’m loving the floral details, and the structure of the slight train is just amazing. Paired with velvet shoes it fits right in with the season, but I know come spring it will just go just as great with sandals!

Happy Monday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: <a href=”https://www.modaoperandi.com/johanna-ortiz-fw15#lkcell-74260″target=”_Blank”>Moda Operandi</a>

Shoes: <a href=http://www.mytheresa.com/en-us/rosana-velvet-and-leather-pumps-477730.html?gclid=CL3s8IaB5MgCFcKGaQodeJ0BBg”target=”_Blank”>Jimmy Choo</a>

 

Fall Shoes

It’s fall. And yes, you need boots. Yes, there’s always a reason for new heels. But what about something different? What about a new take? Shop below for some of the shoes I’m loving for fall!

Fringe Boots

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Sam Edelman and Sam Edelman.
Two of my fave versions. Great with jeans and a t-shirt, or with skirts and dresses

Block Heels

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Jeffrey Campbell and Topshop
A mod take on the kitten heel, these are super comfy, work appropriate and yet fun!
Fashion Sneakers
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Because sometimes you want comfort and don’t want to sacrifice your fashion sense. Running errands, jeans, leggings–try them with skirts and dresses–point being, you can’t go wrong! Pictured: Addias and Vince

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Treat Yo’Self

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Every season I pick one huge purchase, save up for it, and treat myself. The entire process from the picking to the saving to the wearing is such a joy–it really makes me cherish the purchase more, and it almost makes shopping an event. This season I chose this to-die-for Valentino boots. When I saw them on the runway I knew I had to have them–and believe me, they’re worth it! I have a soft spot for Valentino and these floral embroidered boots go with everything–from jeans to dresses, I’m truly wearing them every where. Not only are these my new fave, they are a treat! I’d love to know–do you make one big purchase? What are you buying?

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Details:

Dress: Zara, old

Boots: Valentino

Shoes of the Moment

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Every season we’re told that something is the “piece of the season”, this fall we’re being treated to lace up flats. They aren’t new–I’m sure you’ve seen them shopping, on other bloggers, and street style stars but this fall they seem to be EVERYWHERE. And with reason–find a pair that are comfy and they instantly add a panache to any outfit. I’ve worn these with everything from jeans to dresses to shorts–they haven’t let me down yet!  Shop below for my picks!

Happy Wednesday! XO RA

Lace Up Flats:
Anthropologie
Jeffrey Campbell
m.gemi
Loeffler Randall
 

Vintage Prints

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I’m getting to spend a lot of time with my family right now and one of the benefits? All the vintage!! I’m loving this vintage print that was once my great Aunt’s. It feels all sorts of modern with skinny jeans–not to mention its own colorful print! It’s made this windy Monday a tad more cheery!

Hope your Monday is short and your shoes are comfy! XO RA

Details:

Top: Vintage

Jeans:Point Sur/JCrew

Shoes: Nine West

Laid Back Suiting

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Suiting isn’t all jackets and heels. I’m loving this casual take with dress pants, an over-sized men’s sweater with bralette ( which could easily be replaced with a t-shirt or camisole) and as my neighbor calls them “fancy sneakers”. It was perfect for a casual lunch meeting and then some football. And these “fancy sneakers”? I didn’t think I’d jump on the flatform bandwagon but I may be sold–super comfy and gave me just enough height to not feel as if I need heels. You may need to try them!

Hope Monday is passing painlessly! XO RA

Details:

Sweater: Old and from the Men’s Section of Gap. If you haven’t tried it for your sweatering needs I can’t recommend it enough

Pants:Banana Republic, old, similar here
Bra:Alexander Wang
Shoes: Finery London

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