Highs and Lows--the Shoes of Spring

Jimmy Choo

Ladylike pointy toe pumps are smokin’ hot this spring, and so are sporty, menswear inspired oxfords.  Here’s why you want them both:

Pointy toe pumps have an amazing leg lengthening ability, and will make your limbs look sleeker and sexier.  They lend a classic glamour to everything and you’ll feel elegant when you stride into the board room or ball room.  My favorites this season include the elegant Coach “Ellin” pump, which comes in a multitude of colors and finishes, including a Coach signature fabric in black or khaki.  It’ll add about $168 to your credit card balance.  I also love Calvin Klein’s “Dolly” leopard print pumps.  They’ll set you back $89, but you can choose from sumptuous suede, sizzling snake print, or a metallic finish.  J. Renee has a simply irresistible sky blue patent leather pump for $99, and GoJane.com is featuring a $19 orange faux patent leather pump that will glam up any look.

At the other end of the spectrum are super cute oxfords.  I‘m delighted to see these fabulous lace ups in the spring 2013 lineup.  These are my weekend go-to shoes--they‘re perfect for errands, gallery hopping, or hanging with your besties.  This year’s models combine comfort with sassy styling and unexpected punches of color.  Here’s what I like at DSW.com: the $34.95 "Not Rated Lulu" oxford flat which comes in a pretty paisley print with a shot of neon color at the heel; and the $39.95 "Envy Waltz" oxford in metallic leather. The steal of the day is at Eddiebauer.com--the Bass "Ramona" oxford which is clearance priced at $49.99.  The Ramona features a 3” heel and the trademark Bass red rubber sole. At Lulus.com I fell for the adorable Michael Antonio Peter "Rhinestone" wingtips for $48.

Bass's Ramona Oxford

These luscious treats are healthier and less fattening for you than candy, so indulge!  You know you want to!  I know I want to!!

Gorgeous to the Maxx!

Maxi dresses continue to dominate the season.  This year’s versions can be found in colorful tribal prints, outrageous florals, inspired graphics, and simply saturated colors.  It’s a flattering style for most body types and lends a lady an air of elegance.

I scored this great dress on a weekend at the shore with friends.  During a break in the beaching we made a pilgrimage to TJ Maxx where I fell hard for this fabulous Calvin Klein frock.  This is a more sophisticated design than most of the casual maxis on the racks. It can go to theater, brunch, or Paris because it’s every woman’s go-to color--black--and its princess styling is classic.  I love it as a blank canvas for loads of fabulous accessories--silky scarves, neon hued belts, and head-turning statement necklaces.  A cute cropped cardi is the perfect topper.  I can wear high wedges or flat jeweled sandals with it although I chose to rock it with my favorite spring green Naya sandals.

The Diva Diaries--What Did She Wear?

As Casual Friday followers know, I love getting dressed for work. I cherish these Barbie moments, and see them as a fabulous means of self-expression.  Here's my narrative for the work week ending November 4th.

Monday, October 31
Thirty-seven degrees at 7:00 AM on Halloween--BRRRRR!  I’m bundling up in a pair of dark chocolate J. Crew boot cut corduroy jeans, and layers which include a lightweight J. Crew cream-colored ruffled Henley shirt, and a cuddly oatmeal cashmere cardi from the late, lamented Center City Loehmann’s.  My top layer is a figure flattering pale caramel herringbone wool blazer from the gratis clothing collection curated from The Career Wardrobe.  (The jacket was destined for the Salvation Army because it was donated off season, and the off season inventory room was packed tighter than a Tokyo subway.)  I’ll tie a cherry red cashmere scarf around my neck and pull on a pair of brown leather gloves to block the frosty air.  I’m bottoming off the outfit with caramel colored suede and leather Van Eli urban cowgirl boots.  Hey now!!

Tuesday, November 1
Another chilly autumn morning--46 degrees--but less shocking than yesterday’s 36 degrees.  My indoor layers will be lighter today, so I’ll need my beloved black leather Kenneth Cole car coat for the commute.  I bought it in 1997 and it’s heavy, warm, always appropriate.  I’m planning to wear a fitted Boden seal gray felted wool jacket with cabernet velvet trim under it.  Under the jacket there’ll be a sunflower yellow long sleeve J. Crew tee that will brighten my skin tone and mood!  I’ll pull on a pair of Max Studio slate gray jersey flare leg pants for effortless Charlie Girl chic, and a pair of Van Eli black kitten heel ankle boots.  I’ll top it all off with a gorgeous silver, burgundy, and black knit scarf from Ten Thousand Villages which reminds me of rose petals strung together.

Wednesday, November 2
Another chilly morning with a promise of warmer afternoon temperatures.  I’m attending a dinner event this evening but don’t want to be exceedingly daring during the day.  So, I’m pulling out a dark red knit INC jacket with a power ruffle down the front.  Got it last year at Macy’s, and wore it for my January appearance on the NBC10 Good News program.  It’s one hellvua conversation starter and the top layer over a close fitted long sleeve gray/red/black rock chick t-shirt, and a black mid-calf pencil skirt that I bought in Montreal a couple of years before Mad Men.  Sofft high heel black booties will make their debut today.  I’ll wear the lovely silver, burgundy, and black scarf at my neck again; it seems to complement my entire autumn palette.  You know, as much as I dread the fall-to-winter transition, I’m weathering it well this year thanks to a delicious collection of chic jackets and soft, cozy sweaters curated from my fave resale shops during the past year.

Thursday, November 3
Forty-six degrees this morning.  Attending a conference today--I’m in businesswoman mode.  Completely grayed out in a sexy Max Studio tweed trench style jacket with a self-belt and ¾ sleeves over a Calvin Klein v-neck sweater dress with a fitted bodice and flare skirt.  Both items were purchased from the Center City Loehmann’s. Today’s accessories include gray sweater tights, a gorgeous bronze ceramic bead necklace from Ten Thousand Villages, and the ever-present red cashmere scarf.  I’m carrying a pair of fierce black booties to slip into when I get to the venue--I’ll be commuting in flats.  Oddly enough I’m not wearing a single item from a resale shop today!  Does this mean that I’m a little less myself??

Friday, November 4
Casual Friday.  I LOVE Fridays!  I LOVE denim!  Denim in the workplace can be totally appropriate if you put some thought into it.  Think twice before putting on sweatshirts, track suits (even if your sneakers match), t-shirts with the words "state property" slapped across the back, and acid wash jeans. 

Today I’m wearing a denim maxiskirt with a front pleat and flared hem that I bought at Daffy’s before their inventory took an unfortunate turn for the cheap and cheesy.  Underneath I’m sporting black and white paisley tights and Sudini walkable black knee high boots. On top I’m wearing a dark gray J. Crew long sleeved tee with a skinny pewter belt from the LL Bean Signature collection.  Keeping warm in a black hand knit cardi that I got at a resale shop in South Philly.  What makes this cardi special are the rows of “poodle loops” at the cuffs, across the shoulders, and at the hem.  Reversible J. Crew two-toned gray cashmere scarf at the neck.  Big Red handbag carried the daily supplies.  Happy Friday!