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?

A to Z: Lace

To me, lace is one of those fabrics that regardless of what color it is in, or what it is applied to, always exudes a sort of femininity. In a way, with all of the varieties, each lace has a personality that is different and makes each garment feel special. While lace used to be more associated with bridal gowns and creams and whites, more recently, it can be found in every color from neutral to neon (see above).

Do you have a favorite color or style of lace? I absolutely love the cream colored dress in the image. While it is definitely a more subtle version in comparison to the chartreuse all-over lace on the right, I love the way that it appears so soft and ethereal and then is paired with a bright poppy colored bag.

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Dress Up

Jacquard, like brocade, is a fabric that always makes a garment feel special and unique to me. This short sleeved Jacquard floral print dress with an inverted pleat in the front that although is a fairly simple design, is one that is the perfect base for layering in the cooler weathered climates. I can picture paring this piece with an army green utility jacket that would work well with the cold, silver, and bronze metallics that are found in this dress's fabric, as well as dressing it down a bit. 

How would you style this dress? Are you a fan of Jacquard?

Home Improvement

{photo}

One of the most important things that I have learned from dorm living in the past year and a half is that proper space utilization can make a huge difference in not only the feeling of the size of your room (or home), but in the feeling of cleanliness and organization, as well. Both being design students, my roommate and I definitely have our share of stuff. However, it is the little areas in which we discover to house them all, that can make our room feel more like a home, and less like a storage room for our things. In the kitchen above, the room utilizes the sort of awkward curved corner to turn into a dining nook. What once may have been an odd empty space is now transformed into something cozy and unique to the room that also manages to add charm and an interesting appeal. 

What are some of your space utilization techniques? 

Person of Interest: Elin Kling

Elin Kling is a Swedish fashion blogger, model, and fashion director of her magazine STYLEBY, as well as had her own collection collaborated with H&M. While she can be seen in printed and colored pieces occasionally, her style appears to be more of basic colors in tailored pieces. Mostly made up of key pieces from slim-fitted pants and trousers to blazers and knits, I am inspired by how she manages to appear effortlessly put together and stylish without hiding behind bold prints and bright colors. Aside from her outfits, she does not hide behind statement jewelry pieces, either. This too intrigues me in that while many feel that even a simple necklace can finish their look, hers often go without--and succeed without, as well.

Does Elin's style inspire you, too?

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Tuesday Shoesday

As feminine and classic as I usually am, quite often I find myself interested in and wishing to try out pieces and styles that are a little unlike me. Anything in a brocade fabric is always beautiful to me--the way that the metallic threads shine and the way that it adds a bit of luxury to whatever it is sewn to. These Kenzo zip-front boots are a pair that while typically not my go-to style, are definitely a pair that I would love to try out. This pair is from Kenzo's pre-fall 2012 collection that was filled with an abundance of rich and deep colors (burgundy, mustard, navy blues) scattered with bits and pieces of pattern mixing and a few prints. While at first, this pair of boots may seem unpractical for their abilities to easily pair with a daily wardrobe, I am already dreaming up ways in which they can be the showstopper of the outfit throughout the fall and winter seasons. 

Would you attempt brocade boots?

A to Z: Knits

{A few great knits from Cacharel, Paco Robanne, and Rodarte}

Throughout my middle and high school years, knitting as an activity drifted in and out of entertaining. This week in my textiles class we discussed the practice of knitting and crocheting, and I realized how much of an art a great knit really is. While we all appreciate our oversized knits for their warmth and comfort-chic appeal, it is all of the different styles and applications of knits that can be found that is so amazing. From the polished sort of stone-blue look from Cacharel to the incredible open-knit Rodarte dress, knits are a great way to be able to alter an outfit and an interesting play on varieties of textures.

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