My Favorite Jean Silhouette, Currently.

Well this shot seriously challenged our core strength.  How could we not honor the shoes?  And this is how the fun with Fitcode started.  

But honestly these jeans, in a sea of embellished and bedazzled sometimes a simple silhouette speaks for itself.  And THIS silhouette is my current favorite favorite.  High waisted, fitted but not overly tight and a wider flare, with of course a cropped undone hem.  So I can still move in them, function as a mom but feel stylish.  These Joe's jeans got it right.

And when your jeans are simple, then you can make your outfit pop in other ways.  Think belts, shoes, accessories, statement shirts.

I have been wearing a lot of this silk scarf, not only as a necktie or headband, but now a belt.  Talk about versatile.  It works so well with my striped top.

And the icing on the cake, of course, is the stacked colorblock heels.  Stacked heels are much easier to walk in then their skinnier sidekicks, and they give great drama to your outfit.  These particular ones still happen to be available on sale.  Now if only spring would hurry up.  But I have also been wearing these jeans, since the shoot, with sneakers and flats and booties.  They work with everrrrything.

 

 

shirt - Theory, old.

my jeans c/o - Joes

Jenn's jeans - Joes

shoes - Botkier, Nordstrom.

silk scarf (as belt) - Queen Anne Frame

earings - Queen Anne Frame

I shared more of our Fitcode shoot on Monday if you missed it, and one more to come on Friday.

photos by Tawnie.

Happy Humpday

Kirsty

The Outfit That Makes The Best Date. Denim w/ Fitcode.

This outfit to me is the quintessential I feel like a woman outfit.  That classic tailored button up, this time with a sleek one piece popped collar and exaggerated cuffs, paired with a great pair of denim and a rocking pair of shoes.  This is one of my husbands favorite looks.  And it makes sense.  It's easy and comfortable, flattering and fun yet somehow it has subtle sex appeal.  It's that night out look I reach for when all I want to wear is sweats, yes that does happen, and I will be at total ease in this look and confident.  That speaks volumes, and makes the best date.  

Recently I had the opportunity to shoot in studio with Fitcode.  It was so much fun, if you can't tell by the photos, there were a lot of laughs, and I tried my hardest to make some serious faces too.  That may need more work.  

What I love about Fitcode is their celebration of Women (and Men's) figures, all shapes and sizes, and their commitment to helping everyone find their true fitting jean.  You can read more about Fitcode here.

These particular jeans are by Silver and I was pleasantly surprised when I put them on, no more overly embellished back pockets, which my back side does not need.  I love the wash and the distressing.  My shirt if from Sarah Alexandra, a local designer who is nailing the modern tailored shirt.  

 

jeans - Silver (I sized up for a baggier fit)

shirt - Sarah Alexandra

shoes - Target, old.  similar

photos by Tawnie.

best,

Kirsty

DIY and Dash. Tassel Shoes

find my shoes here.

Tassel Shoe DIY.  Well consider this less of an actual DIY and more of an inspiration to get those creative juices flowing...


Most of the time motivation comes to me at the last minute.  I will have actually be thinking about said action well before, but I don't seem to take action until game time.

Which is why a hot glue gun always comes in handy.

20 mins till we need to leave and my entire look was centered on tasseled shoes that hadn't happened yet.  Which is why there was no time for DIY documentation you see?

Couple things about embellishing shoes

1.  Do it!  Right now there is so much fun to be had with fur, tassels, ribbons, leather, flowers...  I like to keep a fun glass container on my desk filled with all of my favorite notions I have gathered.  Sometimes it's a piece of an old purse (Goodwill is a treasure trove!) or a strip of lace, obviously lots of ribbon and tassels.  That way inspiration can strike at any time.  Finding the right trim is often the hardest part.

2.  This is the best way to jazz up old shoes, or new shoes.  Find inspiration in of the moment designer shoe trends.  But start with a price tag from Target, or Nordstrom Rack or Sole Society.

3.  Hot glue on leather (not suede) is the best way to go bc it sticks but it's also reversible.  Otherwise sewing is necessary, and get your toughness on because your fingers are going to have to push hard.

4.  Make sure that when you are adding embellishments it's not load bearing (or is it baring?)  In this case with my strappy shoes, I simply added an extra strap a bit higher than the toe strap.  And I kept it a tad loose because you don't want blisters.  This way the original straps are doing their job, the one I added is just for show.

5.  If you really want the DIY details, send me an email.  And to get your creative juices flowing...

Here is a tassel DIY to get you inspired.

Here are loads of good Pompom DIYs

Some great basic shoes to start with (click on image for shopping details)...

more inspo, I LOVE the rainbow grosgrain heels on those espadrilles, and in case you want to just want to buy a party for your feet, here you go...

Happy Tuesday Shoes.

My Guide For Wearing Socks With Heels.

This is a trend that I am sooooo excited about.  I have always loved socks with heels, yet I have rarely done it.  Until now.  I partly credit my age and season of life, but also this journey of blogging for all who want to see - I have come to realize if it brings you joy - do it.

Frankly, it doesn't matter if it's a major fashion faux pau if it's major to you.

Are fashion faux paus even still a thing?

Just to make it clear, this trend is not.  To be clear.

But a few guidelines, according to me, might be helpful.  If you are thinking socks could be cool, but nah....let me attempt to change your mind and hold your hand into this one.

(see post here)

(click on images above to shop)

1.  First, the sock shouldn't be too tight, squeezing the ankle/lower calf is not flattering.  The challenge of course is you want your sock to stay up - no hungry shoes.  This is why I like socks that have even just the smallest ruffle detail on the top edge.

2.  Start with a heel that you would wear tights with, this is the easiest to add socks too.  I'm not saying this is the only type of shoe that warrants a sock but it's the place to start.  The easiest look is to match your socks to your shoes giving you that "sock booty" shoe style.  I love this look but have yet to find an actual sock booty that fits the way I'd like it to.

(see post here)

(click on images above to shop)

3.  Let the style of the shoe dictate the type of sock.  For instance dress shoes - dress socks.  Chunkier booties - chunkier socks.  Hip clogs - a patterned hip sock (a patterned sock works so well with this type of neutral shoes.)

(click on images above to shop)

4.  You may need to put a padded grip under the ball of your foot, socks can your feet slip right out, you can also use these.  Or just stick to shoes with ankle straps.

5.  Finally, my favorite place for socks is Free People.  Many of the socks above are from their 3 for $30 sale.  What I like is the price, having seen other similar socks for much more, the styles - sweet details like metallic stitching, simple ruffles, stripes, they have gotten their sock selection right and the fit - not too thin not too thick and a nice bit of stretch to stay in place but not squeeze.

Not ready for heels?  How about switching out your typically sneakers socks or adding lace detail to your oxfords, and of course birks with socks...a few more pairings to inspire on this monday...

best
Kirsty

My Coffee To Dinner Date Dress

This dress is from Gypsy 05, they specialize in casual wear for women, but I think their dresses are just as killer.  I recently discovered them when I found this  tie-dyed blue velvet crazy good dress at my favorite local clothing boutique, I wore it with my beloved Rag & Bone heel booties.  You can see all their maxi dress with heels here.  

Besides their awesome attention to details, what I also love about Gypsy 05 is their commitment to being environmentally focused.  Finding their inspiration globally, their brand is located in LA, the brother/sister duo ethically source their goods through their Global Village Initiative providing fair wages to textile workers.  Their corporate headquarters is also the first completely solar-powered dying, printing and manufacturing facility in Los Angeles.  Hello Sunshine.

This outfit is equally perfect for a coffee date or dinner date.  I love an outfit that can be this versatile because it means that I will reach for it over and over.  When I am being very careful with my purchases and how I am spending my money, I want pieces that can work in many ways.  That go-to piece when you are in a rush but want to feel pretty and put together.  This dress will be just as awesome with booties and a fur vest or sneakers and a cardigan - which you will for surely see me in while I'm working at my shop.  

I also adore the ruffles, anytime I can add ruffles I'm a fan.  I thought pairing ruffly lace edged socks with this dress picked up the fluttery details of the dress nicely.  Pairing a sock the same color as your shoe together - voila! sock booty.  A trend that is so popular right now but so hard to find - a sock bootie that's not to loose, not too tight....just right!  This hack gives you more wear out of what you may already own.  And I love socks with heels, always have.  As long as I can find the matching mates.  Ugh.

dress - Gypsy 05 c/o.  find here, also at Queen Anne Dispatch.

shoes - Louise Et Cie.  similar

socks - Free People

thanks for reading.

best,

Kirsty