Fourth of July FlyIt's Independence day, and while some people still really celebrate the United States' liberation from England, I'm sure there are a bunch of folks who are happy to have a few days of freedom from the office. Oh, plus there's the parties, cookouts and great food. You've already decided which invitations you're accepting and which dishes you're bringing where. The only dilemma: what do you wear on your feet? Stilettos get stuck in the grass, but it can be hard to look hot in flats and flip flops (vacation suggestions coming soon, though). Don't forget you might stop by that pool party at some point, and your girl made sure the guy lineup is tasty as her famed apple pie. My suggestion (by now y'all know it's the StyleScrybe way to stand above the crowd): W-E-D-G-E-S to accent your patriotic palette. All the choices out there may have your head spinning faster than a fireworks pinwheel, so here are five choices I've found to get you started:Almost Free
If you've already blown most of your weekend budget on food and booze for the barbecues, you'll love how little stores want for these shoes. Cutesygirl.com is only charging $39.99 for these darling blue gingham "Wabi" wedges by Classified, and Amiclubwear.com only asks $18.99 for their adorable blue slingback platforms.
For the People (with a little change to spare)
You're bringing chips and beer everywhere. Among friends, your top priority is your gear, and it's clear. (I won't tell them You bought the good stuff for your family's grill, my dear). Spangled-banner red is the way to go for you. $93 isn't much to spare at Zappos.com for these edgy graffiti-heeled "Cassidy Too" wedges by Zinc. If you're more of a pinup princess, $75 is a proper price for RSVP's "Farah" red patent pretties.
Ruling Class Only
Democracy isn't digging into your pockets (because then how'd you buy such gorgeous shoes?). You'll be at the country club this weekend, right? Even with all the bbq sauce around, you can afford to wear white. In these Dolce & Gabbana wedges, you'll be quite a sight. (OK, enough rhyming) Pop over to Neiman Marcus and drop the $595. I don't know if I've ever seen a more patriotic pair.
Cold, Goin' Mad...
I don't know about you, but I've got a case of the "Can't-wait-for-spring" blues. Yeah, Yeah, it's been a relatively mild winter, but everywhere I look, there are reminders of warmer weather. Stores are bringing in spring inventory, and all the fash-rags are telling us how to transition into the next season (the really high sedity ones are reporting on resort attire for those who can afford to escape to more temperate climes... uh huh I will one day when my pockets get right). The rest of us (especially those in windowless cubicles) have to do something to shake this S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder, duh) monkey off our back, though. I say we add a little brightness to our days with pops of color, whether it's a little accessory or an article of apparel. Here are five ideas I found that should help us all get a sunnier disposition.
Just a Touch ($)
A little goes a long way with punchy pigments, so if you're on the conservative side a belt or piece of jewelry may be enough for you. Added to neutral basics, they take you from hum-drum to hotness (and often without diving too far into your pockets). Try this "opposites attract" belt ($7.00) from Lulu's Fashion Lounge (or a bright skinny belt like this Gap one) with a khaki shirtdress, or pair Urban Outfitters' pink agate charm necklace ($38.00) with a white button-up and almost any bottom.
For the Cool in Hue ($$)
For those who are a little more daring, a key accessory in a vivid shade should do the trick. Let Boutique 9's $135 "U and Me" pumps in dark pink patent perk up gray pants, or get carried away by a bright bag, like Steven by Steve Madden's $195 "Mosaic" in fuchsia.
All Bright with Me ($$$)
Some of us are just plain bold and enjoy standing out. If that's you, go for a simple shift in a stand-out shade, like this $460 indigo "Katen" sweater dress from Diane Von Furstenberg.
***P.S. - What song inspired today's title? Who was it by? Big props to the firs one with the right answer!
Pump up the Volume!
Hey style sistas! I hope you had happy holidays and are planning to make a great '08. I've decided this year not to make any real resolutions other than to live my life the way I'm supposed to (yep, that means to enjoy the hell out of it and do what I can to help others enjoy too)... oh, and cop these $180 color-banded "Chelsea" pumps by Betsey Johnson. I came across them during my quest for the quintessential NYE get-up. Amazingly, my dress was the one color that didn't get a stripe on these shoes, so they're still in the store calling my name (very loudly!). If you're bold enough to go to these bright heights and beat me to Lord & Taylor or to DJ Premium, you have to swear not to wear them at the same place and time as me. (I saw them first, so girlfriend rule #20 gives me dibs). Oh, please wear them with something simple (but not plain) so you don't look like a Studio 54 reject in an NYE runner-up outfit.
