Aquazzura Velvet Booties

This season, shoes are making a big statement; sparkles, metallics, bright white, velvets and a lot of embellishments.  Although I think most of the shoes are fun, spending $500 on a “fun” pair of shoes is not in my shopping budget.   With that being said, I need to find shoes that will keep my look in style, but won’t use up my entire shopping budget for the season.  My first mission was for velvet booties.  The texture of velvet is so rich and I love all the jeweled toned colors designers are showing, but I know I will get the most out of black.  I’m super particular about the seams and quality of the velvet, which to me shows the difference between the designer quality and the cheaper versions, so although everyone is copying the velvet boot, I was in search of that perfect pair.   My champagne tastes love the velvet booties from Gianvito Rossi for $975, but my actual budget, being far less, came up with these much less expensive options. Barney’s brand blue velvet booties for $395 and even better, Sole Society’s black velvet bootie for only $99

Barneys New York Blue Velvet Ankle Boots

Pomeroy Sole Society

My next search was for a silver bootie. Silver and white are like the new black this season.  Throw it on with anything and it works.  As usual the designers version are Ah-mazing, but will easily start at $500, but I was able to find some less expensive fun options at ASOS for $69 and Zara.

Zara

YSL

ASOS

The last shoe trend I wanted to try is an embellished boot.  I love the Pearlbacari Embellished Suede Bootie by Stuart Weitzman which starts at $525.  Such a fun shoe, but its not a shoe I would wear everyday.  It was nearly impossible to find something that looked as good as the designer and the only boots that even came a little close was the Harper Block Heel Bootie for $129 by Eloquii.

Eloquii Harper Block Heel Bootie

The Pearlbacari Bootie Stuart Weitzman

The shoes this season are definitely fun, but I really need to get them home and play a little dress up and see how they look with my wardrobe.   Stay tuned for the follow up…shoes with outfit ideas 🙂

xx

Stefanie

Im constantly doing maintenance. Every time I sit down I feel like I’m in a salon.  In my 20s it was just a mani pedi,and waxing.  In my 30s my basic mani upgraded to gel and then I added spray tan, keratin, color, eyelashes and botox.  Here I am approaching 40 and I am honestly scared I may end up living in a salon.  It changed from a luxury, a relaxing experience, when I had time, to a necessity.  So by now its become literally a chore.  Where does it end??? Im a slave to beauty and I only see if getting worse!   Anyone else feel like this? What are your upkeep necessities?

The  temperatures have been super high, so I am really feeling clothes that are light and flowy.  I always love a casual dress as oppose to two pieces (top and bottom) since its a simple way to have a complete outfit with little effort.  And a Casual day dress can easily take you into the night, with the simple change of a flat shoe to a wedge or heel.  So dresses have been my go to for the Summer!  I have also been on the hunt for the perfect summer bag to bring out to dinner.   It was so hard to find exactly what I wanted because I’ve been seeing so many of the straw bags or the canvas style (which I love), but nothing that would work for the evening.  I wanted something that had a beachy style, but was more sophisticated than a straw bag.  Something that worked for both casual dinner with the kids or on a date night with my hubby.  Check out what I found and my “Wanted List” for this this week…

• Dresses

• Summer Bag

Memorial Day weekend is here which means its time to get our Summer wardrobe in check.  Whether traveling or staying local, the weekend is full of activities so having the basic wardrobe essentials set will keep us stylish and calm. When the weather first changes and its time to change up my clothing, its as if I have forgotten how to dress. To make things easy and less overwhelming, I put together a list of the clothing basics.  These basics will ensure that my wrdrobe is prepared for any activities or events I maybe participating in.  Check out my top 10 pieces to start this Summer off right!

#1 Denim Shorts

#2 Great Accessory

#3 Romper

#4 “Everywear Dress”

#5 Summer Jacket

#6 Comfy Pant

#7 Tee Shirt

#7 Day Dress

#8  White Tank

#9 White Denim

#10 Denim Skirt

When temperatures peak to 80 degrees one day and 55 degrees the next, knowing how to layer is the key to staying stylish and comfortable in all temperatures.  Layering is the best way to prepare for temperature changes, but its not just about putting shirt on top of shirt.  Layering is almost like a 5 course meal.  Each course or layer is separate, but all the foods compliment each other and stand on their own just like all the layers of an outfit.  Starting with the first layer of clothing, the layer that would be shown when temperatures rise. Choose a tank top or tee shirt that doesn’t look like an undershirt, but is nice enough to wear alone. Second layer, a fitted collar shirt or long sleeve henley is great for layering underneath without creating a bulky look.  Next layer is a sweater.  Then add a great jacket something fitted or that gives shape is always a good idea when wearing lots of clothes to keep your shape. Now you have 4 complete looks that will  keep you stylish no matter what this crazy NY weather is.

XX Stefanie

I am always excited to share when I come across a new brand that has great style, fit and is not expensive.  Last week I was shopping at Bloomingdales and  discovered Pistola Denim and now I am obsessed with this brand!!  Not only does their denim fit just as good as the designer jeans, that are double the price, but they have all the latest trends.  As a shopping expert I don’t believe in spending money on trendy fashion that will be out of style after one season. Pistola Denim offers an amazing price point for shopping the denim trends of the season.  So far I have purchased white fringe hem jeans and fell in love with the Mason Slim Denim Boyfriend which is a perfect baggy fit for us petite girls both under $100.  Check out all this brand has to offer online or at Bloomingdales!

Happy Shopping!

xxStefanie

I know so many moms that have created this notion that as a mom they need to dress and look a certain way or have just plain given up on their appearance entirely.  Motherhood hits and women feel they can’t where this or that and somehow end up in, what I have labeled, the old school mom look; a big tee shirt, ill fitted jeans, and outdated workout sneakers.  HELLO MOMS!!!….Motherhood doesn’t have to mean loosing yourself.  We don’t need to walk down the street as if we are holding a huge sign that reads “I am a mom”.  When I style my clients who are moms, I try to take them away from the idea that as a mom we can’t or should not be sexy or sophisticated.  Just because we may be at the park or running the kids from school to activities, we don’t need to limit our fashion style.  We all know that when we feel good about how we look our entire attitude changes, were more confident, happier and in the end better moms.  So next time your shopping think about what you feel good in, And throw out the notion that because your a mom you need to dress like one!

xx Stefanie