Tuesday Shoesday

When I was younger, I was an active ballet student for about seven years. While I dipped my toes in the many different areas of dance that were offered, ballet was always the one that really resonated with me for the movement, costumes, perfect buns, and beautiful music. When it came to shoes, however, I was quickly interested in the tapping of the tap shoes from the jazz  and tap dance classrooms and the noises that the students could make from a different movement or step on their feet. Though I was never really a tap dancer, the shoes are still some that I am drawn to. This week's Jeffrey Campbell "Melina" shoes remind me of the tap shoes that I used to admire. With their glossy appearance, sort of chunky style, and ankle strap, these are a pair of shoes that you definitely should wear out of the dance studio and onto a night out. 

Do you have any shoes that remind you of an activity from when you were younger?

A to Z: Raincoats + Rainboots

We all know that Spring brings plenty of showers for those May flowers, but with the downpours starting earlier than April, having the proper outerwear for the rainy weather accompanied with a pair of classic wellies will help to keep those spring outfits that you've been dying to finally wear nice and dry. While typically rainproof clothing isn't the most fashion savvy out of the categories, I've gathered some that will make you want to grab 'em and go dance in those rain puddles instead.

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When it comes to rain jackets, you may or may not still be keen on that yellow one that you had when you were younger with the matching rain boots. I like a rain jacket to be stylish enough that it can be worn as a windbreaker for those windy days, as well and one that has some sort of interesting detail or pattern to it. The one that I have currently is in a classic navy with ivory polka dots and belts at the waist so that it creates a flattering shape, instead of a boxy one. In the collage above, I am absolutely in love with the lavender Acne raincoat (#2). This jacket is a perfect light shade for rainy spring days and acts as a nice neutral to whatever outfit you are pairing it with underneath.

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When you get ready for the rainy weather, make sure that you don't forget about your footwear. Don't get me wrong, I love my forest green traditional Hunters. However, just like the rain jackets, when I look at this specific category of footwear, I tend to make sure that I would like to wear them multiple times in different weather, not just rainy. My favorite pair above is the Tory Burch pair with the patent leather uppers and her classic logo. I love how they resemble a favorite pair of riding boots, and you can definitely get away with wearing these when it's not raining. I got these in navy with a chocolate brown upper section on sale, and I always get asked if they are rain boots or not.
Point proven.

Do you have a favorite rainy-day outfit or do you incorporate your wellies into everyday-wear?

Dress Up

Lately I have been coveting everything quilted. From about to start a jacket in my flat pattern class with quilted leather sleeves, to classic purses with their plush quilted sections, fashion with quilted qualities seems like a little bit of extra craftsmanship went into them, even if that is not actually the case. Being a fan of fabrics with a great texture, you can understand that quilted garments are up my alley. This week's dress has just enough quilting that the piece as a whole still maintains a shape. Keeping the quilting to the front and back torso of the dress, plain sweatshirt-style sleeves, and black detailing on the shoulders, this dress is definitely a more fun and updated version of a sweater dress with more interesting qualities, but just as much comfort.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Eyes for Eyelet

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Although it is still snowy here in Syracuse, yesterday was actually the first day of the long-awaited season of Spring. While lace garments often come to mind when this new season comes into play, it is eyelet that actually seems quite overlooked. While I typically associate lace with extreme femininity and a girly approach to dressing, eyelet feels to be for that girl that is a bit country. Though she likes the idea of lace, it is not as dressed up and not as prim as usual. The girl that is a fan of eyelet, wears her pieces either relaxed when it comes to how she accessorizes, as seen in image four, or exudes a sort of relaxed glamour completely, as seen in the first and third images above.  While lace can easily go overboard when it comes to the overall look, eyelet seems to work better as a starting base. Above are some eyelet pieces that I was particularly drawn to for either their intricate cut-outs with simple shapes or how they have been styled by those who wear them.

Would you try out eyelet this spring?

Charleston

//Top Left: A southern staple, iced tea// Top Right: My dad and I on Kiawah Island// Bottom Left: Sunset at the Battery//  Bottom Right: King Street, Charleston's main strip for great shopping, snacks, and it's minutes away from The College//

If you know me at all, you know that I have a slight southern obsession. Don't get me wrong, the East Coast has a special place in my heart, as well, but there is something about the south that will always be home. I spent my spring break with my family in the epitome of the south, Charleston, South Carolina. The last time I visited Charleston was when I was looking at schools and checked out CofC (College of Charleston), and it was interesting to see what has changed and what has remained the same. We payed a repeat visit to Angel Oak, the 1,500 year old Oak Tree, and a new visit to the vast beauty that is Middleton Plantation. While we received an unexpected snow storm today, it was certainly a treat to have spent my trip where breezy dresses and sandals replaced tights and riding boots and where southern hospitality is served up family style.

-I hope you all had a great break-