Tag Archives: oxfords

Sweater vesting

Ms. S&C would say she is having a sweater vest moment, but truth is she has been having a sweater vest moment her whole life.

I still have a vest from the Gap that I bought a hundred years ago when in high school. Even though it no longer fits and has one or two moth holes, it still sparks joy! I have another Fair Isle vest from my college years. Whatever one’s opinion is of the Gap now, it made some timeless classics 20+ years ago!

The prospect of Spring has me thinking about layers, and there is no better option for layering than a smart little sweater vest. Here are a few options that caught Ms. S&C’s eye recently.  

Need additional vest inspiration? Town & Country has a 15 Best Sweater Vests for Women, and even though this Vogue article is a few years old, it has swoon-worthy styles.  

As for shoes, Ms. S&C still has these Frye oxfords (from over a decade ago!) to complete her nerdy chic look.

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

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

Project Run-off

Four designers and only three spots — who will get the Project Runway boot and who will move on to compete at New York Fashion Week?

There’s actually only two designers and one spot. Emilio and Seth Aaron are shoo-ins, so the competition is between Mod Mila and Jaunty Jay. But, before the run-off, Tim makes his pleasant-yet-awkward home visits. He visits Seth Aaron in Vancouver, Emilio in New York City, Mila in Los Angeles, and Jay in San Francisco. These visits are pleasant because it is Tim Gunn. Yet awkward because the contestants’ families are invited, and you get the feeling there’s bound to be some uncomfortable silences (and trampoline jumping according to Movie Line). Tim was pretty feisty during his travels and didn’t let any designer off the hook. He told Seth Aaron to re-conceptualize; he told Emilio that his clothes lacked sophistication and looked old; Mila’s collection looked conservative and matronly, and Jay’s was gimmicky student work. Ouch, ouch, ouch, and ouch.

I thought Mod Mila and Jaunty Jay pulled it together though. Mila was true to herself and designed a retro-inspired black and white collection. Jay created more interesting pieces, but his collection all together was less cohesive.

Highlights from Jay’s collection. The look on the right is my personal fave.
I love the red leggings, shin-guards, and fitted coat with the high collar.

Highlight’s from Mila’s collection. The designs themselves don’t stand out,
but her retro inspiration is enough to secure a spot in the finale.

For the shoe pairing, how about these wing tip oxfords from Steve Madden? The black and white menswear-inspired style works with all Mila’s designs (and likely everything in her own closet).  Btw, Piperlime has oodles and oodles of oxfords to choose from. I definitely want a pair. Not sure I’m mod enough to pull off the black and white wing tips, but I want to…

posted by Ms. S&C