Continuing to Sparkle and Shine

I'm continuing to explore the sparkle and shine of the holiday season and today I'm bringing you all the bling within accessorizing! I've got shoes, bags, and plenty of jewels to highlight your holiday looks. And if you were to ask me which one(s) to actually purchase, I could never make up my mind!

With the shoes, I think my favorite are the Kate Spade hot pink pumps! I mean, look at the color and that amazing crystal bow!! But on a more subtle note, I love the Ivanka Trump black peep toe. You could definitely style them with more things, but how many hot pink shoes make that kind of statement? Okay, I might have just made up my mind on the shoes!

As for the bags, I'm thinking it's a no brainer. Can you guess which one I would pick? I adore the silver metallic gift. Because it's so cute, it's definitely a gift that keeps on giving every time you carry it! But that crystal bag is stunning! And if you haven't figured it by now, that champagne bottle is my bag of choice. And, it happens to be my drink of choice! Darling!

As for the jewels, I would own all of them! I actually have the Starburst Ear Jackets and I love them! It's actually a pair of earrings that can be worn four ways. Same thing can be said for the Starlet Pearl Necklace. You gotta love a piece that can be so versatile! I love the Art Deco inspired designs within all of them and they are all perfect for this season of shine!

 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13

So apparently, I was able to narrow down the pieces I would purchase. But, I wouldn't turn up my nose to any and all of them! I mean, if I'm going to add sparkle and shine to my life this season, each of these pieces would do the trick.

Got a favorite? Let's discuss!

Shine on, Fashionista's! 

Wednesday Wants - Glitter on My Feet

So I've never been what one would consider a glitter kind of girl. I love to glitter things when crafting, but to actually wear something with glitter is not really in my personal style closet. But then I thumbed through the new Boden and Sole Society catalogs and I completely changed my tune! I have fallen love with these particular glittered pieces and now all I want is glitter on my feet!

 One/Two/Three/Four

What do you think of my glitter picks? I love them all! They are perfect for the upcoming holiday season and I love that you don't have to go with heels to be festive! All of them would be darling with jeans, but equally chic with dresses and skirts! The skies the limit!

Hoping your week is going well! Stay fashionable! The weekend is almost here!

A Last Minute LBD Look

Ever need a last minute look? Do you have a go-to piece for such an occasion? I do and that's the Little Black Dress or LBD. I've said it before, an LBD is a wardrobe staple. Every girl should have one in her midst. The LBD can run the gamut of dressy to casual, cotton to leather, and everywhere in between. I happen to live in my leather LBD and I love styling it in various ways. 

In keeping with this last minute theme, I am bringing you a last minute post with a last minute LBD, and a few pieces I would grab to style it! Three things are all you need: a statement necklace, a neutral clutch, and fun shoes. That's it. You are out the door!

Dress: BB Dakota via Dailylook; Necklace: BaubleBar; Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff via Piperlime;

Shoes: Joes Jeans via Sole Society

See how I've styled my own leather dress here, here, and here! This is why you need one STAT! And this faux leather version above is a great option!

Happy Shopping!!

SHOPBOP - Party Shoes

As most of you know, I love shoes! I may even have an unhealthy love of shoes, but I love them none the less! And with it being the holiday season, I can't help but dream of party shoes! The right shoe can truly take a look from good to amazing in one little click of the heel! So I've been scouting out the perfect shoe from Shopbop, to wear to those holiday festivities that are quickly on the rise. My top four are below!

  Gold/Black/Royal/Plum

What party shoe is on your wish list for the holiday season?

Happy Monday!

Dream to Reality - Sarah Jessica Parker Shoe Line

Today Sarah Jessica Parker is debuting her shoe line, the SJP Collection. This line, which is available at Nordstrom and nordstrom.com, will only be accessible from February 28-March 2! In NYC? Check out her pop-up shop where she will be appear Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. So wish I was there to attend in person. Instead, I will be stalking via nordstrom.com!

Here are some of the looks I'm loving and so hope I can get my hands on/afford!

 

 

 

What do you think? Are you as giddy as I am? Seriously, I haven't been more excited about a shoe than yesterday when I posted about trendy shoes for spring! And, it's SJP! "Hello lover!"

All photos courtesy of the New York Post.

The "It" Shoes for Spring

You know how much I love shoes, right? So when new styles pop up every year, I love tackling the latest trends! This spring season is no exception. There are three trends on my radar and I can't wait to add them to my ever expanding shoe collection!

The New Mule

Remember the old mule? It was clunky and awkward and made tons of noise when you walked. The "new" mule is reminiscent of the old but has a sleeker heel and is so much more sophisticated then it's predecessor. I have my eye on these from Piperlime! The one on the left is from Vince and I love the chunky heel! So playful and perfect for almost every look! The one on the right is from Pour la Victoire and it's a tad more dressy but still something you could wear with everyday!

The D'Orsay Flat

This flat is darling and I've already purchased a pair! It's a cross between a sandal and a flat and can be worn with everything from dresses to shorts to boyfriend jeans! I purchased these from Nordstrom and my mom got the same shoe but in fuchsia and black. So cute!

The little strap on these from Sole Society makes it absolutely adorable! I love the mix of patent leather and suede and I would wear these all the time!

These flats from Sam Edelman are perfect in metallic silver! I truly believe that metallic silver is a great neutral and can be worn as easily as we wear black. So versatile.

The Slip-On Sneaker

Anyone out there remember the original Vans? Anyone? Well I do and I always wanted a pair. You know, the white and black checkerboard version. Today's slip-on version comes from almost every designer and in almost every color and texture. The ones on the left are the newest style from Vans. Can't have the original? Go for the new! The ones on the right are from Tory Burch and I love the perforated fabric. (PS, perforated anything is so on trend for spring!)

I am so excited for spring. Actually, I've never been this excited. I'm over winter, which is still running rampant in these parts, and can't wait to start wearing bright colors, floral fabrics, and some of these new styles of shoes! Any of them strike your fancy?

What to Wear....

 

.....on ones 40th birthday when they will be out of town celebrating in LA with family and friends? And when I say they, I mean me! That's right folks, I will be 40 in a little under two months and I'm internally freaking out! I keep trying to focus on the good. Like, I'm turning 40. I made it to 40. I will try to look fabulous at 40. And that I have an amazing trip planned with my mom, Joel, McKinley and my aunt! We are going to LA, staying with our fabulous friend Joan and her husband Willy, and living up the weekend with so many things planned. But, the biggest plan of all is the big day!

 

My birthday happens to fall on a Sunday so I thought we could spend the late morning/early afternoon on Rodeo Drive, drinking mimosas and window shopping with the upper crust! I will wear something super chic for the day, but I've been thinking about what to wear that evening. We will be heading out for a special birthday dinner and I want to look amazing. I know it sounds incredibly superficial, but I want to look my best for a number that seems really big, and sometimes, a little old.

 

Here are a couple of things I've been muling around in my head and thought I would put them on paper. Things could change drastically before then, or they could stay exactly they way they are. Either way, here's to turning to 40....

 

I wore this Zara dress for our Drink Pink cocktail party and I honestly can't put it away until next season. A goodie like this needs to be out on the town!

 

 

Remember this skirt from ASOS? I was going to wear it for New Year's Eve last year but I just couldn't bring myself to do it! I thought people would stare and judge and I hate it when I think that people are doing that. Self-esteem issues anyone? So why not wear it in a town where nobody knows you, fashion has no bounds, and it's a very special occasion?

The things I need for this piece are the right top (I had issues with the one I had pictured in my head), the right pieces of jewelry and THE right shoe! So many things to scout out before Oct 31st (that's when we leave)!

  



 

Then there is this delicately beaded top from Anthropologie! I love that it can be worn several different ways, but I'm thinking for that night I would wear it like this. A little lace bra and the right skirt would look stunning, no? Do you go conservative with the skirt? Going short could cause it to look trashy. Finding the right balance is what it's all about. And again, the right shoe! 

 

 

So let's focus on this right shoe. You know who I feel about shoes. I love them. I adore them. They can be works of art. Look at Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Brian Atwood for example. Their shoes are amazing. Amazingly expensive, but amazing none the less. And because turning 40 is supposed to be amazing, I need an amazing shoe! I've had my eye on this Valentino studded pump for a year now but I will NEVER be able to afford them. However, when looking for said shoe, I found this red Valentino pump that I happen to have in my closet. I need to start wearing these guys a lot more!! Like maybe on my 40th birthday....

 

I'm loving the choices so far, but haven't made a firm decision. And, there may be something incredible out there and I just haven't seen it yet. Do any of the three speak to you? Weigh in on the options and let me know what you would wear. And what do you think of the shoes? Amaz-balls, right?

 

Happy Friday! XOXO

Spotlight on Sole Society

If you follow Style My Way, then you know how much I love shoes! And when I say love, I'm not sure that love is a strong enough word. Shoes are my everything! Always have been. My mom loves to tell the story of when she took me to buy new shoes when I was about three. The salesman put me in navy blue shoes, and when he asked me to get down and walk, I wouldn't budge. She asked him if he had the same shoe in red, which he did, and once on my feet I was off and running! That's how passionate I am about the right shoes!

 

A couple of weeks ago, I sent a tweet out in the universe asking Sole Society what they would recommend as the best transition black wedge and they responded! They suggested the Geri and I have to say, it is perfect! It's a great leather sandal, with the perfect heel height, and will look great going into fall.

 

 

If you aren't familiar with Sole Society, they are an amazing online shoe retailer with crazy afforable shoes! And, not only are they afforable, they are heavy on style! I am a proud owner of four pairs! One has been photographed with three to come!

 

 

To kick off Monday, I am going to share with you some of my picks that are perfect for the transition into fall and my favorite boots for my favorite season....boot season!

 

I love a good ankle boot and these two are great! Wedges are an awesome alternative to heels but I adore a peeptoe version!

 

 

These tall versions would be sleek worn over skinny jeans and leggings or paired with tights and a great skirt or dress!

 

The midi heel is the "it" shoe for fall! Both of these offer constistant trends, animal print and studs. And, the Anneke on the right is a great play on the Valentino pump that I'm currently lusting over! 

 

And who doesn't need a sexy pump in their collection? I love both of these for so many reasons, but mostly because they add just a little sizzle to your look!

 



 

Want more? I know you do! Check out Sole Society and let me know which one(s) are your favorite! And, check back later in this week for a little surprise!

 

Happy Monday!

 

 

All photos courtesy of Sole Society.



My Love of Shoes

I love shoes! I always have! I can't pin point that exact time in my life where I began the love affair, but I can recall countless pairs that have donned my feet over the years! There were the endless supply of Sam & Libby flats in the 90s. The sweet ballet flat with their oversized bow. I had them in every color!

 

 

Back in my day, flats were everything. No one wore heels. You had the flat above, the Eastland oxford where you wore your laces in a specific knot, flat, ankle boots that laced up and Keds, which I also had in every color!

 

My junior year in college I started working in retail. I started at The Limited and moved on to a small boutique in Jefferson City, MO. Millsap's, especially the owner Phyllis, introduced me to fashion and that's where my obsession truly began. I remember that Phyllis had a limited amount of shoes that she carried, but the ones she did were high end. Cole Hann was the first expensive shoe I ever owned. They were a chocolate brown, suede oxford with tassels. I wore them with everything! After college I continued to work in retail, moving to Kansas City to work for Harold's, a clothing company that designed their own line of apparel and shoes. Not many heels were manufactured. And, if there were heels, it was the standard 90s block heel. Great for standing on your feet all day as it helped keep the weight distributed equally. I remember a black, high shine heel I wore almost daily.

 

I broke out of retail in 1999 and I've never really looked back. Once in corporate America, I noticed that my style really took on a whole new look. I started wearing what I wanted, not what was mandated by the dress code of the store I was working for. I continued to wear the spill over shoes from Harold's, but I did start adding kitten heels and some with about a two inch heel. It wasn't until I started getting a subscription to Instyle Magazine and watching Red Carpet exclusives on E Television that I branched into full blown heels!

 

Today, I own quite a collection of shoes. They run the gamut of low end to high end and I really don't discriminate on designers or price. If the shoe fits, right? I do try to add a new designer to my collection, when I can afford it. You see, in my opinion, shoes are a work of art or can be. The printed fabrics, the leather details that are twisted into floral arrangements or the red sole bottoms of a Christian Louboutin. These all make for an amazing accent to any look or closet. Think about it. Cinderella had her glass slipper and Dorothy had her ruby, red slippers.

 

Below are a few of my pieces of art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XOXO!

 

Sam and Libby photo courtesy of Etsy.

A Challenge, The Styling and You

Denim Shirt: Ralph Lauren; Skirt: LOFT; Shoes: Anthropologie; Handbag: Kate Spade;

My Mom's (vintage); Bangles: Ralph Lauren/Fossil/Target;

Necklace: Tori Spelling via HSN Belt; Sunnies: Prada

 

Sometimes it can be a challenge to re-work your wardrobe. But that's what I love about styling my closet! You need to think about your pieces and try to mix and match them in your head. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't. But that's the whole part of the creative process of styling!

 

 I knew I wanted to re-work this pencil skirt but couldn't get away from styling it with a denim jacket, see below. Then I remembered my sleeveless denim shirt. Then came the shoes. I didn't want a pump but honestly couldn't think of anything better. Then I remembered these! From there it all just came together. The belt, the jewels, the red lip....

 

That is what keeps me coming back to my blog! Sometimes I think I'm going to just give it all up. But I simply love the challenge of styling, and re-working my wardrobe, and I want to share all of these things with you!

 

The Skirt: Before and After

 

  

L.A.M.B.

Sweater: Ann Taylor; Jacket: Levi's (similar);

Pants: J.Crew (more colors); Necklace: BaubleBar;

Shoes: L.A.M.B. via Gilt;

Sunnies: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Today's post is really all about the shoes! And, attitude. I purchased these shoes on a whim from Gilt and thought about returning them. They are a tad too big, I wasn't really sure how I would style them or if I would really wear them. As they sat there looking at me for a over a week, I gave in and decided to keep them. Some people rescue pets, I hoard shoes!

The attitude portion of this post is that I had a bad one yesterday while taking these photos. And you can see it. Or at least I can. The end of the work day left a sour taste in my mouth and it spilled over into my evening. I hate it when that happens. Why should I let silly things like that get in the way of my real life? Unfortunately, it does and that's something I need to work on. 

Anyway, not some of my best photos, but again, it's really all about the shoes! Super fierce!