Shoesday Tuesday

There is something about a white shoe that feels so crisp and refreshing. While white shoes during the winter months are typically shied away from, I have been seeing them being incorporated into looks more and more lately, as they add a clean finish and can make the outfit appear lighter than when paired with a dark shoe that weighs the rest of the look down. This week's shoe is a white ankle strap sandal with an on-trend lucite heel that will make this white shoe appear even lighter that before, as it appears like an illusion. This style of heel is one that I feel always makes a perfect pairing with a pair of looser-fitted jeans or trousers--it is not too dressy that it seems out of place, and not too casual that your outfit comes across as just another "weekend-wear" look.

How would you wear this week's shoe?

Home Improvement

Following earlier this week's post on Winter Whites in fashion, I felt that they are just as comfortable and cozy when applied to homes. Although light colored furnishings are hard to keep clean, when in colors like Ivory, Light Greys, and Taupes, they provide a similar simple elegance to a room that is as perfectly simple the way it is, or is also an ideal base for accent colors such as the green and yellow plants and candles in the image above.

How do you like your Winter Whites? Rooms or fashion?

A to Z: Ivory

With the first sight of snow flurries today, and being on "I" for our A to Z features, what perfect timing to discuss a favorite of mine--winter whites. While there are still traditionalists that remain true to the "no white after Labor Day" rule, I find that winter whites can often be just as comforting and cozy as their warmer colored counterparts. In the cold and often dreary months here, in seas of black puff coats and snow boots, these creamy shades also provide an ideal base to add to wintery colors. Personally, I love chunky cream colored sweaters. And, when paired with navy, forest or army green, or burgundy's, I often find that these colors work best. Below are some ladies that have left me feeling inspired about incorporating winter whites into my winter wardrobe this new season.

{mixing a chunky fisherman-syle pullover with a delicate pleated maxi in a brighter white}

{A classic cream-colored toggle coat with warmer toned khaki pants}

{An example from Michael Kors in combining colors (orange pants) and textures (furry scarf) with the cream sweater}

{For more formal occasions, winter white works as well even if you are not attending a wedding. This Lyn Devon all-out cream color-scheme works well by providing a contrast in textures and the fit of the garments.}