Fabulous Flats

OH, fashionistas. Since I last blogged, so much as happened. Seattle shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (I am proud to report not only did I track down every item on my wish list, I also provided fabulous finds for some of my favorite fellow fashionistas), suffered through a massive heat wave (which really did not coordinate well with all the fall merchandise we just bought at the Anniversary Sale – perhaps that explains why no one seemed able to dress for the record-breaking weather), and celebrated the annual Sea Fair (another occasion where people had wardrobe issues; this time, it seemed women opted not to get dressed at all… a rather disturbing choice for most observers in nearby boats – such as myself and the husband – yikes!)

Also – amidst the chaos of all the above, the husband discovered a MASSIVE SPIDER in our kitchen! This is not an exaggeration – this little monster was 4 inches in diameter. (Or is that radius? Who cares. It was huge!) It was a pretty monumental moment in our short marriage, so I am noting it here. Five minutes post-spider-death, I heard what sounded like a Lamaze class taking place in my bathroom. No, it was just the arachnophobia husband, panting and taking deep yoga breaths, still recovering from the act of killing the biggest spider ever. As he smashed it (I am pretty sure there were tears of fear in his eyes), he viciously yelled, “And tell your family!” I kid you not. The man sent the spider a death message for his relatives. Again, this is what I live with.

Back to the happenings - last but not least, this little fashionista got a new job! But don’t worry! It is still in the fashion industry and it is really even more fabulous. Yet, this new endeavor requires me to be even quicker on my feet… meaning, wait for it… yes, I have had to stoop so low (literally) as to purchase flats. Multiple pairs, in fact! You may feel as depressed as I, knowing that the lie I have been living for years as a 5’5” person is over, but I promise you, this new gig is definitely worth it, and my feet are thanking me already. (Another bonus - I predict these shoes are going to be extremely helpful in my spider-smashing future.) So, at least a couple days a week, I am back to 5’1”. (Pitiful.) Considering I have not purchased flats in years (except for those gladiators you know I love), I did some major research on my purchases, and am here to enlighten you as well. Below are my favorites. Be sure to let me know if you find any good ones, too!

First... let's be honest; they are FLATS, so we don't want to deposit a whole paycheck into them like we might do for some Chanel pumps. Instead, let's be practical for once. First things first - we need a perfect pair of black flats to go with anything and everything. This one is ideal - it's the beloved patent, but a simple shape, and a sneaky little tiny heel, to provide a bit of height - just enough! Plus, Jessica Simpson, despite her romance problems, actually makes pretty comfortable shoes. Or, the Ruby and Bloom is a perfect little ballet flat - so reminds me of Gwyneyth Paltrow - effortlessly simple and chic. (I love it in the metallic colors too - I might buy a few of these actually!)

Then, we need a pair that will go with all of our basic black, but also back to solid colors. Something to jazz up our outfits a bit. We may be a few inches lower, but hey, we can still feel fab! So, let's rock the animal print. I LOVE these leopard ones by my friend Charles by Charles David, and I think they are a great price too.


Happy speed walking, fashionistas! Could it be - the flatter the shoes, the faster you shop?? Hmmmm.... i'll let you know.

Sweet, sweet season of weddings

Well fashionistas, we’re in the midst of sale season, which we all know keeps us busy enough, but now we are in the dead heat of my other favorite season – nope, you know me better than to think it would be something as trivial as “summer.” Wedding season is officially in full swing! I kicked it off on Saturday, when one of my nearest and dearest friends (you may remember her as the sparkly Vegas bachelorette) wed her high school sweetheart on the 4th of July. Fortunately for me, she chose a darling sunshine yellow dress, and the nicest-bride-ever let us pick our own shoes! Of course, I went with the sky-high Charles by Charles David camel colored heels with gold accents. Perfect for looks, not so perfect for my walk down the bumpy grass aisle… never mind that. (However, if in the market for something that will take you from 5'1 to 5'6, visit his website.)

However, most times we attend weddings, we are not part of the privy bridal party, and must get dressed on our own. Here is where I come to the rescue…

A few helpful hints to help you look almost as cute as these people from Martha Stewart Weddings magazine (see pic above - they are adorable):

1. Select your outfit sometime other than the DAY OF the wedding. Picking something out an hour before is an obvious recipe for disaster. I've been there, and ended up frantically buying duct tape at a gas station to hold my dress to my chest... try waking up with that situation in the morning!

2. While you’re behaving as a good fashionista, creating the perfect ensemble a few days prior to the big event, do your research! Most of the vital stats can be learned from the invitation – so make sure your husband/lover/roommate/mother/dog/whoever does not throw that precious piece of paper away! The time of the ceremony is a major hint; afternoon = more casual, after 5 = more dressy, probably cocktail-ish. The location of the reception is another giveaway; outside = more casual, downtown hotel or venue = more dressy. And, since you are a few days out, if you are super confused, you have time to call someone who would know the answer, but would probably be too VIP on the day of the wedding to talk to you.

3. Please dress your mate appropriately. Whoever is the “true” fashionista in the relationship (and I know there are many men who fill this important role), make sure your outfits coordinate. For example, when you go with the girl in the sunshine dress, you don’t wear a dark, dreary winter suit. (I am proud to report that this was not us! The husband showed up dressed to IMPRESS this time, and I have pictures to prove it! I just can't figure out how to get them off the camera.) You can take a cue from my best-dressed hubby; summer, outdoor wedding, accompanying a date in bright cotton dress… boy’s outfit translates to: cute khaki-ish pants (not straight, old fashioned khakis, but ones with a slight pattern or texture – I love any of the chino styles from j.crew), light-colored striped button-shirt, brown leather slip on shoes, and brown belt. Effortless.

4. Yes, wedding season can be stressful, chaotic, busy – like I said, it can overtake your summer, just like our treasured sales! However, under NO circumstances should you attend a wedding with overlapping guests in the EXACT. SAME. OUTFIT. That, my fashionistas, is a faux-pa we just cannot forgive. So make a note on the calendar, take a Polaroid, do what you must, but when you are celebrating this summer, you better be doing so in something different each time around. (With resources like your friend’s, sister’s, mom’s closets, Target, H and M, Forever 21… trust me, you can make it happen.)

And this, my fashionable friends, is how it's done. Instead of struggling with style, you will SAIL right through the beloved wedding season, making me proud along the way.