Linen shoes are on our radar for spring 2011, and it’s no wonder–linen offers both sophisticated simplicity and versatility. Whether cream, navy, or black, linen is a crisp neutral that adds understated polish to any warm weather outfit, and as one of the lightest, most wearable materials it’s the perfect fabric for feet suffering from sweltering summer heat.
These vintage pumps from the 1940s, available on Etsy, capture the timeless charm of linen:
For an update on this classic design, check out these Nina Calhoun SS Linen D’Orsay pumps, on sale for $30.
These peep-toe Stuart Weitzman Lace-Up Booties, featuring adorable tweed linen with frayed edges, offer vampy schoolgirl style:
With sleek patent leather details, these black linen Manolo Blahnik heels have real elegance. Check out the tapered toe and the sophisticated Mary Jane strap. (They’re now 20% off on Bluefly.com!)
Put either of these two dramatic blue dresses to work during the upcoming holiday season this winter, then pull it out again next summer for weddings or parties. Flattering draping, a classic silhouette and vivid blue hue make both very versatile and perfect for special occasions. Best of all, they’re both on sale–one for $272 and one for $149. Enjoy!
Good Deal: This Phillip Lim dress, originally $680, is now on sale for $272 on Outnet.com. The balance of the intense turquoise silk-satin dress with the delicate, sheer silk-chiffon panel at top gives this dress a lot of allure. The ruffled bodice and draping through the skirt ensures a flattering fit. Best of all, there are slit pockets hidden at the side of the skirt.
Here's the front...
...and the back.
Great Deal: Poleci offers a more economical version that’s just as glamorous. Right now it’s on sale for $149 (originally $162) on Ruelala.com (Join Ruelala for free by clicking here). The draped, pleated skirt and sweetheart neckline gives the dress a real sense of romance, while the semi-sheer mesh neckline adds some edge. We love the deep sapphire color–and the way they’ve styled the model with black tights–together it’s a great look for winter holiday party.
If you need to inject some style into your work wardrobe, I’d recommend a pencil skirt with personality, like this See by Chloé tan wool-blend skirt with a subtle, shimmery copper pinstripe. You can get it on sale at Outnet.com for $78 (originally $260): The skirt has great tailoring, including some short darts in the front, and a vent at the back of the hem, so you’ll look polished and put together. The copper pinstripe keeps the skirt from being blah; it’s like a classic camel colored pencil skirt with a little bit more style.
As the cool weather approaches, I have the instinct to jump into turtle necks and hoodies. But of course, that won’t really fly at the office. Instead, try this cowl neck top with ruched sleeves, $58 at one of my favorite Etsy stores, Tulle:
I like the texture of the cowl neckline and the ruched sleeves–they add some visual interest to any work outfit. The fabric, which is a spandex/cotton blend, maintains its shape for a more polished knitwear look. If you don’t like the charcoal color, it’s also available in black.
Weekend Wear
In my world, weekends are all about pajamas. So my jeans have to be as pajama-like as possible. If you feel the same way, and are looking to add to your jean line-up, I can highly recommend “jeggings,” or jean leggings, the evolution of the skinny jean. They sound a little silly but because of the comfortable and flattering, streamlined fit they offer they’re certain to stick around as a wardrobe staple. I like this AG pair in a versatile dark wash, on sale for $99 (originally $175) at Calypso, because the material is thicker–so, it offers the soft, stretchy comfort of a legging with the coverage of a jean:
These are light but warm, making them great for the upcoming summer-fall time of the year. The darker wash lets you dress them up or down so they’re great for a trip to the grocery store or a trip downtown for dinner.
If jeggings aren’t your jam, check out these skinny yet slouchy chino cargos by William Rast for $88: I like how they’re styled here, with the cuffs casually rolled up–very cute! But, as the weather gets colder, you’ll appreciate the tapered cuff that can be tucked easily under a boot or ankle bootie. This is the “Seagull” grey color–they also come in an “Almond” Khaki and a “Seaweed” Olive.
A light sweater is something I always have with me for the transition to fall. I love this breezy polkas cardigan with the gauzy dotted chiffon on the shoulders that slides into a bow tied on one side. It’s just barely under $100–available at Anthropology for $98:
I’m more likely to wear this on the weekend, but I think you could also incorporate it into your work wardrobe. If you prefer red to navy, it’s just as cute–maybe even cuter–with brown chiffon.
Accessories
Whether you add earrings, a belt, or a bag, accessories finish a look. As someone who would prefer to be in pajamas, I’m always grateful to the odd accessory that makes me look like I tried.
When it comes to belts, I love a pop of color at the waist. It draws the eye to the narrowest part of your silhouette and adds visual interest to any outfit. This red leather belt from Anna Molinari will do both. The deep burgundy color would look great with a black or camel skirt or dress slacks, or with jeans, and the double buckle detail makes it a unique piece that keeps your attention. You can get it on sale at Outnet.com for $66–a great deal since it was originally $330: For a pop of color around your neck, check out this beaded bib necklace from Anthropology, $68:
I love the way the strands are twisted and melt into different tones of green. It gives the piece great texture. I think the lady-like feel of the bib shape makes it appropriate for the office, while the unusual character of the beading makes it fun for a Saturday night. If you don’t like the green, it also comes in a brilliant, cheery yellow, as well as a dark and stormy gray.
Finally, you can’t beat the sweet simplicity of these Stella McCartney flats, on sale for $178 at Outnet.com:
We love the gold flecks in the sand-linen blend and the sweet bows that make these casual flats girly and very chic.
good taste 