New Year, New Things

So there’s A LOT of big trends starting to emerge right now and I couldn’t be more excited.  As you all know, I’m a HUGE fan of black and most of my closet is filled with it.  I’ve been wanting to incorporate color into my wardrobe for quite some time but there have no been many affordable options that I’m attracted to…

Well not anymore! Bright bold colors have taken over a variety of stores and are easily accessible online too. I have ripped off that big black Band-Aid and have run into 2012 screaming, “Color! I will wear you!”

It’s true.  I’ve been shopping a lot lately.  My husband and I don’t surprise each other with gifts on Christmas so every year we pick out our own the week after.  I began by spending the $100 gift card to Forever21 I received as a gift from my mother-in-law.  I filled my online cart with TONS AND TONS of skirts.  (Only one black one!) I picked out a red one, a bright blue one, a peach one, a variety of big bold necklaces, a blue and green belt and a bright orange tee shirt.  Since then I’ve also gone to the mall and come back with a multi-colored dress and a blue top.  I even ordered those nude Brian Atwood Maniacs I’d been eyeing for the last year as well as an orange and red bauble necklace from JCREW.

I know, it seems excessive (or so the Mr. thinks) but I’m not done yet.  There are so many great things out there so different from the “safe” options available in the past in a variety of prices that I just have to take advantage of it.

Here are some of my favorite “must-have” items:

The Spectra Skirt from Forever21.com.

Not only is this skirt under $10, it comes in four colors.  FOUR COLORS!!

(Spectra Skirt available @ Forever21.com, $9.80)

These blue Suedette Platforms.  I feel like I’m also posting blue suede shoes but I can’t help how amazing they all are!

(Suedette Platform Heels available @ Forever21.com, $24.80)

Bright yellow pants.

I’m absolutely obsessed with these yellow ones from J. Crew.

(Toothpick jean garment-dyed twill available @ JCrew.com, $108.00)

Anything royal purple.  Like this blouse from Piperlime.com.

(Parker Button Down Silk Top available @ Piperlime.com, $198.00)

A side piece.

And by that I mean a fierce clutch. I’m not usually much of a pink person but this clutch makes me want to be.  There is something so Barbie-esq about it, don’t you think?

(Jimmy Choo Cayla Patent Leather Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,150.00)

A piece that ties it all together.

For me, it’s this necklace.  It’s the perfect accessory when color-blocking in shades of blue and green!

(Cobalt Blue and Emerald Green Statement Necklace available @ Etsy.com, $58.00)

What about you, have you found any great bold and bright pieces you must have?

XXoo

FALLing In Love

…with shades of brown.

NET-A-PORTER always gets me with their “What’s New For You” emails.  They are filled with amazing fashion from my favorite designers and always help put a smile on my face for the day.

Like most stores, NET-A-PORTER has begun to stock fall fashions even summer is still in full swing.  I don’t mind though.  By mid-summer my mind begins to wander, I am no longer interested in buying clothes for the hot weather (nor do the stores have any good options by this time) and I start to day dream about what would make a good outfit for NYFW.

This season, I’m being drawn towards shades of brown and I have a feeling I won’t be the only one…

Here are some of my favorite pieces from NET-A-PORTER:

(T by Alexander Wang Silk Crepe de Chine Shirt, $190.00)

(Diane Von Furstenberg Yokoe Leather Knee Boots, $495.00)

(Tomas Maier Cashmere Wrap, $2,080.00)

(Christian Louboutin Dancing Queen Calf Hair Box Clutch, $1,095.00)

(3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Skirt, $695.00)

(Jimmy Choo Folly suede and snakeskin wedge sandals, $795.00)

What do you think?  Will you fall for this trend?

XXoo

"You Can't Have A Bad Day Wearing Good Choos"

FBFF: Shoes….

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes? I actually have three pairs of go-to shoes.  For winter they are patent semi-round toe black Stuart Weitzman pumps, for spring and summer I always find myself pulling out my Jimmy Choo peep-toe sling-backs or my Christian Louboutin black peep-toe closed back heels.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions? I fall in love easily (with shoes) so when I see a pair I love, I have to get them and can't rest until I do. 

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color? Just like the majority of the garments in my closet, the majority of my shoes (in their very own shoe closet) are black as well.  Of course, I have shoes in other colors to go with outfits that might need a shoe other than black but I'd say 40 out of 50 or so pairs are a form of black.

(My linen turned shoe closet. All the boxes are full and the floor is covered.  Almost impossible to capture the entire closet using just the camera on my phone but you get the gist!)

4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and why? I think of shoes as investment pieces, heirlooms.  I'm a sucker for a quality shoes that won't go out of style.  If I put money into a pair they will more than likely be a pair I can wear 5, 10, 15, 30+ years from now.  (I don't wear certain pairs in certain types of weather and I am very specific about what I am walking on when I wear them.)  So I guess to sum this question up - my favorite designers are Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.  Both designers make footwear that fills all the above quota. (Side note - if you are looking for a mid-priced quality shoe Nine West makes an amazing comfortable quality shoe that won't break the bank!  I own a TON!)

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe? This is a tough one.  I spend a lot of money on shoes and don't show much constraint.  Honestly, they are one of the main reasons I work. (Well that and bills!)  It might be some outlandish pair of Giuseppe Zanottis.  They are fabulous fun shoes but for the price I'm not sure I could justify the one time wear! I'd have to be a millionaire!

What are some of your favorite go-to shoes?  Tweet me pics @TMHessler.

XXoo