Baby Steps

It's been almost a year. Shame on me. I'd love to say I was busy, and I was, but that's no excuse. Rather than moping around and making excuses, lets get right back into it!

The "ugly" sandal has been a fashion statement for approximately two years now. However, I've been bucking this trend due to a deep seated, long-standing dislike of said sandals. In high school, the norm was this look:

Birkenstock Arizona sandals with socks was good for both guys and girls. I went to a small, liberal private school with no dress code. But, as teens will, there was an unwritten dress code: you were in the Birk'nSock group or the Doc Martins group (black, of course). Me? I was in neither, and by the time I graduated I couldn't wait to get the heck outta that place. I still don't own a pair of shoes from either company, but as the weather changes I find myself drawn to a variation of the Birk (and last fall I was dying for these). My Havaianas could use a swap out for days when rubber flip flops aren't going to make the cut, and I love a comfortable sandal in the sweltering heat of summer. With prices ranging from ridiculously reasonable (check out 6pm.com or Nordstrom Rack) to stratospheric (Givenchy) there is a lot to choose from out there! Here are some of my top picks:

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The Ugly Sandal - I'm just going to go with the moniker - comes in a variety of styles, but I find that the most common are the X Vamp (#1), the Flip Flop (#2) the Dr. Scholl (#3) and the 2 Strap (#4), all of which correspond to different core Birkenstock styles (Almere, Gizeh, Madrid and Arizona, respectively). My number one pick is the Paz two-strap from Loeffler Randall. The mix of white calf hair and gold pebbled leather straps elevates the cork footbed, and I love the white rubber sole.

Are you into the Ugly Sandal? Or is it to much (to little?) for you?

Up And At 'Em

Monday was tough...and here I am on Tuesday still dragging. Which got me thinking about what I wear to bed. Not the most elegant of segues, I admit, but it gets me to where I'm going, which is sleepwear. I love comfortable pajamas, but find that once I'm out of my Target Nick & Nora winter jammies, I usually end up in a ratty T shirt and boxers or one of my nightgowns that I had left over from my maternity wear days. Now that I have admitted that, I am completely embarrassed.

I have a sleepwear quirk: I need to have my shoulders covered. It can be 90 degrees and no AC, and for some reason at night, my shoulders get cold. I had a few tank-and-capri sets that I never felt truly comfortable in because of this weird body thing I've got going on. I came up with some shoulder cover options that look significantly better than the schmatas I've been sporting:

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One pet peeve: I hate it when companies sell out of a shirt and only have the shorts (or vice versa). I do understand that not everyone is OCD when it comes to their pajamas and doesn't need to have a top with a bottom. My solution would be to have a number of full sets for sale (i.e., single click of a button for us 'net shoppers) for those of us who don't want to click around to find both pieces of a set (I'm looking at you, numbers 2 and 6). That being said, I do adore Kensie's Sunset Boulevard set (#2) even though Nordstrom is selling the pieces separately, and if you're not careful you'll end up with a top and no shorts.

**yawn**. I think it's time for a nap!

Fast Friday: Tropical Punch

If you haven't guessed from the post title, I'm moving to "fast Fridays" because heck, I am ready for happy hour too! Today's Fast Friday is inspired by the tropical weather we're having around here. It was sunny and gorgeous this morning for about a millesecond. Now it's warm and rainy. I shouldn't complain though, at least it's not snow. But would I like to see the sun sometime this month? Definitely. Which got me thinking about all of the perpetually sunny places I love to visit and their lovely palm trees. There's nothing like the rustle of a palm in a soft breeze.

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Pixie Market's palm print maxi dress can be worn day or night. The bright splashes of pink really pop. The clutch from ASOS looks like a California sunset to me. I'm all about a great bomber jacket, and the palm print on this one from Amour Vert is fresh and fun. Zara's Palm Print pants could become a wardrobe staple. I need a pair of Toms, because I may be shopping, but with my purchase I know I'm helping someone too. Finally, Roberto Coin's palm tree necklace is dainty and sweet.

Have a wonderful (sunny!) weekend!

Spring Showers

Remember way back, when Tamara Henriques had the coolest rain boots out there? I still have my leopard print and pink trim boots. You may be wondering why I'm thinking about a new pair. Truth: my boots are mid-calf and I am dying for a pair of full size wellies. But I don't want to go the plain route of Hunter. I am not knocking Hunter. I think the boots are lovely and probably keep your feet completely dry. But I do love some visual interest on my rain boots, especially when they can brighten up a gray day. Big plus: they're rain boots. They really don't have to coordinate with stuff 'cause...rain!

Since Tamara Henriques seems to be out of business, I went hunting for fun rainboots and was not disappointed. There's a plethora of bright single-color boots, and even better, many print options to choose from. Here are my top 5:

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1. My daughters have adorable photo print leggings, and these Spy Love Buy boots are a way to show photo print love without looking like you stole your kids' clothes. If licorice isn't your thing, there is also a jellybean boot that looks good enough to eat! 

2. Blackwatch is my favorite plaid, and Ralph Lauren seems to have a lock on the American plaid market. I love the contrast black strap at the top, it's a great finishing touch.

3. Until I started doing research, I'd never heard of Joules, but I am definitely hopping back over to the site for a deeper look around. Like Boden, Joules is a British company that is taking hold in the American market. Joules has quite a few rain boot options. The navy floral print here is very traditional, but the boot feels so fresh! The website indicates that they take care of customs charges, and shipping is only $9.95, and is free on orders over $170. 

4. If you didn't see me waxing rhapsodic about camo earlier this week, be sure to go read about my love for this print. No, camo isn't as bright as the other entries in the top five here, but these Riff-Raff boots are irresistible to me, and would perk me up whether it's raining or not.

5. Last, but definitely not least, Bogs' open handle boot style makes the process of pulling your boots on easy! Bogs has all sorts of prints, solids and even boot heights. These boots scream spring with the bright veggie print and green trim. 

Four Way Wednesday: Daytime Affair

It's the middle of the week, which means it's time to explore some options! Our third (fourth, maybe?) daytime affair is coming up next weekend and I'm trying to figure out what to do for this one. If it's not a garden party, daytime affairs can be tough, especially if there is a ceremony in a house of worship. For weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, christenings and other partly-religious shindigs, things to consider are whether or not your arms/shoulders have to be covered, if your skirt needs to be a particular length, and if, as a woman, pants are permitted. Oh, and my favorite: how dressy is this thing, exactly? You might think there's an easy answer to that, but trust me, you'd be wrong. One affair was on a boat and called for "first class attire". We debated if this meant casual, smart, dressy or otherwise. Final translation: cocktail.

So my arms will have to be covered in the synagogue, but after, all bets are off. And I mean that literally since the party is in the middle of the day. For a big party post-religious ceremony, I have seen dresses that range from work attire to red carpet, all at the same event. I am planning on wearing a sleeveless, high crew neck black Ralph Lauren Purple Label jersey sheath. But how to make it something more than just a "regular" black dress? Here are the four options I've come up with:

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The Armani Collezioni dress above is nearly identical to my dress, except the one pictured has pockets, which is stellar. I adore a dress with pockets, especially an LBD with pockets. This look may be my favorite. Having a high neckline with a really bright statement necklace is so much fun and really spot on for a daytime affair. The clutch carries through the bright color theme, but you're not on the dance floor with it, so it's just a sweet addition. All the other accessories remain neutral (read: black) to keep the focus on the dress and necklace.

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Black and white is a no-miss, as long as you make sure you're not dressed like the catering staff. The addition of this adorable moto-inspired jacket from Club Monaco along with pearls and fun graphic heels will keep me in with the party, not in with the wait staff.

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A big cuff and fun earrings is another way to go with this silhouette. And gold and black is elegant and timeless. The sweater is a necessity for the synagogue, but I'll lose it the minute we leave. This look does skew a bit more evening with the addition of the Edie Parker clutch, but it's just divine!

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While silver/platinum isn't usually my thing, I love this look from head to toe. The black dress will set off the sweet classic crystal strand from Bauble Bar and the fun Tarina Tarantino chandelier earrings. J. Crew's mirror finish heels are a great height for three hours of dancing (ok, maybe two before all of my girls and I are barefoot). And the holo clutch from Clare Vivier is delicious, and big enough for all the essentials. 

What's your favorite? Keep a lookout for my pick next Saturday on Instagram!

In Plain Sight

I was catching up on my Real Housewives this morning over breakfast, and nearly swooned when I saw Heather Dubrow prancing around her new property with this:

Valentino Rockstud Tote

I'm going to get this out of the way first: I adore Heather. She's intelligent and doesn't hide it (hallelujah), she doesn't apologize for having what she has, but is cognizant of the fact that 99% of us don't live like she does, and she has great style! Now, on to the outfit she wore to tromp around in the dust: Yes to everything, but the minute I'm outta that dirt I would add a little chain necklace and put on some cute flats. 

But the thing that makes the whole outfit for me is the Valentino tote. This season, Valentino is all about camo accessories, which works for me, because I'm about camo every season. Camo is a great neutral that I use interchangeably with denim, and camo accessories can add a little edgy feeling to an otherwise understated look. 

Clockwise: photo via/Sanctuary/Equipment/Michael Stars

Emily Gemma (www.thesweetestthing.com) works that Sanctuary top so well. I especially love the pop of pink, which moves the camo look from edgy to fun and girly. Equipment's camo tee is 100% silk and would look fantastic with a pair of white pants and a denim jacket. I couldn't resist the Michael Stars button down. And it's on sale!

From left to right: photo via/Current Elliot/Old Navy/Sanctuary

I love the sequin top Catherine (www.smalltownbigwardrobe.com) paired with Gap's skimmer jeans! It's a great date night look and elevates the pants from day to night. Looking at the roundup above, it seems that I've mentally hopped on the "looser fit" trend; I didn't even realize I'd chosen boyfriend/slouchy styles until I started writing. Huh. Luckily, I think I have a pair of boyfriend-ish camo pants hiding out in my closet. Adding an unexpected top will be my go-to for a dinner with the hubby. 

What's Your Sign?

The best response I ever heard to that question: "I'm a STOP sign". Bad pickup lines aside, the stars have always fascinated me, and so has the Western zodiac. Yeah, the Eastern zodiac too, but one thing at a time, please! I love all sorts of symbolism, and I especially like it when luxury designers get on the symbolic bandwagon.

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Clockwise from 1: Charlotte Olympia's Cosmic collection features both Eastern and Western zodiac symbols. If you're not a shoe person, first seek therapy, then check out the Cosmic collection Pandora bags. You all know already that I love Asha's zodiac pendant (and it WILL be mine). Asha's zodiac collection extends to rings, bracelets and smaller mother-of-pearl charms. They are all subtle, stunning and wearable. Want to wear your zodiac love without looking like a teenager? Carolina Herrera's archival zodiac print is beautifully detailed against a deep blue background. Every zodiac sign has an associated constellation, and if you love the stars like I do, this gorgeous pendant from Ella Poe is right up your alley. The pendant features diamonds set in the pattern of the zodiac constellations. The back of the pendant is engraved with each star sign and set with a ruby for Fire signs, sapphire for Water signs, emerald for Earth signs and diamond for Air signs. Need to corral your crap on a bedside table? John Derian's decoupage Zodiac tray makes a sizable vide poche or a lovely birthday gift. Finally, your handbag isn't complete without a gorgeous compact. Estee Lauder's compact is filled with the company's light-diffusing Lucidity pressed powder to make powdering your nose a celestial experience!