Monday {Ruffled-up} Workwear

I don't know about you, but I typically associate ruffles with a level of femininity that I can rarely pull off (nearly 6ft tall women don't often get called girly, at least I certainly don't).

But I'm loving how these looks take feminine details and inject them with a distinct sense of power.





images via garance dore and the sartorialist

And who doesn't want to feel a little fierce as they head into a new week? I hope you go out there and work it my dears.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs.E

GIVEAWAY! SPERRY TOP-SIDER SHOES

Having grown up by the water, I embrace every opportunity to be out on the lake or ocean. Lucky for me, I have a few friends around Seattle who take us all out occasionally for a boating fix, which has led me to acquire a pair of these...

A pair of soft, yummy leather Sperry Top-Siders that I adore. They're a perfect blend of east coast prep and practicality! This year, the iconic boat shoe brand is celebrating 75 years as a staple of American style, and to help toast the occasion, Sperry Top-Sider is giving a way of pair of their classic loafers to you! Here's how to enter:

First, head over to the Sperry Facebook page and click on 'The Good Life' tab. Then, share your memories of 'The Good Life' by uploading photos of your most cherished memories, in on, and around the sea -  like this fantastic entry from the Hamptons circa 1984...

How cute is that!? Once you've uploaded your photo, make sure you come back and leave a comment letting us know that you've shared your entry. Our winner will be drawn at the end of the weekend, so good luck and get out on the water!!

Do You Dare?

The trend graced runways at Burberry and even Oscar de la Renta and now you're spotting it on many a fashionable foot. I'm talking about tights/socks with sandals.

images balenciagas via jak & jil and miu miu via late afternoon

Great not-quite-warm-enough-to-wear-open-toed-alternative, or, major fashion faux pas? I'm torn...or maybe just a little timid. Do you dare try it??

I'm Loving...

In fact I'm really really needing peep toes, especially ones with serious personality! It appears Needs Supply will give me what I'm jonesin' for.

And fabulous neutrals to boot? I'm in platform heaven!

Wedding Wednesday {THE Shoes}

Ladies and gentlemen, the verdict is in. I have taken the leap and made what I consider to be one of my most important wedding related purchases. THE shoes. 

And I love them. I'm over the moon about them. I cannot stop staring at them. I hope you approve.

I give you the Christian Louboutin Glitter Slingback. Trust me, they look even better in person. 

Now I just have to try them on with the dress! 

SPRING ACCESSORIES REPORT: TRENDS PART 2!

I showed you some of the more colorful trends from the Spring Accessories Report yesterday, but today is all about neutrals!
Wovens! By far the strongest trend I saw, woven fabrics - especially in their natural color - are everywhere for spring! I especially love how they've been combined with some more sexy or luxe accents for a little personality. *clockwise: chanel, jimmy choo, missoni, bottega veneta, d&g
High Shine Metallics: Metallics have been the new neturals forever, but taken up a notch this spring, these high gloss heels take center stage. *clockwise: roger vivier, louboutin, devi kroel, dvf, aperlai
Bold Shapes + Deco Influence: Black and white is going no where but up my dears - despite the throngs of color! Expect to see bolder contrasts and deco-inspired shapes everywhere! *clockwise: kirkwood, armani, trussardi, tom binns
Blushing Nudes: If you don't already have a pair of nude heels - get them now. Trust me, they will go with everything you own, all summer long. A blush of pink or peach is even better! I bought a pair of peach ones years ago and still have them around. *clockwise: viktor & rolf, balmain (love love love), fendi, mcqueen and prada bag

My final favorites for spring tomorrow!! I think you'll get a hint for my true style direction these days... a little laid back bohemian glam. Keeping things simple!

I LOVE...

Both of these heels for their gorgeous wintry wool texture and their total DIY potential...
I see a faux or recycled pair of fur ponpons in my future! And perhaps a little felted wool cuff added to a current pair of boots too?

*shoes by brian atwood (via dress, design, decor) and omelle

I'm Loving....

Fabulous fall accessories.

Brian Atwood peep toes 

Anthropologie clutch

Because the smallest details can make the biggest statement.

Mmmm, Miu Miu

These are simply delicious, don't you think!

via trendy crew

Lost and Found

I recently posted these fabulous shoes.

I believe I found the girl who was lucky enough to be wearing them.

pics via stockholmstreetstyle and garance dore

Equally stunning, don't you think.

Sole-full Decor {Autumn Edition}

For this edition of {shoes to rooms} I couldn't take my eye off the perfect fall bootie from Marni. I'm in love.

As you can see, it could be the only fall shoe you really need!

Marni wedge booties via sea of shoes

rooms via simply seductive, {this is glamorous}, jeffers design

Hello eBay, here I come!

Booty {licous}

Must have.

Fall 2009 Fendi via fashion tidbits

I'm just sayin'.

Sole-full Decor

In this addition of shoes to rooms some grey lovelies having a calming presence - for your head and your feet!

shoes via jenni kayne and loeffler randall

rooms via unknown and follow studio

Deep Hues

From the kitchen to the bedroom there should be a shoe for every room in your house.

At least in my world there should be.

shoes by alexander mcqueen and philosophy di alberta ferretti

rooms via ngoc minh ngo and esseegee

Color Me Happy

For my next installation of shoe lust to room love I had to go with color. Summer in Seattle is the only time I feel I can get away from my standard greys.


      

  

The shoes - and the rooms - make me think of sun dresses, bright colored cocktails and easy-breezy days. 

If only life were that simple!

shoes: Chloe t-bar sandals, Devi Kroell pumps, Castaner fefa espedrille wedges

rooms via made by girl, nuevo estilo, domino

Pedi-Complex

There are blogginistas (my new term for fabulous bloggers) out there with very keen eyes that take looks from the runway and pair it with amazing decor. 

Being a shoe addict myself, I thought I'd try my hand at it, but with a slightly different twist.

I give you shoe lust to room love.

jean paul gaultier sandals and classic room from domino via from the right back to left coast

I think it's only proper that your shoes should match your decor, don't you?!

Mystery Solved

Success! I have found the source of my recent shoe lust. Thanks to Apt #34 reader Jenni and the bride herself, Ilana, I've learned the origins of these beautiful babies.

They are in fact by Pedro Garcia and are available (on sale!) here. Thanks to Jenni and congrats to Ilana - we appreciate you providing the hot tip. 

Happy shopping ladies!

Shoe Lust

There's nothing that sets my heart to pitter-pattering more than fabulous shoes. These certainly fit the bill.

I don't know what they are, I just know that I want them. They're from a gorgeous wedding in Australia shot by Sugar Love Weddings and I'm now on a mission to track down what they are!

To top it all off, the bridesmaids dresses from said wedding are the prettiest I think I've ever seen (and not matching - my favorite!)

All by Rose and Ruby, you don't even have to be in a wedding to look that gorgeous. I'm loving these options from their ready-t0-wear collection.

 

Looky-Loo

I have a growing addiction to lookbooks. What was once a tool that only fashion insiders got to see, lookbooks are going mainstream.

My love for Hayden-Harnett is well-documented, but this pic from their FW2009 lookbook has me coveting more than just their fabulous bags. 

Loeffler Randall has achieved shoe-perfection, but they've tapped into my love for orange and I suddenly feel the need to empty spots in my closet to make way for their fall '09 wardrobe. More gorgeous pics from their lookbook here!

looks via simple lovely, vain and vapid,{frolic!}

You can look stunning and set your conscious at ease with the Christina dress from Sublet Clothing. They use sustainable materials and fair labor practices to make their simple and sweet ensembles. 

Putting fashion in context makes it so mouth watering. It's the perfect combination of fashion and art. If there's a career in lookbook design - I want in!