Outfits – Page 31

Review | Lo & Sons

September 16, 2014 by jessica 11 Comments

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]F[/dropcap]inding the perfect personal bag for in-flight essentials is a daunting task that leaves me feeling a bit like Goldilocks. There are plenty of bags that are too big, too small, too heavy, or too cumbersome, but not many that are just right–which I quickly learned after opting to use an L.L. Bean tote for our trip to Belgium. I spent half the flight checking and double checking to make sure nothing spilled over the open top and it was surprisingly heavy to carry through the airport. My next flight is going to much less stressful, thanks to the O.M.G. bag from Lo & Sons.

The O.M.G., an acronym for “Overnight Medium Gym” bag, is incredibly lightweight, water resistant, and has plenty of pockets for travel must-haves, including a padded laptop sleeve and a side pocket for your flats so the rest of your items don’t get dirty. I tend to be a light packer, but all of the items below fit inside with plenty of room for my camera, lenses, and a cribbage board (can’t leave home without it!).

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Outfit | Slip Dress

September 3, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”]I[/dropcap]’m not sure if my love of neutral colors and classic silhouettes was a result of the limitations of The French Wardrobe Challenge or if the challenge simply helped me identify those pieces as my favorites, but either way, I’m finding that my personal style is becoming easier to pinpoint with each season: classic cuts in well-made textiles, punctuated with interesting accessories and unexpected details.

At least that’s what I want it to be.

Thankfully a new season is the time to hone this newfound style M.O. and judging by the recent pins on my style inspiration board, I’m eager to reinvent my wardrobe and bring some of my summer staples into fall. I’m on the lookout for a cozy sweater, thick tights, ankle boots, and an incredible piece of jewelry to make this dress appropriate for weekend outings on upcoming cool, crisp days.

(If you’re curious, this photo was taken in Brussels on the path leading up to Halle Gate.)

Congrats to Jillian of Cornflake Dreams on winning the $150 gift card to spend on jewelry at KiraKira! I can’t wait to see what you pick out!

TAKING [BIRKEN]STOCK

August 18, 2014 by jessica 1 Comment

I figured my sartorial standards took a nosedive the moment I started considering Birkenstocks as an alternative to what used to be my most comfortable sandals. After walking for miles throughout Brussels, my feet were tired, sore and swollen. We passed a surprising number of orthopedic stores on our daily outings and Birkenstocks shone in the windows like footwear’s version of an oasis.

My desire to own a pair was quickly quieted by a fear that I’d come off as a Woodstock refugee, but everywhere I looked, the most stylish women were wearing Birkenstocks. It wasn’t the double-strapped Arizona, mind you. It was its chic, feminine alternative: the Madrid.

Think of these as the upscale (ha!) version of the Adidas shower slide. (Which, by the way, J.Crew is now carrying. A sure sign the trend has gone far enough.) It’s a single-strap slide that looks surprisingly good with dresses, draped shorts, cropped pants and cuffed boyfriend jeans. Really, the more feminine or sophisticated an outfit is, the better the Madrid looks.

I continued obsessing over them while we were in Belgium, admiring the women’s footwear choice with the voracity of a fetishist. It wasn’t until I woke up early and perused Birkenstock outfits on Pinterest that I knew I was going down a dangerous path. I mean, really, can anyone can deny how chic the sandals look here and here? No.

Maybe I’m yearning for our days back in Brussels or maybe I’m embracing the normcore trend more heartily than I’d ever care to admit. Either way, I caved. I ordered a pair of black Madrids with the tonal buckle, in the name of fashun, of course.

And you know what? I freaking love them. Let’s just hope I’m not one step away from a road paved in marled camp socks and patchouli.

Styling Tips:

A fresh pedicure and well-moisturized heels are a must.
It looks best with tailored clothes. I had envisioned wearing them with breezy dresses, but it looked frumpy on my body type. Maybe it’s better on skinny gals? In any case, I like how they look with slim ankle-length pants, shorts and rompers—all in classic silhouettes and basic colors.

Fit Tips:

Go a little smaller than you think you should. Even though I wear a size 7, I still went with a size 37. According to their size chart, that’s technically the correct size for those who wear a 6 or 6.5.
I get the impression that narrow is suited for widths A and B and regular is for C and D. The black Madrids were only available in a 37 narrow on Zappos and I’m glad I took the risk because they fit my regular width foot perfectly. I would have hated a wider pair.

THE THINGS WE DO FOR BLOGGING

August 15, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

Last night, I was trying to get the perfect photo for Instagram to show that my new Ferragamos match the painting I created for our bedroom when I heard a laugh behind me. Dave was poised with his phone taking photos of me taking photos of my shoes. I scoffed, “ain’t no shame” and when about my business. Until he threatened to share it via Shapchat with one of our friends. I pleaded with him to keep it private and send it only to me. I promptly made it public on Instagram. I look ridiculous, but this is what blogging is, folks, and I suspect we’ve all had an awkward photo moment once or twice.

Here’s to a weekend filled with awkward poses and situations to get the perfect shot for your blogs next week! Around here, the week will bring some of our trip photos (finally), an interview with the woman behind Kira Kira and a giveaway, my thoughts on Birkenstocks and a French Wardrobe update.

P.S. You should check out Margaret Elizabeth’s weekend sample sale for incredible deals on gemstone jewelry. I bought these in black onyx and moonstone. Sign up for the mailing list for another 15% off. Shipping is just $5.

SALE AWAY

August 13, 2014 by jessica Leave a Comment

One of the biggest perks to living in Madison is visiting Bop, Shopbop’s original—and only—brick and mortar store, during Maxwell Street Days. The sales include online returns that have been worn, are in need of repair or items the retailer decided not to stock. This year, I bought a pair of turquoise Ferragamo Varina flats for $200 (see them here). The bottoms were scuffed and there’s a small smudge on the bow, but everything else is in great condition. (And if we’re being honest, the small imperfections make me less nervous to wear them.) I also found this dress for $20, which I suspect is because of the tiniest, almost imperceptible black pen spot on one of the white stripes. It was an easy piece to wear on one of the warmest days in Brussels.

I do prefer the dress with a pair of black heels (not happening on cobblestones) or pointed flats, but my feet were so swollen on this trip that I could only wear these sandals. Every. Single. Day. (It’s really a shame the other shoes I brought didn’t make an appearance. It was a lot of wasted suitcase space that could have been used to bring back more Delftware…)