Build Your Shoe Wardrobe

 Anyone who knows me knows I am truly a shoe freak.  I love shoes.  No, really.  I adore them.  Shoes can do a lot for your wardrobe.  In fact, they can make or break your outfit.  For years I have told clients, "Start building your closet with great looking shoes and handbags, and you'll have the building blocks of a great wardrobe."  The truth is, you can take even a mediocre outfit, pair it with a great looking pair of shoes, and it will make a huge difference.  So how does one select a fabulous shoe wardrobe?  I'm glad you asked.  May I present....

Elise V.'s 10 "Building Blocks" for a Fabulous Shoe Wardrobe: 

1). A pair of "nude"(semi-close to your skin tone) and black pumps-Buy a classic shape in the best quality you can afford.  I would choose patent or leather.  Hint: a platform is stylish and more comfortable. 

2). Flats- There are so many cute embellished (and otherwise) flats out there right now...and hooray! Flats are cute + comfortable! 

3). Tall boots- at least two pair: one appropriate for office and one "riding boot."  For a classic look, buy a knee-high or mid-calf pair; For a more edgy look, go for an over-the-knee pair; For a more casual/sporty look, choose a chunkier heel.  

4). All-weather boots-Make sure to buy some waterproof boots, and if your budget allows, a second all-weather pair for colder weather. 

5). Metallic Heels-You need at least two: one gold and one silver.  Even better, a mix of the two as shown in the center. Don't forget about rose gold.  It's a great neutral choice as well.  Cocktail attire or black tie affair? Check! Metallics are awesome because they go with any color. 

6). Comfy casual shoes/boots- for running errands, etc.  Choose a flat boot or see option #2.  I LOVE my Jimmy Choo for Ugg grey knit boots shown here.  

7). Wedges/Espadrilles-Not only are these fashionable, but they are more comfortable than most shoes!

8). Casual sandals-You'll need a pair for the beach and a more stylish pair you can wear with a sundress. 

9). Dressy sandals-You'll need something other than an office-appropriate pump for weekends, etc.  Consider buying a few dressy and fun sandals.  No hose allowed! 

                                      

10). Ankle boots-For the fashion-forward who aren't in the mood to wear their dressy sandals or tall boots.  Ankle boots are a big thing right now and can easily give an outfit a little "umph." I love my Tory Burch ones with the gold chain detail below. 

And remember, "One shoe can change your life." -Cinderella 

Fall 2012 Fashion Trends

Ah, fall, my absolute favorite time of year.  It is the culmination of all the things I love: cool weather, pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, and of course, fall fashion.  Inevitably this time of year I start getting the question, "What are the fall trends this year?"  I'm going to break down what I consider to be the biggest (and most translatable into every day life, as opposed to the runway ) trends.

Elise's Top 10 Fall Trends of 2012

1). Gilded shoes- You'll see shoes with gold toes, gold heels, etc.  And while we're on the subject of gold, the color itself is trend #2.....

2). Gold-You'll see it in many of the brocade and embroidered patterns, often paired back with black, or as seen below in an evening look.

3). Fit and flare skirts- I'm excited about this one....I love skirts that are just short and flirty enough, yet still classy.

4). Any and all shades of RED: burgundy, orange-red, or bleeding heart red, it doesn't matter.  Wear red.  If you're not bold enough to wear a red dress, go ahead and pull in red with accessories, such as your shoes, bag, gloves, etc.

5). Jeweled and/or contrasting collars- Not only can you buy tops, sweaters, and dresses with existing statement collars, but you can also buy a statement collar alone to add a "little something" to an existing outfit.

   

6). Wide brimmed hats (and statement hats in general)- Hooray, I adore hats!  

7). Velvet-Like leather, this fabric will be seen as the primary material of some pieces (see the green Gucci gown), or as an accent.  Either way, the rich yummy fabric is a big trend for fall.

8). Winter white- I've always loved winter white, and we're going to see a lot of it this year.  In fact, we're going to be seeing stark white this winter as well.  J Brand (and others) are putting out a stark white jean for fall.  I'm on the fence about stark white in the winter.  Call me old fashioned, but I just don't like stark white after Labor Day.  So I'll be sticking to the traditional winter white this fall.

9). Leather, and I mean leather everywhere: dresses, tops, skirts, leggings, accessories, as an accent (see the sleeves on the second picture).

          

10). The statement clutch- I am a big fan of a fabulous clutch, but this season your bag may be more of a conversation starter than a place to keep your lipstick and phone.