V-Style

Sarah Jessica Parker Designs Shoes

Sarah Jessica Parker may have disappointed me when she designed Bitten for Steve & Barry's, but I am  pleased to report she has picked up her game for her new fashion line designed exclusively for Nordstrom. Catering to her Carrie Bradshaw image, the SJP collection has a focus on luxury shoes. One heeled goodie even holds the moniker, Carrie, although the feminine pump seems a bit simple for Carrie's taste. In fact most of the heels are quite simple. Some are simply boring, while others are more fresh with smooth lines, feminine feels and the occasional bold color. If they turn out to be comfortable, I have a feeling some of these will become a staple in many women's wardrobe, including myself. I plan on trying om the slim Avio sandal in blue and the Stella Sandal in red when they hits stores Feb 28th. I am also looking forward to slipping into the navy trench coat, and checking out the handbags.

The SJP collection is priced between $195 to just under $500 and will be available in 25 Norstrom locations as well as a special Manhattan pop-up location at 372 West Broadway in Soho New York, and online. 

Client Favorite: Sabrinas Ballet Flats

There comes a shoe in every woman's life that becomes more than a shoe. It becomes a friend. I'd like to introduce you to your new friend, Sabrina. Sabrinas shoes are made entirely in Spain (how is that country in trouble when they make such wonderful shoes?!) and are freakishly comfortable, especially their London flat. It comes in brown, pink, baby blue, grey leopard, and black. I personally own the brown, the grey leopard, and I just ordered a second pair of the black. It might seem a little excessive, but they are the most comfortable ballet flat that has ever graced my feet. They feel like slippers. Usually when I come home, I take my shoes off right away, with these I don't. A stylish ballet flat that feels like house slippers is a solid win. Especially now that they are on sale. My client yesterday especially enjoyed that fact. She also enjoyed that back of the shoe. At first she thought it stick into the back of her heel. I almost hyperventilated in my excitement. "No! They won't! Feel how soft it is! It just a flap of softness." 

Stylish Navy Flats & Navy Heels

SoftWalk $99.95

You know how I feel about black. It does not excite me, and I use it sparingly with my clients. In some cases I eliminate black from their wardrobe entirely. In these cases, all those myths about the basic black purse, dress, heels, flats and pants fly out the window. No black? What are you to do without black? You go navy. Navy is a far more fun dark neutral than black. The only problem is... navy can be a difficult color to get ahold of. Fortunately, there are a few more options these days, although it is still pulling out a dragon's teeth to find one. That certain east coast woman is throwing up her arms in agreement.

Despite it's perceived rarity I was able to find some delightful choices for us. I am looking forward to pairing the black and navy shoe above with my navy and black blazer by DKNY.

MICHAEL Micahel Kors $98.95

Me Too $89.95

J.Crew $238

Toms $47.95

Charles David $98.95

Ugg $109.95

Sam Edelman $89.95

Vince Camuto $59.90

Best Running Shoes For Street Running

blazer: ZARA, tank: BAR 111, jeans: GAP, shoes: Nike

I've searched extensively for glorious ballet flats and boots that embody stylish comfort in walking heavy cities like New York and London. It is amazing the collection of beautiful yet comfortable footwear I have acquired, but it turns out stylish footwear deteriorates quickly when you try to, basically, use them like athletic shoes. My AGL's were not made to lasts numerous hikes across Manhattan and London. Needless to say, it is not cost effective to keep purchasing fashionable flats to use as walking shoes. I have finally accepted that some days do call for an authentic athletic shoe. My shoe search started anew for a cute sneaker. After ten try-on's I selected Nike's 'Free 3.0 v5' running shoe. The comfort and fit was spot on, but it was the lean shape and bold color that sold me.

When styling my new running shoes, it was important to create an outfit that worked with the tone of the shoes without creating a gym outfit. Inspired by Amid Privelege's post, I paired them with rolled up jeans. For the first time in my entire life, I feel stylish in sneakers. This look is perfect for a day of exploring a new city on foot, or working on set. I planned on wearing this on Monday when I dayplayed for the new series, The Last Ship, but ended up going with a warmer outfit as the 5am call time was quite brisk. 

This post could end here, but it doesn't. I packed these cute shoes for my trip to London intending to use them only for stylish purposes, but in my packing frenzy, I forgot to pack my actual running shoes intended for running. When I realized this, I simply threw on the new purple Nike's and proceeded on my run. It turns out these actually are running shoes. Not only that, the best running shoes I have ever had. 

A little background, I have been running for 16 years. The only break I took was when I was thrown from a horse and couldn't walk, let alone run. Otherwise I run around 3 miles four to six times a week. Throughout my running career, I have tried a lot of different shoes. At one point I was running in shoes from Target and wondered why my feet were hurting. It turns out your shoes matter. And now I really get it. These shoes are incredibly thin and light weight, yet I can't feel any hard impact from the street. I feel like I am running on air. Another contradiction, you'd think the thinness would be a bad idea in London's cold, but my feet felt amazingly protected from the chill. The shoes seem to keep your feet at the perfect temperature because when I then switched to San Diego's unexpected hot weather last week, my feet were still  at the perfect temperature. I am wildly impressed. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. This shoe was not gifted, it was purchased at full price. 

Cole Haan Boots Fall 2013

Cole Haan is kind of my boot bitch. Every fall and winter, Cole Haan makes a boot that I must show a handful of clients as it speaks to numerous personal styles. This year, I am thinking the Air Cara will be my go to brown heeled boot for dressy occasions and cold days you just want to be fabulous. Yes, it has a tall heel, and ordinarily I would only look at it and move on, but Cole Haan makes heels comfortable. Maybe it's that Nike Air sole, but I think their thicker heel and solid platform is also working in our favor. I say brown, because the black just isn't doing it for me. The chestnut brown looks luxe, feels fresh and it is that perfect not too dark, not too light brown. It is not going to fade into your brown leggings like some dark boots do. 

Those I would advise against this boot is anyone under a 30-inch inseam (shorter legs). With a 15.5 shaft, your legs need to be of average length or longer so it does not bump into your knees. Other than that, the calf circumference has a 15-inch opening that should work fine for skinny calves once they are clothed in pants, and work wonderfully for those with a 14-inch circumference calf. You generally want a boot opening to be about one inch wider than your calf to allow the pant to fit comfortably. If your calf has a circumference of 15-inches or wider, skip this boot. I will recommend some wide calf boots later this season. 

How To Find The Perfect Boot

Naya Virtue Boot $113.86

I am hunting boots. Much like Elmer Fudd in his pursuit of Bugs Bunny, I'm obsessed with catching one in particular. I want the perfect tall, but not too tall, light brown boot. I am searching everywhere from Brand Boudoir to Nordstrom. In order to find, try on and buy my perfect boot, I have ordered two large orders from Zappos. I have also ordered a medium sized selection from Nordstrom and plan to try on many a boot tomorrow at Macy's. You see, I need to try on thirty boots before I buy becasue we shouldn't have a lot of boots. Heels? Go wild, bring in another pair. Flats? Even better! Can't have too many, I wear out flats so fast... but a boot - a boot is a very special thing. First of all, boots take up a lot of space, therefore you want less. Just like an Ivy League college, if you can only let in a small percentage of the applicants, you want the best. In creating this small collection, get ready to spend money. You can absolutely tell the difference between a cheap boot and an investment boot. Embrace the investment and in doing so beceome even more selective. You don't want to regret dropping that $300, $500, or $700. A boot at this price is going to last. It will mold to your foot. You will oil it. You will resole it when it gets sad. You can have this boot for life, so your pickiness will be well worth it. The result of your diligence in your search will produce a beautiful or eccentric, wonderfully durable and perfectly luxurious boot.

When seeking boot perfection, make sure every angle satisfies you. Don't focus on the profile, look at the front view as well. Take a look at the back. Look at the threads, the construction and the inner workings as well. Look how it bends when you walk, and make sure it has the right height and shaft circumference. If you are tall, Frye caters to your 5' 10" stature. If you are short, try a mid-calf boot. If you have muscular or narrow calves, request this from your sales associate, but best to go online and specifically search for wide or narrow calf boots. 

When searching online, look everywhere. Try every department store (Macy's is far better in person though), amazon.com and Zappos. If you still can't find your personal perfection, try resources you may not have looked at before like Bell Shoes, Lotus Shoes, shoes.com and Ann Taylor. Never settle.

Although I have yet to find my perfect tall, but not too tall, light brown boot in my vicious boot seeking, I did find my perfect dark brown heeled day boot at Nordstrom. Besides it's perfect rugged elegance and fabulous sale price, I love the butter soft leather and its recycled properties. This Naya boot has a recycled cork sole and biodegradable insole.

Peter Kaiser Metallic Heels

It is so easy to stick to your tried and true. Even as a stylist, when I consider branching out to new designers, stores and products, I am often disappointed by the quality, service, fit, the price, and/or return policy, but that must not stop us. There are amazing things we don't know about. Often I am forced to branch out when my tried and true can't give me what I need... like silver shoes. Yes, gold is my lover, but we still need silver tones for certain looks. Finding a great silver shoe is like finding $20 on the ground. Yes, it happens, but not all that often. Thankfully I just found that $20 bill at Mozimo. Peter Kaiser Susa classic court shoes in taupe metallic looks like the perfect silver shoe that can do work, weekend and party. You can pair these with slacks, jeans, skirts, dressy shorts, professional frock, day dresses and cocktail dresses. The texture, the shape, the reasonable height and the shade all meet my criteria. I'm looking forward to the next client in need of silver foot goodness. 

Amalfi by Rangoni Footwear Catalogue Shoot

Holding the hard copy of one's efforts and ideas is an addictive feeling of lasting delight. Last week, while preparing for Rangoni's Fall 2013 catalogue, I finally laid my eyes on Rangoni's Spring 2013's catalogue. I absolutely adore catalogue shoots. I love refreshing and remixing a brand's line. Some of my highlights of this shoot includes mixing nautical stripes with orange boat shoes, making loafers sexy, pink shoulder poufs, and the female power team. Model Kim Cozzens is a vivacious delight, San Diego Make-up Artist Atonella Anibale is an on point talent, and Creative Director Jenny Carlsson's warm professionalism leads to a strong vision and joyful set.

The Pieces & Trends You Should Invest In

Bloomingdale's $170

There is a time and place to buy cheap. These items tend to be the garments you wear once or replace often like tights and Tees. Especially when it comes to T-shirts... that soft cotton Tee really does feel and fit quite similar whether it is Forever 21 or Helmut Lang, and both will end up mangled after one toss in the washing machine. Then there are the moments that call for cash. Obviously if you have the budget, buying high quality is a great idea 95% of the time, but whether you are making $300,000 a year or $30,000 a year, these are the items you should invest in...

Gold & Silver Studs

Studs are essential for the gal who loves necklaces and the woman who adores simplicity. Fake gold & silver studs will tarnish easy, look trashy and need replacing. After dropping the money to replace them over and over again, might as well drop the money all at once and put sterling silver and 14k gold in your ears.

The Everyday Watch

If you are wearing a watch everyday, you are going to want a quality one that will last. 

Jeans For The Jean Lover

If you live in jeans, splurge on Citizens of Humanity, Paige or whatever designer jeans hug your ass right. You will get that great fit, less stretch and lasting glory. 

The Perfect Purse

Butter leather, perfect pockets, and stunning color is not going to cost $40. Drop the dollars on the everyday, everywhere purse. 

Versatile Flats

I am horrified by the amount of uncomfortable flats, priced both high and low. Take the time to try on shoe after shoe, walk quickly around the store numerous times and then spend the money on the flat that can keep up, blister-free. I have found cheaper shoes that are comfortable, but inevitably deteriorate after I have stomped around in them. I work shoes hard. A cheap pair will break down and become uncomfortable in the end. 

Attilio Giusti Leombruni $298

Boots

Cheap boots are extremely obvious, let in water and chill, and often offer no support. Search for the perfect boot in color, comfort and style, and then splurge. You will find you may not have to replace them for at least a decade if you take care of them. If you wear them hard and often, polish them and eventually resole them. A quality boot is made like a car. With the right maintenance, expect to have it for ages and then hand it down to your 16-year-old child. 

 Statement Necklace

Just like boots, a cheap statement necklace is extremely obvious. Search out a versatile, amazing statement necklace and drop the dollars. 

Investing and splurging is not for the indecisive. Investing in a piece is a commitment. You are vowing to love it for an extended period of time. If you are still unsure of your style, investing does not make sense. You need to know you will wear the jeans often, sport that necklace every other week or strap on that watch every morning. Otherwise it becomes a waster instead of a saver. Finding the perfect garment and spending an unusual amount of money on it is to ensure you don't waste money purchasing numerous items of similar characteristics. So often we buy something to tide us over for various reasons or get impatient and purchase something only close to our desires. In order to invest in fashion, you need to have patience, and you need to get to know yourself.

J.Crew $165

What have you invested in? Share in a comment below.

The Best Places To Shop

Ted Baker

People are always asking me where I take my clients shopping. Generally, I reply with, "No store is safe from me." I shop everywhere from independent boutiques, to online only retailers, and scour Fashion Valley Mall's selection of stores. It all depends on the client's size and style. For instance, for my plus size women, I shop Nordstrom's plus size section, Macy's plus size section, stop into Chico's for a few pieces and occasionally JC Penny's. Beyond that it's out shopping list that dictates...

Nordstrom is my go-to for dresses, diverse jeans, bohemian styles, quality trendy pieces, comfy casual looks from Halogen and Caslon, and slimming basics. If we are looking for business looks, I immediately look through Classiques pieces. I also check in with Elieen Fisher and Nic + Zoe for certain clients.  To continue their roll, I love Nordstrom's lingerie section for bras, leggings, slimming undergarments and tights. I use their BP section for petite clients, and trendier styles. 

Bloomingdale's has amazing cashmere, good jeans selection, specific brands and fabulous sales. I go here for Theory slacks and separates, their Joie selection, Tory Burch sweaters, BCBG pieces, and higher quality Aqua pieces. I love Aqua's casual dresses. Our San Diego location also carries Ted Baker goodies, Karen Millen dresses and a solid section of bras and formal dresses. 

I use J. Crew for shorts, a shoe or two, a jacket or two, a dress or two, their belts and casual pants. They also have an amazing jewelry piece or two. It only takes a moment to shop in J. Crew. You just get your few peices and go.

Ann Taylor is my go-to for slacks. They also have a great top every now and then, an appropriately sexy pump or flat, and on trend jewelry you can use for the office and play time. I also use Banana Republic for their accessories, but next to never use their clothes for my female clients. I adore their men's clothing, though. 

Although I recently had to write a stern letter for their customer service, Macy's is amazing for accessories. From socks and belts to jewelry and shoes, Macy's has a great selection and delicious sales. Although I rarely use them for clothing, I love their coat selection and their Bar 111 brand. Their Impluse section in general is useful for myself and younger, edgier clients that I shop without. I don't like taking clients with me to Macy's due to the messiness and under developed sales staff. 

Zappos.com is another must shop on my roster. I constantly use them for shoes, handbags and the occasional garment. For sunglasses, I use Nordstrom and Sunglass Hut.

The last noteworthy store is Zara. For my size 8 clients and under, I shop here for jackets, unique pieces, basic leggings and tops, and jewelry. I never use their shoes.

Of these stores, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Zappos and Banana Republic are affiliate advertisers on my blog. When you click on a link to one of these stores from V-Style, I make a small commission if you purchase something. I pursued them as advertisers because I love them. Without these stores, especially Nordstrom and Zappos, my job would be incredibly difficult. The rest of these stores on my list; Zara, Macy's, Ann Taylor, J Crew and such, have chosen not to advertise with me, but that does not stop me from writing about them. You can always trust that I am recommending the brands, styles and specific pieces that I am recommending to my clients or using myself. I often decline advertisers because I don't approve of the product or store.