Menswear Meets Bali Style

by Laura Perkins

Top: Go Fish ||  Trouser Pants: Zara (old, similar)  ||  Shoes: Latigo (light grey)  || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique (old, similar)  ||  Bracelet: Stella and Dot (gold)  || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

Two weeks ago I had a desk side appointment with an editor at Vogue and I honestly did not know what to wear. I mean, seriously - what do you wear to Vogue?! (no pressure!!) I wanted something that looked professional yet had that cool, editor-chic vibe. After taking a good look through my closet and daydreaming for a second that I was Cher in Clueless with an outfit choosing computer program and revolving rack, I finally made my selection. I decided to go with this menswear inspired look of navy drawstring trousers paired with a bright tropical top. This gorgeous batik blouse is very special to me and is from this amazing store called Go Fish (available online and in Go Fish stores in GA, FL, SC, and VA). It's handmade in Bali using a really fascinating batik hand-dying process which actually takes 60-75 days to create each design and then dried in the sun (how cool is that?!)! The vibrancy of the colors are then dictated by how sunny or cloudy it is that day. Mine must have dried on a very sunny day in Indonesia because the color is so bold, making me feel like it represents spring that much more! :) The other fun thing about this top is that it's short in the front and longer in the back. You can wear it in all sorts of cute ways but here's a little styling secret to give you that polished yet laid back look - try a front tuck, especially if your pants are a little higher waisted. I think it's very flattering, especially with these trousers because it shows off the drawstring and leather waistband detail. I finished the look with a statement necklace, layers of bracelets and watch and my new 70's vibe Latigo clogs (btw, these are crazy on sale at Anthropologie right now!). These oxford style, wooden block heels are perfect with trouser pants. The Vogue editor even said she loved my shoes! (Yes!! I might have freaked out a little on the inside when that happened!!). And that's when my imaginary virtual Cher closet said "My work here is done."

Spring Shoe Guide

by Laura Perkins

Spring is finally here! Yippee! I'm so ready to stop wearing my winter garb and start rocking all the fun spring fashion! But what's been getting me really excited lately is all the gorgeous shoes this season! So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite shoe finds with you!

Bernardo invented the first modern day sandal in 1946 (umm no big deal!! This was a time when women were only wearing closed-toe shoes and gloves!) so you know you can trust them with stunning shoes that "free the feet!" These chic lace-up ankle wrap wedges are perfect for any day to night look. And you can wear these with just about anything which is why I've been crushing on them so much. I'm also a big fan of the flat "Morgan EVA" style seen here, both are also available in a rich luggage color.

I'm singing in the rain!! This Bernardo ankle rain boot is everything! I'm completely obsessed. It's so hard to find rain boots that you actually feel cute in. Well the search is over ladies! Plus, it doesn't even look like a rain boot (read: it's not shiny at all!) so you can totally wear these when the weather is nice! This boot comes in a variety of bold colors but I'm particularly loving the forest green.

Pikolinos Samoa (Brandy)

These laser cut out oxford heels from Spanish leather shoe brand, Pikolinos, might be some of the most comfortable shoes I own! They are the perfect combination of menswear with a feminine, vintage touch. The heel height is great because I can wear them all day long with jeans or a skirt for that laid back, polished look while my feet stay very happy!

These colorful, statement beaded heels are handcrafted by women of the Maasai Mara Tribe in Kenya and Tanzania. Pikolinos has partnered with The Maasai Project, an amazing cause where 100% of the proceeds for these gorgeous designs go back to empower these Maasai women, giving them a sustainable income and planting a seed of hope in Africa. I'm crazy about these sandals on their own but I love them that much more knowing what each purchase supports. So now you can look good and feel good!

Clogs are definitely having a moment right now! And this is my very first pair! I'm really digging the 70's trend so these wooden block heels with the retro tassel front and sling-black straps will instantly elevate any spring look. Sold at Anthropologie and Nordstrom, this boho-chic, vintage inspired brand, Latigo, makes adorable shoes at such a great price point! Most of the spring/summer collection is under $100! I personally like to pair these with a chic pair of trouser pants or jeans.

Transitional Pieces

by Laura Perkins

Hat: Anthropologie (old, similar)  || Sweater: Massimo Dutti (old, similar) 

Sweater: Massimo Dutti (old, similar)  ||  Jacket: Vintage Boutique in Austin, Texas (old, similar style at Urban Outfitters)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair* 

Sweater: Massimo Dutti (old, similar)  ||  Jacket: Vintage Boutique in Austin, Texas (old, similar style at Urban Outfitters)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Spring is around the corner!! And I can't be more excited! But if you're up North like me, you're still having to dress for the winter weather (it snowed the other day in NYC!). Here are two outfit ideas for transitioning into spring. 1) Retire your winter coat and layer a fitted leather jacket over a sweater with ripped skinny jeans. Roll up the bottom of your jeans in anticipation for somewhat warmer weather and pair with sleek ankle boots 2) Throw on a floppy hat to keep your head warm and add a pop of color. Style with your favorite textured knit. By the way, if you guys aren't familiar with Massimo Dutti (where I got this sweater), you need to check it out! It's a sister store to Zara and has beautiful clothing made in Turkey!

Okay, okay....you got me! If you didn't already notice from the leaves on the ground...yes, these pictures were taken in the fall. But I am currently wearing this outfit and think it's perfect for transitioning into fall or spring!

Beauty Tip: As a New Yorker, I know we all love to wear our greys and blacks but try adding a pink lip for a little color to brighten up your look!

 

Gatsby, What Gatsby?

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Madewell (no longer available but here are similar options)  || Shoes: DSW (old)  || Necklace: Adorned (my jewelry collection)

I don't know about you, but I love 1920's style. It was such an exciting time in fashion. Whenever I watch Downton Abbey or The Great Gatsby, I'm just in awe of how beautiful everything was back then. I even had a Gatsby themed birthday party two years ago! It was the best!! I think it can be tough though sometimes to pull off a 1920's look for everyday without feeling like you're in a costume. But when I found this dress at Madewell at one of their crazy, too good to be true, you're practically losing money by not buying it sales (read $29 from the original $200+ price!!), I almost fell over! And I'm so sorry to tell you that it is no longer online but I have linked to their other gorgeous dresses that are on sale right now (woo hoo!!), a lot of which have the similar dropped waistline (the signature silhouette of the era). I like that this dress is still so modern with the sheer details and polka dot/stripe pattern. And the rich teal color is so chic! I'll admit that sometimes I question if shift dresses or dropped waistlines are flattering on me but I think it's fun to change things up and not always have dresses fitted at the waist. Plus I think it's nice to be able to hide your curves with a looser silhouette. No one will know when you have that extra slice of pizza! And you can show your feminine figure through your arms and legs instead. Leave the rest a mystery! It also just makes me smile to think this dropped waistline style was created for women to kick their heels up and dance! I sometimes think I was born in the wrong decade and would have done well in the 1920's! Especially since the boyish figure was so popular back then! Hah! Yay, Women's Movement!

Styling tip: When you're wearing black tights (sadly us northerners might still have to for the next few weeks until it warms up more), I think it looks nice to offset with colored heels. Black shoes with black tights can sometimes blend together. So if you're wearing a colored dress, try grey heels or ankle boots to make them pop!