What to Wear

What to Wear in New York City!

Always the big debate.  You want to be stylish and comfortable when heading into any city for the day, but at the same time you want to be able to be yourself.  I feel that being in NYC is a license for me to wear whatever I feel like that day...everyone is so individualized in NYC that you can wear anything and fit in. I am headed to the city this week to go to a private event and of course my favorite lunch spot and am finalizing the outfit today since I have the time.

Here is my guide to fashionable comfort for a day in the city (during the Fall):

Whenever I am getting dressed to go somewhere I start with the shoes. Typically, I take the train to New York and walk most of the city with the help of the subway here and there.  This requires flats. As my starting point I know that I have a few pairs of ballet flats that are perfect, however, the lack of arch support is not sustainable for a day in the city. Some of you may go into the city all day and stay for a show or dinner at night, so sneakers are not always a realistic option. Most of my riding boots are a good choice because they have a slight wedge with some arch support AND you get the added benefit of leg warmth, especially in November.  Second, you need the "you" piece.  For many of you that will be a scarf or a hat or some jewelry that you feel comfortable in.  My favorite "you" is to wear a scarf.  I love that no matter what the season, there is a scarf in the appropriate fabric weight.  This week I am choosing my snood (circular scarf), which is big and knitted and warm.  I like this option because it is practical for various temperatures as you can take it on and off, but it is also attractive.  After the decision on a scarf or hat is made I think about the temperature that day.  This requires a decision on a jacket, coat or vest.  Often times I am going in and out of stores and for longer trips I take the subway so I decide that at 40 degrees I probably don't need a full winter coat.  Since I will be wearing the snood, I need a cute jacket that the snood can lay over.  In this case, my snood is flexible so I choose a structured jacket to give my outfit balance.

Photo: jacket: Smythe, boots: Frye, skirt: Club Monaco, snood: Reiss

Let's recap: an easy way to be stylish in the city can be finalized with three simple decisions:

1) shoes (no sneakers, but flats that will give you flexibility with your outfit, but are comfortable at the same time, my recommendation is knee boots)

2) the "you" piece (often it is a scarf, hat or jewelry but some accessory the you really enjoy, my recommendation is a scarf because scarfs come in different patterns, fabrics, weights, etc and are very versatile)

3) jacket, coat or vest (make sure you do not always just throw on the overcoat, bad idea, it does not allow your personal style to take shape, choose something that balances your outfit, so if the rest of the outfit is structured make sure it is flexible, but if your outfit is loose and flows use a structured jacket or vest, my recommendation is a structured or fitted jacket)

Fringe

It has been way too long since my last post, but I was having computer struggles. I am back in action!

It seems as though a growing trend is Fringe. I think the great thing about fringe is that it can be a part of various styles. If your style is Diva/Rockstar or if you are a Bohemian girl or even a mix of them all you can make any of these shoes below work. 1) Diane von Furstenburg really hit it big this season with her heeled boots...as seen on Khloe Kardashian. 2) The little Aldo moccasins. What an easy way to bring fringe into your 2011 wardrobe. 3) One of my favorite looks this season is the Minnetonka three layer fringe boots. First off, they aren't terribly expensive, secondly the go with so many different outfits and, most importantly, they are comfortable. For those Project Runway fans, these were worn regularly by Anya.

Not all my blogs will be on shoes, however, I am waiting for a dress form so I can start styling outfits. In the meantime, I find these fringe boots inspiring! Also, if you are ever looking for items, I highly recommend searching on shopstyle.com. Just type in my keywords and you should be able to find multiple options/price points on each item. If not, just ask and I am happy to help navigate the web for you!

Cheers!

Where do I begin for Fall?

In my opinion, every great outfit starts with a pair of shoes.  If you can find the right pair that inspire you, the rest falls into place.  For this fall, I wanted to make sure I had a pair or two of inspiring shoes (well maybe more than 2).  I fell in love with this suede two-tone Miu Miu pump when I first saw it. Initially, I hesitated. When am I going to wear that 4 plus inch heel, especially given I am on maternity leave?!?  Not to mention, the things I want to wear that shoe with are not going to look great in my post-pregnancy body...or are they?

So yesterday I fed the baby, made sure he was good to go and started exploring my closet. Wow. A lot of items that needed to be re-energized.  However, the Miu Miu pumps sitting there with a big smile saying, come on try me on, at least you know I will fit!  There I was, underwear and Miu Miu pumps. Ok, you win.  You are my favorite pair of shoes this Fall...and more importantly, you are going to be the inspiration for my Fall Wardrobe, or at least the starting point!

For those of you wondering, the heel is super comfortable and really wearable because of the platform.  In fact, when and if I go back to Corporate America, these will be on my go-to list for comfort and style!