Tag Archives: fall 2010

Not your husband’s shoes

When Ms. S&C was on her way to work recently, a man walked by and said: “Your husband is going to be mad.” Ms. S&C, a little puzzled, responded: “I’m sorry. Excuse me?” The man said: “Your husband is going to be mad because you’re wearing his shoes.”

Ms. S&C was wearing these Frye oxfords during said encounter. There’s not much to say really: she loves them. Loves, loves, love them. Not only for the cognac color and the soft leather, but because they are the second most comfortable shoes she owns (the first being her Justin cowboy boots, which have a very similar structure). She has worn these oxfords with shorts, with mini skirts and with jeans. Now, she needs to find the perfect wide-leg, wool, camel-colored trousers. (If you spot some, alert her, will ya?).

And, in case you haven’t noticed, Mr.-you-should-try-another-line-that-is-more-charming, oxfords are everywhere. These J.Crew high-heel oxfords are another awesome example. The combo of the wool herringbone fabric and leather give them a funky, vintage appeal. Or, how about these cool, two-toned (and at a much better price) Nine West lace-ups in dark grey?

To complete Ms. S&C’s menswear look? Get the lady a whiskey, please.

posted by Ms. S&C

Three (farm-related) things

Three quick things. All farm-related (sort-of).

(photo from The Sartorialist)

(1) Farmer’s Market Chic

Ms. S&C loves this farmer’s-market-chic-look. Perfect blue eyes (that match the shirt, that match the apron). Perfect use of the tie. Perfect hat. Perfect coat. Perfect rugged pants. Perfect weathered boots.

(photo from little brown pen)

(2) Applejack

Hello, fall produce. Ms. S&C is glad you’re here. Ms. S&C is also glad she recently came across Applejack (apple brandy) in her bookclub book “The Group.” Now, she must use it in a punch, in an Old-Fashioned, in something! (Especially if that something includes apple cider, fresh sliced apples, and maybe a dash of maple syrup?)

(3) Country-rock

The Flying Burrito Brothers: the Gram Parsons’ band that made country music cool — the band that made 70’s rock laid back — is in heavy rotation in the S&C household. Ms. S&C thinks you should listen to the “Hot Burritos” anthology album, particularly songs: Dark End of The Street, Hot Burrito #1, The Train Song, Image of Me, and their cover of Wild Horses.

The three things blog posts give Ms. S&C an opportunity to share a combination of shoe and cocktail-related finds, along with something else. That something else usually includes music or yoga.

posted by Ms. S&C

Talk me down

Can someone talk me out of these, please?

This J. Crew silk and wool dress isn’t perfect for fall, right? It probably wouldn’t look good with (black or brown) opaque tights and boots. It isn’t the grown-up glamour I talked about for my fall wardrobe. And, I’m sure it wouldn’t look good with my black booties, my new oxfords, or these Tory Burch riding boots.

I don’t need these quilted boots, do I? I mean, who wants this mixture of nylon and leather textures? And, who cares if they would look good with my skinny jeans and the plaid flannel shirt I just bought at Target? Plus, they wouldn’t go well with my brown corduroy mini… Oh, good grief.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you need her to talk you out of?

posted by Ms. S&C

Miss Mojito Meets Fall

Miss Mojito is finally at a stage where she can embrace fall in all its brisk glory. I’m ready to meet the season full of cheer, and for good reason. Fall is prime shopping time in the Mojito household, and this season in particular brings the perfect storm of colors, pieces and patterns that are calling my name. Those cold-weather staples that mark the start of a cool new season are some of my favorite shopping indulgences – and the reason that my checking account has taken a significant dip as of late. Here’s why.

Coats and Jackets
Cropped leather moto-jackets and luxe faux-leopard coats are haunting my dreams these days. I couldn’t resist a black pleather bomber-style jacket with an oversized shearling collar from H&M – and for $30, there was no need to resist! This Burberry Prorsum jacket is the original inspiration.

Sweaters
I’m stocking up on thin layering v-necks and cardigans, and am pining for some chunkier, sweater-coat style knits.

Hosiery
When the cold weather sets in, you’ll find me wearing tights six out of seven days a week! This season, I plan to invest in several patterned pairs in neutral shades. But I plan to take things up a notch by layering tights and delicate printed socks – a sheer, polka-dot pair is my favorite hosiery purchase so far, and they look lovely when peeking out of the top of. . .

Boots!
Here at S&C, it’s no surprise that I’m something of a boot addict. Fall always finds me lusting after boots galore. Lace-ups with chunky heels, like this pair by Deena & Ozzy from Urban Outfitters, hold a spot of honor on my wish list.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, sartorially speaking.

Miss Mojito wants to know: What’s on your fall fashion forecast?

Posted by Miss Mojito.

Three quick things: rain boots, beer, magazines

Three quick things.

(1) Hunter Rain Boots
A friend emailed saying she was on the lookout for a pair in orange or green. (And after all this rain, DC, aren’t we all?) PS: I kinda like the red ones for myself.

(2)  Punkin Ale
Our suitcases are hardly unpacked, and we still don’t have much food in the fridge, but you can find Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale in the house. With its hints of pumpkin and brown sugar, I say: Hello, Fall.

(3) S&C Reading Material: The New Yorker
I just finished the September 20, 2010, issue of The New Yorker, and it is jam-packed with awesomeness. There’s an article about Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg (did you know he’s a huge fan of The West Wing?). The article on Mickey Drexler, J. Crew’s CEO, is pretty interesting (I love and hate that he uses an intercom). There’s a feature on a very cool fourteen year-old fashion (and very successful) blogger, Tavi Gevinson. And finally, there’s a short, funny segment on Pavement tickets (funny because, I, too, bought Pavement tickets many, many months ago, but smartly opted for Will Call).

posted by Ms. S&C

Biz Cas (and so much more)

Fall wardrobe planning continues! Last week, Ms. S&C highlighted a few favorite items from Anthropologie. This week, she’s sharing items from another one of her favorite retailers: Banana Republic.

With the help of the Give & Get 30% off special, Ms. S&C was able to *get* the below items (and *give* a percentage of the sale to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). I know what you’re thinking: everything is gray and black. Where is the color, Ms. S&C? Where is the boldness? Where is the glamour, you speak of? Why is everything so…so business casual?

Biz Cas

Ms. S&C’s fall wardrobe picks: items that are versatile
and so much more.

While Ms. S&C does want to infuse some glamour in her wardrobe, another important element is versatility: the ability to mix and match (and the ability to wear the items to work). Accessories are, of course, another major element: shoes, bags, belts, statement jewelry, fun scarfs, gloves, and tights. (Good lord, don’t forget the tights!) Textured or printed tights can transform the ruffle skirt (though, it is silk and pretty fabulous on its own) into something spectacular. A studded belt can help give the herringbone jacket some edge. And, a bold printed scarf up top, those leggings (and the chic suede booties) on bottom — you can put together a kick ass outfit.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What do you like for this fall? What items do you want in your closet this season?

posted by Ms. S&C

Grown-up glamour

Last fall, Ms. S&C aspired to dress boldly. She wanted bright, rich colors and prints (paisley and polka dots were favorites). This year, she still wants color and prints — and a certain level of boldness — but also glamour.

Ms. S&C wants glamour in a grown-up way. She wants style that is charming, a little mysterious, a little adventurous, a little sexy, but also smart.

A good example: this floral dress from Anthropologie. When trying it on, Ms. S&C knew she was in love with this dress before she even headed to the full length mirror for a glimpse. The brilliant floral print, the ultra feminine neckline, the sculptural cap sleeves, the striking waistband: it is glamorous, it is flattering, it is work appropriate, and it is a great transition dress. Ms. S&C can wear it now with nude slingbacks (she already has!), and she can wear it in the fall with black tights and some simple black pumps.

Another favorite from Anthropologie is this Tracy Reese print dress. With a price tag slightly under $300, this is an aspirational buy. Again, we’ve got a funky print, combined with a great collar and delicate silver buttons. The classic design makes it feel grown-up, but the whimsical print and silk fabric makes it feel glamorous.

As for shoes, Ms. S&C already has shoes in her closet that work well with both dresses (her black platform peep-toes from last fall are certainly an option).

Anthropologie also has an incredibly unique footwear selection. You don’t need a great dress when wearing Anthropologie shoes — they are showstoppers unto themselves. Here are a few of Ms. S&C’s early favorites. Love the thicker-heel trend this season. Love that curry color on the peep-toes, that rose detail on the black pumps, and a pair of oxfords will be in my closet stat!

Ms. S&C wants to know: What fall trends do you like? What new items do you plan on having in your closet this season?

posted by Ms. S&C

Breaking Shoe News

Miss Mojito just received a phenomenal shoe delivery. So phenomenal, in fact, that a live, breaking news update was in order. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to what will undoubtedly be my favorite shoe of fall and the pre-fall transition season: the Ginara Clog.

I’ve heard all the talk about how the clog is just huge for fall, and I had my doubts – it’s an inherently unfeminine and slightly clunky shape. But clunky, I’ve learned, isn’t always a bad thing when it comes to shoes. Banana Republic has taken the clog and feminized it, adding a lovely sling back (all the better for walking) and a slightly rounded toe. I’m obsessed with the wooden base, the hardware detailing and the gray suede.

This is the first shoe I’ve bought from Banana Republic, and I’m as pleased as punch. And thanks to a combination of discount cards and sales, I got these for a steal at $50 off!

When the box arrived at my office today and I finally got around to opening it, I broke into a chorus of Alleluias – literally. Then I quickly put them on and walked around the office for five minutes to show everyone how happy I was with these shoes – really.

This is such a fantastic purchase because I deliberated for just ages on whether or not to take the clog plunge. I visited two Banana Republic stores in person with no luck locating this particular pair, and since the Web site doesn’t have a picture of a model wearing the shoes, I just couldn’t envision their beauty. Until now.

Added bonus: they’re available in a rich, brown leather too. Which, honestly, I might just have to buy as well. They’re that amazing.

Posted by Miss Mojito.