I Heart Booty

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Simply Styled

Not what you were expecting to read about this morning?? Sorry… I just had the urge to write about my love of booty… errr… booties I should say. Get your minds out of the gutter!

I wasn’t a believer when girls first started wearing ankle boots several years back – hard to believe, coming from someone who owns several pairs and several styles now, but I love them, and I think it’s clear that everyone else loves them too. Yep, booties are here to stay, since they are quite literally everywhere… there are booties for a night out, booties for a casual date, booties appropriate for work, and booties dedicated to play time.

I’ve rounded up my favorites from each category… and there are 9 categories… I should add that I LIMITED myself to 9. Originally I had 14!

Booties by beckyc1923 featuring black cut out booties

Giuseppe Zanotti high heel bootie / Rag & Bone wood heel booties / J.Crew high heel bootie / Sam Edelman ankle booties, $51 / Ankle booties / ASOS black heel boots / Ankle booties / High top boots / Forever 21 black cut out booties

From left to right:

TOP ROW:

Ladylike Booties: with a streamlined heel, these booties from JCrew are totally office appropriate and would look pulled together and lady like with cropped trousers, or a pencil skirt.

Biker Booties: I’ve been on the hunt for a great pair of biker-esque booties. How great would these be with black leggings and a long tunic-y sweater during the winter. Perfect for rainy weather, and a little tough.

Caged Booties: Sexy thang! Likely not office appropriate, but great for weekend and evening wear. THESE boots were made for walking (figuratively… of course)

MIDDLE ROW:

“Everywhere” Booties: I call them everywhere booties because you could pretty much wear them anywhere. To dinner, to work, or to a casual event. The heel dresses things up a bit, but won’t seem fussy in a situation where everyone else is wearing flip flops.

Going out Booties: Too hot to trot… perfect for a night of dancing, and is it me, or are the gold accents what MAKES these??

Playtime Booties: Channel your inner Pocahontas. These are great weekend boots – fun for a night at the movies or casual dinner. Also great for chasing kiddos and running errands since I bet they’re as comfy as a pair of slippers.

BOTTOM ROW:

Western Booties: My favorite pair of booties have a bit of a western flair to them and I’m on the hunt for a replacement actually. I find that the dip along the shaft of the boot (is that the correct technical term) is super flattering around the ankle, and these look great with all skirts and dresses.

Flat Booties: Running around for errands, or holiday shopping? Invest in a cool pair of flat boots. Easy to take off in the dressing room, and comfy enough to tromp around all day. These boots actually ARE made for walking… literally.

Wild Booties: Meow. I mean these are just amazing. With an all black outfit??? So SOO good.

Fall Capes

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Simply Styled

Happy first week of fall!!

What better way to welcome my favorite season – full of Pumpkin Spice Lattes and crisp sunny weather – than with a little fashion inspiration around one of my favorite fall trends…

The Cape!

Source

I LOVE the classic east coast feel of the cape… so essentially “Ralph Lauren”. Totally fabulous and equestrian, right?? It looks like you just hopped off your horse, and are running inside for a steaming cup of apple cider.

Aside from being a chic little layer, they are possibly the easiest way to look pulled together on a cool day. Pull on a pair of jeans and riding boots and you’re ready to go!

Source

I love the hooded version to keep the hair dry and frizz free on foggy mornings, as much as I love the lighter version where your arms are exposed.

How cute does this look with black tights and ankle boots??

Source

And of course, plaid is just a classic… this hunter green is just AMAZING!

Source

The lighter knit versions are also awesome – one of my favorite layering pieces is a dark grey cape I bought 3 years ago. It’s gotten more use than half the things in my closet!

Source

And of course, you can never go wrong with classic black… this heavy wool version is perfect for late fall when it’s REALLY chilly.

Source

With capes on the mind, I’ve pulled together a few favorites…

The first row – the classic neutral cape…

The second row – the slouchier, lighter cape for layering…

The third row – the statement cape…

Fall Capes by beckyc1923 featuring a plaid cape coat

Moschino Cheap Chic coat / Duro olowu, $1,795 / Msgm / Ralph Lauren Blue Label alpaca poncho / Cashmere cape / Lauren Ralph Lauren plaid cape coat, $350 / Coast wool cape, $310 / Patrizia pepe, $290 / Coat, $120 / Dorothy Perkins cape coat / Ralph lauren / Ralph Lauren military cape coat

So, what’s your take on the fall cape? Do you love them as much as I do??

Happy Shopping!

Weekend Trip: Monterey & Carmel

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Simply Styled

This weekend Kris and I are headed to Carmel by the Sea – a sweet town on the central coast of California. I am looking forward to foggy mornings and the salty ocean air… unwinding outside of the city, cozying up by a big fireplace, and falling asleep to the sounds of crashing waves.

I’m all packed up, and while these outfits aren’t an exact replica of what I’ve packed, they are darn close, and good inspirations for any cool weather fall getaways you might have planned!

Fireside Drinks at the Moss Beach Distillery:
This is our first stop on our ride down tomorrow. We’ll be driving along the coast, and stopping at the Moss Beach Distillery in Half Moon Bay for sunset drinks by the firepits, and an early dinner. This place is supposed to be haunted, and with the cloudy weather we’ve had, I’m looking forward to a great sunset.

Fireside Drinks by beckyc1923 featuring wet seal

Pink top, $73 / Chloé cape coat / Citizens of Humanity jeans / Splendid genuine leather boots / Dooney & Bourke crossbody handbag / Mulberry / Wet Seal

Sea Kayaking:
One of the things that I’m most excited for is sea kayaking on Saturday. I have a feeling that we are going to get a little wet (even just getting in the Kayak you drip water) so I plan on wearing clothes that will dry quickly, but that will still keep me warm. I am loving the down vest – I compare it to sleeping with one leg out of the blankets. You are still warm, but feel refreshed. Tell me I’m not the only person who does this!

Sea Kayaking by beckyc1923 featuring allsaints

American Apparel t shirt / The North Face north face, $160 / AllSaints / NIKE lightweight shoes / Linda Farrow Luxe

Beach Bonfire:
Unlike summers at the cape, bonfires on the central coast are cold – very cold – and I can pretty much think of nothing worse than cold sand in your toes when it’s about 50 degrees out. Tall boots are a must for keeping my feet dry and warm, and my leather jacket really is one of the warmest things I own. A cozy infinity scarf will help keep me toasty and a beanie will help keep my hair under control. Since we’ll be having dinner beforehand, a slouchy sweater and fun necklace dress up dark jeans a bit.

Bonfire by beckyc1923 featuring a vintage leather jacket

Over sized sweater / Jofama vintage leather jacket, $400 / J Brand skinny fit jeans / Sperry Top-Sider top sider shoes / Michael Kors box chain necklace / Monsoon circle scarve / Knit beanie hat

Touring the Aquarium:
Kris turns into a 10 year old boy at the mention of the aquarium – probably his obsession with surfing (and sharks), but there is no way we are going to Monterey without hitting up the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If it were up to me, we’d be going on a hike to the thermal springs, but he is pretty dead set on the aquarium. This means a cozy sweater (belted, so I don’t look like a slob) comfy flats, and a big tote to carry all our “tourist for the day” stuff.

Playing the Tourist by beckyc1923 featuring a zippered tote bag

Printed cardigan, $145 / American Vintage fitted white shirt, $52 / Current/Elliott skinny fit jeans, $140 / A|Wear gold ballerina flat, $40 / Zippered tote bag, $145 / Leather Jewelry Hermès Brown

Lady in Red

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Simply Styled

Red pants… are you brave enough to wear a pair?? I am LOVING the look of these looser fitting trousers with a sheer white blouse. A great red pant is a “nice to have” not a “need to have” in terms of wardrobe essentials, but wouldn’t they be fun to wear??

In middle school, one of my FAVORITE things to wear was a pair of blood red, bell bottom corduroys. I was thirteen years old and stick thin (seriously… I was fully grown at 5’8″ and but weighed around 96 lbs). Regardless, I felt awesome in my bright red pants. As an homage to the 13 year old in me that was brave enough to wear red pants all through the 7th and 8th grade, I put together a few options with how to wear guidelines… take a peek!

Red Pants by beckyc1923 featuring satchel handbags

Marni wool pants / Marni crepe pants / Theory pants, $1,220 / Pink Tartan red pants, $245 / Mango pleated pants, $72 / Valentino lace up heels / Christian Louboutin leopard print heels / Rupert Sanderson high heel pumps / Ash black boots, $465 / High heel pumps / 3.1 Phillip Lim satchel handbag / Dareen Hakim clutch handbag / Yves Saint Laurent chain link necklace / Miriam Salat resin jewelry / DANNIJO brass jewelry / Kate Spade clip on earrings / Long necklace, $9.62 / Charlotte Russe rhinestone earrings

From left – you better be a brave woman to wear this pair of Theory Stretch Leather Leggings, but if done right with these Valentino laser cut booties, they would be absolutely fabulous.

Red skinny jeans feel really urban and edgy – pair with some motorcycle boots and funky accessories – I especially love this cuff.

In the middle, these mens wear trousers from Mango are the most affordable, and the most similar to the pants in the inspiration. I just love them for work with a big bag, and neutral shoes.

A cropped version presents the perfect opportunity to show off fun pair of suede peep toe pumps (with bow!) The cornflower blue in the bangles and the deep sapphire blue of the earrings make the color combo feel more like winter to me.

Finally, leopard print is the perfect compliment to red – a fun pair of peep toe pumps and a chunky statement necklace are amazing for prowling around the town or a swanky dinner on the weekend.

Transitioning Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Simply Styled

I’ve been trying to dress for the seasons (even though San Francisco has little distinction between the seasons), and I saw this cute little outfit on Pinterest (where else?!)

Source

I love the idea of layering a chunky winter sweater over a light floaty skirt. The juxtaposition makes it interesting, and it’s the PERFECT way to get a few more wears out of your floaty summer dresses and skirts!

I’m going to brunch on Sunday with the girls, so I’ll test this look out then! All week has been hot and sunny, but we woke up this morning to a layer of fog that just won’t go away. I am looking forward to diving in to a cozy sweater, and feeling like it’s fall again.

I’m also loving the neutral monotone in this photo – for a similar look, try something like this…

Fall to Winter Transition by beckyc1923 featuring a gold pleated skirt

Cable knit sweater / Gold pleated skirt, $44 / Qupid high heels / Tommy Hilfiger gold bangle bracelet / Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian / Nadri crystal bangle bracelet / Michael Kors steel jewelry / Spike jewelry / Ray-Ban eyewear / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lip care / NARS Cosmetics / Leather Jewelry Hermès Brown

Making Fall Trends Wearable

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Simply Styled

Finally! The stores have updated their merchandise with all the fun new fall trends, but to be honest, some of these trends look hard to wear, severe, and unflattering. For the non-model types like myself, there are definitely easy ways to incorporate some of these trends into your fall wardrobe… take a look at some of my favorites…

Modern Romance:
This look is all about modest necklines, embellished details, and feminine touches. Lace, ruffles, and bows are everywhere, but in non-girlish, sophisticated silhouettes of course. The peter pan collar was made popular on little girls’ party dresses (god knows I had plenty growing up) but when they are touched up with rhinestone details or intricate black embroidery, they are nothing but “adult”. Go monochromatic with navy suede booties and a navy trench dress, or nude strappy sandals with a nude lace dress for a fancy dinner out. With so many grown-up ways to wear bows, lace, and sweet collars again, who can resist?!

Embellished Collar by beckyc1923 featuring oasis shoes

Vintage style dress / Mango embroidery dress, $97 / Stella McCartney ruffle front dress / Tory Burch bow shirt / Pink blouse, $22 / Peter pan collar blouse / By Malene Birger peter pan shirt / ASOS embellished top / Jil Sander Navy / Oasis lace top, $23 / Ash tall suede boots / Oasis shoes, $40 / Elie Saab heel sandals / Dolce&Gabbana tote handbag / Dorothy Perkins bow clutch / Silver brooch, $19

Ox Blood:
Isn’t that just a horrific name for such an awesome, rich color? Call it what you will – ox blood… burgundy… tomato, to-mah-toe. This color is everywhere this fall, and I’m sold. From deep red handbags, to stacks of bangles, dark shiny lips, and faux ruby cocktail rings. I am seriously loving it all. Especially both of these skirts – one is full and feminine with super flattering inverted pleats (that means you’ll get a full skirt without the bunching), and I’m somewhat obsessed with the peplum pencil skirt, since it’s one of the most flattering trends in ages… both skirts would be so perfect with some textured tights, and cute booties…

Ox Blood by beckyc1923 featuring a pea coat

Derek Lam / Pea coat, $56 / Pleated skirt / Dorothy Perkins / DKNY high heels / Rebecca Minkoff leather clutch / Urban expressions handbag / Vintage jewelry, $685 / Antik Batik , $82 / La Mer watch / Eyeglass

Baroque Chic:
Let me preface this by saying, this is DEFINITELY an evening look, so unless you work in a super avant garde industry, save these pieces for after-work activities only. Let’s be honest, the pants are going to be VERY hard to pull off, but if you’ve got the body (and attitude) for them, dive right in. I’m loving the embellished tops, and accessories most of all since they are obviously the easiest way to incorporate the ornate over the top baroque pieces into your fall wardrobe. The white a-line skirt is also another great alternative if you want to dip your toe into this trend, since the creme is clean and simple, despite the busy pattern inlay.

Baroque Chic by beckyc1923 featuring corset tops

Alexander McQueen knit dress / Patrizia Pepe pattern dress, $315 / Miss Selfridge printed shirt / Lipsy sheer shirt, $65 / Stella McCartney , $1,040 / Lipsy corset top, $65 / Lipsy short skirt, $40 / Black pants, $15 / Alexander McQueen black handbag / Oscar de la Renta tahitian pearl earrings / Sequin pave jewelry / Floral jewelry / Dorothy Perkins / 80s sunglasses / Kim Seybert Baroque Runner

What are some of your favorite trends this fall?

Fall Fashion: Jcrew Collection

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Simply Styled

Damn you Jcrew and your awesome emails! I got totally sucked in this morning when I innocently opened an email from them, and their Fall collection is amazing.

I LOOOOVED their Schoolboy blazer in velvet – especially in the bright Yellow, and the Mallard Green – it looks so luscious and rich…

The Double Cloth Symphony Coat was another favorite – very Jackie O with the classic cut, but the double pocket on one side makes this fresh and modern.

The color block Shearling Trench was another favorite, but at over $1000 for a coat, I think I’ll just admire this one from afar

I am all about the crisp look of cropped trousers and these wild prints stood out from the rest. I think I’ll likely stick to a solid (but bright) color since I don’t need to see honey comb streched across my thighs, but for the size zeros out there, please wear these so I can live vicariously through you!!

This geometric skirt makes me want to step up my work wardrobe. My company is pretty casual, but I think a skirt like this would make me really excited to come into the office!

Hats off to the buyers at Jcrew – I’m going to give their Fall Collection an A+

Fall Wishlist

Posted on September 11, 2012 by Simply Styled

I know I am not the only gal with a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear. Shopping really can become an addiction since everyone loves new pretty things, but after doing a big “fall” shopping spree earlier this summer, I am trying to pare down the rest of my wishlist to impactful items that will be as practical as they are pretty.

I have so many blouses, and sweaters, skinny jeans, and high heels. What I NEED are the statement pieces to mix in that will make a… statement (for lack of better words).

First up on my list is a Fur Trimmed Coat:

It doesn’t have to be real fur – faux fur is fine by me, but I think that there is something really lovely about a fluffy soft fur trim. Obviously this fur trimmed number is quite a bit out of my price range (dang you Burberry), but isn’t it fabulous with the leather sleeve detail and the belted waist? Makes me wish it were January already (and that I had a disposable income).

These ones are also really cute!

Also on my wish list is a sweater or top with an embellished collar

Jcrew hits the nail on the head with this pretty herringbone sweater with jeweled collar. I can imagine this gussied up with a short full pleated skirt, or even with cropped slacks for work. Another more versatile option are the collar necklaces I’ve been seeing ALL OVER the place. Literally, once Forever21 gets a hold of a trend, you know it’s mainstream.

Karl Amber crystal and bead-embellished cotton collar

The collar on the left from net-a-porter isn’t exactly inexpensive, but would give a really similar effect as the beaded Jcrew collar, however the collar necklace on the right is a steal at just $12 – I just LOVE a good deal!

Chevron is all the rage, and after making a permanent home in my home (via a few really awesome throw pillows, storage bins, and a blanket) I’m sort of dying for some chevron in my wardrobe.

A few of my favorite looks I’ve seen are this dress from shop sosie… don’t you just LOVE the back on it? So adorable for a dressy date night!

I also adore this embellished top (chevron and sequins?? perfection) along with this chiffon dress. Unfortunately, neither of these photos have sources (dang you Pinterest), so if you come across their origin let me know!

I’ve been talking about Peplum since last year, but haven’t found one that fits my long torso yet – I saw a great one from H&M recently that reminds me a lot of this one, but need to get into a store to try it on! I like that it’s edgy and ladylike with the pencil skirt – I’m not entirely sure I can pull this look off, but I’m sure going to try!

Finally, I like to invest in one quality cozy sweater per year (last year it was a lavender cowl neck that felt like a warm hug) – this year I am thinking about a cape version of the chunky sweater. I have a few capes that I wear to death, and so I’m on the hunt for an equally awesome one in a warm knit.

I’m sure that as the months pass there will be more wishes on this wish list, but these are the one’s I just can’t seem to stop thinking about!!

Fall Fashion: Burgundy

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Simply Styled

Photo Courtesy of SheFinds

On vacation, I had plenty of time to dedicate to all the September issues of the fashion magazines – Vogue, InStyle, Elle, and Glamour were my favorites, and as Paris fashion week had come and gone, they all recapped the upcoming trends of fall.

A trend that was unanimously noted across all the big fashion books was “Burgundy” – a fancy name for maroon (a color name I absolutely despise). Burgundy – like the wine – sounds luxurious, and fancy… and I do enjoy a good glass of wine…

Ok, getting back to the topic, burgundy was all over the Paris runways at Zach Posen, Herve Leger, Rachel Zoe, Alexander McQueen and Badgley Mischka – so you know it’s legit. It’s actually a wonderful neutral, so to take on this trend with training wheels, start out substituting it where you’d normally wear brown – substitute a brown leather purse, brown leather belt or watch with burgundy.

To kick it up a notch, bring it into your makeup with dramatic dark lips or nails. For a dramatic lip that won’t pull a disappearing act an hour later, line the lips and fill them in with a maroon pencil, swipe lips with the burgundy lipstick, blot (the most important step here), and finish with a final coat of lipstick. If you follow these steps, your lipstick will stay on for hours. For less lip drama, use a burgundy gloss – the lasting power is minimal, but still fun.

To go all out burgundy, grab a solid dress with a classic feminine fit. Nothing low cut, or too tight, since demure, ladylike silhouettes were another trend that popped. If you go the dress route, make sure it nips in at the waist, and grazes the knees.

A few of my favorite (and reasonably priced) Burgundy pieces: