Looks by Larissa: Black on Black

 

Today, I decided to wear an all-black ensemble. I wanted to show off my new H&M button-up crop top. I love this piece so much, because it is fabulous and very classic, plus it is flattering on me. The tie detail is,  by far, my favorite. I paired it with my favorite high-waisted vintage jeans. Next, I switched up the look by adding some strappy black wedges; the thick crisscrossing straps are super modern yet edgy. 

The final piece is a vintage jean jacket by Liz Claiborne. I like the look of the jacket, as it is very clean and it has shoulder padding, which gives it a retro look. It is definitely fun to match it with feminine clothing items, to create an interesting juxtaposition between them. The gray day set off the outfit perfectly, since we stopped by a farmland on our way back to Portland. 

Check out a detail shot after the break....

Looks by Larissa: Winter Day

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland, as my school’s campus was covered in snow. As the sun came out and glinted off of the white blanket of fresh snow, I decided to pick out a comfy, white knit sweater with a basic V-neck. Lately, I've found that I am drawn to knits with low or unusual neck lines, because they make even the most basic sweater interesting.

I picked this sweater up while vintage shopping. You can find some beautiful vintage sweaters if you are up for spending the time to look for them. I am rocking this H&M black circle scarf, because it was pretty chilly outside. I love finding different ways to experiment with this scarf. It is definitely a staple item in my closet. Again, I am rocking my awesome lace-up Dolce Vita boots. These shoes are easy to dress up or down, and they are surprisingly comfortable!

Shoe shot behind the jump...

Looks by Larissa: Leather Wedges

The gray day inspired me to wear something cozy as I walked to class through the misty morning. My slouchy Pendleton sweater is both warm and fuzzy, but it also works with almost any other outfit. Its unique blend of greens, reds, and purples makes it stand out, and every time I wear it, my friends never fail to make good comments about it. The shoes I am wearing are my latest purchase, which I am very excited about; I have worn them three times just this week! They are fur-lined, tan leather wedges that I picked up at Aldo’s shoe sale. As all of the stores are preparing for their spring clothing lines, now is a great time to pick up that sweater or pair of boots you’ve been wanting all season. The boots were more then half off, and after quickly trying them on, I was convinced; I even wore them out of the store!

Catch a detailed shot behind the jump...

Getting in the Wedge for Spring

This spring season shows that the hottest shoes for 2012 are wedges. They are sleek, fun, and chic, not to mention they are easy to dress up. These wedge sandals from Oscar de la Renta can be worn dressy or casual. A bold shoe of this magnitude can be worn as a "dress to impress" statement piece or for a coffee run. The multiple horizontal straps give them that edgy look that we strive for as fashionistas. We want to stand out, but of course we do not want to overkill.


We know what you're thinking: What jewelry or handbag would be most flattering for such a killer shoe? Go with bold jewelry pieces and a nice triangular-shaped tote bag. It is in the best interest for all fashion lovers to check out these additional accessories. After the jump, we have a triangular tote from Akris, a bold wooden style bracelet from Michael Kors, and the ultimate favorite (and definitely last but not least), a "bib" necklace from Aurelie Bidermann. These trendy pieces will leave the world wondering, "Who, what, when and where?"

War of the Wedges: Derek Lam vs. Ivanka Trump

Derek Lam (Left), Ivanka Trump (Right)

As the saying goes, fashion is “often imitated but never duplicated.” Unfortunately, that isn’t the case this time around, since there are seemingly identical pairs of wedges currently on the market. There is a brewing legal battle as Derek Lam recently took action against Ivanka Trump by accusing her of knocking off his footwear. 

An employee of Lam’s was browsing Bloomingdales’s site when they recognized Trump’s Cadie wedge sandals ($150) as a replica of Lam’s Ayami wedges ($780). Jan-Hendrik Schlottmann, CEO of Derek Lam, stated “We have seen very similar copies before, but we have never seen a shoe that perfectly copied.” Now Lam’s legal team is demanding Trump pull the shoes off shelves.

We look forward to hearing Trump's defense as these are pretty harsh allegations against the sartorial credibility of her brand. But scandal aside, we want to know – who do you think produced a better wedge? 

Text Jennifer Bernard
Image New York Magazine 
Source WWD

Summer Pieces to Wear This Winter

For most of us, the change of seasons is the perfect excuse for clothes shopping. It's too cold for summer's tank tops, and last year's jumper is pilled and paltry. Sadly, for a lot of us, buying a new wardrobe every time the temperature changes is simply unrealistic. But that doesn't mean we have to resort to hiding underneath a gargantuan parka all winter. Instead, we can reinvent our wardrobe by taking pieces from past seasons and styling them into fresh, new looks.

Maxi Dress — Long, airy, and often sleeveless, this dress is the veritable go-to on hot, summer days (and nights). Easily dressed up or down, it is a truly effortless piece. To transition your favorite maxi into winter, layer it over a pair of tights and a cropped, pull-over sweater to show off the body of the dress.

Cut-Offs — We all own a pair. Whether we like them super short or loose and casual, cut-off shorts are classic summer apparel. And, with the right accessories, you can show them off during the winter months, too. To balance out the skimpiness of the shorts, try wearing them with an oversized sweater or a boyfriend cardigan. Sleek black tights and structured black boots complete the winter grunge look.

Open-Toed Wedges — Open-toed shoes are not something that we normally think of wearing when it's freezing out. (Frostbitten toes don't exactly scream chic.) But summer wedges don't have to walk to the back of the closet just yet. When worn with thick tights or a pair of colorful socks, a sexy peep-toed effect is created that livens up any outfit.*

*NOT recommended in the snow!

Text Meghan Mardon 
Photo Stylebust

Ms. New Bootie

DKNY

As they reappear season after season, boots are perennial staples in our closets — most notably, fall's favorite footwear. The wedge ankle boot, a popular member of the boot family, is known for its simplicity and distinct silhouette. Designers are constantly drumming up ways to recreate the look of this footwear icon. So, it's no surprise that the beloved bootie graced the runway in fall 2011 collections with revamped style.

Check out ten of this season's fresh interpretations after the jump...

One More Pair To Add To Your Fall Collection: Flatforms

Sky high platforms and wedges are easy to find these days. In fact, it’s nearly a requirement for a true fashionista to incorporate at least 2 – 3 pairs into the revolving staples of her uniform. So what happens if the practicalities of your daily life simply don’t allow for you to ascend to new heights? Or what if you are over 5 ‘10” and simply don’t feel like tossing on an extra 5 to 6 inches to tower above, well, basically everyone?

For the girls that who love the look of the towering platforms but have a fear of heights, there is a compromise that has been around for a while now, but is still certainly worth a mention. The leg lengthening ‘flatform’ gives you a few extra inches while keeping your toes on an even playing field with your heel. Basically, you get to wear platforms without throwing off your center of balance. With just an inch or two of heel at the most, it’s sort of like faking high heels – and let’s be honest now, what girl wouldn’t want a day off from arched soles here or there, if she could still achieve the same look?

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source(s): Derek Lam, Telegraph Co

The Shoes Of Our Dreams Hails From Spain & A Place Where Heels Don't Hurt

After walking miles of city blocks on a shopping expedition ending in SoHo, we were pulled into the Camper Flagship store on Prince Street by a very knowledgeable industrial design friend. Camper is a store that features a bold selection of shoes for men and women in all styles and shapes. We were seriously perplexed at how strappy wedges could be ultimately so comfy.

Introducing a Camper... a company that really needs no introduction because of its ancient roots that began as a family business more than 120 years ago. These techniques and knowledge transcended time as the business was handed down from father to son. Long story short, the first Camper store took root in Barcelona--a city we love for its hip residents.

At Camper, it's obvious it's more about shoes. The company has perfected the way they make shoes, making design, comfort and style on top of its to-do list. We seriously love these shoes--go to one of the many global locations and try some on. Camper locations can be found in Aberdeen, Albany, Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Miami, and several other U.S. cities.

(Shoe) Label Watch: Finsk Wedges Bring You Four Inches Closer to Heaven

London-based Finsk launched in 2004 and has been making girls and certain kinds of boys happy ever since. Julia Lundsten, the Finnish-born designer behind Finsk, takes inspiration for her modern designs from architectural structures. The label was the recipient of the ELLE Accessories Design of the Year in 2010, and each pair of shoes is handcrafted in Brazil.

Yaddah, yaddah, yaddah, all I know is that these shoes have been haunting me since I first laid eyes on them. Every time I look at a pair they scream, "why do you not own me?" Why, why do I not own them? And then I'm reminded that there aren't enough digits in my bank account. This is a cruel, cruel world we live in.

Text Kristina Bravo

A Step Up for TOMS

Everyone loves TOMS shoes.The launch of “one for one” has made us all feel like we are making the world a better place, one shoe at a time. And now they are making that even easier by offering us shoe lovers, a TOMS 'Calypso' wedge.

Choose between two popular colors red stripe or navy stripe, both lined with the trademark soft leather lining and embossed TOMS logo on the back of the heel. Best part of all? For those of us shopping for the perfect 4th of July outfit, we need to look no further.

These beauties go for $69 on TOMS.com. They are just a bit more expensive than the original flats but who wouldn’t want to pay a little more for some extra height and longer looking legs? Much appreciation to the TOMS team for fulfilling our greatest desire: a pair of sandals that we can walk miles in while changing the world, one shoe at a time.


By: Amanda Chase

FINSK - A work of art for your feet

It is about time to give your feet the love they deserve. After all, they put up with your whole body weight a lot, and they get you from a to b. It's remarkable, really. So it's time to spend some of your spare money on some lovely shoes for your feet. They really do deserve it!

Not only are wedges great because they are easy to walk in but you can also go for the platform version and get an extra couple of inches. You'll feel as though your walking virtually flat. It doesn't get much better than that!

FINSK are offering these new color block wedges created by London based designer Julia Lundsten. With designs like this she has certainly made a great name for herself. Last year we were faced with great black pony hair wedges and now there's extra added color. You can purchase these fabulous black leather boots with the pink color block at OAK for $598. Not too bad when you're purchasing a work of art on your feet.